With air quality reaching unhealthy levels in our area, it's important to take steps to protect your health - especially for children, older adults, and anyone with asthma, heart disease, or other respitory conditions.

If you need a place to get out of the smoke, Sno-Isle Libraries serve as Safe Air Shelters during their regular business hours. Their buildings provide a clean, air-conditioned space when you can breathe easier, read, use Wi-Fi, charge your devices or simply take a break from the poor air quality.

Please check on your neighbors, friends, and loved ones who may more vulnerable to the smoke, and remember:

💙 Stay indoors as much as possible.
💙 Keep windows and doors closed.
💙 Run an air purifier if you have one.
💙 Limit outdoor activity until air quality improves.

If you would like more information about the current air quality, please go to:
https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/air-quality-index

You can also visit the Washington Smoke Information blog at:
https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/.

It is a partnership between state, county, tribal, and federal agencies, who coordinate to collectively share information for Washington communities affected by wildfire smoke.

💙This morning was incredible!!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Hazel Blue Acres this morning to pick blueberries for the Arlington Community Food Bank!

Because of your generosity and hard work, 322 pounds of fresh blueberries will be shared with our neighbors in need. Every blueberry picked represents kindness, compassion, and a community that truly cares.

We are so grateful to Hazel Blue Acres for welcoming us and to each volunteer who gave their time this morning. Whether you picked for a few minutes or stayed for the entire time, you made a real difference.

Thank you for making today such a sweet success! We couldn't do it without you!

🐔Ground chicken deserves more attention!

If you are looking for an affordable, protein-packed ingredient, ground chicken is a great option. It's a lean source of protein, cooks quickly, and easily takes on the flavors of your favorite seasoning. Pair it with fiber-rich black beans, and you've got a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meal.

🍽 Ground Chicken & Black Bean Skillet

INGREDIENTS:
* 1lb ground chicken
* 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil
* 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 2 cups diced bell peppers
* 1 small onion, diced (optional)
* 1 can corn, drained (or any veggies that you like)
* 1/2 cup salsa
* 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
* 1 cup shredded cheese
* Seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, etc)

WHAT TO DO:
* Heat large, nonstick pan over medium heat, with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Let pan get hot before adding ground chicken.
* Cook your chicken for 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Remove chicken from pan, but leave the juices.
* Add onions and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add diced peppers and saute for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Veggies should be tender.
* Turn the heat down to low, and add your cooked ground chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, tomato paste, and any seasonings you are using.
* Mix well and let cook together until everything is hot.
* Sprinkle cheese on top.
* EAT AND ENJOY!!

This is great to eat over rice, in a taco shell, in a tortilla, or even as a chip dip! For extra flavor, you can top with sliced avocado, sour cream, jalepenoes...the possibilities are endless!