Desert Messenger

24 www.DesertMessenger.com November 15, 2017 800-656-HOPE Buckskin Mountain State Park celebrates 60th Anniversary Buckskin Mountain State Park, north of Parker will host activities on Saturday, December 2, 2017 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The activities will begin at 9 a.m. and include a Dutch Oven chili cook off, beer garden sponsored by Parker Chamber of Commerce, food vendor, vintage trailer show, flat bottom boats, classic car show and shine, Parker 4 Wheelers, "mussel" cars sponsored by Ander- son Dealership, Bradley Chevrolet and Parker Motor Co., live feeds and giveaways by Jack FM Ra- dio with Tijuana Tim, a live band featuring Chuck E. Bumps & the Crocodiles, pin-up contest, and an in-park poker run. The theme of the event is "Then and Now." Everyone is invited to attend. WHAT: 60th Anniversary Celebra- tion – cost is $10 per vehicle for four adults. WHERE: Buckskin Mountain State Park – located on Highway 95 in Parker. WHEN: Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit azstate- parks.com/buckskin. WHO: For more information about this event, contact the park directly at 928-667-3231. Be a Calculated Gift Giver This Holiday Season With careful planning, consumers can make the most of their holidays without straining budgets. Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions, a division of Money Management Inter- national, are encouraging consumers to be "calculated gift givers" this holiday season and use the Holiday Budget Calculator, along with these five tips, to help be more deliberate when holiday planning. #1 Become an expert on big ticket items If considering a high-dollar purchase for a loved one, it's important to become an "expert" on the item. Becoming an "expert" will allow to make the best decision regarding cost and quality of the product. Maybe one product is made with higher quality materials, or maybe it offers an extra warranty. Whatever the case, the best decision can be made by doing thorough research into the product and its different models. It's also important to shop with businesses that embody integrity; check out bbb. org to find trustworthy businesses. #2 Give gifts that provide a return A calculated gift giver understands that gifts can not only provide enjoy- ment but also a return, and, in some cases, a financial return. Gifts can help friends and family members make money through a side job or hobby. Examples include tools and equipment along with guides, books and other resources. Younger family members can also benefit from gifts that provide a return, such as a contribution to a college fund. #3 Use reward points and online shopping Look for unique opportunities to save. This means regularly checking online for sales and deals and making the most of any rewards points. Rewards points, in particular, are a great way to fund gifts, as they don't really "cost" anything. Read the fine print and make sure such gifts are transferable and, if needed, returnable. #4 Start early The earlier the holiday planning starts, the better. When consumers are short on time, they have less flexibility and can't shop around as much. Look for deals early in the year, and don't be afraid to buy gifts far in advance and store them at home until the holiday season arrives. Be sure to ask if gifts purchased ahead of time can be returned should they not work for the recipient. #5 Create a holiday budget Don't let holiday spending spiral out of control and develop a plan that includes a firm budget. Use Clearpoint's holiday planning calculator to help organize spending. The calculator even allows listing each gift and accounting for food, travel, and other expenses. For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, follow Better Business Bureau on Facebook and Twitter. BBB tips on budgeting this holiday season Nancy's Kitchen CROCK POT LASAGNA SOUP 1 lb ground beef 1 medium yellow onion, diced 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, undrained 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ beef flavored broth 2 cups sliced mushrooms 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 cup water 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4teaspoon pepper 1 cup uncooked bow-tie pasta (2 oz) 2 cups chopped zucchini Shredded cheese, if desired Directions (can add carrot and celery instead of zucchini) 1 In 10-inch skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat, stir- ring frequently, until beef is brown; drain. Place in 6-quart slow cooker. 2 Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, mushrooms, basil, parsley, water, salt and pepper to slow cooker; stir. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 7 to 8 hours. 3 When about 30 minutes are left, add uncooked pasta and zuc- chini; cover and continue cooking until time is up.....top with shred- ded cheese. Read Desert MESSENGER E-edition online @ www.MyQuartzsite.com

• Cover