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DisabilityHelpCenter.org
July 2019
A FOURTH OF JULY FOR THE BOOKS E ver since I was old enough to celebrate it, the Fourth of July has been a holiday I look forward to all year round. As a child, I spent the day with
AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP TO LAKE BLAINE IN MONTANA!
an average depth of 51 feet and a maximum depth of 141 feet. This Montanian treasure might not be the largest lake you’ve ever come across, but, with the majestic Glacier National Park as a backdrop, it’s probably the most beautiful. From the moment we awoke on July 4, 2018 to the moment we shut our eyes that night, we made the most out of the dreamy location around us. We spent several glorious and sunny hours water skiing and tubing behind the boat. Then, once we worked up our hunger, we went ashore to spark up the barbecue and cook some amazing food. We spent the rest of the evening watching a spectacular fireworks show put on by families staying at the lake. As I was sitting there, soaking in all the energy, enthusiasm, and happiness surrounding me that day, I remember thinking about how great it is that all Americans have a day specifically set aside to celebrate our country. Over 200 years ago, all our countrymen joined forces to ensure our future as an independent nation. Unfortunately, Americans now are more politically divided than ever before. I hope this year everyone is able to set aside their differences to celebrate the sacrifices our forefathers made all those years ago to ensure we could live in a free country. To you and to your families, have a fun-filled and safe Independence Day! –Elizabeth Packard
my family and friends inhaling all the magic that the fireworks, delicious food, and water activities drudged up to the surface. I went from one moment of excitement straight to the next. I can’t remember a better night’s sleep than the ones that came after my Fourth of July revelry. While a fair number of amazing memories swirl around in my mind this time of year, there was one Independence Day celebration that sticks out a little better than the rest, and it occurred just last year!
“Any extra time we manage to squeeze into our schedule is spent exploring and adventuring. So, when the opportunity to travel to Lake Blaine in Montana came along, you can bet our bags were packed in the blink of an eye!”
If you’ve been following our newsletter for a while now, then you already know of my family’s love for the outdoors. Any extra time we manage to squeeze into our schedule is spent exploring and adventuring. So, when the opportunity to travel to Lake Blaine in Montana came along, you can bet our bags were packed in the blink of an eye! Nestled at the foot of the Swan Mountain Range, Lake Blaine is one of the closest lakes to the center of the Flathead Valley. It sits at an elevation of 2,997 feet, and the lake is about 382 acres in surface area with
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ZUCCHINI, AVOCADO, AND SWISS CHARD — OH MY!
GO GREEN Filling your plate with plenty of greens is never easier than in July. Pick up a bundle of spinach, arugula, lettuce, Swiss chard, or any other leafy green, which are all juiciest and freshest during July. Cucumbers and green beans are bountiful this time of the year, as well. This July, add some fresh flavor to your water with cucumbers or create hearty salads with any of the leafy greens mentioned above. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate the middle of summer than by consuming its most delicious foods.
When you eat something during its harvesting season, you get the most out of your meal. In-season fruits and vegetables are more nutrient-dense than their out-of-season counterparts, and there’s no matching the flavor profile of fresh, in-season produce. Even better, because in-season foods are so bountiful during their peak, you can save a lot of money by shopping with the season. This July, enjoy some tasty foods during their prime with this handy guide. FRUITFUL HARVEST Avocado toast lovers rejoice! Your season is here. Avocados are in season during July, joining many other fruity favorites. Gorge yourself on scrumptious blackberries, sweet strawberries, and bountiful tomatoes. Don’t forget about the cherries and blueberries, too! Because these fruits are so plentiful this time of the year, it’s easy to find ingredients for your favorite recipes. Host a Latin-inspired foods night with fresh guacamole and salsa, or make a delectable shortcake with a blackberry and strawberry mixture on top. GRILL GAME SO STRONG There’s no better time to fire up the grill than July, and not just because of the weather. Zucchini and corn reach their peak during July, and these grilling favorites pair well with steaks, burgers, hot dogs, or fish. Go low-carb by stuffing your zucchini with vegetables and a protein for a charred skillet bowl. Even better, add some corn to your fresh salsa to add an extra zing to your tacos. Regardless of how you utilize them, zucchini and corn are sweetest, juiciest, and freshest during July.
KEEP YOUR SERVICE DOG COOL WHILE WORKING THIS SUMMER
WATER IN ALL ITS FORMS
Service dogs have a tough job — one that often includes odd hours, long workweeks, technical or specialized knowledge, and few breaks in- between. If you have a service dog, keep in mind that in these soaring summer temperatures, you should watch for several
While certain dog breeds thrive in hotter climates, all pups need a little extra care when it comes to staying hydrated during the summer. For starters, always make sure they have ready access to drinkable water. If you have a long day planned, think about bringing a collapsible water bowl. MAKE ALLOWANCES While dogs usually work better in the heat than most people, it’s important to allow your working K-9 some leeway in performance. Keep in mind that dogs don’t sweat (except on the pads of their paws), so panting and direct heat exchange with the environment are the only ways they’re able to cool themselves. Give your partner extra time to complete tasks outdoors, and don’t be surprised if their obedience is a little less snappy or polished than it is when it’s cooler. Here at the Disability Help Center, many of our advocates work closely with clients who have service animals. If you need any other guidance about how to keep your own canine cool this summer, don’t hesitate to let us know!
detectable signs of heat exhaustion, including abnormal lethargy, vomiting, or a brightly colored blue or red tongue. Knowing the signs is important but so is prevention. Here are some tips to keep your service dog cool this summer. ACCLIMATION IS KEY Start by spending a few minutes each day working outside with your canine. If you carefully expose them to rising temperatures over the course of several weeks, then their body will begin to naturally adapt to the heat.
SOME INVALUABLE INVENTIONS Many contraptions can help keep your canine cool in the summer heat. Booties to insulate toes and protect paw pads from hot asphalt, cooling vests that reflect sunlight away from darker fur, and pressure-activated cooling pads are just a few of the gizmos you can purchase to stave off those scorching temperatures.
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NEW RESOURCE PARTNERS & UPCOMING EVENTS YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOW!
CHECK OUT THESE UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS:
Here at Disability Help Center, we’re constantly looking for new and helpful partners in the community who can provide helpful and sometimes life-saving resources for our clients. Here are our two newest partners: Catholic Charities: Located at 4575-B Mission Gorge Place in San Diego, this partner offers assistance with enrollments, renewals, and general advocacy for Medi- Cal, Covered California, and CalFresh. Avalon Hernandez works as the enrollment counselor and point of contact. You can give her a call at 619-278-1270 ex. 2190. All assistance is available in Spanish as well. Jewish Family Services — The Corner Market: This great resource allows you to make an appointment to shop their pantry filled with meats, fruits, vegetables, dried and canned goods, diapers, pet food, and more. You’ll also have access to counseling, employment education, and immigration services. Call 858-637-3210 to get started.
WHAT: Veteran Job Fair hosted by Naval Base — San Diego WHEN: July 26; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. WHERE: Anchor’s Catering and Conference Center; 2375 4th St. in San Diego WHAT: Free Concerts Every Thursday in July — Santee Summer Concert Series WHEN: July 11 Blues: Bill Magee Band; July 18 Honkey Tonk: Three Chord Justice; July 25 Soul and Funk: Bump City Brass — all concerts go from 6:30–8:30 p.m. WHERE: 550 Park Center Dr. in Santee If you want more information about our new resource partners or these upcoming events, don’t hesitate to give our office a call. We’re happy to help!
INGREDIENTS • 1 medium-sized watermelon, cubed • 2 cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch rounds light, and fun way to start a barbecue. Oh, and they don’t require any actual cooking. • 1 block feta cheese, cubed • 1 bunch fresh mint leaves • Salt, to taste EQUIPMENT • 1 packet of bamboo skewers Skewers are a Fourth of July favorite, but these are not your classic kebabs. They’re a fresh, WATERMELON CUCUMBER SKEWERS
WORDSEARCH
BARBEQUE CAMPFIRE CAMPING FIREWORK
HOT INDEPENDENCE JULY
SUMMER SUN SWIMMING TANNING UFO VOLLEYBALL WATERMELON
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Assemble skewers by placing one watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full.
LEMONADE OUTDOORS
FISHING FRIENDS HIKING
SANDALS SKEWERS
2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.
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Disability Help Center 1833 Fourth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 888-418-8860 DisabilityHelpCenter.org
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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A Fourth of July for the Books
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Eat Seasonally This July How to Keep Your Service Dog Cool This Season Check out These New Resource Partners & Upcoming Events! Watermelon Cucumber Skewers
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A Tail of Bravery
THE GUARDIAN WHO WOULD NOT LEAVE HIS WATCH
ODIN LIVES UP TO HIS LEGENDARY NAME
Amid the devastation of the wildfires that tore through California in the fall of 2017, a few heroic tales rose up to give people hope. One such tale was of Odin, a loyal Great Pyrenees guard dog. Along with his sister, Tessa, and eight rescue goats, Odin is part of the Hendel family. It was mid-October when the Hendels were awoken by the smell of smoke, a fierce orange sky, and sounds of destruction — urgent warnings from Mother Nature. Gathering everyone as quickly as they could, the Hendels got their human family members and Tessa in the car, but Odin, seated proudly next to the eight goats, refused to get in. Try as they might, the Hendels could not get him to come with them, and there wasn’t enough room in the car for the eight goats. With the firestorm quickly approaching and the risk of losing even more family members increasing with each passing minute, the Hendels made the heart-wrenching decision to leave Odin and the goats behind. The family made it to safety with Tessa in tow, relieved to be together but heartbroken that Odin and the goats weren’t with them. After several agonizing days, it was finally safe enough for them to return home and survey the destruction.
shelter with the brave canine. Weakened, burned, and limping, but nevertheless steadfast, Odin
had never left his goats, even as the fire raged around them. Odin wagged his tail as he saw his family, happy to see they were also safe.
The Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue and the Goatlandia Animal Sanctuary provided temporary shelter for the goats and pups while the Hendels rebuilt their barn. Odin received all the care he needed, along with a lot of love and treats. Today, Odin and his goats are back with their family, rebuilding their lives after this devastating wildfire. But the Hendels, and anyone who’s heard the story, won’t soon forget the bravery of Odin, the amazing pup.
What did the Hendels find? Ashes, rubble, their barn and home burned to the ground — and Odin. There he was, still guarding his eight goats and some small deer that had sought
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