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by Janet Swanson
The season of Fall is here and we are heading right into Thanksgiving. Are you ready? Do you still have groceries to pick up, recipes to review, and decorations that you want to finalize? For the older generation reading this article, remember when Saturdays before Thanksgiving were spent with the older children cracking and cleaning pecans needed for baking? And then the job of polishing the silver flatware? I remember those days like they were yesterday. It was a really great bonding time when you moved past the first hour or so when it was quiet because no one really wanted to spend their Saturday doing these jobs, but we had no choice in the matter. However, before we knew it, laughter, shared memories and conversations filled the air and we made quick work with the task at hand.
In our past November issues, I usually share ideas about ways to celebrate gratitude with our family and friends.
This year, I want to continue that tradition but expand on it a little bit. Between what is going on throughout the world, and the hurricanes, tornadoes, and unending rainstorms we have experienced both locally and all around us, the year has been tough. That is why it is so important for us to take the time to focus once again on what we are truly thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday. Creating a quiet space to sit down, relax and clear our minds to think only about the good things that occurred in our lives this year, shifts our mindsets and happiness enters our thoughts. When we are looking for it, we discover there really is so much good in each of our lives, despite setbacks and sad events that may have occurred.
This year, let’s create individual notecards for each of our family members and friends who will be joining us for Thanksgiving dinner. In each notecard, explain why they are so important to you and your family, how much
you love and appreciate them, and how your life is better because of them. Then sign your card, place it inside its envelope, write their name on the envelope, and seal it. How you wish to give your family and friends these personal sealed cards is up to you. You can place them in a mini-gift bag for each person, or you can just stack them up in a small dish on the table above their plate, or maybe just tuck them in with the food you are packing up to send them home with. It's up to you. We just want the sealed notecards to go home with them. Then after they are home, in comfy clothes, winding down their day, they can read their personal messages of love. It will be such a “feel good” moment for them, to hold each written message in their hearts and in their minds as their Thanksgiving day quietly comes to a close. The perfect ending to a perfect holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving!
11/11 Veterans Day
11/13 Interim Reports
11/25-29 Thanksgiving Break
12/20 End of 2nd 9 Weeks
11/1
Teacher Planning Day
11/4 Fall Guitar & Orchestra Concerts
11/5 Chorus Winter Concert
11/6 Beauty & The Beast
11/8 Veteran’s Day Ceremony
11/9 Middle School Play- The Wizard of Oz
11/1 All School mass (Mass Uniform)
11/11 Veterans Day- No School
11/21 SJPII Expo Day
11/25-29 Thanksgiving Holiday Break
12/17-20 Mid Term Exams
11/11 Veteran's Day Holiday
11/12 Third Grade Trip to St. Marks Grand Friends Literacy Night
11/13-14 Third Grade Trip to St. Marks
11/13 Fall Band Concert
11/18-22 Middle School Philanthropy Drive
11/19 Science Fair
11/20-22 Second Grade Field Trip to St. Marks
11/21 Middle School Pep Rally Special Programs Parent Night
11/25-29 Thanksgiving Holiday
12/3 Winter Extravaganza
12/5 Winter Chorus Concert
11/11 Veterans Day
11/13 Interim Reports
11/25-29 Thanksgiving Break
12/20 End of 2nd 9 Weeks
11/11 Veterans Day
11/13 Interim Reports
11/25-29 Thanksgiving Break
12/20 End of 2nd 9 Weeks
Easy, homemade hummus with a seasonal, veggie-packed spin. Roasted Squash Hummus is a creamy plant based, vegan dip that’s also totally kid-approved. This would be a great snack or appetizer for a Thanksgiving gathering or any family event.
Ingredients
• 12 ounces peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 to 3 whole garlic cloves, skin on or off
• 1 tsp kosher or sea salt
• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3 Tbsp tahini
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water
• freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 4250. Place diced squash and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and a big pinch of salt then toss to coat. Spread out on the pan so the pieces aren't touching. Roast until squash is tender and golden brown around the edge, 15-20 mins. Set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the roasted garlic. Add garlic, roasted squash, chickpeas, remaining oil, lemon juice, salt, a 1/4 cup of water, and several grind of black pepper to a food processor bowl.
Blend until smooth, stopping several times to scrape the sides and test the consistency. Add more water as needed to get a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve as a dip or sandwich spread.
by Katie Truelove | ktcreative
For 6 ½ years, SouthWood has been home to Antoinette Bowen, a dedicated resident who effortlessly balances career success, personal passions, and a deep commitment to community service. With a thriving HR career, a love for volunteering, and a passion for golf, Antoinette is a pillar of warmth and leadership in SouthWood. She has one adult daughter, Ariele.
For the past seven years, Antoinette has led AMBSIMS & Associates Corp, managing every aspect of HR, from compliance to employee relations. Her dedication has ensured that HR operations align with both the company’s strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
Outside of her professional life, Antoinette is committed to serving others. As a board member for the American Red Cross and Florida Healthy Start, she supports vital health and wellness initiatives. Her faith plays a guiding role as well, motivating her work as a group leader at her church.
Antoinette’s personal interests are as fulfilling as they are diverse. Golf offers her both a challenge and a way to unwind, while travel allows her to embrace new cultures and perspectives. An avid reader, she values continuous learning and cherishes the moments spent with a good book.
Antoinette has found a perfect home in SouthWood, with its blend of natural beauty, convenient location, and strong sense of community. Living just a
short drive from downtown Tallahassee, she enjoys the tranquil environment, scenic trails, and recreational amenities. As a member of the SouthWood Mom’s Club, Antoinette treasures the connections she’s made, noting that neighborhood events foster a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
Antoinette holds family traditions close to her heart, particularly holiday baking, a practice passed down through generations. Her mother’s famous pies remain a staple, with each generation adding its own twist. Beyond the kitchen, Antoinette treasures family adventures, including a recent trip to the Dominican
Republic filled with beach days, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring local culture.
A significant influence in Antoinette’s life has been her father, who retired from the federal government and seamlessly became the family’s “coach, teacher, and financial guru.” From backyard tennis matches to chess lessons at the kitchen table, he instilled in her a love for learning and resilience. His playful approach to math and financial wisdom laid a strong foundation for Antoinette’s lifelong skills.
The Bowen family’s motto is: “With God as our foundation, we keep faith first, love
always, and serve selflessly.” This guiding principle shapes Antoinette’s approach to life, emphasizing faith, love, and service in everything she does.
Message to the Neighbors “I wanted to take a moment to reach out and say how grateful I am to be part of this wonderful community. Living here has been a truly positive experience, and it’s the friendly faces and warm interactions that make our neighborhood so special. If you ever need anything or just want to chat, please don’t hesitate to drop by. I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you better and continuing to build our supportive and vibrant community together.”
If your family suffers from the winter doldrums, a dose of sunshine may be just what they need. Give everyone something special to look forward to this year by planning a vacation that appeals to kids, parents and grandparents alike.
Leaving the country for breathtaking views and relaxation at the world’s beautiful beaches may provide the boost of vitamin D you need, but it also requires a little extra preparation compared to the average road trip. Ensure your memorymaking excursion goes off without a hitch by doing the legwork in advance to avoid unnecessary stress.
Plan your winter getaway with these tips for an elevated experience.
As you prepare for your next adventure, planning ahead is essential to ensure a seamless experience, especially when traveling internationally and for long-haul trips. Whether you’re seeking a dreamy beachfront destination or a European vacation, collaborating with a travel advisor as your first step in the planning process can significantly enhance your trip since they provide expert help and ideas tailored to your preferences. One of the key advantages is that their services typically come at no cost to you, allowing you to relax while the experts handle everything from finding the best deals to managing essential travel requirements, such as country entry guidelines and passport regulations.
Once you’ve settled on a location, it’s time to go over the lodging options with your travel advisor. Whether
you’re looking forward to digging your toes into the sand or craving a little adventure, it’s always best to identify what matters most for your trip. Researching resorts that offer a true “all-inclusive experience” can help ease stress and keep the focus on family fun. Consider stays at Sunscape Resorts & Spas, which offer features like a kid’s check-in experience, welcome treats, connecting rooms and more, all designed to “Press Play” on Unlimited-Fun. This way, your family’s needs and wants are covered – with best-in-class service, all access restaurants, unlimited drinks and a supervised Explorer’s Club for Kids while teens have their own space at the Core Zone Teens Club.
One way to maximize your resort stay is to sign up for hotel loyalty programs, like World of Hyatt’s loyalty program, to earn rewards and benefits that can go toward free nights, exclusive member rates, upgrades and more. Plus, travel advisors who book directly can input your loyalty information to help ensure you get the most out of your getaway.
Travel advisors commonly visit locations and resorts, so they know the destinations inside and out. Ask your advisor if he or she has traveled to your desired vacation spot and consider the expert advice offered, from must-have meals to recommended attractions and excursions.
One way to make memories that last a lifetime is to explore any special family packages that are available
at the time of booking. For example, Sunscape Resorts & Spas is offering exhilarating getaways perfect for the kid in everyone with the Press Play on Fun package available through Dec. 20 for travel through Aug. 16, 2025.
It includes a delightful welcome amenity and exclusive gift, breakfast in bed, a reserved spot by the pool or beach and a family photo on the beach to capture all those smiles. The resorts take family fun to the next level in vibrant, colorful beachfront locations in Mexico, Curaçao and the Dominican Republic.
If you’ve ever traveled so much as an hour or two away from home, you know how important a checklist is to avoid leaving behind any musthaves. A trip to the beach calls for an entirely new set of essentials.
If you plan to spend time at the beach (or pool, for that matter), consider adding these items to your suitcase:
• Swimsuits
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Hat and sunglasses
• Beach- or pool-friendly shoes
• Goggles
• Books or magazines
• Beach bag
• Reusable water bottle or tumbler
• Waterproof phone case
• Cash for tips
Don’t let turkey and ham have all the fun this holiday season. After all, you know your guests are likely to have plates piled high with all their favorite festive side dishes.
These hearty solutions are inspired by harvest season, offering comforting taste and mouthwatering flavors to make your holiday meal truly memorable. There’s nothing wrong with the classics –mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and the like – but these recipes from “Cookin’ Savvy” can give your gathering a special seasonal spin.
Discover more holiday recipes by visiting Culinary.net.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow Sauce
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 6-8
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder salt, to taste pepper, to taste
3 pounds sweet potatoes, sliced in circles
Marshmallow Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups mini marshmallows,
plus additional for garnish, divided
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Heat oven to 400 F. In bowl, mix oil, melted butter, garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Add sweet potatoes and coat well. In baking dish, line sweet potatoes around pan in circle. Drizzle with leftover oil mixture. Bake 40 minutes.
To make marshmallow sauce: In skillet, melt butter and 2 cups mini marshmallows. Remove from heat and whisk in cream. Place in bowl and add additional mini marshmallows for garnish.
Place sweet potatoes on serving platter in same lined up fashion as they were in baking dish. Serve with marshmallow sauce. Note: Recipe can be doubled for large crowds.
Sprouts and Squash Roast
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 6-8
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/2 stick butter, melted 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon thyme
salt, to taste pepper, to taste
1 package (12 oz) frozen Brussels sprouts
1 package (10 oz) frozen butternut squash
1 package (2 1/2 oz) real bacon pieces
1 cup pecans
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup cranberries
Heat oven to 400 F. In bowl, mix oil, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and thyme. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Cut Brussels sprouts in half, if desired. Add brussels sprouts and butternut squash to oil mixture and coat well. Place on lined cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes.
In large bowl, mix bacon pieces, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and roasted sprouts and squash. Mix well and place in serving bowl. Note: Recipe can be doubled for large crowds.
Herbed Wild Rice and Apples
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 6-8
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced onion
1 apple, chopped
2 packages (8 ounces each) long-grain wild rice
2/3 cup apple juice
1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
1 tablespoon rosemary salt, to taste pepper, to taste
2/3 cup pecans
2/3 cup cranberries garlic and herb cheese spread, for garnish (optional)
In skillet over medium heat,
saute butter, onion and apple pieces. When apples soften, add rice, apple juice, bacon pieces and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook about 10 minutes.
In large bowl, mix pecans, cranberries and rice mixture. Place in serving dish and crumble herbed cheese on top, if desired. Note: Recipe can be doubled for large crowds.
