Juveniles on Brink of Personal Journey,
Says Youth Advocate

It's only appropriate that fantastical genres of storytelling are often geared toward preadolescents, says writer Elayne James.

"It's an extremely impressionable time, with the wonder of childhood firmly established and a dramatic transformation about to take place," says James, author of "Destiny's Call," the first installment of the fantasy series "The LightBridge Legacy," (www.lightbridgelegacy.com).

It's also not surprising that the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy from 2001 to 2003 was one of the most successful in film history - and that fans were eagerly anticipating director Peter Jackson's return to Middle Earth on Dec. 14 with the release of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," she says.

In addition to being masterfully interpreted on the big screen, many of us were attached to the story from the books, which are often introduced during the middle school years. The narratives and personal experiences we have during preadolescence tend to stay with us more than those from other phases of life.

Researchers frequently cite pediatric neuroimaging studies, which show that during the ages of 11 and 12 our brain development is at a fundamental stage. A four-month journey across America at that age left an indelible impression on James. The trip culminated in New York City which became the launching point for the "Tolkien-esque" adventure in her most recent novel.

"Think about what you were learning at that age, your interests, the dreams of who you might someday become, all taking shape as your sense of self comes slowly into focus. Those things you loved as a child, whether it be drawing or basketball, music or dance, will likely be what brings you back to yourself later in life."

James says there's much to value about pre-teens experiencing narratives like "The Hobbit":

• Preparation and a sense of identity: In "The Hobbit," the prequel to J.R.R. Tolkien's famous trilogy, Bilbo Baggins is the protagonist on a quest for treasure. Throughout his journey, he grows and matures, learning to accept the various aspects of his personality, including those that are less appealing. He must be brave at times, and rely on his common sense at other times. This is the journey pre-teens face when entering adolescence, and discussing it with them through the prism of Bilbo Baggins can be a wonderful teaching moment (as well as a potentially entertaining conversation).

• Puberty, the universal "adventure: " Everyone must endure that first plunge of major physical transformation with puberty. As the body is flooded with adult hormones, adolescents must rely on their still-developing young minds to deal with mature situations. This can be a difficult, even frightening, time and, of course, kids are never the same after puberty. Baggins' ordeals show children that high adventure (including puberty!) and the most important experiences in life, leave us forever changed. There may be frightening moments, times they grieve what they're leaving behind, but ultimately, the journey is rewarding.

• There and Back Again ... This is not only the expanded title of Tolkien's "The Hobbit," it is also a reoccurring theme in James' career as a writer. After reading "The Hobbit" at age 11 and chronicling her own adventures across America a year later, she decided to create her own stories. "Without Tolkien's invitation to Middle Earth," she says, "I might have followed a very different path. Tolkien made me view my own life as an adventure and I believed that I, like the unassuming, shy little Hobbit, could succeed, even against all odds." Returning to New York as an adult, and as an author, she claims, brought her journey full circle.

"What occurs during adolescence stays with you," says James, "so it's important to make sure children are exposed to positive stories and experiences."

About Elayne James

Elayne James started her writing career at age 11 - after she read "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien and discovered she wanted to spend her life creating worlds. In addition to being a lifelong writer, she has been a singer/songwriter, sound effects specialist, a video editor, a playwright, a theatrical lighting designer, a graphic artist and a professional photographer. She lives by the Pacific Ocean in Southern California.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2013

Jordan Catholic School
2901 -24 Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
309 793-7350

Catholic Schools Week Theme: "Catholic Schools Raise the Standards"

This week each class will educate students and staff about various
saints. Information will be provided on doors and during Morning Prayer
Announcements.

Sunday---- January 27, 2013 Catholic Schools Raise the Standard: In Our Parishes
• Open House at Alleman for 8th Graders early afternoon.
• Parishes will be honoring Catholic Schools Week by designating one mass as a
tribute to Catholic education: St. Pius 9:00am / St. Ambrose 9:30am / St. Patrick's
10:00am / St. Mary's 10:30am / Sacred Heart 9:00am
•

Monday---- January 28, 2013 Catholic Schools Raise the Standards: Through our
Heritage
• 8:20am Living Rosary Prayer Service in the gym at Jordan Catholic School.
• 9:40am Mass at Alleman High School for grades 6, 7, & 8.
• Classes or Grade Levels invite former graduates to come in and speak about their
experiences at Jordan. This event will be held at various times throughout the day.

Tuesday------January 29, 2013 Catholic Schools Raise the Standards: In Our
Community

•

The entire school will be collecting food for the St. Vincent DePaul food
pantry and will be presented on Wednesday morning prior to Mayor Pauley's
proclamation. Each grade level will donate to various community organizations,
such as the animal, battered women, and homeless shelters.

Wednesday------- January 30, 2013 Catholic Schools Raise the Standard: In Faith
• At 8:30am in the gym Mayor Dennis E. Pauley will be presenting a proclamation
honoring Catholic Schools Week in Rock Island, IL. Food items collected for the
St. Vincent DePaul pantry will be presented at this time.
• 1:30pm Mass at St. Pius X Church in Rock Island.
• The students will be visually demonstrating their faith by dressing in colors that
relate to major facets of our religious beliefs.

Thursday-------January 31, 2013 Catholic Schools Raising the Standard: In
Careers/Vocations
• Parishioners, parents, prospective parents, and community members are invited
to an Open House 9:00-12:00 for parents. Prospective parents and community
are invited to visit 9:00-11:00. Come see our classes in session and tour the new
building additions.
• Parents, clergy, and religious will be invited to share their careers or vocations
with our students.
• Preschool Open House PS-4-AM&PM-5 Day & PS-3-AM&PM / 10am &
1:15pm

Friday--- February 1, 2013 Catholic Schools Raising the Standard: In Our
Faculty, Staff, and Students
• Students will have their throats blessed by our priests in honor of the Feast of St.
Blaise, which is February 3rd.
• A "special" lunch will be provided by the Jordan Home and School Association
for students, teachers, and staff.
• D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read)
• Preschool Open House PS-4-AM&PM-3 Day / 10am
• Volleyball games 2:30 - 3:00pm

Colleague of Celebrity Dietician Shares FAQ
on Low-Carb Diets

When Dr. John Salerno - a protégé of "Atkins Diet" creator Dr. Robert Atkins - testified before the U.S.D.A. about plans for its most recent Food Pyramid revision, he spoke his mind: The food industry is corrupt and has supported recommendations that do not support the population's health.

"Hidden sugar, preservatives and highly processed white starch are what are really causing our health epidemic in the United States," says Salerno, author of "The Silver Cloud Diet," (www.thesilverclouddiet.com). "Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease are killing this country, and it's not because people are eating too much organic natural fats."

Since the initial popularity of the Atkins food plan some years ago, however, there have been critics of the low-carbohydrate diet. The science was and is sound, says Dr. Salerno, who worked closely with Atkins on research. The problem was that the diet itself was not sustainable.

"The basic principles needed revision both to make the diet sustainable and to take into account the foods available today," he says.

How does a low-carb diet work? Salerno answers the most frequently asked questions:

• How is a low-carb diet today different from the Dr. Atkins plan? Thirty years ago, the food supply was less degraded. Now, low-carb dieters have to be more proactive about selecting chemical-free foods that are not highly processed. There are many more farming techniques today that introduce unnatural elements into our meats and vegetables, and there are many, many more highly processed foods on store shelves. We need to be vigilant about preservatives and additives; hormone-infused meat can wreak havoc on a body.

• What's the first step? The Fat Fast Detox quickly puts one's body into fat-burning mode. Adhering to the carb-free diet for two weeks will have participants losing five to 15 pounds and two inches from the waistline. Breakfast, for example, could include two large organic eggs and a side of bacon, sausage or ham, which can be washed down with coffee or tea with cream and sweetener.

• What about eating out? Sustaining a low-carb diet is pretty simple when eating at restaurants. Take the burger out of the bread and skip the French fries. You're good to go with grilled fish, roast chicken, pot roast, pork tenderloin, shrimp, scallops and pates.

• How can you eat on the run? A small amount of planning goes a long way. Boil eggs and keep them on hand for long car trips and office snacking. Add to that list jerky salmon, nuts and string cheese. These foods are dense with nutrients.

• Where can you find "clean" foods? Buy as "close to the ground" as possible, meaning choose organic produce, eggs and dairy. Inquire at farmer's markets where they grow crops. Find a local provider for meats and fish if possible.

• Can you eat cake on a low-carb diet? As your health and vitality improves with lost weight and increased activity, you can introduce more carbohydrates into your diet.

• Are low-carb meals safe for family members who do not need to lose weight? What's good for you - a broad and varied diet of unprocessed foods - is good for your family!

• When is the diet over? Eating foods that are healthy, unprocessed and natural is something you should never stop doing. However, if you feel you're starting to gain excess weight, go on a detox regimen by cutting out carbs completely for one week.

• So, fat is good for you? Natural fat is the most nutrient-dense food there is. It's lubricates your joints and helps your brain function at its best. It also keeps your hair shiny and helps prevent wrinkles. When you cut out processed carbs from your diet, you don't need to worry about natural fat, which is an appetite suppressant.

About Dr. John Salerno

A board-certified family physician, Dr. John Salerno has been pioneering complementary medicine for more than 20 years. Best known for his Silver Cloud Diet nutrition program, anti-aging supplements, and natural therapies, Dr. Salerno has crafted original treatment plans to restore human health. His publications and professional studies have made him a popular expert on the physiology and assessment of many complex medical conditions. Dr. Salerno was a protégé and colleague of prestigious Dr. Robert Atkins and has worked with Hollywood actress/author Suzanne Somers (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pioneer); actor Steven Cannell; and president of the International Congress of Integrative Medicine, Dr. Hiroyuki Abe M.D.

The 36th annual Robert Burns dinner is January 26, 2013 at the Davenport Radisson beginning at 5:30. The event includes music featuring The Barley House Band, the Blackhawk Pipers pipe band, the traditional Scottish dish, haggis, vendors and a silent auction.

Meals range in price from $37.00 to $40.00. Reservations are required by January 24th. Contact John Hoff at 563-332-2421 or email royaleng@mchsi.com.

All are welcome!