The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1327972
MAKEOVER SHRIMP RICE CASSEROLE MEALS IN Monica's MINUTES By Monica Sinclair Casseroles are a lifesaver sometimes. They cook up quick and most of them are a one dish meal, so no extra pans to wash up later. Since I am trying to eat better, I thought this week's recipe could be a healthier alterna- tive to the casseroles I normally make. It does use more than one pan but is easy to put together and bake. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS • 1 pound uncooked me- dium shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 tablespoons butter, divided • 12 ounces fresh mush- rooms, sliced • 1 large green pepper, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 3 tablespoons all-pur- pose flour • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1-1/3 cups fat-free milk • 3 cups cooked brown rice • 1 cup shredded re- duced-fat cheddar cheese, divided DIRECTIONS 1. In a large nonstick skillet, sauté shrimp in 1 table- spoon butter for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms, green pepper and onion in remaining butter until tender. 2. Stir in the flour, salt and cayenne. Gradually add milk until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 min- utes or until thickened. Add rice, 1/2 cup cheese and the shrimp; stir until combined. 3. Pour into a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cook- ing spray. Cover and bake at 325° for 30 -35 min- utes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remain- ing cheese; cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Source: tasteof home.com YOUTH FIRST TODAY By Jessie Laughlin Youth First, Inc. "New normal" is a phrase we've heard a lot of lately. Staying in for dinner, wear- ing masks, keeping six feet of distance, and using lots of hand sanitizer are all commonplace in our lives. While these new elements in our routines can be in- convenient, all have become part of our "new normal." Virtual learning is also a "new nor- mal," with 65 percent of households in- volved in online learning of some capac- ity, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, many students and families are struggling to adapt as easily to e-learning as they are adapting to wearing a mask every day. Academic, social, and mental health challenges can arise from virtu- al school, but committing to these rec- ommendations may help while learning from home. Create a Workspace. Set up a space that is calm, quiet, and feels similar to a school setting. A desk and chair are great, but if not available, try the kitch- en table. If your student's bed is the qui- etest place at home, make it a desk, but be watchful for napping. Establish a Routine. Decide when learning hours will be and stick to it. Get up at the same time every day, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, and set up learning spaces. Check email and learning platforms daily. Predictability encourages motivation, allows fewer dis- tractions, and eases stress. Set Goals. Set measurable, realis- tic goals regarding schoolwork. In- centivize those goals, since a reward for work may increase motivation. Rewards may include privileges, allowance, spe- cial treats, and should always include ver- bal encouragement. Be Flexible. Learning at home is not the same as learning at school. Tricky factors come to play in virtual learning, like guardian work hours and comput- er availability. Make a school work plan that fits both your family's needs and the school's requirements. Be careful not to compare previous functioning to COVID- era functioning. Get Organized. Incorporate tools like a planner and folders for each class. Keep supplies (pencils, ear buds, pa- per, books, computer) nearby and with- in reach. Keep login information written down just in case your student forgets. Practice Time Management. Teach your student to start paying attention to how long assignments take to complete. Help them plan ahead, including when they're going to complete assignments. If you're unsure how long an assignment will take, double the estimated time. A timer is a great tool to help students learn to keep track of time. Manage Distractions. Avoid learn- ing around distractions like video games, phones, and T V. Family can also be dis- tracting. Find a quiet place in your home so they can give schoolwork full atten- tion. Take "Brain Breaks." Brain breaks allow our brain to process and relax from continuous learning. A child's attention span is about two minutes per year of age. Allow "brain breaks" when their atten- tion span decreases. A National Academy of Medicine study found that physical ac- tivity changes the structure of our brain and encourages learning and memory. Movement throughout the day may im- prove academic achievement, along with physical and emotional health. Stay in Touch. Students are missing out on day-to-day interaction with teach- ers and peers. To foster those relation- ships, students should check in with their teachers by email and attend all virtual class sessions. Before small problems es- calate, encourage your student to email their teacher about struggles. Help your student remain social with peers by set- ting up Zoom friend meets. These tips and tricks aren't difficult to implement and will work wonders if you are struggling to make e-learning work for your family. Learning should be functional and fun, no matter the set- ting. Even the smallest adjustments in our daily routines can ultimately make a big difference. Jessie Laughlin, LSW, is the Youth First Social Worker for Edgewood Junior High School in Monroe County. Youth First, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to strengthen- ing youth and families, provides 64 Mas- ter's level social workers to 91 schools in 11 Indiana counties. Over 60,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First's school social work and after school programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812- 421-8336. TIPS FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, Januar y 13, 2021 B-1 HOME LIFE TO ADVERTISE: Call: 812-354-8500 Email: ads@pressdispatch.net Visit: 820 E. Poplar Street, Petersburg Deadline: 5 p.m. on Monday Great hunting area located in a fairly isolated location. Mostly agricultural property surrounding the 16.83 acre parcel. Approximately 11 acres tillable. MLS#202039248 Looking for a country location? Great location with 2 acres located 3/4 miles from Union. Property has a pole barn, shed and poultry house. Three-bedroom, 2-full-baths single-wide trailer. Trailer needs some repairs. MLS# 202037056 This home has a lot to offer for the price. It has a new deck, shingles and soffi t were replaced 2 years ago. New back porch and stairs were installed to access basement. Original hardwood fl oors refi nished in family room and dining room. The kitchen has a separate pantry area that is impressive. Craftsmanship construction of display cabinets in the family room area. Enclosed front porch with new siding, entrance door and windows. MLS# 202046811 Cozy three bedroom home that has had a lot of interior renovations. Located on a corner lot with attached garage. This home still needs a few upgrades, but for the price, it is very reasonable. Move in ready. MLS# 202046809 Cozy two bedroom home located on a corner lot in town. PLUS, A GREAT EXTRA: This home has geothermal heating and cooling. All new vinyl wood plank fl ooring. Custom-built Amish cabinets. Priced to sell! MLS# 202047260 NEW LISTING! This property features a ranch style home with a two-car detached garage on a 10 acre lot. This is a great spot in the country, but still very close to Petersburg. The home features an open layout with newly updated bamboo fl ooring. This house has a large master bedroom and walk-in closet that are both attached to the master bath. The large front porch will make a great area for sitting or outdoor parties. This property is very unique and is a must see! MLS#202100689 SALE PENDING! SOLD! NEW LISTING! Tired of paying rent? Looking for a move-in-ready home? This is for you! Chain link fence in the backyard area for your dog to exercise and for children to play. Storage building to store your mower and yard tools. MLS# 202047715 SALE PENDING! NEW LISTING! PRICE REDUCED! This commercial building was erected in 1987 and was used as a retail hardware store up until 2018. The build consists of approximately 4,448 square feet. The building is all open and has free span trusses that make the area open to any kind of use. There is an open fenced-in area in the rear, with a 24'x86' open three-sided storage building. The main building had a new roof installed in 2016, along with new gutter and new metal siding on the east and west gable ends. MLS# 202046722 PRICE REDUCED! Eddie Boyd, Principal Broker Kay Helfen Associate Broker 812-582-1145 Addey Boyd Associate Broker 812-354-5599 Keith Shoultz Associate Broker 812-664-6640 Adam Boyd Associate Broker 812-582-2486 602 E. Main, Petersburg | www.BoydRealtyCo.com | Phone: 812-354-8893 SIAR REALTY & DEVELOPMENT LLC BOYD P BOYD For personal service, ch se