A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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WE WISH YOU ALL A WARM AND LOVING HOLIDAY TIME! |
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| “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” -- Maya Angelou
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A LETTER POEM FOR CHILDREN
T is for turkey on Thanksgiving Day, H is for "Hurry, I'm hungry!" we say, A is for Auntie, she works and she mends, N is for Native American friends. K is for kitchen, the oven's on low,
S is for silverware, set in a row. G is for Grandma, the one we love most,
I is for inside, where we're warm as toast. V is for vegetables, eat them we try,
I is for ice cream on top of the pie. N is for never do we have enough dressing,
G is for Grandpa, who gives thanks for our blessings. |
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The Idea of Giving Thanks is Central to Native Heritage and Culture |
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For many Thanksgiving is a chance to appreciate the good things in life, like family, community, and the riches of the land. Long before settlers arrived, Native tribes celebrated the autumn harvest and the gift of Mother Earth’s abundance. Native American spirituality, traditionally and today, emphasizes gratitude for creation, care for the environment, and recognition of the human need for communion with nature and others.
Thanksgiving as a holiday originates from the Native American philosophy of giving without expecting anything in return. In the first celebration of this holiday, the Wampanoag tribe provided not only the food for the feast but also the teachings of agriculture and hunting (corn, beans, wild rice, and turkey are some specific examples of foods introduced by Native Americans). "Many tribes, particularly the Wampanoag, observe Thanksgiving as a "National Day of Mourning," gathering at sites like Plymouth Rock to commemorate the loss of their land and culture due to colonization." - (see more from - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/first-thanksgiving).
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WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? |
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Do you have a story to share about why Head Start and Early Head Start should be supported in your community? Does your agency have a team that you would like to recognize for their dedicated and ongoing work? Share something special that your Head Start / Early Head Start has done for families in the community. |
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Plus - send a photo / graphic you want to accompany your comment or short story. IHSA will include it in a future weekly scoop! Click green button. |
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Enjoy the holiday week! As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to each of you. Your unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership have been instrumental in advancing our mission and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we all serve. This year, we have faced challenges, but through your collective dedication, we’ve continued to grow and thrive.
Your time, expertise, and heart inspire us every day, and we are incredibly thankful to have such extraordinary people supporting this work. On behalf of the people we serve, we wish each of you a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving. May this season bring you warmth, rest, and many reasons to be thankful. - Your IHSA Team |
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Eat breakfast: A high-protein breakfast can help keep your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day.
Stay hydrated: Drink water before and during your meal to help you feel full and avoid overeating. Practice gratitude: Be grateful for each bite and your body's ability to digest it. Exercise: Start the day with exercise to boost your metabolism - you might surprise yourself. Plan ahead: Bring a healthy side dish or starter to the dinner or party (best to check with the host/hostess in advance). Portion control: when able to, use a smaller plate to help control your portions.
Avoid skipping meals: Skipping meals any given week can lead to overindulging later. Eat slowly: enjoy each bite. Keep an eye on children and encourage them to take time to taste - and to thoroughly chew. Mix in healthy alternatives: Use avocado instead of butter, or use fat-free yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo. Enjoy the moment: Be gracious with yourself and your loved ones - share and savor this time together! |
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One of the healthiest pie you can eat is pumpkin pie!
When in doubt, choose pumpkin pie - it generally offers the fewest calories (might want to reduce/skip topping), and least fat and added sugar. It's also loaded with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, phosphorous, calcium, and iron.
Your own circle of dinner guests may want some other tried and true tradition, but here's a yummy option with this Celebrity Recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/julia-child-fluffy-pumpkin-pie-review-8403744. |
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As they are generally higher in nutrients, if you want to improve nutritional deficiencies or fight against or prevent certain health problems, then check out a great sweet potato pie! They provide energy and strength to your body so that you can live a better and healthy life.
Although your family may have their own favorites (healthy or not), here is quite a delicious, favorite Celebrity Recipe: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/patti-labelles-sweet-potato-pie/.
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TRY SOME NEW NON-TRADITIONAL TRADITIONS
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Some Food for Thought .. for making new Holiday Memories
- Begin the Day With a Thanksgiving Breakfast
- Have a Thanksgiving Picnic
- Make a Plate, Take a Plate
- Have a Leftovers Party
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Make a Grateful Tree
- Take a Thanksgiving Trip
- Watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
- Have an Ornament Exchange
- Zoom with Faraway Family
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Make a Special Centerpiece
- Remember Lost Loved Ones
- Play Thanksgiving Mad Libs
- Make a Wish as a Family at Thanksgiving
- Play a Game of Family Football
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Keep Someone Company
- Celebrate Everyone's Birthdays
- Do an Annual Thanksgiving Theme Photo
- Volunteer to Help Those in Need
- Create an Annual Canned Food Drive
- Read Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation
- Have a Grubby Turkey Gift Exchange
- Participate in a Turkey Trot
- Craft a Signature Cocktail
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Feast on gratitude this season – it can be good for you, mentally and physically - English and Español
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WEATHER-RELATED THANKSGIVING PLANS |
Plan Ahead - https://digital.weather.gov/ - Whether you are traveling near or far, or keeping the children snuggled up right in your hometown, keep in mind how important the basics are when temps drop and you find yourselves out on the road. Being prepared gives us a peace of mind - especially with little ones as traveling companions!
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| Know Before You Go - Items to Have in Vehicle: For trips of any length, carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:
- flashlight;
- cell phone & charger;
- first aid kit;
- jumper cables;
- warning flares;
- blankets;
- bottled water/snacks;
- necessary medicine;
- ice scraper, snow shovel, broom; and
- abrasive material (sand/kitty litter), in case vehicle gets stuck.
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TAX-EXEMPT DONATIONS .. and PURCHASES! |
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Do you have a special story to share about why Head Start and Early Head Start should be supported in your community? |
If so, simply send us your own comment or personal short story of 'WHY I SUPPORT' Head Start / Early Head Start. Click middle button to email it to IHSA. |
| Don't hesitate to send a related image or photo that you would like to accompany your comment or short story. Click button above to share! |
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Does your agency have a team or special person deserving of recognition for their ongoing work and dedication helping families? |
If so, just send your own comment or short story as to 'WHY I SUPPORT' that special person or our valued team. Click middle button to email it to IHSA. Thank you! |
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| Share 'The Scoop' with your team! |
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