This week at the Senior Center

“At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat.” -- Matthew 12:1

According to Healthy Hub. Com there are 10 incredible Health Benefits of corn.

1. Speeds up weight loss. 2. Improves digestive health.

2. Improves digestive health.

3. Brilliant for eyesight.

4. Helps to lower Cholesterol levels.

5. An excellent Pre-Biotic. 6. Prevents anemia.

7. Rich source of protein.

8. Helps to keep blood healthy.

9. Keeps nerves and muscles healthy.

10. Packed with vitamins and minerals.

So with that being said, can you think of a better reason to eat corn than it tastes yummy. Especially corn on the cob with lots of butter and salt. But before we could eat the corn we had to pick and husk it.

Mom and some of us kids would go out early in the morning and pick bushels of corn for eating and canning. Sometimes when we tested the kernels to see if they were ready that sweet, juicy milk from the kernel would squirt in our face. Boy was that a sticky mess. Then of course we had to sample one every so often just for good measure. After we had enough picked we took the baskets to the house to begin the husking process.

We would arrange chairs in a circle and in that circle were three containers. One had the corn in it, another was for the husks and the other for the corn after the husks were removed. Being kids we felt the urge to squirt the person next to us with the corn milk. Once in a while there would be a corn worm among the silks that had to be taken out. Yuck. I hated those worms.

Canning corn was a whole day process. From picking and husking the corn, to washing all those quart jars, to cutting the corn off the cob and packing it in jars and placing them in the wash boiler. Making sure there was just the right amount of water in the boiler. The water couldn't come above the neck of the jar. And then keeping the cook stove going so it would boil. It took lots of cobs that we had gathered out of the pig pen earlier.

Do you have any idea how hot it got in the kitchen with no air conditioning and no fan? Opening a window didn't help much unless there was a breeze outside. Of course some of the roasting ears were kept out to have for supper slathered with good old home churned butter and salt. So it was a long day of hard work but the rewards were phenomenal.

After I go married I decided I was going to can corn like mom did. I guess I canned a dozen or so jars and they looked so good. All those golden kernels glowing through the glass jars was impressive. But something went wrong. They all spoiled. That's the last time I canned anything but jelly.

Some people have the knack and some don't. I'll leave canning to those who do.

THIS WEEKS BIRTHDAYS AT THE SENIOR CENTER:

Jerry Chadwick, 7/1; Delores Ellyett, 7/2.

Birthday dinner will be served on Wednesday, July 29 at 11:30 a.m. Like always it will be chicken, mashed potatoes, corn and cake and ice cream. Hope to see you there.

NOW FOR EVENTS AND CHEF STEPHEN’S MENUS:

The Senior Center is open for meals at 11:30 a.m. Some activities have been planned.

Wednesday, July 1: 12:30 p.m. card group (8); at 1 p.m. is FROGS; for lunch: Ham, scalloped potatoes, peas and mixed fruit.

Thursday, July 2: 9 a.m. FROGS; 1 p.m. cards; for lunch: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, corn and pears.

Friday, July 3: Closed for Independence Day.

Monday, July 6: 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. movie and popcorn; at 1 p.m. is cards; for lunch: Chicken Cordon Bleu, baked potato, peas and tropical fruit.

Tuesday, July 7: 9 a.m. crafts and quilting and FROGS; for lunch: Pork roast, augratin potatoes, corn and apricots.

Be sure to call 402-694- 2176 for reservations no later than 9 a.m. on the day you plan to eat. Please plan to join us for lunch.

LOOKING AHEAD: Remember the Senior Center Rummage Sale fundraiser is coming up. It is Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 11 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can bring your slightly used items in any time. If you need someone to pick them up or if you have questions call 402-694-2176. All items for this fundraiser are appreciated.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK:

“July is hollyhocks and hammocks, fireworks and vacations, hot and steamy weather, cool and refreshing swims, beach picnics, and vegetables all out of the garden -- first sweet corn on the cob dripping with butter, first tomatoes dead ripe and sun warm, string beans, squash, crisp cucumbers. July can also be hard and shiny, brassy and sharp. Some days are like copper pennies in the sunlight.” -- Jean Hershey