Pampered Penguins Make a Difference

MANCHESTER—

Hampton Beach will look more like summer than winter on February 5, as hundreds converge on the beach for the 13th Annual ‘Penguin Plunge.’ Those individuals braving the Atlantic Ocean are raising money for Special Olympics of New Hampshire (SONH).

While the vast majority of those participating in the Plunge will make their way into the ocean, there are those that will stay dry while still raising money for Special Olympic—fondly referred to as ‘Pampered Penguins.’ The Pampered Penguin is required to raise the same fundraising minimum as those plunging into the ocean, except they keep dry and get to watch the event unfold from the safety of the beach.

In addition to receiving the ‘Basic Plunge Package’ of a fleece jacket and two wristbands to the post-Plunge lunch and celebration, Plunge participants may earn gift cards and a backpack as a bonus for raising set amounts above the fundraising minimum.

“Everyone that participates in the High School Plunge or the Penguin Plunge is helping to improve the lives of our athletes,” said Mary Conroy, President of the Special Olympics of New Hampshire.

Pampered Penguins and Plungers alike are raising money to help support the year-round programs that Special Olympics of New Hampshire offers to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In addition to competition and training, SONH offers free health screenings, leadership training and an environment where people with and without disabilities can learn from each other through inclusion.

For more information or to register for one of the two plunges visit the SONH website at www.sonh.org or call the SONH office at 603-624-1250.

Photo caption: Pictured are participants from last year’s event. (Courtesy Photo)

Stonewall Kitchen Launches New Products for 2012

YORK—

Stonewall Kitchen announced, Thursday, January 26, the launch of a variety of new products for January 2012, including a new line of aiolis.

Aioli flavors include Habanero Mango, Horseradish, Lemon Herb, Roasted Garlic and Smoky Barbecue. Also introduced, traditional Down East Tartar Sauce.

“We are so excited for this launch,” said Natalie King, Executive Vice President. “Our new products were developed with the same attention to detail and high quality ingredients that has made us one of the most awarded specialty food makers for more than 20 years.”

Products for January 2012 include:

Simmering sauces: Buffalo Wing, Cacciatore, Coconut Curry, Coq Au Vin, Pulled Pork and Sloppy Joe.

Two marmalades: Blueberry Orange Marmalade and a reintroduction of the popular Pink Grapefruit Marmalade.

Other introductions: Wild Maine Blueberry Chutney, Hot Pepper Peach Jam and Maine Blueberry Dressing. Spiced Orange Marmalade and Sweet & Sour add to the glazes collection.

Expanding the snack category, Stonewall Kitchen introduces six pub mixes; three new cheese sticks; and a Guacamole Spice Mix, as well as all-natural, handmade Blue, Yellow and Chili and Lime Tortilla Chips.

Stonewall Kitchen also introduces a Traditional Pizza Crust, Gluten Free Herbed Pizza Crust Mix and a Classic Pizza Sauce.

Additions to the baking mix line include: Toasted Coconut Scones, Triple Chocolate Scones, Cinnamon Caramel Monkey Bread, Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars, Vanilla Cream Puffs, Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts and an Ebelskiver Mix.

Lastly, Stonewall Kitchen is introducing a new seasonal scent, Citrus Verbena to its Fine Home Keeping line.

Ever Wondered Where The “Bowl” in Super Bowl Came From?

In North America, college football teams compete in a series of post-season games called "bowls." In fact, this coming weekend will see the nation’s “bowl,” as the Giants play the Patriots in Indianapolis. The term has become synonymous with post-regular season football. Many may wonder where the term "bowl" originated and other interesting facts about football bowls. It may also be a nice tension-breaker for when your Patriots and Giants fans come to a head during Sunday’s game.

Football's bowls can be traced back to the early 1920s, when the collegiate football postseason would be one game. In 1923, the postseason game was moved to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. It wasn't until 10 years later that another large postseason game was held, this time in Miami, Florida. In order to capitalize on the popularity of the Rose Bowl, the Miami organizers called their game the Orange Bowl. Since then, numerous bowl games are held annually all over the country.

Prior to 2002, bowl games were not included in a player's season-long statistics. Today there are 35 bowl games played by collegiate teams, and even a rather popular one in the National Football League for professionals. The Super Bowl is one of the world's most popular sporting events and determines the NFL champion each year.

Other bowl games are not part of the postseason, but simply are games that promote the rivalry between two opposing teams. These include the Egg Bowl, Iron Bowl and Steel Bowl, among others.

Across North America, bowl games are very popular. Canadians also get in on the action. Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) plays two semi-final "bowl" games, including the Uteck Bowl, played by the Atlantic Division Champion and the champion from another division. The Mitchell Bowl is played at the westernmost team's venue participating in the semifinals.

The origins of the term “bowl” notwithstanding, this weekend’s game is sure to bring with it quite the multitude of “bowl”-overs.