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In my practice, it amazes me when patients survive on very little sleep and think that it is a virtue. The quantity and quality of your sleep every night is vital. Sleep loss can create distinct problems.

In my earliest Alive articles, I wrote a series on the topic of inflammation being the cause of most diseases.  Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality turn out to be a major cause of inflammation, which, in turn, have recently been found to be the number one cause of heart disease.

Many studies support the importance of sleep. One large study of daylight savings time showed that on the Monday following the time change in Spring, when we lose one hour, there is a 25% increase in heart attacks. In the Fall, when we add an hour, there is a 21% decrease.

Studies also show that when schools start later, attendance, grades, and graduation percentage all improve and behavioral problems and auto accidents decrease. 

Here are a few suggestions for more and better sleep. When you wake up, get exposed to sunlight because it sets your internal clock and starts the release of serotonin, the “awake” hormone.  In the evening, keep the lights down with as little blue light as possible. Bright light prevents melatonin production, the “sleep” hormone. Keep regular bedtime hours and avoid eating or drinking late, especially caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Avoid naps. Stay cool and sleep in fabrics that breathe. Avoid social media and video games in the evening and encourage family conversation and problem solving.

Learning to handle stress will also help with sleep. Here are some useful tools: meditation on a regular basis; talking about problems with friends and family; avoiding junk food; learning about and eating anti-inflammatory foods, drinking lots of quality water and avoiding sugar, grains and starches; getting adequate and quality sleep; when you have time off, use it for fun and relaxation; take up enjoyable hobbies like music, art, cooking, and gardening, and let them replace TV, especially violent and disturbing shows.

If stress is controlling your life, get help, especially if it is causing unhealthy habits, like drug or prescription dependency or alcohol use. Many times stress and its results can cause financial as well as emotional problems. That is why I worked for years to establish the Discovery Center. Located in Danville, the many professionals that we have available can make it affordable to get expert help. For me, creating this service was the greatest accomplishment of my life and the Discovery Thrift Shop, also in Danville, is a major source of its funding.  

At my practice, AODTC, we can help with the quality of your sleep. For more information visit: www.aodtc.com or call 925-837-8048.

This was what my new IT consultant asked me regarding the prescription narcotic addiction epidemic that this country is currently being plagued by. He said he wanted to get the information directly from an expert. So here is a more historical, although still oversimplified version of this complex issue.

Chronic pain is a medical problem that has existed for centuries. Soldiers in WWI were diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome due to severe nerve injury, although it wasn’t named as such for decades later. Since the development of the Pain Management specialty in the early 1950s, new ways of treating chronic pain have been adopted into the physician’s armamentarium. In the 1980s, opioids or morphine like medications, i.e. narcotics, gained traction as legitimate and appropriate medications to treat chronic pain. The philosophy at that time and until relatively recently was, “give patients as much as they need to be comfortable.” Essentially what this meant was, if they continued to complain of pain, increase the dose. The risk of narcotic addiction was deemed “low” or less than 1% if the patient was being treated for a pain process. As a result, many people were helped and able to live more productive lives by the use of narcotic medications for severe pain.

Now, fast forward to 2003 when a national initiative occurred to treat pain as “the fifth vital sign.” The four vital signs to assess someone’s wellbeing or acute medical state are: Temperature, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Respiratory Rate. As a new diagnostic tool, physicians were asked to evaluate and treat vital sign number five: Pain Score. I believe that it is absolutely important to consider pain a vital sign for an acute situation such as for the postoperative assessment or acute injury scenario. In medicine, it is accepted that untreated acute pain can cause a multitude of complications including hypertension, hyperglycemia, anxiety, depression and chronic pain, to name a few. As a result of the initiative, which turned out to be largely funded by Big Pharma; who has patents on “designer” narcotic medications; many physicians who weren’t previously prescribing pain medications began to do so in the effort to help more people.

Chronic pain is a complicated process commonly confounded by factors that aren’t directly related to physical changes. Any kind of chronic pain can be worsened by depression, anxiety or any type of external stressor. For example, if a person with chronic low back pain is also undergoing a divorce or dealing with a death in the family, the severity of pain will seem much worse because their pain tolerance is lower. Emotional distress can make a preexisting pain feel more intense because one’s coping mechanisms are being overloaded and compromised by the additional burden. Narcotic pain medications should not be used in these circumstances and the dose for someone already taking them should not be increased to respond to this type of exacerbation. When narcotics are used to treat pain associated with a weakened coping mechanism, or “emotional pain,” the risk of long term use and addiction are greater. Also, there are other ways to treat pain besides medication such as nerve blocks, steroid injections, physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, biofeedback and relaxation, and acupuncture, that should be incorporated into both short and long term plans to avoid narcotic side effects.

Using a pain score to decide the amount of narcotic medication needed without also incorporating other assessment tools such as physical functional level, emotional state, mental function and overall health, can lead to over-prescribing, continuous dose escalation and an increased risk of overdose. Narcotics also have what is called a “ceiling effect” which means that there is a limit to the pain relieving effect it can have despite how large the dose is. This is particularly important because there is no ceiling effect to the risk of overdose. The larger the dose, the more likely it is that a person can inadvertently overdose with it. Moreover, if a person is also taking a medication for anxiety and/or insomnia and/or drinking alcohol and/or taking illegal drugs, the risk of overdose then becomes exponentially higher because these factors all lower the threshold for overdose when combined with a narcotic medication.

In order to restrain the prescription addiction epidemic, we all need to accept responsibility and act accordingly. Big Pharma should fund treatment centers for patients who have succumbed to addiction disorders to prescription narcotics. Physicians who want to continue to prescribe narcotics for chronic pain should have appropriate training or refer to those who do. Patients need to have realistic treatment goals and inform their doctors of factors that could increase their risk of addiction. Families of patients with chronic pain and or addiction need to get involved by providing additional support or information in the patient-physician treatment dynamic when needed. I appreciate it when family members accompany patients to office visits because it gives me another perspective on their home lives and functional levels that the patients don’t necessarily divulge.

My philosophy and approach to treating chronic pain is to balance the treatment modalities so that the patient has the benefit of different treatments that lower the risk of side effects to any one particular approach. I use medications to treat a specific diagnosis and cause of pain; which may or may not be narcotic analgesics; along with steroid injections or nerve blocks that can break the cycle of pain and minimize the dose needed of pain medications. The goal of pain management is to reduce the suffering from pain and minimize disability in the safest possible way for the greatest benefit and least harm.

To repeat how I opened this 6-part series in May, imagine you are watching the game show Family Feud. The always smiling Steve Harvey asks a contestant to, Name a strategy that household decision makers use to improve their lifestyles. We then learn that the “Survey says: Financial Planning!”

I’m sure if that were one of the game show’s questions, the “survey” would answer that question that way.

This month’s Investor’s Edge column begins where last month’s ends, with the third part of a six-part series. The series is about the 6 steps of the financial planning process. The make-up of a comprehensive financial plan includes six elements. “Investment Planning” is the third element of the process.

As an investment advisor and financial planner, I am frequently asked, “How is the market doing?”  That is especially true lately with volatility creating more FUD (Fear Uncertainty & Doubt) among investors, and the U.S. stock market indexes back near all-time highs. While I generally answer the general question with a general answer, I have often wanted to answer the question with the question, “How is your plan doing?” That’s the question to ask and have an answer to. Sure, the day’s tweet, merger, political news, or economic development can (and does) move the stock market—and does in a big way, both up and down. Your financial plan, though, should be rooted in stronger soil than the stock market alone.

Financial planning, as I want to emphasize with this series, is so much larger than just investing. It involves a wide range of topics such as education and retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning and more. Hence, the word “planning.” So, while financial planning and investing are often misunderstood and sometimes thought of synonymously, they are different.

Then there are investments and the work required in the selection and investment management process. Think of a road map—or nowadays, WAZE, your GPS—and a car. Your financial plan is your map. You program it with where you want to go. Your car is your investment plan. A suitable investment plan will drive your assets with the guidance of your map, your financial plan. Together, they will get you where you want to be financially. Then think of the car’s model. Is it a Chevy Suburban, Cadillac or Corvette? The “model” is your investment portfolio. Those stocks, bonds, properties, mutual funds, etc., will determine how safely, comfortably and quickly you get where you want to go. Like your GPS system or map, your investment plan is a navigational aid. It should identify your destination and show how to plan to get there by specifying the asset classes and security types you will use. It should establish the “rules of the road.”  Essentially, your GPS should be driven by your IPS—your Investment Policy Statement. So, your investment plan, governed by your IPS, will clearly reflect your unique investment parameters and constraints, such as your risk tolerance, time horizon, income needs, and tax consequences.

Concepts of investment parameters and constraints are unique to you. They reflect you as an investor and will serve to govern how your money should be managed. Combined, your investment constraints and parameters are determining components of your IPS, guiding your investment plan. An investment constraint, for example, is time. Your investment time horizon is a factor that may limit suitable investments for you. Funds from investment needed in 3 – 5 years would preclude you from investing that money in long-term bonds. Your tolerance for risk is also an investment constraint. Another common investment constraint is investment tax consequences. Separately, investment parameters, or investment criteria, should also impact your investment selection. Your need for investment income is an example. Your investment plan, written and guided by your IPS, which state your investment parameters and constraints, should be your focus. Your question when concerned about the market should be, “How is my plan doing?”

As with all goals, committing them to writing is essential. This applies to investment planning. Your investment plan must be written down. That document is your IPS. Make your investment goals S-M-A-R-T. Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Timely. And, put it in writing.

Hope you enjoyed part 3. Look for part 4 of the financial planning process in my Investor’s Edge column in the August issue of ALIVE Magazine.

It’s officially summer. That means plenty of BBQs, eating out at restaurants al fresco (my favorite), and vacations! My husband and I will be going on a trip this summer and while I am not one to love being matchy-matchy, I do love coordination. It’s always nice to have pieces that pair well together when out and about doing all the fun things that summer offers. Whether you’re going on a trip or heading to a family BBQ…head there in style and coordinate with your significant other.

There are so many ways to coordinate outfits. Not only is it appealing to the eye but looks great for photos, whether they’re professional photos or photos from date night or that Friday night BBQ. A few ways to think about making sure outfits pair well together is to start by thinking about pattern vs. solid. It is definitely okay and encouraged to pair pattern with pattern. Just make sure the colors match and the patterns clash. It’s also great to go with pattern and solid. Or keep it super simple and wear solid with solid.

She’s patterned. He’s patterned.

There is nothing wrong with pattern being worn next to pattern. The only rule of thumb is to match colors and clash patterns. So important to clash patterns! Visually this helps break up the color scheme. For this look the woman is wearing a striped dress and the man is wearing a floral print shirt. The colors mesh well with navy, cream, and brown. Wearing pattern with pattern is such a great way to get creative with fashion. It can be a bit tricky so just be sure the only thing matching is the color scheme.

She’s patterned. He’s solid.

It’s always best to start with one piece that really grabs you. In this case I found the green dress with pink accents. It’s a great dress-super versatile; can be worn throughout the entire summer as wedding attire, date night, church, or even perfect for a more dressed up BBQ. From there I decided to play off the pink and found a linen pink button down for the man. Linen on a man is a great way to get him dressed up for summer events and the fabric is breathable. Opted for linen pants as well! Way more comfortable than jeans during those hot summer days.

She’s solid. He’s patterned.

Make a statement and coordinate bold colors this summer! Have fun with it. Start with a solid red dress and pair a printed short sleeve button down for your man. Why not go all out and rock the bright colors? I especially love this combo for vacation because of the quintessential summer print on the button down. My husband and I may or may not be wearing a very similar look for our upcoming trip…

This works because the men’s shirt is predominantly blue with pops of red, which compliments the woman’s solid red dress. If the shirt were red and had pops of blue the look would get muddled. The red of the dress surely wouldn’t match perfectly to a predominantly red button-down shirt. In which case it is important to use red a complimentary color for the men’s shirt. In any case, matching isn’t the goal. Coordinating is the desire.

She’s in solid. He’s in solid.

Finally, there is no rule that there must be a print intermixed to coordinate. It does create some visual interest. But there is something to be said for a simple and classic color palette. This time around pair a beige jumpsuit with a beige button down. This look has the woman wearing a jumpsuit. It’s a classic color, but the jumpsuit creates some sass! Taking this pairing to the next level.

When creating a solid with solid look it is important to be mindful of how colors can clash. For example, choosing a look that has the couple in red can be hard as we discussed earlier. Much harder to make two different reds or two different oranges feel like they go well together. So, much easier to allow a color like beige not be exact. It’s okay that it’s not exact because it’s a neutral. Other solids that pair well together- green, blue, or pink. Don’t try to make them match exactly. Instead, go for ensuring they’re in the same color family. A dark green paired with a light green is great! Same rule applies for any other color; mauve, blue, grey, etc.

Thanks so much for reading dear ones! Stop by maccarose.com for links to shop these looks and find more on fashion/fitness.

July’s farmers’ market is a veritable buffet for healthy eating. Each aisle provides temptations of the finest kind, with just-picked sweet corn, crunchy cucumbers, juicy berries, and perfectly ripe watermelon. Vine-ripened tomatoes, of course, are the biggest draw; but don’t overlook the mounds of summer squash in glistening shades of green and gold.

The generic term “squash” covers two very different vegetables. Winter squash, i.e., hard-skinned varieties like acorn, butternut, Kabocha, and pumpkin, store well and tide us through the colder months. Once warm weather returns, thin-skinned summer squash comes into season, i.e., the ubiquitous zucchini and its many kin, like yellow crookneck squash, golden zucchini, the round Eight Ball, and the pale green or yellow disk-shaped pattypan with scalloped edges.

Unlike their cold-weather cousins, summer squash is both easy to prepare and quick to cook. Steamed, sautéed, grilled, broiled, baked, braised, microwaved, stuffed, breaded and fried, tucked into omelets or frittatas, added to stews, pickled, or simply eaten raw, summer squash is a deliciously economical addition to everything from appetizers to desserts. (Shredded raw summer squash stirred into a muffin, cake, or quick bread batter provides extra moisture as well as nutrients…and manages to dupe unsuspecting veggi-phobes of all ages.)

As any home gardener knows, summer squash plants are zealously prolific.  Oversleep one warm summer morning and you’ll end up with zucchini the size of a zeppelin. (You know, like the ones your neighbors try to unload on you.) But bigger is not always better in the vegetable world. These oversized squash are flavorless or—worse yet—bitter; with unpalatably large seeds and a tough, watery, or spongy texture.

Nor should you let those limp, overblown batons of out-of-season blandness found at supermarkets throughout the year influence your opinion of this entire species. Shopping at the farmers’ market ensures you will find only firm young vegetables with creamy flesh and a distinctively mild, slightly nutty flavor. Summer squash the way it’s supposed to taste. At its peak of perfection.

Serving a simple platter of sliced garden-fresh tomatoes is always a good idea this month, but when company’s coming you may want to up your game. The answer to this dilemma may very well be a gratin.

A gratin gets its name from the dish in which it is baked. Gratin dishes are specially designed to be wide and shallow to afford a large surface area that promotes the development of a crispy crust on top. In this case summer squash and tomatoes are flecked with herbs and layered decoratively over a bed of meltingly tender onions, then topped with a flavorful crust of parmesan cheese. What’s not to like?

Serve this either warm or at room temperature, alongside your favorite grilled or roasted protein. Alternatively, make it the vegetarian star of the meal, with a supporting cast of mixed baby greens and a crusty loaf of artisan bread.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                    Herbed Summer Vegetable Gratin

5 tablespoons California olive oil, plus extra to grease the baking dish

1 1/4 cups freshly grated parmesan, asiago, or other hard cheese

2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme, or other herb(s) such as basil, rosemary, and/or parsley

4 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 1/2 pounds assorted young summer squash, such as green and golden zucchini, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/8 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes, to more taste   

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease the inside of an 8- x 11-inch oval gratin (or other shallow 2-quart baking dish) with olive oil. Set aside half of the cheese to sprinkle over the top.

• In a medium saute pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the temperature; if the onions begin to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of the thyme. Spread the onion mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Set aside to cool.

• Place the tomato slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and let drain for 5 to 10 minutes. Discard the collected juices, or reserve for another use.*
• In a medium bowl, combine the summer squash, 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil, 2 tablespoons of the thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper flakes. Toss gently to mix.

• Starting at one end of the baking dish, arrange a row of slightly overlapping tomato slices across the width of the dish and sprinkle lightly with cheese. Next, arrange a row of squash slices to overlap the tomatoes by about two-thirds, and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat with overlapping layers of tomatoes and squash, sprinkling cheese lightly over each, until the bottom of the dish is covered.

• Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt over the top, and drizzle with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil. Mix the reserved cheese with the remaining 1 tablespoon of thyme and sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake until the gratin is nicely browned and the juices have bubbled and thickened, 65 to 70 minutes. Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish.

*Cook’s Tip: That seemingly watery juice given off by the tomatoes packs a lot of flavor. For a refreshing treat, strain, chill, and serve in a shot glass.

                                               Getting Squashed

—Summer squash are actually gourds harvested at an immature age, while their seeds are unformed and skins are edible.

–Look for zucchini no larger than 5 inches in length or 1 1/4 inches in diameter. The skin should appear firm, slightly glossy, and free of nicks, shriveling, or any soft spots.

–Store summer squash, unwashed, in an open plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to 4 days. Baby varieties are more perishable, and should be used within 2 days.

–One cup of chopped raw zucchini contains about 20 calories, 0 grams of fat; 12 mg sodium; 2 grams protein; 4 carbs; plus vitamins A and C, and small amounts of calcium and iron.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad & Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at 1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.org. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well!

This year is just clipping by! It is hard to believe that it is July, halfway through the year, and on the fast track to the holiday season. Before we know it, retailers will once again be decking the halls. But, before we start stringing lights, let’s focus on the here and now and take the time to do a mid-year financial review.

Mid-year is the perfect time to reevaluate annual financial goals, review recurring monthly service expenses, and research and update plans to lower the overall monthly expenses associated with these services. Here are a few steps and tips on reducing the cost of monthly service contracts that can add up to significant savings on a monthly basis.

First, gather all the statements that you pay a recurring monthly fee to and stack each in a folder. The folder should include the following monthly bills:

    -Cellular Phone

    -Cable / Internet / Phone

    -Mortgage

    -Insurance (Home / Auto)

Next, schedule the time to call one provider each day for a week. For example, one day phone your cell phone company, the next day call your cable /Internet/phone company, etc. Each call will take approximately 20 minutes to discuss and compare the existing plan, to a new and improved plan, and make the appropriate changes with a representative. Scheduling one call per day will allow you to focus on one plan at a time and will help avoid phone call burnout.

Here are the details to discuss with each servicer:

Cell phone service: Cell phone providers have been forced to reduce monthly fees to keep up with the competitive marketplace. When you call your cell phone provider ask the representative to first review your usage for the last six months. If you are burning through your minutes or wireless data allowance, you may be incurring steep overage charges. Find a new plan that will eliminate the costly overage fees and provides enough data coverage to meet your average usage.

On the flip side, if you are not using your full allowance of minutes and/or data, find a lower cost plan that will meet your average usage. Calling your cell phone provider and reviewing current options available will typically result in a new plan with a lower monthly cost and better coverage. Saving $20 a month on a new plan adds up to $240 per year. Well worth a 20-minute call.

Cable/Internet/telephone provider: Similar to cell phone providers, cable, internet, and phone companies have also had to lower their monthly charges to remain competitive. If you do not already have a bundle package, take the time to call your provider and research one. A bundle package provides discounts that can significantly reduce your monthly bill. While discussing current plans with the representative, be sure to review your cable package and determine if you truly need all of the channels that you are paying for. If you are not a big TV buff and rarely sit down to watch a show, it may be time to pursue a more cost-effective package that provides basic cable or an on-demand service like HULU. Eliminating movie channels, sports channels and every other trendy channel can greatly reduce a monthly bill.

And, finally, evaluate whether you really need a landline. Many individuals use their cell phones as their primary contact number and eliminate the cost of a landline.

Mortgage: The Fed held off on lowering interest rates in June. However, this decision should not stop you from taking the time to review your current mortgage. Rates are at their lowest levels once again. This is an excellent time to talk with a mortgage professional, review your current mortgage and determine if it makes sense to refinance. One half-percentage lower in interest can translate to substantial monthly savings. It is also an excellent opportunity to consolidate a first and equity line of credit, potentially remove mortgage insurance, or take cash out for home improvements. There are mortgage programs available to help meet most financial goals. For a complimentary mortgage review, please contact me directly (jbrydges@rpm-mtg.com or 925-552-3863).

Insurance: Be sure to review your home and auto insurance policies too. Having both policies with one insurance provider or increasing your deductible can provide significant discounts to lower monthly / annually payments.

This month take the time to get your finances sizzling with savings! Service Providers will rarely call you to offer a lower monthly fee (even if a better plan is available). Be proactive and take control of your financial future.  There is no better way to be cool this summer than to be financially fit!

Jodee Brydges is a Loan Officer at RPM Mortgage and the author of Digging Out: A Practical Guide to Getting Out of Debt and Paving a Path to a Secure Financial Future, available on Amazon.com.

“Even if you use only one good suggestion from this book (and this book is full of great ideas), it could save you thousands. At $16 that is a great return on your investment!”

Okay, I admit it; I cry when a marching band goes by. I also tear up when God Bless America is sung. While I am free to criticize my government at times and do, I consider myself a Patriot, yes a capital “P” patriot.

One of my biggest fears is that true Patriotism is at risk of fading away…one young person at a time. I was recently at my grandkids’ graduations. Yes, grandkids. I had two graduating from middle school and one from high school. As I looked around, so many in the audiences were showing no respect to our pledge, anthem or flag. It’s not like they were burning flags or never even had them visible, but the majority didn’t even put a hand over their heart. This is the generation watching their “role model” athletes taking a knee at the pro games. I did see some that gave me hope—especially since they belonged to me!  It’s not that I did anything special, but I did raise my son and daughter to raise sons and daughters to have some insight into the incredible country they live in. Do you know how truly amazing the United States of America is?  It’s a country worth fighting for and a culture to be proud of, in spite of what some say. This is my country; “land that I love.” I never give up on her, never turn against her, and I teach my children to do the same.  

There are “must see” movies this time of year. Independence Day may not be the deepest, or even the most well-acted, but for just sheer fun, it can’t be beat!  This film dates back to 1996 but I just watched it again and enjoyed it almost as much as the first time.

The aliens are coming, the aliens are coming…and this time they really are. Apparently, out of nowhere every major city in the world has a massive spaceship hovering above. These mother ships have lots and lots of baby ships. At first the thought is to see if we can make new friends but it soon becomes obvious that they are here to annihilate humans and take our resources.  

Independence Day’s strong suite is not plot, obviously. It’s the resilience of mankind. It’s got good guys, better guys and superheroes. Will Smith is cocky Marine fighter pilot, Captain Steven Hiller who has had yet another rejection from NASA. There is the nerd, played as only Jeff Goldblum can, and a host of other recognizable names including Harry Connick, Jr., Vivica A. Fox, Randy Quaid, Judd Hirsch, Mary McDonnell, Robert Loggia and Margaret Colin.

What I like most about Independence Day is its spirit of optimism. America was founded on that ‘can do’ attitude. Bill Pullman plays President Thomas Whitmore. One morning he awakens to the find the mother ship of all mother ships literally hanging over his head. He and a few trusted others hop on Air Force One and head, well anywhere but Washington D.C.  Since all the major cities have the same view in the sky, he ends up in California at Area 51. The very place where all this begun and not even the President had been privy to.

I couldn’t help but almost get to my feet and cheer when Mr. President, a former fighter pilot goes after the aliens!  I know this is totally unrealistic but it felt so good to have a real leader, top gun, top dog, protecting the good old US of A!

So, don’t take this film too seriously. Don’t look too close, but do watch it and enjoy. It’s good family fare if the kids aren’t too young to hear some swear words. This movie just had to have a few. All in all, Independence Day, makes you stand up a little taller, hold your head a little higher and just plain makes you proud to be an American!

Comments are always welcome at Carolyn@carolynhastings.com

For most people it is common knowledge what a band, orchestra, chorus and even a string quartet is, and what they look like. But I would venture to say many people know almost nothing about a fife and drum corps.

In America, fife and drum corps date back to the colonial period and the founding of our country. With war on the horizon they were especially prevalent and important during the Revolutionary War. Fife and drum corps were a vital part of our early military history and served bravely in the many battles and wars in the early years of the Republic.

The colony of Virginia trained fifers and drummers to work with soldiers in the field. These musicians were all boys, 10 to 18 years old. Can you imagine boys of this age going into battle? They did not have guns or swords – all they had were their instruments.

Virginia, circa 1778, needed military involvement and protection for the capital city of Williamsburg. The general assembly of Virginia established the Virginia State Garrison Regiment. Troops were stationed at the towns of Hampton, Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia. Fife and drum players were assigned to this regiment and 22 boys made up the corps.

Today, the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, also known as the Field Music of the Virginia State Garrison Regiment, has kept the tradition of this group alive since 1958. The modern Williamsburg corps is made up of both boys and girls 10 to 18 years old. Visitors enjoy this re-enactment of the revolutionary traditions and learn about the various aspects of the American Revolution.

Today these musicians are chosen from the long waiting lists of young boys and girls from local communities. They learn their introduction to military music at age 10 and practice once a week for the next eight years until graduating high school.

These young fife and drum players are considered musical ambassadors. They talk to the visiting public about 18th century military music, and the history surrounding the Revolution. The corps performs over 700 appearances each year. These young musicians have come to symbolize what is best about our country’s traditions dating back to its inception.

Early Beginnings

Historically, the first time the corps, using early ancestors of the fife were organized, was in Switzerland in the late 13^th century. In Europe fifes are called Schweizefeifs or Swiss Flutes; used in their modern form since the 16^th century.

In the 1400s a more developed and organized military need arose, and the corps had a more universal presence. The principalities of Germany used this form of military music in the 1500s and 1600s.

Queen Anne of England was succeeded by George I of Hanover, Germany. During this time the English army was rather undisciplined and disorganized. In due time it was reorganized into a more disciplined body with the help of the fife and drum corps. This English model was used and adopted by the colonist in Virginia.

Revolutionary Times

Music was very effective for motivating troops to march long distances and keep a positive attitude while enduring hardships along the way. Napoleon used the corps as a motivating factor with apparent positive results. Music was also used in camp-life to announce times to gather, rising in the morning, breakfast call, lunch, duty calls, dinner and lights-out.

During the Revolutionary War, both British and American armies used fife and drum music for tactical signals. Some examples are: when to advance, fire, cease fire and retreat. There is some disagreement about when the fife was first introduced in America. Some say it came with the colonists and others say it came later, around the time of the Revolution.

Civil War Times

The music of the fife and drum corps continued to be used by the American military up to and into the Civil War. With modern arms and methods of transportation, by both trains and steamboats, the corps was no longer needed and became obsolete. After and during the Civil War the bugle replaced the fife and drum corps. As the Civil War era phased out the corps in the military establishment, a new and revitalized role for the corps was being formed.

Civilian Era

During the 1876 Centennial of the American Revolution, the civilian fife and drum corps was born and developed a new, revitalized role. The new corps became very popular as patriotic and nostalgic Americans re-created the traditions and music of earlier times.

Many local communities formed fire-fighting companies that strongly supported fife and drum corps as town bands. These companies were the forbearers of folk-like traditions that drew support from all ages and generations of Americans. These civilian corps represented and re-created music from the Revolutionary War and Civil War. These groups were primarily located along the east coast from Virginia to Massachusetts. Connecticut appears to have the most groups.

The Kentish Guard was founded in 1774 in Greenwich, Rhode Island. They are the sixth oldest military organization in the United States in un-interrupted service. Their repertory consists of traditional, corps tunes and authentic pieces of the original corps of 1774. They play at military ceremonies, gubernatorial balls and for visiting VIP’s.

“It’s important for all drum corps to retain their distinctive sound and to carry their traditions forward – all will be lost if we alter our music, this is history, it has to remain the way it is,” said, Don Buell of the Chester, Connecticut Fife & Drum Corps.

The repertory of the corps consists of Yankee Doodle, York Fusiliers, Chester, Civil War tunes, including, The Girl I left Behind, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, American Patrol, America the Beautiful, Blue Bells of Scotland, Bonnie Doon, Hail to Columbia, My Country Tis of Thee, and more. 

Design and Construction

The fife is defined as a small flute-like instrument with six to eight finger holes and usually no keys. Technically it is like a flauto traverso (transverse flute) that means horizontally held and played across the body. Most instruments are made from wood such as blackwood, grenadilla, rosewood, mopane and other dense woods. Some fifes are made of metal. In modern corps the fifes are replaced by the piccolo.

Colonial and revolutionary style drums are somewhat different than our modern-day snare drums. They are much longer and have rope tension on the drumhead rather than springs and/or threaded bolt-like fasteners. The ropes create tension on the heads, changing the sound produced by the drum.

Bass drums were also introduced in the corps. Unlike the British corps the tenor drum is not usually used in American groups. Drumheads were made from lamb or calfskins but in modern times they are made from plastic.

Uniforms

Typically, the uniform worn by the fife and drum corps is an authentic replica of the uniform of the corps of revolutionary times. This includes a tricorn or three-cornered “cocked hat,” waistcoat, knickers (knee breeches) ruffled cuffs and buckled shoes. Also, Civil war style uniforms of the Union and Confederate armies are worn by contemporary fife and drums corps.

Some time after the Revolutionary period, there was an extensive time of writing and publishing manuals that told of the methods to heighten the performance level of fifing and drumming. These were prevalent between 1801 to 1826.

In modern times fife and drum gatherings have become very popular in the town of Deep River, Connecticut. This has become a favorite venue for these popular meetings of the corps. Other performance venues include parades, concerts, festivals and state and local fairs.

The fife and drum corps are a rich chapter in the lore and fabled story of the founding of our wonderful country. We are indeed fortunate to have this legacy preserved in many townships across the nation. If you haven’t experienced a fife and drum performance, treat yourself to this bit of living history in your future travels.

The research for this information was enhanced by Fife & Drums in America by Ed Olsen. Also, an article, A History of the Fife & Drum Music of the Kentish Guards Fife & Drum Corps was helpful with this subject.

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.

Making History Again!

When I heard that my upcoming test vehicle would be the all-new Chevrolet Blazer, I was truly excited. Once delivered I realized the vast styling difference between its past namesake. The original Blazer was based on a truck platform and styled with boxy lines. The all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer crossover design is Camaro inspired with softer, rounder curves and based on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia. It is a modern-day crossover muscle car.

Pricing and Trims
The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer is available in six trim levels: 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS and Premier and FWD and AWD. This article focuses on my test vehicle which was the Premier AWD. The prices are as follows: 1LT FWD ($29,995), 2LT FWD ($33,495), 3LT FWD ($38,695), RS FWD ($41,795) and Premier FWD ($43,895). If you add AWD and more powerful 3.6-liter V6 plus, the Sun and Wheels package (2,495) and the Driver Confidence ll package for $2,165 – you will see the Premier price raise up over the $50,000 price mark taking it into the premium luxury market.

What’s new for 2019?
It’s all new except for the name.   

Interior Highpoints
The 2019 Blazer interior feels and looks impressive with its Camaro-influenced design elements. The entire dash is detailed with sporty attributes like large air vents including the center vents that double to control the temperature. Chevy designed the Blazer with plenty of passenger and cargo space. It’s second-row seats slide backwards and forwards to increase legroom. The Blazer seats five as there is no third-row seats.   The base models come with cloth 6 or 4-way manual adjustment seats while the upper trim levels have leather power 8-way front seats that can be heated and cooled. You can carry a fair amount in Blazer’s 30.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat or lower the second-row seats and magnify your volume to 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior styling of the Blazer is what makes it stand out. The bold and wavy lines flow with grace with the spirit of the sporty Camaro. You quickly notice that the Blazer is shorter and wider than typical SUVs. The front face gets highlighted with the long, thin headlights embedded into the thick front end.

Performance Specs
The front-wheel-drive (FWD) Blazers come standard with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the all-wheel-drive models are equipped with Chevy’s 3.6-liter V6 motor.  The 3.6L V6 generates 305 horsepower and 269 pounds of torque with 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (FWD). The 2.5L I-4 DOHC VVT delivers 193 horses with 188 pound-feet of torque with 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The 4-cylinder engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 9-speed automatic transmission comes with the V6 power plant.

Cool Features:

• Panoramic tilt-sliding sunroof (available on the Blazer, RS and Premier models)
  
  
• Multiple USB outlets
  
  
• Cargo Management System with a rail system and cargo fence is standard on RS and Premier
  
  
• Auto Start-Stop Technology
  
  

Safety & Integrity
The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer safety features include air bags: frontal and side-impact for driver and front passenger, knee for driver, and head-curtain for front and rear outboard seating positions. Passenger Sensing System, Standard HD Rear Vision Camera, HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror are available on trims equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist are standard on RS and Premier. Available on other trims – Adaptive Cruise Control – Advanced, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and Safety Alert Seat are available on RS and Premier.

In Summary                                                                                                                                            The all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer offers a new choice for the crossover buyers. A choice with an attractive package including an aggressive design, comfortable and well-organized interior, loaded with techy features, and good fuel economy.  Note that the higher-level trims climb into the $40,000 price range and more quickly. With that said, the Blazer is fun, sporty and fresh.

Specifications.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Premier AWD

Base price:                  $45,600 as driven: $46,795 (including destination & optional features)

Engine:                       3.6L DOHC VVT with direct injection

Horsepower:              308 hp @ 6700 RPM

Torque:                      270 lb.-ft. @ 5000 RPM

Transmission:            9-speed automatic transmission

Drive:                          All-Wheel Drive

Seating:                       5-passenger

Cargo space:              30.5 to 64.2 cubic feet

Curb weight:             4246 pounds

EPA mileage:             City 18/Hwy 25 MPG

Fuel Capacity:           18 gallons

Wheelbase:                112.7 inches

Warranty:                   3 years/36,000-miles

Also Consider:           Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee

During one of my “productive” bouts of checking my social media newsfeeds, I came upon a post by this awesome woman that was for families of young stroke survivors.  Her post brought tears to my eyes because I am part of this flock of parents that still can “lose the wind” under my wings as I try to stay above the tough moments so that I can protect and be there for my ten year old daughter who shares the same medical mountain of being an en utero stroke survivor. It gave me chills that I was given an emotional refill of hope for my daughter’s future because of the gift of another’s triumph and courage to share their story. The mountain is never climbed alone. I read her post over and over again, knowing that her words had to be shared.  May her story remind us all that our fears of the unknown are not the authors of our lives. Our story is not done. May we remember what truly matters—that only strength, hope, and love have the final say.  

My name is Taylor Teal and I live in Denham Springs, Louisiana. I am 22 years old and a pediatric stroke survivor. Shortly after birth the nurse noticed I was having episodes of asphyxiation and I was tested for various conditions. After twenty-two hours it was determined I had a stroke in utero and was having seizures as a result. A CAT scan determined one third of my brain was severely damaged.  Due to the amount of fluid on my brain, the doctors determined that the stroke had occurred at least 7-10 days before my birth.

My stroke caused the left side of my body to be very weak. I have limited use of my left arm or hand and I also walk with a limp. I started physical therapy at one month old and continued to do it until I was about 15 years old. Due to not fully being able to use my right arm and hand, I had struggles throughout my life and still do at times. Most of my struggles were physical tasks such as getting dressed, tying my shoes and blow-drying my hair. Some tasks I still have difficulty doing are opening things like water bottles, cutting food, picking up heavy things, and putting on jewelry.

As I got older, I taught myself how to do most everything by using one hand, like tying my shoes, dressing myself, and putting my hair in a pony-tail. Although I had struggles, my parents always found ways to help me do things my way. When I couldn’t ride a bike, they got me a tricycle. I wanted to play softball like “normal” kids, so they helped me learn to play by holding and swinging the bat with one hand. Those are a few examples.

It is important to think outside the box when it comes to figuring out how to do things, even though they may not be done the way an individual with no medical limitations would do them. I have always had high spirits and been very determined when it came to overcoming obstacles. Some negative effects on my family are that they constantly worry about the things I have a difficult time doing and how I will do certain things as I get older. A positive effect for them has been to see how strong, independent, and determined this has made me.

My experience of being a pediatric stroke survivor hasn’t always been easy, but it has made me the person I am today. I often wondered growing up “Why did this have to happen to me?” I wanted to be normal like other kids but knew I never would. I would just always remind myself that God made me this way and He did so for a reason. He knew I would be able to handle this situation and overcome so many things for which I am forever grateful. I am inspired by others I meet who are going through similar struggles in life and finding ways to thrive.

This past May I graduated college, earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. This has been my biggest accomplishment thus far in life. I am now working for a case management company as a support coordinator for people with special needs. I have always been extremely passionate towards individuals with special needs due to my own situation and the many years of being around others with special needs at therapy. I always knew I wanted to do something involving people with special needs and I am so thankful I am now able to do so.

My advice for individuals with special needs is to not let your situation define you, because it absolutely doesn’t. One must never give up no matter how frustrating or hard it can be at times; you can do anything you put your mind to. It is okay to be different and not “normal.” This was very hard for me to accept when I was younger. The older I got the more I realized that just because I am different, it does not mean that I am not able to do the same tasks or activities. My advice for families of those with special needs would be to never lose hope or give up on them. They need your help and support more than you know, so always try and stay positive. Even though it may not be an easy road and there will be difficult times, find the good in every situation. My advice to mainstream families would be do not treat those with special needs any different than any other individual.

Last but not least, always accept those with differences because it is okay to be different.

For more information regarding pediatric stroke, please visit: https://pediatricstrokewarriors.org/