Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, well-known for the beginning of summer and lots of barbecues, here are some ways that you can celebrate National Barbecue Month (from Wikihow):

1. Organize a pot-luck. This is the best way of interaction, fun, and grilling. Make a list of people, food that is being brought, things to be grilled, and activities to be done. The most popular barbecued items are hot dogs and hamburgers; especially at a beach or park site. You can also try more daring foods, like bratwursts, turkey franks, racks of ribs, or kebobs.

2. Think more vegetables. Barbecues aren’t always about meat. Try full vegetable kabobs and grill a handful for dinner. Get a different aroma taste of grilled peppers instead of cooking them in a pan. Grill a mix variety of zucchini, corn, and other “summer” vegetables for a healthy lunch.

3. Use fewer dishes. It takes more dishes and appliances to create a regular meal than it does if you use a barbecue. Take time out on a Sunday afternoon to barbecue and relax more at night before the work week starts again. Make extra for snacks and lunches during the week!

4. Use it as a mini-campfire. Before the fire goes out, use the rest of the heat to make smores. Marshmallows don’t need extreme heat or an actual fire to melt. Give kids long sticks to avoid touching the actual barbecue grill and let them have fun.

5. Exchange BBQ recipes. Try something different and get a favorite barbecue recipe from a neighbor or friend. See if you like it or change it to your preferences. Teach your oldest child how to barbecue or grill food. Use different kinds of marinades or seasonings each time you grill for different tastes and methods of preparation.

Need some recipes to get started? The National Barbecue Association has some recipes at their site, or you can check out the Food Network , AllRecipes.com, Food.com, or Kraft’s website for more ideas.

Food safety is important! Please remember to cook your food properly and either put it in the refrigerator or throw it out after two hours if it’s been sitting out. A food thermometer can be extremely helpful if you aren’t sure when something is “done” – here are the guidelines for food temperatures:

• Hamburgers: 160°F
• Hot dogs: 165°F or until steaming hot
• Chicken: 165°F
• Bratwurst: 160°F to 165°F
• Pork (Ribs, Chops or Roast): 145°F
• Sausage:
• Uncooked, Ground Beef, Lamb, Pork or Veal 160°F
• Uncooked, Turkey and Chicken 165°F
• Precooked 165°F

You can also download a Safe Grilling Guide for all your barbecue favorites, and visit www.homefoodsafety.org for more information on preventing food poisoning in the home.

Happy barbecueing!

The aims of National Pet Month include:

• Promoting the benefits of pet ownership – they are companions and have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and overall stress levels (which, in turn, can help reduce high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other chronic stress-related health issues)!
• Supporting pet adoption - resources like Petfinder.com, Adopt-a-Pet, and your local humane society or SPCA can help you to find the best furry friend for your needs. Also look for local rescue groups and shelters – adopting a homeless pet can save a life.
• Increasing public awareness – there are a variety of services available from professionals who work with animals in many fields, including elder care, correctional facilities, health care, counseling, and working with special needs children. Pets are wonderful because they are the best listeners and are never judgmental. Working companion animals, also known as service dogs, have a valuable contribution to society to help those who are blind or have conditions like Multiple Sclerosis to live a happier and more fulfilling life.  (But remember, these dogs are at work! Ask the person first if it’s okay to pet or interact with a service dog.)

Pet ownership is a big responsibility, whether it’s a 10-gallon fishtank or a purebred puppy.  Make sure that you are ready for a long-term commitment before adopting!  I will also add in the immortal words of Bob Barker, when he concluded The Price is Right for many years – “Help control the pet population…have your pets spayed or neutered.”

From Yahoo –

The recognition was designated by the United States Congress in 1999 and in 2004, as a means for Americans to say “Thank You” to the men and women of the of the U.S. Armed Forces — all branches of the services, National Guard and Reserves (“Citizen Soldiers”), those who have served throughout our history, and all of their families — over 90 million Americans still living today and to those sacrificed throughout America’s 237 year history. The month-long recognition provides an opportunity for all Americans to express their appreciation for the contributions our armed Forces have made to the building and safeguarding of this nation.

Through many events and recognition venues including Victory in Europe Day May 8, Military Spouse Day May 10, Armed forces Day May 18, and Memorial Day May 27, we say “Thank you.” Sadly, many Americans have forgotten the reasons for the traditions surrounding these events. National Military Appreciation Month serves to increase the recognition of these traditions, foster patriotism and love of country, expand our knowledge of our flag and what it stands for and thereby develop pride in our rich American history.

“America’s military has played a major role in the development of our country chronicled through their unbending honor, dedication to duty, and love of country,” Ms. Wax states. “It all began as a simple idea: to gather America around its military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving and to know the history behind it all.”

This idea was legislated in the United States Congress first in 1999; in April 2004 more comprehensive legislation was passed by unanimous consent of both houses of Congress, H. Con. Res. 328, further supporting May as National Military Appreciation Month in perpetuity and “urging the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, all Federal departments and agencies, States and localities, organizations and media to annually observe a National Military Appreciation Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

NMAM is now in its 14th year of nationwide celebrations and recognitions by citizens, schools, groups and municipalities giving the nation a time and place to focus and express our appreciation and thanks to our military family. Ms. Wax states, “Our military represents the highest caliber of professionalism and technology. We ask them to willingly risk their lives on a moment’s notice; should we not willingly and openly recognize their contributions and their sacrifices as well? Americans are encouraged to fly the flag throughout May and for all national observances!”

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Please join us in thanking our military for all they do.  The National Military Appreciation Month website has many ways that everyone can participate this month!

Since May is “Better Sleep Month,” here is a great link to get you started on your path to getting that elusive high-quality sleep. Sweet dreams!

http://www.wikihow.com/Observe-Better-Sleep-Month

You can also call the Disaster Distress Helpline  at 1-800-985-5990. It is (like the EAP) free, confidential, and 24/7.

From the Disaster Distress Helpline website:

Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after any natural or human-caused disaster.

Signs of distress may include any of the following physical and emotional reactions:

• Sleepling too much or too little
• Stomachaches or headaches
• Anger, feeling edgy or lashing out at others
• Overwhelming sadness
• Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why
• Feeling like you have to keep busy
• Lack of energy or always feeling tired
• Drinking alcohol, smoking or using tobacco more than usual; using illegal drugs
• Eating too much or too little
• Not connecting with others
• Feeling like you won’t ever be happy again
• Rejecting of help.

Please visit their website for additional information, including downloadable brochures and information on coping tips, warning signs, and talking to children about disasters. And of course, let us know if there is anything that we can do to help. You are not alone, and asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness.

Now is the time to recognize that we each can play a part in promotiong the social and emotional well-being of children and families in communities.  The US Department of Health and Human Services has a website dedicated to this effort, and there you will find a variety of information:  Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect, Prevention Programs, Creating Public Awareness, a Resource Guide to Prevent Child Maltreatment and Promote Well-Being, a list of Six Protective Factors, Tip Sheets for Parents and Caregivers (in English and Spanish), and much more.

If you are a witness to child abuse or neglect — any injury, pain, or impairment to a child — please do not hesitate to call and report it.  Each state has a system to receive and respond to reports of possible child abuse/neglect, and anyone can call statewide hotlines, local child protective services (such as Children and Youth Agencies), or law enforcement agencies to share their concerns.  In Pennsylvania, the statewide 24-hour ChildLine number is 1-800-932-0313.  Nationwide, Childhelp® offers a 24/7 hotline to help you find local resources — their number is 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).

Mazzitti & Sullivan EAP are Mandated Reporters, which means that any report of child abuse must be reported to ChildLine. However, if you need help coping with past or current abuse, we are always here to help you begin the healing process.

A native of Berwick, PA, and a 1980 graduate of Penn State in Social Welfare, Chuck has a long history of involvement with his alma mater, including lifetime membership in the Alumni Club, the Nittany Lion Club, the Sparks Circle of the President’s Club, the President’s Club, and the Penn State Harrisburg Capitol Society. He is a member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity.

He was moved to run for the Penn State board after working with Centre County and Judge John Cleland to manage the traumatic impact of the 2012 Jerry Sandusky trial.

“I came away from that experience reminded who the people in this region, including Penn State, are,” Mazzitti said. “They are all good, decent people trying their best to do the right thing in very difficult circumstances.

“That experience motivated me to run for the Board of Trustees and to continue the difficult work of finding the truth and doing what’s right.”

From Chuck’s Position Statement:

Penn State is one of the top universities in the United States because of our outstanding faculty, research, students, facilities, and athletics. We must not lose sight of these facts during our current self-examination.

The Sandusky crimes tested our resolve as a University. Every one of us has been strongly affected by this tragedy.  We must not forget the past or abandon the search for the truth of what happened, but the University must also move forward, continuing its pursuit of excellence. To single-mindedly dwell on our past puts our future at risk.

In order for Penn State to heal, we must do so together, not as separate, divided factions. My candidacy for the board of trustees has shown me the real strength of this Nittany Lion—the enthusiastic hopefulness of our students, the dedication of our faculty, the deep heart of our alumni, and the loyalty of our lettermen—and we must all stand together.

We need all of these voices on the board – not just the well-heeled and well-connected.

As an alumni trustee, I will work for Board reform that shrinks the size, restructures the present constituencies and adds faculty representation. I support Penn State being subjected to the Open Records Law and State Ethics Act. 

We must find a new President whose leadership will build upon our foundation of excellence, while coordinating efforts to make a quality education attainable and affordable for Pennsylvania’s citizens. 

For the kids.  For the glory. For the future.  Join me.

Chuck is number 33 on the Board of Trustees election ballot, out of 39 nominees.  He has a website, maynoact.com, as well as a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chuckforpsu) dedicated to his campaign.

Voting begins on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 and closes on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. (DST).  All alumni are encouraged to participate.   All graduates from Penn State, as well as former full-time students who have passed at least one semester’s (or two terms’) work in any courses requiring two or more years for completion, are eligible to vote for alumni trustees.

To receive a ballot, contact the Board of Trustees Office at BOT@psu.edu or call (814) 865-2521. Once your alumni record is qualified, a ballot will be sent to you. Additional information on the process is available at http://www.psu.edu/trustees/selection.html.

“According to the World Health Organization, the cost of stress to American businesses is as high as $300 billion. And unless we change course, this will only get worse. Over the last 30 years, self-reported levels of stress have increased 18 percent for women and 25 percent for men.”

Arianna Huffington’s article on Mindfulness, Meditation, Wellness and Their Connection to Corporate America’s Bottom Line, posted on Monday, is a companion piece to her appearance on CNBC’s show Squawk Box.  “So although, at first glance, mindfulness and wellness might seem like “soft” topics for CNBC, in fact it’s as much about the bottom line as Squawk Box‘s usual morning fare. There’s nothing touchy-feely about increased profits. This is a tough economy, and it’s going to be that way for a long time. Stress-reduction and mindfulness don’t just make us happier and healthier, they’re a proven competitive advantage for any business that wants one.”

Business owners and decision-makers: Does your EAP offer an integrated wellness program? Mazzitti & Sullivan EAP Services does. Contact us for more information.

One resource is the Internal Revenue Service website. You can learn about free online filing, how to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit and other credits, and (if you’ve already filed) check on the status of your refund.

Many states offer online filing at no extra charge – check with your state’s department of revenue or look for more information with your tax booklet.  One great advantage of doing your return online is that it does all of the math for you; another advantage is that if you are due a refund, you can usually have it directly deposited into your bank account in around two weeks from when you file.

A growing number of local municipalities are also moving to online filing.  Your local tax bureau can direct you to the appropriate website and provide the necessary registration information to complete your taxes online.

Online filing is usually faster, more accurate, and (for most taxpayers) free of charge.  It also conserves paper, because in addition to the ability to save your returns as a digital file, future notices about your taxes come in the form of a letter instead of a booklet.  Finally, it saves on postage – and because you receive confirmation that your return was accepted, you also don’t have to worry that it has been lost in transit.

Still concerned? One option is to do your taxes on paper, and then try one of the free online services to see how they compare. Until you digitally “sign” your return and click “submit,” you have the option to discard your information if you change your mind about online filing. Some taxpayers find out that they are eligible for certain credits that they didn’t know about until they tried the online services!

If you’ve already filed for this year, don’t worry — there’s always next year.

By Shannon Roberson