Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

17 February 2023/ Issue No. 236

Thank you to everyone that helped us to spread kindness, love, and positivity. We were thrilled to have received so many responses and heartfelt sentiments. Seriously, there is so much gratitude and kindness in our awesome community! To read through all of the kind messages, CLICK HERE.

As part of our kindness challenge, everyone that submitted a note was eligible to enter our prize drawing for a kindness gift basket. The basket includes a throw, water tumbler, candle, stationary, and love sign. The winner of the prize drawing is Rocio Loya. Congratulations, Rocio!

On Thursday, RCES students had an opportunity to sample the harvest of the month, butternut squash. The students enjoyed learning about the featured harvest and meeting Ms. Tederick’s butternut squash “guinea pig.” Thank you to Ms. Liz for sharing nutrition education with the students!

On Friday, students and staff at RCHS had an opportunity to try spaghetti squash topped with spaghetti sauce. As requested, we have included the directions below.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut spaghetti squash in half (lengthwise) and remove seeds.

Sprinkle with olive oil and salt.

Lay face down on a non-stick baking sheet.

Cook for 40-45 minutes until skin is soft.

Scrape the interior with a fork.

Top with spaghetti sauce, and enjoy!

We love our teachers! RCES and RCHS faculty were treated to some tasty and refreshing water infused with oranges and strawberries. They also had a choice of a healthy snack: granola bars, apples, cuties, or dark chocolate.

Our 4th grade chefs have had a busy week in the after school Fresh Food Fiesta workshop. They made mozzarella and pepperoni croissants and a fruit salad. Yum!

To view the FEBRUARY CALENDAR, CLICK HERE.

As a friendly reminder, classes will not be held on early release days or when school is not in session for students. Be sure to join our Facebook GROUP (search Commit to Be Fit) or sign-up for our newsletters at the bottom of our website homepage (www.rappc2bf.com) to receive class updates and/or cancellations.

Location information is available on our website www.rappc2bf.com/activities

Have additional questions? Email c2bf@rappahannockschools.us.

Points tallies thru February 10th are now available. CLICK HERE to view points totals at the bottom of our activities page to view points and cash in points for prizes!

CLICK HERE to view prize menu.

This semester, C2BF invited all staff members to participate in a weekly free salad drawing. This week's winners are Crystal Smith (high school) and Bethany Bostic (elementary). C2BF will be delivering your free salad coupons shortly. Enjoy, Crystal and Bethany!

Registration for the 2023 Fodderstack 10K Classic is now open. CLICK HERE to register. Due to a generous donation from the Rappahannock County Park Foundation (RCPF) and others, registration for the first 50 YOUTH (17 and under), registering by 2/28/23 will be FREE!!

The Valley Health Community Wellness Festival, in partnership with Shenandoah University, will be returning to the Simon Apple Blossom Mall on Saturday, February 25. There are free and low cost health screenings available, and much more for the entire family. Advance registration may be required for lab services.

Reading through everyone's kind messages brought happy tears to my eyes! If you haven't read them yet, I encourage you to do so! We all know that kindness makes the world a happier place, but did you know that performing acts of kindness is good for your body and mind? A few of the benefits include a decrease blood pressure and cortisol (stress hormones) and an increased serotonin and dopamine (feel good hormones). Additionally, being kind can boost your self-esteem and mood while feeling connected to others. Research suggests that it can help to eliviate depression and anxiety as well. However, to reap the benefits, kind acts must be completed on a regular basis to truly experience the health benefits.

Here's a little challenge for everyone. Make a goal to do at least kind three things every day. Whether you offer to help someone or simply exchange a smile with a stranger, make kindness a part of your daily routine. Not only will it boost your mood, it can truly brighten someone else's day.

Did you know butternut squash has more potassium than a banana? Whether you roast, sauté, or puré, butternut squash is often called the cold weather superfood because it is low in calories and nutrient-dense. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium. One cup of cooked butternut squash provides 82 calories, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fiber. Boost your immune system and try butternut squash with this week's featured recipe!

This week's recipe comes from Healthy Seasonal Recipes and features our Harvest of the Month, butternut squash.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE