POETRY Collection

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Stream Author Unknown

Running Peaceful,Running.Always changing,Babbling and Burbling.

I see the sea at the heart ofthis jewel blue Stream…Such adventures.I wonder.

It seems to Glitter on the surface,Reflected Beauty,I have seen Nature,in all her Glory.

Book a Session A Portrait A Scene & Flowers An Animal

Artist Suzanne Ervin www.semyart.com

239-777-9556**Advertisement**

POETRY Collection

Instagram Photo from @mountain_runnerBio - www.instagram.com/mountain_runnerWarren - Sharing my weekend adventures in the mountains. All pics are mine, using the Samsung GALAXY S5. No edit and no filter. https://www.theoutbound.com/washington/fishing/backpack-to-lake-lillian

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Mission: Sharing About Living with Heart. Create * Conceive * Connect

Letter from the Editor 2News, Celebrations, and Giveaways

Heart of Fashion 3Lifestyle Imagery, Pictures You Love& Fiammisday.com

Recipe Corner 4Make Ahead and Freeze Breakfast Sandwiches

You Asked? We Answered. 4 How do I stop wasting my year away?

Jill Dixon 5Independent Pro Rep & Toxic Free AdviserHealthy Home Company & The Mommy's Club - ID 503451

Heart of Home & Family 7Breakfast of Champions!

Heart of Home & Family 7Getting a Good Night Sleep

Alaska State Fair 8Austin's Trip to the Alaska State Fair

Heart of Travel 9Train Trip Memories

A Long Way Gone 11Book Summary

Tech Tips 12What the Tech does that mean?& August Apps

Featured Foundation 13Harry Chapin Food Bank

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Book a Session A Portrait A Scene & Flowers An Animal

Artist Suzanne Ervin www.semyart.com

239-777-9556*Advertisement

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ToxicFreeWellness.com

Enter online at heartbeatmag.com under the Giveaway section.

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Make Ahead & Freeze Breakfast Sandwiches

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Enter to win one Lavender Daily Cleansing Foam &

Lavender Shampoo (Retail Value of $32)

WIN it!

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Are some companies making a difference in the world? At Heartbeat Connection Magazine we discover the answer. Online, we share exclusive company reviews. Be sure to visit us at www.heartbeatmag.com.

RESOURCESSend us an email at info@heartbeatmag.com

Advertise with Us!Heartbeatmag.comManaging Editor NICOLE FLOTHEPhotographer MELINDA NAGY OTEROPhotographer JENNY PLOCINSKIArt Director SUZANNE ERVINEditor CHERYL FLOTHECover -Jill Dixon

CONNECT www.TWITTER.com/Heartbeat_magFACEBOOK HEARTBEAT CONNECTIONfacebook.com/heartbeatconnection

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Letter from the Editor

School has started in Collier County and my three children have started three different schools this year. It has been interesting getting used to all the schedules again. I'm glad they have the opportunity to learn from teachers that give of their time and their hearts.

Be sure to visit and welcome Dr. Anton Richardt, DDS with www.celebratemysmile.com, as he is one of my newest clients and shares health tips and strategies on keeping a beautiful smile and offers VIP specials. This month enjoy our giveaway from www.ToxicFreeWellness.com. They will be offering one Lavender Daily Cleansing Foam & Lavender Shampoo! Enter on our giveaway page for your chance to win.

If you'd like to be a contributor or are interested in advertising, visit our website or send us an email at info@heartbeatmag.com!

With love, Nicole Flothe Managing Editor

This month's cover photo is of my friend, Jill Dixon. She is a mom, and an Independent Pro Rep & Toxic Free Adviser from Healthy Home Company and The Mommy's Club. The photo was taken by Darren Miles Photography.

Lee Heyward - Style with LeeShelly Aristizabal - You Asked & We AnsweredBeth Gatrell - Tech Tip of the Week Cheryl Flothe - Heart of Travel, Recipe CornerHeart of Home & Family

The best thing about me is you.

- Shannon Crown

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by Lee HeywardStylewithLee.com

For this day my mom had a brilliant idea. One dress and it is done. The day is settled. The dress in question is from IL GUFO and it is so chic, also perfect for the beach… ;-)

Chic often means simplicity and this dress really is so, chic and simple. It will be perfect for the day with my Havaianas sandals. With a change of shoes it would also be ideal for the evening. Here it is, in all its simple elegance…what do you think? - Fiammetta

Lifestyle imagery (photos of you doing what you do) has quickly become one of the fastest ways for prospective clients to know if you’re “their” person!

People are eager to know more about you and a few ideal images can achieve this in seconds! They want to know that you can help them achieve their goals. They DON’T want to read a million words to figure that out. Show them with images!

One photo shoot with the right photographer and personal stylist

Fiammisday.com Blogger Simona from Florence, Italy

The Children's Fashion Blog Outfit and Kid's Style

will ensure you’re ready for any marketing campaign you launch.

Not to mention it’s a lot of fun!

Join style expert, Lee Heyward and Kimmi Ward, of Big Mission Photography for:

“Have Pictures You Love and Attract Ideal Clients: 3 Foolproof Steps to Photo Shoot Success”

- See more at: http://styleseminars.com/picturesyoulove

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by Shelly Aristizabal of Business Women Connect

Q: How do I stop wasting my year away?A: Pick a few things and implement them today.

Every year you set new goals for yourself. If you’re like most Americans, by April, your resolve is waning, and by July you don’t even remember your resolutions. Then, on Dec. 31, you berate yourself saying, "How did I waste a whole year?" This IS Your Year to Design & Live the Life of Your Dreams! Pick only two or three strategies from the list below and implement them today. Then, instead of scolding yourself on Dec. 31, 2014, you’ll be able to say, "Look how much I accomplished this year!" IT'S NOT TOO LATE!!!! OK, you have a big goal, what are you going to do with it?

Ink it. You’ve heard it before, but the truth is writing down your goals forces you to get clear about what you want. Use a pen and paper (you can transfer it to your computer later). That simple physical act helps cement the desire in your brain.

Replace it. One way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. What can you choose to add to your life that will fill the void left by eliminating a bad habit? For example, replace TV time with family time, candy with fresh fruit, talk radio with inspiring audios.

Speak it. Talking about your goal—even if it seems huge and impossible—allows others to encourage and help you by providing resources and information you may need.

Recipe Corner by Cheryl Flothe

Directions:1. Set split muffins on rimmed baking sheet and bake in 275 degree oven . Toast for 15-20 minutes to dry out muffins.2. Once muffins are toasted, lay them out in a line and place cheese on the top slice.3. Place cooked meat on the bottom half of each muffin.4. Beat eggs and milk with fork. Add salt and pepper.5. Bring a large nonstick skillet to medium heat and add 1 tbsp. butter.6. Pour about half of egg mixture into pan. Let it cook, scrambling slightly with spatula until it begins to set.7. Divide eggs into six sections and flip each section. Once eggs are cooked, put on top of the bacon and close the sandwich.8. Continue with the second half of the egg mixture and the second tbsp. of butter.9. Once sandwiches are complete, put on a cookie sheet and freeze at least 20 minutes.10. Wrap each sandwich in a sheet of paper towel and place in a zippered bag. When the bag is full, store in the freezer.11. When ready to eat, remove sandwich and microwave in paper towel for 30 seconds. Remove muffin/bread slices and place in toaster. Microwave egg/cheese/meat for 2 minutes on 80% power (or 1 minute 30 seconds on full power). Re-assemble sandwich and enjoy!Recipe from Homebeccanomics online.

These breakfast sandwiches take a little time to put together, but making 12 at a time gives you enough to have them a few times during the week. They are a nice change from other breakfast foods. Just take out of the freezer and reheat in microwave.

Ingredients:12 English muffins12 slices cheese (American, Cheddar and Swiss varieties melt the best)12 slices your choice of cooked meat: Canadian bacon, breakfast sausages, or bacon12 eggs (or 3 cups egg substitute)1/4 c. milk1 1/2 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. black pepper1 tbsp. butter

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by Nicole Flothe

I met Jill Dixon through one of my friends and we had lunch at Moe's to get to know each other. One of the first things I noticed about Jill was her sweet smile and good humor. Since that meeting we've kept in touch via social media and a few get-togethers. Just recently I was invited to a Share the Love Social Media Facebook group and Jill was posting great product reviews on her Toxic Free Wellness. I thought it would be a nice idea to asker her a few questions on how she got started in her business...

How did you get involved in your business?For the first time ever I feel that my entire life has led me up to this moment, but for the sake of time I will begin where I really started what I call “my journey,” back around the year 2010. At this time my husband and I were trying to have a baby. I began to educate myself and learn about how food had changed and the importance of nutrition, not just eating “food-like” products. I began to learn about organic food, ingredients in personal care products, how to read labels and what to avoid. Then when I was pregnant at the late age of 39 with a high risk pregnancy, it really hit me like a ton of bricks---this may be my only shot at having a baby and this baby will be nurtured or harmed by whatever I put in and on my body. So I ate very healthy and continued to learn more about toxins.

Fast forward to about 3 months after our precious baby, Emma Faith, was born. This is when I read my first report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a non-profit coalition dedicated to public awareness and advocacy to remove toxic chemicals from personal care products. Back in 2009 this report originally called out companies using formaldehyde & 1,4-dioxane specifically in their baby products. (In June of 2011, after years of delay resulting from pressure by the chemical industry which is nearly a 3 trillion dollar global industry, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services finally added formaldehyde to its list of known human carcinogens). Here I am, a new mom, slathering this stuff all over my newborn, having her soaking with it in the tub! I was disgusted. I wanted to vomit. Absolutely in shock for what I was exposing my daughter to. It is still found on the shelves today as personal care products are largely unregulated. It is left up to the cosmetics companies to decide. Some of these ingredients are even banned in many other countries, but in the USA these companies continue to put them on the shelves. Now there comes a time that you have to accept that it was unknown. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot; it's time to move forward.

So I began to learn more about baby products and specifically about ingredients, because they don’t actually write on the back of products the words “this contains toxic chemicals, or formaldehyde, or formaldehyde releasing toxic chemicals!” I have learned the different names of toxic ingredients in products. I have stood in the grocery store for hours reading labels. My daughter had allergic reactions and red bumps from products that claim such things as “All Natural, Pediatrician Recommended or Hypoallergenic” I constantly had to try new things! I had been searching high and low for baby products that were Organic and, most importantly, void of harmful toxins. Being just organic does not mean that there are no toxic chemicals in it. To top all that off, I needed to find something that wouldn’t break the bank! And let me tell you, this was NO SMALL TASK!

By the grace of God, I knew those who were involved with bringing the “Healthy Home Company” to the market and I watched, waited, and continued to learn. In October 2013 I purchased a set of Lavender products for Emma, fell in love with them, and then took a big leap of faith and started as an “Independent Professional

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Representative” before the company even publically launched in January 2014. Be sure to enter the giveaway to win a few Lavender products on heartbeatmag.com!

I am a licensed real estate professional, but since I was already learning about toxic chemicals and experienced the difficulty in replacing them, I had to tell everyone about what I had found! There was no way I was going to keep it to myself. I say “I am a Realtor by day, but a Mommy always!”

I am proud to be involved with the Healthy Home Company (aka: The Mommy's Club) as it was founded on faith and integrity and for the very reason I was searching so hard for solutions. It started with only 12 replacement products in January 2014, and within 6 months we had almost 100 high quality, ToxicFree® Certified, Eco Cert, Organic solutions for Personal Care, Skin Care, Health, Wellness, and Household that are retail competitive to deliver the all-natural, toxic free store right to the door. What started out for me as a slow and expensive process of transforming my home to a safer environment has shot into warp speed since Healthy Home Company’s launch in January 2014. When it comes to exposure of toxic chemicals, I say start where you can control what you can, and that is by removing them from your home and simply replacing them with safe products from a trusted source. I am helping people do this faster and easier with Healthy Home Company.

What do you enjoy about it?I learned very early on in life that you cannot talk about a problem unless you have a solution. All of us at Healthy Home Company are that solution; whether you are a retail buyer, a member, or an independent pro rep, or maybe you want to make sure the products you are currently using are safe. I have met amazing and influential advocates for this global cause from all over the country and beyond. I love being first and foremost an educational company. I am helping people make informed, intentional buying decisions and I have many resources to share and show them how to make their homes a safer place to raise a family. I can wash my daughter’s tub right before she goes in it and know there is nothing toxic still lingering to touch her skin, become inhaled, or even ingested. I know that when my toddler brushes her teeth I don’t need to call poison control if she swallowed some toothpaste.

Most importantly, I love being able to work more from home, which means I can spend more time with our daughter while also being a support to my husband’s real estate business. To me that is ideal. Finding a balance where we as moms can provide direct upbringing and direction to our children, especially at a young age, but also helping to provide financially for the family and personally be involved in a mission that is truly meaningful. I feel that it is also important for our children to see and experience the joy and satisfaction we can receive from a career and having a generous work ethic. These are behaviors and character traits I want to instill in my daughter.

Do you have any specialties?I specialize in education and awareness. Once you learn what’s happening, you cannot unlearn it. Once people learn the truth, we are able to provide the highest quality solutions. That is also why Healthy Home Company chose to be a membership club that uses 1 to 1 personal advertising to spread the message of toxic free living. I am a personal adviser for toxic free wellness. You cannot get that by shopping off of a shelf in the store or even online. I can help you learn whether you buy Healthy Home products or want to know about another brand.

Is there a heartfelt community cause you support?Quite frequently you can find a gift basket of mine donated for silent auction charities in town. I usually create them with our lavender products for infants and children and also for expectant mothers. I feel this is the most important and urgent group to be toxic free, considering studies show innocent babies are being born with over 230 toxic chemicals already coursing through their vulnerable bodies.

I have other announcements coming soon, where I personally had a hand in bringing together Healthy Home Company and a notable organization also working to educate the public, promote cancer prevention and make a positive difference to the health and lives of many. So I am very excited to announce details of that shortly!

I believe that educating the public and teaching them to take back control of their homes away from toxic chemicals is a greater heartfelt cause then I could have ever imagined. To learn more visit:

Jill Dixon, aka: M.O.M. (Mom On a Mission!) Cell: 239.293.5770Independent Pro Rep & Toxic Free Adviser - ID 503451 Healthy Home Company & The Mommy's ClubWebsite: www.ToxicFreeWellness.comEmail: ToxicFreeWellness@gmail.comBLOG: www.ToxicFreeAdviser.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/blueribbonwellness

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by Cheryl Flothe

You’ve heard your parents say, “Eat your breakfast!” thousands of times. As parents, you probably say the same thing to your kids. But, these days you probably have less time to prepare and eat the most important meal of the day. Often kids go out the door without eating anything. That means they’ll go for up to 17 hours without eating (if you figure the time from dinner to lunch the following day). School breakfasts are good in a pinch, but you can’t always plan kids will like what’s being served or that they’ll make healthy choices.

Why is breakfast so important?1. Without refueling their bodies in the morning, kids will be more irritable, tired, and less able to concentrate. 2. A balanced breakfast can help kids maintain a healthy weight by jumpstarting their metabolism and decreasing hunger the rest of the day. 3. Kids who eat a good breakfast are healthier and do better in school.

What foods are healthiest for breakfast?1. Carbohydrates provide energy. Sources are whole grain breads, muffins, and cereals.2. Protein is another source of energy after the carbohydrates are used. Sources include low fat dairy, eggs, lean meats, seeds, nuts, and cooked beans.3. Fiber helps kids feel full and keeps food moving through the digestive system when they’re drinking enough liquids, preventing constipation. Sources are whole grain breads, cereals, and waffles; bran, brown rice, and other grains; vegetables, fruits, nuts, and beans.

With kids returning to school this fall, it’s a good idea to plan some quick and easy breakfast ideas your family will like. Here are a few ideas:

-Whole grain cereal with fruit and low fat yogurt or milk.-Whole grain waffles with peanut butter, fruit, or ricotta cheese.-Hot cereal with cinnamon and milk.-Whole grain bagel with peanut butter, fruit, and low fat milk.-Bran or other whole grain muffin with low fat yogurt or milk.-Breakfast smoothie (low fat yogurt or milk, fruit, teaspoon of bran).-Vegetable omelet with whole wheat toast and 100% fruit juice.-Whole grain bread or bagel with low fat cream cheese and fruit.-Whole wheat tortilla with shredded cheese cooked in microwave for 20 seconds, folded in half and served with salsa.-Get creative with leftovers such as rice, meats, and vegetables served with low fat milk or juice.-Breakfast sandwiches or burritos (can be homemade and frozen in advance).-Keep healthy breakfast bars around to grab with a piece of fruit with a to-go milk or juice!

Kids may say they aren’t hungry, but keep encouraging them to eat at least something healthy before school. It takes some time, but will be so worth it when your kids are mentally and physically ready for their school day. Happy Back-to-School!!!

Most importantly, I love being able to work more from home, which means I can spend more time with our daughter while also being a support to my husband’s real estate business. To me that is ideal. Finding a balance where we as moms can provide direct upbringing and direction to our children, especially at a young age, but also helping to provide financially for the family and personally be involved in a mission that is truly meaningful. I feel that it is also important for our children to see and experience the joy and satisfaction we can receive from a career and having a generous work ethic. These are behaviors and character traits I want to instill in my daughter.

Do you have any specialties?I specialize in education and awareness. Once you learn what’s happening, you cannot unlearn it. Once people learn the truth, we are able to provide the highest quality solutions. That is also why Healthy Home Company chose to be a membership club that uses 1 to 1 personal advertising to spread the message of toxic free living. I am a personal adviser for toxic free wellness. You cannot get that by shopping off of a shelf in the store or even online. I can help you learn whether you buy Healthy Home products or want to know about another brand.

Is there a heartfelt community cause you support?Quite frequently you can find a gift basket of mine donated for silent auction charities in town. I usually create them with our lavender products for infants and children and also for expectant mothers. I feel this is the most important and urgent group to be toxic free, considering studies show innocent babies are being born with over 230 toxic chemicals already coursing through their vulnerable bodies.

I have other announcements coming soon, where I personally had a hand in bringing together Healthy Home Company and a notable organization also working to educate the public, promote cancer prevention and make a positive difference to the health and lives of many. So I am very excited to announce details of that shortly!

I believe that educating the public and teaching them to take back control of their homes away from toxic chemicals is a greater heartfelt cause then I could have ever imagined. To learn more visit:

Jill Dixon, aka: M.O.M. (Mom On a Mission!) Cell: 239.293.5770Independent Pro Rep & Toxic Free Adviser - ID 503451 Healthy Home Company & The Mommy's ClubWebsite: www.ToxicFreeWellness.comEmail: ToxicFreeWellness@gmail.comBLOG: www.ToxicFreeAdviser.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/blueribbonwellness

by Nicole Flothe

My aunt, Maggie Kirby, sent me an article the other day about remedies for sleepless nights. I thought that since the kids are

back to school and getting used to new schedules it would a perfect resource. I know my kids need more sleep at night now that they are waking up as early as 6:15am. The Harvard Women's Health Watch offers tips for getting a better night's rest, including these: Watch what you drink. Avoid caffeine before bed and limit alcohol within two hours of bedtime. Exercise. Getting regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, or swimming can help you fall asleep faster, get more deep sleep, and awaken less often during the night. Don't watch the clock. Watching the time pass makes it harder, turn the clock face away from you. Improve your sleep efficiency. Keep track of your sleep pattern for a week or two. You might find patterns you can fix. Lastly, calm the mind, relax the muscles and try deep breathing.

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by Nicole Flothe

Austin's brother, Robert, has returned to Alaska and what better way to spend time with his brother than at the Alaska State Fair. It was a little cold and rainy, but they still had fun. They got to see family and friends. They went to the Dinosaur and Reptile Exhibit. And they ate a ton of food. By the end of the day Austin was very exhausted, but sure loved the fair.

To learn more about the Alaska State Fair visit www.alaskastatefair.org

Each moment that my nephew, Austin, gets to do something new is a moment of celebration! As per his mom, Tina, Austin had an exciting first field trip with his first grade class from 10am to noon. They got to go to the fair before it opened up to the public. They all went through the barn and the different stations. The petting zoo, vegetables, bees, poultry, and the lager animals. Then had lunch and snacked on fresh carrots that the Vaderweele's Farm donated. They all got their hand stamped so they could come back later. Thank you Swanson and Alaska State Fair for making this happen for the kids.

back to school and getting used to new schedules it would a perfect resource. I know my kids need more sleep at night now that they are waking up as early as 6:15am. The Harvard Women's Health Watch offers tips for getting a better night's rest, including these: Watch what you drink. Avoid caffeine before bed and limit alcohol within two hours of bedtime. Exercise. Getting regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, or swimming can help you fall asleep faster, get more deep sleep, and awaken less often during the night. Don't watch the clock. Watching the time pass makes it harder, turn the clock face away from you. Improve your sleep efficiency. Keep track of your sleep pattern for a week or two. You might find patterns you can fix. Lastly, calm the mind, relax the muscles and try deep breathing.

Tina took Austin back to the fair that night with his sister, Madison. He wanted to play and win some toys and, after an hour of walking around seeing all the different fair booths, his vent battery started acting up and wouldn't hold a charge. They had to hurry and find a plug-in. That really freaked Tina out! That's the only way he can breathe, so it was an

emergency to plug him in right away, and she couldn't find one. Out of nowhere a women named Jacqueline showed up and offered to help them. They got his vent plugged in right away. It was so nice to meet her and how she cared and talked to Austin was very sweet. Thank you so much! We need more people like you!! HUGE THANK YOU to Jacqueline Leavitt with Golden Wheel Amusements! - Tina Ervin

To learn more about Austin and his journey to recovery visit his page at Facebook.com/austinervinhealing.

He continues to progress with physical therapy and respiratory therapy. We all thank you for your prayers, support, and belief in his recovery.

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by Cheryl Flothe

Have you ridden a train lately? Many people don’t, except to commute to their jobs and around large cities. My grandpa was a conductor on a train for many years. In fact, trains were a common mode of travel until the 1960’s. These days, many people either drive or fly, forgetting there’s another option. I will always remember the trips I’ve taken on the train, especially when mom took all four kids (11 and under) all the way across the country from Washington to Georgia. We didn’t even have a sleeper---we sat and slept in our seats, walked beteen cars, enjoyed the dome car, and loved the whole trip!

My grandpa (conductor) and uncle (engineer) by a Seaboard Airline Railway engine in the early 1950's.

The Alaska Coastal Train from Anchorage to Seward, AK was #9 on National Geographic’s Top 10 North American Train Trips list.

The dome car on the Alaska Railroad Explorer betweenPortage and Grandview, AK

Historic White Pass &Yukon Railway - Lake Bennett, BC

emergency to plug him in right away, and she couldn't find one. Out of nowhere a women named Jacqueline showed up and offered to help them. They got his vent plugged in right away. It was so nice to meet her and how she cared and talked to Austin was very sweet. Thank you so much! We need more people like you!! HUGE THANK YOU to Jacqueline Leavitt with Golden Wheel Amusements! - Tina Ervin

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adventure to more destinations at Eurail online, http://www.eurail.com. Here I am aboard “The Chunnel” train between Paris and London getting ready to eat my chocolate croissant! National Geographic published articles about the Top 10 North American and European Train Trips. These can be found at: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/north-american-train-trips/#page=2 and http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/european-train-trips/.

Amtrak runs most of the passenger trains in the U.S. There are also some privately owned historic trains like the White Pass Yukon Railway between Lake Bennett, British Columbia, Canada and Skagway, Alaska; and the Grand Canyon Railway in Arizona. Historic railways can be found at http://www.scenicusa.net/Historic Trains.html. Amtrak reservations can be planned and booked at http://www.amtrak.com.

Historically, the Alaska Railroad has been a flag stop train, stopping to pick up and drop off people living and hiking in the outback of Alaska. The Alaska Railroad now has some “Whistle Stops” between Spencer Glacier and Grandview, served by the Alaska Railroad Explorer train. You can get on and off at these stops at scheduled times to camp in, hike, and explore those areas.

The Alaska Railroad Whistle Stop Train to Spencer Glacier and Grandview not only stops for passengers, but also to show points of interest. This “willow rose” is a unique willow bud that’s formed by a nesting insect on the Barclay willow. To the right is the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop passenger building.

Train travel is still very popular in other countries, especially for visitors. It’s often less expensive and a good way to see the countryside. You can buy multi-day passes to save money and extend your

by Nathan Flothe

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A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier is a book about a true warrior. Twelve year old Ishmael (the main protagonist and author of the book) was put to the test when his country Sierra Leone erupts into civil war. At the time of his village Mogbweno being attacked he was in a town called Mattru Jong performing a hip hop dance routine with his friends. Little did they know when they left Mogbweno that it would be the last time they saw their families. Nearly a month later the rebels attacked Mattru Jong and Ishmael escaped with his brother and some friends. After that they were on the run, going from one village to the next. Sometimes they would stay a few months doing work such as farming, but in the end every village they reached was attacked. Ishmael was brought near death many times when rebels attacked or he was captured, but he always ended up escaping. During one such attack there was a large confusion and Ishmael was separated from his brother. On his own Ishmael started traveling towards the ocean, eventually

meeting up with another group of boys his age. They walked a long distance to get to the ocean only to find the villagers unwelcoming. The villagers ended up taking their shoes and they were forced to walk across the blazing beach, burning the skin off their feet. Luckily there was a friendly man they met who gave them shelter and food until their feet recovered. They eventually were forced to leave, but were told that their families had been living in a village nearby. Walking along the trail they ran into a man Ishmael had known from Mogbweno who led them towards the village. Their hopes were very high and they were actually happy for once, but they soon arrived to discover the rebels had gotten there first. All their families had been burned or taken and at that point they nearly gave up hope. The rebels came back though and they had to run, eventually being found by the military. Ishmael and his friends found refuge in the military controlled village, but it was slowly being surrounded by rebel groups. To defend themselves the military started enlisting children such as Ishmael. After his first kill in combat Ishmael was changed; he began to do drugs and murder innocents and rebels alike. As the war went on he got worse and worse, they moved from village to village inventing terrible ways to kill the rebels and they even made games out of it. When the war began to die down he was shipped off to Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, to be rehabilitated into civilian life. It was difficult for a long time, but over the course of eight months he slowly got over the horrors of his life as a child soldier. In Freetown they were able to find his uncle to take care of him when his rehabilitation ended. He welcomed him into the family and loved him like a son. During his time at his uncle's he was able to go over to the United States to participate in a UN conference on ways to help children around the world. There he met his future mother, Laura (though he didn't know it at the time). She ran a storytelling workshop at the conference which he joined. They became very attached during his visit and stayed in touch afterwards. When he returned to Freetown life was normal for a while, but the rebels eventually came in and took control of the capital, killing civilians and stopping all trade. During that time his uncle caught some sort of sickness and ended up dying in his arms. To escape the chance of being sucked back into the life of a child soldier he decided to flee the country. He was able to get a call out to Laura in America and was told that if he escaped he could live with her. Taking his passport and all the money he had he took the bus all the way to Guinea, and got on a plane for New York.

I believe that the author wrote this book to help raise awareness for child soldiers by giving people a firsthand account of what it was like for him. It helped show me at least what truly happens around the world with child soldiers, and what brutality can become of it. I also think that he wrote this book to tell those that know him the full story of his life in Sierra Leone. One universal lesson learned from this is that friendship can be a great gift for those in need of it. Ishmael found out that his family had died in chapter 11 but his friends really came through for him, getting him up from his grief and urging him forward. His uncle was also a great person in his life. He accepted him into his family as a son and a friend. Another lesson from humanity is that you should help others even if you don't truly know them, or don't get anything in return. One good example for that is the old man on the verandah in chapter 8 who had been left behind when the villagers left to hide. He didn't have to do anything for them, yet he gave them some yams and drew them a map to a town called Yele. Another example for that was the man in chapter 9 who provided them with food and shelter until their feet healed back up. He didn't ask for anything in return, yet he still helped them live and recover.

This book was an amazing story about life and death. I enjoyed it very much because it was a true story Ishmael was telling. It was hard to believe that he went through all of these attacks and things like losing his family and killing people, yet he was around my age. It was also very cool to see some humanity left in the world at certain points. Even though the rehabilitation got out of control sometimes they kept on trying, and it eventually worked. One thing I believed was missing though was what happened after he got to America? The story ended fairly abruptly, and I would have liked to learn a bit about his transition into a new home in New York. Another thing I would have liked to read more about were his village's traditions and his life before the civil war. Sierra Leone is thought to have had natives since the 1200s or before (as stated in the book's chronology), so they must have some interesting traditions.

August Appsby Nicole Flothe

I love looking at my friends' phones and seeing what apps they have that I don't. The other day I was watching an Into Tomorrow video on YouTube and they shared about the Haagen-Dazs app Concerto. A holographic image is shown via your video on your phone when you scan the top of the carton of ice cream. When they are done playing a short concert, your ice cream is ready to scoop! We loved it! Dunkin' Donuts has a new mobile app that provides customers with a reward system and then I added Calorie Count this month after I ate ice cream and Dunkin' Donuts! Regal is another rewards app that helps you earn points for free things from the movies. Messenger seperated from Facebook and now has its own app. SketchBook, WeirdButTrue, DIY, and Videolicious are all new tools to help us be more creative and learn new things. Send us your app!

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also for extras like the Word of the Day and crossword puzzles. Merriam Webster is another fantastic place to look for word definitions and spelling as well as quizzes, frequently looked up words, trends and more. If you’re looking for more of an encyclopedia check out Encyclopedia.com, Britannica, and Fact Monster for great information. And most of the dictionaries and encyclopedias also offer mobile Apps so you can always access the info you need. There are even sites that can help you in a particular field of study, including Math Words and Math is Fun, which will give you meanings for just about every math term out there. Visit the USDA for info on converting measurements and their equivalents. To find out what something means in a different language, Google and Free Translation are quick and easy tools to use. Many Apps are also available for mobile devices like iTranslate and Speak & Translate that allow you to speak into your device and translate to many different languages. And if you need someone to translate your tech, stop by and visit with us "Into Tomorrow" and

ASK DAVE!

Into Tomorrow's What the Tech does that mean?by Beth Gatrell

New studies and a new school year bring lots of new questions. One of the best tools available to students these days is the Internet, where you can do a search through many sources like Google, Yahoo, Bing, and Dogpile. Dictionary.com is a great resource for not only the correct pronunciation and spelling of words, but

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To view more information about iPhone apps visit www.heartbeatmag.com, What's on my iPhone.

Harry Chapin

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Featured Foundationby Nicole Flothe

The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida was opened in 1983. Formerly known as the Lee County Food Cooperative, the Harry Chapin Food Bank has served as the only food bank in Southwest Florida.

They’ve partnered with 150+ agencies that provide direct services to those in need, including church food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, disaster relief agencies and more. Today, the food bank provides food for more than 30,000 individuals each month. In fiscal year 2013-2014, the Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 18.7 million pounds of food, provided 15.5 million meals, and turned every $1 into $6 worth of food for those in need.

This September is Hunger Action Month. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Adum Putnam, will issue a state declaration for Hunger Action Month at the Mosaic Hunger Relief Forum on Sept. 4th. Hunger Action Month is a nationwide campaign mobilizing the public to take action on the issue of hunger. Organized by the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks, the campaign brings greater attention to the issue of hunger in America and promotes ways for individuals everywhere to get involved with the movement to solve it.

In 1994, the food bank moved into a former meat processing plant on Alicia Street in Fort Myers and changed its name to the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, in honor of the late singer and anti-hunger advocate. Harry’s family and original band continue to help the food bank through an annual concert at Boca Grande.

By 2008, as the Great Recession struck Southwest Florida, the food bank moved to a 50,000-square-foot warehouse to better serve the growing number of children and families going hungry in our community.

For local events and media news be sure to visit their website:

www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/www.facebook.com/HarryChapinFoodBank

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Hi, I'm Austin Ervin and I'm recovering from a car accident I had in Alaska. I was diagnosed with Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation. I had to have spinal surgery at Seattle Children's Hospital, went to Kennedy Krieger Institute for Rehab and now I have returned to Alaska. I'm on a breathing tube and have to get assistance with moving. My Mommy & Daddy are raising money to help support my care now and in the future. Your donations help with: extra expenses, extra therapies, and so much more. Thanks! Visit www.believeaustin.com

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