Give your loved ones the gift of togetherness

by Susan Baldani

Between school, work, sports and technology, it’s sometimes hard for families to connect and spend meaningful time together. An important characteristic of healthy families is that they spend time doing enjoyable activities with each other.

“Healthy families tend to select activities that promote the family as being important and help the family to grow closer,” said Richard L. Sale, Ph.D., in the article “Characteristics of Healthy Families.”

There are ways to ensure that this quality time happens regularly by fitting it into the family schedule, the same way you fit in a dentist’s appointment or a baseball game. After a while, many of these activities will become habitual.

“Try planning family ‘dates.’ Enter an official family date on the calendar where everyone can see it. The date can be anything from going to see a movie together to spending an afternoon at the park,” said Karen Kleinschmidt, who has worked with children with ADHD, sensory issues, and behavioral problems.

Here are some positive habits every family can incorporate into their routine:

Play together.

Get down on the floor and play with your child. Or, run around the house playing hide and seek. It doesn’t matter what game you play; your child will be happy to be doing one of his favorite pastimes with you.

“A child just wants to interact with the parent more. That’s the whole point. Playing with other children may be fun, but nothing beats the joy
and satisfaction of getting one’s parent to play with you.”

~ Darcia F. Narvaez, Ph.D., professor of psychology
at the University of Notre Dame.

Eat together.

Whether it’s home-cooked food or takeout, sitting down to eat as a family creates an opportunity to find out about each other’s day. For children, it’s a chance to rejoice in their successes, ask for help with their failures, and share their worries. For parents, it’s a chance to be a part of their children’s everyday lives and to talk about their own experiences.

“When families come together to eat, they create an emotional harmony
that I think is pretty sacred for long-term health.”

~ Dr. Mehmet Oz

Volunteer together.

Giving of your time as a family creates a sense of accomplishment and pride in helping those less fortunate. Have each family member choose a cause meaningful to him or her, and support that person by getting involved. Once everyone sees the differences they’re making, volunteering will hopefully become a family tradition.

“Whether repairing a wall, cleaning up a trail, or staffing a food booth
(or a Girl Scout cookie table), there is something very satisfying about working together. The banter, laughter, and problem-solving that go on strengthen and deepen family relationships.”

~ Marie Hartwell-Walker, Ed.D., psychologist and marriage and family counselor.

Laugh together.

Yes, sometimes laughter is the best medicine. Whether it’s watching a funny movie, telling corny jokes, or acting silly, having a good chuckle is something a family can enjoy together.

“In the long term, regular bouts of laughter can lessen anxiety and depression,
in addition to inducing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.”

~ Maryn Liles, editor, Parents magazine.

Exercise together.

Choose something that the whole family can do. It can be as simple as taking a 20-minute walk around the neighborhood or gearing up for a hike in your favorite national park. Leave all electronics in the car and soak up the peace and beauty of nature.

“Today’s parents often bring work home, text on their phones, and complete other activities instead of truly being with their children. Turn off the gadgets, have them do the same, and truly spend time together. Your family’s health depends on it.”

~ Maureen L. Daniels, M.Ed., Director of Wellness at Work
at Berkshire Health Systems.

Cry together.

Sadness and grief are a part of life, but when shared with others, it can help lessen the pain. It also reinforces that it’s okay to show emotion, and not everything always turns out the way we hope.

“Children are resilient, but they have feelings too. Adults can help children identify and process what they feel. Validate that what they are experiencing
is real. Let them know they are not alone.”

~ Dr. Christina Hibbert, clinical psychologist.

Pray together.

If your family is religious and/or finds comfort in prayer, why not make time to do it as a family? Prayers can be said out loud and shared, or said in silence.

“Be sure to teach the families to pray all together — father, mother, and children. For the family that prays together stays together, and if they stay together they will love one another as Jesus loves each one of them . . .”

~ Mother Teresa

Read together.

Whether it’s a bedtime story, the Bible, or a chapter book such as Harry Potter, reading out loud allows children and adults to visualize the actions taking place. It also strengthens a child’s aptitude in literacy and helps build a love of books.

 “Through reading, we learn empathy, compassion, respect, and understanding. How lucky we are as parents to be able to give our children those skills
by doing something as simple and enjoyable as reading.”

~ Corinne Canning, editorial and marketing specialist at National PTA.

Be affectionate together.

There’s something about touch that relays love and caring. Sometimes when words are not enough, a warm embrace can make the world a nicer place.

“Make sure your loving arms are always open.
They will become a powerful, life-changing security blanket.”

~ Sue Atkins, parenting expert.

Learn a new skill together.

Whether it’s yoga, painting, or a foreign language, show your children that it can be fun to learn something new. Pick something that works with everyone’s schedule and make a point to attend every class until the skill is mastered. Children will not only learn a new skill, but also recognize how dedication to a task equals success.

“Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn.”

~ Benjamin Franklin

Written for Roanoke Valley Family Magazine in Virginia.

By Sue Baldani

As we move into February, most people are beginning to get tired of the cold and the snow. We need a sign that warm weather is on the horizon, and with it a chance to stash our winter coats, gloves and boots back into the closet.

Maybe that’s why Groundhog Day, celebrated on February 2, is such an anticipated event each year. Everyone is watching to see if a large and furry rodent will give them hope of milder days soon to come. Of course, that same animal can also quash those same hopes in a matter of minutes.

Now, I’m sure most people don’t believe that a groundhog can really predict the weather. But, it’s a fun tradition that is looked forward to in the colder parts of the country every year.

The most famous groundhog, of course, is Punxsutawney Phil, and Punxsutawney, PA, puts on quite a show every year. Since 1887, when Groundhog Day originally started, Phil has been considered the most accurate when it comes to predicting how much longer winter will last.  Of course, since groundhogs (also known as woodchucks and whistle-pigs) usually live less than 10 years, there have been many Phils since its inception. And he’s not the only groundhog known for predicting the weather. Others include Buckeye Chuck in Ohio, Staten Island Chuck in New York, Chattanooga Chuck in Tennessee, and General Beauregard in Georgia.

Legend has it that if a groundhog sees his shadow, which Punxsutawney Phil does quite often, winter will last another six weeks. If he doesn’t, then spring weather will soon be moving in. Of course, seeing his shadow depends on whether it’s a sunny day or a cloudy day.

The credit for the celebration of Groundhog Day goes to German immigrants, who were Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers. They had a tradition called Candlemas, which is the day midpoint between winter and spring. Although hedgehogs and badgers were used in Germany to predict weather, in America, groundhogs were chosen since they were easier to find, and considered not only smart, but sensible as well, and the perfect animal to carry on the tradition.

A poem about the tradition of Candlemas Day reads,

“If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.”

People are so enamored of Groundhog Day that a movie was made with the same title in 1993. Poor Bill Murray, as weatherman Phil, kept experiencing the same day over and over again. Talk about a long winter!

So this year, if Punxsutawney Phil or one of the other famous groundhogs do indeed see their shadow, keep the long johns and winter socks close at hand. And make a hearty pot of soup. Enjoying hot soup is one of the delicious perks of a longer winter.

Groundhog Day Loaded Potato Soup

Ingredients

1 medium onion diced

4 tablespoons flour

8 cups chicken broth or stock

10 Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1″ cubes

2 cups half and half

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

6 slices of cooked bacon cut or broken up into small pieces

salt to taste

ground black pepper to taste

shredded cheese, sour cream, green onion for garnish, optional

Instructions

After cooking and removing bacon, add diced onion to the same pot and sauté until soft and clear. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well until combined. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 3 minutes.

Slowly add chicken broth, whisking constantly while bringing to a boil.

Add diced potatoes and reduce heat. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring often.

Add half and half and stir until well combined.

Put half of the soup in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Be careful because it will be very hot.

Add this mixture back to the pot and mix in shredded cheese and cooked bacon. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with additional shredded cheese, sour cream, and/or chopped green onion.

Written for The Country Register, published throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad held their 83rd Annual Installation of Officers dinner on January 11^th, 2020 at Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance. Over 120 people were in attendance, which included not only squad members, but also members of the police and fire departments, the town council and mayor, local hospital personnel, and other EMS organizations who have helped and supported this vital volunteer organization throughout the years.

During the dinner, late squad members were honored and remembered, and current squad members were recognized for their service. Length of service awards went out to various long time members such as Joanne Gurske and Jean Lozowski for 30 years, Edward Fiedler for 40 years, Robert Speth for 45 years and Daniel Sullivan for 50 years.

The officers for 2020 were also sworn in and included the following:

President: Daniel Sullivan

1st Vice President: Chang Yaramouthu

2nd Vice President: Deborah Speth

Secretary: Joanne Gurske

Treasurer: Harold Hill

Chaplain: Robert Gurske

Chief: Carolyn Sorge

Deputy Chief: Robert Gurske

Deputy Chief: Ronald Mahaffey

Delegates: Daniel Sullivan, Patricia Buckridee, Rachael Siegel

Alternate Delegates: Rachel Voeltzel, Matthew Marcus, Ryan Lemence

Trustees: Robert Speth, Robert Foerster, Edward Fiedler

The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad is proud to have so many dedicated members who continue to   be there for their fellow neighbors in times of need. While many other volunteer agencies have had to close their doors in recent years, the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad stands strong and determined to carry on its mission.

Submitted by Susan Baldani, a life member of the Scotch  Plains Rescue Squad.

By Susan Baldani

Szechuan Delight, located in New Providence, has been in business for 28 years. It’s known for authentic Chinese food, specializing in Cantonese and Shanghainese food.

According to the owner, it is the only Chinese restaurant in the area that serves purely Chinese food; there are no other Asian dishes, such as Thai or Japanese, on the menu.

Much of the staff, including the main chefs, have been with Szechuan Delight from the very beginning, and have been using the same authentic recipes for all those years. A few of the most popular items are the steamed whole fish and soft shell crabs, and of course, traditional favorites like pork fried rice, lo mein, chow mein and chow fun can also be found.

Their specialties include many well-known dishes such as General Tso’s Chicken, Hunan Triple Crown and Mongolian Beef. There are also plenty of seafood dishes such as Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, Scallops with Mixed Vegetables, and Fillet of Sole with Ginger and Scallions. For those looking for vegetable-based choices, there are Moo Shu Vegetables with Pancakes, Hot Spiced Bean Curd, and Shanghai Bok Choy with Black Mushrooms.

The most unique offerings of Szechuan Delight are the casserole dishes, like Seafood and Tofu, Braised Lamb with Bean Curd Skin and Roast Pork, Chicken, and Shrimp with Tofu. Besides being an authentic Chinese restaurant, offering these dishes is something the owner believes makes them stand out from other similar dining establishments in the area.

The restaurant itself is casual, with a roomy and open dining room with seating for 70 customers. Diners are free to bring their own wine and other alcoholic beverages to accompany their meals. There is also a private party room available, or they can put together party platters to be enjoyed elsewhere.

In addition to dine-in, Szechuan Delight does a brisk take-out business and offers free delivery within a five mile radius for any order over $15.00. Easy and convenient online ordering is also available. Besides dinner, they offer a full range of luncheon specials such as Kung Po Shrimp and Chicken, Singapore Mei Fun, Barbecue Spare Ribs and Salt and Pepper Pork Chops.

The restaurant is conveniently located right next to the New Providence Post Office on the main thoroughfare of Central Avenue. It’s also close to many businesses and the Murray Hill train station.

Szechuan Delight is open seven days a week; from Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 to 10:30 and on Sundays from 12:30 pm to 9:30 pm. For more information, please call 908-464-0100, go to www. Szechuan DelightNJ.com, or stop in at 598 Central Avenue in New Providence, NJ 07940.

Written for The Showcase Magazine, in Warren, NJ.

By Susan Baldani

I just found out that January 27 is Chocolate Cake Appreciation Day. Of course, card companies are always coming up with special days so they can sell more cards. However, any day that encourages me to eat chocolate is my kind of day. And it doesn’t have to be in cake form; almost any variety will do.

I find it interesting that this holiday comes at the end of January instead of at the beginning. I guess they figure by then all those New Year’s Eve resolutions to lose weight have already fallen by the wayside.

But seriously (and I’m always serious when it comes to chocolate), this is one food I couldn’t live without. There’s just something about chocolate that makes me happy. And it’s not just the sugar. There’s something about the taste of chocolate that is comforting too.

When I was a little kid, any kind of chocolate would do. But, now that I’m older and have a somewhat more discerning palate, specialty chocolates are my favorites, especially anything that has been made in Switzerland. My ancestors really knew what they were doing (my maiden name is Burkhardt). The gourmet brands of chocolates are not always easy to find, especially in big brand stores. You sometimes have to hunt them down. Many small gift and boutique stores usually have them though if you take the time to look around.

In the last few years, I’ve heard reports that chocolate can even be good for you, but that usually only goes for dark. I am a milk chocolate aficionado and will not eat any other kind (and don’t even mention white chocolate. I mean, what is that anyway?).

As much as I love chocolate, I know that sweets should be consumed in moderation, and I try to follow that guideline; I really do. So, if I’m going to treat myself, I’m going for the good stuff.

This is not to say I don’t like a good ole Hershey Bar once in a while or unwrapping some of those creamy Dove candies; they have their place. I’m not a total chocolate snob. But, oh, those packages that say “milk chocolate flavored.” Well, those should be outlawed. Whenever I see a chocolate bunny or other item labeled with those awful words, I want scoop them all off the shelf lest some little kid be lured into eating one. That might turn him off of chocolate forever.

So, on Chocolate Cake Appreciation Day, I also want the best. I have nothing against boxed cake mixes and tubs of ready-made icing. They come in handy for last-minute desserts, or for a child’s birthday party, and most are actually pretty good. But, on Chocolate Cake Appreciation Day, why not make the real thing? The only danger is that you may never want to go back to the store-bought variety again.

Written for the Country Register, which is distributed all over the U.S. and Canada.

 

CHOCOLATE CAKE APPRECIATION DAY CAKE

Ingredients:

2/3 cup butter, softened

1-2/3 cups sugar

3 large eggs, room temperature

2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup baking cocoa

1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1-1/3 cups whole milk

 

Directions:

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and add milk a little at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13 x 9-inch pan.

Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. When cake is cool, frost with chocolate cream cheese frosting.

CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Ingredients:

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/3 cup baking cocoa

Dash salt

3 tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Directions:

 

Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, salt, milk and vanilla and mix well. Spread over cooled cake. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Nutritious foods and beverages set the stage for optimal learning

By Susan Baldani

Many variables contribute to a child’s academic success. Focus is often on student-teacher ratio, parental involvement, and access to support services for kids who are struggling. Of course, all these factors are very critical, but one that is often forgotten is the importance of good nutrition when it comes to learning.

Research has proven that children who eat healthy breakfasts and well-balanced lunches are often more alert, more productive and less tired and jittery during the school day. Foods and beverages that children often prefer for breakfast, such as high-sugar cereals and juice, can initially lead to a burst of energy that quickly dissipates, leaving them hungry and irritable. Lunch foods such as chicken fingers and cheeseburgers are also detrimental. According to the Society for Neuroscience, recent studies revealed that diets with high levels of saturated fats actually impair learning and memory.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports that “eating a healthy breakfast is associated with improved cognitive function (especially memory), reduced absenteeism, and improved mood.” They also found that “empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for children and adolescents age 2–18 years. Approximately half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk.”

Schools are trying to do their part to give their students a nutritional advantage. An initiative called “The Healthy Schools Program” has been incorporated into schools across the U.S., replacing many of the processed lunch foods with fruits, salads, and lean proteins. Low fat milk and water are also being offered.

So, what can parents do at home?  Mornings are often hectic with parents trying to get to work and kids to school and children often skip breakfast for many reasons. Some have early morning extracurricular activities or have to make an early bus. Others may be trying to finish homework or a project from the night before.

Because parents and caregivers cannot always control what their children choose for lunch, breakfast is even more important. So, why not set the alarm clock for 15 or 20 minutes earlier? This way, both parents and kids have more time in the morning and can choose meals that are fast and nutritious, like the combinations below:

• Low-sugar, whole-grain cereal, low fat milk, and sliced banana.

• Oatmeal with fruit and low fat milk. Choose plain quick oats and add in a small amount of honey and fruit, and pop into the microwave. Most are ready in minutes.

• Whole wheat toast with peanut butter.

• Yogurt (buy it plain, since many yogurts have a surprisingly high amount of sugar), and mix in honey, nuts and fruit.

These are all quick and easy and if necessary, can be eaten in the car or on the bus.

If your child brings lunch, there are many options for a healthy meal. Containers with compartments or small individual containers make it easy to keep a variety of foods separate. Here are some healthy lunchtime ideas:

• Turkey in a whole wheat wrap stuffed with lettuce and tomato and smeared with a bit of honey mustard.

• Shredded white meat chicken with chopped up vegetables, such as celery and baby carrots.

• Tuna pouches packed in water, or tuna mixed with low fat mayonnaise and vegetables.

• Salad greens with sliced hard boiled eggs, low fat cheese, and low fat dressing.

Add in some tasty but nutritious snacks such as nuts, nectarines, grapes and dried fruit (with no sugar added).

Besides providing the right foods for optimal learning, it’s also important for children to consume enough liquids. The CDC found that “adequate hydration may also improve cognitive function in children and adolescents, which is important for learning.^”

 Because of the high sugar content, juice should be limited, or cut with water. Look for alternatives for your child. Some children may find plain water distasteful, but drop some blueberries or strawberries into the cup, and they may find it more appealing. Give them a straw, and then let them poke holes and mash the fruit to release its natural flavors.

Once children get into the habit of taking the time to eat a healthy meal, it will become another part of their routine. Parents can set a good example by eating breakfast with their children and packing some of the same meals for their lunches. This way, healthy choices will become a family affair.

Written for Roanoke Valley Family magazine in Virginia.

By Susan Baldani

In this new year, instead of just making a resolution to lose weight or stop smoking, why not also make a resolution to help others? After all, studies have shown that people who volunteer are happier, less stressed and enjoy a higher level of self-esteem.

Once you decide to volunteer, find a cause that is meaningful to you, and then sign up to make a difference. Unlike many other resolutions that are often broken within a month or two, you’ll find it’s much harder to break a promise to others, especially when they’re relying on you for their basic needs.

For adults, volunteering is a chance to meet other like-minded people and do something much different than their chosen career. It’s also an opportunity to learn a new skill, enrich your mind, and help your community.

Volunteering is also a wonderful way for teens to try out different professions to help them decide what they may want to do in the future. For example, if they’re interested in medicine, they can join a local ambulance corps like the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad, or volunteer at a hospital. Or, if they think they may want to work in construction, they can help build homes with Habitat for Humanity.

The rewards of volunteering are not just experienced by the recipients, but by the givers as well. So, whatever your interests or talents, there is a cause looking for help. Some people find it easier to give money, which by all means is sorely needed and important. But it’s getting out there and joining with other people who have the same goals in mind that makes volunteering so meaningful.

For more information on volunteering for the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad or to obtain an application, please go to our website at http://www.scotchplainsrescuesquad.com, email us at scotchplainsrescuesquad@gmail.com, or call 908-322-2103.

By Susan Baldani

As a child, my mother or grandmother would send us out to the front porch with pots and pans to bang together at midnight to ring in the new year. Sometimes we even had noisemakers. I’m sure the neighbors loved us.

When I was in my teens and twenties, my friends and I would always try to come up with the most exciting plans for New Year’s Eve. It was the celebration of a new year ahead and a chance to experience whatever we missed the year before. Inevitably, with all the buildup, our plans never did live up to the hype.

I’m not sure what we were doing wrong, but we were usually disappointed. It was nothing like it looked on television, with everyone cheering and hugging and having a fabulous time. Clubs and restaurants were always so crowded and everything seemed to cost a lot of money. Dancing was almost impossible since you could barely move in the crowd, and conversation was difficult because it was so loud you had to shout to be heard.

As I got older, I began to appreciate quieter nights at home where I could hang out with family and good friends, eat in front of the television, and watch the ball drop in Times Square. (By the way, even though I live close to New York City, this is one place I never aspired to spend New Year’s Eve. Hours of waiting in a large crowd, sometimes in the frigid cold, was not my idea of a good time.)

My friends and I soon realized that spending time with each other and our spouses and reminiscing about good times, while staying cozy and warm, was one of the best ways to spend this momentous occasion. I knew we would be making new memories with each other in the next 12 months and hopefully would be together again at the end of it to celebrate once again.

Now, several years later, I’m happy if I can stay up until midnight. It’s not that I’m old; at least I don’t think I am. It’s just that I prefer to go to bed early.

So, when I do fall asleep before 12:00, my husband will wake me up before the ball drops to zero to wish me a good year and give me a goodnight kiss. For me, this is the perfect way to both end and start a new year.

“Here’s a toast to the future, a toast to the past, and a toast to our friends, far and near. May the future be pleasant, the past a bright dream; may our friends remain faithful and dear.” — Anonymous

Written for The Country Register  – distributed across the U.S. and Canada.

By Susan Baldani

Ultimate Holiday Appetizers

This holiday season, while family and friends are waiting on the turkey to roast or the ham to bake, bring out some of these special starters to hold them over until dinner time. Just be careful that they leave some room for the main course!

Healthy Holiday Appetizer
Healthy does not have to be boring. Serve these at your holiday parties and it’ll be anything but ho hum.

Butternut Squash and Feta Tartlets
These tarts are packed with so much flavor and goodness that guests won’t realize they’re actually good for them. The nuttiness of the squash combined with the tartness of the cheese will satisfy all palates.

Classic Party Appetizer
There’s a reason why this appetizer has been served at parties for many, many years. Guests are never disappointed to find this oldie but goodie laid out on the table.

Spinach Artichoke Dip
This beloved dip can be served with chips, crackers and a variety of vegetables. Include green and red vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers for a festive platter. To really jazz it up, serve in a round hollowed-out pumpernickel bread.

Quick and Easy Appetizer
Add this simple appetizer to your party menu and impress your guests. No one will ever know how easy it was to make.

Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
This flavorful bread is just perfect for the holiday table. Stuffed with tart cranberries and creamy cheese, it’s a combination that’s sure to please. And it’s just so much fun to pull it all apart.

Festive and fancy appetizer
Want to add a little elegance to your party? Serve this delicious offering on a beautiful china platter.

Goat Cheese Log with Cranberries, Chives and Black Pepper
Add holiday color to your cheese plater with this beautiful cheese log. Surround with holiday-shaped crackers to make it even more special.

Fun and festive finger food appetizers for children
This appetizer is so adorable and delicious, you might have a hard time keeping the adults away from the kids’ table.

Babybel Cheese Santa Pops
It doesn’t get much cuter than this Babybel Santa on a stick. So easy to make, and children will find it hard to eat just one of these healthy snacks. To make them even more special, have the kids make them with you.

To find these recipes and more, check out the following websites:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g794/christmas-appetizers/
https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g2058/healthy-holiday-snacks-for-kids/
https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/christmas/g1713/holiday-party-appetizers/
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/26819/hot-artichoke-and-spinach-dip-ii/

Written for Brentwood Lifestyle magazine in Brentwood, Tennessee.

A fun and educational holiday experience for the entire family

By Susan Baldani

Main Street will undergo a picturesque transformation as the 35^th Annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival comes to downtown Franklin, TN the weekend of December 14. Against the backdrop of Victorian era buildings, visitors will feel like they’ve gone back in time to when Charles Dickens was alive and Tiny Tim was riding on his father’s shoulder.

“We actually have a brand new revamped section of the festival,” said Megan Hershey, Chief Operating Officer of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. “We’ve gotten some great feedback from our Downtown Franklin Association members as well as the general public, that they would really love Dickens to be more of a theatrical festival. That’s really what it was intended to be when it started.”

Folks dressed in Victorian era costumes and as Dickens’ story book characters will gather on sidewalks while period dancers will take over the streets. Victorian era craft demonstrations, such as candle making and weaving, will be on display, while carolers stroll by singing holiday songs. Pop-up musicians, both adults and children, will be interspersed throughout the festival playing accordions and fiddles.

“This year is probably going to be the most authentic Dickens era holiday festival that we have done. We’re really honoring it as a theatrical festival,” said Hershey.

There will also be a Holiday Town Sing, where the public can join in and enjoy their favorite holiday tunes. As there are every year, there will be plenty of activities for children and families, plus booths filled with a variety of delicious food and drinks.

The Dickens of a Christmas Festival,  sponsored by First Citizens National Bank, attracts anywhere from 50,000 to 75,000  attendees each year. As usual, most of the events are free of charge.

Carriage rides, which haven’t been a part of the festival for many years, are coming back and will most likely be stationed by the Franklin Grove Estate and Garden, which is a new project of the Heritage Foundation.

On Saturday night, at 7:00 pm, the Franklin Theater will be featuring a Christmas Carol theatrical experience featuring Jason Wood. It will be a one-man show based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets are on sale now at FranklinTheatre.com.

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on historic preservation and education. The festivals in town, which also include Pumpkin Fest and Main Street Festival, were originally started as a joint venture between the  Downtown Franklin Association and the Heritage Foundation, which have now merged, as a means of bringing tourism and traffic to downtown Franklin.

“These festivals have now become part of our cultural heritage,” said Hershey.

The Dickens of a Christmas festival will be held rain or shine from 10:00 to 7:00 on Saturday and on Sunday from 11:00 to 4:00.

“We have extended the Saturday hours because we think Franklin is so beautiful with all the Christmas lights and holiday decorations. Having this extended time allows us to go into the dusk part of the day so visitors will be better able to enjoy the lights,” said Hershey.

For more information on the festival, go to WilliamsonHeritage.org/Dickens.

Written for Franklin Lifestyle Magazine in Franklin, Tennessee.