Ferdinand and the Bull

"FERDINAND THE BULL" OPENS AT CHILDREN'S THEATRE OF MAINE An American Children's Classic comes to the Dress-Up Theatre PORTLAND The Children's Theatre of Maine proudly announces the opening of "Ferdinand The Bull." The play, adapted from the classic Munro Leaf story by local playwright Michele Wigton, opens on Friday, March 28, in the Dress-Up Theatre at the Children's Museum of Maine and runs through April 6. The story of a bull who doesn't want to fight or butt his head, but would rather smell flowers under the cork tree dates back to 1936, the year Leaf's story was first published. After being stung by a bee, Ferdinand is mistakenly picked to be the toughest "toro," and is sent off to the bull fights in Madrid. This classic children's tale for young and old, reminds us of the value in staying true to ourselves. CTM Artistic Director Reba Short directs this production and is joined by musician Colin Gulley, who has created original songs. The cast has studied tango and flamenco, and Short has given them insight into what true bullfighting looks like. This combination of song, dance, and lively script will bring the story of Ferdinand to life in an entirely new way. The performance schedule for "Ferdinand The Bull" is as follows: Friday March 28. 7:00 Saturday March 29. 11:00, 1:00 & 3:00 Sunday March 30. 1:00 & 3:00 Saturday April 5. 11:00, 1:00 & 3:00 Sunday April 6. 1:00 & 3:00 All shows are in the Dress Up Theatre of the Children's Museum of Maine on Free Street in downtown Portland. Tickets are $5 for the show, $10 to stay and play at the museum. For more information and reservations, please contact Children's Theatre of Maine at 878-2774.

Children's Book Sale

The Falmouth Public Library (on Lunt Road) is holding a children's book sale on Saturday if anyone is in need of some new spring reading.

Pottery Cancelled

Due to low #s we've had to cancel the pottery program for March 24th... we'll try again next year! Kim

Mini Grant from Roots & Shoots

If anyone has a great idea for collaborating with the GBSD... World Harmony Mini Grants New England Roots & Shoots is excited to announce grants of $300 - $700 to support youth-led service projects in New England. Up to 10 mini-grants will support youth groups (pre-K through college age) in planning and implementing service projects. We encourage youth to address the theme of "Promoting Engagement in World Harmony." This is based upon a recent initiative of the Roots & Shoots New England Youth Leadership Council; they seek to translate a vision of World Harmony into speech, art or action. In order to receive an application, see: http://nerootsandshoots.blogspot.com/2008/02/roots-and-shoots-announces-world.html or contact Christine Ellersick at cellersick@janegoodall.org.

Kaleidescope Art offerings

March 15 - 10 - 12 All Ages workshop!! (6 and older) 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! $15 per person 790 Stevens Avenue email kaleidoscope@maine.rr.com to sign up (or call 773-2255)

Maine Can Do Better

The proposed budget cuts in Maine will devastate many Maine families. If you are interested in learning more or taking action, visit Maine Can Do Better, a coalition site. If others are interested in getting more information or more involved, I would be happy to organize an information-session / house party. Please let me know : kcs@maine.rr.com

International Women's Day - March 8th

March is women's history month and March 8th is International Women's Day. (See my personal blog for more thoughts about why it is still important to recognize women's history month. A Better World has some great resources for kids and families in conjunction with International Women's Day. The National Women's History Project shares and sells curricular materials. Info about International Women's Day can be found at Women for Women (which thinks this is the 100th anniversary) or the International Women's Day site, which puts the centennial at 2011.

Pottery / Jewlery workshop for March 24 in-service

In-Service Event : March 24th, 9:30 - 11:30am and /or 12 - 2:00 Portland Pottery Party for kids in 1st grade - 7th grade (kindergardeners on the older side could probably squeeze in -- the age cut-off is supposed to be 6.) Portland Pottery offers pottery wheels, hand sculpting, and metal smithing. Please use the comments or e-mail to sign-up and specify your preference of activity. The cost will range from $12 - $32 per person, depending on the # of kids who sign up and the materials we choose. HERE ARE THE CHOICES -- PLEASE SIGN-UP UNDER COMMENTS OR VIA E-MAIL AND I WILL ALSO PUT A SIGN-UP SHEET IN THE HALLWAY ON MONDAY. Kids can choose to do pottery, metal or both, however each section has a 6-person minimum so we might need to consolidate, depending on interest. 9:30 - 11:30 POTTERY METAL 11:30 - 12 LUNCH 12 - 2:00 POTTERY METAL So, you can sign up for a morning workshop AND an afternoon one, or just one. The cost is $14 for Clay and $16 for silver rings. If anyone from the pre-k or k is interested in suggesting an activity for younger children on this day, please do!