CEDAR SPRINGS

Bah Humbug! Scrooge’s Christmas Carol

Nov. 30-Dec. 3: Kick off your holiday season this year by attending the Cedar Springs Theatre Association’s production of “Bah Humbug! Scrooge’s Christmas Carol.” Come enjoy this lighthearted and enchanting performance. Wonderful family fun and entertainment, guaranteed to have you tapping your toes and putting you into the holiday spirit. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Kent Theatre, which is located in downtown Cedar Springs. Tickets will be $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and are available at the Cedar Springs Public Library, Alpha Omega Coffee and Games shop, located on Main Street Cedar Springs, or by calling 616-696-SHOW.

Mingle with Kris Kringle and downtown tree lighting

Dec. 1: Noon to 8 p.m. Come celebrate the kick off to the Christmas season with the lighting of the tree at the corner of Main Street and Ash. Sales begin at noon at all participating Cedar Springs businesses, and the tree lighting event starts at 5:00 p.m. with a live nativity scene. Shortly after 5, Santa will be coming to town, escorted by the Cedar Springs Fire Department. The Cedar Springs Elementary School Choir will be performing. Bring the whole family out for a fun, old-fashioned, town Christmas celebration.

Christmas fundraising concert for the Kent

Dec. 8: Kin of Hope Natural Health and Perry’s Place llc for herbs, teas, and more…will be hosting a Christmas Concert at the Kent Theatre at 4 p.m. All the proceeds from the concert will be going to the Kent Theatre for their Digital Projector Fund. There will also be a bake sale that day, with gluten free and dairy free products available. Admission is $3, or $10 per family (parents and their children $17 and under).

Make a gingerbread house

Dec. 8: Calling all Kids to decorate a Gingerbread House at the Cedar Springs Public Library. Sign up for one of three sessions: 10-11am, 11:15-12:15pm or 12:30-1:30pm. All ages welcome, preschoolers must have parent present. Stop by the library to register or call 616-696-1910.

GREENVILLE

Hometown Christmas

Nov. 30: Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas with a hometown parade, followed by Santa lighting the official Greenville Christmas tree and more special treats. Events start with a Santa block party from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Get photos with Santa, arts and crafts, hot cocoa, cookies and more. The tree lighting ceremony is at 5:15 p.m. with live music, crowd caroling, and holiday merriment. The parade follows at 6 p.m., and then kids can visit with Santa at the Flat River Museum immediately following the parade until 8 p.m. Montcalm Community College’s “Messiah” will be at 7 p.m. at the Greenville Performing Arts Center.

Santa Super Sunday

Dec. 2: 1 p.m. at Montcalm Community College. Free.

Tree of Lights Celebration

Dec. 2: Tree of Lights Celebration. 6 p.m. at Spectrum Health United Hospital.

Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops

Dec. 12: 7:30 p.m. at Greenville High School.

Pictures with Santa

Dec. 15: 12-1 p.m. at the Greenville Area Community Center.

Holiday flea market

Dec. 15: at the Greenville Area Community Center.

HOWARD CITY

Christmas Bazaar and luncheon

Dec. 1: The annual Christmas Bazaar and luncheon will be at Heritage UMC, on the corner of Federal and Kendaville Rds, 2 miles south of Howard City, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artisan craft show, homemade soup and pie luncheon, candy and baked goods, and white elephant gifts.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Dec. 1: Take a Christmas tour of homes in Howard City from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., followed by a reception with door prize giveaways at the Timothy C. Hauenstein Library from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 and are $12 the day of the event. They may be purchased at the library or at Kindel and Company.

ROCKFORD

Cookie Walk

Dec. 1: St. Peter’s Lutheran Ladies Guild Cookie Walk, from 9 a.m. until cookies are gone. St. Peter’s is at 310 E. Division Street, NE.

Santa Parade

Dec. 1: Rockford residents welcome the jolly man in the red suit to downtown Rockford, at 11 a.m., during the annual Santa Claus Parade! Santa arrives in style in a horse-drawn carriage during the parade, and follows his arrival with a visit to the Rotary Pavilion after the parade. In the pavilion, Santa visits with all the good little girls and boys, from noon to 2 p.m., and hears their wish list. Children’s activities occur in the Pavilion to make the wait a little less intense.

Holiday Carriage rides

Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14: The Rockford Chamber of Commerce sponsors horse-drawn carriage rides each year in Squire Street Square so that visitors to Rockford may enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautifully decorated streets of the downtown area. Visitors are able to ride through the tree-lined streets free of charge. It is a beautiful way to recapture the feelings of Christmases past and make memories with your loved ones.

Rockford Community Holiday Concert

Dec. 9: Enjoy the sounds of the season as the Rockford Community Band, Choir and Orchestra present their annual holiday community concert from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Rockford High School’s Fine Arts Auditorium. Special guests include the Rockford Community Children’s Choir. Admission is free.

Santa at the pavilion with live reindeer

Dec. 12: Children will love to come visit Santa, sit on his lap and give him their wish list AND meet Santa’s LIVE reindeer at the Rockford Rotary Pavilion, 25 Squire Street, from 6-8 p.m. Free hot chocolate and cookies are also provided.

SAND LAKE

Adopt a family

In the spirit of giving, donated items for needy families may be dropped off at the Sand Lake/Nelson Township library, 88 8th Street, during open hours December 1-15. Donate a new toy, clothing item or food for area families in need this Christmas. For more info, call the library at 1-877-243-2466.

Christmas with Santa

Dec. 8: Santa will be at the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library from 10 a.m. to Noon a.m. on Saturday, December 8. Visit with Santa and enjoy crafts and treats. Gifts aplenty for the first 200 children! Prize drawings will be held. For all ages.

SPARTA

Old-fashioned Christmas events

Dec. 1: Shop Sparta Event Downtown! Free Trolley Rides, visit & take photos with Santa, try Roasted Chestnuts, & shop through your favorite local merchants in Sparta!

Supper with Santa 

Dec. 4: 6-8 pm at Civic Center, 75 N. Union. $1.00 per person for hot dogs, popcorn, photos with Santa, craft, decorate cookies & more!

Pet night with Santa 

Dec. 13: 6-8 pm in Santa House. Bring your furry friends to visit with Santa! Photo with $3.00 donation or pet food or blanket donation to go to the Humane Society.

Santa in Santa house

Dec. 15 and 20: Santa will be in the Santa house (94 N. Union) on Saturday Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Thursday, December 20, from 6-8 p.m. Bring your own camera.

Horse drawn trolley rides

Dec. 24: Horse drawn trolley rides through Harper Drive. 6-9 p.m. Loading area and treats hosted at Sparta Fire Department.

SPENCER TOWNSHIP

The reindeer are coming

November 29: Traveling all the way from the North Pole (via Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farms), live reindeer will be visiting the Spencer Township Library, 14960 Meddler, Gowen, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dress warmly, and don’t forget the camera! For all ages.

Gingerbread Lane

December 6: Stroll down Gingerbread Lane at the Spencer Township Library and enjoy tasty gingerbread stories from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Each child will make a simple gingerbread house. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. For all ages. Arts and crafts.

(BPT) – The holiday season is about more than picking the fullest tree, listening to nostalgic carols and planning the perfect family photo. Between addressing holiday cards and toasting the New Year, it’s a great time to incorporate charitable giving into your traditions. No matter your time constraints, there are many ways for you to spread goodness, in addition to good cheer, this holiday season.

* Lend a hand: Many organizations are in need of helping hands. Transport disabled or needy patients to their medical appointments or religious services, deliver meals to homebound seniors or visit a children’s hospital or rehabilitation center. Make a difference in your own neighborhood by raking leaves, shoveling snow or hanging holiday lights for an elderly neighbor. Picking up trash at a local park or painting over graffiti is always appreciated by city services.

* Volunteer your services: Food banks tend to have the highest usage during winter months. Get involved collecting food donations, spend time stocking shelves at a local food pantry or work directly with families in need via a holiday sponsorship program. Do you play a musical instrument? Are you good at fundraising, office organization, public speaking, party planning or writing newsletters? Offer your specific talent to an organization that could utilize it.

* Purchase gifts that give back: Many companies offer charitable incentives with a special purchase. For example, Hickory Farms, well-known for its delicious gift baskets, will donate $5 to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign with the purchase of every Party Planner gift box sold during the holiday season.

* Support the military: If you have a family member or friend serving in the military away from home this season, Hickory Farms offers free shipping on certain gifts for military personnel delivering to APO/FPO addresses. Consider the Home for the Holidays gift box which includes a wonderful combination of beef and turkey summer sausages, creamy cheeses, flavorful mustards and crackers. It will bring a taste of home and a warm smile to the face of your loved one. Visit hickoryfarms.com or the company’s kiosks and storefronts nationwide.

* Make a monetary donation: The end of the year/holiday season is also a good time to make monetary donations to your favorite nonprofit organizations. Any donations made prior to the last day of the year can also be counted as deductions for 2012 taxes. Many organizations rely on this holiday season to raise much-needed funds to be used throughout the year. If money is tight but you’d still like to contribute, subscribe to a payroll deduction service for 2013 to donate little by little throughout the year. Check with your workplace to see if it will match charitable contributions, because many do.

Combine good will and good cheer to make this a season to remember. Establish a meaningful connection with a charity or organization and turn your seasonal good deeds into year-round endeavors.

(Family Features) When you’re planning your big turkey dinner, the one thing you want to be sure to do is get a turkey big enough for some delicious leftovers. While turkey sandwiches are good, there’s a lot more you can do with this tasty bird.

Breakfast or Brunch — Wake the family up to a hearty breakfast casserole that’s a creamy blend of turkey, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheese and hash browns. It has a crunchy topping with a surprise ingredient; and you can finish it off with a dollop of fresh and flavorful Wholly Guacamole. Make it ahead of time so all you have to do is pop it into the oven in the morning.

Lunch — Enjoy lunch on the lighter side with a turkey salad sandwich. Instead of mayo, this dish gets flavor and 20 nutrients from the avocado in Wholly Guacamole. For extra zip, go with the spicy variety.

Dinner — For another make-ahead meal, try a zesty turkey and corn enchilada casserole. This dish is easy to put together, and you may have all the ingredients in your pantry already. A cornbread base, your favorite enchilada sauce, turkey, cheese, and a generous serving of your favorite guac all add up to a new family favorite.

Get more leftover ideas with a twist at www.eatwholly.com.

Turkey Potato Cheesy Breakfast Casserole

Serves: 8

2 cups cubed turkey

1 cup low-fat sour cream

1 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup

1/4 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 bag (30 ounces) frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

1/2 onion, diced

1/2 cup corn flake cereal

1 cup Wholly Guacamole

In mixing bowl, combine turkey, sour cream, soup, milk, 1/2 cup cheese, hash browns and onion.

Spread in bottom of 2 quart dish (greased).

Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 1 hour.

Add additional 1/2 cup of cheese and corn flake cereal, and bake another 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned.

Let cool for 10 minutes and serve with a dollop of Wholly Guacamole.

Guacamole Turkey Salad

Serves: 6

2 tablespoons canola oil

1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

1 cup of turkey, diced

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3/4 teaspoon cumin, ground

1 lime zested

2 limes, juiced, divided

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon Mexican chili powder

1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup yellow bell pepper,   diced

1/4 cup red onion, diced

2 tablespoons cilantro, rough chop

1 cup Wholly Guacamole dip

Mix oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cumin, sugar, chili powder, lime zest and juice of 1 1/2 limes.

Add to turkey and allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes — do not exceed 30 minutes.

Mix in bell peppers, onion, cilantro, dip, turkey, the rest of the lime juice and remaining salt.

Serve in a pita, on a whole wheat bun, as a lettuce wrap, or with crackers.

Turkey and Corn Enchilada Casserole

Serves: 6

First Layer

1 15-ounce can corn, drained

1 15-ounce can creamed corn

8 ounces sour cream (non-  fat)

1/2 cup ricotta (low-fat)

1 8 1/2-ounce package corn bread mix

Second Layer

1 cup turkey, shredded

1 cup shredded cheese

1 cup enchilada sauce, divided

Wholly Guacamole dip, for garnish

Mix together all first layer ingredients in a casserole dish.

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until firm.

Take out of oven, poke fork holes all around it.

Pour 1/2 cup red enchilada sauce over corn bread.

Top with turkey and cheese.

Put back in oven until cheese melts.

Top with remaining enchilada sauce, guacamole dip; serve.

Quick Turkey Tidbits

Need some more inspiration for turkey leftovers? Try one of these easy snack ideas:

Turkey nachos — Shredded turkey, peppers, onions, black olives and cheese on lime-flavored nacho chips. Top with chunky guac, salsa or sour cream.

Turkey bites — Top your favorite crackers with a little turkey and a slice of pepper Jack cheese. Microwave until the cheese starts to melt. Add a dollop of salsa or guac.

Mini mexi-pizzas — Split an English muffin, and spread a little salsa on each half. Top with turkey and shredded cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly. Top with a dollop of sour cream or guac.

Costume, check. Trick-or-treat bag, check. Comfortable walking shoes, check. Ready for a night full of fun? Double-check!

Pack up the kids and come out Halloween night for the 6th Annual Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular in Cedar Springs! Sponsored by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, area businesses and churches, the fun starts at 4:30 p.m. with storytime at the library, at the corner of Cherry and Second, followed by trick or treating from 5 to 7 p.m. at Main Street businesses.

People can pick up their maps of participating businesses at the library. Trick-or-treating will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. If you are hungry, there will be hot dogs for sale next to the Cedar Pub.

The Kent County Sheriff Traffic Squad and Cedar Springs Fire Department will hand out candy, cider and donuts at the firebarn at W. Maple and Second St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. while supplies last.

Two area churches will also be part of the festivities. Calvary Assembly of God will host a carnival in the lot by the next to D&J nails. The Springs Church, at the corner of Maple and First, will be hosting Trunk-or-Treat from 6pm-8pm, along with a giant slide, and the Double K Farms petting zoo in their parking lot, and free donuts and hot chocolate inside for trick or treaters and their families.

For more info, including details on the costume contest and other Halloween events, click here.

Look at this little pumpkin pie!

Ten-week-old Jeremiah Dear, the son of James and Tracey Dear, of Solon Township, was so mesmerized by the color of the pumpkin, his parents decided to place him in it for pictures.

“Needless to say, he did not mind being a pumpkin!” said his dad.

What a cutie!

Why don’t angry witches ride their brooms?

They’re afraid of flying off the handle

How do you mend a broken Jack-o-lantern?

With a pumpkin patch

What do skeletons say before they begin dining?

Bone appetit!

Where do baby ghosts go during the day?

Dayscare centers

Who did Frankenstein take to the prom?

His ghoul friend

What’s a monster’s favorite play?

Romeo and Ghouliet

What do witches put on their hair?

Scare spray

Where do spooks water ski?

On Lake Erie

What happened to the guy who didn’t pay his exorcist?

He was repossessed

What’s the ratio of a pumpkin’s circumference to its diameter?

Pumpkin Pi

Who did the ghost invite to his party?

Anyone he could dig up!

What is a mummy’s favorite type of music?

Wrap!

Why did the game warden arrest the ghost?

He didn’t have a haunting license.

Family Pumpkin Carving

Oct. 25,27: Want to make the coolest pumpkin ever! Funniest? Scariest? Most glamorous? Here is your chance! Bring your pumpkin to the library fore ideas, samples, tools, craft supplies and easy clean-up. Adult participation is required. For all ages. Thurs. Oct. 25, 6:30 pm, at the Spencer Township KDL branch, 14960 Meddler, Gowen and Sat. Oct. 27, 1:30 pm, at the Sand Lake/Nelson Township KDL branch, 88 Eighth St., Sand Lake.

Harvest Party

Oct. 26: Solon Center Wesleyan Church is hosting a Harvest Party on Friday, October 26, 6-8pm. Kids wear your costumes. Games, prizes, bounce houses, and candy! Everyone is welcome! 15671 Algoma Avenue, just north of 19 Mile Road.

Halloween Festival

Oct. 27: Halloween Festival for all ages at East Nelson UM Church, 9024 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs on Saturday, October 27 from 6-9 p.m. Games, snacks, haunted house, costume contest! Trunk or treat in the parking lot. Car trunks packed with treats for the young ones. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the party! Sponsored by the C.I.A. (Christians in Action-Youth Ministry)

Pumpkin lit Walk & Carving

Oct. 27: Enjoy pumpkin lit trails – we will carve pumpkins at 5 pm, put them on the trails at 6:30 and then take the walk through pumpkin lit trails at 7 pm; admiring all newly carved pumpkins. End the night with hot chocolate and brownies. Sat. Oct. 27 from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. $5 person. Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Pre-registration is NOT required, however registering is greatly appreciated. 616-675-3158.

Nightmare on Cherry Street

Oct. 29: Calling all 4th to 6th graders to be SCARED at the Cedar Springs Library’s annual “Nightmare on Cherry Street,” Mon. Oct. 29 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Treats provided. Please RSVP by calling the library at 616-696-1910.

Harvest Party

Oct. 30: Celebrate the season with autumn crafts, pumpkin decorating, games and bountiful fun! Please bring your own pumpkin to decorate. For all ages. Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 10:30 am, Sand Lake/Nelson Township KDL branch, 88 Eighth St., Sand Lake. #43

Family Harvest Celebration

Oct. 30: Pine Ridge Bible Camp will be holding its annual Family Harvest Celebration on Tuesday, October 30. Come anytime between 6pm-8pm to check out the decorated cabins and enjoy a night out with the family. This is a free family event that includes wagon rides, puppets, games, gospel magician and a trip through treat town for some candy.  Pine Ridge is located just 5 miles east of town on 17 Mile Rd.  Call 616-696-8675 for more information.

Halloween/Harvest Party

Oct. 31: The Cedar Springs Library invites all PreK children to a Halloween/Harvest Party with the animals at the Double K Farm on 5815 – 18 Mile Rd. from 10:15 to 11 am. Come and enjoy stories, treats and a craft! The animals invite you to join them in wearing a costume, if you like!

Cedar Springs Spooktacular

Oct. 31: The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, businesses and churches in Cedar Springs are sponsoring the annual Main Street Halloween Spooktacular on Wednesday, October 31. Lots of fun going on! To enter the costume contest, post a photo of your child’s costume on the Chamber’s facebook page: www.facebook.com/CedarSpringsAreaChamberOfCommercecsacoc by Oct. 31, and they must check in so they can receive their prize at the library.  Storytime at the library begins at 4:30pm.  People can pick up their maps of participating businesses, as well as check in for the costume contest, at the library. Trick-or-treating will be from 5pm to 7pm. There will be hot dogs for sale next to the Cedar Pub. There will be a carnival by the Calvary Assembly of God next to D&J nails.  The Springs Church, at the corner of Maple and First, will be holding Trunk-or-Treat from 6pm-8pm.

Traffic Squad/Fire Department

Oct. 31: The Kent County Sheriff Department Traffic Squad will be providing cider, donuts and candy at the Cedar Springs Fire Department on Maple Street from 5:30 to 7:30 while supplies last. Chief Marty Fraser will have the fire building open and staffed during this time period.

Trunk or Treat at The Springs

Oct. 31: When kids are out trick-or-treating in Cedar Springs, they can swing by The Springs Church for Trunk-or-Treat from 6-8 p.m. There will be lots of candy for the taking, games, a giant slide and a petting zoo! For the adults there will be hot chocolate, cider and donuts. It will be fun for the whole family, and a safe, well-lit environment for kids. The church is located at 135 N. Grant St., in Cedar Springs.

Courtland-Oakfield UMC Trunk ‘r Treat:

Oct. 31: Whether pirate, zombie, princess, or other, you’re invited to go trunk to trunk and fill your goodie bag at Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake NE, Halloween, Oct. 31, from 6:00-8:00pm. Indoors we’ll be serving hot dogs and chips (while they last) along with other kids’ games and activities. Safe, friendly, fun!

Sand Lake Fire Department

Oct. 31: The Sand Lake Fireman’s Association will host their annual Halloween festivities at the fire station at 2 Maple Street in Sand Lake. Call 636-8854 for more info.

Pioneer Club Carnival

Oct. 31: Everyone is welcome to the Pioneer Clubs Carnival on October 31 from 6-8pm at Rockford Reformed Church (4890 Eleven Mile Road NE – corner of 11 Mile and the Beltline). There will be pizza, games, prizes, candy, and a special guest – juggler and street performer Will O! Costumes welcome! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors!

(NAPS) Many believe container gardening is the new way to grow: It’s a fun, easy way to add color and bold seasonal interest to any size garden. Planting flowers and tropical plants in containers every year can become costly, but it’s easy to minimize the expense by mixing in some shrubs.

Every garden can benefit from the more permanent, year-round beauty of flowering shrubs in containers. Itís easy and rewarding to do, as long as the gardener follows a few simple guidelines.

It Starts With Location

Whether you mix them with annuals and perennials or use them on their own, adding shrubs to your container garden makes good sense.

Choosing a location for a potted shrub is the first step, as this will dictate what you can grow. Locations with easy access to water and out of the path of high winds are best, and some sun is imperative for shrubs. Roses, butterfly bush and lilac need at least six hours of uninterrupted sunlight daily; hydrangeas, azaleas and weigela will benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in warm climates.

Choose Carefully

Your local garden center is the best place to shop for plants. To help narrow your choices, consider how tall youíd like your shrub to be and what youíd like it to contribute to your garden. Low-growing shrubs, such as OSO Easy roses and Lo & Behold butterfly bushes, offer vivid color at eye level, while taller shrubs like Fine Line buckthorn and Black Lace elderberry add dramatic height and create privacy.
To make sure your new shrub will survive the winter in your area, choose a variety that tolerates temperatures at least one zone colder than the zone you live in (visit provenwinners.com to find your hardiness zone).

The container you choose must be large enough to accommodate your shrub. Look for sturdy pots that are at least 18î across and 16î tall to allow enough room for the plant to grow; larger is preferable. The container must have several open drainage holes in the bottom. Since your potted shrub will remain outdoors year-round, look for frostproof or weatherproof containers if you live in a cold climate.

Potting Tips

Fill your container with potting soil. Do not use garden soil or top soil, which may hinder drainage. Avoid putting anything in the bottom of the pot to take up space, as the weight of soil creates stability and the shrubís roots will need the room.

Fill the pot to within 2î of the top, tamping soil down gently to prevent settling later. Make a well in the center of the pot to accommodate the new plant. Remove the shrub from its pot (rap on its sides to dislodge it), gently untangle any visible root, and place it in the hole.

Add or remove a bit of soil until the plant sits at the same level in the new pot as it was in its original container. Rotate the plant a few times to make sure that its best side faces outward. To finish, gently push the soil around the root-ball, eliminating air pockets and making sure the entire root mass is surrounded. Water immediately and thoroughly.

Water Is Key

Water is the most important factor in caring for your potted shrub. The soil may dry out quickly, especially during periods of hot weather.

Check it frequently and water when necessary, ideally in the mornings. Winter wonít be a problem if youíve selected a hardy plant and weatherproof container, but the plant may need a drink during winter warm spells when the potting soil is not frozen. Come spring, apply a granular fertilizer formulated for woody plants and incorporate it into the top few inches of soil.

The shrub will thrive for several seasons in its pot; youíll know itís time to transplant into the ground when growth becomes less vigorous and it becomes difficult to keep it well watered.

For a complete selection of colorful hardy shrubs and tips on care and container design, visit www.provenwinners.com.

(NAPS)—It’s the time of year to retire the oven and do a little backyard cooking. With just a grill and tongs, the great outdoors can provide a natural setting for creative menus. Here are some tips and tricks for firing up your mealtime in the warm months ahead:

• Arm Yourself with the Right Tools. If it’s always grill season for you, consider investing in a high-quality grill that can be used year after year. Next, buy a set of flat metal skewers—they do not require soaking and they will not fall apart like the wooden ones. The flat edge keeps food from turning, which is an added bonus.

• Master the Classics. No barbecue is complete without hamburgers and hot dogs. Toasted buns should be placed butter side down for a few minutes until golden brown. Make handmade patties 3⁄4 of an inch thick and use chopped onions, dry onion-soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to season. Hot dogs should be turned often until slightly blistered on all sides. For veggie lovers, portobello mushrooms marinated in equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar are a tasty alternative.

• Experiment. Grills are for more than just meat! Pizza, fruits and vegetables gain new appreciation when cooked on an open flame. Kids and adults alike will love this Grilled Fruit with Apple-Maple Syrup as a summertime treat. Brushed with a warm blend of 100 percent apple juice and pure maple syrup, this grillable dessert is ideal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For more grill-ready, no-bake recipe ideas, visit www.meals.com.

Grilled Fruit With Apple-Maple Syrup

1⁄2 cup Apple Nestlé Juicy
Juice All Natural 100% Juice
1⁄4 cup pure maple syrup
4 slices ripe pineapple, peeled
2 peaches, cut in half, pits removed
4 scoops Vanilla Dreyer’s or Edy’s Slow Churned Light Ice Cream

COMBINE Juicy Juice and syrup in small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thick. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

PREHEAT grill. Brush fruit lightly with a small amount of syrup. Grill fruit, brushing occasionally with additional syrup, for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until nicely browned.

REMOVE fruit to individual dishes and top each with a scoop of ice cream. Drizzle with remaining syrup.