Community Newsletter | May 2022
TODAY!
Cannabis 101: Key Concepts, Trends, and Evidence webinar
Do you worry or wonder about the impacts of cannabis on youth? Join this Zoom presentation to learn more about the health impacts of cannabis use. Ideal for parents, school staff, law enforcement, and juvenile justice/ social service professionals. Presented by the WA Poison Center.
Wed, May 11 | 2 pm-3 pm
Cost: Free
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Class
Held over Zoom, this 90-minute free training talks about suicide myths and facts, warning signs for suicide, and how you can help save a life.
  • Mon., May 16 @ 12 pm
  • Wed., May 25 @ 10 am
  • Wed., June 1 @ 9 am
  • Mon., June 6 @ 11 am
Cost: Free
Garden Education Workshop
Learn practical strategies and best practices for student engagement in the garden from our experienced teachers. This exciting workshop is designed for NW Washington professionals or volunteers working with Farm to School or garden programs for grades K-6.
Sat, May 21 | 9 am - 3 pm
Cost: $60 (reduced pricing for income-eligible participants).
Mental Health First Aid 
Learn the five-step action plan for reaching out and supporting individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Two hours of online independent study are required in addition to the class.
  • Mon, May 23 | 9 am – 3 pm
  • Thu., June 23 | 9 am - 3 pm
Cost: $29 (scholarships now available)
Clear the Vapor Conference
Community Coalition members have voiced their concerns about teen vaping and nicotine use here in Skagit County. The national advocacy group, Parents Against Vaping and E-cigs, is sponsoring a free, two-day online conference designed to help protect our kids. Adults can learn from experts about issues related to the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping, with an emphasis on practical solutions.
May 24-25
Cost: Free
Authentic Youth Engagement Workshop
This summer, national expert Nigel Wrangham will lead an in-person workshop on best practices to engage young people with respect, integrity, and inclusion. This training is geared towards professionals in the fields of prevention, youth-service, public health, and education who want to combine the skills and gifts that young people have to offer with evidence-based practices for maximum effectiveness and equity.
Fri., June 24 | 9 am - 3:30 pm
at Northwest Educational Service District 189 | Anacortes, WA
Cost: Free! Lunch provided
Farm Fresh Affordable Food
Looking for ways to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet? Subscribing to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box is a great way to support healthy eating as well as the farmers in our community. Viva Farms helps new farmers and provides a weekly box of veggies to Skagit residents on a sliding scale. We’re proud to partner with Viva Farms in our Farm to School, FVRx, and WIC programs! Check out their CSA options at vivafarms.org/csa.
Harvest of the Month: Lentils
Lentils are easy to grow and are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, B-vitamins, and protein. Most people are familiar with lentils in soups, but did you know you can use lentils in a tasty sandwich spread or a dip for chips and raw veggies? Check out this recipe for creamy hummus made from red lentils and curry spices. The tang of lemon makes it mouthwatering and irresistible.
Watch Chef Desiree Bauer demonstrate making a giant batch of the recipe for 50 students! Farm to School coordinator Adele Eslinger helps in the Concrete School District Cooking Classroom.
May is Mental Health Month
Just like physical health, mental well-being is essential to our quality of life. Are you curious about how you can help yourself or others with emotional and mental concerns? Find tips for staying healthy, like the power of positivity, being physically active, and getting professional help at Mental Health America 
Talking to your medical provider about your mental health concerns can seem daunting. Download this worksheet to help you prepare for a conversation and explain what you’re feeling so you can get the help you need.
Learn skills for supporting the mental health of your friends, family, and community in one of the mental health promotion classes offered by our certified instructors. Find upcoming courses on our website
Anna's Story
Anna knew that she was walking a fine line to make ends meet. Her electric bill was past due, the fridge was down to ketchup and condiments, and she needed more diapers for her baby. What could she do? She could text the Family Resource Navigator! Through the Help Me Grow Family Resource Center, she got not only diapers, but access to food assistance, a developmental screening to be sure her baby was on track, and other resources as well. The Family Resource Navigator followed up to be sure she could stay ahead of her bills and find more resources. 
Do you or someone you know with young children need help? Have them call or text
360-630-8352 to reach the
Help Me Grow Family Resource Navigator.
The Power of Family Meals
Family meals are opportunities to connect through food, fun, and conversation. There are impressive benefits to eating and talking together at mealtimes. Research shows that sharing meals with others is good for the spirit and is profoundly beneficial to the brain and overall health. Children and teens are more likely to learn and practice important language skills, and kids of all ages show better progress in school and fewer problems when they eat with their families. Kids also tend to eat more healthy foods like veggies, fruits, milk, and lean meats! 
WIC and most other health professionals promote the following positive mealtime goals:
  • Offer nutrient-rich foods
  • Leave the TV off and phones away from the table
  • Minimize distractions
  • Avoid stress; create a relaxed atmosphere
  • Hold positive and child-focused conversations 
The Family Dinner Project is a great resource for making
memorable mealtimes in your own home!
Register Now for Early Bird Pricing!
Gather friends and family and register your team now for this year's Trek for Treasure summer adventure! Early bird pricing ends May 20th, and the first hike begins June 3rd!
Summer Yoga
Join teacher Lynne McNett for our June yoga series in the Wellness Center. Our yoga classes will revive your energy and make you feel good through strength building, stretching, and relaxation exercises. 
One class per week costs $45 (for the three-week session) or $80 for all six weeks. Call 360-854-0247 to register or visit our website for more info.
Two 3-week sessions
Session 1: June 7 - 23
Session 2: June 28 - July 14
Good Morning Yoga
Tuesdays 9 - 10:15 am
Thursdays 9 - 10:15 am
Fresh Air Yoga
Wednesdays 5 - 6:15 pm
Meet Kayla - New Trainer at the Fitness Center
Kayla Flaig joins United Fitness Center as an Exercise Specialist, helping members set and attain their fitness goals. Kayla is a recreation enthusiast, a swimmer, and a weightlifter. With training and experience as a physical therapy assistant, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. Read more about Kayla on our website.
Join our team as a Healthy Futures AmeriCorps!
We currently have two amazing opportunities to serve our community and make a positive difference in people’s lives. Click the program links below to view the position descriptions and apply directly through the AmeriCorps website.
For questions about these positions email info@UnitedGeneral.org.
Did you know you can use your Fred Meyer card to help make our programs possible? Through Fred Meyer Community Rewards, you can link your card to Foundation of District 304. Link your card in person on your next visit, or click here to do it online. Funds support classes, trainings, and programs for Foundation of District 304 at no cost to you!
Thank you!