New Homeland Security Director takes office In this issue · Top ten tips to make a healthy holiday...
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In this issue 2 • On My Way Pre-K 3 The Torch is published monthly by the State Personnel Department and is available online at www.in.gov/spd Submit your story ideas to: [email protected] Follow us on: 5 8 • Celebraon Crossing at State Museum Got a story? December 2014 • 10 ps to make holiday eang healthy 4 • Steps Challenge winners get FitBits • Cash in points New Homeland Security Director takes office • Holiday favorites made healthy On November 24, the new Execuve Director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, David Kane took office. He was appointed by Governor Pence on October 30. “With nearly 30 years of experience in emergency response and management posions, David Kane has demonstrated his public safety experse and epitomized what it means to be a true public servant,” said Governor Pence. “I am confident that he is the right man at the right me to lead Indiana’s efforts to ensure the preparedness of the state and the safety of Hoosiers as Execuve Director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.” Since 2005, Kane has served as Federal Security Director for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Transportaon Security Administraon where he set the direcon and oversaw policy implementaon of the naonal transportaon security program. Prior to this role, he served as an Assistant Federal Security Director for the department. From 1985 to 2002, he served as an air marshal within the U.S. Department of Transportaon’s Federal Aviaon Administraon. Kane has experience working at the county, state and federal level in public safety. His ability to coordinate among numerous emergency response agencies was recognized when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary appointed him as the Federal Coordinang Official for the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Kane serves on the Execuve Policy Board for the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Execuve Board, the U.S. Aorney’s An-terrorism Advisory Council, and the Indiana Counter-Terrorism and Security Advisory Commiee. He is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and has cerficaon from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Kane replaces John Hill, who serves as Deputy Chief of Staff of Public Safety in the Office of the Governor.
Transcript of New Homeland Security Director takes office In this issue · Top ten tips to make a healthy holiday...
In this issue
2 • OnMyWayPre-K
3
The TorchispublishedmonthlybytheStatePersonnelDepartment
andisavailableonlineatwww.in.gov/spd
Submityourstoryideasto:[email protected]
Follow us on:
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8 • CelebrationCrossingatStateMuseum
Got a story?
December 2014
• 10tipstomakeholidayeatinghealthy
4• StepsChallengewinnersgetFitBits
• Cashinpoints
New Homeland Security Director takes office
• Holidayfavoritesmadehealthy
OnNovember24,thenewExecutiveDirectoroftheIndianaDepartmentofHomelandSecurity,DavidKanetookoffice.HewasappointedbyGovernorPenceonOctober30.
“Withnearly30yearsofexperienceinemergencyresponseandmanagementpositions,DavidKanehasdemonstratedhispublicsafetyexpertiseandepitomizedwhatitmeanstobeatruepublicservant,”saidGovernorPence.“IamconfidentthatheistherightmanattherighttimetoleadIndiana’seffortstoensurethepreparednessofthestateandthesafetyofHoosiersasExecutiveDirectoroftheIndianaDepartmentofHomelandSecurity.”
Since2005,KanehasservedasFederalSecurityDirectorfortheU.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurityTransportationSecurityAdministrationwherehesetthedirectionandoversawpolicyimplementationofthenationaltransportationsecurityprogram.Priortothisrole,heservedasanAssistantFederalSecurityDirectorforthedepartment.From1985to2002,heservedasanairmarshalwithintheU.S.DepartmentofTransportation’sFederalAviationAdministration.
Kanehasexperienceworkingatthecounty,stateandfederallevelinpublicsafety.HisabilitytocoordinateamongnumerousemergencyresponseagencieswasrecognizedwhentheU.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecuritySecretaryappointedhimastheFederalCoordinatingOfficialforthe2012SuperBowlinIndianapolis.
KaneservesontheExecutivePolicyBoardfortheIndianaIntelligenceFusionCenter,theFBIJointTerrorismTaskForceExecutiveBoard,theU.S.Attorney’sAnti-terrorismAdvisoryCouncil,andtheIndianaCounter-TerrorismandSecurityAdvisoryCommittee.HeisagraduateoftheIndianaLawEnforcementAcademyandhascertificationfromtheFederalLawEnforcementTrainingCenter.
KanereplacesJohnHill,whoservesasDeputyChiefofStaffofPublicSafetyintheOfficeoftheGovernor.
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Congratulations to the Steps Challenge team and individual winners!
Education
Family applications are now being accepted for On My Way Pre-KIndiana’sOfficeofEarlyEducationandOut-of-SchoolLearning(OECOSL)isnowacceptingapplicationsfromfamiliesinthefirstfourpilotcountieswhomaybeeligibleforgrantsfortheirchildrentoreceivehigh-quality,prekindergarteneducationthroughtheOnMyWayPre-KprogramstartinginJanuaryof2015.Childreneligibleforthefirstphaseofthepilotwillinclude4-year-oldslivinginAllen,Lake,MarionorVanderburghCountieswhostartkindergarteninthefallof2015.JacksonCountyisalsopartofthepilotandwillbecomeoperationallaterin2015.
Familiesmustmeetthefollowingeligibilitycriteriatoapply:• Thefamilymusthaveanincome
below127percentofthefederalpovertylevel(Seeincomeeligibilityguidehere),
• ThefamilymustresideinAllen,Lake,MarionorVanderburghCounties,and
• Thechildmustbefour(4)yearsoldandstartingkindergarteninAugust2015.
ApplicationsarebeingaccepteduntilDecember15,2014.Ifmorefamiliesqualifythantherearegrantsavailable,awardswillbemadethrougharandomizedlotteryprocess.ThislotterywillbeheldonoraroundDecember17,2014,andfamilieswillbenotifiediftheyreceiveagrant.
Onceachildhasreceivedagrant,parentsmaychoosefromanyoftheeligible,enrolledOnMyWayPre-Kprograms.OECOSLiscurrentlyenrollinghigh-qualityprogramswhichareeithertop-rankedatlevel
3orlevel4onPathstoQUALITYorareaccreditedbyanapprovednationalorregionalaccreditingbody(Clickherefordetailsonprovidereligibility).
Approvedpre-Kprogramsmaybelocatedinapublicorprivateschool,licensedchildcarecenter,licensedhomeorregisteredministryaslongasthatprogrammeetsthequalityrequirementsandisregisteredasanOnMyWayPre-KProvider.Familiesmaychoosefromaprogramthatisfull-dayorpart-day,aswellasfromprogramsthatendwiththeschoolyearorcontinuethroughthesummer.Alistofapprovedpre-KproviderswillbemadeavailableinDecemberandpostedonline.Familieswhoneedhelpfindinganapprovedpre-Kprogramcanalsocall1-800-299-1627forassistancefromanearlylearningreferralspecialist.
• ToapplyinAllenCountyclickhere.
• ToapplyinLakeCountyclickhere.
• ToapplyinMarionCountyclickhere.
• ToapplyinVanderburghCountyclickhere.
• Forinstructionsonhowtocompletetheapplicationclickhere.
OnMyWayPre-KisthenameofIndiana’sfirststate-fundedprekindergartenprogram,whichwasapprovedasafive-countypilotbytheIndianaGeneralAssemblyin2014.InadditiontoAllen,Lake,MarionandVanderburghCounties,whicharemakingalimitedprogramavailableforabout400childrenbeginninginJanuary,JacksonCountywilljointheothersandbefully-
operationalbythefallof2015.Thepilotprogramisexpectedtoultimatelyserveapproximately2,000studentsinthefivecounties.
GovernorPenceandtheIndianaFamilyandSocialServicesAdministrationarecommittedtoaskingthe2015GeneralAssemblytosetasidefundsinthenextstatebudgettohelpensuretheongoingsuccessofOnMyWayPre-K.TheOfficeofEarlyChildhoodandOut-of-SchoolLearningisadivisionoftheIndianaFamilyandSocialServicesAdministration(FSSA).
Artwork by Jerry Williams
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Top ten tips to make a healthy holiday feast your family will loveFoodisakeyingredientinourholidaycelebrations.Manyofourtraditionsincludefood,anditcanoftenseemoverwhelmingandimpossibletomakehealthychoicesandnotgainweight.We’resurroundedbytastytemptationsduringtheholidayseason.Tostayontrackthisholidayseason,trythese10healthyeatingtips:
Don’t arrive at the table over-hungry:Avoidskippingmeals.Gettingover-hungryisarecipefordisaster.Itwillleadtoover-eatingandbeingstuffedisagoodideaonlyifyouareaturkey!Instead,trytochoosesmaller,healthiermealsandsnacksbeforethebigmealsuchasaneggwithasliceofwhole-wheattoast,orabowlofwhole-graincerealwithlow-fatmilkforbreakfast.
Substitution solution:Considerwhatfoodsyoucanpassoverandthosethatyoureallywant.Youmightopttoskiptheappetizersinfavorofdessert,orgolightonthestuffingtomakeroomformashedpotatoes.Makeafewtrade-offssoyoucanenjoywhatyouwantmost.
Scan the line up:Therearesomanyoptionstochoosefrom,itcanbeoverwhelming.Perusethefoodlayoutwithoutaplatefirsttomethodicallypickandchoosewhatyouwanttoeatandconsiderbalanceandvariety.Thisway,whenyouserveyourfoodyouwillstillhaveroomonyourplate(andinyourbelly)whenyougettotheendoftheline.
Saddle up to the sides:IdentifyhighfatThanksgivingfavorites,whichcanbefoundinfriedandcreamydishes,itemswithfull-fatgravy,aswellascheese-filledcasseroles.Ifyoucannotcontroltheingredientsthatgointoadish(or
yourdesiretoeatthem),simplylimityourselftoasmallerhelping.
Fill ‘er up:Fillhalfyourplatewithfruitand/orvegetablestofillyourbellyupwithhighfiber,lowercalorieoptions.Saveonequarterofyourplateforaleanmeatandanotherquarterforastarchorwholegrainoption.Plainvegetableswithoutaddedsauces,roastedsweetpotatoes,salads,andmashedpotatoeswithlow-fatgravytendtobethebestbetsbecausetheyarelowerinfatandcalories.
Go skinless:choosea3-4-oz(sizeofthedeckofcards)skinless,whiteturkeymeatforalowerfatserving.Hamisasaltieroption,butcanbeenjoyedinthesameportion.
Table manners:Choosesmallfirst-helpingssoyouwon’tfeelguiltyaboutgoingbackforseconds.Ittakesabout20minutesforthebody’sfullnessfactortokickin,soslowdownyoureatingbyputtingyourforkdownanddrinkingwaterinbetweenbites,andjoinintheconversation.
Quench your thirst:Thebodyoftenconfusesthirstforhunger.Stay
hydratedthroughoutthedaychoosingwaterorothercalorie-freebeverages.Alcohol,flavoredcoffees,applecider,hotchocolate,andotherholidaybeveragescanbeloadedwithcaloriesandaddedsugar,soenjoytheminmoderation.
Focus on everything but the food:Thetruespiritoftheholidaysisnotthefood,butconnectingwithfamilyandfriends.Positionyourselfawayfromthefood.Takeawalkoutsidetoenjoythefallweatherorplayagameinsteadofhangingaroundthefoodallnight.
Kiss the cook:Substituteafewhighfat,highsugar,andhighsaltingredientswithhealthieroptions.Forinstance,usefat-freechickenbrothtobastetheturkeyandmakegravy.Usesugarsubstitutesinplaceofsugarand/orfruitpureesinsteadofoilinbakedgoods.Reduceoilandbutterwhereveryoucan.Tryplainyogurtorfat-freesourcreamincreamydips,mashedpotatoes,andcasseroles.Try98percentfat-freecreamsoupandlow-fatmilk.Avoidusingthesaltshakerandinsteadoptforsalt-freeherbsandspices.
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Thanks to the Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for this submission.
Shake up your holiday menu with healthy traditional favorites
Sweet Potato CasseroleThisdelightfuldishcanquicklybecomeadessertratherthanasidedish.
• Replacethesugarwithasmallamountofhoney(minimum1Tablespoontomaximum1/3cup)orsugar-freesweetener.
• Topping:Topwithpecansoroatsratherthanmarshmallows
Mashed PotatoesThishomemadeclassicisoftenhighinfatandcalories.
• Uselow-fatorfat-freemilk(orevaporatedmilk)insteadofcream
• Replacebutterwithlow-sodiumchickenbroth
Green Bean CasseroleRatherthanusinghigh-sodiumcannedproducts,impressyourguestsbymakingthisfavoritefromscratch!
• Makeyourowncreamofmushroomsoup• Usefrozengreenbeansinsteadofcanned
topping• TopwithalmondsinsteadofFrench-fried
onions
TamalesThistraditionaldishcancontainavarietyoffillings,butamainingredientisoftenlard.
• Tryusingcanolaoilforsome,orall,ofthelard• TrysubstitutingGreekyogurtorricottacheese
forpartialamounts,orinplaceof,lard
Pumpkin PieCommonplaceinholidaykitchens,thissweettreatcanbemodifiedwithoutsacrificingflavor.
• Usewholewheatcrust• Choosepurepumpkininsteadofpumpkinpie
filling• Uselow-fatorfat-freemilk(orevaporated
milk),ratherthansweetenedcondensedmilkorheavycream
Macaroni and CheeseThisfamily-friendlydishisaperfectopportunitytoincorporatevegetables--andreducefat.
• Addcauliflower,broccoli,greens,orothervegetablestothedishbeforebaking
• Usewholewheatpasta• Chooselow-fatdairy
Belowaretipsandrecipestohowtomakeyourfavoriteholidaydisheshealthierwithoutmissingoutontheflavor:
Basic Tamales1bagcornhusks4cupshotbroth,chickenorbeef11/4cupcanolaoil1Tablespoonbakingpowder7cupsinstantcornmasamix*Saltandpeppertotaste*Chooseyourfavoriteholidayfilling
Directions1.Soakcornhusksinhotwaterfor30minutes.Drainandplaceinbowl.2.Combinebroth,oil,andbakingpowderwithmasamixinelectricmixerbowl.Mixfor2to3minutestothicken;addsaltandpeppertotaste.Setaside.3.Combinefillingingredientsinbowl.Setaside.
4.Assembly:Spread2to3Tablespoonsmasaonsmoothsideofcornhusk.Place1to2Tablespoonsoffillingalongthemasacenterandrolltamalelikeajellyroll.Foldtailoverandplacetamaletail-sidedownonasheetpan.Refrigerateorfreezerawtamalesinzipperbagsuntilreadytosteam.5.Steamingtamales:Place2inchesofwaterinsteamerpot.Placetamales(foldedtailsdown)inbasket.Don’tovercrowdtamales.Cover,bringtoaboil,reduceheattolow,andcookfortwohoursoruntilcornshuckpullsawayfrommasa.
Healthy, Easy Green Bean Casserole2,8-ouncepackagesofmushrooms,chopped1onion,diced1teaspooncanolaoil3Tablespoonsflour1/2cupvegetablebroth1cuplow-fatmilk(canuseUHTmilk)1/2teaspoonblackpepper1/4teaspoongarlicpowder2,12-ouncepackagesoffrozengreenbeans1cupalmonds,divided
Directions:1. Preheatovento375°F.2. Placemushrooms,onion,and
canolaoilinmediumsaucepanonmediumheat;sauteabout5-7minutes.
3. Stirinflourandevenlycoatthevegetables.
4. Addvegetablebroth,milk,pepper,andgarlicpowder.Heattoboiling,stirringregularly.Onceboiling,simmerfor10-12minutes,oruntilthickenedtoagravy-likeconsistency.Continuetostirregularly.
5. Stirgreenbeansand1/2cupalmondsintothesaucepan.
6. Pourgreenbeanmixtureintoa9x9casseroledishandbakefor30-35minutes.
7. Meanwhile,toast1/2cupalmondsinapanonthestoveonlowheatforabout5minutes.Topcasserolewithtoastedalmonds.
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Steps Challenge winners receive FitBits for excelling in challengeAsapartofEmployeeHealthandWellness,theStatePersonnelDepartment(SPD)launchedtheStepsChallengeandencouragedallthatparticipatedtocomplete200,000stepsduringJuly.Approximately8,100employeesparticipatedwithmorethan6,350logging200,000steps.Totalstepsloggedinthechallengewere2.4billion.Thankyoutoallwhoparticipated!
OnOct.8,theStepsChallengeTeamwinnerwasawardedFitBitsforeachparticipant.Outof137teams,theOfficeofUtilityConsumerCounselor(OUCC)teambeatalltherest.Theiraveragestepsperpersonaddedupto499,387or250miles.Theirteamconsistedof:DuaneJasheway,TakiaBland,ScottFranson,RandallHelman,EdwardRutter,JeffreyReed,SusannBrown,CherylWilliams,DanielLeVay,TheresaDavis,StacieGruca,EdwardKaufman,MichaelEckert,RobertMork,AlexStippler,RaySnyder,AbbyGray,AnthonySwinger,ScottBell,BarbaraSmith,PradeepSircar,CharlesPatrickandLorraineHitzbradley.
OnOct.29,theindividualwinnerfromtheStepsChallengewasnamedJosephBell,fromINDOTSeymourDistrict,isanactivemarathonrunnerandaveragesbetween10to20milesperday.
(Left to right) Joseph Bell, SPD Director Denny Darrow, John McCrary, SPD Wellness Director Cameron Troxell.
The OUCC Steps challenge team along with Cameron Troxell and former SPD Director Anita Samuel.
Redeem your Healthy Lifestyles points before it’s too late!YouraccesstoMyHealthyLifestyles.comendsDecember31.Theredemptioncenterhasbeenupdatedwith19newrewards!Checkoutthenewoptionslikefitnessgloves,ahydrationpack,ablenderandaheartratemonitor.Itisa“useitorloseit”policyforyourpoints.SobesuretoredeemthembyDecember31,oryouwilllosethem.
LogintoMyHealthyLifestyles.comandgototheRewardsCentertoselectyourprizes.
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18th Street Brewery, Brown County State Park and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis named “Best of Indiana”
Tourism
Withthousandsofvotescast,thepublichasselectedthewinnersoftheannualBestofIndianaFallawards.Theawards,acomponentoftheIndianaOfficeofTourismDevelopment’s(IOTD)popularfalltravelsiteVisitIndianaFall.com,askedHoosierstoselectIndiana’sBestFallBeer,BestFallCampingadventureandBestHauntedAttraction.Thewinnersare:
• Best Fall Beer:SinisterDoubleIPA-18thStreetBrewery,Gary.
• Best Fall Camping Adventure:BrownCountyStatePark
• Best Haunted Attraction:CreepyCarnivalHauntedHouse-TheChildren’sMuseumofIndianapolis
“ThesewinnerstrulyrepresenttheBestofIndiana.TheChildren’sMuseumofIndianapolisisaworld-classdestination,Indiana’srobustmicrobrewingindustryembodiestheentrepreneurialspiritofHoosiersandtheIndianaparkssystemistheenvyofotherstates,”saidMarkNewman,IOTD’sexecutivedirector.“Itisapointofpridetohavethesewinners,aswellasthediversesetofnomineesthatmadeupthecategories,inourstate.”Withnearly100microbreweriesthroughoutIndiana,theHoosierStateisinthemidstofabeerboom.Twenty-twofall-themedbrewswerenominatedinthiscategory.Indiana’sBestFallBeerisSinisterDoubleIPAfrom18thStreetBreweryinGary.TheBestFallBeercategorywasthemostcompetitiveofthethreeand
sawthehighestvoterparticipation,showingHoosiersloveIndiana-brewedbeer.18thStreetBreweryonlybottlesSinisterDoubleIPAonceayear,givingHoosiersyetanotherreasontolookforwardtofall.3Floyds’(Munster)MunsterfestandIechydDaBrewingCompany’s(Elkhart)BreakfastCookiesMilkStoutroundedoutthetopthreevotegetters.Indianaaboundswithnaturalbeautyandofferscampingopportunitiesdiverseenoughtoaccommodateallexperiences;from“glamping”torelivingtherusticdaysofthepioneers.Votersselectedthecampingoptionsat
BrownCountyStateParkasIndiana’sBestFallCampingAdventure.HometosomeofthemostchallengingbiketrailsinNorthAmerica,BrownCountyStateParkisnationally-knownforitsfallbeauty.TherearefewbetterlocationsintheHoosierstatetoexperienceautumn’sbrilliantdisplaysofcolorthanthissouthernIndianadestination.AlsofinishinginthetopthreewereLakeRudolphCampgroundandRVResortinSantaClausandTurkeyRunStateParkinParkeCounty.
CreepyCarnivalHauntedHouseattheChildren’sMuseumofIndianapolistakestheprizeasIndiana’sBestHauntedAttraction.Inits51styear,theCreepyCarnivaloffersvaryinglevelsoffrightforchildrenofallages,froma“lightson”optionforyoungerkidstothe“extremescream”forolderkidsandadults.TheCreepyCarnivalattractsover50,000visitorsannuallyandisnowIndiana’sBestHauntedAttraction.Seymour’sFearFairandHalloweenWeekendsatLakeRudolphCampgroundandRVResortwerealsointhetopthree.
NomineesforBestFallBeer,BestFallCampingAdventureandBestHauntedAttractionwererecommendedbymembersofIndiana’stravel,tourismandhospitalityindustrywithfinalselectionsmadebyIOTD.ThecompetitionbeganinearlySeptemberandthepubliccouldvoteforuptofivenomineesineachcategory.Publicparticipationinthisyear’scompetitionfarexceededlastyear’s.VisitIndianaFall.comisacompanionsitetotherecently-redesignedVisitIndiana.com,theofficialstatetravelwebsitewherediscounts,tripideasandhelpfultipsareeasilyaccessible.
TourismisbigbusinessinIndiana.AneconomicimpactreportreleasedinDecember2013showsthetravel,tourismandhospitalityindustryisthesixthlargestindustryinthestate(excludinggovernment),isdirectlyresponsiblefornearly140,000jobs,generatesover$2.1billionintaxreceiptsandcontributesover$10billioninrevenuetoIndianabusinesses.Therecently-launchedHonest-to-GoodnessIndianabrandcampaignaimstofurtherelevatetheundertoldstoriesofIndiana’sdestinations,assetsandattractions.
Best Fall Camping Adventure: Brown County State Park.
Best Fall Beer: Sinister Double IPA- 18th Street Brewery, Gary.
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INDOT
2014-2015 SECC met the 1.3M goal
Giving back
OnSept.3the2014-2015StateEmployees’CommunityCampaign(SECC)officiallybeganwiththetheme“HeartofPublicService.”ChairmanDORCommissionerMikeAlley,ledthewaytoreachthestate’sgoalof$1.3M.
“ThankyoufellowstateemployeesforshowingonceagainthatweshareTheHeartofPublicService!saidAlley.“I’mveryproudofourstateemployeeteam
forsurpassingourSECCcampaigngoalof$1.3million!Theimpactofyourgenerositywillbefeltacrossthehundredsofnon-profitorganizationsselectedbyyouasbeneficiaries.YourinvestmentswilltouchthousandsandimprovelivesandcommunitiesallacrossIndianaandbeyond.Thankyouforopeningyourmind,openingyourheart,andgenerouslyopeningyourpocketbook!”
Employeescanstillparticipateinthecampaignbycompletingapledgeform.Payrolldeductionsmadeduringthecampaignwilltakeeffectwiththefirstpayrollin2015.Ifyouhaveotherquestionsaboutthecampaign,pleasevisittheFAQpageorvisitwww.insecc.orgforadditionalinformation.
Use caution when driving this winterINDOTwantsyouandyourfamilytostaysafeontheroadsthiswinter.Byfollowingthesetips,you’llbereadyforwinterdriving.Anddon’tforget:IceandSnow,TakeitSlow!
WinterDrivingSafety• Knowledge:Beforeleaving
home,findoutaboutthedrivingconditionsthroughoutIndianaatindot.carsprogram.org.Safedriversknowtheweather,andtheirlimits.Iftheweatherisbad,remember:IceandSnow,TakeitSlow…orjustdon’tgo.
• Clear:Removeanysnowonyourvehicle’swindows,lights,brakelightsandsignals.Makesureyoucanseeandbeseen.
• Inspect:Checkyourvehicle’stires,wiperblades,fluids,lights,beltsandhoses.Abreakdownisbadonagooddayanddangerousonabad-weatherday.
• Time:Leaveplentyoftimetoreachyourdestinationsafely.It’snotworthputtingyourselfandothersinadangeroussituationjusttobeontime.
Caution:SlipperyWhenWet!• First Snow or Ice:Driversoften
aren’tpreparedforwinterdrivingandforgettotakeitslow.Remembertodrivewellbelowthepostedspeedlimitandleaveplentyofroombetweencars.
• Black Ice:Roadsthatseemdrymayactuallybeslipperyanddangerous.Takeitslowwhenapproachingintersections,off-ramps,bridgesorshadyareastheseallarehotspotsforblackice.
• Limited Visibility:Stayattentiveandreducespeed.Knowwhat’sgoingonaroundyou.
• Four-Wheel Drive:Onsnowandice,goslowly,nomatterwhattypeofvehicleyoudrive.EvenifyouhaveanSUVwithfour-wheel
driveyoumaynotbeabletostopanyfaster,ormaintaincontrolanybetter,onceyoulosetraction.Four-wheeldrivemaygetyougoingfaster,butitwon’thelpyoustopsooner.
• Give INDOT plow crews room to work.It’sadifficultjobandthey’reontheroad24hoursadaytokeepyousafe.Stayback,slowdownandwatchforplowsmakingsuddenstopsorturns.
TipsforsafewinterdrivingcanbefoundatWinterDrivingSafety.in.govWinterDrivingKitForEmergencies:• Icescraper&brush• Tools&flashlightwithbatteries• Sandorcatlitterfortiretraction• Boots,gloves&hat• Shovel• Jumpercables• Food,water&blanket• Flaresorreflectivetriangle• Coffeecan,candle&matchestocreatea“furnace”
• Firstaidkit• Cellphone• Prescriptionmedicinesyoutakeregularly
DriversinIndianacanmonitorroadconditionsandtrafficalertsacrossthestateatanytimebygoingtoTrafficWise.in.gov.Roadwayinformationisalsoavailablebycalling1-800-261-ROAD(7623)or5-1-1fromamobilephone.
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Things to do
10 reasons not to miss ‘Celebration Crossing’ at the State Museum DuringDecember,theIndianaStateMuseumhostsitsannualCelebrationCrossingexhibitthroughWednesday,December31.Thepopulareventbringsbackoldmemoriesandcreatesnewonesasvisitorsenjoyholidayfood,fun,sightsandsounds.Belowarethetop10reasonsnottomissCelebrationCrossingthisyear:
1. Celebration Crossing Opening DayOnFriday,Nov.28thecelebrationopenedwithholidaymerrimentfromthesoundsofbandsandchoirstothearrivalofSantaandMrs.Clausonthefrontlawnbyhelicopter.ChildrenofallagesareinvitedtoridetheSantaClausExpress,makecraftsandrekindlememoriesofholidayspastastheygazeintotherecreatedL.S.Ayresstorewindows.
2. Santa’s new houseDelightinthemagicoftheholidayseasonbyjoiningSantaandMrs.Clausintheirnewlyconstructedhomefilledwiththesmellofgingerbreadandpine,whiletwinklelightsinthewindowallaglow.ChildrenwilltakephotoswithSantaandwhisperChristmaswishesinhisear.
3. L.S. Ayres Tea RoomThisyearthehistoricL.S.AyresTeaRoomwillbeconvertedintotheperfectholidayplacetohavetheperfectholidaymeal.ThroughWednesday,Dec.31,walk-indinerswillbeinvitedtocelebratetheseasonwithfriendsandfamilyandselectfromamenuofamazingappetizerstodevilishdesserts,allwhileenjoyingthefestivedecorations,musicandscheduledentertainment.Reservationsrequired.
4. Santa’s Holiday BreakfastDuringthelastweekinNovemberandthefirst3weeksinDecember,guestswillgettostarttheirmorningsoffwithdeliciousholidaybreakfastasMrs.Claus,RaggedyAnnandotherholiday
charactersentertaintheyoungonesbeforetheyvisitSantaClausandridetheSantaClausExpress.Reservationsrequired.
5. Santa’s Holiday BrunchOnSunday,Dec.21adultsandkidsalikewilljoininthefunduringthisholidaybrunchfeaturingtraditionalbrunchdishesandfestiveholidaymimosas.BrunchalsoincludesavisitwithSantaandaccesstotherestoftheCelebrationCrossingactivities.Reservationsrequired.
6. Santa’s PlaygroundThroughoutthemonthofDecember,guestswillbetreatedtoSanta’s(Imagination)playgroundintheEarlGoodeEducationCenteronLevel2.Inadditiontothescience,technology,engineeringandmath(STEM)-basedactivityarea,therewillalsobecraftsandaplaceforcaregiverstositandrelaxwhiletheirchildrenplay.
7. Hoosier Radio Hour: A 1920s ChristmasOnTuesday,Dec.9andSunday,Dec.21guestswillbetransportedbacktothe1920sasmembersofthemuseum’sLegacyTheaterpresentHoosierRadioHour:A1920sChristmas.Situatedina1920s’radiostudio,thecastbroadcastsaliveretellingoftheCharlesDickensclassicAChristmasCarol.Periodmusic,anaudiencesing-alongandperiodslangwillengageaudiencemembersofallages.Theproductionisalsoavailablebyreservationtogroupsonotherdates.
8. Holiday SoundsSchoolandcommunitychoirs,bands,ensemblesandsoloistsperformholiday
musicinthemuseum’sGovernorFrankO’BannonGreatHalleachday.Enjoyholidaysoundsinaspectacularatmosphere.
9. Celebration Crossing: A Family New Year’s EveEndtheyearwithabangwithafamily-friendly,alcohol-freecelebrationintheGovernorFrankO’BannonGreatHallonWednesday,Dec.31from6to9p.m.Activitiesincludeface-painting,artsandcraft,games,doorprizesandaspecialmusicalperformancebyIndianapolisbandTheTides.Aballoondropat8p.m.allowslittleonestocelebratetheNewYearinstyle.Reservationsrecommended.
10. Tea with DollyOnSunday,Dec.28dollenthusiastsareinvitedtobringtheirfavoritedolltothemuseumandenjoytheserenityofteatimeatTeawithDolly,anewholidayaffairinthehistoricL.S.AyresTeaRoom.Membersofthemuseum’scuratorialteamwillbeonhandtoexamineeachdollandprovideinformationonpopulardollsofthepast100years.Reservationrequired.
Forspecificdates,timesandcostsassociatedwithprogramming,ortomakereservations,pleasecall317.232.1637orvisitwww.indianamuseum.org.
Visitors wait to ride the Santa Claus express.
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Annualentrance,boatingandhorsebackridingpermitsforIndianaStateParksfor2015areavailableonlineatInnsgifts.comandatstateparkspropertyoffices.
StateParksannualentrancepermitscost$40forIndianaresidentsand$60forout-of-stateresidents.GoldenHoosierPermits,whichareannualentrancepermitsforHoosiersage65orolder,cost$20.
AnnualentrancepermitsallowentryintoallIndianastateparks,lakesandgatedstateforestrecreationareas.Campinggiftcardsfor2015canbepurchasedonlineatInnsgifts.com,atanystateparkorlakeoffice,orbycalling1-866-622-6746.
Get your holiday pack early!
After speaking at the Indiana War Memorial’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, Governor Mike Pence joins Hoosiers in a standing ovation for Indiana National Guard Adjutant General Umbarger, who is retiring in May after nearly 50 years of military service. To see more pictures of the Governor, visit www.in.gov/gov/2387.htm.
Maintain not gain over the holiday season and new year
Thanks to the Indiana State Department of Health for this submission.
MaintainnotgainovertheHolidaysFormanyHoosiers,havingahappyholidaymeansputtinghealthynutritionandphysicalactivityonholdresultinginweightgain.Somegainfiveormorepoundsanddon’tloseitthefollowingyears.Excessweightoranunhealthylifestylecontributestoseveralchronicdiseasesincludingheartdisease,diabetes,hypertensionandcancer.Maintainingaweightthat’sappropriateforone’sheightandageisaneasywaytostayhealthyandsavemoneyonhealthcarecosts.So,makeacommitmenttoyourselfandtoyourhealthtoremainatyourcurrentweightthroughouttheholidayseasonthisyear!
Sometipsforstayinghealthyovertheholidaysinclude:• Planaheadtoaddmorephysicalactivityintoyourweek.Takealongwalkwiththefamilyfirstthinginthemorning,andthen
againafterthemealinsteadofheadingstraightforthecouch.
• Insteadofpilingyourplatesky-highthisholiday,tryfocusingonright-sizingyourportions.
• Ifyoudecidetogoshopping,plantogetinsomeactivitywhilethere.Whenyoufirstarrive,parkfarawayandthentakesomelapsaroundthemall.Packyourownsnacksandwatertoavoidthetemptationofthefoodcourt.Wearcomfortablewalkingshoesandremembertotakethestairsinsteadoftheescalatororelevator.
• Fillhalfofyourplatewithfruitsandvegetables,andthencorrectlyportionoutyourotheritems.
• Considermakingsubstitutionsinsomeofyourfavoriterecipes.Forexample,mashedpotatoes
typicallyincludelotsofbutterandwholemilk.Allofthatextrafatcanmakeithardertomaintainyourweightovertheholidays.Considerusingmascarponecheeseinsteadofbutterandlow-fatmilkinsteadofwholemilk.Youwon’tevennoticethedifference!
Agreatwaytokeepontrackistowritedownyourdailyphysicalactivity,howmanyfruitsandvegetablesyoueateachday,andhowmuchwateryoudrink.Itcanreallyhelp!HappyHolidays!
