March 2023
At the bottom of the page (click here) is the digital version of our February 2023 Newsletter. We have also included the articles in this blog for universal text access.
Accessible Articles below:
BECKY'S CORNER - A note from our Director
Happy March. In researching the month of March, I discovered there are many reasons to celebrate in March that you may not be aware of– I certainly was not. I want to share a few of my favorites.
March 1: National Peanut Butter Lovers Day
Peanut butter is essential for classics like peanut butter and jelly. Whether you dig into a PB&J sandwich, homemade peanut butter cookies, or a Thai peanut sauce that you'll want to put on everything, there's no wrong way to enjoy peanut butter today.
March 6: National Oreo Cookie Day
The first Oreo cookie was sold on March 6, 1912, to a grocer in Hoboken, New Jersey. Since then, these cookies have become one of America's favorite treats and have been turned into pies, blended into milkshakes, crushed over ice cream, and even deep-fried. Today's the perfect day to indulge in these sweet sandwich cookies.
March 8: International Women's Day
Today (and every day), honor all of the smart, hardworking, kind, hilarious, compassionate women in your life. You might even consider making a donation to or volunteering for a charity that helps women.
March 10: Pack Your Lunch Day
Save money by packing your lunch for work or your next outing. There are tons of creative and affordable ways to brown bag delicious meals. Use Pack Your Lunch Day as an excuse to do just that.
March 12: National Plant a Flower Day
Even if you don't have much garden space, you can still celebrate National Plant a Flower Day. Try adding some blooms to planters in your backyard, window boxes, or hanging baskets to give your home a pop of color.
March 15: Ides of March
The Ides of March is most remembered as the anniversary of the day Julius Caesar was assassinated. Mark the day with a Roman-themed meal, a reenactment of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," or maybe even a toga party.
March 16: National Artichoke Hearts Day
If you're not sure how to eat artichoke hearts, start with spinach and artichoke dip or add them to grilled cheese. Steam fresh ones for an easy side dish, or use jarred ones in dips and other delicacies. If you've never cooked with artichoke hearts before, National Artichoke Hearts Day is the perfect excuse to start.
March 17: St. Patrick's Day
Regardless of whether you're of Irish descent and truly celebrating the history of St. Patrick, enjoy a green beer for St. Patrick's Day. Also, dig into some corned beef and cabbage, drink an Irish beer, play some Irish-themed games, and hit the local St. Patrick's Day parade if you have one.
March 22: World Water Day
World Water Day is celebrated each year to highlight the importance of universal access to clean water and sanitation. Consider donating to a charity that supports access to clean water or another favorite humanitarian charity.
March 24: National Cocktail Day
It's time to raise a glass for National Cocktail Day. This is the perfect day to have a happy hour with friends. Learn how to make a classic cocktail recipe, or try something a little more bold and adventurous.
March 28: National Something on a Stick Day
Everything tastes better on a stick, from corn dogs to cake pops. The possibilities are endless for National Something on a Stick Day. So treat yourself to one of these fun handheld foods.
Who knew there was more than St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate during this third month of the year. Which one of these are your favorites? I believe it is important to celebrate every day whether it has a special title or not. We must be thankful for each and every day that we wake up and greet the sun or the clouds and rain this month! And thankful for every night we sleep safely and comfortably under a roof with a bed, heat and other things we enjoy. We live in a beautiful community surrounded by ocean, mountains, sand and trees. There are so many things to be grateful for that we should be smiling most of the time. Life is way too short to be unforgiving, ungrateful or unhappy. Right? The Apache Blessing below says it better than I could ever hope to. Hope you will read it and take it to heart!!
An Apache Blessing May the sun bring you new energy by day. May the moon softly restore you by night. May the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.
Happy Days to Each and every one of you,
Becky
SPOTLIGHTS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE
Kathy
I recently had the pleasure of attending Achieve Tahoe with Kathy this past winter. It was amazing to watch her grow and tackle her fears around skiing. She went down the slope around 5 times and had the biggest smile on her face! Kathy has a very sweet and gentle nature about her. I always enjoy chatting with her and hearing about the fun things she's up to in life.
She lives a productive and meaningful life despite her disability. I have had the opportunity to share her sadness, challenges and when she is mostly the happiest. She has a million dollar smile. Love's people. We have a great connection and we know how to have fun.
I enjoyed spending time with Kathy especially when we would watch TV The Brady Bunch and Leave it to Beaver. We had a good time when we took the bus to the Mall and the smile on her face was priceless.
How I love working with Kathy Bell. I began approximately two and a half months ago and she has been delightful. She cooperates and listens carefully. We tend to wake up a little early on my shifts which leaves us time to talk during her breakfast. She has much to share and frequently makes colorings for her staff and shares her appreciation for what we do.
I have loved watching Kathy grow into this incredible human being. I shouldn't have been surprised, as Kathy always has the best smile when she is around others. Kathy's willingness to learn, curiosity, and easy-going attitude are some of my favorite attributes of hers. I am lucky to be in her life as a friend and facilitator.
Crystal
Crystal is such a sweet and hardworking coworker, always there if you need it, always devoted to creating a better life for the clients she works with. She always has a smile on her face and has a huge heart and is very down to earth , always making people feel at ease and smile. Crystal is not just an extraordinary staff, but an extraordinary human being.
Her willingness to go above and beyond for those she cares about is something she extends to both her clients and her fellow staff. One of the things I value the most about Crystal is how selfless she is. Her ability to hold compassion and understanding for people no matter who they are or what they are going through is astounding.
Crystal is an amazing lead staff. She is warm and kind hearted, cares about people, animals, and the earth. If you turn her soul inside out, you wouldn't find a speck on it. I enjoy having her as a lead staff. I remember one specific instance when I had just returned to work after being out sick, and she told me that I should have contacted her because she would have swung by my house with supplies. Crystal has brought joy, teaching and support to Suzie's team.
MASCOTS OF THE MONTH
PENNY - Christina's Dog
Q: Do you spoil your pets? In what way?
A: Penny gets a lot of love and belly rubs. She gets regular pawdicures and has an extensive wardrobe and beds in every room.
Q: What is her favorite treat?
A: Beef Jerky and Pupaccinos
Q: What is the silliest thing Penny has done?
A: If you move or talk too much when she's laying next to you, she groans and leaves. She also makes squeaky sounds when she wants to get your attention, and sticks her head in and searches purses and bags when we get home.
Q: If Penny could talk, what would she say?
A: "Can you keep it down, I'm trying to sleep!"
CHIQUITA - Danny's Cat
This is Chiquita the cat and she belongs to Danny and Leighanne. Chiquita enjoys playing with anything small that moves, but she especially enjoys her stuffed polar bear . She is a very talkative cat and can meow very well. She is also an expert at jumping really high. She loves to walk around with her eyes closed and is an excellent predator.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Birthdays
Leticia Guevara: 3/1
Patrick Slavin: 3/4
Claire Denevan: 3/5
Adair Arreola: 3/7
Sheridan Smith: 3/8
Sanne Vinter: 3/12
Abbey deDiego: 3/14
Randy Carrillo: 3/19
Alen Kiflezgi: 3/29
Kevin Dehority: 3/29
Jo Midkiff: 3/30
Harborversaries
Kyle Eaton- 1 year
Decota Copeland- 2 years
Andrea Soto- 4 years
Patricks Slavin- 6 years
Ernest Bey- 7 years
Clay McRoberts- 8 years
Tina Eason- 22 years
MUSIC CLASS WITH MEGAN
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play percussion instruments or brush up on your skills? Megan Oatey will start having percussion classes once a month. Megan will be bringing instruments like maracas, triangles and much more. Megan has been playing instruments for over seven years and she is also looking to brush up on her skills by teaching others and having a great time learning. If you are interested please join us at the Harbor office every Third Friday of the month at 1:30PM
FOLLOW OUR CALENDAR
We have a calendar on our website with current event details. Save it to your bookmarks & reference throughout the month!
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!
We would love to feature your photos in our upcoming newsletters. Please send any photos via e-mail to:
newsletter@harborsls.org