Kid-Friendly Fourth Of July Recipes

BY TARYN JEREZ

As a kid, is there anything you look forward to more on the Fourth of July than fireworks and food? While you may be leaving the fireworks to the professionals, you can be ready to rock your child’s socks with some simple and satisfying kid-friendly recipes! Not only will these sweet treats be a delight to eat up, but the kids can be your little kitchen assistants with each of these easy recipes being a perfect fit for little hands to help with, before the festivities begin!

Here are four kid-friendly Fourth of July recipes that are sure to win the hearts of your littlest guests, so take notes on what you’ll need or snap a pic of the recipes below before heading to the grocery store!

PATRIOTIC PARTY MIX (Perfect for little kids and big ones, too!)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Popcorn, 2 Bags (microwavable works just fine!) Chex Cereal Mini-Pretzels M&Ms (Blue & Red) White Chocolate Chips Vanilla Almond Bark, 1 (20-ounce) package Sprinkles (Red, White & Blue) Large Mixing Bowl Silicone Spatula/Large Spoon Airtight container

GET TO WORK: In a large bowl, combine your popped popcorn, Chex cereal and pretzels into a large mixing bowl. (All ingredients can be added in amounts according to your taste preference—let the kiddos go a little crazy with their favorites.) Using a microwavesafe bowl, melt the almond bark following the package’s instructions, making sure to stir until fully melted and smooth. Next, pour the melted mixture over the ingredients in your mixing bowl, tossing with a large silicone spatula. Once cooled, pour in your M&Ms and sprinkles to get the sugary color combo desired and then store in an airtight container to enjoy! FIREWORK FRUIT KABOBS (Best for toddlers and young children)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Kabob Skewers, wooden or reusable metal Star Cookie Cutters Cutting Board Blueberries Raspberries Watermelon Cool Whip

GET TO WORK: Wash and dry all of your produce first and set aside. Start by cutting your watermelon into large circle slices about 1 to 1 ½” thick. Lay each of these slices down flat on your cutting board and, using your cookie cutters, cut out watermelon stars. Next, you’ll slide 2-3 raspberries down your skewer, followed by your blueberries, leaving room to stick the end through a single watermelon star at the top! (Be sure to carefully supervise when loading the skewers as these can be sharp at the end.) Next, you can place your skewers along a festive tray with a small bowl in the center filled with Cool Whip for dipping! AMERICAN FLAG PRETZEL STICKS (Perfect for little kids and big ones, too)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Pretzel Rods Chocolate Candy Melts (Red, White & Blue) Decorative Sprinkles (optional) Icing Decorating Bag Parchment Paper

GET TO WORK: Start by melting your white and blue colored candy melts in separate bowls. Starting with your white melted candy, dip your pretzel rods into each about halfway down. Next, you’ll dip your pretzel rod into the blue bowl halfway up the white on the pretzel. You can then add sprinkles to the blue area, creating a little nod to the stars on the American flag! After that, you will melt your white candy melts in a bowl, carefully pouring the melted candy into your decorating bag. (Quick tip: if you don’t have a decorating bag for icing, you can simply use a large Zip-Loc bag and cut a small hole at the bottom!) You can then decorate the white portion of each pretzel rod with red swirls, imitating the stripes on the flag. Lay each down on your parchment paper to cool and harden. Then, serve flat on a platter or standing up in a Mason jar to add a little decoration to the table.

RED, WHITE & BLUE TYEDYE SMORES (Best for older kids and tweens)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 8 × 8” Baking Pan Graham Crackers Milk Chocolate Bars Jumbo Marshmallows Red Food Coloring Blue Food Coloring Nonstick Cooking Spray

GET TO WORK: Preheat your oven to 350° and spray your baking pan with your nonstick cooking spray. Using a microwave-safe bowl, melt marshmallows completely. Divide melted marshmallow into three bowls. Next, set aside one bowl, leaving the other two to dye; one red and one blue. Starting with your red mixture, carefully pour and evenly spread into pan, followed by the blue mixture and then the white. To achieve a tie-dye effect, spray your nonstick spray on a knife and run it through all three layers of marshmallow to mix them up. As your marshmallows cool, set up your s’mores on a cookie sheet with one side of the graham cracker squares on the bottom, stacking chocolate on top. Place into the oven, baking about 5 minutes until chocolate is melted. Cut marshmallows out into squares smaller than your graham crackers and complete your s’mores stacking. Serve immediately and prepare to wipe down sticky fingers! Cooking with children can be extra messy and definitely requires a little added patience at times, but the memories are precious. Ask your kids which recipe they want to tackle this Fourth of July and make it extra special by making it together and having a festive treat to share as you watch the fireworks.

Connecting Heart & Mind

336.765.5546 calvaryday.school

Showing the Calvary Difference for 50 Years!

Jarrett Mozingo Nate Bozeman

Calvary Day School’s Valedictorian for the Class of 2021 is Jarrett Paul Mozingo. Jarrett is the son of Hank and Leslie Mozingo of Clemmons. He has an older sister, Shelby, who graduated from CDS in 2019, and an International-student brother, James Guo, who has lived with the Mozingo family for the past 3 years.

Jarrett came to Calvary in the 5th grade. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society, and the National Speech and Debate Association. During his high school years at CDS, Jarrett has participated in Youth and Government, the Ethics Club, and served on Student Council all 4 years. This year he is a member of the Executive Leadership Council.

Other recognitions include Junior Marshal, Statesmanship Award, AP Scholar and recipient of the Service Honor Cord.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Jarrett was also an integral member of the Varsity Boys Soccer team and considers winning the State Championship this year as one of his favorite memories. When asked what he is most thankful for during his time at CDS, he said “all of the teachers who cared about my growth, both in and out of the classroom”.

Jarrett attends Calvary Baptist Church and his life Bible verse is John 7:24, “Look beneath the surface so you can discern what is right.”

In the fall, Jarrett will attend The University of Alabama where he plans to major in Business with a minor in Chinese.

Congratulations Jarrett Mozingo! We celebrate you and all of your accomplishments at CDS. The Salutatorian for Calvary Day School’s Class of 2021 is John Nathan Bozeman. He is the son of Dr. William Bozeman and Dr. Elizabeth Bozeman. Nate has an older brother, Josh, who graduated from CDS in 2019. Nate has attended Calvary since the 7th grade.

Nate is a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Science National Honor Society. He received the Breaking Trail Leadership Award, earned the title of Chief Junior Marshal, and was recognized this year as an AP Scholar and recipient of the Service Honor Cord.

Outside of the classroom, soccer has played a significant role in Nate’s life. He is a member of the Varsity Boys Soccer team and counts winning the State Championship this year as one of his favorite memories. He has played Fusion Club Soccer for 6 years, and he referees youth soccer with the NC Soccer Referees Association. Other interests include strength training, Tae Kwon Do, and water skiing.

When asked what he is most thankful for about CDS, Nate said the close relationships formed with teachers “make them feel like family and make Calvary feel like home”. Nate attends Calvary West and volunteers in the children’s ministry. His life Bible verse is Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Nate plans to attend Wake Forest University in the fall and will study Biomedical Engineering.

Congratulations Nate Bozeman! We are proud of you and all that you have accomplished as a CDS student.

THE HIDDEN DIY HEROES OF SUMMER

BY TARYN JEREZ

When you hear the words “pool noodle,” you may be met with an immediate vision of familiar colorful styrofoam contraptions waving in the water. These giant tubes are often privileged by experiencing a child’s ability to turn them into everything from medieval swords to giant imaginary sea horses! But what about adult imaginations? Surely, there are a plethora of exciting pool noodle possibilities just waiting to be discovered!

What you may not realize is that these commonly used, affordable pool toys are actually something of a DIY Superstar! Since they can be difficult to find in stores outside of the summer months, this is a perfect time to find a pool noodle project of your own to tackle! From everyday hacks that improve little areas of your life to creative craft projects, here are 15 out-of-the-box ideas to employ using pool noodles.

1Computer Wrist Rest - slice a pool noodle in half and cut to the length of your keyboard for a comfortable ergonomic wrist option.

2Boot Shapers - Cut a pool noodle to match the height of your favorite boots and stuff them inside, when not being worn, to help keep your boot shape throughout the seasons.

3Colorful Summer Garland - add a pop of color to your decorations by slicing 1” wide circles of alternating color pool noodles, stringing them together in a pattern and hanging.

4Wreath Form - Curve your pool noodle into a perfect circle, taping or hot gluing the ends together. Once cooled, you can wrap in a favorite fabric print or burlap and decorate.

5Beverage Boat - Fill a small plastic container with a few beverages for the pool with pool noodles cut to size, and string together around each corner to stay afloat and in reach.

6Door Bumper - Use an Exacto knife to cut a slit lengthwise in a 3” piece of pool noodle and place it on the edge of your door to avoid loud door slams. 7 Wine Glass Markets - Identify whose drink is whose by cutting out different pool noodle shapes and colors 1” wide with a slit in the side to easily slip on and off glasses.

8Boundary Markers - Place bright pool noodles at appropriate heights to mark cutoffs in driveways, garages, farmland, and anywhere else vehicles need to know limitations.

9Ladder Padding - Cut pool noodles horizontally to the width of your ladder step, with a lengthwise slit to pop on the metal steps where your legs will be leaning while working.

10 Paint Stamps - Slice pool noodles in 1” circles, then dip in paint to create a fun stamp to make different designs and shapes with a fun texture.

11 Cord Organizer - Place a lengthwise slit in your pool noodle and hide any unwanted cords inside, placing the noodle out of sight behind your furniture

12 Crease-Free Hanger - Add 12”-14” of pool noodle with a lengthwise slit onto your hangers to avoid creasing bottoms when hanging up. 13 Plant-Draining “Mulch” - Create better drainage for your potted plants by cutting up small chunks of your pool noodle and placing at the bottom of a pot before planting.

14 Travel Wine Protectors - Using an Exacto knife, cut in a circular motion working your way down the length of the pool noodle, creating a spiral cut. Wrap the spiral noodle around wine bottles to keep them padded and safe, avoiding breakage.

15 Soccer Goal Game - Stick a pencil into the ground, placing the pool noodle hole over it and create an arch shape with the noodle; use a second pencil to hold the arch in place.

This summer, make sure to pick up a pool noodle or two when you’re out and about! You never know which of these hacks or DIY projects may be exactly what you need.

Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home Explains the Benefits of Pre-Planning

BY DENISE HEIDEL

No one wants to think about a funeral, but unfortunately—it’s an eventuality we all face. After all, mortality has a 100% track record, and as many families can attest, a pre-planned funeral may be one of the most thoughtful and generous gifts you can leave behind. Local funeral home Hayworth-Miller has been in the industry since 1961. Since then, they’ve become a trusted resource in the community to help families navigate both expected and unexpected losses. Rick Parham, the Pre-Planning Manager, shared his experience and insights on the benefits of pre-planning funeral arrangements. “Everyone knows that funerals are highly emotional occasions,” Rick said. “And those who have pre-planned their arrangements have not only helped alleviate the financial burden of funeral costs, but they’ve relieved their loved ones of the emotional burden, too. It’s a great relief to loved ones to know that things are being handled according to their loved ones’ wishes—and it removes the guesswork of trying to determine the right steps. “Moreover,” Rick continued, “Those who pre-plan their funerals can provide biographical details that families may not know or remember during such a stressful time. That makes it easier for us when we’re providing a death certificate or even writing an obituary.”

Hayworth-Miller also offers an inflationproof contract that guarantees today’s prices for services and merchandise. Rick shared, “As costs continue to rise, securing the cost of a casket, vault, and other details is a long-term cost savings. Our team can also help make recommendations for cemeteries and grave markers.”

Rick continued, “We itemize everything based on the individual’s decisions and then work together to determine a payment plan. We can coordinate a single payment or even pay through monthly installments with an insurance company. Payment plans are available for 3-, 5-, 7-, and 10-year terms with early pay-off options available.”

People do not have to wait for a terminal diagnosis to begin pre-planning their funeral service. “No one knows what is going to happen long-term,” Rick said. “We have seen it time and again in our industry—an unexpected loss

that equates to a tremendous financial burden. If there is no insurance or money at the time of death, it adds so much complexity to an already difficult situation. But for those families who have loved ones who pre-planned, the difficult situation is simplified. Spouses are free to grieve without trying to find money to pay for the service. Siblings don’t have to second-guess themselves because Mom and Dad have already made the hard choices.”

While pre-planning funerals is not new, it’s not a conversation many people like to have, so there are some frequently asked questions that come up during pre-planning discussions. For example, what happens if the funeral home goes out of business before the time of death? Rick explained, “In our case, we have longevity, so it’s not likely that Hayworth-Miller is going anywhere. However, the money isn’t held by the funeral home. The money is held by an insurance company and the contract is filed with the NC Board of Funeral Services. So the consumer is highly protected when they prepay.”

Another common question is whether changes can be made. Again, Rick explains, “Absolutely! While the benefit of pre-planning is to ensure that the wishes of a loved one have been accounted for, we also allow the family to make changes or pay the difference for additional services. If the service ends up being less than what was originally planned for, we issue a refund to the estate.”

For those who are uncomfortable with the idea of pre-planning or even having a discussion about end-of-life matters, consider this: In every other aspect of life, people pre-plan. Rick said, “People plan for weddings, homes, retirement, and their estate. Planning these milestone moments helps everyone be on the same page and also covers costs. A funeral is no different, and a pre-planned service is an act of kindness to the loved ones who are left behind. And the conversation doesn’t have to be long and drawn out. Make a copy of the contract and tell your loved ones, ‘Call Hayworth-Miller when I pass. They have all the details.’”

Hayworth-Miller has five locations in and around the Triad, including Winston-Salem, Rural Hall, Kernersville, Advance, and Lewisville. Visit online at Hayworth-Miller.com.

Hayworth-Miller

Funeral Homes & Crematory Silas Creek Chapel

Hayworth MillerPeace of mind is a gift for your family

Arranging a funeral when a loved one has passed is di cult when time is short and emotions are high. By pre-planning your services, you can choose your own service details resolving any indecisions. Simply knowing your loved ones will not be faced with making all the necessary arrangements can be a great relief and peace of mind for you and your family.

www.hayworth-miller.com Call any of our ve locations for more information. Winston-Salem (336) 765-8181 Rural Hall (336) 969-5593 Kernersville (336) 993-2136 Advance (336) 940-5555 Lewisville (336) 946-1107

Get to Know NC State Cooperative Extension

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

Beyond exquisite beauty and Southern charm, North Carolina has extraordinary resources, educational opportunities for adults and children in each of its 100 counties. NC State Cooperative Extension offices offer effective modernday solutions through science-based methods. Do you wonder how to make the most of your garden space, or why three tomato plants compared to acres of crops aren’t thriving? If you are seeking to own goats and sheep and needing help planning logistics, or starting a beekeeping endeavor, NC State Cooperative Extension is just one phone call away!

From Wilmington to Cherokee

“We are a hands-on resource,” Bryan Hartman, the Agriculture, and Natural Resources Agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension of Stokes County shares. “The best part of what we do is meeting individuals and seeing the problem first-hand. We never thought we’d need a virtual experience; yet, changes due to Covid-19 have boosted our ability to teach hundreds of people how to grow food, raise livestock, or help anyone with small gardens to large farms and everyone in-between. North Carolinians can take a course in New Hanover County in Wilmington and Cherokee County in Murphy on the same day without worrying about mobility issues. As agents, we provide science-based knowledge, equivalent to real-life Google, to help build self-confidence and change someone’s life. As a non-profit that receives funding through taxpayer dollars, it’s empowering to hear, “’I did what you told me, and it worked!’”

Community Involvement Through Hobbies

Through a passion for horticulture or agriculture, you may be surprised to find out just how many people in your community have the same interest. NC Cooperative Extension offers the connection. Free classes, including time to engage in handson, practical experience, or join a monthly group, provide an opportunity for you to gain educational insight while meeting locals. Stephanie Thomas writes, “It began with a phone call into the Cooperative Extension three years ago, inquiring about our ailing nectarine trees. The agent came to our home, gave us great advice and a concrete plan to go forward. Before he left, I had a packet of information to read about pruning, pests, and overall good tree health. Since then, I became an active participant in two Extension groups, while my children attend their high-interest, no-cost camps. It’s the best of both worlds. Through advice and education, all generations are learning great methods to grow and raise food. I’m always excited to see familiar faces and talk about housing, predators, and best practices in raising chickens, ducks, goats, and bees. ‘Extension’ is a service to give us the advice and tools to be successful!”

North Carolina 4-H

With seven-plus million participants, 4-H is the largest youth organization in the State. It represents in its emblem the symbols of head, heart, hands, and health. Devised to provide an opportunity to build leadership, citizenship, and life skills, today’s 4-H explores subjects from photography to computers, to building rockets, and raising animals. Through the NC State Cooperative Extension Service partnership, 4-H delivers educational and technological opportunities for ages five through eighteen.

TIP: Continue to check the www.ces.ncsu.edu/categories/4-hyouth-development/ website for summer opportunities and to sign up for upcoming events. All North Carolina 4-H camps are open to the public.

Bookmark the Website

Wouldn’t you like to know what is happening in your community? The NC State Cooperative Extension website, www.ces.ncsu.edu/, can keep you well informed. You’ll find artisans’ and farmer’s markets, opportunities to take classes, informational articles, and what’s trending, such as the art of propagation, planting calendars, and nutritional feeding management of small farm animals. There’s something for everyone!