Nottoway County Literacy Program

08/31/2026

Identity Theft is on the rise. 1.4 million identity thefts were reported in 2025 and that is an increase of 26% over the number of thefts in 2024. And the data breaches at companies and organizations are also up. We need to be diligent in protecting our information. It does seem overwhelming, but this article from Kiplinger provides some actionable information.

The list of places you should say no to providing your social security number has some surprises. First on the list is job applications. Until you actually get the job, you do not need to provide it. And even Dentist Offices. (How is your dentist office protecting your information.) Airline ticketing and frequent flyer programs. And the article goes further in sharing additional strategies. Never send your SS number via email. And do not give it to anyone who initiates contact with you.

Take the time to read this article about how you can monitor your credit, prevent thieves from using your number to apply for benefits, and other steps to take to protect your precious identity.
https://tinyurl.com/mup8pdja
-Kathy Oliver
NCLP Director

08/27/2026

It's that time of year folks! One of the best perks of living in Crewe! A chance to clean up your yard and purge your home of some of the stuff taking up space you do not need. And you don't have to take it to the dump!

Mark your calendars for this year's Fall Cleanup!

Items must be put out by Monday, September 28 or they will not be picked up. Items will be picked up sometime between Monday and Thursday, as schedule permits.

08/27/2026

Slowing down as we age is the big driver for loss of explosive power. Explosive power is crucial for daily tasks such as standing, climbing stairs and the prevention of falls. Many are not familiar with training for explosive power as they are with aerobic workouts and basic strength training. But it is just as important for healthy aging and staying fit.

What is explosive power? Think fast controlled movements such as hitting a tennis ball, or quickly changing direction on a basketball court, or snatching a barbell overhead. Explosive power is used in everyday life as you hoist a filled laundry basket up off the floor, carry groceries up the stairs, even standing from a seated position as you lift a tray. It is also related to your ability to stabilize yourself when you lose your balance.

Here is a really informative article that provides instruction on how to train to improve explosive power and how it differs from strength training. Feel free to share your thoughts and experience with explosive power.
https://tinyurl.com/y9xdzd6y
-Kathy Oliver
NCLP Director

08/26/2026

As we mourn American icon Dolly Parton, we have to remember that behind all the glitz, was a human being who gave back so much to the world. In fact, it is estimated she gave more than 600 million dollars to charity. But she had a mission. One mission was to prevent illiteracy. Her father was amazing, he provided for his family of a wife and 12 children as a share cropper, though he could not read and write. Dolly saw how this hurt her father and was determined to do something about it. Dolly's Imagination Library provides books for those 5 and under, to help them get excited about reading. And what better way than to provide books of their very own. Read about this wonderful program which as inspired so many youngsters and their families to elevate reading in their lives.
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2026-08-26/dolly-partons-contributions-to-literacy-will-outlive-star

https://imaginationlibrary.com/
-Kathy Oliver
NCLP Director

08/24/2026

Many of us are familiar with the fact that Baking Soda has many uses. But after reading this Farmer's Almanac article, I have to say I found a few surprises. Stop the craving for sweets? Remove sweat stains from hat bands? And I want to experiment to see if baking soda can indeed make my omelets fluffier. Many people have long used an open box in the refrigerator. But according to this article, don't throw it out after that month or 6 weeks. Save it for cleaning, such as in the bathroom. I hope you find this article useful. I know I am going to pick up an extra box.
https://tinyurl.com/4vrsxpa8
-Kathy Oliver
NCLP Director

PS...What do you use Baking Soda for?

08/20/2026

Being able to speak English opens up so many opportunities while living in this country. You can seek a better job, or maybe even start your own business! You can seek higher education, or just be able to help your child or grandchild with their homework. You can travel this great country with more confidence as you navigate the roads, make reservations, and learn about each city or town. It can help you communicate better with your doctor, if the need arises. A great article goes into detail about the what needs are met learning English in America.
https://projectnewyorker.org/importance-of-english-learning-in-united-states/

Well we can help with that. Here in Nottoway County, we are getting ready to get our classes started the 3rd week in September. And we have 2 class times to choose from! Call or text the Literacy Program at 434-357-7356 for more information .
-Kathy Oliver
NCLP Director

08/19/2026

When making food choices for health and longevity, nuts are usually a sound choice, (except in the case of nut allergies.) Just like vegetables, each nut is different. Each kind of nut offers its own unique nutritional value. Some nuts are higher in heart-healthy fat, others have more muscle building protein. And then there are the minerals. Some nuts are higher in magnesium that could help you sleep, some have more fiber for digestion.

Health.com has a nice article that explores both pecans and cashews and how they can benefit you, depending on your health goals. Then there is taste. I personally like cashews for snacking and pecans for cooking with. What do you think? Are you a fan of either nut and if so, how do they fit into your healthy diet?
https://tinyurl.com/2p9swfj7
-Kathy Oliver
NCLP Director

08/18/2026

Money habits are deeply emotional. Saving is not about the numbers, it is about peace of mind. So there is a savings trend going on called revenge saving. It is a response to higher costs that has caused people to rethink how they are prioritizing their spending. Revenge saving is a way to bounce back from over spending, or emotional or careless spending. Some people are realizing they need to change tactics if they are going to be able to afford the things that are important to them, like a house, or education. Or maybe a way to catch up and put money into an emergency fund.

Kiplinger has an article explaining the why's and how to's. And how to use this strategy to reach your financial goals. My only caution is to find balance. Build an emergency fund without completely cutting out the small joys. Don't go so far to the extreme you get frugality fatigue and relapse into overspending. Use common sense, some discipline and organization and your goals will be just on the horizon.
https://tinyurl.com/54z5rp39
-Kathy Oliver
NCLP Director