June 2008 eNewsletter

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Welcome to OurOhio.org

Enjoy Ohio's Wines and Wineries
Great grapes make great wines, and Ohio is known for both.

Every Ohio resident is within 45 minutes of a winery, so it’s convenient to learn about and enjoy wines. The state’s wineries are building wine awareness, not only for Ohioans, but wine lovers across the country.

“Any of our wineries introduces wine in a relaxed and nonintimidating atmosphere," said Donniella Winchell, executive director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association. "Visitors have a unique opportunity to visit, tour, talk to the owner or winemaker and learn firsthand about the wines. It’s a wonderful way to discover what you prefer.”

To learn more about Ohio wineries click here.

Upcoming Event: Cleveland Wine Festival
June 27, 2008 - June 28, 2008
Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are conducted by event sponsors, exhibiting wineries, area chefs and restaurateurs. The festival provides an opportunity to sample from more than 220 wines from around the world.

For more information about the Cleveland Wine Festival click here.

Free Ticket Giveaway
Our Ohio will give away 20 pairs of tickets to the Cleveland Wine Festival. To be entered in the giveaway, search the buying local directory to find the winery closest to you and email the winery name and address to info@ourohio.org. The first 20 correct respondents will receive free tickets to this event. Please include your name and mailing address in your email response and remember to respond right away. The Cleveland Wine Festival takes place June 27 - 28.

Our Ohio Featured Video

Second Harvest Food Banks
In the land of plenty, do people really go hungry? Not if these farmers can help it. Ohio farmers team with Second Harvest Food Bank to make the season brighter for the less fortunate.

Click here to watch the video. Also, to learn how the 2008 Farm Bill will contribute more than $43 billion yearly to federal nutrition programs such as food stamps, WIC, food banks and more, click here.

Find out what is coming next on Our Ohio television by clicking here.

Travel Ohio

Take a Walk on 'the Wilds' Side
Did you know that the largest zoological reserve in North America can be found right here in Ohio? Located in the east-central Ohio town of Cumberland, the Wilds is home to 25 species of rare, threatened and endangered animals.

The wild animal/conservation reserve is located on 10,000 acres, or 14 square miles of land, that was once a gigantic strip mine. American Electric Power donated the land in 1986 for the purpose of preserving threatened wild animals, said Toni Kellar, marketing and communications officer for the Wilds.

The Wilds has been open to the public since 1994, and visitors can see the more than 300 animals on guided trips aboard air-conditioned buses or small open-air vehicles. The vehicles shuttle among five stops which include the Lake Trail, Carnivore Conservation Center, Wetland Trail, Outpost and Overlook. Click here to learn more about the Wilds.

With gas prices on the rise, the desire to make travel plans close to home is increasing. Fortunately, Ohio offers a wide variety of unique travel destinations. To find other ideas for travel close to home, click here and scroll through the Travel Ohio tab, segmented by region.

Don't Forget to Sign Up for Summer Reach Out Events
Farm Bureau members ages 18 to 35 and their immediate families are invited to share and explore their interests in food production and technology during Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) new Summer Reach Out series.

“This is a great volunteer- and schedule-friendly opportunity for young people to come together for a learning experience with their family and others who share their interests,” said OFBF Director of Volunteer Development Darrell Rubel.

For more information on scheduled events, click here.

June Gardening Highlight

Watering Essentials
The right amount of water is critical to a plant’s survival. The composition of some plants is as much as 90 percent water, and moisture around the roots is key to the absorption of nutrients and other minerals. When water is scarce, the plant draws water from its cells, causing the cells to shrink and making the plant wilt. In many cases, watering will restore the cells and the plant looks normal. If left to wilt too long, the plant cannot restore water to its cells and eventually dies.

The early morning is the best time to water because this allows the cool plant to absorb as much water as it can before the heat of the day. Cool evenings are similarly appropriate, but be sure not to get the foliage wet, as it will have a hard time drying off and many plants are susceptible to diseases due to wet foliage. Click here for tips on watering trees and shrubs, container gardens, grass and more.

June Recipe Highlight

Strawberry Pizza

Click here for list of ingredients.

Roll out cookie dough onto round pizza pan and bake according to package directions. Cool. Beat cream cheese, vanilla and sugar until fluffy. Spread over cooled crust. Then spread sliced strawberries over filling. Cook the mashed strawberries, sugar and cornstarch until clear. Spread over sliced berries. Chill. (You can also substitute a packaged glaze mix).

View the fruit harvest "What's In Season" calendar by clicking here.

Also, find other ideas for fruity desserts by clicking here.

How Healthy Are You?

Nowadays you can’t even see a doctor without having your blood pressure checked. When the nurse rattles off the numbers, do you know what they mean or what your optimal levels should be? Do you know what the normal ranges are for cholesterol and blood sugar? And what exactly is good cholesterol?

“Unfortunately, too many people go to the doctor only when they have a problem. It’s important to have checkups and know what those results mean,” said Melissa Kalb, a registered dietician with the Faculty and Wellness Program at Ohio State University.

How often you should have a checkup is a matter of debate in the medical industry. A University of Colorado Health Sciences Center survey published three years ago found 65 percent of primary care doctors think yearly checkups are necessary.

Click here for a refresher on optimal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.


Test drive a Farm Bureau membership today!

Last chance to join for the $35 introductory rate
Ohio Farm Bureau is offering an introductory membership for new members. For $35, new members can experience Farm Bureau and all its member benefits for 2008. To join, visit www.GrowWithFB.org or call 888-GrowWithFB (888-476-9948).

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