September Calendar

• 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th - Vidalia Farmers' Market - 8 am to 12 pm
• 4th - Taste of Herb and Spice on Italian Seasoning - Louise Williams Library, Monroe - 1 pm
• 13th - "Tortilla vs Corn" - Louise Williams Library, Monroe - 1 pm
• 19th - Crowville School and Community Garden Work Day - 9 am to 12 pm
• 20th - Super Saturday - Children's Coalition Garden, Monroe - 10 am to 12 pm
• 22nd - Movement and Mindfulness - LyfeSkills Solutions, Winnsboro - 10 am to 11 am
• 23rd - Learning Lab: Knife Skills and Pressure Cooker Gumbo - Columbia - 5:30 pm
• 23rd - "Dine Fine, Spend Wise" - Clayton Branch Library, Concordia Parish - 5:30 pm
• 26th - Herbs and Spices to Lower Sodium - MERIT, Winnsboro - 10 am

Kids' Corner

by April Temple

Weighted Discover Bottle

Weighted discovery bottles are an exciting, hands-on way for kids to shake, roll and explore while getting their bodies moving! These colorful, slightly heavy bottles are filled with fun surprises like glitter, beads, and tiny toys—turning every wiggle and lift into a mini adventure. They’re super easy to make and a great way to boost strength, coordination, and curiosity all at once!

Materials:

• Empty water bottles
• Variety of colored hair conditioners
• Marbles, beads, tiny toys, and/or rocks
• Funnel
• Super glue
• Glitter
• Colored sand

Instructions:

1. Remove lids from water bottles and place funnel in opening.
2. Fill ⅓ to ½ with heavy materials like sand & marbles (or rocks).
3. Add hair conditioner to thicken and slow movement inside.
4. Top off with water leaving a small gap at the top.
5. Remove the funnel and secure the lid back on the bottle using super glue around the rim to prevent leaks.

*Adapted from the playtolearnpreschool.us

August is National Wellness Month

by Summer Broadway

This August is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on self-care, healthy habits and holistic well-being. Whether you're looking to boost your energy, reduce stress, or simply feel more balanced, small daily actions can make a big difference. Here are some easy and effective self-care tips to help you thrive this month:

• Mental wellness: Keep a gratitude journal to reflect on the positives in your life. Try mindfulness or meditation for just 5 minutes a day. Take regular screen breaks to give your mind a rest. Set healthy boundaries to protect your time and energy.
• Physical wellness: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Get moving—walk, stretch, or dance to stay active. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Choose whole foods like fruits and vegetables for nourishment.
• Emotional and social wellness: Reach out to friends or family for meaningful connections. Explore your creative side through art, writing, or music. Volunteering or helping others is good for the soul. Celebrate your small wins and be kind to yourself.

This month is a great time to reset and recommit to your well-being. Consider taking the challenge by doing one self-care activity each day. Let’s support each other in building healthier, happier lives.

Recipe of the Month

by Quincy L. Vidrine

Breakfast Oat "Cookies"

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana - mashed
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a bowl, mix bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir together until mixed well.
3. Add rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Stir to combine.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop the batter into roughly 2-tablespoon portions. Place the cookies on a baking sheet about 3 inches apart. Use back of scoop or spoon to slightly flatten each cookie.
6. Bake cookies for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire rack to cool completely.

Packing Healthy School Lunches

by Markaye Russell

Summer is coming to an end, and kids and teachers are returning to the classrooms. Therefore, it’s getting the mindset of everyday routine that marks the beginning of packing school lunches. With a little planning, imagination, and feedback from your child, you can pack a lunch they will enjoy. Whether your child enjoys school lunches or you decide to pack your child’s lunch instead, it’s important to provide a nutrient-dense meal that will fuel their bodies and brains.

Stock up on convenient lunch foods for the week. Make sure you have plenty of small sandwich bags, reusable containers, plastic spoons and forks, and freezer packs to keep food and beverages cool. Packing lunch does not have to be a laborious task.

Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Use hummus, salsa, or a Greek yogurt as dips for fruits and vegetables. Add fruit, nuts, and granola to yogurt for a parfait. Make ants on a log with celery, peanut butter, and raisins. Cut the meat and cheese into fun shapes with cookie cutters.

Healthy lunches are important because children expel a lot of energy learning and playing at school. They need food that can provide their bodies with the fuel and nutrients needed to perform at their best. Research shows that inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dairy as well as deficits in specific nutrients is associated with lower grades among students. Following the tips above can help provide your child with the fuel and nutrients needed to succeed in school.