Spartan Strong - October 2025
Laugh, connect and find join in the moment!
Join us for an improv comedy class designed to boost your mood, reduce stress and spark creativity! Improv is more than fun and games. It builds confidence, strengthens social connections and supports mental well-being. Don’t miss this chance to laugh, play and recharge.
📆Wednesday, Oct. 29
⏰ 3 p.m. | 4:15 p.m.
📍 Gates Chili Professional Learning Center (GCPLC)
Way to step up!
We're wrapping up another successful Step Challenge. Great job tracking your progress and stepping your way to your personal goals.
All your hard work could could earn you a prize! To be eligible, make sure to submit your tracker (or a copy of it) to your building Wellness Champions for tallying by this Friday, Oct. 3! Click here to find your building Wellness Champions.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting a flu shot!
📆Thursday, Oct. 2
⏰ 3-5 p.m.
📍 Gates Chili Operations Center, large conference room
Please bring your insurance card.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are some important information and resources regarding breast screenings.
For women of average risk, the recommended age to begin routine mammogram screenings is 40. Additionally, adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams.
Tips for self-exams
- Consistency is key. Make monthly self-exams part of your routine.
- Know your normals. The goal is to be familiar with the normal feel of your body to better detect any changes.
- Report any changes (lumps, change in skin texture, etc.) to your healthcare provider for professional evaluation.
Additional breast health resources
Each month, we'll be sharing healthy recipes you are encouraged to try at home!
This month, our recipe is slow cooker hamburger soup! Filled with tender ground beef, flavorful veggies and seasonings, this soup is a hearty, healthy and easy make-ahead meal that’s also gluten- and dairy-free.
Slow cooker hamburger soup
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (2 cups)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (1 cup)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large sweet potato (or butternut squash), peeled and cubed (2 cups)
- 2-3 Yukon gold potatoes, cubed (2 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, diced (1 cup)
- 2 ribs celery, diced (1 cup)
- 2 14-ounce cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 quart low-sodium beef broth plus additional if needed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounce fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (can also use frozen green beans)
- 2 cups chopped and packed kale, tough stems removed (optional)
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, onion, green pepper and garlic. Cook and stir until the ground beef is no longer pink.
- Drain ground beef mixture and transfer to large slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients, except for green beans and kale.
- Cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
- When there is about 1 hour of cooking time remaining, open slow cooker lid and stir in green beans and kale. If you prefer your soup to be thinner, feel free to add additional broth at this time. Replace lid and continue to cook for 1 hour or until green beans are tender. If using frozen green beans, wait to add them until just 30 minutes of cooking time remains.
- Taste and season as desired before serving.
Aqua Zumba
Thursdays, Oct. 9 to Dec. 4 • 7-7:45 p.m.
Zumba
Tuesdays, Oct. 7 to Dec. 2 • 7-8 p.m.
Chair Yoga
Mondays, Oct. 6 to Dec. 1 • 5-6 p.m.
or
Thursdays, Oct. 9-30 • 6:15-7:30 p.m.
Gentle Yoga
Mondays, Oct. 6 to Dec. 1 • 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Mixed Level Yoga
Tuesdays, Sept. 30 to Dec. 9 • 6:15-7:30 p.m.