Two customer service reps at McCormick have confimed that none of their products contain nuts.  This includes their "pure almond extract" which lists "oil of bitter almond" as an ingredient.  They explained that this is actually derived from apricot or peach pits, and while it has a strong almond flavor, its source is a fruit rather than a nut.

Vanicream, a skin lotion and sunscreen product that is free of chemical additives, is apparently available at Costco.

Do you know a teacher, school nurse, or other school staff member whose daily efforts make your child's school day safer?  Let them know your appreciation in a note (from you or your child) or see if there is a way to officially recognize them in their job.  The Ann Arbor Public School system accepts online nominations for their "Celebration of Excellence Awards."

Especially around the holidays, it seems that grocery stores set up large open bins of nuts in the produce aisles.  Luckily, several area stores have responded to customer feedback to at least cover the bins with plexiglass lids.  Busch's and Hiller's are just two examples.  It is important to let the stores know this is a potential risk to some people, and to thank them when they respond postively.