From the Evening Star in Brunswick

I adore the Eveningstar in Brunswick... "The Princess Bride" (PG)(98 min) Free Showing for Christmas! Saturday, December 20th at 11:00 AM Directed by Rob Reiner Starring: Robin Wright, Cary Elwes and Peter Falk "'The Princess Bride' begins as a story that a grandfather is reading out of a book. But already the movie has a spin on it, because the grandfather is played by Peter Falk, and in the distinctive quality of his voice we detect a certain edge. His voice seems to contain a measure of cynicism about fairy stories, a certain awareness that there are a lot more things on heaven and Earth than have been dreamed of by the Brothers Grimm. The story he tells is about Buttercup, a beautiful princess who scornfully orders around a farm boy until the day when she realizes, thunderstruck, that she loves him. She wants to live happily ever after with him, but then evil forces intervene, and she is kidnapped and taken far away across the lost lands, while he is killed. The moment the princess is taken away by agents of the evil Prince Humperdinck, 'The Princess Bride' reveals itself as a sly parody of sword and sorcery movies, a film that somehow manages to exist on two levels at once: While younger viewers will sit spellbound at the thrilling events on the screen, adults, I think, will be laughing a lot. 'The Princess Bride' was adapted by William Goldman from his own novel, which he says was inspired by a book he read as a child, but which seems to have been cheerfully transformed by his wicked adult imagination. It is filled with good-hearted fun, with performances by actors who seem to be smacking their lips and by a certain true innocence that survives all of Reiner's satire. And, also, it does have kissing in it." - Roger Ebert.

Kaleidescope Art offerings

A teacher from Kaleidescope did some great art projects in aftercare for the Hat Sale (the cards and votive holders)... they are offering a workshop over break... We will have another Vacation Creations event Tuesday December 30 from 10 am to noon at the usual location, 790 Stevens Avenue. This is for ages 6 and up, and will include projects like igloos, penguins, snowflakes, and other delights of cold weather. Still $15 per person, email to let us know if you can come! (or call 773-2255)

James' letter to the editor / PPH article about the importance of play

James wrote a fabulous letter to the Portland Press Herald, arguing that Quaker schools are not elitist in principal or practice... Unfortunately, I can't find the letter in the online Press Herald, but there are extra copies at school... I'm curious how others handle the charge that Independent school is an elitist choice?

Movie night @ FSP

The third movie night of the season will occur this Friday, December 12th. The movies are Iron Giant for the older kids, and selected shorts, for the younger.

Here is a review of Iron Giant from "Parent Previews" and Common Sense Media says it is appropriate for kids older than 5, although it is rated PG. The plan so far has been that Friends who can bring snacks to share, and folks make a small donation to support the FSPPA fund. Movie night starts at 6.

Judith Warner article

This is an interesting perspective on how to shield our kids from horrible news, and the dilemmas of not being able to all the time. (Thanks Naomi!)

Night Tree @ Wolf's Neck Farm

This Saturday, December 6th, from 10-3, we are having our annual Children’s Night Tree and Chili Fest. We will have a read aloud of Eve Bunting’s “The Night Tree” and then kids will make edible ornaments to help feed the woodland animals. The kids get hot cocoa and a snack, and also get to tramp out to the woods to the camp fire to hang their ornaments from the trees. If you are interested in attending there is still space available. Please call 865-4469. It is a fun way of supporting the farm and what we do here.

Parenting Support Group with Pam Leo

Parenting Support Group with Pam Leo

Pam Leo will be facilitating a new monthly Parenting Support Group at the Youth Alternatives Ingraham Family Center in South Portland, beginning Monday, December 8th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Groups will continue through the rest of the school year on the second Monday of each month.

Parents and caregivers with children of all ages are invited to attend this informal topic and Q&A evening to share their joys, questions and concerns with Pam and each other. The Connection Parenting series is not a prerequisite; all are welcome. There is a sliding scale fee of $1 to $10. Pre-registration is requested so we will know how many people to expect.

To register or for more information, contact Pam Leo at 839-6478.

Family Events at JFK Library in Boston

I just learned that there are free family shows at the JFK library in Boston. Of particular interest is this one -- I am now eager to learn more about the connection between Tubman and Quaker women... : Underground Railway Theater JANUARY 19, 2009, 10:30 AM—11:30 AM Are You Ready My Sister? Discover how Harriet Tubman, and the Quaker women who helped her, brought 300 fugitives to freedom. A colorful quilt, shadow puppets, and music based on slave spirituals bring the Undergound Railroad to life. The audience is encouraged to participate. This program is particularly suited to older children.