Mom's Corner - Patriotic Duty...

I once taught with a lady that believed it was “our patriotic duty to have kids and to raise them right.” Each day at lunch in the workroom she would drone on in reference to this belief. In fact, she even said that it was because of this belief that she entered the education profession! At the time I was not married, surely did not have kids, and thought this woman was perhaps the craziest person I had ever met.

I just could not see the act of having kids as being any sort of “patriotic duty,” and “raising them right” might be one of the many things I was to help do as an educator and I surely hoped to do as a parent, but, again, a patriotic duty to do this? Not so much I thought.

It just seemed to me that this lady had taken this perspective a little too far…
Since then, this crazy lady has retired, and I wonder if she is even still with us. I have changed a little too…been in education ten years, almost finished two advanced degrees, become the mother to four...You know, times have changed for me!
So, the other day I was standing in Target, all of my kids having some sort of melt-down, looking at American flags when I could not help but to recall those many workroom lunches with the crazy lady and her speeches on “patriotic duty.” I will admit, I laughed out loud as I recollected. And then I thought: “If this is really one of my patriotic duties, I am a horribly bad American!” I had just told the 8 year old that he earned the right to ride in the cart until we left the store (yes, he is too old for that), threatened to take away the 4-year-old’s twenty favorite toys, mortified the 10-year-old just by correcting him in public, and resolved myself to the fact that the baby was going to scream until I was good and ready to leave Target! Oh yea, I am a fine American!

Yet, as I stood there with a brightly colored American flag in hand, I could not help but to think: “Here I am raising kids in the greatest country in the world, and as their mother, it is my duty to teach them about and instill in them patriotism – a devout love - for this great nation.”

While I am sure each generation sings the same song about their predecessors, when I think about my children and how I have raised them thus far, I fear they do not have the same understanding or pride in what it means to be an American as I did at their age (those many, many years ago).

Case-in-point…Standing there in Target with the American flag in hand my 4-year-old asks, “Mommy why do you want to get that flag? We can find a prettier one!” To which the 8-year-old promptly replies, “Because it is an American flag and you were born in America.” The 8-year-old had a point, but he was totally missing the mark on what it really means to be an American.

I did not throw the flag in my cart…Instead, I held it close to my heart as we headed towards the checkout line. It was at that moment that I decided it was time for me to start anew with my patriotic teachings to my children, and I as a parent needed desperately to reframe the meaning of what it means to be an American for my children.

Ten years later I finally understood just a little of what that crazy lady preached about each and every day at lunch!

I am going to be honest, I do not know exactly what I am going to do to portray my American pride or to open their eyes to the greatness of this fine nation to my children. I do not have a master plan…

Instead, I am finding every teachable moment I can. On our way to school we look for American flags; we play counting games with the numbers of stars; when we put the flag in our yard we talked about proper display; when the news comes on and they speak about our troops, we expand on the conversation; we say prayers for our country…Have any other ideas?

With that, I hope you and your family enjoy the 4th of July, and on this anniversary of the birth of our great nation, may you take time to appreciate it and those that have given the greatest sacrifice for it…and spend some time with our youngest Americans so that they might grow to have the same pride and heart for their country.

We thought it fitting to for this month’s local business spotlight to be on a true American Icon. Harley-Davidson is as much a part of this great nation as baseball, apple pie, or 4th of July fireworks. There is no mistaking a Harley, in fact, most people don’t even need to see the actual bike to identify a Harley, the patented engine sound serves as sufficient identification. Further, the sound is so unique that some gifted individuals can even divulge the model, only by sound alone! Harley-Davidson is integrated into everyday American life on many different levels, all which are guaranteed to speed the throttle of the senses.

With roots dating back to the turn of the century, Harley-Davidson’s first motorcycle was blueprinted in 1901 by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. In 1903, the bike was engineered in a 10’x15’ wooden shed. From these humble (and 100% American) beginnings, Harley-Davidson has grown into much more than an international and worldwide motorcycle manufacturing company. For many people, Harley is recognized by the trademarked bar and shield logo and is a way of life. This culture encompasses what they drive, where they eat and hang out, and even the clothes they wear. Inclusion a very important part of the Harley culture. There is a Harley for everyone, in all walks of life and the people that ride are surprisingly welcoming. Even if you feel that you are not quite up for a coast to coast Road King ride, there are plenty of other niches that you will find within the Harley society. Although some of the usual suspects may seem a little rough around the edges and a bit intimidating, Harley driven rallies and festivals are exactly where you will meet some of the nicest and most honest people in the world.

Independence Harley-Davidson is the Bryan/College Station gateway into the Harley World. The first time I stopped by to simply look around, I was surprised to find much more than just a stereotypical motorcycle shop. Although, the mechanics, options, grease and gears are definitely present in the shop, the retail and merchandise store holds more than enough Harley-Davidson paraphernalia to catch the attention of all potential shoppers. Whether you are in the market for a brand new tricked out Rocker C, or you are looking to buy a simple gift for your new baby niece, Independence Harley-Davidson has what you need. A full line of clothing, products, gifts, and riding equipment comprises more than half of the store. True to the welcoming environment that Harley promotes, the staff is friendly, helpful, and not overbearing. If you not yet stopped by, you really should take a minute a do so. The full line of motorcycles is always impressive and Independence almost always has something of special interest gracing the showroom floor. My personal favorite was a motorcycle once owned by the Governor, signed by every living United States Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. There was something so incredibly patriotic about a piece of precision American steel signed by true American Heroes that it gave me goose bumps. The qualified sales staff encourages you to climb on a bike of your interest and see how it feels (Congressional Bike excluded, of course). They will also listen to your interests, evaluate your level of riding, and help you find one that fits what you want. Of course the staff will inform you on the model, but also in most cases let you in on interesting bit of history about that particular model and how it fits into the Harley-Davidson family. A fair warning, you might be surprised at the feelings that might stir while sitting atop a Harley. The “open road” songs that pop into your head, the sudden desire for a wardrobe of leather and bandanas, the sudden urge for a new tattoo... Even if you thought you weren’t a candidate for membership to this unique culture- you might end up as the newest proud member of the Harley Society!

If Sport Bikes are more your style, you need to check out the full line of Buell Motorcycles offered by Independence. Buell is an American company with a total 200 employees (a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson) turning out some of the most innovative, stylish, and quickest bikes on the market. At recent competitions, Buell has been climbing the winner’s podiums while import motorcycle companies have been scratching their heads. Do you think you know where the fuel tank or oil pan is located on a sport bike? You might want to ask an Independence Rep just be certain.
Beyond bikes and swag, Independence Harley Davidson also holds numerous entertaining events at their location and throughout the Brazos Valley. They regularly hold motorcycle shows, car shows, bike-washes, parties and live music events. Last year, Independence brought a special concert to celebrate their 105th anniversary the Texas Hall of Fame, featuring the Georgia Satellites. Ticket prices were only $1.05! The next event will be the 4th of July festivities that will be going on all day at the dealership, complete with your chance to get a scratch off ticket to win a Harley-Davidson FATBOY! Some other upcoming events include an Astros H.O.G. (Harley Owner Group) Day, held at Minute Maid Park July 26th. October 3rd Independence HD and the Texas Hall of Fame are celebrating Customer Appreciation by presenting David Allen Coe. August 15th the Congressional Bike will revisit the Independence show room, don’t miss this opportunity. Lastly, this year will also mark the 21st annual Toy Drive ride.

Harley is a very special and unique part of our American Culture. American Owned, American Made, American Proud. The Brazos Valley is richer for having Independence Harley Davidson in our area. Go and see what they can introduce you to, see what doors might be opened and new experiences lie ahead….Let’s Ride.

Independence Harley Davidson is located at 4101 Texas HWY 6 South - (979)690-1669 - www.independencehd.com

Energy Supplements.....by David MaretHouse

Energy Supplements

By David MaretHouse - Master Fitness Trainer, Owner of MaretHouse Fitness & Co-owner of JD Max Fitness

Many people use energy supplements for reasons ranging from wanting an extra boost through their workout to helping them study for a test or prepare a last minute presentation or project. Unfortunately, the main ingredient of most energy drinks and supplements, caffeine, can have many negative side effects when they contain much higher doses than what is normally recommended.

The recommended intake of caffeine is to not exceed 300 milligrams per day, which translates to approximately 2 to 3 cups of coffee. Most energy supplements have what is called a proprietary matrix, which consists of a number of different chemicals, usually including caffeine. The trick behind these proprietary matrixes is that they have a total amount for all chemical included, but they do not list the individual amount of each chemical. Many of the supplements that use these matrixes actually have their caffeine content at 300 milligrams per serving, with as many as 2 to 4 servings per bottle. Now that is a lot of caffeine!

Caffeine in excess doses can cause insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, nausea or other gastrointestinal problems, a fast or irregular heartbeat, headaches, calcium loss leading to osteoporosis, and in extreme cases, miscarriage and even death. A caffeine overdose is not an easy feat; however, a lethal dose of caffeine is more than 10 grams, which is equivalent to drinking 80 to 100 cups of coffee consecutively. Certain medications and supplements can intensify the potency and effects of caffeine, which can lessen the dose needed to experience negative side effects.

A great alternative to caffeine as an energy booster is a vitamin B complex. You can find this formula in both liquid and pill form at just about any supplement store or pharmacy section in a grocery store. B vitamins are water soluble so you are not at risk of building up toxic levels in the body. A vitamin B complex help by giving the user more energy, alertness and is not accompanied with the many negative side effects as found with caffeine.

Obviously, the best way to fight fatigue is to get enough rest and eat a well balanced diet, but if you feel like you need an extra boost to get you through the day, or workout, try to stick with your cup of coffee or reach for a vitamin B complex pill or shot.

We at MaretHouse Fitness love to help our community. Our staff is dedicated to your health and wellbeing. If you have any fitness or wellness related questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Send an email to info@marethouse.com and we will reply to your question within 48 hours. I may even post your questions and our reply in the upcoming issue of AYC in my fitness and wellness section.

Welcome to July!!!

With everything that has recently been going on, it sometimes is easy to over look how great we have it as citizens of the United States. Beyond political indifferences, beyond deficit and recession news lines, beyond pollution and war-time arguments, the United States of America is the greatest country in the world…bar none. Honestly, where would you rather call home or raise your children or grandchildren? No doubt we are in a challenging, interesting, and trying time, but keep in mind that these challenges provide an excellent opportunities for the nation to pull together and once again show the world why we are the best.

Speaking of coming together, July is the month when we celebrate our patriotic pride through community gatherings, backyard BBQs, and of course beautiful firework displays. As residents of the Bryan/College Station area, we are fortunate to have numerous opportunities to spend time with family, neighbors, and friends and we have compiled some of these in our Family Event section. Take advantage of these opportunities and let those around you know how much you appreciate them and their company. Be sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated if outdoors for any extended amount of time. This recent rash of 100+ degree weather can act fast on our bodies, especially the little ones, so please pack some extra H2O when heading out. Sunscreen is also essential this part of the year. Numerous skin problems, some very severe, can be easily avoided with this simple precaution.

Harley-Davidson is a true American Icon. In this issue we take a look at our own Bryan/College Station gateway into the Harley world, Independence Harley-Davidson. Independence HD offers our area much more than you might expect from a motorcycle dealership. Take a minute to read this month’s Local Business Spotlight to learn a little more about this unique company and how they are much more than chrome and steel.

There are news reports cropping up everywhere of the economy finally turning around! Check out the BCS area’s recent housing sales and trends. Sherry Perry of Town and Country Real Estate has done a wonderful job of compiling these facts for inclusion in this month’s Home Sweet Home feature. Moms and Dads, keep Powersports in mind if you need some fun, quality, daytime supervision for your kids during these summer months. The Powersports Summer Day Camp is in full swing and eager to help. Pre-registration is NEVER required! Just come as you please, drop them off in the morning and look forward to your kids telling you about the great time they had later that night. Lastly, the heat is not only rough on us, but also strains our cars. Swing by Sevciks Service Center or Kwik Kar Sevice Center on Rock Prairie and let them reassure you that your vehicle is prepared for the hot months ahead.

As always, we greatly appreciate the readers of Active Youth and Community. Please keep in mind that AYC has been created as your community publication and we always want to hear from you. If you know of an event, article, or anything that should be included in AYC, please drop us an email at ads@aycmag.com. Until then, stay cool, stay hydrated, and remember to water the grass!!

Geoff Spahr Publisher- Active Youth and Community Magazine, College Station