Easy Dinner Recipe: Baked Acorn Squash

Baked Acorn Squash

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

 

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash, split in half
• Water
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place squash, flesh side down in a baking dish and fill with 1/2-inch of water. Bake for one hour or until tender. Scoop out squash flesh to a bowl. Mash squash with butter, sugar and salt and pepper. Serve with extra butter.

 

So Good They're Bad Puns

Bad Puns

I was going to make myself a belt made out of watches, but then I realized it would be a waist of time.

Q. What do you call it when you have your mom's mom on speed dial?
A. Instagram.

Q. What do you call a grilled cheese sandwich that gets right up in your face?
A. Too close for comfort food.

Q. How do you keep intruders out of a castle made of cheese?
A. Moatzarella.

Q. Which thrill ride does a wine glass love to go on the most?
A. A coaster!
(Credit: justbadpuns.com)

Q. What did the hot dog say when his friend passed him in the race?
A. Wow, I relish the fact that you've mustard the strength to ketchup to me.

Access Technology for Daily Living From AccessWorld.com  A Day in the Life: Technology that Assists a Visually Impaired Person Throughout the Day Bill Holton In this special issue of AccessWorld we're rolling out the red carpet and introducing ourselves to a growing population that is all too frequently overlooked and chronically underserved: seniors who are blind or have low vision. At AccessWorld, our mission is to find and share innovative new ways in which technology can enhance and improve the lives of those with visual impairments, from finding and keeping a new job, to enjoying recreational activities independently or with friends and family. We'd like to take this opportunity to outline and describe just a tiny sampling of the mainstream and "blindness aware" technology we cover from month to month. Read on, and you will discover solutions to life's little challenges that you can use throughout your day, from the time you wake up until it's time to say goodnight. Good Morning: Accessible Alarm Clocks If you use an alarm clock to wake up, not too many years ago you would have needed to purchase a special, adaptive large number clock face, or one of only a few talking clocks. Today nearly every electronics, department, or discount store sells a clock that speaks the time aloud. Some of the most popular include Talking Atomic Clocks, which use radio signals to automatically set themselves to match official US Atomic Clock Time and date. Most can also be set manually with voice feedback, and many include extra features such as hourly or half-hourly chimes to help you track your day, and indoor and outdoor temperature announcements. Dislike pushing buttons? The Moshi Voice-Interactive Alarm Clock may be just the ticket. Moshi clocks respond to voice commands, such as "What time is it?" and "Set an alarm for 7:30 AM." Taking the Correct Medications In the past, those with visual impairments had to rely on creative and innovative ways to identify their prescription bottles to confirm they were taking the correct medication. Some used braille labels; others relied on the different pill shapes and sizes, or put rubber bands around some bottles and stored different medications in different locations to help keep them straight. You still had to remember which medication to take when and how often, however, and this could be confusing if you were taking several different medicines. Happily, thanks to considerable lobbying, new guidelines have been set to help ensure the accessibility of medication bottles and packages. Most national chain and mail-order pharmacies now offer some variety of free, accessible prescription labeling. Ask your pharmacist if they offer this service, and if yours does not, consider switching to a pharmacy that does. Three popular labeling solutions include: Talking Pill Reminders: These talking reminders attach to a prescription bottle and include a beeping reminder alert, along with the ability to record and replay an audio message describing the container's contents and proper dosage. Audio Digital Label: This gum-wrapper-size device is programmed by the pharmacist with the prescription name, dosage, doctor's name, refill date, and other critical information. Press the device's single button and the information is spoken in clear, easy-to-understand synthesized speech. The ScripTalk Station: This free device works in conjunction with specially tagged prescription bottles provided by participating pharmacies. Tap the pill bottle against the top of the Station and the medication name, dosage, and other information is spoken aloud. The ScripTalk Station can also be connected to a computer to obtain additional drug information. Some Must-Have Technology: Computers and Mobile Devices We mentioned in the last section that you can connect a ScripTalk Station to a computer to get additional medication information. As we proceed through our day, we will encounter more and more devices and services that require a computer or a mobile smartphone or tablet. You will discover that gaining a working knowledge of at least one, and preferably both of these technologies is going to be essential in enhancing your quality of life through accessibility. If learning to use a talking computer or smartphone sounds daunting, it isn't. We at the American Foundation for the Blind have compiled a series of comprehensive guides to help you get started, including Using a Computer with a Visual Impairment: A Beginner's Guide to Computer Accessibility and Cell Phones, Tablets, and Other Mobile Technology for Users with Visual Impairments. If you prefer to stick with your trusted flip phone, there are several models still available that use synthetic speech to announce the Caller ID, your contact list, even text messages you send and receive. After you read the Mobile Guide, however, we feel confident you will want to switch to a smartphone running either the Google Android operating system or the Apple iOS operating system. Your mobile carrier can even help you select the phone that is best for your needs, and offer help with accessibility issues ranging from alternate billing methods to technical support with your new device. If you already have a computer, most have built-in accessibility features, including screen readers and magnification software. If you don't own a computer and funds are limited, check in with the folks at Computers for the Blind where they refurbish donated computers and offer them at discounted prices to the visually impaired. It's Lunchtime: Finding a Place to Eat, Paying for Your Meal, and Enjoying Social Media Getting hungry? Your GPS navigation app can list all the nearby restaurants, from burger joints to that fancy French bistro you've always meant to try. These days you can even consult the menu online before going to the restaurant. Still don't know where you want to eat? Consider a mobile app like Yelp, which not only lists all of the local restaurants and other businesses, it also offers user rankings and reviews, menus, and the ability to scan your options by category, such as Italian Cuisine, or Take Out. So you settled for fast food, and it's time to pay for your burger, fries, and shake. Now, is that bill in your hand a fiver, a ten-spot or a $20? There are several apps that can identify paper currency held in front of your mobile device's camera. The US Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers a pair of currency identification mobile apps for iOS and Android. They also offer a free iBill Money Identifier. Insert the edge of any bill into the iBill and it will announce the denomination in your choice of speech or beep tones. Wow--the afternoon flew by, and it's time to head home. The bus doesn't travel to your suburban home, so you are waiting for the paratransit van, which offers curb to curb service to people with disabilities. You have a few minutes until the van arrives, so why not check Facebook and see how your granddaughter's dance recital went? The recital's photo collection is easy to follow along with, because your daughter-in-law always adds descriptive captions to each image she posts. Facebook is constantly striving to make its website and mobile apps more accessible to the sight impaired. Time for Some Fun: TV and Movies Did you know there are special secondary audio tracks on many TV programs where a narrator describes the action? Many movie theaters also offer special headsets on request that play an audio description track synced to the action on the screen. The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) includes a number of provisions regulating the production and availability of accessible broadcast media and devices: television sets, set-top boxes, digital video recorders (DVRs) and descriptive video for broadcast and non-broadcast channel programing. To put it simply, starting in July of 2016 many more TV networks and local channels and cable systems will be required to provide even more hours of descriptive programming every week. New TV sets, DVRs and cable boxes must also be made accessible to the blind. For a thorough look at the impact of this barrier-breaking legislation, check out Is Accessible TV Viewing Finally on its Way? in the January 2015 issue of AccessWorld. Many new sets, including the latest models from Samsung, already feature a voice guide that voice announces channel numbers, program names, and the upcoming week's schedule. Comcast subscribers can already get a Voice Guide, which can be easily accessed using the cable box remote. And while we're on the subject of remotes, how would you like to replace that table full of remotes with a single remote that's easy to see? Consider the illuminated Big Button Remote, available for $24.95 from the Chicago Lighthouse. For even more accessible TV remotes, check out AFB's Esther's Place, a virtual model apartment where each room features a number of accessible products and appliances for people with varying degrees of vision loss. Day's End It's the end of our virtual tour, and it's time to leave the virtual bedroom and head to your actual one. We at AccessWorld hope that after you set your talking thermostat and take your nightly medications, you'll sleep a little better, having learned many of the ways technology can help you reclaim your independence and enjoy your senior years. We also hope to see you next month back here at AccessWorld so we can introduce you to even more groundbreaking accessibility products and technologies.

Important Info about new Medicare Cards

New Medicare cards are coming
CMS/Medicare will mail new Medicare cards between April 2018 and April 2019. Arkansans will start receiving their new cards after June 2018.--From April-June 2018 Issue of SMP newsletter

10 things to know about your new Medicare card:
1. Your new card will automatically come to you in the mail. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. If you need to update your address call Social Security 1-800-772-1213 or sign up for a my Social Security account (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/).

2. Your new card will have a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This will help to protect your identity.

3. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

4. Mailing takes time. Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

5. Your new card is paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy.

6. Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away.
7. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should also carry this card to your appointments.

8. Doctors, other health care providers and facilities know it’s coming and will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care, so carry it with you to your appointments.

9. Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
10. If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.

Crock-Pot Spaghetti

Parker Feierbach

Ingredients

Yields: 6 servings

---

For the meatballs

1 lb. ground beef

1/4 c. breadcrumbs

1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan

1/4 c. freshly chopped parsley

1 large egg, beaten

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. Red pepper flakes

 

For the sauce

2 (28-oz.) cans crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp. tomato paste

1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 garlic clove, minced

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Red pepper flakes

1 c. chicken broth

3/4 lb. spaghetti

Parmesan, for garnish

Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish 

 

Directions

Prep Time: 0:05

Total Time: 6:05

---

1. To make the meatballs, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Form into 16 meatballs and place in the bottom of a crock-pot. 
2. In another large bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, oregano, and garlic. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pour sauce over meatballs. Cover crock-pot with lid and cook on high for 3 hours on low for 6. 
3. During the last hour of cooking add chicken broth and spaghetti noodles to crock-pot (you can break noodles in half to make fit in the crock-pot). Replace lid and continue cooking for the remaining hour. 
4. Garnish with parmesan and parsley to serve. 

 

 

 

Healthy Habits this Thursday!

Tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, 2018-  Healthy Habits – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at WS Blind Auditorium

Contact Rosalyn Summerville if you need a ride:
501-664-7100

Dollar General Circular--April 22-April 28

Dollar General Circular--April 22-April 28

2/$10 Scott Bath Tissue 8 rolls/Paper towel 6 rolls or Cottonelle bath tissue 12 rolls

2/$5 Mix and Match Frito Lay snacks

$5.50 Maxwell House coffee 23 ounces

$6.95 Xtra liquid laundry detergent 255 ounces

$3.00 assorted DG Home paper products--plates, napkins, plasticware

3/$10.00 Gildan men's tshirts--assorted colors

Accessible Prescription Labels: Talking, Large Print and Braille Labels and Prescription Readers

Having trouble reading your prescription bottles? Ask your pharmacist for accessible prescription labels!

Many pharmacies across the US and Canada have adopted the “ScriptAbility” accessible prescription labeling system to meet the needs of patients who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired. The system includes ScripTalk talking labels and prescription reader units, ScriptView large print labels, and Braille labels. These labels give patients access to all of the printed label information, including patient name, drug name, dosage, instructions, prescription number, date, pharmacy information, warnings, and patient education leaflets.

Read more about accessible prescription drug labeling: Accessible Prescription Labels Fact Sheet
Accessible prescription labels are FREE. If you or a loved one needs accessible labels, talk to your pharmacist. If your pharmacist does not offer these labels, call us for assistance: 1-800-890-1180 and we will help you find a pharmacy in your area.

For more information, click here.

Susan Olson Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of Susan Frances Olson

announces her passing on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the age of 44, of cancer. She was born

on November 1, 1973 at St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, KS, the beloved daughter of Richard and

Mary (Giefer) Olson of Springdale, AR.

Susan will be lovingly remembered by her brother Richard M. Olson; his wife, Jana; and

their children Tyler and Kendal Olson of Springdale, AR. Susan will also be fondly remembered

by many aunts, uncles, cousins and her wonderful friends.

She is preceded in death by grandparents Matt and Bertha (Klein) Giefer, and

Genevieve (Hampel) Giefer of Kingman, KS; grandparents Wallace and Frances Olson of

Wrentham, MA; cousin Dana Klein of Garden Plain, KS; and Aunt Pam Giefer of Kingman, KS.

Susan, part of an U.S. Air Force family, settled in Jacksonville, AR. Entirely blind from a

young age, Susan graduated high school from the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock,

AR. She continued her studies to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education at Henderson State

University, and a Master of Education in Special Education, and teacher of the visually impaired.

Upon graduating college, Susan was an instructor for adult onset blindness at Lions

World Services for the Blind in Little Rock. In 2001, to the present, Susan began her teaching

career at the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock; where she taught 7th-12th grade

English and Special Education.

Susan was musically inclined and often sang at various events. She also enjoyed

athletics including: swimming, snow skiing, water skiing, and competitive track and field events

for the visually impaired.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday at the Livingston Funeral Home, Kingman, Kansas. The parish rosary will be at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Kingman with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 a.m.Burial will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery, Kingman.

Memorials may be made with the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock, Arkansas in care of the funeral home.

Easy Baked Macaroni

Easiest Ever Baked Macaroni

  

Yield: 6 servings
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (I often use whole wheat)
• 1 pound (4 cups) shredded extra sharp or sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups low-fat milk (whole works great too)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter (optional)

 Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray or grease a casserole dish or a 9×13 pan.
2. Cook macaroni as directed on the package in salted water until tender. Drain when finished cooking.
3. While macaroni is cooking, combine 2 and 1/2 cups of cheese with dry ingredients (flour, ground mustard, salt and pepper).
4. Combine cheese mixture with hot macaroni and pour into the greased pan. Pour milk over macaroni. Top with remaining cheese and dot with butter (optional, but recommended).
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until firm and golden brown. I stick a knife in it to see if the milk is still runny or if it has firmed up.
6. (Optional) Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to further firm up.
7. Note: I like my noodles a little extra crispy—as you can probably tell from the photos. If you like a softer noodle, I’d recommend covering this with foil for at least the first 30 minutes of baking.

From RachelCooks.com

Game day wrap up

Thanks to all who came out for fantastic fried chicken and fun! Don’t forget we will have healthy habits on Thursday, April 26 at 1 pm.  Join us for Ms. Lese’s chicken salad and lots of healthy options. Call Rosalyn if you need a ride.

Game Day today!

Game day today, Saturday, April 21
Contact Rosalyn if you need transportation!
See you soon!

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars!
Game day on Saturday, April 21
A very special Healthy Habits on Thursday, April 26
Contact Rosalyn if you need transportation!
See you soon!

Important Info: New Medicare Cards

New Medicare cards are coming
CMS/Medicare will mail new Medicare cards between April 2018 and April 2019. Arkansans will start receiving their new cards after June 2018.--From April-June 2018 Issue of SMP newsletter

10 things to know about your new Medicare card:
1. Your new card will automatically come to you in the mail. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. If you need to update your address call Social Security 1-800-772-1213 or sign up for a my Social Security account (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/).

2. Your new card will have a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This will help to protect your identity.

3. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

4. Mailing takes time. Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

5. Your new card is paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy.

6. Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away.
7. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should also carry this card to your appointments.

8. Doctors, other health care providers and facilities know it’s coming and will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care, so carry it with you to your appointments.

9. Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
10. If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.

Saturday fun

Remember, chicken and games Saturday! Next Thursday, April 26 will be a special Healthy Habits! Call Rosalyn to register

Saturday Game Day

call Rosalyn and sign up for Chicken and Games! You won’t be disappointed!

Accessible Prescription Labels: Talking, Large Print and Braille Labels and Prescription Readers

Having trouble reading your prescription bottles? Ask your pharmacist for accessible prescription labels!

Many pharmacies across the US and Canada have adopted the “ScriptAbility” accessible prescription labeling system to meet the needs of patients who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired. The system includes ScripTalk talking labels and prescription reader units, ScriptView large print labels, and Braille labels. These labels give patients access to all of the printed label information, including patient name, drug name, dosage, instructions, prescription number, date, pharmacy information, warnings, and patient education leaflets.

Read more about accessible prescription drug labeling: Accessible Prescription Labels Fact Sheet
Accessible prescription labels are FREE. If you or a loved one needs accessible labels, talk to your pharmacist. If your pharmacist does not offer these labels, call us for assistance: 1-800-890-1180 and we will help you find a pharmacy in your area.

For more information, click here.

Chicken and Games

Don’t miss the fun on Saturday! Chicken and games....

Dollar General Circular--April 15-April 21

Dollar General Circular--April 15-April 21

$5.50 Maxwell House coffee 25.6-30.6 ounces

2/$5 Mix and Match Frito-Lay chips assorted

$5.75 Scott toilet paper 8 rolls

3/$5 Viva paper towel rolls

2/$7 Xtra laundry detergent 150 ounces

$3 Snickers Ice Cream bars 5 count

$2 Welch's grape jelly 30 ounces or 20 ounce squeeze bottle

$3.95 Jif peanut butter 28 ounces

$12 Purina puppy chow 18 pounds/dog chow 20 pounds

Clearance Event on apparel--50-75% off

Important info: New Medicare cards are coming

New Medicare cards are coming
CMS/Medicare will mail new Medicare cards between April 2018 and April 2019. Arkansans will start receiving their new cards after June 2018.--From April-June 2018 Issue of SMP newsletter

10 things to know about your new Medicare card:
1. Your new card will automatically come to you in the mail. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. If you need to update your address call Social Security 1-800-772-1213 or sign up for a my Social Security account (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/).

2. Your new card will have a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This will help to protect your identity.

3. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

4. Mailing takes time. Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

5. Your new card is paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy.

6. Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away.
7. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should also carry this card to your appointments.

8. Doctors, other health care providers and facilities know it’s coming and will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care, so carry it with you to your appointments.

9. Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
10. If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.

What It’s Like To Be A Blind Software Engineer At Amazon

from fastcompany.com

Michael Forzano has worked at Seattle’s e-commerce giant for nearly six years, using a regular laptop with a screen he’s never seen. 

Everyone’s dream job is different. For some, it may be working with a bold leader, while want to have a hand in world-changing innovation. But Michael Forzano’s a dream job was rooted in a more the practical concern: making shopping more accessible.

Forzano isn’t some shopaholic racking up credit-card debt from his couch, though. He’s a 26-year-old engineer who’s been blind since birth due to a genetic condition called Norrie disease. When it comes to buying basic necessities, Amazon has been a huge help. “Instead of having someone walk me around a store and help me find what I’m searching for, I can just order it from Amazon,” Forzano explains. “I have access to all of the information about the product. It enables me to be much more independent.”

Forzano has always been comfortable around computers, playing audio-based games as a kid and later teaching himself to code in high school. While earning an engineering degree at Binghamton University, he interned for the summer at Amazon in Seattle. It turned into a job offer after Forzano graduated, in 2013, and he’s been working with the e-commerce giant ever since.

Forzano is among a small population of fully blind people to be employed, much less as software engineers. According to disability statistics from the American Community Survey (ACS) for working-age adults reporting significant vision loss, only 42% were employed in 2015 (the most recent year with data). And of the 64,000 software developers Stack Overflow polled last year, 1% are blind. Amazon doesn’t require its employees to disclose that information, so there’s no hard data on how many of the company’s staffers are blind or visually impaired. Still, Forzano says he’s the only person on his immediate team with Norrie disease and full blindness.

At a time when most of us–software developers or not–spend hours each day staring at screens, it’s hard to imagine not using our eyes to work. In a recent email exchange with Fast Company (lightly condensed and edited for clarity), Forzano shared how he’s handled the traditional whiteboard coding challenge during his job interview and many of the other obstacles he’s confronted since as an engineer at a highly competitive tech company.

Read more by clicking here.

 

 

Upcoming events

Mark your calendars!
Game day on Saturday, April 21
A very special Healthy Habits on Thursday, April 26
Contact Rosalyn if you need transportation!
See you soon!

Game Day coming up--April 21

Game Day

Saturday, April 21

12-3

Auditorium

Transportation provided