News

By Lorie Ham

Libraries are a vital part of any community. How many people throughout the decades may never have had the chance to read a book if not for libraries? However, they now also offer so much more than books. They provide special programs, computers, DVDs/blu-rays, video games, music, and so much more, all for free.

The first public library in the United States dates all the way back to 1790 and came about due to Benjamin Franklin’s generosity. According to Digital Public Library of America, Benjamin Franklin donated a collection of books to a Massachusetts town that named itself after him. Franklin residents voted for those donated books to be freely available for town members, creating the nation’s first public library. After the Civil War, public libraries quickly began spreading in American towns and cities. These libraries were defined as board-governed and tax-funded instead of operated under a subscription model. They were and are open to all, and do not charge for their services. The focus then and now is on serving the needs of the general public.

The library plays a huge role in literacy, offering millions of people access to books that they could never afford to read if they had to purchase them. Many libraries also have weekly storytimes, where a librarian reads to small children. Not only is this fun, but it helps them learn language and grow up with a desire to read.

While library shelves are filled with all types of print books, both fiction and non-fiction, you can also borrow e-books and audiobooks without ever leaving your home. All you need is an internet connection, a library card, and a device to download the books onto. For many with vision problems, audiobooks are the only way they can consume books, and it’s also a great way for those constantly on the go to get to experience them even if they don’t have time to sit down and read.

Most libraries now also have free wi-fi and computers that patrons can use—again all you need is a library card, which is free. In this age of the internet, it is hard to do anything without access to wi-fi and computers—but not everyone can afford them. Many libraries also provide computer classes and computer help. Librarians can also help with research—whether for school, or some other project, and have copy machines and printers. Many have archives of old newspapers and history books, and some provide access to current newspapers.

The libraries where I live provide many wonderful free programs available for all ages. Yoga, Tai Chi, art, video game clubs for teens, crocheting groups, chess clubs, gardening classes, talks by authors (both virtual and in person), music, crafts, Dungeons and Dragons, English classes, reading to a dog, and so much more! For those seeking the company of others who also enjoy reading, many libraries have book clubs. During the summer, they have a summer reading program, which not only gives out prizes for reading but also brings in special guests to do talks and shows for the kids. Some of the types of shows included are reptile shows, balloon artists, magic, music, and theatre.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a reader, your local libraries still have something for you to enjoy! And while you are surrounded by so many books, perhaps you will find you just can’t resist reading as well!

April 6-12 is National Library Week. According to the American Library Association, National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. Be sure to tell your local library how much you appreciate them!

It is important that we celebrate and support our local libraries, not only during National Library Week, but all year long, through fundraising, volunteering, and supporting special measures that provide needed finances that keep them going. The US would be a sad place without libraries! Thanks to Benjamin Franklin for starting something that has changed and enriched the lives of billions!

Be sure to check out what your local library has available for you! And remember, it’s FREE, and available for everyone!

By Lorie Ham

Spring has sprung and it’s the perfect time to take that road trip you have been planning to go on once the weather was nice again. For many, Spring Break is also coming up, which makes it a perfect time to take the whole family with you! However, it is probably a good idea to plan out the details for your trip, especially if you are taking the family.

Erin Austen Abbott has some great tips for planning your trip in her article on Yahoo Creators. She states that planning ahead is especially a good idea if you are taking the kids. Her suggestions include planning out your route and checking what restaurants and stops you want to make along the way, booking your lodging ahead (she suggests to help your budget to plan some camping along the way as well), pack some healthy snacks and lunches, let the kids help with the planning, and make a road trip mix that the whole family can enjoy listening to—possibly including some audiobooks as well. Erin also has a great list of things to pack, one interesting one is duct tape, in case something in your car needs it or a suitcase gets ripped.

Blogger Scott Sery has his own list of things to consider when planning your Spring road trip. His suggestions include having a road trip theme, choosing the duration of your trip, and making a road trip budget.

Something else important to do before you leave, is to make sure that your car is ready for the trip as well—the last thing you want is to break down along the way from something totally preventable. Popular Mechanics has a list of things to check before you hit the road and it includes fluids, breaks, tires, and just an overall general maintenance check.

Another thing to consider before you leave is your auto insurance. Make sure you have the coverage you need. We asked Kevin Lucke, President/CEO of Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services, his thoughts on a few things you may want to consider.

Q: If you are planning a spring road trip, is there any particular kind of auto insurance coverage you need to be sure you have?

Kevin: There is nothing specific in auto insurance for a spring trip -as long as it is the US and perhaps Canada. Mexico is generally not covered, so if you are going to Mexico, you will need a Mexico tourist auto policy.

Q: Is spring a good time to check in with your agent and make sure your auto insurance needs haven’t changed?

Kevin: It is generally a good idea to check your coverage annually – does not necessarily need to be in spring, but it is good to occasionally review your coverages – especially if you had significant changes in your life.

Q:  Is there anything else about your insurance you should be aware of before heading off on your trip?

Kevin: It is a good idea to make sure you have liability insurance and possibly roadside protection in case of breakdown. Most insurers offer roadside coverage at differing coverage levels. They will also usually have a network of service providers should you be in need, and they may have that contact information on the insurance ID card or their website.

Q: If you have decided to rent a car for your trip, do you get that insurance through the car rental company or is that something you can get through your regular insurance?

Kevin: Many auto policies will cover your rental car. However, you will want to make sure you have liability and auto physical damage coverage. You can also usually purchase it through the rental car company, but it is usually a more expensive option. It is always good practice to read your policy to make sure you are covered while driving a rental car.

If you have any questions about your auto insurance coverage while planning your spring road trip, Mennonite Aid/Mennonite Insurance is happy to help! You can contact them at (559) 638-2327. Happy traveling!

By Lorie Ham

Lately it feels like there has been one disaster after another—fires, hurricanes, floods, volcanos, etc. How do you protect yourself and your property when these things happen? In past articles, we have talked about different types of safety, but we haven’t talked about floods and who might need flood insurance.

According to Kevin Lucke, President/CEO of Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services, anyone who lives in a flood area should consider buying flood insurance. “Floods happen frequently enough and damages can be substantial.” Typically, homeowners insurance excludes coverage for loss due to flood or surface water.

A recent article on Realtor.com, states that many U.S. homes lie within flood zones and a lot of homeowners aren’t properly aware of the risks or prepared to take them on. It also states that most homes in high-risk flood zones are near a body of water, and yet more than 20% of flood-related home insurance claims happen in non-flood zones.

One way to determine whether you are in a flood zone is by using flood maps. Flood maps, known officially as Flood Insurance Rate Maps, show areas of high- and moderate- to low-flood risk. FEMA is a good resource when you are trying to determine if you are in a flood zone. FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official source for National Flood Insurance Program flood hazard information,  produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You can use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk. Simply type in your address on the Flood Center webpage. If you live in an area with low or moderate flood risk, you are still five times more likely to experience a flood than a fire in your home over the next 30 years.

So you have accessed your risk of flooding and feel that flood insurance is a good idea, how do you go about getting flood insurance? “Most individuals can work through their insurance agent to procure flood insurance, or they could call the National Flood Insurance Program,” states Lucke.

There are also things you can do to help mitigate the damage done by floods. Property Wire has a list of eight things you can do. These include planting trees, installing water storage areas, building water diversions, water pumps, and floodgates. Floodgates are barriers and gates installed around your home, to doors, windows, and other openings, which would otherwise let in floodwater. The floodgates provide a water-tight barrier so no water can enter the house.

However, FEMA says, before you mitigate know your risk. Meeting National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements is the most cost-effective way to reduce the flood risk to new buildings and infrastructure, and FEMA provides tools and resources to help communities navigate NFIP requirements and implement higher standards of floodplain management. State and federal agencies, tribal governments, local communities, and property owners have a role in reducing flood risk and helping communities become more resilient. Everyone can play a part in making communities safer and more resistant to flood disasters.

If you have questions about flood insurance, Mennonite Insurance Services is happy to help. Just call (559) 638-2327.

Lorie Ham

It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day again! A day to wear green, go to St. Patrick’s Day parades, and eat Irish food. But where did St. Patrick’s Day and its traditions come from? According to History.com, St. Patrick’s Day observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green.

History.com also has an interesting list of nine surprising facts about St. Patrick’s Day, which include that there were no snakes in Ireland for Patrick to get rid of, leprechauns are likely based on Celtic fairies, and shamrocks were actually considered a sacred plant that legend says St. Patrick used as a visual guide when explaining the Holy Trinity. Also, the tradition of a St. Patrick’s Day parade began in America and predates the founding of the United States. 

What Americans tend to think of as St. Patrick’s Day food, such as corned beef and cabbage, is actually an American-Irish tradition. According to an article on Allrecipes.com, in Ireland, they just eat regular Irish food to celebrate the day. And it’s St. Paddy’s Day, not St. Patty’s Day. You can find recipes for much of that food in the same article. Food like Irish soda bread, Irish fish fry, and pot roast.

If you are looking for some new recipes to try for your celebration, here are a few provided by mystery authors who write food mysteries, and just happen to have written some that involve St. Patrick’s Day!

Joyce Tremel writes the Brewing Trouble Mysteries and has a Shepherd’s Pie recipe that she has adapted from a recipe from Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle restaurant in Pittsburgh.

Shepherd’s Pie

• 2-3 pounds ground beef or lamb (I use beef)
• 1/2 stick butter
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 cup sweet peas (optional-I make it without)
• Shredded vintage cheddar

Brown the ground beef in a pot or deep skillet with a heavy bottom. Drain and set aside.

In the same pot sauté the onions, celery, and carrots in butter until tender. Add garlic and thyme and sauté until the garlic starts to brown.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring until absorbed and cooked–don’t let it get too brown. Add the wine and beef stock and simmer until thick and bubbly, stirring occasionally. Add the meat back and if using peas, add them.

Transfer to a casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes. Top with shredded Irish cheddar and bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted.

Mystery author Maddie Day has a recipe for Irish Cheddar Cheese Soup from her Country Store Mystery Four Leaf Cleaver.

Irish Cheddar Cheese Soup

• 24 ounces ounce Irish pale lager (I used two 12 ounce Harp Lager bottles)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 14 ounces Irish white cheddar cheese, shredded + extra for garnish
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 celery ribs, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled, quartered and thinly sliced
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 bay leaves
• Coarse salt, fresh ground black pepper to taste
• Crumbled cooked bacon, sliced chives, and freshly chopped parsley for garnish

In a large pot, heat the butter over medium high heat. Add the onion, celery and carrots. Cook until somewhat softened and onion is starting to become translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic, stirring frequently, and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant. Sprinkle flour and mustard powder into the pot. Stir to combine and cook 1 minute. Pour half of the pale  lager into the pot and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Pour in the chicken broth and remaining pale lager. Add thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover  the pot, and cook 10 minutes.

Maintaining low heat, remove cover and whisk in cream cheese. Remove from heat. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a stand blender and blend until completely smooth.

Stir in Irish white cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately garnished with crumbled bacon, chives, and parsley and a slice of Irish soda bread!

Mystery author Peggy Ehrhart has a recipe for Irish Soda Bread in An Irish Recipe for Murder, a novella in the St. Patrick’s Day novella anthology, Irish Soda Bread Murder. Peggy has been making soda bread on St. Patrick’s Day for ages and made an interesting change from the standard recipe switching out buttermilk with yogurt.

Irish Soda Bread

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 5 tbsp. butter
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. caraway seeds
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut the butter in with two knives, your fingers, or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Mix in the sugar, seeds, and raisins. Beat the egg and yogurt together in a small bowl and add them to the flour mixture. Stir thoroughly.

Using a rubber spatula, turn the dough out onto a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle the dough with flour and pat it into a round, dome-shaped loaf with floured hands. Using a sharp knife, cut an X 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the top to mark quarters. There are photos of these steps on her website.

Bake the soda bread at 375 degrees for 50 minutes or until it is nicely brown. It’s delicious warm with butter but let it cool at least 15 minutes before slicing. Cut it into quarters first, and then slice the quarters.

To top off your St. Patrick’s Day meal, mystery author Leslie Budewitz has a recipe for Guinness Brownies, which was ooriginally published on Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen, on March 7, 2023.

Guinness Brownies

Adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction blog, by Sally McKenney

one 12-ounce bottle Guinness Stout, reduced (see below)

For the brownies:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at to room temperature
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons reduced Guinness
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Reduce the Guinness:

Pour the stout into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, reduce to medium and simmer until reduced down to 2/3 cup, about 15-20 minutes, then set aside to cool at least 10 minutes. Note that the beer will continue to reduce as it cools, so don’t overdo the reduction. The brownies call for 1/2 cup; you’ll use the rest in the frosting.

Make the brownies:

Heat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×9 inch pan by buttering or spraying it – be sure to get the corners. Or line it with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for lifting out the brownies – this makes cutting them easier.

Use your preferred method to melt the butter and chocolate – in a small saucepan, double boiler, or microwave. Whisk until smooth. Whisk in the sugar and 1/2 cup of reduced Guinness until completely combined. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla, then add the flour, salt, and espresso powder, and mix until the batter is thick and shiny. Pour the batter into the pan.

Bake 32 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out wet, bake another 2 minutes. Moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick are fine. No one likes an overdone brownie! Place pan on a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.

Make the frosting: In the bowl of your mixer, beat the butter on high until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar, beating on low; when the sugar is largely incorporated, increase speed to high and beat until creamy. (You don’t want a cloud of powdered sugar in your kitchen!) Add 2 tablespoons of reduced Guinness, 1 teaspoon espresso powder, vanilla, and salt. Taste. Add any remaining Guinness, if needed. If the frosting is a little too thick, you can thin it with a splash of milk.

Frost cooled brownies. Cut and serve.

Cover and store leftover brownies at room temperature for up to 1 week. Or just bring them over to my house.

This St. Patrick’s Day put on something green, and enjoy these delicious recipes while you celebrate! If you are looking for something St. Patrick’s Day-related to read and enjoy a good mystery, check out the authors mentioned in this article. Please share with us some of your St. Patrick’s Day traditions and recipes on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page.

By Lorie Lewis Ham

According to Drive Research, 52% of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day. While many of those celebrations are romantic, it is also a perfect time to celebrate the love we have for our family. One way to show that love is by keeping them safe. This is something that has become an even greater concern with the multitude of fires and severe weather that have been occurring lately.

There are many ways that we can help keep our families safe when they are away from home. You can make sure any family member who drives has proper driver safety training. You can remind them not to stay out in the heat or cold too long when there are extreme temperatures, and that they are properly dressed for the weather. It is also a good idea for them to have a cell phone so they can call for help in an emergency.

But what about when they are home? Are there things you can do to make your home a safer place? The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development has a long list of tips. Here are a few of them:

1. Properly storing poisons and medications—making certain no one will take them by mistake and that they are out of the hands of children and pets.
2. Install Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors in your home.
3. Make sure you have a family escape plan.
4. Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of children’s reach, and never smoke in bed, as that is the leading cause of fire-related deaths.
5. Keep anything that can catch fire away from fireplaces, heaters, and radiators. Replace frayed electrical wires.
6. Take care to avoid kitchen fires and burns. Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Turn pot handles toward the inside of the stove so children cannot grab them. Install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens and bathrooms.
7. Set water-heater thermostats below 120 degrees F (50 degrees C).
8. Learn CPR and First Aid. Have a First Aid Kit on hand.
9. Have a locked fence around your pool if you have small children or pets.
10. Keep electric appliances away from water.

Safety Talk Ideas.com lists three eye-opening safety statistics relating to home safety. There were an estimated 1.1 million burglaries that occurred in the U.S. in 2019. Approximately 12,000 children and young adults die from unintentional injuries each year. There are over 350,000 home structure fires per year in the United States (this year may be higher due to the recent devastating fires in Southern CA). Their website also includes some more great home safety tips, such as installing a smart doorbell, installing locks and sensors on windows, and a deadbolt on doors. They also suggest buying a delivery box protection system because so many packages are stolen these days off doorsteps and out of regular mailboxes. Products such as secure package delivery boxes can help to secure your packages. They also suggest getting a home security system. ConsumerAffairs.com offers a list of what they consider to be the top six security companies and a checklist to go through to find the one that best meets your needs.

Ready.gov offers suggestions on making an emergency plan should you ever need to evacuate. It’s something none of us want to think about, but it is another good way of keeping those you love safe.

Something else to consider when it comes to making your family safe is having the insurance you need. Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services is here to help. Now is the perfect time to check your coverage and make sure you have everything you need to protect your home, car, and family. Just call (559) 638-2327 to talk with an agent who will be happy to answer your questions. This Valentine’s Day month let’s do all we can to protect those we love.

By Lorie Lewis Ham

It won’t be long before spring is upon us again and perhaps the itch to get away—whether for a weekend, spring break, or just a fun spring vacation. Or perhaps you are already planning your summer getaway. There are many exciting places to visit on the West Coast that we are all familiar with. Big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland. But sometimes it’s fun to go somewhere not as well known—somewhere quieter.

One such place is the tiny Oregon coastal town of Depoe Bay. According to Visit Oregon, the town only has 1,800 residents and is about two miles long. It hugs the Pacific waters along the infamous coastal highway U.S. Route 101—the highway is actually the Main Street of the town. If you are looking for somewhere that is breathtakingly beautiful but also has interesting things to do and is quieter than a big city, this is the place for you. And if you do end up needing something they don’t have, it also is within driving distance of larger cities. Lincoln City is a mere ten miles away and has a population of 9,000, and the big city of Portland is just 101 miles away.

While Depoe Bay may be small, there are unique and fun things to do. One of those things is whale watching. Depoe Bay is known as the whale-watching capital of the Oregon Coast, according to Select Registry. At some of the local hotels, you can even catch glimpses from your window. From March to December, the whales head to the deep waters off the Oregon Coast during their annual migration. There is even a Whale Watch Center (opening again on February 28), shore observation decks, and charter boats if you want to get up close. Park staff and volunteers at the Whale Watch Center are happy to answer any questions and provide help in spotting whales and other marine life. It is equipped with binoculars for visitors and displays that feature facts about whales and information on what swimming patterns you might see. During their busiest times, thousands of gray whales migrate past on their way to and from the waters of Alaska and Mexico. You never know what might swim by. You might also see humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, porpoise, and even blue whales.

Two popular options for a place to stay in Depoe Bay that are right on the ocean are Channel House (which is a Bed and Breakfast) and Whale Cove Inn. There are also several cheaper options available if you are on a budget.

Here are some other things you can do while you are there:

1. Hiking Fishing Rock Trail.
2. Check out the local art galleries on Main Street.
3. Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area, a beautiful natural land formation that really must be seen firsthand.
4. Enjoy a bit of wine tasting at Depoe Bay Winery, which produces wine from grapes grown in the nearby Willamette Valley.
5. Visit Depoe Bay’s Spouting Horn, an underwater cave that throws saltwater into the air like a geyser.
6. Take a scenic drive (or bike ride) along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.
7. Take a fishing charter from the Depoe Bay Harbor. Companies like Dockside Charters offer a variety of charters, from fishing to whale watching.
8. If you happen to catch Depoe Bay on a stormy day, don’t fret. Storm watching on the Oregon Coast is a much-beloved tradition!
9. Visit the Cape Foulweather historical landmark, just 3 miles south of Depoe Bay—a perfect place to experience views of the Pacific Ocean from 500 feet above sea level!
10. Enjoy unique shopping and dining downtown along the seawall.

Whether you want to take part in the many activities, or just want a beautiful place to relax—Depoe Bay, Oregon is the perfect destination. There’s nothing more relaxing than listening to the sound of the ocean hitting the rocks below your hotel room while reading a good book.

This is the first in a series of travel articles we will be doing in 2025 about unique and lesser-known places to visit along the West Coast. If you have a favorite spot, please feel free to share on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page.