Wildcat PRIDEWildcat PRIDEWildcat PRIDE

January 2015

What’s Inside LIFE and WELLNESS

Welcome Babies

Healthy You!

Live Well, Work Well

Public Health—Reducing Air Pollution

Thyroid Health

Wellness Coach Appointments Available

EVENTS

Consigners Needed for Sale, March 21

Exton Mall Walk, February 1

Read Across America, March 2

MS Presents ANNIE, Feb. 27-28

Save the dates:

ANNIE Tea Party, Feb. 22

Prom Fashion Show, Feb. 20

Musical, March 20-22

CULTURE

Ski Discounts

Wrestling Take Down Cancer Fundraiser

MS Art Show @ Hankin

School Board Month Resolution

COMMUNITY

Harlem Globetrotters

Pottstown Parks & Rec Adult Programs

Another baby for the NORCO family!!!!

Blythe Noelle Colfer

arrived at 1:45 AM December 23.

She’ was 6 pounds, 1 ounce and 19 ¾ inches

Cuteness Alert!!!!

Natalie Lucille Silva

Born Friday, December 26 at 9:29am

8lbs 12oz and measuring 21 inches long

Assignment On Time!

Samantha Lee Jones

Born at 4:17 AM on her due date- December 31st

7 lbs. 6 ounces; 20½ inches

Brought to you by

All Sugared Out

Make a Plan, Not a Promise Relaxing Routines for Better SleepA Day in the Life of a Germ

THIS EDITION FEATURES:

When to Exercise and When to Rest

January 2015

Being under the weather can really throw a wrench in your exercise routine. Depending on how sick you are, physical activity may be the last thing on your mind. However, sometimes it could be just what the doctor ordered.

Here’s a general rule of thumb: If your symptoms are mainly in your head — nasal congestion, headache, runny eyes, or a minor sore throat — it’s likely safe to participate in moderate exercise. It's still important to know your limits and do only what you can. Here are some suggestions for staying active when you don’t feel well:

• Walk or take a short, low-intensity bike ride outdoors. Fresh air coupled with low-intensity cardio can open up nasal passages and temporarily relieve congestion.

• Practice restorative yoga. Gentle stretches can give you energy and lift your spirits.

If you have a fever, chest congestion, respiratory distress, upset stomach, and/or muscle aches, it’s best to take a break from exercising and keep your germs at home.

So, next time you come down with a bug, remember to listen to your body and be gentle with yourself. If you’re not sure, consult a physician. And always wash your hands and be mindful of not sharing your germs when you hit the gym.

When to Exercise and When to Rest

Another holiday season full of cookies, cakes, brownies, and other sweet treats has come and gone. The rational side of your brain may realize that it’s time to back off the sugary sweets, but another part of your brain may still be screaming for more! Why is this? And what can you do to tame those sugar cravings?

Don’t underestimate the power of sugar. It affects our brain in the same way as addictive drugs like cocaine and heroin. The more sugar you eat, the more you crave. The best way to break the bond to sugar is to avoid eating it. Of course, drastic changes are hard to sustain, so making small changes, such as simply cutting back on your sugar consumption, can lead to big results.

A few strategies include: • Find non-sugary ways to decompress from stress (a good book, warm bath, time

with a friend).• When you need something sweet, reach for juicy berries and fruit.• Don’t fall into the “I’ll only eat one” trap. You’re likely not going to stop with

one cookie.• Throw it out. Don’t keep sugary sweets in the house. Give them away, throw them

away, or avoid buying them altogether.

All Sugared Out

Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov for tips on eating healthy and kicking the sugar habit.

The New Year seems like a perfect time to start changing habits. While New Year’s resolutions are usually noble goals, without a plan they are likely to fail. The key is to make a plan, not a promise. Instead of committing to a general goal like eating better or exercising more, think of specific small steps to change habits, such as:

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Aim for at least five a day, and fill half your plate at each meal with fruits and veggies.

2. Eat breakfast every day. Include lean proteins like eggs and whole grains like oatmeal or quinoa. Green smoothies are also a great choice!

3. Track your food. Recording what you eat with a journal or smartphone app can help you think twice about food choices.

4. Stay hydrated. Drink more water and avoid sugary drinks.

5. Create an exercise schedule. Choose activities you will enjoy and commit to certain times and days of the week in your schedule.

You can make a fresh start by setting easily attainable, healthy goals and identifying the steps it will take to accomplish them.

Make a Plan, Not a Promise

To test your nutrition knowledge and pick up healthy eating tips, visit Nutrition.gov

Relaxing Routines for Better SleepWhy can’t the transition to sleep be as easy as lying down and closing our eyes? A lot goes on during the day and the brain needs to gradually disengage from the world by relaxing. The senses are hard to turn off, so once the body winds down, the brain starts to re-cap the day and plan for tomorrow. To help your mind let go of daily worries and concerns, try practicing these simple steps before you go to bed:

1.) Set a cut-off time. Select a time that is the end of your day. This should be an hour or two BEFORE your bedtime. Put work aside, turn off the phone, and ignore unfinished tasks until tomorrow. If you have too many thoughts racing, try keeping a notebook nearby so you can jot down things you don’t want to forget, and allow yourself to save them for tomorrow.

2.) Reflect. Recall three good things that happened in the day. Identify them in your mind, or even better, write them down in a journal.

3.) Identify relaxing activities. Some people find reading, taking a bath, or listening to music helps them unwind. Others may meditate or simply spend quality time talking to a loved one. Find out what works for you and build your own evening routine.

Visit cdc.gov/sleep/ for tips on preventing sleep sabotage.

Ingredients:

1 English Muffin¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

Split the English muffin in half, spread the cheese on each muffin half, top each half with berries, and toast in a toaster oven on medium-to-high until the berries bubble.

Day breaks at an ordinary office building in a town like any other. An employee who woke up with a mild sore throat and cough pulls into the parking lot. To the excited germs in the car, this employee is just a host to hitch a ride. The germs have one goal: mingle with the others at the office and spread around as much as possible. And, a cough, sneeze, or stray scratch is all they need. The employee coughs, scratches the bottom of his nose, and walks to the front door:

8 a.m. — First opportunity to spread: The employee grasps the door handle and a few germs decide to hang around and see who else will be coming to work that day. The rest of the germs stay with the employee to see what’s inside.

8:05 a.m. — A quick elevator ride and a handshake give a few more germs a chance to meet, spread out further, and stick around on the elevator buttons.

8:15 a.m. — Another employee picks up some germs in the elevator and heads to the coffee pot, opening the refrigerator door for cream.

9:30 a.m. — Now, the germs have made their way to several employees’ desks and settled in for the exciting day ahead. Throughout the building, germs have found their way to the handrail on the stairs, the bathroom doors, and even onto several keyboards.

10 a.m. — Soon, a different employee has a problem with her computer and calls IT to take a look. All the germs partying on her keyboard are jumping with excitement as their next victim approaches.

Noon — By lunchtime, the germs have spread to about half of the common surfaces in the building. The building has been overtaken by microscopic troublemakers who stop at nothing — except hot water, soap, and hand sanitizer!

A Workday in the Life of a Germ

Secrets to minimizing workspace germs • Wipe your desk, phone, keyboard,

and mouse with a disinfecting wipe once a week

• Wash coffee mugs and glasses• Keep hand sanitizer at your desk

and wash your hands often• Don’t go to work when you’re sick

Recipe of the Month: Quick and Easy Berry Breakfast

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.The information in this publication is meant to complement the advice of your health care providers, not replace it.Before making any major changes in your medications, diet, or exercise, talk to your doctor.

Brought to you by

ANSWERS 1.) b 2.) a 3.) c

1. Which of the following is a general rule of thumb for exercising with a cold?a. Exercise is always safe if symptoms are BELOW the neck.b. Some moderate exercise is safe if symptoms are all ABOVE the neck.c. Never exercise if you don't feel well.

2. When changing habits for health, it's generally better to: a. Make a plan, not a promise. b. Make a promise, not a plan. c. Give up, it's too hard to change.

3. Choose the answer that is most true about preventing the spread of germs.a. Always cough into your hands. b. Always go to work when you’re sickc. Wipe your desk, phone, and keyboard with a disinfecting wipe weekly.

Monthly Quiz:How much did you learn in this month’s issue?

What do buying concert tickets, booking a vacation, or making a date have in common? You get to enjoy the pleasurable effects long before having the experience! In fact, people often get excited and savor the anticipation of an experience even more than the actual event.

We don’t get bored with happy memories as we often do with material objects. Something to look forward to makes the future more bright and exciting. Extend the joy of happy events in your life with these stages:

Stage 1: Anticipation — Look forward to the positive experience. Stage 2: Enjoyment — Savor the moment. Stage 3: Reflection — Take time to reflect on your memory of the event.

Happiness: It’s Worth the Wait

Pro

vid

ed

by:

Blood donation is asimple, four-stepprocess: registration,medical history,donation andrefreshments.

Goal Setting in 2015Resolutions are possibly the best and worst

part of beginning a new year. Who doesn’t like

a fresh start or a new challenge? However,

New Year’s resolutions can often be viewed

negatively.

Part of the reason many resolutions fail is that

the term is seasonal and fixed to a very

specific holiday. Come February, New Year’s

resolutions start to look as relevant as a brown

Christmas tree. On top of that, resolutions

come loaded with a ton of cultural baggage

and are often the setup to jokes about failure.

So, instead of making resolutions that will

quickly fade, why not try setting goals for

yourself? With that new attitude, here are

some tips that should increase the probability

of success for your 2015 goals.

1. Set specific, measurable goals. A vague

goal is easily broken. If you’re dieting to

lose weight, set a specific number as your

goal. If you’re saving, decide on a precise

dollar amount. Detailed goals help you

focus, making it easier to determine an end

point and to meet benchmarks along the

way.

2. Choose goals that are meaningful to you,

not to somebody else. If you’re doing it for

yourself, rather than to please others, you’ll

have much more motivation to succeed.

3. Don’t do what you’ve always done. Try

something new, especially if what you’ve

been doing hasn’t worked in the past.

4. If you have more than one goal, try varying the

levels of difficulty. Completing smaller goals

will give you the momentum you need to

achieve a big one, and small successes will

keep you from obsessing about difficulties

along the way.

5. Use other people to hold yourself accountable.

It’s one thing to fail privately, but nobody likes

to be seen as unsuccessful by other people.

Announce your goals on social media to

commit yourself, or consider adding another

negative consequence to failure. In his book

“Drop Dead Healthy,” A.J. Jacobs conquered

his snacking urges by asking his wife to mail a

signed contribution to a hate group if he didn’t

stop snacking. The thought repulsed him so

much that he refused to give in to temptation.

6. Most importantly, if you mess up, do not give

up. There is a world of difference between

experiencing a setback and stopping. So stick

with it! It’s a new year and a fresh start—

there’s no better time to make a commitment to

a positive change in your life.

National Blood Donor MonthWhile advances in medicine have lessened the demand for blood transfusions, the need for blood

donors remains great. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs

blood every two seconds. That comes to a total of 41,000 blood donations needed every day.

January has been named National Blood Donor Month in an effort to offset a seasonal period

when blood donations drop significantly.

If you’ve never donated blood before, it is a simple, four-step process: registration, medical

history and mini-physical, donation and refreshments. The actual blood donation is a safe process

that typically takes 10 to 12 minutes. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and is then

discarded. The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his or her body. Approximately 1 pint

is given during a donation.

Visit the Red Cross website to find a blood donation center in your area.

Presented by The Reschini Group

©2014

Zyw

ave,Inc.A

llrights

reserved.

Battling January GymCrowdsFor those who make it a New Year’s goal to exercise more, working out in January

can quickly test their resolve as throngs of people pack the gym with the same goal in

mind.

But since half the country lives where it’s too cold to exercise outdoors during winter,

how else can wannabe fitness fanatics get their workouts in? Here’s how:

Be flexible. Whether you like to use the gym at a specific time or go about your

workout a certain way, you need to be open to altering your routine. If manageable,

try going before work, during your lunch break or later at night. When at the gym,

make use of the available machines and free weights while watching occupied

equipment to see when it becomes available.

“Work in” exercise between someone else’s sets. While not the most appealing

option for many, allowing another member to use a machine while someone is resting

between sets is considered good gym etiquette. All you need to do is ask.

Think outside the gym. Avoid the hassles altogether by finding another place to

exercise. Rock climbing centers, dance and yoga studios and even bowling alleys can

provide you with some level of exercise while you wait for the gym crowds to

subside. Even the most frigid locales have some winter days that are nice enough to

allow for a jog outside, provided you dress appropriately. And that snow isn’t going

to shovel itself!

Hoppin’ JohnHoppin’ John is a peas and rice dish from the Carolinas,

traditionally served in many parts of the South on New

Year’s Day. Though the origin of its name is lost to history,

it is thought to bring prosperity to the coming year.

• ½ cup brown rice, instant uncooked

• 1 tsp. canola oil

• 3 ounces low-fat turkey sausage ring, quartered

lengthwise and cut into ¼-inch pieces

• ½ red bell pepper

• 1 jalapeno pepper

• 1 can black-eyed peas

• ½ cup water

• 1 tsp. salt

Prepare the rice using the package directions, omitting the

salt and butter or margarine. Meanwhile, in a medium,

nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat,

swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the sausage for 3 minutes

or until richly browned, stirring frequently. Stir in the

peppers and cook for an additional minute. Then, stir in

peas, water and salt. Cook for 2 minutes or until the

mixture is thickened slightly but some liquid remains.

Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to

allow the flavors to blend. Finally, stir in cooked rice and

serve.

Yield: 4 servings. Each serving provides 190 calories, 4.5 g

of fat, 1 g of saturated fat, 10 mg of cholesterol, 340 mg of

sodium, 9 g of protein, 2 g of sugar and 4 g of fiber.

Source: USDA

Calories Outside the Kitchen

Many people follow proper nutrition in the kitchen, only to fare poorly when eating

outside their homes. While everyone should be allowed an occasional restaurant

indulgence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that Americans

consume a third of their total caloric intake from dining out, and the nutritional

uncertainty in all that takeout can be frustrating. However, changes are coming that

should make keeping track of prepared food much easier.

On Nov. 25, 2014, the FDA announced that calorie counts must be listed for a wide

range of food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages shown on menus. The rules

require all restaurants with 20 or more locations to display calorie counts on their

menus. The rules also extend to vending machines, amusement parks and movie

theaters.

Businesses have one year to comply with the new rule. Until then, dieters are advised

to stick to restaurants that voluntarily publish nutritional info and to eat healthily at

home whenever possible.

This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consulta medical professional. © 2009, 2014 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Clean air isessentialfor almostevery livingthing onthe planet -both plantsandanimals.

PUBLIC HEALTH:REDUCING AIRPOLLUTION

The air around us fills our lungs with oxygen andallows us to live. Clean air is essential for almostevery living thing on the planet—both plants andanimals. However, while engaging in certainactivities, humans release pollutants into the air thatare harmful and can cause problems for all livingthings.

Pollution comes in many forms and exists bothoutside and within the confines of our homes andworkplace. Regardless of the cause, the effects ofpoor air quality are detrimental.

Outdoor Air PollutionThere are several types of outdoor air pollution thathave serious implications for our health and the well-being of the environment.

• Smog

o Caused by a chemical reaction betweenpollutants from a multitude of sources(predominantly exhaust and industrialemissions).

o Urban areas suffer more from smog,especially in the hot summer months.

o Geographic location, temperature, wind andweather factors affect how smog isdispersed in the atmosphere. Dependingon how these factors interact, pollution canbuild to dangerous levels.

• Acid Rain

o Sulfuric acid combines with water dropletsin the air and becomes acidified. Thisdamages plant leaves, poisons the soil andmodifies the chemistry of the earth’s watersources.

o Acid rain can also harm trees and wildlife.

• Global Warming (a.k.a. the Greenhouse Effect)

o As carbon dioxide is produced when fuelsare burned, plants convert the gas back intooxygen. However, there is more carbondioxide in the air from human activitiesthan the plants can convert.

o As carbon dioxide increases, the situationbecomes worse. The buildup of carbondioxide traps heat close to the surface ofthe earth and has traumatic effects onanimal, plant and human life.

• Ozone Depletion

o As chemicals are released into the air fromitems such as aerosol cans, cooling systemsand refrigerator equipment, holes form inthe ozone layer in the stratosphere (one ofthe layers in the earth’s atmosphere).

o Without the protection of the full ozonelayer, these holes allow radiation from thesun to reach the earth. Ultraviolet radiationcan be harmful to plants and animals, andcan cause skin cancer in humans.

Health and wellness tips for your work, home and life—brought to you by the

insurance specialists at The Reschini Group

PUBLIC HEALTH: REDUCING AIR POLLUTION

Indoor Air PollutionAmericans spend approximately 80 to 90 percent oftheir time inside, according to the U.S. Departmentof Energy, which means that indoor pollutants are aserious concern. Since air circulation is oftenrestricted inside, it is speculated that indoorpollutants are far worse for humans than pooroutdoor air quality. In fact, the U.S. Department ofEnergy speculates that indoor air pollutant levels are25 to 62 percent greater than outside levels and posemajor health risks.

Sources of indoor air pollution include:

• Cigarette smoke

• Cooking fumes

• Heating appliances

• Building material vapors

• Paint fumes

• Furniture

• Radon

Dangers of Air Pollution

There are both short and long-term health problemsresulting from poor air quality. Overall, the elderly,young children and people with asthma or heart orlung disease suffer more from poor air quality.However, the extent to which someone is trulyaffected depends on the amount of total exposure heor she has had. In other words, the harm isdependent on the duration of exposure to airpollution and the concentration of the chemicals inthe air.

• Short-term Effects of Air Pollution:

o Eye, nose and throat irritationo Upper respiratory infections (bronchitis and

pneumonia)o Headacheso Nauseao Allergic reactionso Aggravation of existing medical conditions

such as asthma or emphysema

• Long-term Effects of Air Pollution:

o Chronic respiratory diseaseo Lung cancero Heart diseaseo Brain, nerve, liver and kidney damageo Affected growth of the lungs in young

childreno Complicated existing medical problems in

the elderly

PreventionThere are many things that you can do to reduce airpollution and restore air quality for futuregenerations.

• Research the household products that youcurrently use. Determine whether they haveharmful effects or interactions with theenvironment. If they do, discontinue use. If not,follow the safety instructions carefully and do notuse them excessively.

• Before using building materials, review theharmful effects of each product and select thosethat are less harmful to the environment and yourhealth.

• Monitor home and working environments tomake sure that there are adequate air flow andproper exhaust systems installed. Adequateventilation will significantly control indoor airpollution.

• Do not smoke, and steer clear of secondhandsmoke.

Remember, this is a problem that affects us all.Through the efforts of scientists, legislators andcitizens like you, air pollution can be reduced, andthe environment can be preserved for generations tocome.

This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consulta medical professional. © 2007-2011, 2014 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

It isestimatedthat over 12percent ofthe U.S.populationwill developa thyroidconditionduring theirlifetime.

THYROID HEALTH

Eating more fruits and vegetables is a safe andhealthy way About 20 million Americans suffer fromthyroid disease and approximately 13 million moreare currently undiagnosed today.

About the Thyroid

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped glandlocated at the base of the neck, just below theAdam’s apple and right above the collarbone,surrounding the windpipe. The thyroid helps controlthe function of many of the body’s organs, includingthe heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin, but mostlyhelps to set the metabolism.

The two types of thyroid disease are hyperthyroidismand hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

This disease refers to an overactive thyroid gland,which produces too much thyroid hormone.Symptoms include:

Goiters Enlarged thyroid Rapid heart rate Nervous, anxious or irritable behavior Trembling hands Unexplained weight loss Heat intolerance Increased sweating Hair loss Diarrhea Sleeplessness Decreased menstrual flow or impaired fertility

HypothyroidismThis is when the thyroid gland produces less than thenormal amount of thyroid hormone, resulting in thedecrease of many bodily functions. When themetabolism slows due to hypothyroidism, thefollowing may occur:

Fatigue Unexplained weight gain Dry skin and hair Difficulty concentrating Increased cholesterol Intolerance to cold Constipation A heavier menstrual flow

Risk Factors

Risk factors for thyroid disease include:

Being female – Women are five to eight timesmore likely to suffer from a thyroid disorder thanmen are.

Age–The Thyroid Foundation of Americarecommends that women get annual thyroidhormone level tests yearly starting at age 50; menshould as well beginning at age 60.

A family history – If the disease runs in thefamily, testing every five years after age 35 isrecommended.

Pregnancy –Thyroid conditions can arise aftergiving birth.

Treatment

Treatment for hyperthyroidism usually includesprescription drugs, radioactive iodine therapy and/orsurgery. Hypothyroidism tends to be treated mosteffectively with a prescription thyroid replacementhormone.

Health and wellness tips for your work, home and life—brought to you by the

insurance specialists at The Reschini Group

Wellness,

Nutrition, &

Education, LLC Wellness Services at

Owen J. Roberts School District

Founded in 2010, Wellness, Nutrition, &

Education, LLC (WNE) develops & implements

programs for employers and individuals to en-

courage healthy lifestyles. WNE specializes in

providing personalized health coaching at the

employees’ worksite or our offices.

WNE will be offering onsite services to

the employees of Owen J. Roberts School Dis-

trict including voluntary one on one health

coaching. Employees will be able to schedule

their own appointments at times that are con-

venient for their individual schedules.

Independence Blue Cross (Personal

Choice) covered members and dependents re-

ceive 6 sessions per year covered 100% with no

co-pay. Hours will be flexible to work around

employees’ work schedules. Sessions are of-

fered at a group discounted rate for participants

without insurance coverage ($50.00 per ses-

sion).

Wellness coaching consists of establishing healthy lifestyle habits in any of the following areas:

Weight Management Nutrition Education Stress Management Exercise Motivation Tobacco Cessation Disease Management (Diabetes, Heart Disease, IBS, etc.)

Individual Health & Wellness Coaching:

Health and Wellness coaching is the prac-tice of health education and health pro-motion to enhance the wellness of clients by facilitating the attainment of their health and wellness goals.

WNE provides personal wellness coach-ing and medical nutrition therapy with a registered dietitian, licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.

The initial comprehensive session gener-ally lasts 60 minutes, with follow-up ses-sions lasting between 30-60 minutes.

Individual health coaching is being of-fered onsite at many locations through-out Owen J. Roberts School District. Ses-sions can also be completed via telecom-munication.

WNE Health Coaches will address the following areas with employees:

Indentify Needs

Provide Education

Develop a Plan

Monitor Progress

Address Barriers

Provide Positive Support

Use the sign up link listed below if you are interested in participating. You will then be contacted to schedule your ap-

pointment.

Sign Up Sheet Link>>>

https://www.slotted.co/if7bvkuv

** If an appointment needs to be cancelled or re-scheduled, cancellation must be made 24 hours in advance of appointment to avoid a $50.00 late cancel fee. Cancellation can be done via phone or email listed below. **

Contact us to make an appoint-ment:

Wellness, Nutrition, & Education, LLC

Phone: 610.644.5870

Fax: 610.647.3751

53 Darby Road

Paoli, PA 19301

nicole@workplacenutrition.net

Saturday, March 21, 2015

8:00am to 12:30pm OJRMS

Not only can you get paid for cleaning out your closets, you can

help fund programs and new technology for classrooms

Consign or Donate!

Consigners get private pre-sale shopping privileges!

Get details at www.ojref.org, pick up a consignment packet at

your school’s office, or contact Kathy Soeder at

KSoeder@ojrsd.com

Kick off Heart Month at Super Walk 2015DESIGNED TO GET CHESTER COUNTY MOVING

AND ON THE ROAD TO HEART HEALTH

Presented by Main Line Health and Lankenau Heart Institute in association with Activate Chester County

Game Day, Sunday,

February 1, 2015Snow date: February 8, 2015

Registration: 7:30–8:30 am

Kick off: 8:30 am

Main Line Health Center at Exton Square

154 Exton Square Parkway Exton, PA 19341

(Please use mall entrance adjacent to Health Center.)

Families and walkers of all ages are invited

to take an indoor, stroller-friendly Super Walk!

• Special appearance by NBC10 meteorologist

Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz

• Free kids activities including face painting

• Community health fair

• Refreshments, prizes, giveaways and more!

• Make it a ‘Soup’er day by bringing soup can

donations for the Chester County Food Bank

To register and for more information:

1.866.CALL.MLHmainlinehealth.org/superwalk

Owen J. Roberts celebrates Read Across America

March 2, 2015

7th Annual Read-In

Oh the Places You Will Go…

ANNIE The Musical

The Owen J. Roberts Middle School

Theatre Company Proudly Presents:

Location: Owen J. Roberts Middle School Theatre

Show Times:

Friday February 27 - 7PM Curtain

Starring - Maxwell Louis as Annie & Brianna Kerley as Hannigan

Saturday February 28 - 2PM Curtain

Starring - Kira St.Clair as Annie & Isa Sykes as Hannigan

*Please arrive 30 min prior to performance for Will Call & Seating*

Tickets: $10 for Adults, $5 for Students

Order Forms available on MS Website or in MS Office Starting Feb 23rd.

Send forms to OJRMS, Attn: Mattie Moran. Checks payable to OJRMS - “Annie” in Memo.

Tickets to be picked up at Will Call. Tickets will sell out, so order early.

ANNIE The Musical

The Owen J. Roberts Middle School

Theatre Company Proudly Presents:

Location: Owen J. Roberts Middle School Theatre

Show Times:

Friday February 27 - 7PM Curtain

Starring - Maxwell Louis as Annie & Brianna Kerley as Hannigan

Saturday February 28 - 2PM Curtain

Starring - Kira St.Clair as Annie & Isa Sykes as Hannigan

*Please arrive 30 min prior to performance for Will Call & Seating*

Tickets: $10 for Adults, $5 for Students

Order Forms available on MS Website or in MS Office Starting Feb 23rd.

Send forms to OJRMS, Attn: Mattie Moran.

Checks payable to OJRMS - “Annie” in Memo.

Tickets to be picked up at Will Call. Tickets will sell out, so order early.

Your Chamber Membership saves you money & time! Planning on skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing this winter? The Chamber offers Winter Consignment Tickets.

Midweek (non-holiday): Our Price: $31; Gate Price: $48 Weekend: Our Price: $59; Gate Price: $63

Evening (4-10 PM): Our Price: $23; Gate Price: $35

*Must be purchased ONLINE ONLY to receive Chamber discount

Adult Midweek (19+): Our Price: $35; Gate Price: $46 Adult Weekend (19+): Our Price: $41; Gate Price $53 Adult Holiday (19+): Our Price: $46; Gate Price (16+): $55 Youth Midweek (5-18): Our Price: $31; Gate Price: $35 Youth Weekend (5-18): Our Price: $33; Gate Price: $43 Youth Holiday: Our Price: $38; Gate Price: $45 Night Anytime (5+): Our Price: $25; Gate Price: $30

Email jeff@tricountyareachamber.com using your work email and we will send you a special website and login information to purchase the tickets. Prices are subject to change without notice. Ticket prices may include Chamber administrative fee.

Owen J. Roberts High School Wresting Team

Takedown Cancer Event

Monday, January 26

All proceeds go to “For Pete’s Sake” to help

families “take a break from cancer”

Can’t go? Visit the link below:

https://give.everydayhero.com/us/ojr-wrestling-fundraiser

OJRMS Art Show Henrietta Hankin Branch Library

March 1-28, 2015 Opening Reception: March 8th at 1:00 pm

April 1-25, 2014

Unanimously approved July 18, 1985Reaffirmed December 13, 2014Pennsylvania School Boards AssociationBoard of DirectorsMechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

WHEREAS, the role of locally elected school officials has served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and local communities in meeting the needs of public education since the passage of the Free School Act in 1834; and

WHEREAS, these local boards have discharged their responsibilities to public education in a manner which has placed public education in the forefront of our educational systems; and

WHEREAS, locally elected officials have distinguished themselves and their communities in this nonpaid, volunteer public service commitment; and

WHEREAS, the contributions of these men and women should be recognized and appreciated by those who benefit from the workings of our public school system;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association hereby proclaims the month of January as School Director Recognition Month in this commonwealth; and

FURTHER RESOLVE that this proclamation be communicated to all school districts, school officials and local communities in a planned program which brings visibility and awareness of the role of locally elected school officials to the citizenry of this commonwealth.

School Director Recognition MonthJanuary 2015

• 4,500 school directors serve Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts; all boards have nine members.

• School director elections are held every two years, on a 5-4 rotation to ensure continuity.

• All board members are elected to four-year terms.

• School directors are elected locally; however, the state constitution delegates to them the responsibility to administer the school system as agents of the General Assembly.

• All serve as volunteers, without pay.

• The “typical” Pennsylvania school director is male, well-educated, 55-59 years of age, married with two children attending public schools, and voluntarily devotes 16-20 hours per month to school board business.

• 16% of those serving on school boards in 2014 are retirees.

• 6% of school directors are homemakers, 9% are self-employed or business owners and 5% are office supervisors.

• The number of female school directors was 35% in 2014.

You may be ignoring an important segment of your school community: school

directors who contribute many volunteer public service hours to school-related

duties and responsibilities. You are encouraged to congratulate, support and

salute your local school directors throughout the month of January. Such recog-

nition can be a bright spot in an otherwise difficult year for board members,

who should be appreciated. Here are some facts on school directors:

Pennsylvania School Boards Association • 400 Bent Creek Blvd. Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 • (717) 506-2450 • www.psba.org

January is School Director Recognition Month.

• More than three quarters, 75% of Pennsylvania school directors, have attained a college degree or beyond.

• 23% of Pennsylvania board members have more than 10 years’ experience in 2014.

• 57% of all districts involve students at their local board meetings. Of those districts, 95% rate their involvement with students at meetings as satisfactory or highly satisfactory.

• During their meeting, most boards, 51%, allow two public comment periods; 48% allow one. Most, 72%, impose time limits on those comment periods.

• Pennsylvania school directors continue to keep adequate school funding at the top of the list of the most important educational concern facing public schools.

• 43% of school directors identified public service, desire to give back and contribute to public education as the primary motivating factor in their decision to run for school director.

Did you know ?

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March 4th at 7pm Santander Arena

Tickets are $38

Pre-game and Halftime performances by

Re-Mix Dance Studio

**including OJR students and other performances **

Contact Kelly Loomis for tickets!

KeLoomis@ojrsd.com

Did you know that Parks and Rec offers many activities and programs for adults? Spend the day with us

in NYC, learn a new hobby, or maybe brush up on an old one – read on for more information!

The Big Apple upcoming trips: Treat Yourself!

All trips depart at 7:30am and return at 10:00pm

April 18, 2015 – Jersey Boys, Honeymoon In Vegas, and Wicked

Spend a few hours walking around, enjoy a Broadway matinee show, and finish this trip off with a

delicious dinner at Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance Restaurant in Scotch Plains, NJ

May 9, 2015 – On Your Own in NYC!

Treat mom to a day of NYC tourism, shop ‘til you drop, or enjoy a “ME” day without the hassle of

driving! Whatever your reason, spend the day with us in ‘The City That Never Sleeps’!

September 19, 2015 – Matilda and Les Miserables

Spend a few hours walking around, enjoy a Broadway matinee show, and finish this trip off with a

delicious dinner at Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance Restaurant in Scotch Plains, NJ

Looking for a new hobby or fun date night opportunity? Reminiscing about

something you use to do with grand-mom or an aunt long ago? Take a look at some

of the new offerings we have below!

Knitting for Beginners - Welcome to the wonderful world of knitting! Class will begin with

casting, then move on to basic techniques, and conclude with the completion of a small

finished project. Minimum age 13. Classes will be held at the Pottstown High School

Tuesday nights beginning February 24 through March 17, 2015 7:00-8:30 pm.

Have you always had an interest in Ballroom Dancing? Have a wedding or cruise coming up?

Learn the basics to dances like Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Swing, Foxtrot, Salsa, and

Merengue in a friendly and welcoming class format! All skill levels are welcomed! Classes

will be held at Lincoln Elementary, located at 461 N. York Street.

Couples and single adults are invited: ages 18 to 80 and beyond! Already know the basics? Then come

brush up and learn a few new steps. Join us for our 9 evening series of dance samplings and have some

fun! Classes begin in March and run through mid- May, 2015. One hour sessions beginning at 6:00pm

or 7:00pm.

Call Parks and Rec at (610) 970-6618 or visit www.pottstown.org to learn more

information and to register for any of the above opportunities today!