St. George parishioner forges 64-year friendship with pen pal
Published November 2017: The Messenger
St. George parishioner forges 64-year friendship with pen pal
Article Excerpt:
While many friendships do not stand the test of time, Marlene Fridley, a parishioner at St. George in New Baden, knows the exception. Fridley forged a friendship 64 years ago with Hawaii-native Theresa Silva, a friendship she credits to a nun at her elementary school in McCartyville, Ohio.
As a third grader, Fridley said she was eager to take part in the school’s pen pal program. It wasn’t until summer break neared that she connected with Silva, though. The two were paired together to write letters over the summer. “I remember her address to this day,” said Fridley, while leafing through a photo album of her recent visit with Silva’s family in Hawaii. Continue reading
At Daystar, it’s the ‘most busiest time of the year’
Published December 2017: The Messenger
At Daystar, it’s the ‘most busiest time of the year’
Article Excerpt:
What began as an effort to provide Christmas gifts for needy families by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ 40 years ago has evolved from a pile of presents in a convent basement to Santa’s Workshop at the thrift store of Daystar in Cairo.
Each December, Director Sherry Miller, with the help of her staff and diocesan parish volunteers, clears out the thrift shop and turns it into a winter wonderland for families to choose gifts for their children.
“Each person in the household gets a gift as well as items such as underwear, socks, hats, and books,” said Miller. “Then, we provide them with a food box to help with their holiday meals.”
The Daystar Community Program in Cairo, an agency of the Diocese of Belleville, serves eight counties in Illinois throughout the year, providing assistance to families in need. Continue reading
Newborn Essentials: How to Survive and Thrive the First Few Weeks
Published June 2017: BabyGears.com
Newborn Essentials: How to Survive and Thrive the First Few Weeks
Article Excerpt:
As I was preparing for the birth of my daughter some years ago, I mistakenly thought that all I needed to do was to clean my home and stock her closet with clothing.
However, what I failed to realize is how baby gear can simplify my life with a baby at home.
As a new mom, I was also unprepared for the routine and emotional toll I would feel those first weeks. Arming myself and my home with the right essentials would have lessened the load. Knowing the basics of what you and your baby need well before he or she arrives will help you to survive and thrive as a mom.
Volunteers Keep Food Pantry Stocked and Social
Published August 2017: The Messenger
Volunteers Keep Food Pantry Stocked and Social
Article Excerpt:
While the stock of food fluctuates at the on-site food pantry at St. Augustine’s in Belleville, the volunteers are always constant. Every Tuesday and Friday, senior helpers stock shelves, pack bags full of non-perishable food, milk, and eggs while sorting donated fruits and vegetables in their spare time.
Approximately 15 to 18 parishioners volunteer their time, serving about 50 people who come to the window adjacent to the garage attached to the parish rectory each week. On a typical Friday morning, Clete Blaes makes conversation with a Belleville resident seeking groceries to feed her family.
“We’ve grown to have a personal relationship with many of the people,” said Blaes. “It feels good to volunteer.” Continue reading
Do You Sleep Enough? (15 Tricks for New Moms)
Published June 2017: BabyGears.com
Do You Sleep Enough? (15 Tricks for New Moms)
Article Excerpt:
I can remember as a new mother being able to recognize other new moms while out and about. The disheveled hair and dark circles under the eyes stuck out to me as a clear indicator that these women were just as sleep deprived as I was while caring for my baby.
Rest seems to be more of a luxury than a necessity when caring for a newborn or even a toddler. I can remember feeling grateful for two straight hours of uninterrupted slumber when my babies were little.
Bouncing Back Memories
Published May 2015: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Bouncing Back Memories
It was a grueling game of one-on-one basketball. The ball swooshed into the basket once and then twice and even though the rebounds bounced on a driveway instead of a court, the sound of the crowd cheering and chanting could be heard. Except, it wasn’t a crowd. It was a 40-year old mom pretending thousands of fans were cheering her on as she gained points on her 14-year old son who for 30 minutes, gave her his time, his laughter, his competitive spirit and a rigorous workout. Continue reading
The Parent SOS
Published February 2015: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
The Parent SOS
From the time I was a child, I was taught to work hard. This work ethic that was ingrained in me from the start has given me many opportunities to excel at multiple jobs. I’m a go-getter, a type “A” organizer and a loyal employee. I learned this from my mom who tirelessly worked two or three jobs at a time to put food on the table and expected my sisters and me to work just as hard at school, around the house and at our part-time jobs as teenagers. Continue reading
Top Kids Books for the Holidays
Published December 2014: Mom.Me
Top Kids Books for the Holidays
It’s a classic: A good story is always the perfect gift
Article Excerpt:
At a time of the year when the holidays bring magic to your child’s world, the gift of a special book can take them on a trip of magical fantasy. “Books stimulate a child’s sense of curiosity, creativity and imagination and validate their feelings,” said Dr. Donna Housman, founder of Beginnings School in Weston, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. Choose just the right book as a gift to stir your child’s imagination this holiday season.
Once a Parent, Always a Parent
Published November 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Once a Parent, Always a Parent
Once my children reached teenage status, I was entered into a whirlwind journey that I can clearly admit that I was not prepared for. It’s no secret that teenagers can be moody, more opinionated or even combative and know-it-all human beings seeking more freedom. I knew all of this. What I wasn’t prepared for was the loneliness I would feel when they reached this stage of independence. Continue reading
Raising Informed Kids
Published November 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Raising Informed Kids
Although it may seem like as parents, we have it all together and have prepared our children for every situation, there are times when we realize that something has slipped through the cracks. I remember the shock I felt when my children told me that they believed everything on the Internet was true or when they spouted off inaccuracies about presidential candidates because that’s what they were told by a friend. Continue reading
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 