Sassafras trees channel memory from growing up years
Any of you “oldtimers” out there remember sassafras trees? I recently ran across an article in an old Farmer’s Almanac on sassafras which brought back memories of this dreaded plant. Dreaded because its lithe little branches made for a most humble “attitude adjuster.” Why I know this is a “whole nuther story.”
Found throughout the eastern and southern states, sassafras is a small deciduous tree with green and black bark, bright yellow blossoms in the spring and divided leaves with rounded edges that can look like a trident or a paw print. For centuries, the plant’s roots have been associated with various tonics and drinks. “Oldtimers” thought it would thin your blood. Cultivated by the Native Americans, sassafras was among the first major exports to Europe from the New
World, in part because of its reputed medical benefits.
In the past, the citrus flavor of the sassafras was used to make everything from candy and jellies to popular drinks. Root beer, in fact, derives its name from the sassafras root that was for decades one of the main flavoring ingredients for the popular drink.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of safrole, the oil extracted from sassafras roots, as a food additive due to its connection in causing cancer in rats. Since then root beer has been flavored with the safrole removed, similar to the way in which cocaine is removed from the coca leaf for Coca-cola.
While the FDA ban alone is not responsible for the decline in the use of sassafras, it’s clear the plant doesn’t hold the same place in American life that it once did. Sassafras leaves, which don’t contain safrole, are still used as a seasoning and thickener in some traditional gumbos and many people still drink homemade sassafras tea.
Sassafras tea and sassafras “attitude adjusters” are a part of my growing up years and I have often wondered if sassafras trees have survived somewhere in the backwoods of our country. Even though I can’t venture out in search of one of the trees like I did in my growing up years, I like knowing that some older traditions still persist, if only in small outof-the-way places.
Each month on the second Thursday and Friday, 60-plus commodities are disbursed at the Center. Volunteers are need to help pack the boxes. If your church, youth group, organization or yourself would be willing to donate a few hours your time once a month to help seniors in our community, please contact Sherry Parsons at 501-776-0255.
Please remember that there will be no Genealogy or Computer classes in the month of August.
Monday – The Country Ramblers Band will play at 9 a.m. for your listening pleasure and a little boot scootin’ if you are so inclined.
Wildcats will host the BBB team from West Central at 9 a.m.
Volleyball practice will begin at 12:30 p.m.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibily) will be held at 5 p.m.
Tuesday – Bus leaves for the farmer’s market at 8:30 a.m.
At 9:30 a.m., PEPPI Exercise and Move with Balance will be held.
Gospel singing will begin at 10 a.m. and everyone is welcome to share a song or just sing along.
Volleyball practice is set to begin at 12:30 p.m.
A sign language class is offered at 12:30 p.m.
At 7 p.m. each Tuesday, a different band will play for your listening and dancing pleasure. The band for this week is Jerry Keener & Classic Country. Tickets are $5. PLEASE REMEMBER THE RULES FOR THE DANCE.
Wednesday – At 9 a.m. Harmonicas for Health will be held. Harmonicas and music are provided. All you have to do is show up. Not only are you learning something new, it is a great way to help your breathing.
Bingo starts at 10 a.m. Great way to spend a morning and you can practice for bingo at Chick-fil-a on Thursday.
A genealogy course will be given at 12:30 p.m.
Volleyball practice will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Intro to Windows 10 will be held at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday – PEPPI Exercise and Move with Balance will begin at 9 a.m.
Volleyball practice will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Friday – Bus will leave for yard sales at 8:15 a.m.
Old Country will entertain us from 9 to 11 a.m. If you dance by the camera you just might find yourself on TV showing off your dancing skills. Sort of like a senior version of American Bandstand or Steve’s Show.
Line Dancing will be held at 1 p.m.
Devotion will begin at 10 a.m.
Each day, a delicious, hearty meal is served. For ages 60 plus, a $3 donation is requested. For those 59 and younger, there is a charge of $8. If you want a take-out plate the charge will be $8 as well.
Monday – BLT and cheese sandwich, baked chips, melon, cookie and milk.
Tuesday – Chicken tetrazzini, broccoli, roll, pineapple and milk.
Wednesday – Frito pie, tossed salad, mandarin oranges, cookie and milk.
Thursday – Steak fingers, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, roll, pears and milk.
Friday – Chicken salad sandwich, pasta salad, lettuce and tomato, fruit crisp and milk.
The Center is open each day from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Come join in a game of dominos, working a puzzle, a rowdy game of bean bag ball, a game of pool, volleyball or maybe researching something on our computers.