News Progress

•September 1, 2021•
by Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
With school fast approaching, I thought this would be a great article to share that was written by Extension Educator Chelsey Byers. Chelsey says: Summertime for kids usually means fewer routines, later nights, and sleeping in more than during the school year. However, there are signs everywhere to show us that school is just around the corner. It is evident by the store ads, the school supplies that are spilling out into the middle aisles of our local stores, and by seeing August on our calendars. With the school year beginning soon, you’ll want to make sure both you and your kids are starting to get back into your school time routines.
A great way to ease back into earlier bedtimes is to gradually make that change instead of just starting the school year with a sudden change. Start by making the bedtime progressively earlier by 15 minutes until you are at the desired bedtime. Earlier bedtimes should bring earlier mornings that hopefully won’t be as rough if beginning the night before school starts. Work towards well-rested kids for the first day of class. Read More

•August 25 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Constant reader Stan Zegel wants to know whether there are what he characterized as “stuttering verbs” in the language other than “pre-prepared.”
Putting it more genteelly, are there verbs for which the prefix is repeated in the root of the verb?
Well, Stan, if you can waltz and tango, surely you can cancan. Am I right?
I can barely waltz without scuffing my wife’s shoes beyond repair, so perhaps this is a bad analogy.
Beyond that, Stan, you’ve stumped me.
I would argue that you’ve wasted a syllable with “pre-prepared.” Even Boy Scouts, whose motto has been “Be Prepared” since 1908, don’t pre-prepare.
The electric-yellow stuff in the squeeze bottle you put on your hot dog is prepared mustard. If it’s pre-prepared, does someone squeeze it onto your dog for you? Read More

•August 25 2021•
The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation, as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills and furnace assistance.
The program will begin September 1, 2021, for all income-eligible households. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2022. There will be no priority groups this program year. Households in need are encouraged to apply. Read More

Senior Peace Meal

For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Aug. 30 - Pork chop in Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Lima Beans, Roll, Cranberries
Aug. 31 - Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Romaine Lettuce Salad, Seasoned Green Beans, Roll, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Sept. 1 - Saucy Ham Loaf, Sweet Potatoes, Seasoned Peas, Cornbread, Overnight Fruit Salad
Sept. 2 - BBQ Meatballs, Scalloped Potatoes, Spinach, Texas Toast, Chunky Applesauce
Sept. 3 - Baked Chicken, Vegetable Rice Pilaf, Harvard Beets, Whole Grain Wheat, Tropical Fruit