Free pass for 2 weeks to the Y

The CascoBay YMCA (Pineland, Portland and Freeport Branches) are offering passes for 2 week trial periods from Sept 29 to October 12th (I think). I think you can just go to any of the Ys to sign up...

Kaleidescope Art offerings

Halloween Harvest Saturday October 18 10 to noon $15 per person 790 Stevens Avenue This popular workshop is back again! - it will be a fun morning for adults and children (ages 6 and up) We'll create Halloween triptychs, spooky trolls, black cat pocket-bags, jack-o-lantern cookies, owl garlands, and other autumn decorations and delights. email us to sign up or ask questions (or call 773-2255) Thanks! Hope to see you there! Carolyn and Phyllis Kaleidoscope Arts and Crafts School

Spanish Story time

The Prince Memorial Library (on Route 9 in Cumberland) is offering a story time in Spanish on October 3, at 3pm.

Back Lobby

Hi Friends, We are trying to make the back lobby an inviting place for parents and children to hang out, while waiting for an older sibling or an event or whatever... If anyone has any books or toys/games that you'd be willing to donate, it would be lovely if you could bring them in! Thanks, Kim

Teaching Kids about Race and Racism

The recent hate crimes in Portland have challenged me to think about how to talk to my kids about violence and hate without scaring them or giving them too much information. Yet, I know that kids and adults need to learn about our history in all its complexity and that making conversations about race and racism a part of our lives from a young age will make it more possible for them to grapple with the topic as they get older. There are tons of fabulous books and picture books -- but I just stumbled on an interesting web site from the American Anthropological Association for ages 10 - 13. It supports the supposition that race is historically constructed (the opening quotation is "Racism is not about how you look, it is about how people assign meaning to how you look" and includes games / interactive sections about stereotypes, history, and science.) I'd be curious about what others think of it and if you'd encourage your 10 - 13 year old to check it out? (There is an adult page as well!)

Movie Ideas to Span the Ages

Last year the teachers and families from grades 3 - 7 sponsored a couple of movie nights as fundraisers for Chewonki and community building fun. The evenings included pizza, kids with sleeping bags and pillows on the floor, and a G-rated flick. As the school grows, the evenings might need to be adapted -- should there be 1 film for all ages, different films happening at the same time, different happening at different times, etc. PLEASE USE THE COMMENTS to suggest films that you think would be fun and appropriate for FSP and recommended ages as well as ideas about how to structure the movie nights in a way that would work best for your family!

Workshop for Dads

Thought some of you might be interested in this -- I think it is aimed at dads Fathering and Partnering: A Workshop Series Exploring the Dimensions of Fathering and Parenting with Partners Contact Boys to Men to register or for more information. All programs will be held at the Family Center of Youth Alternatives Ingraham in South Portland. Workshop #2: The Maze of Contemporary Boyhood: What Parents Can Do to Foster Connection and Dialogue with facilitators Jeff Morrill, LCSW, Boys to Men Program Coordinator and Layne Gregory, LCSW, Boys to Men Executive Director Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 :00 pm to 9:00 pm Fee: $25 I'd be also be interested in organizing a "sex ed for parents" workshop by the Real Life, Real Talk program if others are... the website is here. http://www.realliferealtalk.org/sefp/portland-me.htm

Governor's Conference on Youth and the Natural World - Oct 2

According to the PPH article on this conference, we can all feel very good about FSP's commitment to outside time for kids! Governor's Conference on Youth and the Natural World What: An all-day conference focusing on ways to connect Maine's youth with nature and the outdoors. When: Saturday, Oct. 2 Where: Augusta Civic Center, Augusta. How much: $25 for adults; $10 for students To learn more: 287-4901 or go to www.take-it-outside.com

Curtis Memorial Library Corner Stones of Science Websites

Like many parents, I have very mixed feelings about "screen time." I spend a good amount of time on the computer, and yet I don't feel great about my kids doing the same. Yet, they are very attracted to it (or at least the older one is). A grant from the Cornerstones of Science foundation has led the Curtis Memorial Library (in Brunswick) to develop a lot of fabulous resources that are shared with many local libraries. They have an ever-expanding list of website for kids that have been chosen as high quality and science related. The link is here and I'll also put a permanent link under "web sites for kids."

Candlelight Vigil for James Angelo

Dear Friends, Please join us in support for James Angelo's family. CANDLELIGHT VIGIL Friday, 6pm at Monument Square The Portland community is invited to a candlelight vigil in response to the tragic shooting death of James Angelo - to show support to James' family and stand in solidarity with the Sudanese community. Please feel free to bring signs that share a message of nonviolence. For more information, please contact Bonnie Blythe of Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence, 780-0501 Thank you, NAACP Portland Branch

Packaging Girlhood

Packaging Girlhood Join Lyn Mikel Brown, nationally acclaimed author of Packaging Girlhood who will talk about the powerful impact of the media and commercial marketing on girls. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading experts in adolescent girls' development and learn how to help girls build positive self esteem. When: Thursday, September 18, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Where: Maine Medical Center, Charles A. Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland Register by calling The MaineHealth Learning Resource Center at 1-866-609-5183

Celebrate Fall @ Wolf's Neck

FSP Parent’s Association Sponsored Field Trip to Wolf’s Neck Farm Friday October 10th 10:30 – 12 (+ picnic) Celebrate the first in-service day of the year with a family trip to Wolf’s Neck Farm. The morning includes a tour of the barn, a short program, a hayride and an apple and pumpkin for each child. Siblings are welcome! We’re encouraged to come early for hiking, bring a picnic and stay for a community lunch! Cost -- $5.00 per person Directions to Wolfe’s Neck Farm (Freeport) Visitors to Wolfe’s Neck Farm must now arrive via Lower Plying Point Road. Please refer to the directions below. Follow Interstate 295 (exit 20) or US Route 1 to Freeport. Across from LL Bean turn onto Bow Street, this becomes Flying Point Road. After approximately 3.5 miles, turn right onto Lower Flying Point Road. After 0.25 mile turn right onto Burnett Road. The Farm office is 0.8 mile ahead. Please sign up by September 26th -- slips can be returned to Jessica or e-mail Kim Simmons (kcs@maine.rr.com) Name: Children’s Names: Do you need your child to attend with friends (do you want us to help you arrange carpooling) YES NO Amount enclosed / owed ($5.00 per person, including adults and siblings (but not babies in arms)

Portland Public Library Fall Book Sale

Fall Book Sale Come early for the best selection! Thursday, September 25th, 3:30pm–6:30pm; Friday, September 26th, 10:00am–3:00pm; Saturday, September 27th, 10:00am–3:00pm; and Tuesday, September 30th, 10:00am–2:00pm