My Favorite Recipes - Linda Marler

Meet Sarah Mayer, Colfax

When LaCrosse School welcomed Sarah Mayer to their third and fourth grade classroom, she felt right at home. Sarah taught the same grades in Washtucna for six years, and the only reason she decided to take the LaCrosse post was the opportunity to cut down the length of her commute from their residence in Colfax.

Her combination class of 13 is especially fun to teach because they work well in groups, help each other, and have a great sense of humor. Being enthusiastic learners and creative makes being their teacher very enjoyable. There is a collaborative atmosphere among staff members that empowers teachers.

She enjoys the friendliness and community involvement in both communities, and she continues to coach the LaCrosse-Washtucna girls volleyball team. Athletic participation, Sarah said, gives students athletic skills, team skills and lots of playing time. It also helps students develop skills in managing their time and emphasizes homework completion and grade requirements. Sarah feels blessed to be a Tigercat, part of two communities that have wonderful qualities.

After graduating from Oakesdale High School, Sarah attended Washington State University and transferred to Spokane to study nursing. A sudden revelation that she really didn’t want to be a nurse was a surprise to her.

After careful consideration, she began the process of getting her education degree. She graduated from Spokane Community College with an AA degree and graduated from Eastern Washington University with a major in math and a minor in psychology. Since then, she’s completed her professional certification at Whitworth College. Some time in the future her goal is to earn a master’s degree, perhaps in middle school math.

Ms. Shrope was Sarah’s master teacher at Oakesdale School. Sarah took over the class when her mentor had to take medical leave, and she completed the school year. When the class graduated, they invited Sarah to be one of their senior speakers, which is considered an enormous honor.

Sarah, Nic and their children, Queenie and Stone, live just west of Colfax in the home that was once his great-grandparents’ home. That location saves Sarah a few minutes as she leaves for school each day. Nic works at the parts counter of Jones Truck and Implement.

Queenie, who is named after Nic’s grandmother, Queenie Leinweber of Colfax, attends pre-school in Steptoe. Swimming is her great love, and she is taking lessons. Stone is “our wild man,” and loves playing any game involving a ball. He also likes to figure out how things work.

Participating in professional education activities is critical to Sarah. Whitman County teachers have formed Professional Learning Communities to meet as professionals in specific grade and subject areas. LaCrosse School faculty members are organized into Critical Friends Groups in order to share ideas, solve problems and help each other.

As leader of the third grade Whitman County Professional Learning Community, Sarah helps teachers in her group discuss the common core curriculum, grading, improving report cards and participation.

A recent happy change in the Mayer family’s life was buying a lake cabin at Cave Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Recharging in the summer is a pleasure there for Sarah, and Nic commutes to Colfax part of the summer. The rest of the family loves the cabin. Entertaining there comes naturally, and Nic’s grandparents, Gene and Queenie, are near and come frequently to visit. Sarah feels that she was so warmly welcomed by Nic’s whole family.

Sarah does not have much time to cook, but these are some family favorites.

Recipes:

Scones

from Molly in Montana

These are great to eat on your way to Yellowstone Park!

4 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 cup dried fruit

2 cups whipping cream

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine all ingredients. Divide dough in half and make round disks 1 inch thick. Cut into 6-8 “pie” wedges. Place on greased baking sheet 1-2 inches apart, brush with egg white and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, then turn the oven down to 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Peppermint Salad

Grandma Rambo Engstrom makes this for every holiday—the kids’ treat.

1 bag of miniature marshmallows

1 container of Cool Whip

20 peppermints

Crush the peppermints into fin dust, using a coffee grinder. Combine the marshmallows and Cool Whip in a bowl. Add the peppermint dust to this mixture and mix well. Refrigerate.

Fettucine Alfredo

Betty Crocker recipe with Sarah’s improvements.

8 ounces fettucine, cooked

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

Dash of pepper

2-3 cloves of garlic, optional

Finely chop garlic cloves. Heat butter and whipping cream over medium heat, stirring frequently, until butter is melted and starts to bubble. Add garlic, reduce heat to low, simmer for 6 minutes; stir frequently. Remove from heat; stir in cheese and pepper. Add cooked fettucine noodles to sauce.