Hello all.

My name is Lisa Dennison and I feel blessed to say I am in my “dream career.” I have spent my life trying to “walk my talk” in healthy living and by having a healthy positive attitude. I have been an educator for 25 plus years and I have always lived and taught by the wellness standards of body, mind and spirit.
I have physical education and home economics degrees – so I could bake cookies, eat em’ and run em’ off!

This article is the first effort toward what I hope will be an ongoing little bite/bytes column where I can share facts, concepts and ideas. I hope to address some of your comments regarding food service and technology in our county schools, as well.

I am so very grateful to Superintendent C. C. Lester, Ruth Bland, Terrance Beam, Susan Borror, Jennifer Barlow, Janice Miller, Fran Rider and Kristin Kinnison for the many hats they wear at the board of education office in order to accomplish the many daunting tasks that keep our county on top. The board of education members listen to, care for and support our staff to enable our schools and community to thrive.

Most importantly, I am happy to serve “my cooks” who serve your children. They are up and at it, bright and early, trying to meet the needs of your children by serving the best meals they possibly can, while following guidelines that keep Pocahontas County in compliance with the state.

If you see Nancy Green or Betty Miller, congratulate them on their retirement and thank them for a job well done. Oh, and if you see Lois Ann Beverage, give her a hug for me, she keeps showing up and learning and help ing and cooking. When I grow up I want to be like her!

The following is a list of county schools and the cooks who “man” the kitchens: Hillsboro Elementary - Doris Sharp; Marlinton Middle School - Mary Dilley and Lora Sue Miller; Marlinton Elementary - Becky Evans and Sabrina Jordan; Pocahontas County High School - Joyce McGlauglin, Kim McComb and Sarah Hedrick; and Green Bank Element- ary/Middle School - Jean Taylor and Sherri Howe.

October 15 through 18 is National School Lunch week and though I am late getting this information out, please talk to your children about thanking the “lunch ladies” for their kind service.

I heard a story about a little boy who made it a point to say “my compliments to the chef” every day after eating breakfast and lunch. The rest of the story is that everyone knew when the little boy wasn’t in school because the cooks were not as happy that day.

As a new food service director I can assure you that having a good working relationship with my cooks is key, and I think “if the cook ain’t happy – nobody’s happy”

I appreciate the positive support for the school lunch program as well as everyone’s patience as we work to meet state guidelines and provide nutritious meals to our children.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this community and how thankful I am to God for my life’s path and choices that landed me in the best county in the world.

My family and I are here to live and serve this community, so please do not hesitate to call 304-799-4505, ext. 2370, or email ldennison@access.k12.wv.us if you have any questions or comments.