Joseph Matthew LaChance

 As some of you know, one half of the ISFP team, Matt LaChance, lost his son tragically.  Here is his tribute to him.  Rest in Peace, dear Joseph. 

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20 years and 2 days ago, the Lord blessed Chris and I with the greatest gift one can receive, the gift of life.  Joe was our world, we even decided to not have a second child because we didn't want divert any of our love away from him.  He was talking by one and taught himself to read at three, to say he was bright is an understatement.  He was the easiest teen one could ask for, reasonable and responsible.  He was a good student and a good athlete.  For two years he loved crew.  At 5’8” he was placed in boats with 6’ + team mates and not only would he keep up, he excelled.  Attending RPI, he received a substantial scholarship and again excelled again.  This year he made the choice to change schools to WPI where he maintained a 4.0.

Yesterday we lost him.  We are shocked, heartbroken, and overwhelmed with sadness.  We will miss his quick wit, sharp mind, caring smile.  We will miss the future he took with him, our chance of being grandparents, the satisfaction of seeing the next generation achieve.

I will always admire my son for the inspiration he gave me when at the age of 14 he took it upon himself to transform from the little pudgy kid to the weight lifting machine with guns to die for and the sixpack abs.  Without Joe, I might have never found ISFP.

I know my month has been hard, having some problems at home, issues with my knee, but there was nothing to ever indicate that something so horrific could ever happen.  This is not the life we envisioned.  Simply put, it will be hard to see the future when the brightest light in your life has be shrouded in darkness. 

Chocolate Gingerbread Granola

The smell of this baking was unreal!!  The pieces of ginger add a perfect zing to the granola!  This is comfort food!

Chocolate Gingerbread Granola
2 cups rolled oats (I used Rogers Porridge Oats)
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup ground flaxseed (I Used whole)
1/3 cup shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup candied ginger chopped
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup chocolate chips, chopped

Preheat oven to 375.
In a large bowl, combine oats, flax, wheat germ, coconut, ginger, chocolate and sea salt. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, and combine. Pour spices into bowl of oats and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix honey, molasses and vanilla.  Add honey mixture to oat mixture and stir until moistened. If you need more moisture, add honey 1 teaspoon at a time.
Lay on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping every 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and toasty. Watch closely so granola doesn’t burn. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Makes 22-1/4 cup servings

Per 1/4 cup:
Calories:  101.5
Carbs:  17.8g
Fat:  3g
Protein:  2.3g