Winter Olympics Link to Activities

From  February 7th-23rd 2014, Sochi in Russia will play host to the XXII Winter Olympic Games and the XI Paralymic Winter Olympic Games.  As I was looking for a fun Olympic-themed activity for in-home kits I came across this site http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/winter-olympics and wanted to share it with everyone.  If you can forgive that the language is kid-centered, as we are all adults, I really liked the opportunity to click on a specific sport and learn more about it in a video and have some print outs about it.  If you or someone you support takes a special interest in one of the many events that will be on our TV screens this month please go check it out!  There are even Olympic themed recipes on the site if you decide to have a few friends over to watch together those would be fun to make and serve.

Winter Dance

The annual Winter Dance is taking place at Matthias' Lot Church; 2645 W. Clay; Friday night January 31st at 6:30pm!  Use of the church allows us to have unlimited registration (more space).  Dress for the dance is "formal" - you can be very dressed up or just wear your "Sunday best".  See you there.

Happy Valentines Day from Canary

Healthy Snacking

The cold and snowy weather kept most of you home during our recent cooking class so here are some tips for healthy snacking that were shared:
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Class participants came up with a GREAT list of fruits and vegetables they like to snack on like blueberries, strawberries,and celery sticks.  One thing that makes this a more likely choice is to wash and prepare your produce as soon as you get it home so it is ready for munching.  Keep it fun by cutting things into different shapes, combining different things into a smoothie, or including a small amount of low-fat dip.  We tried slicing bananas and spreading them onto a wax paper lined baking sheet and freezing them.  They were a cold a creamy treat!
POPCORN

Class participants also got to try microwaving their own popcorn (high in fiber, low in calories), without using prepackaged stuff that is full of who knows what?!  You need a brown lunch sack, plain popcorn kernels, and the smallest measuring cup in your set.  Put a scoop of kernels in the bag, fold it over a couple of times, and microwave for two minutes or until the popping slows down.  We enjoyed it plain but you could also put toppings on it that you like if you are careful with the amount of salt and butter of course!  Click here for a list of more creative toppings.

Enjoy some healthy snacking in this New Year!!