How safe is the Chicken You Buy in the Supermarket
By Consumer Reports
Dec. 11, 2009
You would think that after years of alarms about food safety—outbreaks of illness followed by renewed efforts at cleanup—a staple like chicken would be a lot safer to eat.
But in our latest analysis of fresh, whole broilers bought at stores nationwide, two-thirds harbored salmonella and/or campylobacter, the leading bacterial causes of food borne disease.
That’s a modest improvement since January 2007, when we found that eight of 10 broilers harbored those pathogens. But the numbers are still far too high, especially for campylobacter.
Though the government has been talking about regulating it for years, it has yet to do so. (See lax rules, risky food.)
The message is clear: Consumers still can’t let down their guard. They must cook chicken to at least 165º F and prevent raw chicken or its juices from touching any other food.
Each year, salmonella and campylobacter from chicken and other food sources infect 3.4 million Americans, send 25,500 to hospitals, and kill about 500, according to estimates by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But the problem might be even more widespread: Many people who get sick don’t seek medical care, and many of those who do aren’t screened for food borne infections, says Donna Rosenbaum, executive director of Safe Tables Our Priority, a national nonprofit food-safety organization.
What’s more, the CDC reports that in about 20 percent of salmonella cases and 55 percent of campylobacter cases, the bugs have proved resistant to at least one antibiotic.
For that reason, victims who are sick enough to need antibiotics might have to try two or more before finding one that helps.
Consumer Reports has been measuring contamination in store-bought chickens since 1998.
For our latest analysis, we had an outside lab test 382 chickens bought last spring from more than 100 supermarkets, gourmet- and natural-food stores, and mass merchandisers in 22 states.
We tested three top brands—Foster Farms, Perdue, and Tyson—as well as 30 nonorganic store brands, nine organic store brands, and nine organic name brands.
Five of the organic brands were labeled “air-chilled” (a slaughterhouse process in which carcasses are refrigerated and may be misted, rather than dunked in cold chlorinated water).
Among our findings:
Campylobacter was in 62 percent of the chickens, salmonella was in 14 percent, and both bacteria were in 9 percent. Only 34 percent of the birds were clear of both pathogens.
That’s double the percentage of clean birds we found in our 2007 report but far less than the 51 percent in our 2003 report.
Among the cleanest overall were air-chilled broilers. About 40 percent harbored one or both pathogens.
Eight Bell & Evans organic broilers, which are air chilled, were free of both, but our sample was too small to determine that all Bell & Evans broilers would be.
Store-brand organic chickens had no salmonella at all, showing that it’s possible for chicken to arrive in stores without that bacterium riding along. But as our tests showed, banishing one bug doesn’t mean banishing both: 57 percent of those birds harbored campylobacter.
The cleanest name-brand chickens were Perdue’s: 56 percent were free of both pathogens.
This is the first time since we began testing chicken that one major brand has fared significantly better than others across the board.
Most contaminated were Tyson and Foster Farms chickens. More than 80 percent tested positive for one or both pathogens.
Among all brands and types of broilers tested, 68 percent of the salmonella and 60 percent of the campylobacter organisms we analyzed showed resistance to one or more antibiotics.
Source: Consumer Reports
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Keep Our Children Safe on Playground
By Healthy Children
Dec. 10, 2009
Whether it’s a swing set in the backyard or the more elaborate apparatus in the park, there are many positive things to say about playground equipment.
The use of this equipment encourages children to test and expand their physical abilities. However, there are some inevitable dangers.
The risks can be minimized when equipment is well designed and children are taught basic playground manners.
Here are some guidelines you can use in selecting playground equipment and sites for your child.
Children under five should play on equipment separate from older children.
Make sure there is sand, wood chips, or rubberized matting under swings, seesaws, and jungle gyms, and that these surfaces are of proper depth and well-maintained. On concrete or asphalt, a fall directly on the head can be serious—even from a height of just a few inches.
Wooden structures should be made from all-weather wood, which is less likely to splinter. Examine the surfaces periodically to be sure they are smooth. Metal structures, for example, can get extremely hot in warmer months.
Conduct a periodic inspection of equipment, looking especially for loose joints, open chains that could come loose and rusted cotter pins. Be sure there are no open S hooks or protruding pieces that could hook a child’s clothing. On metal equipment, check for rusted or exposed bolts as well as sharp edges and points. At home, cover them with protective rubber. In a public playground, report the hazard to the appropriate authorities.
Be sure swings are made of soft and flexible material. Insist that your child sit in the middle of the seat, holding on with both hands. Don’t allow two children to share the same swing. Teach your child never to walk in front of or behind a swing while another child is on it. Avoid equipment in which the swings hang from overhead climbing bars.
Be sure children on slides use the ladder instead of climbing up the sliding surface. Don’t permit pushing and shoving on the ladder, and have children go up one at a time. Teach your child to leave the bottom of the slide as soon as he reaches it. If a slide has been sitting in the sun for a long time, check the sliding surface to see if it’s too hot before letting him use it.
Don’t allow children under four to use climbing equipment that is taller than they are (i.e., jungle gyms) without close supervision.
Between the ages of three and five, your child should use a seesaw only with other children of comparable age and weight. Children under three don’t have the arm and leg coordination to use the equipment.
Although trampolines often are considered a source of fun for children, about 100,000 people per year are injured on them, most often on backyard models. Childhood injuries have included broken bones, head injuries, neck and spinal cord injuries, sprains, and bruises. Parental supervision and protective netting aren’t adequate to prevent these injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to take steps to ensure that their children never use trampolines at home, a friend’s house, the playground, or in a routine gym class. Older children should use trampolines only in training programs for competitive sports such as gymnastics or diving, and only when supervised by a professional trained in trampoline safety.
Source: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child Healthy Children
Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Christmas Safety Tips
December 13, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By HC/PIO
Dec. 10, 2009
The holidays are an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday season, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Trees
When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”
When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.
Lights
Check all tree lights-even if you’ve just purchased them- before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
Decorations
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals.
Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to prevent them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.
Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass “angel hair.” Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.
Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame.
Toy Safety
Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.
Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.
To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
Children under age three can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.
Children can have serious stomach and intestinal problems – including death — after swallowing button batteries and magnets. Keep them away from young children and call your health care provider immediately if your child swallows one.
Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young children.
Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.
Food Safety
Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.
Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child’s exploring hands.
Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same.
Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.
Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separately, and use separate utensils when preparing them.
Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.
Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.
Happy Visiting
Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.
Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.
Keep a list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222. Laminating the list will prevent it from being torn or damaged by accidental spills.
Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child’s stress levels. Trying to stick to your child’s usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.
Fireplaces
Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
Source: Healthy Children
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Christmas without Going Broke
December 13, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Jim Liebelt
Dec. 8, 2009
The consequences of the recent economic crisis have hit many families hard. Sure, there have been economic downturns before that have affected many. But, in my years as an adult, I have never seen such widespread financial impact and uncertainty.
I am reminded that in Christ, there is no reason to be afraid. As Christ-followers, we know that God is still on His throne, and we have much for which we can be thankful.
As we enter in upon the Christmas season, all of the economic bad news ought not to affect our celebration that “Unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given.”
But this Christmastime, perhaps more than any other in our lifetimes, we need to be wise in our approach to our Christmas celebrations and traditions, to ensure that we take economic realities into consideration and put our families in the best posture to weather the difficult financial times we live in.
Here then, are some practical ideas for surviving the holidays without going broke.
Establish a Budget for Christmas Spending. Make a quick list of everyone you feel you need to “gift” this Christmas. Then, take a look at the state of your finances, and decide how much you can afford to spend on Christmas gifts.
Set this amount as your limit. Write it down. Finally, take a look at your gift list again, and begin making some decisions on specific dollar amounts to allocate to each person.
Remember, not every gift needs to be one that has been purchased.
Stick to Your Budget. Christmas tends to bring out the best in people in terms of feelings of generosity toward their loved-ones. But, once you’ve set your Christmas gift budget, stick to it.
Don’t budge. Once you reach your budget limit, you’ll need to say, “That’s all. No more.”
Resist the Urge to Buy on Impulse. One of the biggest reasons people break their Christmas spending budgets is that there is a strong urge for us to buy on impulse.
We go out looking to buy a certain gift for someone. We pick it up in the store and then as we’re headed toward the checkout stand, we see a special super duper sale on turnip twaddle’s and think what a great gift it would make, as well. So, we end up buying something we wouldn’t have otherwise purchased.
I don’t know how to completely avoid having an urge to buy on impulse. But, what we need to remind ourselves of is this: Whomever you purchase an item from has a vested interest in seeing that you buy more.
They’ll advertise, market, and display with their goal, to create that impulse within you to buy, on sight.
Don’t Buy Yourself Anything. According to the last statistic I’ve read, the majority of people who go Christmas shopping end up buying items for themselves. Many don’t take this into account when they set up their Christmas spending budgets.
So, either be smart from the start by including an amount for purchases you want to make for yourself, or, simply choose not to buy yourself anything this year.
Shop for Bargains. In a struggling economy, retailers will be discounting items (but not everything, mind you). Help stretch your dollar by being a comparison shopper. Take advantage of sales.
Lots of bargains can also be found online, and keep in mind that you might actually find your best price there. But, one caveat: Often times, online retailers may give you a real bargain, but charge horrendous amounts for shipping, and in the end, you might even pay more for that item online than if you had purchased it locally.
Finally, there are lots of non-name-brand items that are made with decent quality. So, even if a purchase is not as “cool” without that popular name-brand, during times of economic hardship, non-name-brand items can provide good choices for saving some money.
Pay in Cash. Give the credit cards a rest this Christmas. Pay by cash, check or debit card. Or, as a last resort, only use credit cards for items included in the Christmas spending budget, and pay off amounts charged for Christmas gifts the following month, so as not to incur any additional finance charges.
Think Creatively. When it comes to gifts for Christmas, do some creative brainstorming on what you can give that won’t cost you money, or at least minimize costs.
What can you make or bake that would be meaningful? What service might you provide? One father, for example, gave a simple print out of coupons to his son for Christmas, entitling his son to forgo certain expected household chores, which Dad would do for him instead.
The son could use the coupons whenever he wanted and when the coupons had been used up, the son was expected to comply with the rest of his responsibilities.
Remember, the Best Things in Life Are Not Things. This tip follows closely with the “Think Creatively” concept.
Remember that more than “things,” people yearn for close relationships and the gift of your presence in their lives. So, for example, perhaps one gift to your family might be to schedule monthly family nights where everyone can hang out together and enjoy each other’s company.
In this scenario, each family member can take a turn making a decision regarding what the activity for the evening will be for the current month (like a game night, watch a movie together on the television, go out for ice cream, etc.)
It’s Okay to Cut Back. If your family goes to great lengths in celebrating Christmas, it might be tough to decide to cut back this year. But, understand that the family will survive if you do.
There will always be a “next” Christmas, and as financial conditions improve, you can move back into a more “regular” Christmas experience for your family.
Make the most of what you are able to do this year. Strive to keep family morale high, and place the focus on “the reason for the season.”
Think Through Other Holiday Expenses. There are a lot of other little Christmas season related expenses that typically aren’t considered.
So, this year, take some time to make a list of what those expenses are and how you can save by cutting back or doing things differently.
For example, perhaps you’re used to making Christmas dinner for your entire extended family and over the years you’ve provided all of the food and fixings.
To cut back on your expenses, have family members who will attend bring an appetizer, or provide other parts of the meal.
Maybe this year, you can cut back on your outside light displays to save some money on electricity. Buy a smaller Christmas tree.
You might choose to write handwritten notes instead of buying Christmas cards, or send Christmas emails instead of sending out Christmas cards.
The idea is to think through your Christmas-related expenses and make cuts wherever practical.
Source: Home Word
Editor’s Note: Jim Liebelt is Senior Editor of Publications for HomeWord.
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Amby Baby Beds/Hammocks
December 11, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Parent's Advice
By Safe Kids
Dec. 7, 2009
This past Nov. 8, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of about 24,000 Amby Baby Motion Beds/Hammocks.
Consumers should immediately stop using the Amby Baby motion beds/hammocks and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby.
The side-to-side shifting or tilting of the hammock can cause the infant to roll and become entrapped or wedged against the hammock’s fabric and/or mattress pad, resulting in a suffocation hazard.
The CPSC is aware of two infant suffocation deaths in the hammock. Those deaths involved a 4-month-old girl in Lawrenceville, Ga. and a 5-month-old boy from Gresham, Ore.
The Amby Baby motion beds/hammocks were sold at Ambybaby.com and other Internet retailers from January of 2003 to October of 2009 for about $250.
For more information, including how to contact Amby Baby USA for a free repair kit, read the CPSC recall notice or visit the Amby Baby Web site.
Source: Safekids
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
The Kitchen Diva – Tea Cakes
December 11, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Kids in the Kitchen
By Angela Shelf Medearis
Dec. 11, 2009
A Gift of Faith and Food My father, Howard, was in the Air Force, and my mother, Angeline, was a homemaker.
They didn’t have a lot of money to buy Christmas presents for my three siblings or myself.
One thing they did give us was lots of love, great food and faith in God and in the future, no matter how bleak things might look in the present.
The Bible says that faith is “a gift of God”. I believe that. It would take a God to create something as wonderful and as life-sustaining as faith. It takes a great faith to carry on in the midst of all the troubles we face day in and day out.
The wonderful thing about faith is that the more you use it, the more it grows. Unlike earthly things that become worn and depleted when used time after time, faith becomes even stronger and more abundant the more you use it.
I often hear about people “losing faith.” If you feel like that, all I can say is that lost things are often found in the most unexpected places at the most unexpected times.
I’ve misplaced things, thinking that they were lost, only to find them when I was looking for something else. The thing I’d thought I’d lost was there all the time, waiting for me to discover it again.
Faith is like that. Sometimes when you think you’ve reached the end of your ability to believe, something or someone comes along to shore you up so that you can continue on.
I have great faith in the future and the abilities of the American people to preserve in these difficult times. We must love and speak lovingly about our country.
A thing that is not loved will not grow properly. We must have faith in our personal abilities and in our potential as a people in order to grow.
While the holidays pose their own special set of personal and financial challenges, it’s also a time to appreciate and treasure the priceless things in our lives — love, faith and family.
No matter what your circumstances might be, hold on to hope, preserve and cherish your family’s heritage, memories and recipes; and most importantly in these difficult times, keep the faith.
Some of my favorite Christmas memories are linked to the dishes my mother made during the holidays. Teacakes are a Southern-style cookie that were a special after-school treat or a holiday dessert during my childhood.
Making and sharing these delicious cookies are almost as fun as eating them!
Merry Christmas, and have a blessed holiday season!
TEA CAKES
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup sugar, plus extra for
sprinkling the cakes
2 Eggland’s Best eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup sour cream
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy and wellblended.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg, and add it to the butter mixture, alternating with tablespoons of sour cream and mixing well.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or sheets of wax paper, and chill 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 425 F. Dust a cutting board with flour and roll out the dough until it’s about an inch thick. Cut out cookies with a 3-inch-round cookie cutter, or use a drinking glass about the same size.
Put tea cakes on a lightly greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Remove cookies from the baking sheet and cool on a rack. Store in an airtight container.
Makes about 2 dozen (3-inch) cakes.
Editor’s Note: *Recipe adapted from “The New African-American Kitchen” by Angela Shelf Medearis (Lake Isle Press, 2008).
Angela Shelf Medearis is known as The Kitchen Diva and is the executive producer and host of “The Kitchen Diva!” cooking show on Hulu.com. Visit her Web site
Her new inspirational book is “Ten Ingredients for aJoyous Life and a Peaceful Home — ASpiritual Memoir,” co-written with Pastor Salem Robinson, Jr. http://www.dunnsmemorial.com/
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc
There is No Room for Jesus Here
By Dan Samaria
Publisher/Yc
Dec. 9, 2009
I never thought the day would come that we would have a non religious Christmas day?
I never thought the day would come that a U.S. President would ever try to have Christmas takening out of the White House.
Well that day has come.
This President and his family claim they are Christians. Yet they want to keep Jesus out of the Whitehouse and put him out in the cold like it was done many, many years ago.
Jesus has his place in this world. He belongs in the Whitehouse and in our hearts. Where he has been for many Christmas and where it is warm.
I hope I am not wrong, but I don’t think Jesus was ever kicked out of the Whitehouse.
From our very first President George Washington who have celebrated Christmas with his family to President George W. Bush and his family.
I was once lucky enough to be in Washington during the Christmas season. I was able to visit the Whitehouse and take the Christmas tour.
I will never forget the scene of Jesus greeting you as you came in. And seeing the beautiful lights, trees, the children smiling. And seeing snow on the ground it made you forget the problems that the world was having.
I am glad that Americans from Christians to non-Christians spoke up. And helped this President come to his senses that this Whitehouse does not belong to him and his family.
He is a temporary resident that it belongs to all Americans.
During these tough times we all need the meaning of Christmas in our lives. Which are Hope, Love and Compassion for our fellow human beings here and in the world?
The reason that I am bring this up is not only because it is Christmas. But this really was about to happen. The following article is about to explain it.
By Mickey McLean
Dec. 8, 2009
A White House Christmas tradition, no matter which party’s in office, has been to prominently display a nativity scene in the East Room.
But, as Eric Metaxas discovered while reading The New York Times Sunday Styles section, it almost didn’t happen this year.
Seems that Desiree Rogers, the White House social secretary who has been in the news lately because of a certain recent party crashing, stated at a luncheon with previous social secretaries that the White House would have a “non-religious” Christmas this year.
The article reported:
The lunch conversation inevitably turned to whether the White House would display its crèche, customarily placed in a prominent spot in the East Room.
Ms. Rogers, this participant said, replied that the Obamas did not intend to put the manger scene on display — a remark that drew an audible gasp from the tight-knit social secretary sisterhood.
(A White House official confirmed that there had been internal discussions about making Christmas more inclusive and whether to display the crèche.)
Yet in the end, tradition won out; the executive mansion is now decorated for the Christmas holiday, and the crèche is in its usual East Room spot.
Metaxas writes:
[T]he fact that it was going to happen reveals a level of political tone-deafness in the current administration that is staggering.
To most average Americans — who did not grow up in an Ivy-League, inside-the-Beltway hothouse governed by the rules of the French Revolution — the idea of keeping Jesus out of “the people’s house” at Christmas evokes disturbing images of the Holy Family being turned away from the Inn, or worse yet, images of Herod.
But to a super-secular White House afraid to offend anyone — except for average Americans — it probably just seemed like another fab “progressive” innovation.
If President Obama wanted to fuel the fears of every serious Christian in America and actually prove that he is every bad thing they’ve ever heard about him on every crazy Web site, the idea of symbolically taking Jesus out of the White House at Christmas would be just the ticket!
Source: World Mag
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
In Tough Money Times
December 9, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Parent's Advice
By MV Parents
Dec. 9, 2009
The current economy is in rough shape; prices are up, salaries are down, and layoffs are common. And parenting is expensive.
So how do you make sure you have enough money to support your family? Use some of the tips below to help you maintain your financial footing in tough times.
Don’t buy (and encourage others not to buy for you) a lot of new clothes or toys for your babies or very young children, as they will be outgrown in a matter of months.
Many people are willing to donate old baby clothes and toys to friends or acquaintances, and you can also find a large number of these items at places like thrift stores or garage sales.
Maximize your available time, energy, and skills by trading services with friends or family for such needs as childcare, meal preparation, or house cleaning.
This is also a great way to build a network of caring adults and a close-knit community.
Take advantage of places like consignment and second-hand stores. If your child needs sports equipment, toys, or certain articles of clothing, you may be able to get a really good deal if you shop around for used items.
Some schools offer prepackaged school supply kits at a discounted price, and often use the proceeds to fund classroom activities and other needs. Many congregations, food pantries, and local service groups also collect school supplies to donate or sell at affordable prices.
Find out if your community has programs like this, and take advantage of them if possible.
During an economic downturn, families may find that they struggle with their finances. But through careful planning and prioritized spending, many families have been able to not only make it, but thrive through these tough economic times.
Don’t forget to stay positive, even if it gets difficult—by making smart financial decisions, you’ll also be teaching your child the necessary skills that he or she will need in the future.
Source: MV Parents
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Be a Fan of Joy Help a Child
By SO/PIO
Dec. 8, 2009
Raise your holiday spirits with A Very Special Christmas music and help bring the joy of Special Olympics to more people worldwide.
Since 1987, Special Olympics and top recording artists have worked together on a fundraising collaboration that brings joy to millions each holiday season.
The A Very Special Christmas holiday music collections are like no other, delivering seasonal cheer in every musical style: traditional, rock, rap, country Western, world, Latin and jazz. Eleven albums feature songs by dozens of internationally acclaimed artists, including U2, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Eric Clapton and Sting.
A Very Special Christmas CDs and DVDs spread cheer and raise awareness of Special Olympics. They also raise much-needed funds – over $100 million to date.
These funds make up Special Olympics Christmas Record Trust, which provides grants to help grow Special Olympics Programs in the neediest parts of world.
Like India – where over 200,000 new athletes from some of the poorest urban and rural areas now know the joy of sports training, thanks to the Inspire Hope India campaign, which brought together private and public entities in support of Special Olympics.
And Africa, where children from an institution in Soweto no longer are confined indoors to beds and wheelchairs, but now regularly take part in a Special Olympics Program.
And Russia, where new coaches are part of a national training program funded through the trust, resulting in more than 85,000 new athletes in less than five years.
And China – most impressive of all. With seed funding from the trust, Special Olympics China today has over 700,000 athletes and support from China’s central government, making it the fastest-growing arm of the global Special Olympics movement.
The Special Olympics Christmas Record Grant Trust allows our movement to invest in developing regions around the world – in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Last year, 74 Special Olympics programs worldwide, including programs in Namibia, Malawi, Chad and Afghanistan, received funds directly from sales of A Very Special Christmas series.
Music allows us to bring dignity, pride and empowerment through the love of sport to many more children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing them a life of participation, pride, teamwork, friendship and joy.
A Very Special Christmas is about more than holiday cheer. It’s about the energy and cooperation of record companies, producers and artists coming together to transform lives and communities.
It’s about dedication and teamwork between organizations that care to make a difference. And it’s about joy – many voices from around the world, uniting in the belief that together, we can make the world a better place.
This holiday season, ring in the holidays with a special three CD package, A Very Special Christmas®, Volume I- III, and help Special Olympics change the lives of millions of athletes worldwide.
This three-disc compilation features legendary musicians, including Madonna, U2, Sheryl Crow, Aretha Franklin, Run D.M.C. and Bruce Springsteen.
All of the artists donated their time and recorded renditions of holiday favorites.
What YOU Can Do
Whether you are an athlete looking to compete, a volunteer looking to make a difference, or you’re just looking to have fun and be a part of something — come be a part of Special Olympics, and experience your own story of transformation.
| Ways to Get Involved |
Source: Special Olympics
Editor’s Note: See past Christmas slide shows. We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com |
If I had to Live My Life over Again
December 8, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Encouragement
By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
Dec. 8, 2009
Do you know what “Joy logy” means? It is the study of caring, sharing, and listening and Sacrifice.
This was written by Mr. Jeineke in 1975
We would like to know what you think: dan@youngchronicle.com
What is a Joyologist? A joyologist then would be one who studies joy logy. Frankly our world could use a great many joyologists whose mission in life is to actively research the effects of discussing and sharing joy.
The research could branch out into how joy affects our careers, family lives, and friendships. The very act of doing the active research should spread jubilation throughout the world and bring about positive results. What a fun job!
All one needs to start with is to share the words joyism, joy logy, and joyologis with others. Use the words daily and make them a part of the world’s vocabulary.
The upcoming year is going to challenge us all. Here is something we need to think, this is from an unknown reader. It is called: If I had to Live My Life Over Again
by Erma Bombeck
Editor’s Note: This was written after Erma Bombeck found out she was dying from cancer.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that t his wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”
There would have been more “I love yours” and
More “I’m sorry’s.”
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute…look at it and really see it… live it and never give it back.
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don’t worries about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what instead; let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let’s think about what God HAS blessed us with and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day.
Source: Joyology