Introducing virtual primary care for patients of all ages.
Virtual First Primary Care combines the local care you trust with convenience that fits your lifestyle. With video appointments and direct-to-provider text messaging, we’re breaking down barriers so our community can access care faster and easier than ever before. Whether you’re in need of a new provider or looking for care for the whole family, our dedicated Virtual First Primary Care practice offers ongoing, reliable primary care without needing to make a trip to the doctor’s office.
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Trust Season Open
6:30 pm - September 5th
Don’t miss an exciting new season at The Trust, featuring performances by the Durang Dance Collective, a Lancaster Bible College alumni band and Music for Everyone, which exists to cultivate the power of music as an educational tool to transform lives, schools and communities in Lancaster County.
Miao Gao
Peter Winograd & Xun Pan
A Lancaster International Piano Festival Concert
7:30 p.m. - September 13
Lancaster’s Got Talent
7 p.m.
October 4
The Pettets
7 p.m. - December 20
Bright Star Theatre Presents: A Dickens Tale
7 p.m. - December 12
The Trust | Black Box Theatre
Sing along with your favorite Christmas classics and share stories of the season as this three-generation family ensemble presents special arrangements of beloved favorites.
The Trust Dance Festival
2 & 7 p.m.- January 24
The Trust Performing Arts Center
Trio Chimera
A Lancaster International Piano Festival Concert
7:30 p.m. - March 20
The Trust Performing Arts Center
Members of the European Chamber Music Academy and have been honored as one of the best Italian ensembles in multiple competitions.
The Gray Havens’ Zion Caravan Tour with John Mark Pantana, Antoine Bradford & LOVKN
7:30 p.m. - October 30
Lancaster Bible College | Good Shepherd Chapel
Penn Square Opera
7 p.m. - February 13
The Trust Performing Arts Center
Presenting “Opera: The Ex FilesTales of Romantic Mystery & Mishap.
A Lancaster International Piano Festival Concert
7:30 p.m. - November 7
This talented young pianist has been invited to perform at many professional and academic events in the U.S. and China, earning top spots at numerous major competitions throughout the world. Voctave 7 p.m. November 18
New Jazz Underground
7 p.m. - March 14
The Trust Performing Arts Center
Con Brio
7 p.m. - March 27
The Trust Performing Arts Center Sarah Fleiss
7:30 p.m. - April 11 The Trust Performing Arts Center Eric Fung with members of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra A Lancaster International Piano Festival Concert
7:30 p.m. - April 25
The Trust Performing Arts Center
Time For Three
7:30 p.m. - May 6
The Trust Performing Arts Center
The Trust Performing Arts Center
Jocelyn Engle CONTRIBUTING
Cat Shannon COVER
Ashley Kendrick Kennedy
Melissa McKee
Greg March
Delicious and Nutritious: School Lunch Ideas for Kids
No two children are the same, but many youngsters share a number of similarities. Few young children enjoy going to bed on time, and many can't resist a good trampoline. Kids also have a reputation for being picky eaters, which can be challenging for parents tasked with picking and preparing school lunches. When dining at home, parents know which foods their kids eat and which they push around their plates in the hopes they won't have to consume them. School lunch is a different scenario altogether, as parents are not around to ensure their youngsters eat a full and nutritious meal. Kids who are picky eaters may not eat any lunch at all. Parents who want to ensure their children get the nutrition they need to do well in school can consider the following school lunch ideas. Make-your-own sandwich: Kids may be more likely to eat a full lunch if they get to put it together themselves. Parents can put all the elements of a tasty sandwich into youngsters' lunch boxes, but let kids assemble the meal themselves. Sandwiches can be made more nutritious when parents pack whole-grain bread, tomatoes, lettuce, and low-sodium deli meat in students' lunch boxes. If a do-it-yourself sandwich is a nonstarter, consider a DIY taco lunch complete with whole-grain tortillas.
Burrito bowl: A burrito bowl with kid-friendly yet nutritious ingredients is another great school lunch option. Red beans are a good source of fiber, and the Harvard Medical School notes all beans are rich in potassium. Fiber is filling, so a burrito bowl that includes fiber-rich ingredients, including red beans but also quinoa or brown rice, can help students avoid late-day hunger pangs that can compromise how they feel and perform in the classroom. Burrito bowls are so tasty that kids may not even realize Mom and Dad have sneaked some healthy foods like vegetables into their midday meal.
Parfait: Parfaits have all the looks of a tasty dessert. The nutritional value of a parfait depends on the ingredients Mom and Dad choose to include. Protein-rich Greek yogurt paired with some fruit and granola makes for a filling and tasty meal that's also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. An insulated and airtight lunch box with ice packs can ensure the parfait is still cool come lunchtime.
Pasta salad: Kids tend to be especially fond of pasta, and parents can use that affinity to their advantage when planning school lunches. A whole-wheat pasta salad with some cherry tomatoes and diced broccoli makes for a nutrient-rich lunch that kids can enjoy. If broccoli figures to raise youngsters' ire, consider a nutritious substitute, such as shaved cucumber or zucchini. School lunches can be nutritious and still make kids excited to eat their midday meal away from home.
Cozy Weekends, Big CozyDiscoveries: Weekends, Big Discoveries:
Fun Indoor Activities for Lancaster County Families
By Cat Shannon
When cold, snowy or rainy weather keeps your family indoors, it’s the perfect time to spark curiosity, creativity and connection. From colorful science experiments in the kitchen to living room theater productions, there are plenty of fun and educational ways to turn a dreary weekend into a memory-making adventure. Here’s your guide to making the most of your next rainy or snowy weekend as a family.
Science That Feels Like Play
When your kids are bouncing off the walls, lean into their energy with hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities that teach without feeling like schoolwork.
“Kids and families can develop curiosity, creativity and confidence when engaging in STEM activities,” said Karen Knecht, executive director of the Lancaster Science Factory, a nonprofit science center that has operated since 2008 and offers more than 80 interactive exhibits geared toward children in prekindergarten through eighth grade. “Children will see things that surprise them, like our Super Bounce exhibit that bounces high over visitors’ heads, leading to additional questions and new experiments, boosting their curiosity.”
Knecht noted that children will gain confidence as they try things over and over again until they reach the goal of a STEM activity, such as creating their own paper airplanes.
“They will unleash their creativity as they come up with new ways to solve problems, like designing a bridge or keeping your bubble ring from popping,” she said. “Experiences like this encourage students to relate STEM to their daily lives and can even pave the way to STEM careers in the future.”
Amanda Bakay, director of operations for the Lancaster Science Factory, reminded parents that there’s no age limit on having fun with STEM activities at home or at the science center.
“That’s the big secret - even the adults have a lot of fun here!” she said. “We often see parents getting just excited about launching the perfect paper airplane or building the giant arch as their kids.”
Knecht and Bakay suggest these projects to spice up a weekend stuck indoors:
Color-Changing Milk
Perfect for the youngest scientists, this experiment combines milk, food coloring and dish soap to create a swirling, colorful reaction that teaches about surface tension and chemical interactions. Bonus: It’s surprisingly mesmerizing for adults, too. Try it at home: https://stevespangler.com/experiments/milk-color-explosion.
Ramp Races with Peep and the Big Wide World
For elementary-age kids, transform a cardboard box into a physics playground. Using small toys or household objects, kids can explore concepts like gravity and friction by testing what slides or rolls best down their homemade ramp. Find instructions at http://bit.ly/4f5QQxe.
Chain Reaction Machine Challenge
Older kids will love the challenge of designing a Rube Goldberg-style contraption to complete a simple task, like popping a balloon or turning off a light. This can spark creativity and problem-solving, and it’s OK if things don’t work the first time. In fact, that’s part of the fun. Get inspired here: http://bit.ly/46QW9yi.
Theater in Your Living Room
Indoor weekends are perfect for staging a DIY family play or talent show. According to Janet Wood, drama director for Columbia Borough School District, it’s not just fun; it’s meaningful.
“Making music and acting aren’t just for the professionals,” she said. “Give yourself permission to explore, be silly. Use your imagination. Give your kids the opportunity to take the creative lead.”
Families can find inspiration for their productions almost anywhere, she noted. “Do they have a favorite book or story or TV show? Let them cast the family as characters from it and have an adventure,” she remarked. “Don’t be afraid to rearrange the furniture. Even the most ordinary closet is full of potential costumes. And almost anything in your kitchen can become a musical instrument.”
When putting on a production at home, keep in mind that you’re not striving for perfection, she said.
“Always be kind and supportive. Listen to each other,” she stated. “It's not an audition for Broadway or ‘American Idol.’ Joy and playfulness are the goals here. Watch a YouTube (video) about improvisation for some ideas. Invite the neighbors for the performance and make it a party.”
Wood said a homemade production should allow space for everyone to contribute.
“Encourage every family member to participate in some way. Someone too shy to perform? Every show needs a technician or two, even if it’s just turning the lights off and on,” she said. “Don’t veto a favorite story just because you don’t have all the traditional characters. At ages 9 and 7, my daughters regularly turned the balcony of our cabin loft into a stage, and their production of ‘Snow White and the One Dwarf’ was a favorite.”
Bake Local; Eat Together
A cozy kitchen can be just as exciting as a science lab or a stage. Lancaster County’s rich culinary traditions offer the perfect backdrop for a family baking day.
Soft pretzels, shoofly pie or whoopie pies are not only delicious but also perfect for little hands to help mix, roll and decorate. For a true local twist, pick up ingredients from a farmers market.
Create a Book Nook
Visit your local library and stock up on your favorite books. Then, build a blanket fort and have a read-aloud session, complete with hot cocoa.
Plant an Indoor Garden
Start an herb garden on your windowsill with seeds from a local garden center or farmer. Use recycled containers as planters and decorate them with art or stickers.
Board Game Bonanza
Set up a game marathon with cooperative family games. Keep a running tab of winners and award handmade prizes to the top contestants.
Staycation Spa Day
Create oatmeal masks or honey scrubs using ideas here: http://bit.ly/40peajp. Add a family yoga or mindfulness session, and your living room will become a relaxing retreat from winter blues.
Tell Your Family Story
Help your kids interview a grandparent or older relative about life “back in the day.” Record the conversation or help them create a scrapbook or illustrated storybook.
Behind all these activities is a larger goal: helping kids see themselves as creators, scientists, performers and problem-solvers. And when families engage in activities together, they’re building more than just projects. They’re building bonds. Remember: Every cozy weekend holds the potential for discovery, laughter and learning.
Empowering Abilities
For 90 years, the Schreiber Center has empowered children and their families to achieve their fullest potential, fostering hope, growth, and a brighter future for all.
www.schreiberpediatric.org
History Happens Here
EXHIBITS & COLLECTIONS
BAND OF BROTHERS
In 2012, the family of Major Dick Winters donated personal belongings in order to re-create Winters's personal office. View items representing his leadership during and continued interest in World War II.
FROM B'ARS TO BEARS
This exhibit presents a thorough history of the American Hockey League's most storied and successful franchise. Hershey History Center owns the largest public collection of items representing 80 years of Hershey Bears history.
The Hershey Derry Township Historical Society is home to over 50,000 artifacts and photos.
Witness our unique heritage come to life at the Hershey History Center. Explore the early years of the settlements that became the town of Hershey, Hershey‘s contributions to World War II, and the legendary hockey franchise that calls our town home.
Step back in time as you learn about the unique community built on Chocolate –the vision of its founder, and the many enterprises provided by him for the residents of the community.
There are things to discover for visitors of all ages. Opportunity for further research of our vast collection of artifacts and photographs is available.
We invite you to be our guest - visit, explore, and discover how the Hershey History Center is making History Happen Here.
As a member supported organization, your generosity sustains the mission and programs of the Hershey History Center.
Consider making a gift of support today by scanning the QR code.
Spruce Up Evenings With Family Fun
Parents and children benefit when they spend quality time together. According to South University, children feel special when their parents take time to engage in fun activities with them. Routine activities and the occasional unusual outing can make for great bonding experiences.
The opportunities for families to have fun do not stop just because the sun sets. In fact, many different activities are tailor-made for family fun in the evening hours.
Backyard camping
Children can ease into the idea of camping by having the first overnight excursion take place in their own backyard. Before cold weather starts to set in for the year, set up a tent, light a campfire in the fire pit, and have fun experiencing the sights and sounds of outdoors at night. With close proximity to the bathroom and an easy means of escaping the outdoors if bad weather sets in, backyard camping can be a safe way to learn some basic camping skills and experience a night under the stars.
Watch a movie
Turn an outdoor (or indoor) area into a theater to enjoy a familyfriendly film. Projectors are relatively inexpensive, and some can hook up to smartphones, making them quite portable. Invite extended family and friends over for the ultimate movie night.
Host a scavenger hunt
Everyone in the family can take part in a scavenger hunt. Doing so in the dark can make the hunt a bit more challenging. Young children can be paired off with an older sibling or an adult for safety's sake. Items to collect outdoors can include a garden stone, a tree branch, a pine cone, a clover, or a backyard accessory, like a grill brush. Curate the list so items can be found without too much exploring in the dark.
Star gazing
Learn about the galaxy, stars, solar system, and more by finding a dark place away from artificial lights to stare into the sky. Consult books about what you're seeing, or rely on a phone app that can identify celestial bodies and constellations. From meteor showers to eclipses, there are plenty of celestial events to engage star gazers.
Flashlight tag
A spin on traditional hide-and-seek, children and adults can run around in the evening with flashlights and try to find or rescue team members.
Toasting marshmallows
Fire pits and early-fall evenings make a perfect pair. Add to the fun with marshmallows toasted on skewers and a fixings bar of other sweet treats, like s'mores ingredients or cookies and fruit, to enjoy with the melted marshmallows.
Meal competition
Take a page out of the cooking show playbook by pitting the family against one another in a lighthearted manner. Everyone can be charged with putting a spin on a signature meal made from the same set list of ingredients.
Make the most of evenings by spending time together with the family outdoors or inside.
Fun With Baking
A multitude of family fun activities exist, and producing delicious food in the kitchen is among these. Teaching kids how to follow a recipe and produce a finished meal can impart lessons in measuring, math, and science. Cooking also shows kids that followthrough can lead to delicious results.
Families can explore a few ideas to make baking more fun.
When cooking with kids, adults should accept the mess. It is unrealistic to expect a tidy process, as kids, particularly younger children, may not have the dexterity needed to keep everything neat and clean. Parents should prepare for spills, flour trails on counters, poorly cracked eggs, and sticky situations. Keep a damp cloth nearby and go with the flow. Dress baking participants in clothes that can get soiled or invest in matching aprons.
Children should be assigned age-appropriate tasks. Young kids may be able to measure ingredients, mix with a spoon, scoop batter into pans or tins, and add chips or sprinkles to items. Adults should operate electrical equipment, use knives, and handle tasks that involve a stove.
Parents may tailor the recipe to kids’ tastes by letting kids choose flavors and colors. Children may be more enthusiastic about cooking if the end result features flavors they enjoy.
Baking also provides an opportunity to explore sensory experiences. Parents may allow kids to feel the different textures of the ingredients, from the coarse sugar to the silky flour. Families can talk about how ingredients change in texture when they are blended together and baked, and kids can watch baking soda bubble when an acid is added to it.
To make kitchen tasks easier, adults may invest in a set of kid-size baking tools, such as spoons and spatulas. These smaller items may be easier for kids to maneuver.
Adults can encourage creativity by letting children come up with funny names for their creations or allowing them to combine food colors or shapes, even if they might not turn out so pretty. Adults can be encouraging of the process and the results so kids want to continue baking in the future.
Music can help set the tone of the baking experience. Have children pick some of their favorite songs and let the playlist run in the background. Bounce and dance along whi le ingredients are being combined.
Baking is an activity that family members of all ages can take part in, and there are ways to make the process more enjoyable.
Pass the Time in Retirement With a New Hobby
Retirement is often characterized as a carefree time in life when adults who spent years in the workforce get to enjoy the fruits of their labors. But upon retiring, retirees may find themselves fighting boredom. A recent study from Indeed found that, as of March 2022, 3.2% of workers who retired a year earlier had already re-entered the workforce.
Retirees who like the freedom of not working but are confronting a good bit of boredom can consider these tips to cultivate a new hobby that can help them pass the time in a rewarding and engaging way.
Identify new (or old) interests.
Many retirees discover new passions in retirement, while others turn back the clock and revisit favorite hobbies from their youth. A good way to begin cultivating a new hobby is to jot down a list of activities you always found interesting but never had the time to learn or became too busy to fully invest in. Some seniors hit the links for the first time in retirement, while others return to school to study subjects they find interesting but did not engage with during their college years. The options are endless, and jotting down a list of new or old interests is a great way to get the ball rolling.
Embrace new ways to engage a passion.
Virtual resources like online courses and book clubs conducted over Zoom with fellow readers across the nation and possibly even the globe are a great way to cultivate a new hobby in retirement. Virtual resources can be especially beneficial for seniors with mobility issues.
Consider locally based resources.
Community parks departments and libraries may offer an array of free or affordable opportunities for seniors to engage with a new hobby. Parks departments may offer anything from cross-country skiing tutorials to age-based hiking excursions, while libraries may offer weekly crafting sessions or wellness programs to local residents. In addition to providing fun ways to discover and cultivate a new hobby, programs offered through parks departments and local libraries are great ways to meet fellow retirees.
Put your experience to use.
Retirees with years in their field don't have to go back to work to make use of their professional expertise. Contact local youth organizations or outreach programs sponsored by churches, libraries, or local law enforcement agencies and offer to share your expertise with young people. Such opportunities allow retirees to continue to engage with their professions and help a younger generation of aspiring professionals gain valuable insight into fields they're interested in.
There's no shortage of ways for seniors to overcome retirement boredom and cultivate rewarding hobbies.
Nature Creations
Let the Outdoors Inspire Your Next Art Project
By Cat Shannon
For your next art project with your kids, look no further than your backyard. From glittering pinecone ornaments to leaf-print suncatchers, nature-inspired crafts turn seasonal treasures into keepsakes the whole family can enjoy.
“Nature crafts are great because you can easily find the materials, and they don’t cost you anything,” said Cindy Telenko, owner of Twisted Easel in Elizabethtown. “You can use anything from pinecones to sticks, leaves, rocks, shells, dried flowers, grass. Anything that grows can be used to make art. It’s an endless supply of options.”
At Lancaster Art Room, an art school located at 1290 Prospect Road in Columbia, Beth Harrison encourages kids to explore all types of creativity.
“One of my favorite activities to do in the fall is a nature mosaic,” she said. “I like to use a canvas for this because it’s a bit stronger than paper. I encourage students to draw a simple object on the canvas. Then, after collecting twigs, leaves, pinecones, flowers, pebbles and bark, they are arranged to create a mosaic on top of the canvas drawing. After the collected items from nature are arranged, everything is glued down to the canvas.”
Harrison has been providing small-group instruction in a variety of mediums for students of all ages for the past four years at Lancaster Art Room. A retired art teacher, she encourages her students to express themselves through their projects.
“Another favorite project is printmaking with found items from nature,” she said. “Printmaking can be done several ways, but the easiest way is to sponge different colors of paint onto an object, like a leaf, then place the object on paper, put another piece of paper over top and press it smooth.”
Telenko, a former art teacher for Elizabethtown Area School District, has operated Twisted Easel for almost 10 years. She offers summer camps, classes and workshops for people of all ages from her business, located at 1 S. Market St., Elizabethtown.
Before tackling a nature art project, she suggests keeping these tips in mind: Let go of perfection. “When you’re working with kids, it’s not the outcome of making something great that matters,” she said. “It’s the process. Just have fun.” Look to other artists for inspiration. Telenko recommends Andy Goldsworthy, an artist known for his large-scale natural works, as a starting point to get kids’ imaginations flowing. “Parents can incorporate a little bit of art history when they’re doing art projects with their kids,” she said.
Secure your projects well. Telenko suggests using glue sticks, twine or string to keep fragile natural items from collapsing. “You don’t want a kid to spend a lot of time working on something and then it falls apart,” she said. But embrace the temporary aspect of natural art. “The art you make might not be permanent, but that’s OK,” she said. “If you’re making something outside, for example, it will break down, but it still can be beautiful and fun to make.”
Think outside the box. “Ask your kids to consider, ‘If I don’t have construction paper, scissors and glue, what could I use instead?’” Telenko shared. “Art provides opportunities for kids to problem-solve and learn how to find solutions.”
Looking for ideas for nature art you can create at your house? Check out these projects:
Leaf Crafts
Leaf Rubbing Art: Place fall leaves under paper and rub with crayons to reveal textures.
Pressed Leaf Suncatchers: Press leaves in wax paper and hang them in windows for a stained-glass effect.
Leaf Crowns or Masks: Glue leaves onto cardstock to make playful autumn costumes.
Pinecone Projects
Pinecone Bird Feeders: Cover pinecones in peanut butter, roll them in birdseed and hang them outside.
Pinecone Gnomes: Add felt hats and tiny faces to pinecones for adorable winter decorations.
Painted Pinecones: Dip or brush them in white paint to look like snow-tipped evergreens. Sprinkle glitter or Epsom salts on them for a frosty look.
Twig and Branch Crafts
Twig Picture Frames: Glue small sticks around a cardboard rectangle to create a rustic frame for family photos.
Mini Christmas Trees: Arrange small twigs into a tree shape on cardstock and decorate with buttons or beads.
Acorn & Seed Creations
Acorn Animals: Use acorns, googly eyes and felt scraps to make woodland creatures.
Acorn Jewelry: Paint acorns and string them on yarn or twine for necklaces or garlands.
Winter Nature Ornaments
Frozen Nature Suncatchers: Arrange leaves, berries or evergreen sprigs in a shallow dish with water. Add a string, then let it freeze outside to create beautiful hanging ice art.
Nature Collages & Mobiles
Seasonal Nature Collages: Collect leaves, seeds and twigs, then glue them onto cardboard in creative patterns.
Hanging Mobiles: Tie leaves, pinecones and small branches to a larger stick to create a whimsical mobile.
Lanterns & Luminarias
Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns: Mod Podge pressed leaves onto jars; place battery-operated tealights inside for a warm autumn glow.
Ice Luminarias: Freeze water in containers with berries or evergreen sprigs, pop them out, and place candles inside.
Holidays at Ephrata Cloister
Candlelight Open House
Oct. 25 from 4 pm - 8 pm
Christmas at the Cloister
Dec. 8 & 9 at 6:30 & 8 pm
Lantern Tours
Dec. 26 & 27 and Jan. 2 & 3
from 6 - 8 pm
The Museum Store is your one-stop shop for unique gifts!
* bayberry candles
* redware ornaments * framed fraktur
* cards for all occasions * local redware
* German paper stars and kits
* wooden rolling pins, cutting boards & bowls, and much much more.
For more information and links to purchase tickets visit www.ephratacloister.org
Give Children’s Eye Health a
Food is more than fuel to keep human bodies moving. Food can be an integral component of a health and wellness routine, particularly when nutritious foods are finding their way onto people's dinner tables.
The right foods can strengthen the body in a number of ways, including promoting strong eyesight. That's as true for adults as it is for children, whose eyesight can be bolstered with certain foods. Vitamin A is especially beneficial for eye health, as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) notes the retina needs ample vitamin A to turn light rays into images. The AAO also notes that vitamin A helps to keep eyes moist and thus reduces the likelihood that a painful condition known as dry eye will develop. When it comes to using diet to promote healthy vision in children, parents can consider the following eye-friendly foods.
CARROTS: WebMD reports that a half-cup of carrots can provide 73% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A. Parents can keep that in mind come snack time, offering youngsters some carrots with hummus or peanut butter if kids are reluctant to eat them on their own.
Sweet potAtoes: Sweet potatoes are another excellent source of vitamin A. In fact, the Office of Dietary Supplements reports that the skin of a single baked sweet potato can provide as much as 561% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A. Kids may be reluctant to eat the skin of sweet potatoes, and parents need not fret, as there's still plenty of vitamin A and additional nutrients when the skin is removed.
CAnTalOupe: Cantaloupe is a low-calorie fruit that also packs a nutritious punch. According to the Mayo Clinic, a single cup of cantaloupe contains about 106% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A. Cantaloupe also tends to be kid-friendly, as its sweet and refreshing flavor profile makes this round melon a tasty treat for youngsters and adults alike.
Leafy gReens: Vitamin A is not the lone booster of eye health. The AAO notes that the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin promote a healthy macula, a part of the eye that is important to central, detailed vision. Kale and spinach may
Boostnot excite youngsters as much as cantaloupe, but each is an antioxidant-rich leafy green that parents can incorporate into weekly meals. One trick is to incorporate spinach into pasta dishes that kids love so much they won't even realize they're eating greens. When serving kale, remove the thick stems and serve it alongside mashed potatoes, encouraging kids to mix the two.
Kidney beans: The AAO notes that kidney beans are rich in zinc, which helps to maintain a healthy retina and protect the eyes from light-related damage. Kidney beans are especially helpful because they are rich in copper, which can be depleted by zinc but is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Kidney beans thus help ensure kids get enough zinc and help to combat the effects zinc can have on copper levels.
Diet can have a notable impact on children's eye health, which makes it vital for parents to serve vision-friendly foods to youngsters.
Sweet Surprises
AroundCorner!Every
Ways To Support Your Child’s Education Experience
Education is vital for young people to reach their full potential and enjoy success in adulthood. Students' academic journeys begin as early as preschool and continue for decades. While students ultimately earn degrees or professional certifications in their own names, their academic journeys are often a team effort that includes the support of their parents. Parental involvement in school can pay significant dividends for students. In 2019, the American Psychological Association reviewed more than 400 studies examining parental involvement in school. That review found that students whose parents were involved in their children's schooling showed greater academic achievement, school engagement, and motivation compared to youngsters with parents who were not involved. That payoff compels millions of parents to get involved in their children's schooling, and the following are a handful of ways to do just that.
Start the year off right. Parental involvement in children's schooling can begin before a new school year gets underway. Orientation events designed to acclimate students to new schools can help calm the students’ nerves when they're beginning kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, or high school. Transferring to a new school due to a family relocation or another variable can be difficult for students, and parents can make that transition a little easier by attending orientation events before the first day of classes. Back-to-school nights held a week or two into the school year also present a great chance for parents to be informed and involved.
Actively communicate with children's teachers. Parents can contact teachers at the start of a new school year to identify the best way to communicate. Some schools utilize apps to facilitate communication with parents. Some teachers may prefer communicating via
email, phone calls, or even text messages. Parents should not hesitate or be afraid to reach out to teachers about their children's needs.
Do your part at home, too. Parental involvement in children's education should extend to the home as well. Parents can emphasize the importance of education in conversations with their children and offer to help with homework when children seem to need some assistance. Parents also can ask about assignments and tests, enthusiastically engage in projects designed to involve students' families, and provide a stable and distraction-free home environment where kids can focus on their schoolwork.
Volunteer with parental organizations. Parent-teacher associations (PTA) and organizations (PTO) are often in need of members to help to organize special events and volunteer at school functions. Parents can join groups such as a PTA or PTO to get more involved in school life. If joining such groups is not possible, parents can let it be known that they would like to volunteer for events throughout the school year.
Ask children about their day. One of the simplest ways parents can be more involved in children's schooling is to ask them about their day when they arrive home. Ask children what they did in class and which parts of their day they found most, or even least, enjoyable. When parents express an interest in what kids are doing at school, that may compel kids to be more interested in their coursework while also keeping the lines of communication open.
Children are the ultimate beneficiaries when parents get involved in their youngsters' education, and there's no shortage of ways for moms and dads to engage at school.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESSInvolving Kids in
It is essential to keep cool and remain calm in the face of adversity, including when facing dangerous conditions like those that present during a natural disaster. Adults may experience anxiety when facing adversity, but children, who may not be mature enough to fully understand what's going on, may worry more than adults.
Making disaster preparedness a routine component of family life can take some of the mystery out of what to do in the event of an emergency. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), it is never too early to start teaching kids about preparing for emergencies. Without sufficient preparation, children may experience developmental, physical, and psychological trauma following exposure to a disaster or another emergency.
Ready.gov and the VA offer tools and information to help all members of the family prepare for potential disasters. The following are some of their suggestions.
GET TALKING. Talk about storms or conditions that may occur locally. Explain what can be expected during these storms and find out if kids have a cursory understanding of what to do if one strikes.
MAKE A PLAN. Children rely on the adults around them to provide direction. Make sure kids understand whom to call and where to meet as part of an emergency plan. Write down the instructions and important phone numbers and keep this information in a place that's accessible to children. If the emergency plan includes evacuating the house or going into a storm cellar, practice getting up and moving safely but quickly together.
ASSEMBLE EMERGENCY SUPPLIES. Include children in building a kit that includes a three-day supply of water, nonperishable food, flashlights, blankets, and kid-friendly activities. For a detailed list of what to place in an emergency supply kit, refer to suggestions from the American Red Cross at https://rdcrss.org/4m2o0jx and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at https://bit.ly/FEMAsupplies.
TEACH KIDS ABOUT DIFFERENT STORMS. All sorts of storms may strike, so in addition to discussing the ones that are notable in the local area, instruct kids about what to do during common scenarios, such as thunderstorms and floods. Children should understand to move indoors if they see lightning or hear thunder. Following the "Turn Around; Don't Drown!" motto can help kids understand that just six inches of moving water can knock them off their feet during flood conditions.
EMPLOY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES. Kids may learn better through stories and activities geared to their level. The Red Cross and FEMA partnered to create the "Prepare With Pedro" program, which utilizes an activity book, a preparedness game, and additional resources to teach kids about emergency preparedness in a fun way.
Instructing children about natural disasters and emergency preparedness can take some of the mystery out of how to behave in these situations. It also may make surviving an emergency much easier for the entire family.
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Device-Free Activities for the Whole Family 4
“Family time” is an umbrella term that can encompass a range of activities, but it generally involves parents and children spending quality time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Finding distraction-free family time has always been challenging, but it might be even more so in the modern world, where a device with internet access is seemingly always within reach.
A January 2024 report from Parks Associates indicated the average United States household with internet access had 17 connected devices in 2023. Though such devices have become integral parts of the daily lives of billions of people across the globe, tablets, smartphones, smart watches, and other items can make it hard for families to enjoy distraction-free time together. With that in mind, families can consider the following device-free ways to enjoy one another's company.
Designate a night each week for board games. Classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and many more don't require an internet connection, making a family board game night an ideal way to disconnect and spend time together. Even if the competition gets heated, there's still plenty of time for families to catch up and discuss what's going on in their lives, an important benefit that's not always so easy when devices are commanding everyone's attention.
Get out in nature. Routine afternoons spent in Mother Nature can be another great way for families to disconnect and spend time together. Whether it's an afternoon spent sunbathing at a local spot, a picnic at a scenic location, or a family hike through a nearby park, the great outdoors provides a wonderful excuse to put down the devices and reconnect in a beautiful, natural setting.
Cook together as a family. Dinner can be an unenviable chore in busy families, but parents can designate one night each week when the family cooks together. Sunday night cooking sessions might make the best sense, as kids' schedules may be more likely to be free on Sunday than any other day during the week, when school and Saturday sports may fill up the time. That makes Sunday afternoon and early evening a great time to catch up on the previous week and spend time together without devices.
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Get in touch with your family’s collective creative side. Families with a knack for producing their own creations can host periodic family craft nights as a fun and productive way to spend time together away from their devices. Tie seasonal celebrations like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s into craft-making sessions. Let a different person choose a craft before each session, or make it a contest to determine who can make the biggest, funniest, or most complex decoration.
Families looking to spend time together away from their devices can do so in any number of ways.
Entertaining guests is a labor of love. Much effort goes into preparing a home for the arrival of friends and family, and that includes planning a menu. Hosts and hostesses who are looking to take some of the work off their plates can explore recipes that are less labor-intensive, such as those that employ a slow cooker. While busy families often use them to prepare weeknight meals, slow cookers also can be used when cooking for crowds. In such instances, they free up time for party hosts to tackle other jobs.
This recipe for "Sweet Southern SlowCooker Ham," courtesy of the National Pork Board and Yummly, utilizes a fully cooked, store-bought ham and some sweet and savory accoutrements. The ham can be served on its own, or it can be used to create sliders. Since it serves 12, it is suitable for a crowd.
Directions:
1. Place the ham in a large slow cooker. Whisk the cider with the brown sugar, bourbon, honey, and mustard. Slowly pour over the ham. Scatter the thyme sprigs into the slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for four hours or on low for eight hours, or until very tender. Remove ham to rest on a cutting board. Pass the remaining cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until slightly reduced. Cut the ham into chunks or slices. Brush the cut pieces with the cooking liquid before arranging on a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Featuring one of life’s most savory and delicious comfort foods, join with those who have discovered the “from-scratch” meat pies that are made at Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies. Surrounded by Amish farmlands in the heart of the PA Dutch countryside, this family owned and operated business uses special mouth-watering recipes that are making their beef, chicken, and sausage pies more famous with each passing year.
From the humble beginnings in their Amish farmhouse kitchen to a USDA inspected commercial enterprise, the quality and taste of their pies remains the same, even as the distribution has increased from one market stand to multiple stores and farm markets throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
You are always invited to stop by the Zook’s retail store to stock up on these quick and easy meals that are tasty and nutritious too! In addition to meat pies. Zook’s has a nice selection of specialty food items, including homemade soups, bake-at-home meals and fresh bakery items.
Fresh Baked Goods
Fresh Made Meat Pies!
(and More) are Here!
• Many varieties of fresh-picked fruits in season
• Delicious & healthy vegetables available
• GARDEN CENTER bursting in fall, spring & summer with vegetables, herbs, shrubs, annuals & perennials,
• Fresh-baked apple pies, apple cider donuts, fresh-pressed apple cider, dumplings and lots more! Since 1970, we are the largest pick-your-own-fruit farm market in Lancaster. Stop by and pick your own fruit, pumpkins & sunflowers (in season). Enjoy ready-picked fruits. Choose from many gift baskets.
• SHELVES FILLED with mouthwatering jarred goods, salsas, jams & jellies, butters, preserves and honey
• BAKED GOODS include scrumptious cookies, whoopie pies, fruit pies & more!
