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Category: Just for Fun

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Memorial day is almost upon us, and what better way to honor those who have vigilantly stood for the red, white and blue than to partake in some of the activities that are happening this weekend? The planned events include both virtual and in person events, so even if you are not feeling comfortable attending a public gathering, there are ways you can participate.

The 2021 National Memorial Day Parade will premiere the weekend of Memorial Day – May 29-31 – nationwide on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW stations, and to our military personnel worldwide on American Forces Network. Further information can be found on the American Veteran’s Center webpage. 

If you would like to attend something a little bit louder, Rolling to Remember is amotorcycle rally that will be held on May 30th in Washington, DC to raise awareness to the critical issues our veterans face daily, as well as a tribute to those who are Missing in Action, and Prisoners of War. 

If music is more your style, the National Memorial Day concert will be held at 8:00 p.m. E.T. Not only will the concert feature celebrity performances, but it will also share stories that will help us to remember the lives of those who fought for our Country. Be sure to check your local listings to find which channel you can tune into. The concert will also be streamed online. 

Other events are planned throughout the weekend and  you can check out washington.org’s list if you are looking for other options. Be it a baseball game, a visit to the waterfront, or taking a trip to the Arlington Cemetery, there are so many activities to do, reasons to go outside and enjoy the weather, but also to remember the brave men and women who fought for the United States. 

We wish you all a safe, fun, and memorable Memorial day weekend! 

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Photo by Keith Luke on Unsplash

Congratulations, Class of 2021! What a journey it has been. You all have accomplished so much. All of us at Himmelfarb Library are honored to have been a part of your time here at GW, and cannot wait to see where your futures take you! We asked our staff to submit their own words of congratulations:

Congratulations on completing medical school, thank you for your hard work, professionalism, and compassion. - Paul Levett

Congratulations SHMS, SON, and SPH 2021 graduates!  We will miss you, but are proud of your accomplishments and excited to see you take your next step! - Laura Abate

Congratulations and best wishes for the future!  You will never forget your 4th year! - Anne Linton

Your work and effort makes GW the great school I have come to know and love over the years. I could not be more proud, and excited for your future endeavors in medicine. Raise high! - Andy Puro

Congratulations!  Wishing you all of the best! - Elaine Sullo

Congratulations on a tremendous accomplishment. All best wishes to each of you for a rewarding journey forward. - Catherine Sluder

Congratulations Class of 2021! I wish you all the best in residency and beyond! To groups B1 and C1 specifically, it was a pleasure serving as your small group librarian and watching you grow in your knowledge and confidence during my CIS time with you! I am confident that each of you will be fantastic physicians and I couldn't be prouder of you! Congratulations! - Ruth Bueter

Dear Class of 2021 - you will always be a historically memorable class. You have amazed us all with your strength and adaptability. We know you will all go on to do wonderful things. Congratulations and good luck! - Sara Hoover

We hope you remember your time with us at Himmelfarb fondly, despite the difficulties and challenges. We are proud of how much you’ve grown, how much you’ve learned. Best of luck to each and every one of you on your future endeavors!

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With the arrival of warm weather comes the inevitable change in our diets! What better time to take advantage of the season as produce becomes more abundant at this time of year! While a Snickers bar or a bag of chips might sound like the ideal snack to hold you over during long study sessions, there are actually several options that are healthy and bound to give you an extra boost of energy - without all the granulated sugar. 

Did you know that there are many different varieties of trail mix, most of them which you can make at home? Skip the grocery store, these recipes are natural, healthy, and perfect for a grab-n-go snack. Greatist has 21 healthier trail mix recipes that will satisfy any sweet or savory craving. What is your favorite? The PB & J and Deconstructed Puppy Chow trail mix definitely has captured my attention. Make sure you have an air tight container such as a mason jar to store your creative concoctions!

Want to keep it simple? An apple a day will….you know, reduce cravings and hunger, help you lose weight, and reduce your risk of diabetes. If you are in the city, and unsure where to locate some wholesome and delicious produce, Whole Foods just down the street from the Himmelfarb Library has plenty of good produce options for you. Feeling spontaneous? Why not make some peanut butter on celery sticks? Fun snacks are not just for kids and don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone if you sprinkle some raisins on top. 

Fellow popcorn lovers, hear me now: popcorn can be healthy! If you have not already, it might be worth investing in an air popping machine. Yes, the process is just a little bit more involved than simply unwrapping a package and tossing it in a microwave, but the result will be worth the wait, and plus, who doesn’t like to watch freshly popped popcorn fall into your bowl? You can never go wrong with popcorn for a snack, just remember to go easy on the salt and the butter. If you want to spice it up, add some buffalo sauce and shake it up! If spicy is not your flavor, why not try making your own popcorn seasoning? 

Still craving a bag of potato chips? Try these Spicy Roasted Chickpeas that are bound to give you a crunch and a flavor that will make you realize that you forgot about those chips. If you are looking for a more sweet alternative, these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Chickpeas are much healthier than the cereal, and require no milk or spoon. 

Don’t forget to take care of yourself during those long study days! Remember to take breaks, stretch, hydrate, and don’t be afraid to try one of these natural energy boosting snacks during your next study break! 

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As many of you know, tomorrow is Earth Day! This annual event is not only celebrated in the United states, but the entire world as we know it. What is it, and why does it matter to us? In the late sixties, Earth day was founded by peace activist John McConnell to honor the Earth and the concept of peace. The holiday was later sanctioned in a proclamation at the United Nations. Not even a month later, the United States joined in the notion by holding a nationwide environmental teach day on April 22nd. To this day, Earth Day continues to be a reminder of the critical role we play in preserving our planet. 

 What may seem like a light hearted concept actually requires a lot of work and effort to maintain. If you are like me, a human being who values their Netflix subscription, chips and salsa and outdoor trails at the local park, Earth day might be something to stop and think about. 

Everything from the butter we spread on our toast, the shoes we wear, and the paper we write on consumes valuable resources from the planet. Not only do our daily requirements use up what the Earth has to offer at an alarming rate, but our plastics, vehicles, and chemicals continue to negatively impact our home.

Life on earth is part of a vulnerable cycle, and one that we are all a part of. The choices we make today, no matter how small, will reflect on us tomorrow. You would be surprised at what even the smallest changes to our habits can do for the environment. Do you have a poor track record of recycling? Or perhaps you are neglecting that trip to get your vehicle emissions tested. Never fear! There is no time like the present to change your mind. To assist, here are some ways you can help to celebrate Earth day not just today, but to make it a new healthy, and mindful habit. 

A few ways you can help:

  • Conserve water: That might mean shortening those long showers to ten minutes or less and turn off your faucet while brushing your teeth; even an extra minute of being turned off can conserve gallons that would have gone down the drain otherwise. 
  • Use reusable shopping bags: a one time purchase that is not only trendy, but durable as well. What if they were bought en masse, imagine just how much it would reduce the need for plastic bags as a whole. Ask yourself, how many plastic bags do you have lying around right now, and do you really need them? 
  • Plant a tree! For as little as one dollar, you can plant a tree in a country of your choosing at https://onetreeplanted.org/
  • RECYCLE: Not sure what you can recycle? DC has put together a helpful list of what can be recycled and what belongs in the trash. 
  • Give the gift of a cleaner Earth: 4ocean offers beautiful handmade bracelets for sale in exchange for one pound of trash to be cleared from our oceans. Proceeds also go to non profit organizations that are focused on maintaining our beautiful planet. 
  • Meatless Mondays: Consuming less meat is a popular and effective way to help reduce climate change since meat production is a large producer of greenhouse gases. 
  • Take a Walk or Bike Ride: If you need to run an errand and your destination is within walking or biking distance, resist the urge to drive. Walk or bike to your destination and reduce emissions while you get the added benefit of getting some exercise and some fresh air!

Financial donations or not, the most valuable donations we can make to the Earth is to offer our time, consideration and effort to keeping our own environment sustainable and free of pollution and waste.  

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In case you haven’t noticed, Spring is just around the corner! After a long winter filled with hearty and savory recipes, it is time to enjoy what the flourishing season has to offer! 

Are you looking to zest up a chicken dish? This Crispy braised chicken thigh recipe includes artichokes, tarragon and leeks, all of which are in season! Never cooked with an artichoke before? Don’t worry, there are highly detailed photos and instructions that show you how to turn the leafy green globe into goodness! 

If you are on a weight loss journey, Woman’s Day has thirty nutrient-packed smoothie recipes which include Berry Beet, Mango Chia Seed, and a protein packed Blueberry Muffin Batter smoothie! Talk about a win/win situation, blueberries are packed with antioxidants and are also high in vitamin C and potassium.

For all of you vegetarians out there, EatingWell has a White Bean & Avocado salad that requires absolutely no ranch dressing! Additionally, this vegan BBQ Pizza with crispy cauliflower combines a bold flavor with unique toppings that will surely satisfy any who are looking to try something new.  

If you are trying to avoid sugar but are craving something sweet, Simplysohealthy has a Sugar Free Strawberry Lemonade that only requires four ingredients to make! In similar fashion, this Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta pound cake can be made in a single bowl. Talk about a perfect treat to brighten any spring afternoon. 

We wish you a warm, safe and healthy spring season filled with many colorful and new dishes!




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This is it - the time of the year for which you've been waiting! 2020 has been an experience for us all, and what better time to treat ourselves to some sweet and savory delectables. At the same time, if you are like many of us out there, you might have been hit by the ‘Covid 15.’ Pounds, that is. If you are looking to watch your weight, and have the dedication to make healthy choices during the holidays, we have some suggestions for you that can help to keep the numbers on your scale down!

If you are looking for some appetizers to impress not only your friends, but also to keep your waistline from growing, EatingWell has these alluring Easy Stuffed Mushrooms that should be relatively easy to make. Remember, the less moisture in your mushrooms the better! I would refrain from washing them prior to making this dish. Or if you are looking for something without meat, dairy or nuts, these Vegan Scalloped Potatoes are not only high in fiber but also low calorie too! 

For the main course, this low carb Perfect Prime Rib will give a new definition to Rosemary and Thyme! Not feeling beef? This Cotter Crunch Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken combines both sweet and savory ingredients that will have anyone asking for seconds! For a side course, why not try Country Living’s Chopped Salad that requires absolutely no store bought dressings or kits? A little red wine vinegar with some dijon mustard and olive oil has captured my attention more than any bottle of ranch could! They also have an entire slideshow of recipes you can incorporate into your healthy Holiday meal. 

Last but not least, to wrap up our feast with something sweet, something festive that we would not make any other time of the year. If you are up to the challenge, Delish has a Gluten Free Christmas Pudding that will add a taste of English History to your table. Or, if you’re craving a bit of cinnamon, these Cheesecake Stuffed Apples are bound to be packed full of a rich and creamy flavor that will satisfy that desire without the side of nutritional regret. 

Want to skip refined sugar all together? This fructose packed Kiwi & Strawberry Christmas Tree has got the colors on point! If I were you, I would add a few raspberries to the mix too.

We wish you the absolute best of holidays and remind you to stay safe, and healthy during these uncertain times. 2021 is around the corner, and hopefully we will be seeing you sooner rather than later!

Additional Reading: 

https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g4738/healthy-christmas-recipes/

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/17959/holidays-occasions/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g1875/healthy-diet-christmas-recipes/

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A photo of a table setting with two drinking glasses, a basket filled with corn and small gourds. There is a plate with a paper napkin and a fork on top. A brown paper tag with 'Thank You' written on it is tied to the fork.

The end of the year is the perfect time for self-reflection and expressing gratitude towards the people, places and moments that made the year special. This year it feels more important than ever to pause and find moments that fill us with a sense of peace and gratitude. When asked what they’re thankful for, the Himmelfarb staff had plenty to say. Here are some of the many responses we are thankful this year:

Friends, Family & Other Amazing Individuals:

  • “I am thankful for my beautiful backyard and son who loves to grill. They made it possible to have safe, socially distanced family dinners all summer.”
  • “I am thankful that I am in relatively good health and that my family is healthy and we have what we need to make it through these tough times.”
  • “Of all the things that transpired in 2020, I am most grateful for the outcomes of my family four immediate members that have looked Covid-19 in the face and come through this scourge. I am also grateful for the arrival of my first great-granddaughter, a glimmer of joy in an otherwise dim year!”
  • “I’m grateful for time with my family. My husband and I have two teenagers who are more and more independent, but I’ve loved getting more time with just the four of us.”
  • “I’m grateful that everyone in my family is healthy and well, and grateful for the company of my immediate family (including my kitties) who are home with me.”
  • “I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for Zoom because my father’s side of the family has been meeting every Friday night since March and it has been so reconnecting, refreshing and energizing for us!”
  • “I’m grateful that, everyday, I get to come home to my Sweetie and our tuxedo cats.”
  • “I am so thankful for my family, my fantastic boyfriend, and my Himmelfarb coworkers! Also I am very thankful for the wonderful holiday food that is about to come.”
  • “I’m grateful to still have my dad, who’s been dealing with a lot of health issues this year, with us and (relatively) healthy.”
  • “I’m grateful that I can still connect with friends and family who live in different states.”
  • “I am grateful for all the amazing teachers and child-care providers who are willing to hang out with my kids all day at considerable risk to themselves so that I can work. Those people were always fantastic and this year they get even more points for being some of the best humans on the planet.”
  • “I am grateful to all my friends! Ever since quarantine I have missed them so much. Staying in contact with them has been so important to my mental health and well-being!”
Photograph of the corner of steps leading to a door. On the ground is a medium sized pumpkin. On the first steps is a smaller pumpkin. White boots sit on the topmost step.

Self-Fulfillment:

  • “I think that one thing that I’m super thankful for during 2020 is that I’ve finally been given permission to thrive as an introvert...I’ve truly embraced the ‘safer at home’ mantra during these past nine months and am grateful that I can embrace my inner introvert and that the pressure to socialize has subsided.”
  • “One unifying theme of the various relationships, friends, families, opportunities, etc. I am thankful for this year: connection...While I have found that the transition to remote work and constant screen time has tended toward speeding me up, opportunities to connect with others, with nature, and with myself, keep me from running away.”
  • “This year I was able to meet regularly with women who love to write and talk about storytelling. We meet every Saturday from 1-4 pm via Zoom and spend most of our time working on our individual different writing projects. It’s helped me develop my skills as a writer and storyteller. And it’s nice to write with a small group of people who are dedicated to their craft.”
  • “I’m grateful for my art classes that transition to a virtual classroom setting and for my watercolor teacher for creating a Facebook group where we can post our paintings and continue to support each other in our art journeys.”
  •  “I’m also grateful for my garden which has helped to keep me occupied and enjoying time outdoors.”
  • “I have a new appreciation for DC’s proximity to national parks and hiking trails. Getting to visit my favorite hiking spots and finding new parks to explore this summer and fall has been great.”

What are you thankful for this year? Who or what made 2020 special for you? However you spend Thanksgiving on Thursday, we hope you continue to stay safe, cherish the time with loved ones and enjoy some excellent food!

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Yes, believe it, it is already November! As is tradition to many, this is a fantastic time of the year to remember what we are most thankful for. Despite the pandemic, and the other list of things that have happened this year, now might be a great time to ask yourself, what are you thankful for? Is it your family, and friends? Good health, or overcoming health obstacles? Perhaps it is your beloved pet, or a creative hobby. Maybe it is a goal you are working on.

Speaking of goals, what better time to make it a goal to celebrate this Thanksgiving with recipes that don’t break the bank, or your beltline? 

Did you ever think that Spinach dip could be healthy? That’s right, at only 81 calories per serving, Cooking Light’s take on a Caramelized Leek and Spinach Dip has my mouth watering! Looking to try something way different, and just as appealing as a bag of greasy chips and onion dip? Try their Smoked Salmon in Cucumber Cups. I don’t know about you but it would be impossible for me not to go back for seconds...or thirds.

If you, or someone in your family has food allergies EatingWell has a Roasted Fennel & Italian Sausage Stuffing that is dairy, nut, egg, and soy free. Or, check out Food Network’s Gluten-Free Green Bean-Mushroom Casserole with Panko-Style Fried Onion Rings.

For the main course, let’s take a look at this savory Herb Roasted Turkey. The versatility in the ingredients really grabs my attention! (Extra Rosemary and garlic, please.) If you are after a vegetarian main dish, this Sweet Potato, Red Onion & Fontina Tart might certainly suit your appetite. The American Heart Association chipped in with their very own Mom’s Roasted Turkey with Butternut Squash and Asparagus too! 

For Dessert, what better way to impress your Quarantine buddy than with Delish’s Bloomin’ Apples? As one who has a total weakness for all things apples and cinnamon, I’m on board for that one. They also have this, yes you heard it here; a Keto Pumpkin Pie. 

Feel free to check out other fantastic and healthy Thanksgiving recipes at Delish, EatingWell, Brit+Co, and Bonappetit! 

Wishing you and your family and friends, a safe and healthy Holiday season from the Himmelfarb Library! 

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Halloween nights conjure memories of sweet indulgence and sugar hangover - candied apples, candy corn, candy, candy, candy!!  Need a break from all the calories? Here’s a few healthier options for celebrating that don’t take the treat out of the holiday.

After you’ve carved the pumpkin, clean the seeds and roast them. Try Cinnamon and Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from Simple Comfort Food.  Or if you prefer a savory kick, check out Cajun Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from allrecipes.com.

Cinnamon and Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Celebrating at home with the kids this year? Here’s a few kid-friendly recipes to make the night special and add some wholesomeness to the sugar rush.

Peanut Butter Caramel Popcorn from myrecipes.com reduces the sugar load from traditional caramel popcorn balls and packs a punch of flavor with peanut butter, almonds, and vanilla.

An option for popcorn that doesn't involve pb or nuts - Halloween Bony Fingers from University of Nebraska Lincoln Food. Gather candy corn, popcorn, see through gloves and ribbon and assembling is a simple activity for the kids. Just make sure the gloves are powder free and food safe.

Halloween Bony Fingers

Putting together Apple Monster Bites from crayonsandcravings.com is another way to involve kids in pre-party prep. PB free variations on this recipe are available at Two Healthy Kitchens and HGTV. They’re super cute and healthy to eat when complete!

Apple Monster Bites

The easiest of healthy snacks are Tangy Pumpkins from Woman’s Day. Peel oranges or clementines and insert a small celery stick in the top for a stem.

The grown ups will enjoy Crud Ités with Green Slime dip, also from Woman’s Day. Another more hearty dip option is Chicken and Garlic Vampire dip from Cooking Light.

Got extra candy (of course!!)? Use those caramels, mini chocolate bars, M&Ms or Reeses Pieces in Chewy Caramel Mystery Cookies from Martha Stewart. Sadly, not low cal, but worth the treat!

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Ghostbusters, 1984

Halloween is just around the corner, and while many of our favorite holiday traditions are on hold because of the pandemic, there are still ways you can have a spook-tacular night at home! Grab some popcorn and your favorite autumnal beverage, because we surveyed Himmelfarb staff for our favorite Halloween movies. From spoopy to spooky to scary, there’s something for everyone! 

For those of us not interested in scary movies, or who perhaps have children at home, the spoopy category provides just the right combination of spook and cute.

Our Spoopy picks are:

  • Hocus Pocus - Susan, Laura & Stacy
  • Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit - Sara
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas - Stacy
  • Coraline - Sam
  • Kiki’s Delivery Service
  • Paranorman
  • James and the Giant Peach
  • Halloweentown
  • E.T.
  • Labyrinth - Andy
  • It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

For our patrons who like films lighter on the frights, we have some great spooky suggestions for you.

Our Spooky picks are: 

  • Practical Magic - Anne
  • Beetlejuice - Jo Linda & Ian
  • Young Frankenstein - Catherine & Jo Linda
  • The Addams Family films - Paul
  • Edward Scissorhands
  • Ghostbusters
  • The Sixth Sense
  • Little Shop of Horrors
  • Gremlins
  • The Village
  • Pan’s Labyrinth 

If you are one of our brave horror enthusiasts, we also have some suggestions for you. Both new and old, these films would certainly keep us up at night!

Our Horror picks are:

  • Interview with the Vampire - Andy
  • Halloween (1978)
  • Sleepy Hollow - Lonnie and Ruth
  • Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - Velda
  • Paranormal Activity - Ian
  • 1408 - Laura
  • The Shining - Ruth
  • Bram Stoker's Dracula
  • Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Flynn Street
  • The Crow
  • Crimson Peak

If you are broken-hearted about missing out on trick or treating, Halloween parties, or wild and wacky costume contests, you are not alone. We hope that our lists provide you with ideas for something new, or something tried and true. As always, stay safe and healthy during this festive season. Happy Halloween from Himmelfarb!

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