It’s a Grand Life

KINDNESS,

Leading By Example

Our country has gone through a horrible pandemic that has changed our lives in numerous ways for the last two years. We have stayed away from family and friends, as well as seen our schools, churches, and businesses closed, bringing hardships on everyone. Along with shutdowns, there has also been a sense of dread and fear. Our friends and family feel it, our children and grandchildren feel it, and we feel it. As tensions build, wondering if we will ever return to our perception of normalcy, there are noticeable instances of rude and unkind behaviors. Unlike the coming together after 9/11, a sense of me-first is rearing its ugly head.

If we are aware of this type of behavior, certainly our grandchildren also pick up on it. When we are with them and experience unkindness or rudeness, we need to talk with them about what we heard or viewed. We cannot let them think that is an acceptable way to speak or act.

Recently, I read an article written by a mother about her severely handicapped son. He is wheelchair bound and has very limited means of communicating. However, it was obvious by her writing that she wanted him to be around other children and socialize as much as possible as long as he is able.

On this occasion, he expressed the desire to attend a cotillion function. His mother wheeled him into the large ballroom where the event was to take place. The girls lined up on one side, and the boys on the other. They would be seated with the one they were paired with. The mother watched as her son got closer to the front of the line and noticed girls moving back so as to not be paired with him. She hoped her son would not be aware of this happening. Fortunately, one sweet girl stepped up, smiled, and happily walked alongside his wheelchair to their table.

This story melted my heart. Her kindness meant the world to his mother. I wonder if her parents were surprised, but I expect they would have been more surprised if she hadn’t been the one to step up. I would hope that the girls who moved away didn’t do it for any reason other than a lack of maturity. Unfortunately, I don’t think parents were in attendance as it would have been a good teaching moment. If they read the posted article which was written to thank the young girl for her actions, it would be the perfect opening for a conversation, even if their children were not involved.

Do we as adults miss opportunities to set good examples for our grandchildren – or even other adults? A simple kind word or deed can make someone’s day without us even knowing it. Think about how you feel when you’re paid a compliment by a stranger. How nice it feels to help a person in need without being asked just because you can. Even the simplest thing can make a bad day good and a good day better.

My grandmother, whenever she caught my sister and me or our cousins displaying what she considered inappropriate behavior towards each other, we’d hear her voice, calm but clear, saying “Be ye kind, one to another.” As we should all be.

JEJ Photos

St. Patrick’s Day Treats

BY KRISTI JOHNSON MARION & EMILY DODSON

Our Daily Bread

There’s hardly a more essential food item in our lives than bread of all shapes and sizes, hence the expression, “our daily bread.” Bread is the base for our butter, jams, and pizzas. It holds our favorite sandwiches and burgers together; there are varieties great for breakfast, a sweet dessert, and a favorite fluffy side item. Kneading is especially fun for the kids! While the bread is baking, to make the baking even more enriching, we encourage you play “Patty Cake” with your toddlers and to read with your children the classic The Little Red Hen by Jerry Pinkney, Everybody Bakes Bread by Nora Dooley, and Loaves of Fun: A History of Bread with Activities and Recipes from Around the World by Elizabeth Harbison.

EASY BREAD IN A BAG BISCUIT DOUGH GARLIC KNOTS

NO YEAST PIZZA DOUGH

(makes 4 servings)

INGREDIENTS:

1 gallon-size resealable plastic bag 3 cups Flour ¼ cup Sugar 1 packet Yeast (rapid rise or regular) 1 cup Water, warm ¼ cup Butter, melted 1 tsp. Salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375° and grease a loaf pan.

2. In a small bowl, stir the sugar, yeast, and 1 cup of the flour. Pour into the resealable bag and add the warm water. Seal the bag, pressing out the air.

3. Begin shaking and mixing the bag by hand (a great way to get the kids involved!). Let the bag rest for 10 minutes.

4. In the same small bowl used earlier, combine 1 cup of flour with the salt and pour into the bag, along with the melted butter. Seal the bag again, pressing out the air. Shake and mix again.

5. Open bag and add in the final cup of flour. Seal the bag, pressing out the air. Shake and mix for the final time.

6. Open the bag and remove the dough. Place it on a floured surface. With floured hands, knead the dough for 5-10 minutes.

7. Insert the dough into the loaf pan and place in a warm spot to rise for 30-45 minutes. (makes 16 knots)

INGREDIENTS:

1 (16-oz.) tube Buttermilk biscuit dough ¼ cup Butter, unsalted 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, finely grated ¾ tsp. Garlic powder ½ tsp. Oregano, dried ½ tsp. Parsley, dried ¼ tsp. Salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together

Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and melted butter and set aside.

3. Separate the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit round in half. Roll each slice into a 5-inch rope, about ½-inch thick. Tie the rope into a knot, tucking the ends under.

4. Place the knots on prepared baking sheet and brush each knot with the seasoned butter mixture, using half of the mixture. Bake until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

5. Brush with remaining butter mixture and serve immediately. (Makes 1 family-size pizza round or 6 mini-pizza rounds)

INGREDIENTS:

1½ cups Flour 1 Tbsp. Baking powder 1 tsp. Salt 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil 1 cup Water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Stir the olive oil and water together and pour over the flour mixture. Stir until a ball forms.

3. Turn onto a floured surface and knead 2-3 minutes. If too sticky, sprinkle with more flour.

4. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into one large crust or divide into 6 equal portions and roll out 6 mini-crusts.

5. Place on a baking sheet and top with your favorite pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and toppings.

6. For a large pizza, bake for 15-20 minutes. For mini- pizzas, bake for 10-15 minutes.

1Evelyn Valedez-Hernandez 4th Grade Smith Farm Elementary Kristina Stevenson, Art Teacher

2Mikaila Holloway 8th Grade Hanes Magnet Middle Barbara Butryn, Art Teacher 3 Aliyah Davis 7th Grade Clemmons Middle Kristen Kluttz, Art Teacher

4Stanton Brown 11th Grade Reynolds High School Emily Beach, Art Teacher