Winter Carnival @ Pineland

Title: Winter Carnival Date: Saturday January 26, 2008 Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Location: Pineland Farms in New Gloucester Street: 15 Farm View Drive (off Rt. 231) City State Zip: New Gloucester, ME 04260 Phone: (207) 688-4539 Notes: http://www.pinelandfarms.org/visitors/events_calendar.htm Winter Carnival When: Saturday, January 26, 2008 From: 8 AM to 5 PM Where: Check in at the Visitors Center Admission: FREE! (Trail pass charges will apply) Activities will include: Beginner Ski Lessons, 9am & 1pm Snowshoe Tours, 10-2pm Family Ski Challenges, 10am & 2pm Horse-drawn Carriage Rides through Campus, 11am-3pm Story Hour at the Visitors Center, 11:30am Guided Evening Headlight Ski, 5pm Bonfire, all day Pond Skating, all day Snow Angel & Snowman Building, all day Slideshow of Baxter State Park in the Winter with Michael Perry Wax clinics with a Swix Representative Ski Races

Kaleidescope Art offerings

KALEIDOSCOPE SPRING OFFERINGS (scroll down for Summer Camp) Downstairs at the Stevens Avenue Congregational Church 790 Stevens Ave. Portland. e-mail kaleidoscope@maine.rr.com or call 773-2255 *ONE TIME WORKSHOPS FOR AGES 6 TO 96 ($15.00)* HEARTFELT VALENTINES Saturday, February 9: 10 to noon Once again it is time to have lots of fun making mobiles, pincushions, cards, garlands, chocolates, and other goodies for all your valentines! Join us and see what’s new this year! MUD SEASON MAGIC Saturday, March 15: 10 to noon Have a mini-vacation with us and make candy leis, a bouquet of magazine flowers, sea-inspired art, driftwood boats, and other reminders of warm weather. Grass skirts optional… HERE COMES THE SUN Saturday, April 5: 10 to noon Soon we’ll all be playing outdoors – let’s make kites, jump ropes, wind-catchers, “funbrellas” and more, to celebrate the coming warm days. *SPIRITED EVENINGS FOR WOMEN ($15.00) fun, friends,&art* BE MY VALENTINE Friday, February 8 7-9 pm An evening to create old-fashioned - or edgy - gifts for the loves of your life. Tiny treasure boxes, hand-sewn lovebirds, beaded pendants, etc…we’ll bring lace, paper, trim, etc. for card-making too. CABIN FEVER CAFE Friday, March 14 7-9 pm Shake off those doldrums and imagine tropical breezes – join us for another spirited evening! We will decorate beach bags, create sea-inspired art, and make some tropical-theme jewelry. SPRING FORWARD Friday, April 4 7-9 pm Time to think of flowers and sunshine – We’ll do some garden crafts, wind chimes, and bird-themed art for this last spirited evening of the season. *KALEIDOSCOPE VACATION CREATIONS SUMMER CAMP* Mon.-Fri., 9 am to noon, $150.00 per week Ages 6 and up e-mail kaleidoscope@maine.rr.com to register LIONS AND HIPPOS AND ZEBRAS,OH MY! July 7-11 Ages 6 and up We will celebrate the animals and the arts of Africa with clay, weaving, painting, beading, and more. Wouldn’t wildlife mobile brighten up your life? How about a lion friend to keep you company and a parade of elephants? We have lots of crafts planned that will focus on your favorite creatures. STITCH UP A STORM July 21-25 Ages 8 and up Everything from patchwork and knitting to sewing and weaving will keep us busy all week. We have NEW projects for 2008, including feltwork, embroidery, beading, and miniature “art quilts” to hang on your wall. We hope you join our stitching circle! PETER RABBIT AND FRIENDS August 4-8 Ages 6 and up Who would like to spend time with Peter…and Jeremy Fisher and Jemima Puddleduck, and Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail? If you enjoy these characters as much as we do, you will have a grand week planting lettuces, creating games, sewing bunnies, and making miniature mouseholes and other fun crafts that celebrate the special world of Beatrix Potter. ART MAGIC August 18-22 Ages 8 and up There is always something happening in the realm of art! This summer we will have entirely new and deliciously colorful projects ranging from sculpture and printmaking to book-making and mosaics. This is your week to experiment and get covered with paint and glitter!

One Last MLK Event in Cumberland

From the Falmouth Forecaster Valerie Tutson Professional storyteller to lead workshop, present ‘Stories from Black History’ CUMBERLAND – Everyone has a story to tell. A history of what shaped us. A legacy to those who follow us. A declaration of who we are, a spoken dream of where we’re headed, an affirmation to others that our lives matter. Professional storyteller Valerie Tutson will help adults and children as young as 5 delve into their own stories and will share her storytelling techniques in “Telling Our Stories,” an afternoon workshop on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Congregational Church on Main Street in Cumberland. In the evening, Tutson will perform “Stories from Black History,” tales of great black people from Africa and African American history. A graduate of Brown University, with a master’s degree in theater arts and a degree in a self-designed major, Storytelling as a Communications Art, Tutson has been telling stories and teaching the craft to others in many venues since 1991. Inspired by the diversity of cultures, she has collected stories and songs from all over the world. Some have been gleaned from her travels in South Africa and West Africa; others from African American history. In addition to her emphasis on African traditions, Tutson has received praise for her fresh retelling of Bible stories and received acclaim for her cable TV show in Rhode Island, “Cultural Tapestry.” With a long list of community activities to her credit, Tutson has also racked up awards and honors for her work. Diane Bennekamp, minister of Cumberland’s Congregational Church, has seen Tutson perform and has attended her workshops, some with as many as 60 or 70 participants. “She has such a wonderful, warm personal energy, you can’t be in her presence without being moved and energized,” Bennekamp said. Tutson’s program, originally scheduled for last March, was canceled due to snow. But Bennekamp believes the timing this year is better because of its proximity to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While she has no idea how many people to expect, she is confident Tutson will inspire workshop participants to learn to recognize their own stories and to be emboldened to share them with others. “Some people feel intimidated telling a story, but it’s a welcoming environment and that helps people open up,” Bennekamp said. Bennekamp said Tutson divides the workshop into small, mixed-age groups and leads them in exercises. When working with a wide range of ages, Bennekamp said Tutson may pull one willing participant out and work with him or her individually in front of the group. But there is never any pressure or intimidation and participants aren’t required to perform. The workshop, scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public. Bennekamp recommends calling the church office in advance to register. Tutson’s program, “Stories from Black History,” also free of charge, will be held on the same date, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It will be preceded by a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. To register or for more information, call the church office at 829-3419. For more information on Valerie Tutson, visit her web site.

UNE MLK Events

008 Election Year: "Constructing Democracy" UNE's Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Features Staff from the Highlander Research and Education Center As part of the 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the University of New England will host a residency with staff from the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee. The Highlander Center, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last fall, has a long history of supporting social justice movements, grassroots activism, and bringing individuals and groups together to envision and effect social change. It was one of the leading training centers for many of the country’s best-known activists during the civil rights movement. All of the Highlander Center’s programs are unified by the common theme of “Constructing Democracy,” which means building a society in which all people can participate in the decisions that affect their lives. Featured Speakers Elandria Williams, a youth and community organizer on the Highlander’s Education Team, will be the featured speaker on the University Campus in Biddeford January 22-24th. Anasa Troutman, a Highlander staff member who uses arts and culture for activist organizing and social change will be the featured speaker on the Westbrook College Campus in Portland January 30-February 1st. Calendar of Events University Campus - Biddeford All MLK, Jr. events on the University Campus in Biddeford will be facilitated by Elandria Williams from the Highlander Center and are free and open to the public. Tuesday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. Socrates Café: Racism and Oppression in our Community? St. Francis Room, Library, UC Campus in Biddeford Wednesday, January 23 at noon UC Keynote Address: “Constructing Democracy” Elandria Williams from the Highlander Center Multipurpose Rooms, Campus Center, UC Campus, Biddeford A Service & Community Involvement Fair will be held at the same time and location. Wednesday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. “Leadership for Activism” Workshop Multipurpose Rooms, Campus Center, UC Campus, Biddeford. To register for this workshop email ehavu@une.edu Westbrook College Campus - Portland All MLK, Jr. Events on the Westbrook College Campus in Portland will be facilitated by Anasa Troutman from the Highlander Center and are free and open to the public. Wednesday, January 30 at noon WCC Keynote Address: “Why We Can’t Wait” Anasa Troutman from the Highlander Center Ludcke Auditorium, WCC Campus, Portland Wednesday, January 30 at 5:00 p.m. Socrates Café: Racism and Oppression in our Community? Cahner’s Lounge, Hersey Hall, WCC Campus, Portland Thursday, January 31 at 1:00 p.m. “Initiating Conversations: Tools for Change” Workshop Alexander 07, WCC Campus, Portland Thursday, January 31 at 6:00 p.m. “Engaging Communities through the Arts” Workshop Alexander 07, WCC Campus, Portland

Talking Openly About Diversity...

The 14th Annual Changing Maine Presents: "Talking Openly About Diversity, Oppression & Racism in Maine" one day workshop Saturday, February 9, 2008 Pine Tree State Arboretum 153 Hospital St. Augusta, ME 9:30 AM - 3: 30 PM (In case of hazardous driving weather on February 9, the event will be re-scheduled to a later date, same time and location) *$25 suggested (but any donation is welcome, consider sponsoring a slot for another to attend) Presented by Cultivating Multicultural Alliances (CMA) of Maine and New England Developed by a Social Worker in Maine, CMA is a Whole-listic Approach to Multiculturalism Based on Alliances, Equity, Reciprocity and the Elimination of Racism & Tribalism "Diversity is nothing new, but equity & multiculturalism are." To register or more info (see below) contact Larry Dansinger, 525-7776 or rosc@psouth.net. Changing Maine is sponsored by ROSC (Resources for Organizing and Social Change). To Contact Cultivating Multicultural Alliances (CMA): P.O. Box 7831 Portland, Maine 04112 USA Phone: 207- 232-3092 Web: www.callcma.net (currently under construction until mid Jan) Email: callcma@gmail.com CMA is beneficial for all ages, races and ethnicities, including individuals, groups, and organizations. CMA DID (Dialogues in Diversity) dialogues and Anti- Oppression Peer Education Trainings are especially beneficial for Grades 6-12 and College Students. Why this day to look at issues of diversity, oppression, and racism in Maine? Diversity in Maine is nothing new, but multiculturalism and equity are. Maine and most of New England are currently experiencing growing pains due to increasing international adoptions, international students, refugee resettlements, bi- racial and multiracial families, and relationships. CMA was established by a social worker in July 2007 after working with numerous individuals, groups and organizations as they struggled with trying to manage these life transitions. Participants trained in the CMA approach learn to value themselves in relationship with others. These trainings are especially valuable for educational institutions, NGOs, social workers & grass roots community organizers wanting to organize anti- racism initiatives more affectively across class and racial divides. Event Schedule This one day workshop is an introduction to CMA weekend retreats and trainings. 9:00-9:30 am Registration /Coffee/Tea--PLEASE ARRIVE BY 9 AM SO WE CAN START NO LATER THAN 9:30. 9:30- 10:00 am An overview & introduction to CMA Ice Breakers 10:00 -12 Noon Dialogues in Diversity level I- The practice of critical cross-cultural engagement in action Noon-1:30 Potluck Lunch and Reflections [Please provide food for 8+, keep in mind dietary concerns, e.g., no dairy, no meat, or no pork. Labelling incredients in whatever you bring will help. Potluck allows us to keep the conference cost to a minimum] 1:30- 3:00 pm "His"- Story, Racism in review and a multicultural society 3- 3:30 closing remarks CEU certification pending approval by the ACSW licensure board Registration Form (You can fill out on line and email back) Cost: $25 per person (but any suggested donation is welcomed, consider sponsoring a slot for another to attend) Name: Address: City/ state/zip Phone Email: Organization (if any) ____I need a ride; contact me re; carpooling ____I can offer a ride ____I need childcare, register by January 26 *Directions and handouts will be sent to pre-registrants. Registration at the door may be available as space permits (call first). *The location and bathrooms are fully wheelchair accessible. For special needs/requests, please state below: ____I am mailing a check (made out to ROSC) to ROSC, 161 Stovepipe Alley, Monroe, ME 04951 ____Hold a space, I will pay at the door: For event logistics or last-minute questions about weather, contact Larry Dansinger, Resources for Organizing and Social Action, 161 Stovepipe Alley, Monroe, ME 04951, (207) 525-7776 or rosc@psouth.net.

New Telling Room Workshops

The Telling Room has posted new workshops for grades K - 12 Elementary and Middle School Workshops High School Workshops Elementary and Middle School Workshops The Grok, the Sneasal, and Frank: The Encyclopedia of Imaginary Animals Grades 3 –5 Saturdays, February 2, 9, and March 1 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lead Teachers: Jefferson Navicky, Kristen Stake Starting with drawing and collage, our expert Imaginary Animal Wranglers will help you imagine an awesometastic new species of animal, who will then become the hero of tales you write. All these tales will be captured in our very own encyclopedia. Who Cares about Harry Potter? Developing Your Own Great Characters Grades 5 –8 Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 27, and March 5 2 – 3:30 p.m. Lead Teacher: Gibson Fay-LeBlanc Whether it’s a mutant from the planet Zeenon or a man named Bob searching for a volcanic rock, in this workshop, you’ll form a living, breathing being on the page. A few of the characters you create will actually come visit us at The Telling Room. We will send you home with a cast of characters to write about. Hidden Portland: Writing and Photography Grades 6 – 8 Saturdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Lead Teachers: Fran Vita-Taylor, Susan Porter Using The Telling Room’s digital cameras and a notepad, you will explore the Old Port’s nooks and crannies. A photographer and writer will teach you how to frame a picture and a story or poem about that scene. Maximum seven students. Flowers, Clementines, and a Duck: Painting a Picture with Words Grades 1 – 3 Saturday, May 3 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lead Teacher: Kathleen Meil What do you see from your chair? What would you see from the chair on the other side of the table? How is drawing different from writing? Come and find out!

Materialism & Self-Esteem

I don't know if this study has solid methods, but the idea resonates with so much of what has happened at FSP (the paper plates made me think about the closing compliments last year) and is interesting in this time of hyper-consumerism... From Dads and Daughters: TEEN MATERIALISM LINKED TO SELF-ESTEEM New research indicates that materialism in children and adolescents is directly connected to their self esteem. The University of Minnesota’s Deborah Roedder John and University of Illinois’s Lan Nguyen Chaplin found that materialism increases from middle childhood (8 and 9 years old) to early adolescence (12 and 13 years old) but then declines by the end of high school (16 to 18 years old). This mirrors patterns in self-esteem, which instead decreases in early adolescence but increases in late adolescence. "The level of materialism in teens is directly driven by self-esteem," said John. "When self-esteem drops as children enter adolescence, materialism peaks. Then by late adolescence, when self-esteem rebounds, their materialism drops." In a second study, John and Chaplin boosted self-esteem by giving children positive information about peer acceptance. In a summer camp setting, children were given paper plates with positive descriptors about them, such as "smart" and "fun," which were provided by their peers. This simple gesture drastically reduced the high levels of materialism found among 12- to 13-year-olds and the moderate levels of materialism found among 16- to 18-year-olds. “By simply increasing self-esteem in teens, we see a decreased focus on material goods that parallels that of young children,” said John. “While peers and marketing can certainly influence teens, materialism is directly connected to self-esteem." Read more