THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Enjoying a Popular Seasonal Activity!

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful . . . not this weekend! Grab your winter coat, scarves and gloves and head out for a joyous Chicago weekend at one, or all, of the following events!

Even though Chicagoans love to complain about winter, one of the most popular winter activities is outdoor ice skating! Here are three such outdoor rinks for all ages to enjoy:

Returning for its 20th season is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink located in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) in the Loop through March 6th (weather permitting). This winter tradition of over 10,000 skaters annually is about as beautiful as it gets skating under the Chicago skyline. Admission to the rink is free, however, skate rental is $13 – $15. Plus, there’s free skating lessons on most Saturdays and Sundays for beginners, intermediates and even hockey skills!  Snacks and hot drinks are also available from Momentum Coffee! Please note that this year you’ll need to make a free online reservation for both regular skating and lessons.

The Skating Ribbon located at Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in the Loop is a winter attraction unlike any other. At a quarter mile long, this venue looks like a lazy, frozen river that is twice the length of a lap around a traditional rink along with changes in elevation. Plus, this year’s edition is decorated with designs inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” and “Starry Night” paintings! Admission is free during weekdays if you bring your own skates; otherwise, reservations are $5 with skates on weekends and holidays or $16 – $20 if you need to rent skates.  The Ribbon is open through March 13th (weather permitting).

Skate underneath the twinkling lights at Winterland’s Ice Rink at Gallagher Way now through February 20th as the Chicago Cubs hibernate for the winter. This 8,000 square foot ice rink is located at 3637 N. Clark Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood and is open to skaters of all ages every day of the week. Stop by for a couple of laps, rent a skate aid, or arrive in time for select figure skating performances! Visit the website for reservations, hours, and additional information about programming.

Need some good laughs right about now?  You just might enjoy a unique play-within-a-play at The Play That Goes Wrong this Saturday (2 p.m. & 8 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.) at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower (175 E. Chestnut St.) located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Broadway and London’s award-winning smash comedy welcomes you to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous! From flubbed lines to inadvertent destruction of the set, you’ll see all the worst theatrical nightmares come to life before your eyes! This production is recommended for ages 8 and older and all patrons must have a ticket.

Chicagoans are brought together every Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend to the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.) in the Loop for Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah, an exuberant, jazz-gospel makeover of Handel’s classic Messiah. This inspirational performance features world-class musicians with a chamber orchestra, a jazz combo, a huge choir, and three gifted soloists. Performances are Saturday (7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m. – 5 p.m.).

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News – Lincoln Park, Chicago Loop, Lincoln Square, Gold Coast

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It may be cold in January, but Chicago has some ‘hot’ indoor neighborhood activities planned for this weekend. Also, we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the anniversary of his birth.

Chicago’s Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Drive, re-opens for tours this week with FREE, timed-entry tickets. Times are available this Friday, January 14, and Wednesday-Sunday from 10am to 3pm.  Chicago’s “City in a Garden” showcases exotic plants in permanent display houses in the Palm Room, Fern Room, and Orchid Room. Visitors enjoy a lush tropical paradise full of towering palms, brilliant blooms, and ancient ferns. To reserve tickets, click here.

Spend time with a beluga whale, or see an amazing array of sea creatures from around the world during the Shedd Aquarium’s FREE ADMISSION days, this month from Thursday, January 13-Monday, January 17. Located at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the storied aquarium features such memorable exhibits as the ecosystem of the Caribbean Reef, several varieties of sharks, a world-class dolphin show, a Polar Play Zone, and those cute Magellanic Penguins! Free tickets must be reserved, with a service charge. For tickets and information, click here.

Wilkommen! Join Lincoln Square’s German-American Dank Haus, 4740 N. Lincoln Avenue, for Kaffee, Kuchen, und Kino (cinema) this Saturday, January 15 at noon. The get-together takes place in the Brauhaus Room. Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee & cakes) are served, starting at noon. Tickets are $4 for members and $6 for non-members. For more information, click here.

“Too hot to ‘Handel’?” Never! For the 17th year in a row, a jazz-gospel version of Handel’s stirring ‘Messiah’ heats up the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly Congress Street,) on Martin Luther King, Jr.   weekend! Performances are Saturday, January 15 at 7:30pm and Sunday, January 16 at 3pm. The Chicago Reader calls the concert “exuberant,” with three gifted soloists–Alfreda Burke, Karen-Marie Richardson, and Rodrick Dixon leading a chamber orchestra, jazz combo, and choir. Tickets range from $35 to $75. Click here for more information.

TheChicago Sinfonietta presents its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert on Sunday, January 16 at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, Chicago Ave, Naperville, and Monday, January 17, at Orchestra Hall, 220 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, honors his life with three Florence Price works – Ethiopia’s Shadow in America, Song of Sunday, Virgin, and Night, sung by baritone Will Liverman. Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah is next, followed by two Chicago premieres: Jessie Montgomery’s Soul Force, and Emmy-nominated, Artist-in-Residence Kathryn Bostic’s work The Great Migration, narrated by Liverman. Tickets range from $17 for students to $62 for adults. For tickets, click here.

Chicago’s amazing architectural history comes alive on Chicago’s Gold Coast Saturday, January 15, through 45-minute docent-led tours of Louis Sullivan & Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, tri-level Charnley-Persky House, 1365 N. Astor Street. The tour includes exterior and interior spaces on three levels. 

Note: For all events listed here- Masks are required for all patrons, and everyone five years of age and older are required to provide proof of full vaccination. Those 16 years of age or older must also provide a valid photo ID.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Gordon Ramsay Burger

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Is Gordon Ramsay’s first Chicago-based restaurant more like ‘MasterChef?’ Or, uncharacteristically, ‘Hell’s Kitchen?’ The Michelin-starred chef has built restaurants around the world and rebuilt failing restaurants in a week. 

But in a city with many Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chefs,  how could Ramsay compete with Chicago’s own Grant Achatz of Alinea, or Stefanie Izard of the Girl and the Goat, for example?

The fact is, that rascal Ramsay went in a different direction. Instead of fusion specialties or New American tasting menus, Ramsay went for the basics—a superior burger, a very non-Chicago style hot dog, truffle fries, and creative appetizers and drinks. As their website states, they serve “crafted burgers basted with butter along with fries, sauces made from scratch, and delicious milkshakes – all made with the finest ingredients.”  All dishes are made to order, and can be modified to comply with dietary restrictions.

Start your Gordon Ramsay Burger experience with Hellfire Chicken Wings, with a tangy hellfire sauce and blue cheese. Or a Street Corn Dip, with elote-style corn, jalapeño, fresno chiles, cotija cheese, parmesan, lime, cilantro, and served with blue tortilla chips. Ramsay also offers Kettle Chip Nachos with braised beef, English cheddar sauce, pickled peppers, green onion, and sour cream.

For a lighter choice, try a Hellfire Chicken Salad, with grilled chicken breast, baby gem lettuce, marinated tomato, avocado, cucumber, Stilton Blue cheese, and ranch dressing. Their Caesar Salad pairs romaine, kale, and frisée with green apple, garlic croutons, parmesan, and a refreshing lemon zest, served with creamy garlic dressing.

And then…there are the burgers! The Hell’s Kitchen Burger pairs asadero cheese with roasted jalapeño, avocado, and roasted tomato. Or the Forest Burger, pairing gruyère, mixed mushrooms, fried egg, arugula, and porcini aioli. Those who like chicken will enjoy the Southern Yardbird, a chicken patty with sharp cheddar, house pickles, bibb lettuce, and mustard BBQ sauce.  

Now, about those Dawgs…Ramsay certainly has a rebel streak in him, and serving ketchup on a hot dog is just not done in Chicago. But for those who dare, their Standard Dawg has onion, mustard, and house ketchup, served on a toasted sesame seed bun. Pair your burgers or dawgs with Truffle Fries, served with house ketchup, truffle aioli, parmesan, and chives.

Wash it all down with an English-inspired Sticky Toffee Shake with brown butter ice cream, toffee sauce, and whipped cream. Or a creatively named cocktail like a Grin & Tonic, made with ritual zero proof gin alternative, fever tree premium Indian tonic. Or, try a Bloody Virgin Maria, with ritual zero proof tequila alternative, filthy Bloody Mary mix, pickle juice, and a pickle-stuffed olive.

Reviews of the month-old restaurant have ranged from rapturous to mediocre, depending on service. One Google reviewer opined, “We’ve always been fans of gourmet food and chef Gordon Ramsay so we decided to have dinner last night at his restaurant that’s nearest to us.

The burgers, most especially, the Backyard burger, was so freaking delicious. Their milkshakes are so thick, creamy, and we loved it. The service crew were also very attentive to our needs.

Overall, it was a very good experience.”

Gordon Ramsay Burger is located at 2 E. Ontario Street for dine-in only. They’re open Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday and Saturday, 11am-11pm, and Sunday, 11am-9pm. No takeout, delivery, online ordering, or reservations at this time. For more information, click here.

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Swindlers That Prey On The Elderly

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Many of us that are middle aged and approaching retirement are pretty savvy concerning the danger of fraud.

We are naturally cautious when we come across questionable offers, but sometimes our elderly relatives or friends that are not equipped to detect phony schemes can fall prey! 

Some elderly persons have cognitive decline which can hamper your ability to realize when something is not quite right. Many are also lonely and isolated, which can make them susceptible to being exploited. 

Here are some scams to let your loved ones know about:

Tech Support Scam: Many older people are not tech savvy, and this leaves them open to the tech support scams. A person calls and claims your computer has a virus they can fix if you hand over remote access. They will then ask for payment or steal personal information. Have them make sure any support comes from the contact information that comes from their devices.

Pretending To Be Family: This next one tears at my heartstrings as I have grandchildren. Con artists will extract details about your grandchild from the internet. (We know sometimes our kids give out way too much info on social media!) They then call in the middle of the night pretending to be your grandchild who needs fast cash to get out of a jam whether a car accident, medical emergency, or even to get out of jail. They urge you to avoid calling their parents and blame a distorted voice on a “bad connection”. Being woken up and disoriented with worry pulls elderly ones easily into a trap. Advise them to hang up immediately and call another relative who will know if it is legit!

Romance/Catfishing: The romance angle is again another fraud that preys upon lonely, isolated elderly. The scammer sends you a private message saying they remember you from elementary school and comment how great you look. These people will spend weeks, even months building a relationship before they ask for money, usually for so-called medical expenses or to travel to see you. People have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to this con. 

Social Security: The Social Security fraud has a person claiming to be a SS staffer tries to glean personal information or money. They may tell you there is a problem with your account like someone using your SS number or say there is a threat to your benefits. Do not trust caller ID as that can be manipulated. Call 800-772-1213 to speak with a Social Security representative. 

Fast Money: The Lottery or Sweepstakes scam will have a person contacted by mail, phone, email or online that you have won, or have the potential to win a jackpot. But of course, there is a catch. You must pay a fee or cover “taxes.” They may want a direct transfer, prepaid debit card or money order. Do not fall for this even if the name of the contest or lottery is legitimate. This was the third most reported fraud in 2018. 

Contractor Scheme: The contractor scheme is very prevalent all over the country. They will come door to door offering services especially around natural disasters. They will offer low prices on everything from resurfacing your driveway to trimming your trees. There is a catch, they want a large amount of money upfront and then disappear. Ask friends and relatives for referrals for contractors they have used and were happy with. Legitimate contractors do not work door to door. 

Be safe out there!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Five Ways You Can Get Earnest Money Back

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Earnest money is a deposit you pay when you make an offer on a home—it’s a way to show the seller that you mean business. Usually you can’t get it back, but there are several circumstances that allow you to recover your earnest money.

Appraisal contingency: With an appraisal contingency, you can recover your earnest money if the home is appraised for less than your offer. This gives you a better negotiating position—if the seller doesn’t agree to a lower price, you can get your earnest money back and walk away from the deal.

Major problems with the home: It may be your dream home at the surface level, but an inspection could reveal major, major problems—such as issues with the foundation, or flood damage. In that case, you can get your money back if the seller doesn’t agree to a lower price.

The seller backs out: Obviously, if the seller changes their mind about the transaction—maybe they decide not to sell, or accept a higher offer—you get your earnest money back.

Your house hasn’t sold: Many buyers can’t afford a new home if they’re still financially responsible for their old one. In this case, you can work a sale contingency into the contract, and get your earnest money back if the home doesn’t sell soon enough.

Financing issues: Though there are some limits on financing contingencies, you can get your money back if you’re unable to get a loan.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – No Doubt Winter Is Here!

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Winter is, without a doubt, here and even though Chicagoans are frozen to the core, this weekend brings temps above freezing and the opportunity to get out and enjoy it before the next arctic blast comes in!

Disney’s latest Broadway adaptation brings the smash-hit animated movie Frozen to life right before our eyes every Saturday (2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.) through January 22nd at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) in the Loop. An unforgettable theatrical experience awaits audiences with spectacular special effects, stunning sets and costumes, powerhouse performances, and human-manipulated versions of Olaf the snowman and Sven the reindeer.  And not only does this production include all the songs you’re familiar with, like “Let It Go,” it also features an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters. It’s simply moving and spectacular!

Chicago’s museums are a great place to visit especially during the winter season. In fact, the Shedd Aquarium (1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop offers two tours through June:

Beluga Encounter occurs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (9:45 a.m. – 11 a.m.) How would you like to meet the belugas where they live and stand side by side with a trainer on an underwater ledge? In this 75-minute experience you’ll step into chest-deep water and come face to face with a beluga whale! You’ll also enjoy the chance to touch one of these extraordinary animals, try out a few training techniques, and even enjoy a few surprises!

Shark Feeding occurs Saturdays and Sundays (10 a.m. – 11 a.m.) Join the sharks and rays for brunch on this 60-minute behind-the-scenes feeding tour.  It begins with an in-depth look at Wild Reef located in the Philippines.  Then you’ll enter the animal-care area to witness mealtime with the ocean’s most dynamic predators.  Plus, you’ll get to see first-hand how the sharks have been trained to respond to each one’s version of a dinner bell! You’ll even have a hand in feeding some of the other fishes as well!

Need some color in your life during the dreary winter season? Then head on down to the Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop for their latest exhibition Wild Color. Explore the colors of the natural world as you learn how plants and animals use color to ward-off predators or attract mates, and how the color of gems and minerals can offer clues about their formation.  And I bet you didn’t even know that there are shades of color that the human eye can’t detect!  This extensive collection of some of the brightest hues in the world will awaken your senses at this exhibit!

Celebrate the life, the music, and the legend of David Bowie at the Bowie Ball this Saturday from 10 p.m. to Sunday 5 a.m. at Smartbar (3730 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood on what would have been Bowie’s 75th birthday. This event features drag and burlesque performances, glittery specialty cocktails, a special club Bowie DJ set by DJ Heaven Malone, and a Bowie costume contest! Time to glam it up and wish David Bowie a heavenly birthday!

The Chicago Bears travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings this Sunday at 12 p.m. as their season comes to another screeching halt. Here’s to next year!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News – Millennium Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Chicago Loop, Lincoln Park

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It may be January, but the holiday spirit in Chicago is alive and well this weekend. It’s your final chance to extend your holiday celebration and prepare for the year ahead!

This is the final weekend to view the magnificent twinkling lights and historic ornaments on the 108th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street. While there, bring the kids and skate at the McCormick Tribune Skating Rink. Free skating lessons every Saturday morning from 8-9am. Skate rental is free for  lessons only. 

Or, for an entirely different skating experience, “Gogh skating” among decorations inspired by the immersive Van Gogh exhibit at Maggie Daley Park’s Ice Skating Ribbon. 

‘Otherworldly!’ At Lakeview’s Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark Street, Winter in the Wildwood, invites guests to an immersive experience in Fae-Realm, filled with holiday trees, lights, and magic, filled with fairytales, magicians, puppetry, and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Each performance, they promise, is unique and tailored to the audience. Tickets are  $40 for adults and $20 for children. Each ticket includes a coupon for a themed beverage at the Otherworld bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options). Show times are Friday at 7pm and 9pm; Saturday- 5pm, 7pm and 9pm; and Sunday- 5pm and 7pm. The show closes on Sunday, January 9. For tickets, click here.

One last time, you can immerse yourself in ‘Chrismukkah’ at “OY To The World”, Chicago’s first half-Hanukkah and half-Christmas pop-up,  at The Sixth, 2202 W. Lawrence Avenue. From 4pm – 12am, guests enter into  shimmering Hanukkah blowout, which transforms into a classic Christmas bar, with twinkling Christmas lights and a ceiling full of colorful hanging ornaments. Customize whimsical food and drink pairings by having a Gin and Tanukkah with Candied Yams, or a F*** Milk and Cookies with Loaded Latkes, or a Grandma’s Advent Calendar with Kugel. You get the idea!  Reservations are strongly encouraged. Click here for reservations.

The month of January also offers FREE DAYS at Chicago’s celebrated museums for Illinois residents, including:

Please note: In most cases, due to Covid-19 mandates, guests age five and up must provide proof of vaccination and masks must be worn inside the building. Check the museum websites for details.

In Lincoln Park, don’t miss former sports radio host Harry Teinowitz’ searing comedy, ‘When Harry Met Rehab,’ through January 30 at the Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue. The story chronicles how Harry, an alcoholic on the edge of ‘clueless annihilation,’ according to the website, comes to some surprising truths about himself and his life with the support of his rehab group. Dan Butler (Bulldog in the TV series ‘Frasier,’) and Melissa Gilbert (Laura in ‘Little House on the Prairie,’) headline a stellar cast. For tickets, click here.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Lyfe Kitchen

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Happy 2022! With January being the month of resolutions, this is a perfect time to check out Chicago’s healthy kitchens. According to a study from the University of Scranton, published in Forbes, the most popular New Year’s resolutions are about self-improvement, including living healthier– 23%, getting happy– 21%, and losing weight—20%.

Even in a restaurant-happy city like Chicago, there are plenty of restaurants specializing in healthy options and calorie counts. In Streeterville, Lyfe Kitchen has been serving “healthful, flavorful local fare” since 2013. Their pledge to their customers: “We N.E.V.E.R. use artificial ingredients because…ew.”

And they care about the environment as well, as they promise that they’re “working toward” 100% biodegradable, compostable & recyclable packaging, according to their website. 

Lyfe Kitchen serves a host of dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options throughout the day. Breakfast lovers can start with a Grand Sandwich- a combination of eggs, crispy bacon, gouda, fontina, herb aioli, and arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette, on a whole wheat ciabatta, with breakfast potatoes. Or a Keto Scramble, pairing cage-free eggs with roasted bell peppers, organic chopped kale, goat cheese, and applewood smoked bacon on the side. Some imaginative bowls include the Chocolate Almond Smoothie Bowl, with oats, banana, almond butter, almond milk, maple syrup, cocoa, and coconut flakes under an almond butter protein crumble. The Coconut Beet Smoothie Bowl pairs pineapple, beets, banana, spinach, ginger, coconut water, and blueberries with coconut flakes and a pecan crunch.

Besides coffees and a host of tea options, Lyfe Kitchen serves smoothies such as ‘Skin-refreshing’ Avocado Berry, pairing avocado, strawberries, blueberries, high-fiber chia, turmeric, and coconut milk. The anti- inflammatory Pineapple Jalapeno smoothie pairs pineapple, cucumber, fresh jalapeño & ginger, avocado, high-fiber chia, and coconut water. 

For a breakout hot beverage, try the Hot Ginger Tonic, with fresh ginger and lime.

Their all-day menu includes starters such as Superfood Guac & Baked Chips, with organic hemp, buckwheat, and house-made fire roasted salsa. Or Baked Sweet Potato Fries, served with ketchup or garlic parmesan. Crispy Brussels and Cotija pairs crispy baked Brussels sprouts with flavorful cotija cheese, and a lemon pepper aioli.

Entrees include flatbreads such as Roasted Mushroom Alfredo, with roasted Crimini mushrooms, mozzarella, parmesan, cashew cream alfredo, peppercorn, thyme, and parsley. Or a Margherita flatbread with local Mighty Vine tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pomodoro. 

Salad specialties include the Thai Crunch Chicken Salad, with soy-glazed grilled chicken, crunchy baked wontons, edamame, cashews, Napa & red cabbage, cucumber, shredded carrots, green onion, cilantro lime and almond dressing. Or the Superfood, with organic kale, roasted sweet potatoes, pickled red onions, honey-roasted walnuts, lil’ bucks sprouted buckwheat, pepitas, and tahini miso dressing.

Mega Bowls include Crispy Baked Chicken & Brussels, featuring their signature crispy baked chicken breast, crispy Brussels sprouts, cotija cheese, and lemon pepper aioli, as well as their Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, with grade AA ahi tuna, quinoa, edamame, crispy baked wontons, spicy mayo, and house-made ginger-lime marinade.

Sandwich aficionados can enjoy Lyfe Kitchen’s Veggie Flatbread Sandwich, pairing perfectly crisp flat “bread,” roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, red onion, grilled sweet peppers, fresh basil, gooey mozzarella and goat cheese. Or a Turkey Havarti, with oven-roasted turkey, avocado, house-made dijon aioli, on hewn sourdough.

Local Guides and Google reviewers gave Lyfe Kitchen a host of reviews. One reviewer wrote, “The pineapple jalapeno smoothie was tropical and different. Love the healthy options. Staff were very nice.”

Another wrote, “Good selection of healthy options. Portions are reasonable. Enjoyed the lavender lemonade.”

Lyfe Kitchen is located at 270 E. Ontario Street, (Northwestern University) and is open 8am-9pm daily. For more information, click here.

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Keeping A Healthy Immune System

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As we head into winter, we should pay attention to keeping our immune systems working efficiently. 

Winter is naturally a time when we are more susceptible to flu and other viruses. It is mostly because we are staying inside, and kids are in school where germs flourish. Your immune system protects against disease by recognizing and attacking infections. It works in two ways. 

We all have “innate” immunity that acts as a general defense against disease. Then we have what is referred to as “acquired” immunity that forms from an infection we have encountered. Vaccines work this way. 

Boosting your immune system is not a completely accurate statement. Immune systems are either healthy or not. The most common sign that your system is low is frequent (more than one per year) and/or long colds usually lasting more than two weeks. Of course, things are different now with Covid-19 but more than two infections a year is a bad sign. There are several reasons our immune systems are low. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are a main reason especially in people over 55. Stress can also be a factor. Studies have concluded that long term stress reduces the functionality of your immune system. Colder weather lets viruses survive longer outside the body and reduced sunlight (Vitamin D) impairs immunity.

The best support for our immune system is good nutrition. The touted Mediterranean diet is best focusing on vegetables, fruits, onions, garlic, olive oil, oily fish, and whole grains, giving all our systems the nutrients they need to function. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce your risk of respiratory infection by one third. Vitamin C suppresses the activation of viral genes so they cannot reproduce in cells. Supplements of both these vitamins are recommended, especially in winter. 

Other things good for your immune system are regular exercise and sufficient sleep. Non-competitive exercise can neutralize stress hormones. During sleep your body secretes hormones that fight disease. 7-8 hours of sleep helps your immunity and your overall health. Natural supplements can help too. Echinacea and Pelargonium extracts have been shown to reduce the chance of and shortening colds and other viruses. Of course, keep washing your hands, wiping down frequently touched surfaces, and keeping your hands out of your mouth! Watch out for fever and any other symptoms that could be Covid-19 and get tested if necessary. A flu shot every year is a good idea too!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team

What You Need To Know About Refinancing Your Mortgage

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Refinancing your mortgage can have many financial benefits when done at the right time in the right way. Here’s what you need to know about this type of transaction.

What is refinancing your mortgage?

When you refinance your loan, you essentially pay off your remaining mortgage with funds from a new one. The process is fairly simple and similar to when you applied for your initial mortgage. You’ll gather quotes from multiple lenders, file an application, gather and provide financial documentation, like paystubs, bank statements, etc., then close like you did when you first purchased.

Why should you refinance?

Refinancing your home loan is an option available to most homeowners. This decision can allow a homeowner to reduce their monthly mortgage payments, negotiate a shorter payment term, switch to a different type of loan, cash out on home equity, and consolidate debt.

When should you refinance?

Timing is key when it comes to refinancing your home. The best time to take this step is when interest rates drop lower than the rate you closed at. Another good time to consider refinancing is if your current credit score could allow you to qualify for better interest rates than your time of purchase.

What are the costs to refinance?

Unfortunately, refinancing isn’t free. Your refinanced mortgage will come with similar fees to your original, such as appraisal, title insurance, closing costs, and more. Because of this, when deciding to refinance, make sure the money saved outweighs the fees your will incur.