December 2017 Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 8

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!! Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ,observed most commonly on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it is prepared for by the season of Advent or the Nativity Fast and initiates the season of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night; in some traditions, Christmastide includes an Octave. Christmas Day is a public holiday in many of the world's nations, is celebrated culturally by a large number of non-Christian people, and is an integral part of the holiday season, while some Christian groups reject the celebration. Rather than December 25th, in several countries celebrating Christmas Eve on December 24th is the main focus, with gift-giving and sharing a traditional meal with the family.

The celebratory customs associated in various countries with Christmas have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday

include gift-giving, completing an Advent calendar or Advent wreath, Christmas music and caroling, lighting a Christingle, an exchange of Christmas cards, church services, a special meal, and the display of various Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees, Christmas lights, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, mistletoe, and holly. In addition, several closely related and often interchangeable figures, known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, and Christ kind, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season and have their own body of traditions and lore. Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.

New Residents Edward E 2N

Diane D 3N

Kay W 3N

Judith D 3N

Alice F 2S

Robert C 2S

Winter Solstice begins on

Wednesday, December 21st! Late dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night.

For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the

December solstice marks the longest night and

shortest day of the year. Meanwhile, on the day

of the December solstice, the Southern

Hemisphere has its longest day and shortest

night. This special day is coming up on

Wednesday, December 21, at 10:28 A.M. After

the winter solstice, the days get longer, and the

nights shorter. It’s a seasonal shift that nearly

everyone notices. No matter where you live on Earth’s globe, a solstice is

your signal to celebrate. Winter is the coldest season of the year in polar

and temperate climates, between autumn and spring. Winter is caused by

the axis of the Earth in that hemisphere being oriented away from the Sun.

We can notice the late dawns and early sunsets, and the low arc of the sun

across the sky each day. We may notice how low the sun appears in the sky

at local noon. Be sure to look at your noontime shadow. Around the time of

the December solstice, it’s your longest noontime shadow of the year.

December Birthdays

December Activity Highlights

December 7th—Target Shopping Outing– Sign up

December 8th—Donut Sale—Front Lobby

December 12th—Wendy’s Lunch Bunch—Sign Up!

December 13th—Jewelry Sale—Front Lobby

December 15th—Art of the Soul Art Exhibit

December 17th—Holiday Open House—1:00 P.M.—4:00 P.M.

December 19th—Lunch Bunch—Sign Up

December 22nd—Donut Sale—Front Lobby

December 27th—Food Committee

December 29th—Coffee with the Chef

12/1 Ruthe R 2S

12/5 John C 2N

12/6 Noel B 3N

12/7 Frank S 3N

12/10 Anne P 2S

12/11 Willard M 3S

12/17 Liz B 2N

12/22 David J 2N

12/25 Minnie S 2N

12/28 Caron C 3N

12/29 Anthony L 3S

12/30 Ruth H 3S

November/December/January is a very special quarter of the year. Starting with Thanksgiving, we

have the opportunity to reflect on the blessings of the past year. My wife, Debbie, and I began a

practice about 10 years ago of sitting down on Thanksgiving day during a quiet few moments before

family arrived, and listing all of the things we could be thankful for throughout the past year. It never

ceases to amaze us how many pages it takes to list them all. Things we may not have even thought

about otherwise.

Then, into December. In our faith tradition, we celebrate Christmas and the birth of the Savior. For

us, December is about remembering God’s love expressed to us in the birth of a Savior, the Lord

Jesus Christ. And, we are also blessed by other faith traditions and their deep meaning for those who

hold their beliefs precious. I’m thinking of Hanukkah, for those of the Jewish faith, and Milad Un

Nabi for those who are of the Muslim faith. (Just an aside here—in these turbulent days I’m thinking

of people that I’ve come to know and love and value of many different religious traditions and of their

hopes and prayers for true peace on earth. May God bless them richly as they celebrate their beliefs.)

And then, into January and New Year’s celebrations. Another new beginning. A time to reflect and

move forward with anticipation that this may be a better year than ever.

But, I can’t think on this time of year without remembering God’s many blessings to me personally. It

was 4 years ago, December 1, 2013 – when Debbie and I were thinking, and praying about the next

step for our lives. Was I supposed to continue pastoring a church, or take a bold step and pursue

becoming a Chaplain? Early in December that year, I was on the phone with our daughter, Gretchen,

who lives in Spring Lake Park with her husband David and 4 children. I said, “Gret, I’m not sure if

we’re supposed to come to MN, or stay in Connecticut. And she said, “Dad, you need to get out

here!!!” At the same time, Debbie and I were making a list of pros and cons, and I can remember like

it was yesterday when we turned and looked at each other, sitting on the floor in our living room in

Meriden, Connecticut, and said at the same time—“We’re going to Minnesota!”

We arrived in Spring Lake Park on the very cold, snowy, windy night of December 18, 2013,

welcomed by the loving arms of our family. After we caught our breath, unpacked, and all that goes

with that, my daughter said, “Dad, Lorenz bus service is looking for school bus drivers.” So, for the

next 18 months, I drove bus for Lorenz. School buses, Transit buses and Coach buses. But, in May of

2015, I was led by God to go into training to become a Chaplain. It would mean a 3 month internship

at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and a 9 month Residency at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. 1

year, and 1,600 hours later, I was back to bus driving and sending out resumes. And then, through a

“providential” phone call from a dear friend and Chaplaincy Colleague, I was put in touch with

Chaplain David Holm. And the rest is history. In God’s wise Providence, He brought me here to

Providence Place and I have never looked back.

And so, with a grateful heart of Thanksgiving, I say, Happy Thanksgiving, to our Providence Place

Family!

Chaplain Randy Somody

COLOR ME FOR THERAPY!

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the

Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid

Empire. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of

Kislev, according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late

November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as the Festival of

Lights and the Feast of Dedication.

Every community has its unique Hanukkah traditions, but there are some traditions that

are almost universally practiced. They are: lighting the hanukkiyah, spinning the dreidel

and eating fried foods.

Lighting the hanukkiyah: Every year it is customary to commemorate the miracle of the

Hanukkah oil by lighting candles on a hanukkiyah. The hanukkiyah is lit every night for

eight nights.

Spinning the dreidel: A popular Hanukkah

game is spinning the dreidel, which is a

four-sided top with Hebrew letters written on

each side.

Eating fried foods: Because Hanukkah

celebrates the miracle of oil, it is traditional to

eat fried foods such as latkes and sufganiyot

during the holiday. Latkes are pancakes made

out of potatoes and onions, which are fried in

oil and then served with applesauce.

Sufganiyot are jelly-filled donuts that are fried

and sometimes dusted with confectioners’

sugar before eating.

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and in other nations of the Western

African diaspora in the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American

culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.

Kwanzaa was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966–67.Kwanzaa is based

on the year-end harvest festivals that have taken place throughout Africa for thousands of years.

The name comes from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza,” which means first fruits of the

harvest. Karenga chose a phrase from Swahili because the language is used by various peoples

throughout Africa. Kwanzaa has seven core principles.

Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa honors a different principle. These principles are believed to

have been key to building strong, productive families and communities in Africa. During Kwanzaa,

celebrants greet each other with "Habari gani," or "What's the news?" The principles of Kwanzaa

form the answers.

umoja (oo-MOH-ja)

Meaning: unity

Action: building a community that holds together

kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-yah)

Meaning: self-determination

Action: speaking for yourself and making choices that benefit the community

ujima (oo-JEE-mah)

Meaning: collective work and responsibility

Action: helping others within the community

ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma)

Meaning: cooperative economics

Action: supporting businesses that care about the community

nia (nee-AH)

Meaning: a sense of purpose

Action: setting goals that benefit the community

kuumba (koo-OOM-bah)

Meaning: creativity

Action: making the community better and more beautiful

imani (ee-MAH-nee)

Meaning: faith

Action: believing that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future

movement. Green is for the fertile land of Africa; black is for the color of the people; and red is for

the blood that is shed in the struggle for freedom.

Please join us on Sunday, December 17th, from 2:00—4:00 P.M.

Residents, Family and Friends are invited to attend!

There will be food, music, the Christmas Quarter Sale, a performance from the Bell Choir and pictures with Santa!

Food Committee Meeting! Join us on Wednesday, December

27th, at 3:30 P.M., to talk about the food and the service!

The meeting will be held on 2 North.

“After Christmas”

You know what just occurred to me?

I still have up my Christmas Tree!

With burned-out lights and broken glass,

I wonder how the time did pass.

Needles aren't where they should be They are all beneath my Christmas Tree.

So, I should pack these things away,

balls and lights and tinsel gray.

And all the other special things,

like elves and reindeer and angel wings.

I’ll take my tree out to the yard,

and tie on bread and bits of lard.

You know what just occurred to me?

I should take down my Christmas tree.

Written by John C

Poet’s Place I Miss You

Sitting heavily in my night sky,

I turn to face you,

as we wax and wane together.

You can be quick as the tongue of a chameleon,

quiet as a sunning cat,

slow as a well-fed python,

powerful as the horns of a buffalo on impact.

I marvel at your dexterity.

You fall as air is made, silken,

rainbow hide behind you and dance delicately in the spray of your jewels.

You are most of everything,

nothing ever lived without you, nor ever would have.

I miss you.

Written by Miss Vickie

Giving Thanks

Let your prayers rise each morning,

from a thankful heart.

When the sun scales the horizon,

praise God for another start.

He has conquered dark shadows,

flooding light upon your way.

Oh, the joys you find waiting.

Oh, your journey, day by day!

Let past heartaches be forgotten.

You can never turn back time.

Let your visions for tomorrow,

with God’s holy word align.

When a busy day has ended

and the sunshine disappears,

think of God and his tender mercies,

gently drying bitter tears.

Written by Miss Vickie

As a beauty, I’m not a great star. There are others more handsome by far.

But my face, I don’t mind it! Because I’m behind it!

It ‘s the folks out front that I jar.

- Anonymous

TV STATION GUIDE 2 TPT (PBS) 3 ESPN 2 4 WCCO (CBS) 5 KSTP (ABC) 6 TPT PBS—17 7 KMWB – 23 8 WFTC – 29 9 KMSP (FOX) 10 KSTC – 45 11 KARE – 11 (NBC) 12 CNN 14 Home Network Channel 15 Fox Sports 1 16 USA Network 17 TBS 18 TNT 22 Discovery Channel 23 Learning Channel (TLC) 24 AMA (American Movie Channel) 25 Family Channel (ABC Family) 26 Animal Planet 27 Lifetime 28 ESPN 29 History Channel 30 A&E Network 31 HGTV 32 Food Network 33 Trinity Broadcasting 34 FSN (FOX Sports North)

The holiday season is upon us! This time of year brings cookies and hot cocoa, twinkling decorations, yuletide cheer, countless hours of holiday music, and often, a white Christmas. Irving Berlin’s song, White Christmas, is the best selling single ever, and has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide. The most popular version was recorded by Bing Crosby and made famous in the musicals Holiday Inn and White Christmas. Many others have recorded their own versions, including Ernest Tubb, Elvis Presley, The Drifters, Johnny Mathis, The Beach Boys, Barbara Streisand, John Denver, and many others. Songwriters dream of having top acts record their songs, but Berlin was less than thrilled when he heard Elvis’s version of White Christmas. In fact, his staff called radio stations and asked that they not play the record!

It’s a bit ironic that Irving Berlin, a Jewish man, would write the most popular Christmas song of all time. When it was written, Berlin did not expect it to be such a hit, nor did he even celebrate Christmas. On the contrary, Christmas was a sad day for him. While many were celebrating with family and loved ones, Berlin would visit the grave of his son who died on December 25, 1928, at three weeks of age.

There are a few accounts of how this song came to be. Some say Berlin wrote the simple words on a napkin while drinking coffee in a Los Angeles hotel. Others say that he hurriedly dictated it to his secretary. Nonetheless, Berlin did not imagine it would be his most successful work! The song was released in the winter of 1941, just 18 days before the Pearl Harbor attack. By the following winter, the United States was involved in WWII and young American troops found themselves away from their families during the holidays. Armed Forces radio played “White Christmas” over and over to remind them of home. It reached number 1 on the Billboard charts in 1942, 1945, and 1946 and won Berlin an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Happy holidays and may all your Christmases be white!

Written by Brett Collins, Director of Community Life, Music Therapist MT-BC

Charles B 1N

Roberta S 1N

Marlin R 2S

Gladys H 2S

Robert C 2S

Frankie T 2S

Antoinette N 1N

Robert C 3N

Sports Update!

MN Vikings: On November 12th the MN Vikings beat the Washington Red Skins 38-30. Teddy Bridgewater suited up for the Vikings 441 days after his last game during the 2016 pre-season! He wasn't listed as the starter, but Bridgewater didn’t mind. What was most important to him is that he was in the locker room with his teammates.

The MN Vikings keep rolling! Behind a dominant performance from the offensive line, the MN Vikings defeated the Los Angeles Rams 24-7 on Sunday, November 19th.

On Thursday, November 23rd (Thanksgiving), the MN Viking beat the Detroit Lions 30-23 at Ford Field!!! They are now 9-2!

MN Timberwolves: On November 5th the MN Timberwolves beat the Charlotte Hornets t 112-94, for its fifth straight victory.

Major League Baseball: The Astros won the World Series!

COUNTDOWN TO SUPERBOWL 52!!!! Super Bowl 52, also known as Super Bowl LII, is scheduled for Sunday, February 4th, 2018, and will be played in Minneapolis at U.S. Bank Stadium! The game will be the first Super Bowl in Minnesota since Super Bowl XXVI, when the Washington Redskins defeated the Buffalo Bills, 37-24, on January 26th, 1992, at the Metrodome. Some MN residents are renting out their homes for patrons to attend the game.

Emily Carr was born on December 13th, 1871. She was the eighth of nine children, and because it was the year BC joined the confederation, she was the first of her family to be born Canadian. She was fiercely proud of that.

Carr's father encouraged her artistic inclinations, but it was only in 1891, after her parents' deaths, that Carr pursued her art seriously. She studied art in London and San Francisco. Upon graduating, she moved to Vancouver to teach a Ladies Art Club. She was only there for a short time when students started to boycott her classes, due to her rude behavior of smoking and cursing. Carr then decided to dedicate her life to her own artwork. She began to travel in Europe and across Canada and Northern America, sketching and painting the woods and Native communities she saw.

Carr did not gain much recognition in the art world till later in life. Her first big break was when she was 57 when Eric Brown, the Director of Canada’s National Museum, asked her to send some of her paintings of

Native communities to be part of an exhibition on West Coast Aboriginal art. After that, recognition of her work grew steadily, and her work was exhibited in London, Paris, Washington DC, and Amsterdam, as well as major Canadian cities. Carr held her first solo show in eastern Canada in 1935 at the Women's Art Association of Canada Gallery in Toronto.

It was at the exhibition on West Coast aboriginal art at the National Gallery in 1927 that Carr first met members of the Group of Seven, at that time Canada's most recognized modern painters. Lawren Harris of the Group became a particularly important support: "You are one of us," he told Carr, welcoming her into the ranks of Canada's leading modernists. The encounter ended the artistic isolation of Carr's previous 15 years, leading to one of her most prolific periods and the creation of many of her most notable works.

Carr was an artist who succeeded against the odds, living in an artistically unadventurous society, and

working mostly in seclusion away from major art centers, thus making her "a darling of the women's

movement.” She created thousands of beautiful paintings of woods, trees, rivers, and Native culture that

still bring joy to people around the world today. To end this brief description of Emily Carr’s life, I would

like to leave you with a quote of hers!“ I think that one's art is a growth inside one. I do not think one can

explain growth. It is silent and subtle. One does not keep digging up a plant to see how it grows.” As we go

into December, join us Thursday morning at 10:30 for expressive arts where we will follow Carr’s words

and let the art grow.

Written by Chloe Tirebuck, Community Life Assistant

THE GREAT RACOON HUNT

Daniel Boone would have been proud of my hunting abilities three quarters of a century

ago. My hunting ground was in the wrinkled old hills of Eastern Kentucky. My parents once

told me that I inherited my good hunting abilities and marksmanship from my pioneer

ancestors.

However, some of my adventures as a nimrod were less than legendary. The year was

1947, and I was 14, already a seasoned hillbilly, more at home in the woods and briar

patches around the small town of Flatwoods, Kentucky, than in the classroom at Russell

High School. Herbert (Herb) Blevens, our closest neighbor, lived on Copperhead Road

about two miles away. He was the owner of a pair of legendary Blue-tick coon hounds,

noted for their ability to track and tree the wiley ring-tailed raccoon, no matter where it

might be roaming.

Herb was 16 years old and had a driver's license, so we had transportation. We loaded

those two dogs in the back of Herb's ancient Dodge pickup truck, and after checking the gas

level with a homemade dipstick, and with four unreliable tires, we headed off down river to

Lewis County. Our destination was a great tract of timber-land that was, according to local

gossip, a sure haven for ring-tailed raccoon.

Me and Herb never had a doubt. Success was certain. About twenty minutes into the hills,

with darkness coming on rapidly, we lit our coal oil lantern and followed the dogs across a

low ridge and down into a wooded hollow. Great oak trees and shagbark hickories stood

tall in the woodland, having shaded out much of the under brush of redbud, dogwood,

sumac, and briar thickets.

We didn't have to wait long before we heard the excited baying of the hounds, up along the

darkening hollow, to know we were in raccoon country. In the flickering light of the old

lantern, we stumbled over fallen logs, waded an unexpected creek, and followed the dogs

as fast as the terrain and uncertain light would allow. It wasn't easy.

The chase finally reached a climax. The hounds had chased their quarry up a big oak tree

and were letting the whole world know about it. Their excited baying echoed up the

rugged little valley and bounced off the hills.

Continue on to the next page ……………………………………………...

THE GREAT RACOON HUNT (Continued)

We were prepared, of course. We had an axe, with a sharp double blade which we were

familiar with. As the dogs continued baying, Herb and I began chopping down that tree.

We made the initial notch in the low side, then switched to the opposite side to make the

final cut. Chips flew in all directions. We were not novices in the use of an axe. Herb and I

took turns chopping as the main notch deepened, and the chips formed a growing ring

around our feet.

Then it began; we moved back away from the fall. The dogs rushed around in increased

excitement. Intently, we watched for any movement from among the still trembling

branches. Somewhere in there is our reward for a slow drive of over 20 miles, a half-hour

stumbling walk over uncertain terrain, and at least 45 minutes chopping down that tree.

Suddenly, both hounds took off into the darkness, bawling excitedly. Then it came to an

end. The sounds of a mild struggle were proof enough that the dogs had caught our prey.

We rushed to the scene as fast as our light and the rugged terrain would allow. The

hounds, their long tongues hanging out like dripping banners, sat contemplating their

victory, the climax of our hunt in the “wilderness” of the Lewis County hills.

There, in the leaf litter lay a half-grown opossum, pretending, of course, to be as dead as a

doornail.

This definitely was not the ring-tailed raccoon that we had expected! This was not an old

fur-bearer that would have made Davy Crockett envious! We called off the dogs and

picked up the little half-grown opossum and laid it on the fallen log, knowing that it would

soon recover from its faked demise, a self defense trait that this little marsupial 's family

had learned in the evolutionary days of some far off millennia.

Slowly, we stumbled back through the dark forest to the little country road, where the

pickup truck was waiting. The ride back home was its own reward.

-Owen

On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service attacked Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, without warning and without a declaration of war, killing 2,403 American non-combatants, and injuring 1,178 others. The attack sank two U.S. Navy battleships and damaged five others. It also damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, and one mine layer. Aircraft losses were 188 destroyed and 159 damaged. Canada declared war on Japan within hours of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the first Western nation to do so. On December 8, the United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II on the side of the Allies. In a speech to Congress President Franklin D. Roosevelt called the bombing of Pearl Harbor "a date which will live in infamy.” On August 23, 1994, the United States Congress, designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. On Pearl Harbor Day, the American flag should be flown at half-staff, until sunset, to honor those who died as a result of the attack on U.S. Military and Naval forces in Hawaii.

Target Shopping Outing!

When: Thursday, December 7th

Time: 9:30 A.M.

If you are interested in this outing, please let a Community

Life Staff person know by

Tuesday, December 5th, at noon.

Final list will be posted Wednesday morning.

Crossword Puzzle Answers:

Across: 1. Ribbon 4. Garland 7. Candycane 9. Nutcracker 10. Wreath 11. Lights 13. Tinsel

Down: 2. Balls 3. Ornaments 5. Pinecone 6. Candles 7. Card 8. Stocking 12. Tree

Wendy’s Lunch Bunch!

When: Tuesday,

Where: 1 South Dining Room

Meal #1 Meal #2

Jr Bacon Cheeseburger Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Fries Fries

Drink and dessert will be provided.

COST: $5.00

If you are interested in attending this lunch bunch,

please let a Community Life Staff person know by

Friday, December 8th, at noon.

Administrator

Tyler Donahue (612) 238-2566

Director of Nursing

Darci Fiala (612) 238-2504

Assistant Director of Nursing

Nnenna Orjinta (612) 238-2574

Social Services Director

Kelsey Servais (612) 238-2524

Long Term Care Social Worker

Emma Goodwin (612) 238-2573

Transitional Care Social Worker

(612) 238-2502

Maintenance Director

Doug Schroeder (612) 238-2539

Community Life Director

Brett Collins (612) 238-2538

Rehab Director

Rochelle Udovich (612) 238-2519

Nutritional Services

Paitti Tintes (612) 238-2542

Admissions

Anne Seguin (612) 238-2545

Staff Development/Infection Control/ADON

Wendy Miron (612) 238-2502

Housekeeping

Kreig (612) 238-2514

Spiritual Care

Chaplain Randy Somody (612) 238-2538

Directory Human Resources Director

Kristy Larsen (612) 238-2508

Business Office Manager

Katrina Condon (612) 729-6271

Staffing Coordinator

Meri Santo (612) 238-2572

Registered Dietician

Andrew Pfaff (612) 238-2529

Newsletter Committee

Miss Vickie M, Janice N, Owen E, John A, Patty C, and Philip C

Office of Ombudsman

Local number (651) 431–2555

1(800) 657-3591

Regional Ombudsman

Kristen Rice (651) 425-0858

Certified Volunteer Ombudsman

Larry (651) 431– 2555

The Resident’s Council will be meeting on December 12th, at 9:45 AM, on 2N.

Please come to discuss two Residents Rights and two Quality of Life issues, as well as the Community Life

Budget Report.

The Residents Council is a comfortable, safe place to raise any questions or concerns you may have regarding the building, staff, programs, etc.

Resident’s Council

December Monthly Observances Aids Awareness Month Bingo's Birthday Month

National Tie Month National Write a Business Plan Month

Operation Santa Paws (1-19) Safe Toys and Gifts Month Spiritual Literacy Month

Universal Human Rights Month Worldwide Food Service Safety Month

Youngsters on The Air Month

December Weekly Observances Cookie Cutter Week: 1-7

National Hand Washing Awareness Week: 6-12 Older Driver Safety Awareness Week: 7-11

Recipe Greetings For The Holidays Week: 7-11 Human Rights Week: 10-17

Hanukah: 12/21-12/20 Gluten-free Baking Week: 13-19

Christmas Bird Count Week: 14-1/5 Posadas: 16-24

Kwanzaa: 26-1/1

December Daily Observances Rosa Parks Day: 1

Special Education Day: 2 National Christmas Tree Lighting (DC): 3

National Cookie Day: 4 National Dice Day: 4

Bartender Appreciation Day: 5 St. Nicholas Day: 6

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: 7 Human Rights Day: 10

Nobel Prize Day: 10 Official Lost & Found Day: 11

Gingerbread Decorating Day: 12 Hanukah Begins: 12

World Choral Day: 13 Green Monday: 14

Bill of Rights Day: 15 National Chocolate-covered Anything Day: 16

Clean Air Day: 17 National Re-gifting Day: 17

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day: 18 Games Day: 20

Crossword Puzzle Day: 21 Winter Solstice: 21

Yule: 21 Christmas Eve: 24 Egg Nog Day:24 Christmas: 25

Christmas Pudding Day: 26 Boxing Day: 26

Kwanzaa Begins:26 National Candy Cane Day: 26

National Thank-you Note Day: 26 National Whiner's Day: 26

Howdy Doody Day: 27 Visit The Zoo Day: 27

Pledge of Allegiance Day: 28 Bacon Day: 30

New Year’s Eve: 31 No Interruptions Day: 31

World Peace Meditation Day: 31

Get Your Hand Caught in this Cookie Jar!

Let’s get into the holiday spirit with a healthy spin on a classic treat! We all indulge during the holiday season; but, by making some small modifications to traditional recipes, we can make them a bit healthier. A great example of this is to substitute whole wheat flour for white flour. Unlike white flour, whole wheat flour has all components of the raw wheat, including the bran and the germ. This is important to note because these parts have more fiber, which can help with better blood sugar control and help with bowel regularity. Having more fiber in your diet can also help to lower cholesterol and it will help to make you feel fuller! There are many benefits to having an adequate amount of fiber in your diet, and it can taste just as good as white flour when you bake with it! Check out this sugar cookie recipe below and feel free to try it out this holiday season or share with a friend or family member! Remember, December 4th is National Cookie Day!

Written by Andrew Pfaff, Registered Dietitian

Whole Wheat Sugar Cookie

Yield: 25- 30, round 3 inch diameter cookies

Serving Size: 1 cookie

Ingredients

1½ cups whole-wheat flour, plus extra for rolling out the dough

¾ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

½ cup cold butter (1 stick)

⅓ cup granulated white sugar

1 egg

4 tsp heavy cream

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, fitted with an electric whisk, cream the butter and sugar together for several minutes. While the mixer is going add the egg, cream, and vanilla until thoroughly combined.

4. With the mixer still going on low, slowly add the flour mixture until well mixed. Turn off the mixer and squeeze the dough together into a ball, using your hands.

5. Using a rolling pin roll the dough out onto a floured surface until it's about ⅛ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes and place them onto an ungreased baking sheet. Photo courtesy of: Eatfunfoods.com

Providence Place raised 293 pounds of food for

the Simpson Food Pantry. We surpassed our

goal by nearly 100 pounds!!! We provided food,

at no cost, to low-income and homeless

families, senior citizens and individuals who are

in need throughout Hennepin County.

This was such a great opportunity to make a

difference in our community!

Thank you so very much!

Jewelry Sale!

December 13th

Front Lobby

9:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Meditation Group

Join us for silent meditation on

Sundays beginning

December 10th When: 3:00– 5:00 pm

Where: Meditation Room on 1S

All are welcome to attend!

No previous experience is necessary