Better late than never, isn't that what they say? Back to school for the kids took more time and effort out of me than I'd planned and this was the first time I've been able to sit down and put any work into this.

As we roll into September it will be impossible, regardless of what country you live in, to avoid the television coverage of the one year anniversary of September 11th. Many people I know are choosing o not turn on their television sets that day and will instead remember in their own way with their families. There is no right and wrong and as with the actual event, people will deal with the memories in their own way.

This month brings two incredibly simple lunch box ideas for the back to school kids. Take a look and get some simple new ideas!

This month we have an article on a great new product that is on the market today. This isn't a huge company but a man with a great idea. It's marketed for children but I think it would be a great idea for anyone in the family . Do check out the section on Medi-Kid Safety Insoles and see what I mean.

As usual, I'd like to take this moment to welcome all of our new subscribers and bid a 'welcome back' to our returning ones.

• September's Recipes
  • Cornucopia Sandwiches
  • Yummy Lunch Box Macaroni and Cheese
    
• Medi-Kid Safety Insoles
  
• Ramblings
  • Points of Light Foundation

Every month I'm offering some link space to other webmasters. I don't get any money or commission for these ads -- it's just one website doing another website a favour! Please take a moment to visit these links:

Learning Leaders (www.learningleaders.org) the non-profit organization that harnesses the power of volunteers to improve the lives of New York City public school children.

As a nonprofit organization, Learning Leaders is limited by our budget constraints. But our services are vital. According to a recent Educational Testing Service study, one-third of the students who received volunteer assistance because of academic difficulties achieved or exceeded grade-level requirements in reading or math within a single year.

By helping our campaign, you'll help students gain the educational
skills and self-esteem they need to become successful learners and
productive community members.

Learning Leaders (formerly the New York City School Volunteer Program) was the first program of its kind in the country and has served since 1956 as a model for hundreds of other school volunteer programs nationwide. In April 1997, Learning Leaders was celebrated as "Outstanding Teaching Example" at the Presidents' Summit for
America's Future in Philadelphia. To read more about our work,
visit our Web site at: http://www.learningleaders.org

Cornucopia Sandwiches

• Trim crusts from bread and flatten with a rolling pin.
• Spread filling not quite to edges and roll each slice up into a cone shape, keeping one end open.
• Fasten with toothpicks and refrigerate.
• Remove toothpicks to serve.
• Makes 2 cornucopias.

Yummy Lunch Box Macaroni and Cheese

• Make Macaroni and Cheese as per the instructions on the box but add hot-dogs, peas, and mushrooms to the water while the macaroni is cooking
• Send in Tupperware containers if your child as access to a microwave.
• Pack hot into a thermos if they don't...it's that simple!

LOS ANGESES BAY NEWS, Bakersfield, CA
19th April 2001

New Safety Identification Product Steps Up in Emergency Situations

Medi-Kid Safety Insoles Provides “Effective Alternative for Kids and Adults.

(Dallas, Texas) – When it comes to ensuring the health and safety of our children, the ability to provide emergency information at a moment’s notice can make a big difference. Now a company called Safety at Your Feet has launched a new product called Medi-Kid Safety Insole that provides vital identification and health information about your children – right under their feet. Much like the typical dog-tag type identification necklaces, the Medi-Kid Safety Insoles (Medi-Soles for adults) gives safety personnel or medical care providers pertinent information about the person right on the spot.

“Medi-Kid” and Medi-Sole communicate when a person can’t,” says Safety at Your Feet President and product inventor Thomas Martin, “Whether it’s kids playing or adults exercising, very few of us carry our ID or health information with us – these insoles give parents, friends, guardians and coaches peace of mind that if an emergency arises, rescuers will have the important personal information they need to help.”

The Medi-Kid/Medi-Sole information card has space for a name, phone number, address, emergency contacts, blood types, allergies, medical/health conditions and even a miniature photograph. Once the information is filled out, the card is easily laminated with materials provided in the kit. The info card simply slides into a small pocket in the insole, which is then placed in the person’s shoe. The specially designed insoles come in a variety of sizes and actually provide a bit of extra cushion for comfort. The Medi-Kid/Medi-Sole is equipped with a luminescent red/yellow tag that is tied to a shoe lace and adhesive stickers for the shoe alerting everyone that proper identification and health information is hidden in the insole.

The Medi-Kid/Medi-Sole Safety Insoles provide a measure of privacy regarding a person’s medical condition or background, but it is very accessible, informative and possibly life-saving when an emergency situation arises. “One mother emailed me to say her son with Downs Syndrome had refused to wear an ID bracelet that they bought him,” says Martin. “Now he has a discreet alternative that will help him keep safe.”

Martin, who has been a soccer coach for more than a dozen years, came up with the idea after a scary situation with a temporarily lost child a few years back. “It made me realize that none of these kids I coach ever have ID or other information on them,” he says. “Common sense just told me that we needed a product like this.”

The Medi-Kid sells for $12.99 and can currently be purchased by phone or online. The company hopes to have the product in sporting goods stores and other retail outlets nationwide in months to come. For more information or ordering details call: 214 370-5934
or fax 214 520-2571 or go to www.safetyatyourfeet.com.

In 1990, Former President George Bush founded the Points of Light Foundation. This is a national nonprofit foundation that promotes volunteerism.

The Points of Light Foundation has become the Nation's leading authority on volunteering. It was created with the hopes to encourage people and tap into their collective energy to connect people with communities.

Though based in Washington, D.C., the Points of Light Foundation advocates community service through a partnership with the Volunteer Center National Network. Together, the two organizations working together have reached millions of people in communities all over the help mobilize people and resources to deliver solutions that address community problems.

The Foundation has gained a national reputation as America's Address for Volunteering. As President George W. Bush commented, "The Points of Light Foundation embodies America's spirit of volunteerism and the goodwill of its citizens. Our nation will counter evil with good, defeat terrorism by routing out its perpetrators and comforting its victims, and continue to answer the calls of people in need."

The gift of your own time is something easy to give if you want to do it and the benefits to your community and the people in it are endless. Please visit the Points of Light Foundation to find out more.

Well folks, that's it for another month. As usual, if you have any suggestions or contributions let me know! We're always up to suggestions and recipes sent in also have the chance to be included on the website.

Jill Lassaline, editor
Single Parents World