Column

Q. I enjoy gardening in medium to large size plastic pots; however, I’m concerned about the roots when the temperatures get hot. Will the heat permeate through the plastic pots and burn the roots? Other than buying clay pots, what else can I do?                                        

A. Yes, this is a legitimate concern. It’s a more significant issue for those plants growing in the same container for several growing seasons than with new plantings. Over time, roots reach the sides and fill the container while the insulating soil layer disappears. Plastic containers have a thin wall and the heat transfers directly through it when hit by the sun, damaging any of the roots next to the wall. I’d be concerned with established Japanese Maples, Camellias, Citrus, Roses, and other ornamentals. Containers with established plants are difficult to keep moist during hot, dry weather. There is little soil to hold moisture and lots of roots so water stress occurs quickly. The late afternoon sun is the most critical as this is when the temperatures are peaking. The heat factor is influenced by the color of the container. White or other bright colors will reflect heat while earth tones and dark colors absorb the heat. When the temperatures are over seventy-five degrees, water often. Be sure to fill the containers the brim and empty the water from any saucer, better yet, remove the saucer altogether. It’s almost impossible to over water plants in containers when the water flows out the bottom. Root rot and other problems are more likely to occur from the constant wicking action when water is left in a saucer not to mention the West Nile Virus concern from the breeding mosquitoes. The best time of the day to water plants is in the morning before eleven. With ninety degrees or higher temperatures, water daily and make a second application may be necessary in the late afternoon to those plants in the heat of the day sun. It’s advisable to apply a wetting agent such Grow More E-Z Wet or similar product to increase the water flow through a root-bound plant. Besides frequent watering, here are some other things you can do. Move those containers in the afternoon sun to a shadier location when the temperature is over ninety degrees. These plants can survive temporarily in shady conditions since our typical heat spell only last a couple of days. Plant dollies or walkers with wheels make this a simple task and are available at your favorite garden center. Another option is to place the plastic pot inside a larger container, the so-called pot in pot method. You need to leave at least a two-inch space between the containers that are then filled with small bark to increase the insulation.

Q. In April, I planted several heirloom, Brandywine tomatoes. The plants are producing plenty of flowers, but they’re drying up and falling off before they set fruit. Could you tell me what might be causing this?  

A. It is early for the fruit set on Brandywine tomatoes, so I wouldn’t be pushing the panic button just yet. It’s not unusual for the first group of flowers to fall off and fail to set fruit. You should expect to see tomatoes by the end of the month or early July. Tomatoes primarily fail to set fruit because of cool nights and or the lack of pollination. Another issue can be excessive nitrogen causing the plants too grow rapidly. I don’t think this is an issue since there was no mention of any excessive growth. Tomatoes like constant nighttime temperatures above fifty-five degrees. The marine influence is a significant factor in delaying the formation of tomatoes. The closer you’re to the water, the more problematical it can be. Warm days generally translate into warm nights inland so the fruit set occurs as expected. You need to be selective as not all tomato varieties produce well in all of our many microclimates. Unlike other edibles, fertilization and pollination does not occur simultaneously in tomatoes. They’re two separate events. Once pollination occurs, a pollen tube must form to transfer the pollen down to the base of the flower where fertilization occurs and tomatoes form. The cool nights slow the tube formation. After four days, the flowers drop off whether or not fertilization has occurred. The chief pollinator of tomatoes is the wind and not bees. We usually have enough of an afternoon breeze to do the trick; however, poor air circulation can still be a problem. You can aid Mother Nature by gently shaking the plants. The best time to do this is midday. Another option is to spray the open blossom with Blossom Set. It is successfully used on melons, squash, and cucumbers where pollination is a problem.

When thinking about the myriad of male singing groups in the recent past, one group rises to the top of the list – the incomparable Mills Brothers! They were so famous, they became legends in their own time, a feat very few people ever reach.

The four brothers, John C, Herbert. Harry, and Donald, were all born within five years between 1910 and 1915, in Piqua, Ohio. They were born into a musical, but modest of means family. Their father, John H. Mills, was a barber and sang in a barbershop quartet. Their mother, Eathel, was a light opera singer. The four brothers gravitated into vocal music naturally due to their parents.

As soon as Donald, the youngest, was able to sing with his older brothers, their early career in music began. They sang in two churches and outside their father’s barbershop, where they earned a few coins from passersby. Among their early gigs they sang at a local theater during intermission for four dollars a night; not bad pay for 1924, although it was only a dollar a piece.

It was also in 1924, the Mills Brothers unique trademark-sound was created, mostly by accident. The story goes that Harry, who accompanied his brothers on the kazoo, (a toy instrument) either misplaced it or forgot it! Harry had to quickly think of how to mimic an instrument sound. Apparently, at that instant, the sound that launched a remarkable – over 50-year career – was born.

The citizens of their hometown, Piqua, loved them so much – they did not have to worry about scrounging for jobs anymore. In 1928 a famous radio station, WLW, in Cincinnati, Ohio, invited the Mills Brothers to audition for radio work. Unfortunately, they were not hired and had to wait for another chance at fame. During this time, each brother learned how to mimic instruments with their voices.

Two years after their first audition at the radio station they had another audition, and this time they were hired. Their shows became a big hit on radio and the group became nationally known in 1930. Sponsors for the radio show wanted more input in the programming.  This meant the Mills Brothers had to use other names for their various sponsors. For example, when Standard Oil of Ohio was a sponsor, the group performed as The Steamboat Four. But on Sundays they could use their own name, The Mills Brothers.

Because of their new-found fame, they signed a three- year contract and were given their own national show on NBC out of New York. This was a first for an all African American singing group.  In Cincinnati at WLW they earned $140 a week. In New York, they earned $3,250 a week, about $90,000 in today’s dollars.

One of the highlights of their New York gig was singing at the Palace Theater with Bing Crosby. They also recorded their first song, Tiger Rag that became the first recording ever to sell a million copies. More hits followed and their recording career blossomed. Soon, because of their hit radio show and a million-seller record, many large corporations wanted to sponsor shows. 

Hollywood was aware of their popularity and they were offered roles in films. In 1932 the Mills Brothers were featured in the film. The Big Broadcast, along with big-named stars. Other movies followed. By the mid 1930’s the group was on the international scene. They gave the first of four Royal Command performances for the King and Queen of England.

During their tour in 1936, the eldest brother, John C. Mills, the guitarist, developed pneumonia. They went back to America but returned to England before John C. fully recovered; he had a relapse and died. The brothers were so shaken. they contemplated ending their musical career. Their father, John H. Mills, agreed to fill in and became a member of the group. They also found a guitarist. Their father would remain with the group for 20 years. England was so taken by the group that Harry Mills said, “We were the Beatles of the 30’s.” The Mills Brothers toured the world wooing people from South America to Australia.

During World War II the brothers toured the United States entertaining the troops. They did not have a hit recording for quite awhile and they knew if they were to keep their fame, they would soon need a hit song. In 1942 they had their hits! They recorded, I’ll Be Around and Paper Doll. The later became their biggest hit ever, selling more than eleven million copies. After a momentary downturn, in the early 1940’s, they miraculously had a string of hits that sustained them throughout the rest of the decade an into the 1950’s.

Downbeat Magazine named The Mills Brothers, their favorite vocal group in the successive years of 1950, 1951 and 1952 – that was unheard of for three years in a row.

In this era other vocal groups began to lose favor with the public, but not

The Mills Brothers. The quartet hung on and in 1952 they had a tremendous hit with the song, Glow Worm. This song proved to be their last big number one song. After that hit, they like so many others, were losing their fame and popularity with the public; as rock and roll began to dazzle the public, and soon would take over the pop scene in America.

In 1956, their father, John H retired from the group. This left three of them to carry on with another guitarist. They toured less frequently but continued to record with some degree of popularity with the loyal public. In 1967 their father died at the age of 85. That same year the group recorded, Cab Driver, that made the top 40 charts. They still produced recordings into the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

In the early 1980’s Harry Mills decided to retire. Then Herbert and Donald decided to join their brother in retirement. Harry died in 1982. Herbert and Donald, along with John H. Mills II, Donald’s son, revived the group and continued performing.

A great honor was given to The Mills Brothers in 1993. The group was inducted into the United in Group Harmony Association’s Hall of Fame. In 1998 another honor followed with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Donald and John H gave their final performance in 1998. Donald, the last of the original four Mills Brothers, died in 1999 at the age of 84.

The brother’s home-town Piqua, Ohio, erected a plaque in the middle of the town square in 1990. The following words are on the plaque:  America’s Greatest Singing Group and Musical Ambassadors to the World!

These words are true and prophetic as the Mills Brothers circled the globe 16 times during 37 world tours.

The list of their accomplishments is very long. Some of their most popular recordings and hits are: Tiger Rag, Nobody’s Sweetheart, Goodbye Blues, How Am I Doing, Sweet Sue, St. Louis Blues, It Don’t Mean a Thing, I’ll Be Around, Paper Doll, Lazy River, Glow Worm, Standing On The Corner, King Porter Stomp, Yellow Bird and Cab Driver.

Other notable milestones, in their over 50-year career, was 2,300 recordings. Their first hit, Tiger Rag was in 1931. Their last hit was Cab Driver in 1967. The Mills Brothers sold over 75 million records, three dozen gold records,  they were first black group to have a radio show, first musical group to sell more that one million copies of a recording, first black group to perform at the London Palladium, four Royal Command Performances and they appeared in more than 40 films, shorts and cartoons.

“Their greatness was in more than just the amazing numbers they produced. It was in their unique sound, their love of music, their perseverance in the face of adversity and their singular ability to cross generational and racial boundaries.” said, Linda McMaken in her article, Sweet Harmony The Mills Brothers.   

 Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net

Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about The Danville Community Band.

                                             

Currently, the US is dealing with a lot of upheaval. COVID-19 is not going anywhere any time soon. The Black Lives Matter movement is taking place louder than ever; as it should. Along with that, the fashion industry is being called out on all of their racism, greed, and misconduct.

First, things first. Look around…how many black models or people of color do you see in a magazine, ads, billboards, online shopping sites? There is little representation; if any. Why is there such little representation of black women in the fashion industry? It is an industry built on catering to the eye of a white consumer. However, this leaves out an entire population of human beings who are also consumers who should be represented.

As a white woman I have never had to look around and wonder where my representation is. I know that when I browse through fashion magazines and shop online or walk through a department store there will be someone who looks like me and probably a lot of someone’s.

A black model shared, “The most common issue I run into is having to bring my own foundation to set. Models, generally, are not asked to bring their own foundation to a shoot because that’s the job of the makeup artist…”

Why It’s So Much Harder for Black Women to Make It in the Fashion World

While there is a lack of representation in the media there is an overwhelming representation of women who are of color. “Today, global fashion continues to depend on the exploitation of non-white, poor, and mostly female workers and communities in the Global South. https://newrepublic.com/article/153596/fix-fashion-industrys-racism

Brands have created a production model that keeps garment workers poor and working in unsafe conditions to maximize their own profits.” https://amp.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/11/racism-is-at-the-heart-of-fast-fashion-its-time-for-change

The COVID-19 epidemic is bringing hardship to western clothing brands; causing them to abandon payment on the huge orders placed that are already in production. This leaves the factories with piles of fabric that won’t ever be paid for and garment workers who also won’t get paid. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/02/fashion-brands-cancellations-of-24bn-orders-catastrophic-for-bangladesh

There are brands who are choosing to honor their financial agreement. Unfortunately, the garment supply chain is set up for the supplies to take all the risk. They buy all the cloth, hire the workers, make the clothes, and an invoice is shipped. However, with brands canceling after already placing their order. They are not honoring their commitment. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/02/fashion-brands-cancellations-of-24bn-orders-catastrophic-for-bangladesh

 Fashion is so much fun. But, when things like this are taking place it’s no longer fun. It can’t be. Fast fashion is built to build the rich up and keep the poor down. People matter. Cheap fashion does not take into consideration the lives behind the work. The horrific conditions physically, emotionally, financially. We as a human race should care for each other and where we spend our money makes a huge impact!

I sincerely encourage you to consider where you shop. Where you hard earned money goes and what it is supporting. You can help to bring change by joining the PayUp Movement. Support The Fashion Revolution and Fair Wear Foundation.

You can find ethical places to shop by searching, “The Ethical List by Bethany Tran-issuu” www.issuu.com https://issuu.com/bethanytran/docs/final_ethical_ebook_2015___1_

Thank you for taking the time to read. Here’s to ethical shopping and supporting our neighbors.

Today, more workers are being asked to participate in and contribute to their own retirement plans. While Social Security is a valuable resource, we are wise not to rely on Social Security benefits alone for income during retirement. It is never too soon to start planning for retirement and it is the small decisions you make today that can have a big impact on your future.  While you may already be saving in an employer-sponsored plan – such as a 401k – an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) allows you to save additionally for your retirement.  And, you may also save on your taxes. There are different types of IRA’s with different rules and benefits. With a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars, your money grows tax-free, and you can generally make tax- and penalty-free withdrawals after age 59½.  With a Traditional IRA, you contribute pre- or after-tax dollars, your money grows tax-deferred, and withdrawals are taxed as current, ordinary income after age 59½. In this month’s Investor’s Edge column, I hope to highlight how these two vary and to help you determine which option is best for you. 

A common question is, “Should I save for my retirement in an IRA or 401k?”  The answer is one of affordability.  If you can afford to, the answer is BOTH.

A Roth IRA and Traditional IRA are both good retirement accounts to consider.  However, there are several key differences to keep in mind when determining which account is the best for you.  Understanding the types of IRA’s available to you is an important step towards successful retirement planning.  Understanding the differences between a Roth IRA and Traditional IRA will help you maximize your retirement savings.  Let’s view the two side-by-side for comparison from 4 key considerations: Contributions, Taxes, Withdrawals and Penalties.

	ROTH IRA	TRADITIONAL IRA
Contributions:	Contributions are made with “after-tax dollars”.	Contributions may         be made with “pre-tax dollars” (more on this below regarding taxes).
Taxes: *on contributions                       *on withdrawals	Contributions are not deductible.                       Your contributions are withdrawn anytime without taxes.	You may be eligible to deduct all or a portion of your contributions. Deductibility depends on your income, filing status, whether you and/or your spouse are covered by a retirement plan at work, and whether you receive social security benefits.   Withdraw anytime, but deductible contributions are taxable.
Withdrawals:                          Penalties:	A qualified distribution is tax-free if taken at least 5 years after the year of your first Roth contribution and you’ve reached age 59½ (there are some exceptions).         No penalties on withdrawals.	Taxable when withdrawn (there are some exceptions).                 Withdrawals are generally subject to penalties if withdrawn before age 59½ (there are some exceptions).

If you’re eligible to make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA, consider putting as much as the $6,000 limit there—especially if you expect to be in the same or lower income tax bracket in retirement when you take withdrawals. If you’re age 50 or older, you can save up to $7,000 in 2019 thanks to catch-up contributions. As said above, the tax deductibility of contributions will be subject to income limits. If neither you nor your spouse (if any) is a participant in a workplace plan, then your Traditional IRA contribution is always tax deductible, regardless of your income.

If you’re not eligible to make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA but you’re eligible for a Roth IRA, consider putting your $6,000 into a Roth (or $7,000 including a catch-up contribution). Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, meaning there’s no potential tax deduction in the year of the contribution, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free in retirement so long as you’ve held the account for at least five years and you’re over age 59½.

A number of things have to be weighed to know whether a Roth IRA is your best option. If you expect you might be in a higher tax bracket when you make your withdrawals, the Roth may be especially attractive. Ending up in the same bracket would mean a wash for income tax purposes—but a Roth IRA still has other advantages, including no tax on your accumulated investment earnings. It’s difficult to know what your future tax bracket will be in retirement.  Consider, though, with current income tax rates historically low, they could rise in the future.  

Also, a Roth IRA doesn’t force you to take annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 70½, as you have to do with a 401(k) plan or traditional IRA. That’s an advantage in terms of letting your Roth IRA continue to grow tax-free in later years. It could also benefit your heirs, who’d be able take money out income tax-free at your demise.

Determining whether a Roth or Traditional IRA is best for you is worth doing.  Like most things worth doing, it may not be easy.  I hope this helped.  If you have any questions, give a call at 888-985-PLAN.

I often choose my movie to review by something relevant.  Sometimes it’s an iconic actor’s death, a time of the year or an important period in time.

When I set about making my selection for this review, I first thought about the iconic businessman, Elon Musk and his and NASA’s recent launch of Space X. I have a granddaughter (brilliant like all of my grandchildren), that loves the subject of space.   I must admit that space was a much safer topic than what else was “relevant” in our country today. As my thoughts combined the two subjects I came up with a movie that I love and had reviewed three years ago. 

As I re-read my review, I thought, “Not bad, Carolyn.  But, does the message still ring true today?”

Three years ago…

I’m a native Californian.  I live in a “nice” area of California.  I have only experienced a race riot on television.  I will admit to not truly understanding being a minority (other than being a woman and I’ve never really let that slow me down).  I did live in Louisiana for a very short time in 1967; still no riots, just a surreal feeling. I didn’t understand it then and I don’t understand it now.  I do have friends who are African-American and I love them dearly.

Hidden Figures is a slice of history.  Virginia in the early ‘60’s.  NASA.

A slice of history from a different perspective, racism, front and center, yet all working hard to contribute to their country in spite of the barriers of race and gender.

John F. Kennedy was President and we were in a race for dominance in space.  NASA was newly formed and didn’t even know what they didn’t know.  Hidden Figures is based on the true story of three African-American women.  All three had brilliant minds and ended up being critical components of the quest for space travel.  It wasn’t easy in 1961. 

These ladies worked in the West Computing Group.  An all “colored” group of ladies known as Computers…as in, they compute.  Computers (machines) were just starting to be introduced into the workplace. Educated as high as they were allowed to go, these ladies got dressed up and went to work, separate bathrooms, lunch rooms and in fact a whole different building. When their computing skills were needed, a white woman entered their building with an assignment. 

Al Harrison, NASA Director, was played by the one and only, Kevin Costner.  I don’t know him, only saw him once, but he seems like someone I’d invite to a backyard BBQ.  I loved him in this movie.  He has scenes that make you want to jump up from your seat and cheer! When on assignment the ladies of the West Computing Group had to return to their own building a half mile away to use the Colored Ladies facility. My favorite Harrison quote is, “Here at NASA we all pee the same color”.

The casting was excellent.  Along with Costner we have Oscar winning, Octavia Spencer playing Dorothy Vaughn, Taraji P. Henson, excellent as Katherine G. Johnson and Janelle Mona’e as Mary Jackson.

Kirsten Dunst does well as Vivian Mitchell, the woman in charge of the “Computers”…from another building.  Toward the end of the movie she tells Dorothy, “Despite what you may believe, I have nothing against y’all.”  Dorothy simply answers, “I know that, I know you think that.”

Somewhere in that statement is the truth about racism.

I love true stories, even if they are only ‘based’ on the truth. This film certainly did not disappoint.  The story line was both insightful and redeeming and with this talented cast it was a home run. 

The music was inspiring and upbeat.  There were actually lyrics to the songs and those words fit perfectly with the story. It certainly added one more dimension to the film and scored (pun intended) them a Golden Globe nomination!

I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone. Three Oscar nominations as well as other accolades were well deserved. Hidden Figures is fun and you actually get a history lesson. This trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to Dream Big!

As usual, I would love to hear your thoughts at

I don’t believe I got any comments to that particular review, yet three short years later there are protests, mostly peaceful, some definitely not so peaceful.  People reacting or over-reacting, depending on your vantage point, to the abhorrent death of an African American man at the hands of a white policeman.   

I recently read a written journal of a Guardsman that was assigned to Seattle at the beginning of the protest.  Peaceful? Depending on whose reporting.  No lethal weapons. Yet, reportedly, there were deaths. This was one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen.  

Whether we’re a supervisor in a workplace, a pastor of a church, a teacher in a school or a neighbor down the street, we all have our part to play.  Whatever the color of our skin, it’s going to take all of us to make the change.  We each need to draw the line in the sand and say no more, not just with a sign in the street but with a hand out at church or school or work.  If the multi-racial NASA team could find a way to work together to put a man in space nearly 60 years ago, then we should be able to work together to put an end to racism today.

I’ve no doubt I will get responses to this, just know, my words are words of hope. I believe God loves us all and we are called to love each other.  Comments to carolyn@carolynhastings.com

 An SUV with Altitude!

Jeep has a reputation for its off-road prowess, and the 2020 Jeep Cherokee was designed to play in the dirt. Positioned as a compact, crossover-SUV, the Cherokee may not have the same level of all-terrain capability as the Wrangler or Grand Cherokee, however, it does offer more off-road skills than many of its competitors.

Pricing and Trims
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is available in multiple trim levels: Latitude 2WD ($27,335), Latitude 4WD ($28,835), Latitude Plus 2WD ($29,090), Latitude Plus 4WD ($30,590), Limited 2WD  ($33,095), Limited 4WD  ($36,340), Trailhawk 4WD ($36,250), Overland 2WD ($38,490), and Overland 4WD ($39,990). The 2020 Cherokee is also available with the following appearance packages: Upland (on Latitude models), Altitude (on Latitude Plus models), and High Altitude (on Limited models).

What’s New for 2020?
Since the Cherokee experienced a major redesign in 2019,  it only receives some minor updates for the 2020 model year, including the addition of Amazon Alexa to its upgraded infotainment system. Other spectacular offerings: expanding the availability of safety features (Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, rain-sensing wipers), and new upholstery (Ski Grey interior available on Latitude Plus model), paint colors (Sangria and Spitfire Orange exterior paint colors), and wheel options (19-inch wheel on Limited model).

Interior Highpoints
My test vehicle was the Cherokee Limited 4WD with the High-Altitude package ($1,785). Its interior was comfortable and stylish with button and knobs which were placed well and functioned great. The dash was padded and incorporated, as well as upgraded to an 8.4-inch infotainment screen as compared to the standard 7.0-inch. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that come as standard features.  Rear cargo space ranges from 24.6 to 29.1 cubic feet depending on the second-row seat positioning and then increases to 54.9 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.

The High Altitude package included numerous body-colored elements, as well as leather-trimmed bucket seats, Tungsten interior accent stitching, GPS navigation, granite crystal roof rails, HD™ Radio, SiriusXM® radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi host spot, 8.4-inch infotainment screen, 19-inch wheels and more…  

The Cherokee comes standard with cloth seats and manual seat adjustment, 17-inch wheels, and Bluetooth phone and audio functionality. The Latitude Plus trim offers additional features including vinyl upholstery, power driver seat, satellite radio, fog lights, and additional USB charging ports. The Limited trim level increases the comfort level with a power liftgate, 18-inch wheels, power folding mirrors, and leather seats with heat (front seats). The Overland trim adds Nappa leather upholstery with both heating and cooling in the front, a rear cargo cover, satellite navigation with traffic info, 19-inch wheels, and other features. 

Exterior Highlights
I found the exterior to be attractive with enough styling traits that would entice buyers of all genders. In fact, it appears to take on styling characteristics of its big brother, the Grand Cherokee. When the Cherokee first arrived on the scene it embraced an extremely-boxy shape. Those days are long over as the silhouette of today’s Cherokee has carved out smooth flowing edges modernizing its bold stance. The front lightweight aluminum hood evolves the Cherokee’s unique waterfall grille design to showcase the latest Jeep brand styling. Front bi-LED projector headlamps incorporate Cherokee’s daytime running lamps.

Performance Specs
There are 3 engine options available starting with the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower with 171 pound-feet of torque. There is a second 4-cylinder offering in the form of the relatively new 2.0-liter turbo creating 270 hp and 295 lb.-ft of torque. Option 3 is a 3.2-liter V-6 generating 271 hp and 239 lb.-ft of torque and best-in-class V-6 towing capability at 4,500 pounds. All three engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive is the standard drive system with 4-wheel drive as an option.

Cool Features:

• Excellent off-road ability
  Sharp infotainment system

Safety & Integrity
The NHTSA gave the 2020 Cherokee 4 stars overall with a 4-star front crash and rollover test ratings. Jeep offers a safety equipment package on all Cherokee including lane-departure warnings with active lane control, rain-sensing wipers, forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, but fails to make much of the safety equipment standard features as its competitors have done.

In Summary – The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a stylish SUV that satisfies the hunger of folks who desire to take the hill less traveled. It offers different engine options to fit the needs of most on and off-road buyers. The interior is well-appointed, as you advance into the higher-level trims with technology to match competitors. If you are looking for a capable SUV/Crossover for your daily trips and weekend hill-bound adventures, then the 2020 Cherokee is worth a stop at a Jeep dealership.

Specifications.

2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4WD with the High-Altitude package

Base price:	$34,595 as driven: $42,715 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	3.2-liter V-6 6-Cylinder
Horsepower:	271 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:	239 lb. – ft. @ 4400 rpm
Transmission:	9-speed automatic transmission
Drive:	Four Wheel Drive
Seating:	5-passenger
Cargo Volume:	24.4 cu. ft.
Curb weight:	3,960 pounds
Fuel Capacity:	15.8 gallons
Fuel Economy:	18 MPG City, 24 MPG Highway
Turning Radius:	37.7 feet
Wheelbase:	106.6 inches
Warranty:	3 years/36,000-miles
Also Consider:	GMC Terrain Denali, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Lincoln Corsair, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4

Beaujolais is sort of a secret. It’s not a name that rolls off the tongue and unless you frequent Parisian bistros, you may never run into a cool, refreshing glass of this wonderful French wine. You might say Beaujolais is a wine encountered off the beaten track; a wine esteemed by the cognoscenti and unseen by the masses. But wait – what is Beaujolais anyway? Here’s the scoop on this celebrated red wine!  

Beaujolais – pronounced “BO-zho-lay” – is the moniker for both a beautiful region of France and an ineffable red wine. Crafted from the black gamay grape, the wine originates from the region of Beaujolais in the southernmost tip of France’s Burgundy region.  Historic records trace the origins of the gamay grape back to 14^th century France when it grew prolifically across the center of the country.                       

Today, French wine production from the gamay grape is limited to Beaujolais. They don’t make it anywhere else! It is said, “All Beaujolais is Burgundy but not all Burgundy is Beaujolais.” True! With the rest of France’s famed Burgundy dedicated to the cultivation of primarily pinot noir and chardonnay, the wines of Beaujolais are distinctive and unique.

Beaujolais wines are divided into four categories. The first is Beaujolais AOC wines, which are crafted from grapes grown anywhere on the limestone and clay soils of Beaujolais. The second incorporates the wines of Beaujolais-Villages, which are considered a step up in terms of quality, and made only from grapes produced from the specific village named on the label. The third comprises the higher-end wines called the Beaujolais Crus. These come from the northern end of Beaujolais where the soils are primarily granitic. The Crus are the most distinguishing wines of Beaujolais. Each of the 10 Cru villages produces their own memorable take on Beaujolais. Some favorites include the romantically named “St. Amour”, “Fleurie”, and “Julienas’, named for Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar.

The final category is the most well-known. Beaujolais became world famous with the commercial launch of what’s called “Beaujolais Nouveau” – pronounced “BO-zho-lay noo-VOE”. Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine made from the first grapes of the harvest. Every third Thursday of November at 12:01 am, these fresh new wines arrive on the market and celebrations all over France and the world at large are uncorked.  Prominent wine importer, Kermit Lynch, referred to the phenomenon of Beaujolais Nouveau as “downing a newborn wine that has barely left the grape.” His words ring true as the grapes are picked, crushed, fermented, and thrown into bottles in a matter of mere weeks. A newborn wine, indeed. 

The tasting profile of a Beaujolais Nouveau is one of a kind. It might offer an interesting bouquet of bananas and bubblegum on the nose and a mouthful of juicy raspberries on the palate. No other Beaujolais wine has such unusual aromas (which could possibly be attributable to the specific yeast used during fermentation). Beaujolais Nouveau is made to be enjoyed immediately.  A fragile young wine, it must be consumed within a few months of its production and will not age.

While the worldwide Beaujolais Nouveau merriment has always drawn excitement and curiosity, after the last of the revelers have gone home, those who appreciate the fine nuances of good Beaujolais remain dedicated and true. Classic Beaujolais has aromas and flavors of fresh cranberries and raspberries with crisp acid, low to medium tannins, and a vibrant minerality. The mouthwatering finish will stay on your mind long after the bottle is empty. A natural with casual foods like cold cuts, sandwiches, burgers and even hot dogs, Beaujolais is considered the ultimate picnic wine. Best served lightly chilled, nothing is more refreshing on a warm day than a tangy, dry glass of Beaujolais.

The best news is that Beaujolais is an extremely affordable wine. Top of the line Beaujolais Crus are an absolute bargain compared to the extreme prices of the other wines of Burgundy. You can get a good quality Beaujolais from $12 and the most expensive bottle rarely tops $35. Beaujolais is easily found online or in your favorite wine shop. Try it today. If in doubt, choose Beaujolais! Here’s to a fabulous summer!

Cheers!

Although our U.S. Independence Day is celebrated on the Fourth of July, Congress had actually voted on July 2^nd.  The completely signed Declaration of Independence didn’t happen until August that year.  Here are some questions related to our national holiday.

(1)  The Declaration of Independence details a long list of complaints against which king?

(2)    Which 20th-century U.S. President made Independence Day a paid federal holiday?   

(3)  In 1814 a lawyer named Francis Scott Key wrote the poem ‘Defense of Fort M’Henry’, which later became the lyrics to the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’.  He was inspired by the flag that was waving over the fort.  How many stars were on that flag (because that’s how many states there were at the time)?

(4)  The movie ‘Independence Day’ opened the Fourth of July weekend of what year?

(5)  Fireworks were used to commemorate Independence Day as early as 1777.  Today, what U.S. company is the largest consumer of fireworks? 

(6)  Three U.S. Presidents died on the Fourth of July, and another one was born on the day.  Name all four.

Answers for June

(1)  Wile E. Coyote

(2)  Goofy

(3)  Ub Iwerks

(4)  Hannah-Barbera

(5)  Hoppy

(6)  Velma 

The events of the past few weeks have left us seeking answers. Demands for justice and change once again reverberate from shore to shore and echo around the globe.  “Why does this keep happening?” people ask, or in the words of Rodney King, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

The truth is, all the problems we face in our world today all begin from the same source as they have since the beginning of humanity. The story of human history, even with all of our most noble efforts to overcome our shortcomings, has always been, and is still, a record of falling short of the ultimate goal of universal acceptance, peace, and love.

The record of early history, as recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible, was given to humankind to reveal that truth; that we are simply incapable of “doing it on our own.” We have a fatal flaw that continues to trip us up, regardless of our best intentions. Yet still, after thousands of years, we continue to try and try, ever failing, again, and again, and again.

After all this time, after failure upon failure, perhaps it’s time to recognize our innate character disability and seek another path. As often attributed to the modern era’s most prominent scientist, Albert Einstein, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”

What if the answer to our long-standing conundrum is readily available and free for the taking? Could it be that it is simply hiding in plain sight? If so, what is it that prevents us from recognizing it?

What prevents us, sadly, is quite simple—human pride. It is our belief in our selves; in our abilities, reasoning skills, and so-called knowledge, that keep us from recognizing our fatal flaw. We just can’t get out our own way; we are not able to emerge from the shadow cast by pride, long enough to see the light of truth.

Are we—are you—weary of the battle of good vs. evil? Can we—can you—put aside pride long enough to admit, perhaps, that there exists a hidden, dark region, however small or significant it may be, that has kept you separated from God; He who loves you above all else? Feelings of shame, guilt, anger, envy, or hatred, are just some of the offspring of our brokenness—what we call “sin”—with pride being the parent and guardian of our self-imposed prison of darkness.      

Two thousand years ago, a man emerged unlike any other before or since, with one objective—to provide a way out of that prison that binds us. He was not a profit or a sage as some today claim, but God in the flesh, offering every person, albeit undeserving, the gift of forgiveness for all of our iniquities, and life eternal as originally intended.

“So, what’s the catch?” you ask, “How can it be so easy?” Apparently, it is not easy at all because many reject the very thought of accepting His gift. Could it be that one’s pride is so overpowering as to make a fully-functioning, rational adult reject the gift of freedom from bondage? Indeed, that is the rule, not the exception.

The answer to all of huamanity’s troubles is but a decision away for every person. Today, that answer beckons; in fact, it now pleads, “believe!”

Even after more than 2000 years of repeated failure, He still loves you and has not given up on you! Leave your small, useless human pride behind and have the courage to accept His personal invitation to a life of freedom, peace, and love. He is the only answer; the only way.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ~ John 14:6

“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:32-33