Check out our October newsletter!
October 2021
THE HEIGHTS SM I L E Herald
( 440 ) 483 - 1003
5825 Lande r b rook Dr i ve , Su i t e 121 , May f i e l d He i gh t s , OH 44124
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
A THANK-YOU FOR NATIONAL TEACHER’S DAY
My family is filled with teachers, including my parents, my grandparents, an aunt, and an uncle. I even married a teacher! From watching my family growing up and my wife today, I’ve developed enormous respect for the profession. That’s why I want to take a moment to celebrate National Teacher’s Day this Oct. 5. I grew up in a small town, so I wasn’t the only kid whose parents taught at their school. That meant you knew your teachers as neighbors and people. Mr. Jorgenson wasn’t just my teacher — he was also my classmate’s dad. I saw my teachers around town, and I formed separate relationships with them from the ones we had at school. A few years ago, my family visited our hometown and stopped at the public library. As we got out of the car, another vehicle stopped and a man stepped out waving, “Hey, Schermers!” It was Mr. Jorgenson! After more than 20 years, he recognized us right away, and we had a conversation like no time had passed. Now, I couldn’t tell you today exactly what I learned in Mr. Jorgenson’s class all those years ago. But I do know I’m a better person from having been his student and gotten to know him. That’s true for almost every teacher I’ve had. At some point, you’ve probably heard people say that teachers have the life — they only work 9–10 months a year and get out of work at 3 p.m., right? Having lived with many teachers, I can say that there’s so much more going on behind the scenes. From the time they get up in the morning to the time they go to bed at night, teachers are engaging in a juggling act between their jobs, families, and personal lives. Whether it’s lesson plans, grading, following up with parents, or determining how to accommodate individual needs in the classroom, their work is nonstop.
To say that the environment for teaching during the pandemic has been challenging would be an understatement. Both virtual and hybrid learning were emotionally draining because there’s so much more that goes on in a classroom besides the lesson plan. Teachers adapt in response to real-time feedback, which is hard to do when your audience isn’t present. Further, not all kids are on the same playing field with regards to technology or parental availability, which adds to the concern about whether they’re all getting the same educational experience. I’m grateful we haven’t had any angry mobs in our children’s school screaming about masks or vaccines at school board meetings, but even seeing it on the news takes a toll on educators and the support staff working at the school. Their jobs are already hard enough without that type of treatment, and none of us would be where we are today without them. To anyone who has been influenced by a teacher, I’d like to urge you today to write them a note saying thanks. Tell them what you’re doing and how they influenced you — I know they’ll appreciate it. And whether you have kids in school or not, please be kind to any teachers you know. As my high school teacher Mr. Wolf would have said, teachers too often get the fuzzy end of the lollipop. To the many teachers who may be reading this, I know it sometimes seems like you’re not getting through to the students in your classroom. But more often than not, you are. Even though those kids may not say or show it right away, you’re having an impact on their lives daily. Thank you for all you do! -Dr. Jason Schermer
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Straighten Up!
HOW INVISALIGN CAN PERFECT YOUR SMILE
Few people enjoy the look or feel of traditional braces, but as an adult, a mouth filled with metal can feel extra embarrassing. Thankfully, technology has come a long way, and less obtrusive teeth straightening methods are available. Invisalign is a system that uses clear aligners to gently move your teeth into their desired position. Your dentist takes a 3D image of your teeth and designs the trays you’ll wear in your mouth. Without the metal, wires, or rubber bands, the treatment is more comfortable on your teeth than braces and gentler to the inside of your mouth. The treatment works by providing a set of aligners to gradually move your teeth into place over a period of time. Unlike braces, which need to be adjusted in the office regularly, Dr. Schermer will provide you with multiple sets of trays at once with detailed instructions. You can then continue your treatment at home, switching aligners at the appropriate time until your next appointment.
Best of all, Invisalign is clear, making the presence in your mouth far less visible than braces would be. Depending on your specific circumstances, they may be virtually invisible. You won’t have to worry about stares or unwelcome questions at work. Effective treatment requires wearing the aligners 24 hours a day — removing only for cleaning the trays and brushing and flossing your teeth. That’s one of the reasons we’re able to make your Invisalign treatment faster and more predictable. While Invisalign effectively straightens teeth in about 90% of cases, and can be for patients of all ages, there are limits to what the treatment can do. To see if you are a candidate for Invisalign, call our office at (440) 483- 1003 to schedule your consultation — it’s the first step to a straighter, more confident smile.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “I just had a cleaning and my teeth feels so clean and fresh! The hygienist did an excellent job. I am very happy with Exceptional Smiles at Landerbrook, and I can feel good knowing my teeth will be getting great care. Thank you!” -A Happy Customer “Had a very enjoyable experience yesterday during my visit with Dr. Jason. He can be funny, which causes me to forget where I am. He also has a very hardworking and professional staff.” -Anonymous
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(440) 483-1003
TIPS FOR A LONG-LASTING JACK-O’-LANTERN CARVE OUT SOME TIME FOR FUN
One of the most enduring symbols of Halloween is a jack-o’-lantern, and many people don’t consider the holiday complete without one. At the same time, elaborate designs and carving contests have become mainstream, so getting started can be intimidating. You may not be Donatello, but you can up your game with some expert tips to keep your pumpkin healthy and long-lasting. Mind the stem. When selecting a pumpkin to carve, most people tend to focus on the size, shape, and color of the pumpkin itself. That’s all well and good, but the true test of a good pumpkin is its stem.
mishandled and sitting around for too long. Never use the stem as a handle or break it, because the stem continues providing nutrients to the rest of the pumpkin even after it’s picked. Get it all out. Stop — don’t remove the top of your pumpkin! It’s the most common method, but we just explained why it’s a bad idea. If you don’t want your jack-o’-lantern to die an early death, cut your hole in the back of the pumpkin, not the top. Next, it’s time for the worst part of the job — scraping out all the guts. As unpleasant as this process can be, it’s important to do the best job possible. Any stringy bits left can turn moldy and rot your pumpkin. Before carving, the internal walls should be clean and just a little moist. To make the process easier, scrape the insides using a metal spoon. Try electric lights. Traditional candles have several downsides. At the top of your mind may be the risk of fire, but the flame isn’t good for your jack-o’- lantern, either — it can literally cook the pumpkin. To stay safe and keep your pumpkin as cool as possible, try electric lights. Battery-operated candles have come a long way, and LED or CFL lights will give your jack-o’-lantern lots of glow without the heat. Plus, hardly anyone will notice the difference. Incorporate these tips this year to keep your jack-o’-lantern fresh a lot longer. Whether you’re a pumpkin artist or a novice who mostly carves triangles, you’ll have one of the best-looking jack-o’-lanterns on the block.
You want a pumpkin with a thick, green stem because it’s the sign of a fresh, healthy pumpkin. A pumpkin with a broken-off stem has likely been
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKE OF THE MONTH
Slow Cooker Squash, Kale, and Sausage Soup
What kind of noise does a witch’s vehicle make?
Inspired by SugarAndSoul.co
Ingredients •
1 tbsp vegetable oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups chicken broth 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp Italian seasoning 3 cups kale, chopped 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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4 Italian chicken sausages, sliced to bite-size pieces
• • •
6 cloves garlic 1 onion, chopped
6–7 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
Directions 1.
In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring often, then remove from the pot and set aside. 2. Add garlic and onion to the pot. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add squash, salt, and pepper. Sauté 8 minutes. 3. In a slow cooker, combine sautéed vegetables, sausage, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cook on low heat for 3 hours and 30 minutes. 4. Open the pot and add the kale. Cook another 20 minutes, then add the red wine vinegar and stir to combine. Cook 10 more minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Broom-Broom
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@ExceptionalSmiles.com . You may see it in our next issue!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
(440) 483-1003
INSIDE 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
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Dr. Schermer on What Makes Teachers Great How Invisalign Can Perfect Your Smile What People Are Saying About Us 3 Tips to Produce Your Best Jack-o’-Lantern Slow Cooker Squash, Kale, and Sausage Soup 3 Haunted Destinations to Visit This October
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October is one of the best months for travel in the U.S. With mild temperatures and gorgeous, colorful leaves everywhere, there’s no better time for a road trip. Add some Halloween flair to your October vacation with these three ghostly attractions. Visit the most haunted town in the U.S. — Waynesville, Ohio. Sure, New Orleans may have a spooky past, but it doesn’t compare to Waynesville. Many residents and visitors think this Ohio town is rife with ghosts. You may hear cries to “hurry up” at The Hammel House Inn, where many tunnels for the underground railroad came through, or you could see the apparition of a businessman from the 3 HAUNTED SPOTS EVERY GHOST BELIEVER WILL LOVE GHOSTS ACROSS AMERICA
1800s who “never checked out.” Other sources report hauntings at the town’s historical society, Museum at the Friends Home, including a little girl who moves toys and sits on the porch. The society leans into the local fascination and hosts regular walking ghost tours and ghost hunting classes. Stay a while at Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, Arizona. Guests at Hotel Monte Vista have often enjoyed long stays at the downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, hotel, but not everyone leaves. Constructed in 1927, the hotel is host to a number of reported ghosts. The most well- known is an elderly woman who would spend hours rocking in the chair in her room. Today, her chair can be found moving on its own. Another popular visitor is the ghost of a bellboy who knocks on doors and announces that room service has arrived — only, no one’s there.
Is there a monster in Pine Barrens, New Jersey? This one’s for those who love mysterious creatures. Pine Barrens is a mass of forested land that spreads across seven counties in New Jersey — and its most famous resident isn’t human. The Jersey Devil has a long, storied history and is said to be a combination of many animals: Its body is shaped like a kangaroo with wings. It has the head of a dog but the face of a horse. The creature is believed to have had a sickly start to life in 1735 and has stayed to haunt the forest’s inhabitants and even those who visit the area today.
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