Cathy Woolridge
Features Reporter

Contact Cathy via e-mail
Call Cathy at 816-271-8563.

Be kind to the earth
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Dec. 29, 2008

Freelance writer and author Jodi Helmer knows that choosing a green lifestyle can seem overwhelming for many people. Deciding where to start and even how to start can make a person see green rather than live green.
But Ms. Helmer says going green isn’t that difficult, and she hopes to illustrate that in her new book, “The Green Year.” The book, Ms. Helmer’s first, was released on Dec. 2 and takes a calendar-like approach to becoming more eco-friendly. Each day features easy and inexpensive tips. For example, turn to Aug. 18 and you’ll read how adding tennis balls to your dryer helps speed up drying time.
The News-Press recently chatted with Ms. Helmer, who lives in Charlotte, N.C.

I resolve to ...
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008

New Year’s resolutions — you make them and then you break them. It’s an annual tradition for many of us.
“I resolve to (fill in the blank)” is a phrase that gets a workout as a new year dawns. Even the U.S. government gets into the act, with a list of the most popular resolutions on its Web site at www.usa.gov.
Of course, along with that list of popular resolutions (to lose weight is the No. 1), there are tips for keeping them. Making New Year’s resolutions is the easy part. Keeping them ... well, we all know that good intentions often get lost in the hustle and bustle of living in the real world.

Ho-ho healthy
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008

Dear Santa,
I’m really sorry, but there won’t be any no-bake, sugar or chocolate chip cookies waiting for you at my house this year. No brownies, candy or homemade cinnamon rolls, either.
Yeah, I know, that doesn’t jingle your bell. But before you put me on the naughty list, let me explain my decision.

Silver screen songs
by Cathy Woolridge
Friday, Dec. 19, 2008

When you’re listening to the band IT perform “The Juice,” don’t be surprised if you have a flashback to a movie you’ve seen before.

Sweet sensation
by Cathy Woolridge
Friday, Dec. 19, 2008

Alexis Bremer of St. Joseph will make about 1,000 of her chocolate-covered cherry cookies before Christmas. It only took 12 tiny ones for her to be declared the winner of the 2008 News-Press Holiday Candy Recipe Contest.
Of course, she had to make a dozen more for the photo.

Holiday candy contest recipes
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008

Holiday candy contest recipes

Sweet sensation
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008

Alexis Bremer of St. Joseph will make about 1,000 of her chocolate-covered cherry cook­ies before Christmas. It only took 12 tiny ones for her to be declared the winner of the 2008 News-Press Holiday Candy Recipe Contest. Of course, she had to make a dozen more for the photo. “I just made 120 of these bad boys,” she says, handing over a red box filled with her winning entry. “I have a Christmas party at work.”

The stockings were hung ...
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Dec. 15, 2008

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...
Oh, bummer, don’t have a chimney in your home?
Well, you can still recreate the quaintness of that classic holiday poem. All you have to do is hang those Christmas stockings with care some other way. And there are a variety of options.

Pawing the perfect present
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008

You’ve made your Christmas list and checked it twice. There are presents for all the people in your life, so now it’s time to wrap up a little something for your pets.
Since many pet owners consider their animals members of the family, it’s only natural that they would want to include them in holiday celebrations. In fact, the American Pet Products Association says that 20 million people (almost half of all dog and cat owners) spend at least $210 million for holiday gifts for Fido and Fluffy.
But what’s the perfect gift for your pet?

Ho-ho holidays
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008

It’s no secret that the Lake of the Ozarks is a warm-weather favorite for many. There’s golf, getting out on the water and outlet shopping.
But the central Ozarks area really shines during the holiday season. You can still golf, get out on the water and shop, but you also can celebrate the season Ozark style.

You're invited
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Dec. 1, 2008

A large wooden buck, complete with impressive antlers, lounges on a bed in the Stewartsville, Mo., home of Tabitha and Jason Yount.
It is the focal point of a hunting-themed downstairs bedroom. The buck overshadows the walls with chocolate brown paint and white wainscotting, the wooden gun case, the comfy chair and the real deer head.

Piece by piece
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008

Tommy Neel, 90, and Robert Dyche, 93, face each other across the small card table in an sunny alcove at Vintage Gardens South. A half-completed 500-piece puzzle rests on the table between them.
“I see that horse’s ear is still lying here,” Mr. Neel says, picking up the piece.
“Well, this must be the other horse,” Mr. Dyche replies, reaching for his own puzzle piece. “This must be the horse’s eyes.”
The men drop puzzle pieces into place as they banter back and forth. They work well together, but having completed more than 100 puzzles, that’s no surprise.

Not another turkey sandwich
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there will be food, food and more food. And when the feasting is over, most likely there will be food left over. Turkey is usually the main leftover from the holiday meal. Of course, you can just re-heat it or slice and slap it on a couple of pieces of bread.
Or you can get creative.

Mid-Buch duo will perform at Disney World
by Cathy Woolridge
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008

Mid-Buchanan High School cheerleaders Ariel Hurst and Ashton Holmes are headed for the House of Mouse.

True character
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008

Pershing Elementary School students Kaylie Withrow and Allison Murphy, both 5, sit together quietly in a corner booth at Culver’s Frozen Custard in St. Joseph. Although the restaurant is warm, the girls are still bundled in their coats.
As other students slide into booths, an adult voice says, “Do you guys want to take your gloves off and your coats off so you can eat?”
While the majority of Pershing’s students are having lunch at the school, about 16 classmates are being treated to a meal at the fast-food restaurant for being named Character Students for October for showing self-control, the trait chosen for that month.

Music makers
by Cathy Woolridge
Friday, Nov. 21, 2008

The name may conjure up images of a Saturday morning cartoon, but the Punch Brothers aren’t superheroes or wrestlers seeking ratings.

Oh, Christmas tree
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Nov. 17, 2008

A Christmas tree, dressed with lights and decorations, is one of the most enduring symbols of the Christmas season. Not only do families delight in decorating it, they also gather around it to exchange gifts.

Woman to woman
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008

Kris Daise started planning for Dec. 20, her 40th birthday, a little early this year. But what she’s planning isn’t a huge party to mark the milestone occasion.
Kris is planning to make a difference.

Grab and go
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008

Is there anything that people could pre-make to take and eat as they run out the door that would be tasty and healthy?
There are some ideas on the list — peanut butter sandwich and juice, breakfast taco with cheese/salsa and egg, if desired, and juice, yogurt fruit parfait, granola bar and milk or juice, cheese and crackers and melted cheese on toast.

Cookie lovers get an early bite
by Cathy Woolridge
Friday, Nov. 7, 2008

Sidney Owens of St. Joseph has already sold some Girl Scout cookies to family and friends. Before November is over, she hopes to sell 300 boxes.
“They could be great stocking stuffers,” said the 13-year-old member of Troop 8032.
You’re not alone if you’re thinking it’s too early for Girl Scout cookies. And in past years, you would be right. Girls Scouts in this area normally sold the cookies early in the year.
All that has changed.

Bedtime basics
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Nov. 3, 2008

You spent a lot of time finding the perfect mattress, but often the pillow you rest your head upon is just an afterthought.
Your pillow plays an important role in getting a good night’s sleep. Anybody who has tossed and turned or punched a pillow trying to find a comfy position can attest to that.
Although there are a variety of pillows on the market, finding the perfect one for you isn’t rocket science.

And the winner is ...
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008

Marylin Coulter admits that she isn’t a big fan of pumpkin. However, the judges in the recent News-Press “I Love Pumpkin” recipe contest were big fans of her pumpkin recipe.
The Helena, Mo., resident’s Honey glazed pumpkin donuts won the $100 grand prize. Other entries included several pumpkin bars, pretty desserts, such as a pumpkin-date torte with decorative powdered sugar topping and a fancy pumpkin swirl cheesecake, a pumpkin cake, pumpkin pie fudge (also awesome); and a pie. But the doughnuts earned the highest rating among the majority of the judges.
“Those were kind of a unique taste for a doughnut,” says one judge.

Pumpkin recipes
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008

Pumpkin recipes

Safety tips for your trick-or-treaters
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Oct. 27, 2008

Pint-sized goblins will be prowling the night on Halloween. They’ll fly between houses in search of treats, but the costumed characters won’t be concerned about safety. As fun as Halloween is, the holiday can harbor some hazards for children and pets. Officer Gerald Duty, of the St. Joseph Safety Council, and Rick Smith, manager of the St. Joseph Animal Control and Rescue, offer some safety tips to parents and pet owners.

It's a treat
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008

Preslie Weigler was dressed as a pumpkin for her first Halloween. Last year, she was cradled in her parents’ arms. She had no idea what a pumpkin was.
This Halloween, Preslie, 19 months, knows what a pumpkin is, courtesy of a visit to the pumpkin patch, and she can walk.
“This is her first fun Halloween,” says Megan Weigler, Preslie’s mom.
And the blonde-haired toddler is ready.

Product placement
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Oct. 20, 2008

There is no shortage of new products that claim to make life easier for you. From a non-drug sleep aid to a toilet seat that freshens the air, the products are out there.
But between the hype and the price, it can become very confusing to decide which products you can really use and which you should avoid. We put several new products to test. Some were winners and others... well, don’t waste your money.

Beer, brats and music
by Cathy Woolridge
Friday, Oct. 17, 2008

Take the Beatles, mix in some Elton John and ZZ Top and then add a big shot of Skynyrd and you have the kind of music that you’ll hear when Sinful takes the stage at the Felix Street Experience Oktoberfest.

Mix and munch
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008

Cheryl George wants Frankenstein’s head on a platter.
She thinks it would be a treat for customers visiting Delish Bakery in downtown St. Joseph.
“I want to do the Frankenstein head so we can display it on the counter,” says Ms. George, the bakery’s owner.
Of course, this Frank would be crafted from flour and sugar rather than body parts. And he’d taste good, too.
With Halloween coming, it’s the time of year when Frank and his cronies turn up in kitchens across the country. They don’t hang around for long. But with just a little imagination and skill, you can make their visit a
tasty one.

Being a father is ‘more than just sending a check every month’
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008

Speaker Ted Bunch has a message for men, one that he will share at a parenting workshop Oct. 21.
Be a parent.
“It’s really much more than sending a check every month,” he says.
Mr. Bunch, a co-founder of the A Call to Men: The National Association of Men and Women Committed to Ending Violence Against Women, will be sharing his message at a workshop sponsored by the YWCA in conjunction with the Week Without Violence Committee. The workshop, “Practical Approaches for Men to Become More Effective Parents,” will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the American Red Cross at 401 N. 12th St. The workshop is free, but interested people should RSVP to the YWCA at 232-4481.

How much is that doggie?
by Cathy Woolridge
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008

In shelters across the area and the country, dogs wait for someone to take them home. To help bring attention to their situation, October has been designated Adopt-A-Dog month by American Humane, a national non-profit association championing the rights of children and animals. October also has been dubbed Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Hauntingly inexpensive
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Oct. 6, 2008

Skeletons, skulls and vampires are all welcome at my house for Halloween. Zombies, screaming headstones and mummy dogs with huge bloodshot eyes also are invited.
I’d even like to have a life-size version of Jason from the “Friday the 13th” movies greeting trick-or-treaters at my front door.
But what I would like to have and what I can afford to have can make decorating for my favorite holiday tricky. That “Friday the 13th” fright boy costs more than $200, and that’s enough to scare me off.
So, this year I decided to challenge myself to decorate my tiny house for Halloween on a $20 budget.

Fear factor
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008

When Allan LaFave channels his inner Freddy Krueger, he becomes a nightmare to those brave enough to venture into Krug Park after dark.
Mr. LaFave has portrayed the horror icon during the Kreepy Krug Halloween event for several years now, and he knows how to get a good scare. He doesn’t even have to show his face to do it.

Take back your kitchen
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008

Fannie Farmer revolutionized cooking when her book, the “Boston Cooking-School Cook Book” was released in 1896. It was the first time a cookbook contained precise measurements for recipes.
When Ms. Farmer devised and shared those accurate measurements, she turned cooking into a science.
Modern-day cultural historian, food writer and cookbook author Jean Johnson wishes Ms. Farmer wouldn’t have done that.
“On a daily basis, when all we want is dinner, few of us are up to doing the equivalent of small chemistry experiments,” she says.
In her new cookbook, “Cooking Beyond Measure: How to Eat Well Without Formal Recipes,” Ms. Johnson urges cooks to “throw away your measuring cups and take back your kitchens.” It’s not as hard as you might think, she says.
The author, a Portland, Ore., resident, recently talked with the News-Press. Some of her other thoughts on cooking without measuring follow.

Tractor titan
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008

Gage Emmendorfer, 4, zooms across the concrete on his shiny, blue New Holland tractor.
“Slow down,” dad Brian Emmendorfer calls.
With a loud “eeerrk,” the blond-haired pint-size Speed Racer comes to stop, skid marks in his wake.

Dolled-up dogs: Contest set for Oct. 4
by Cathy Woolridge
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008

Sometimes it’s good to be a girl dog.

Lovebirds refuse to fly south
by Cathy Woolridge
Friday, Sept. 26, 2008

He has a bum wing and can’t fly. She won’t fly away and leave him alone.
That’s what happens when two geese fall in love.
The lovebirds live near a pond at the intersection of Beck Road and Village Drive. They have been there all season, just two among a gaggle of geese, entertaining (and sometimes irritating) residents and businesses in the area.

Home, warm home
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Sept. 22, 2008

You prepare yourself for the coming winter by digging out warm sweaters and coats. Your home needs that same kind of care.
Now is the time to start preparing for the dipping temperatures and howling winds. By winterizing your home, you not only will be more comfortable, but you’ll be saving on your energy costs.

Hammer time
by Cathy Woolridge
Friday, Sept. 19, 2008

Anyone who has seen the movie “Misery” or read Stephen King’s novel of the same name is familiar with one Annie Wilkes. She is the sledgehammer-swinging cuckoo who tortured romance writer Paul Sheldon because he planned to kill off her favorite character.

Tasty terror
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008

Vampires, blood and brisket of beef might sound like a line from a twisted Halloween nursery rhyme.
But in reality, all are on the menu at the Phantom’s Feaste, an annual adult interactive dinner theater held on the grounds of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, Kan. Dinner with a dash of death will be served up Oct. 17 through the 31 (except for Sundays and Mondays).

Humane Society of Atchison on the move with pet adoptions
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008

The Humane Society of Atchison, Kan., is on the move when it comes to adopting animals.
Potential pet owners can still visit the no-kill shelter in Atchison to find their forever pet. In fact, they hope that you do. But potential pet owners also can search for that furry friend during the shelter’s Mobile Adopt-a-Pet program.

St. Joe brothers pursue dreams in Hollywood
by Cathy Woolridge
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008

The “J-Boyz” took their act on the road recently and wound up in Hollywood. After all, there’s no business like show business, and show business is what the Stickler boys, Jonathan, 11, and Jackson, 9, know.

Bulb basics
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Sept. 8, 2008

Nothing screams spring like a rainbow of colorful blooms. But if you want that explosion of color, fall is the time to plant.
Fall is perfect for planting spring flowering bulbs, such as crocus, hyacinth, tulips, daffodils, lilies, allium and iris.

Odyssey of the odd
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008

If you’re looking for a something a little different to do, why not take a little trip to the unusual?
You can visit the world’s largest pecan, meet Maxie the World’s Largest Goose, pay your respects to Jim the Wonder Dog, channel your spiritual side at the giant praying hands or gaze upon the Jesse James feather duster of death.
While these certainly aren’t the typical tourist attractions, the odd and the unusual do attract people. And all the above can be seen without leaving Missouri. Here’s a sampling. Consider it a staycation of the strange.

Sweet sensation
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008

The peach is the fruit that to the ancient Chinese was a symbol of longevity and immortality. Whatever.
For modern man, the peach is the fruit that tastes pretty darn good. You can’t take a bite out of symbolism, but you can bite into a sweet peach, slice and dice it, puree it, freeze it, can it.

Fall for color
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008

The shades that color fall may be a bit of a surprise this season.
There are the wine colors, the browns, the golds and the greens. But we’re not talking forest or olive green. Those shades are out there, but it’s lime green that’s heating up fall fashions.

Walk on
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Aug. 25, 2008

One of the highlights of a recent tour of Charlene and Rodney Loyd’s St. Joseph garden were the lotus plants. Delicate pink flowers surrounded by enormous green leaves.
While most people will focus on the flowers, it’s the leaves that will leave a lasting impression, especially when they are turned into stepping stones.

Does having pets really matter in an election?
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008

Leroy Chihuahua has an opinion about presidential candidate Barack Obama not having pets and shares it in his column on Petthevote.com. According to the diminutive doggie, “... As much as I appreciate a human who loves pets as much as my humans do, I gotta say I hope people don’t decide who to vote for based on the number of pets that candidate has. That’s a pretty silly reason to elect someone as President, if you ask me!”

Pack it
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008

Deciding between the Spider-Man, Batman or the Incredible Hulk lunchbox was a chore. But figur­ing out what snacks to put in that lunchbox can be a trial. Will they eat what you pack?

Avoiding toddler trauma
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008

Heading off to pre­school can be a fright­ening experience for a toddler. It means leaving the familiar and step­ping into the unknown.

Mix and munch
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008

A brand-new kitchen overflowing with high-end Viking appliances is something a lot of cooks dream about. Debbie Dance Uhrig is getting to live the dream.
The kitchen isn’t located in her new home in Branson, Mo. The former Platte City, Mo., resident will be cooking up a storm in the Viking kitchen at Silver Dollar City.
You read that correctly — Silver Dollar City, the well-known turn-of-century theme park just outside of Branson. That high-end kitchen is located in the theme park’s new Silver Dollar City Culinary and Craft School, which will open to the public in September.