IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Shirley Baldwin
Vernon Shirley Baldwin has volunteered extensively in the Vernon community. Now, as February begins, she’s doing all she can to rally area seniors to attend a vital health kickoff on Feb. 25. Baldwin grew up in Hamburg and ended up settling in Vernon when she married a Vernon native. She is passionate about involvement in the community and is a member of the Sussex County Senior Advisory Board, vice president of the XYZ Club (the Senior Club in St. Francis de Sales Church), a member of TRIAD and a volunteer at Harvest House. In the past, she’s held an AARP Driving Course for seniors and arranged art classes at the Senior Center in Vernon. But her current focus is getting as many seniors from the Vernon area to a big health awareness event at the end of the month. Among her tasks, she’s working to arrange bus transportation for seniors to attend the 2010 Project Healthy Living Kickoff to be held at the Adam Todd restaurant in Andover. Sponsored by Senior Services of Sussex County, the kickoff includes a free buffet breakfast and information about four evidence-based Health initiatives, she explains. The program will present an overview of all the health and wellness initiatives of the Sussex County Division of Seniors Services and it will delve into four areas. “Take Control of Your Health,” which provides seniors and caregivers tools and techniques to effectively manage chronic conditions. “Project Healthy Bones, is an education and exercise program using light weights. It’s designed for men and women who are at risk for osteoporosis. “Move Today,” a non-aerobic, resistance band exercise program designed to improve flexibility, strength and stamina, will also be explained and discussed. “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls,” is a program that offers practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling, address safety issues, increase activity levels and improve balance, flexibility and strength through exercise. Seniors will learn about the different programs and hear success stories from peer leaders and “graduates” of the program. “All the programs are to help seniors age successfully and maintain your independence,” Baldwin said. After the event, announcements will be made about where the various programs will be given and there will be a chance to become leaders in some of the programs. Registration is necessary for this event. To register call Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0550. A passion for helping This newest passion to get seniors involved in the kickoff and ensuing programs underscores what Baldwin is all about: enjoying the area and helping others. “I like the country living and the people,” she said, “They are so friendly and willing to help wherever there is a need. Just think of all the people that have helped and they are always willing to do more?”
Shirley Baldwin’s Double Oat Breakfast Cookies
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1-1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup water
1 egg
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup raisins
3 cups round, toasted oat cereal (such as Cheerios)
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large mixing bowl beat butter and peanut butter with electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking soda and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl. Beat in water, egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour until combined. Beat in as much of the rolled oats as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining rolled oats. Stir in rasins and oat cereal.
2. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Remove cookies and store in a tightly covered container.