GARDEN WORKS

by  Emily Cates

Part 1 of 2
Why would anyone want to make this drink?

I must confess that, for me, writing about gardening in the dead of winter is a challenge! Faced with little willing to grow in the garden (unless it’s super-hardy veggies under cold frames), I have decided to do an article on something cultivated indoors. Now, before you get any big ideas about what that might be – just relax and try to appreciate the intriguing idea of a live-cultured (and potentially controversial) drink celebrated for centuries for its purported health benefits that probably anyone could make with a few simple ingredients found in most kitchens. Let’s do this article in two parts – this time a brief overview of what kombucha is, and reasons why people are so excited about it. Next time, we’ll look at how to make it.

Now, if you haven’t heard of it before, I would be surprised, because kombucha has recently attained a cult-like status as a “superdrink” – along with a heaping helping of hullabaloo. Go to a natural food store or even Hannaford and you’ll find a 16.2 fl. oz. bottle for three or four bucks! Needless to say, someone is making a living off this trendy beverage. Why would anyone pay that much for a drink? And if it’s so great, how could a frugal-minded person enjoy the so-called benefits of this cocktail on the cheap?

For starters, kombucha – which has been an esteemed infusion in Asia for ages – has the reputation among followers as a health tonic. Along with B-vitamins, raw kombucha is loaded with probiotics and enzymes. As it goes with many trend-setting products, kombucha has been claimed to be helpful for just about every ailment under the sun. To be fair, though, it should be noted that kombucha definitely has its share of critics in the scientific community. Please don’t interpret these articles as medical advice. I would recommend doing some thorough research if you have never tried drinking or making kombucha before you embark on a brewing escapade. Allergies and contaminations are possible, so prudence and discernment are the sensible course.

Kombucha

How does it taste? Basically a fermented black tea and sugar concoction transformed by a vinegar “mother,” plain kombucha has a typically tangy, heady flavor reminiscent of a tart molasses elixir. Home-brewed kombucha has the tendency to vary in taste and effervescence, making each batch unique in its own way. With the addition of a pinch here-and-there of something from the garden, additional layers of flavor can enhance the kombucha experience. Store-bought brands include enticing varieties such as citrus, cranberry, chai, chia, currant, chaga, bilberry, cherry, cayenne, elderberry, ginger, grape, grapefruit, guava, lavender, mango, pineapple, raspberry, and strawberry. While many of these flavors may seem exotic for our area, they give us a good idea of possible flavors we can emulate in our own brews.

So, exactly how is kombucha made? And what’s that “mother” thingy all about? The next article we’ll explore some answers to those and other questions.

by Debbie Walker

“Once upon a time,” I love those words for the beginning of a story! Doesn’t really fit for this story, but I like it! Critical Thinking is almost a fairy tale or story of wonder but I will see what I can do with it here. I had a class, at a New Hampshire college, called “Critical Thinking.” I enjoyed it and the instructor.

One of the things the instructor pointed out was the truth about statistics. I am still quite naïve about a lot of things, even at my age! The instructor told us that before we bought into the statistics of any study to consider who did the study and what did they want to justify. I can’t tell you how many times that thought has traveled through my mind.

Recently I heard the statistics for new employment. Nope. I can’t buy into their study. I was hearing the numbers given and then I remembered something I learned last year. This may even give you thoughts:

I know a man who had been unemployed for quite some time. He had gotten the new job through an employment agency. YeHaw!! He was getting a chance to get back on his feet, finally. He even enjoyed the job! He’d been on the job for about two months when his supervisor stopped at his work station one day to tell him that he was really doing a good job. Imagine his surprise when that evening he got a phone call from the employment agency and they told him he was laid off. He had that happen either two or three times. He also discovered he was not the only one to whom this was happening. Every so many months employment statistics will show up on the news. It goes sort of like this: Look at us, see how many people we employed this month or the past four months. BUT, do they tell you how many people lost their jobs; do they tell you that the same jobs are being refilled every so many months? I don’t think so. I think it is a disgusting practice. Does anyone ever check statistics?

A school, the vo-tech in Florida that my daughter attended for a while had an interesting activity going on. Deana had started a program at the vo-tech and she wasn’t doing very well. These people were going all out to bring in more high school kids. It seems their interest was in how many kids they were bringing in. However, they didn’t have to be concerned about how many quit because their money came in with their enrollment, no consideration was given for students who left. Quite a deal they had.

Okay, so when you hear statistics quoted start your questioning. It makes for some interesting conversations. Oh yeah, you will have to forgive me for part of what follows. In the north a story starts out, “Once upon a time.” In the south it may start out “Hey man, you’re not going to believe this s—.” Thank you for reading. Love to hear your thoughts!!!

Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com Sub. line: Critical Thinking.

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

Received the following e-mail from “Somerset Woods Trustees” entitled “Spring on Your Mind Yet?” Do You Have Apple Trees That Need Pruning and Want Expert Advice? Somerset Woods Trustees are pleased to announce that Joe Dembeck, executive director of the Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District, is offering a class on pruning apple trees on February 12 (snow date, February 19) from 9 a.m. to about 2 p.m. This opportunity is being offered to ten people but there are only six slots remaining open .

We’ll park at the Margaret Chase Smith Library and walk (or snowshoe) to SWT’s Taylor Field, in Skowhegan. More directions will be given once we have our class roster! Don’t wait! Joe’s classes are always very popular and this one will fill up quickly. First-come, first-serve! Write Nancy at somersetwoodstrustees@gmail.com today. (since I received the above information too late for last week’s publication this notice may be too late, sorry.)

The Somerset County 4-H Leaders Association is holding a fundraising effort: a “Luck of the Draw” Auction on May 6, 2017, in Skowhegan.
4-H is the largest youth organization in the world. Our 13 local Somerset County 4-H clubs and independent project volunteers/members learn life skills and participate in community service activities. Research studies document that 4-H youth are more likely to go to college than youth engaged in other out-of-school programs. We provide funds to enable youth participate in programs like Engineering Day, the 4-H @UMaine Conference. summer camps and various county educational activities, along with awarding five county scholarships to youth who attend college. In an effort to reach more youth, we are coordinating with local schools and teachers to establish after-school programs.

Would you be so kind as to help by donating an item or gift card? Many people love gift certificates for services or fun events. We are collecting new items or gently used things; no used clothing please. Your cash donations may also be used to purchase gas cards, a popular item in the auction for much needed help to many local residents. Items may be dropped at the Skowhegan Cooperative Extension Office.

Your donations will help further the leadership skills developed and demonstrated by many youths participating in 4-H in our county. We would love to acknowledge your contribution by listing your name or business name in the program for the event. Thank you for your support of the 4-H, a nonprofit organization.

Received an e-mail from a volunteer scheduling coordinator for the local AARP Tax-Aide Program. As a community service, our IRS trained personnel provides free federal and state income tax preparation for area Seniors and low income families.

They have openings available in March and early April on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings at the Cross Roads Bible Church, in Madison, however, our schedule is filling up, so interested persons should call and schedule an appointment ASAP. Please include my phone number, and my first name, (Ferra). I can be reached for an appointment at 643-2559. My thanks in advance.

Just a reminder, don’t forget the Solon Congregational Church supper at the Solon Masonic Hall on Saturday, January 28, from 5 to 6 p.m.
And now for Percy’s memoir this week, I’m still told how much you enjoy his wise words! It’s a Wonderful World: In spite of the fact we complain and lament An view this old world with much discontent, Deploring conditions and grumbling because There’s so much injustice and so many flaws, It’s a wonderful world, and it’s people like you Who make it that way by the things that they do. For a warm, ready smile or a kind, thoughtful deed or a hand outstretched in an hour of need Can change our whole outlook and make the world bright Where a minute before just nothing seemed right. It’s a wonderful world and it always will be If we keep our eyes open and focused to see The wonderful things we are capable of When we open our hearts to God and His love. (words from a little book called, “A Collection of Blessings” by Helen Steiner Rice.)

by Roland D. Hallee

Bald eagles are in the news again. It seems they have made such a historic recovery from near extinction, that they once again are becoming a nuisance in rural areas, especially among chicken farmers. Unfortunately, that has led to the killing of many bald eagles, illegally of course, but still, a recurring problem. Eagles are still protected despite the fact they have been removed from the endangered wildlife list. Farmers hands are literally tied when it comes to dealing with the problem of poaching bald eagles. Federal law protects them, unlike foxes, coyotes, and the like.

They are strong fliers, and can reach speeds of 35-43 mph when gliding and flapping, and about 30 mph while carrying fish. Its dive speed is between 75-99 mph.

Sightings of bald eagle are happening more frequently now because of the efforts produced by the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966.
Accounts suggest at least 50,000 breeding pairs of eagles lived in the lower 48 states before European settlement. Historic numbers are unknown in Maine, but eagles were widespread in the state and locally in some coastal regions. Eagles were fed to hogs by Casco Bay settlers in the 1700s. In 1806, there was a bounty on eagles in a Knox County town. Nesting colonies were reported along the Maine coast from Swan Island to Roque Island. Swan Island was named after “sowangan,” which is an Abenaki word meaning “bald eagle.”

The bird itself gets its species name from bald, in English derived from the word piebald, and refers to the white head and tail feathers in contrast with the darker body. The scientific name is derived from Haliaeetus, a Latin word for sea eagle.

In 1967, a comparative study of eagle nesting in five states, including Maine, revealed relatively low numbers and chronically poor reproduction, especially in Maine’s remnant population. In 1962, two biologists with the National Audubon Society, Charlie Brookfield and Frank Ligas, began annual monitoring of bald eagles in Maine. Early efforts were limited, but their counts could only document 21-33 pairs of nesting eagles and only 4-15 eaglets fledged each year between 1962 and 1970. Average productivity among Maine eagles during the 1960s was only 0.34 eaglets per nesting pair.

By 1978, the bald eagle was listed as an endangered species in 43 of the lower 48 states. It was listed as threatened in the remaining five states, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

Bald eagles, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, continued to decline in western Maine through the 1970s. By 1979, only two pairs remained in the western half of the state’s vast coastline. None were in northern most Maine. Only easternmost coastal regions of Washington County supported viable eagle numbers and productivity.

The defining moment came at a time when various agencies anguished over a $1 billion oil refinery proposal in this last stronghold in the northeast. That would have been the worst case scenario, from potential oil spills, and likely jeopardy for Maine’s endangered bald eagles. The project was never developed, and eagle numbers began to rebound in Maine from that point forward.

Meanwhile, bald eagles were absent from all other New England states; New York could only account for a single nesting pair, and New Brunswick, was the only Canadian province to recognize bald eagles as endangered.

In the 1970s and early 1980s, biologists in Maine worked to increase eagle productivity and survival. Egg transplants attempted to bolster productivity at nests with chronic failure, especially in western Maine where the population was nearly extirpated. Public outreach, educational initiatives, and intensified law enforcement sought to reduce human-caused mortality: illegal shooting was the leading cause of documented eagle mortality in this era. Trappings, poisonings and electrocutions also took a toll.

The diminished use of DDT is broadly correlated with the comeback of the bald eagles. Extensive use of the toxin during the 1970s and 1980s has been linked with the decline of the bald eagle population. The insecticide would soften the eagle egg shells, causing them to crush when the adult eagles attempted to incubate them.

By 2006, in Maine, the breeding population had rebounded to 414 eagle pairs. Bald eagles now breed in all 16 counties.

The average life expectancy of a bald eagle is 20 years, with the oldest living up to 30 years. One in captivity in New York lived to be 50 years old.
Contaminants, dioxins, mercury and lead appear in Maine bald eagles. Breeding populations in the northeast, as of 2006, is tied intimately to the fate of Maine’s population.

As of 2006, 74 percent of the northeast population of bald eagles was located in Maine.

Eagles are a magnificent bird to watch in their environ. I seem to have this knack for seeing rare occurrences in nature during my travels. Recently, while on my way home from work, I was approaching the Carter Memorial Bridge from the Winslow side when I noticed a bald eagle flying very low over the bridge. Once I reached the spot where I had seen the eagle, I looked north up the river to see if I could spot where it was going. To my surprise, it was now below the deck of the bridge and flying directly upriver. What a sight to actually observe a bald eagle in flight, from above. It was gliding majestically, obviously looking for prey.

by Debbie Walker

I want to write about what I believe is a very simple subject. I thought it was anyway. I made the mistake of looking it up on the internet. Sometimes things just go a little too far. So I will tell you tonight what I captured from something called “Coffee Cups and Crayons.” On their website it is explained as: “Any act of kindness no matter how big or small can make a difference – especially where done intentionally”.

Random Acts of Kindness is a phrase used in the school where I volunteer. It is a positive phrase that all our children understand.

These acts of kindness have been used for something funny. We had the Candy Cane Swoop just before Christmas. Mrs. C’s first-grade class snuck out of the building into the teacher’s parking lot. Each child had a hand-made tag and a candy cane to place on a teacher’s car. Needless to say there were smiles that day as the teachers drove out of the parking lot.

Acts of kindness can be as simple as holding a door open for someone. Because I have a problem with my knee I walk slower than a group of first graders. Every walk we take one of the children come to me to walk with me. It’s a kindness indeed.

As teachers we are trying to notice and acknowledge each act of kindness the children do. They share things, they help each other, and they willingly help others in school. Needless to say we are hoping that it continues once they leave the school.

I was sitting here tonight dreaming up some more activities we could promote from within the classroom for the students to be involved in. I do have a few ideas and if you are interested I will pass on the activities as they happen over the months to come.

I would like to pass on this thought to you all. I worked in a convenience store for a short time and I noticed something that was a little sad. You know there are some people who complain and can be rather nasty to others. Yup, right in front of their children. The same people wondered the next day, “How did my child become so rude?” I could tell them.

Just because we don’t have a child attached to us at the hip does not mean we are not teaching children. They are like some of our video cameras. The kids are recording us even though we are not aware of it happening. They are recording both good and not so good deeds. Truthfully we are ALL teachers.

This “Random Acts of Kindness” is catching. Try some of your own ideas and see if it doesn’t give YOU a better day. Please be sure to do it with heart!