Sigma Style: Halloween Fun
Halloween is a time for fun and folly, but the folly can be cut short if you are not safe. Here are some safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics for this Halloween season.
ALL DRESSED UP:
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
- Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
- When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
- If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
- Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.
CARVING A NICHE:
- Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
- Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.
- Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.
HOME SAFE HOME:
- To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
- Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
- Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
- Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
- Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
- Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:
- A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
- Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.
Sigma Sizzles: Halloween Popcorn Treats
Ingredients
- Vegetable
cooking spray - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 cups (12-ounces) mini marshmallows
- 6 fun-size caramel peanut chocolate bars (such as Snickers), cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 3 (3-inch) chocolate chip cookies, crumbled
- 1/3 cup chopped salted almonds,
- 1/2 cup orange and black chocolate candies (such as M and Ms)
Directions
Spray the inside of a large mixing bowl with vegetable cooking spray, and lightly spray a baking sheet. Set aside.
In a 3 quart or larger, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil and popcorn over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and shake gently. Cook until all the kernels have popped, about 3 minutes. Place the popcorn in the prepared bowl.
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over low heat. Add the vanilla extract and marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Using a spatula, sprayed with cooking spray, stir until the popcorn is coated. Spread the mixture over the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the chocolate bar pieces, cookies, almonds and chocolate candies. Using a spatula, gently press the toppings into the popcorn. Allow the mixture to dry for 1 hour.
Break into 2-inch pieces and store airtight in a plastic container.
Serving Suggestion: Place in small plastic bags and seal with colored ribbon.
reciepe found here
Chapter News: Collaboration with the Iota's
The ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority held their first cabaret with the men of the Columbus Grad Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. on September 11, 2009. The event was held at the Kings Arts Complex. The evening included music, raffles, food and fun for all. The event was so well received; people can not wait until next year’s event. Good job DOS and the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
Central Region News: Area Meeting
It is area meeting time in Central Region. The syntakes and the UCC will be traveling the states the next few months to update the chapters on the status of the sorority, talk about upcoming events and to give training. The area meeting for the central Ohio area will take place in Akron, Ohio on October 17, 2009.
National News: Website
The Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National website has a new look and feel. There are more interactive sections and more detailed information about sorority programs, history and events. Click here to check out the new site.
Are you interested in community service? Interacting with women with the same int
erest in you? Want more information about Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.? Then contact us at dos1922@yahoo.com.
Sigmannouncements
- Happy birthday to any soror having a special day in October.
- Happy Sigmaaniversay to any soror celebrating a Sigma birthday this month.
- Check the side for upcoming events.
- If you want more information, please email us at dos1922@yahoo.com.
