Spa in the Garden- June 27th for GROWN-UPS

Most of my blog posts are about things for kids or families, but this just seems too lovely for the FSP parent crowd, especially since we'll be deep into summer by June 27th... June 27th, Spa in the Garden, 10am–2pm Come experience the luxury of spa treatments in the verdant setting of McLaughlin Garden. Linda Adler and her staff from Ambiance Day Spa will offer 3 different spa treatments: a soothing scalp massage, calming foot soak and your choice of either a chair or Lomilomi massage. Choose any combination for any amount of time you wish. All treatments are $10 for 10 minutes and you can tailor your experience to your wishes. Reservations required. I wonder if we could pull of a fundraiser like this?

Stories by The Garden - wanna help?

We will once again be offering Stories by the Garden Wednesdays @ 11:00 am during camp weeks (and maybe beyond?) We will have surprise author visits and would love ideas suggestions for local children's authors or illustrators... If you are able to be a parent rep. (to meet and greet), would be interested in reading a story or facilitating a craft (we can have supplies and directions prepared, but need more adult hands to help, or have suggestions of local author/illustrators that we should invite, please let us know! (e-mail Katie or post a comment!)

Norlands (for Nicole's class especially)

When I was in 4th grade, a trip to Norlands was a part of the "Study of Maine." (Norlands is a living history museum, but much smaller than Sturbridge Village). Sadly, I missed my class trip, and despite having lived here almost all my life I've never been. Last year, a fire destroyed much of the facility and they spent most of the year rebuilding. They are open for tours this summer, and it would be a great field trip for our class -- and others! Living History Tours This summer Washburn Norlands Living History Center is offering living history tours done by interpreters in period clothing portraying people of the neighborhood. In the school house you will learn first hand about rural education in 1853, the three R's. You can try using a quill pen or test your skills in mental arithemetic or spelling. In the mansion house you can chat with the youngest Washburn, daughter Caroline as she shows you through the family home. She enjoys telling about her famous family and sharing family stories. The Washburn kitchen is always a busy place. There might be cooking, ironing, playing games, an artifacts game, story telling, spinning, other neighbors dropping by or most anything else. This is a guided tour in the buildings and self guided on the grounds. Go at your own pace, stay and visit where you wish. Bring a picnic lunch, we will provide the lawn, the picnic table and the beautiful setting. Tour Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 30 through September 3 Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fwd: Arts & Crafts Day Saturday!

Saturday, May 30th 11:00am - 1:00pm $5 We are having an Arts & Crafts event for all ages! Activities will include: Cartooning lessons by Ed King, painting slates from our roof, making beaded jewelry, making magnets and collages, and more! All materials included (but bring your own if you'd like!) Kids should wear clothes they can get messy. St. Lawrence Arts Center 76 Congress St. Portland, Me. 775-5568

Work Support

So many of us are transitioning from jobs, looking for work, visioning about our futures, etc. I wonder how we can help support each other? I wonder how we can bring Quaker values to our personal work? Does it make sense to have a morning coffee and networking moment before school ends? Do folks want to use google groups to share resumes and resources? Any other creative ideas for supporting each other and our school community? Use the comments to post your suggestions!!!! (ICL opportunity below)

FW: Prepare For Your Next Professional Stage With ICL's Act II

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Want to navigate your current career transition with both your head and your heart? Then consider Act II. And here are other ICL events coming soon you may be interested in:   Core Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards - Explore key roles of and responsibilities of board members. (June 3, in Portland)   Demystifying the Annual Fund - An interactive workshop focused on primary elements of an annual giving program. (June 16, Freeport)   Having the Real Conversation in the Board Room - Build skills you can use to personally contribute to your board room. (June 23, Portland)       Are you planning for or wondering about the next step in your professional life? Asking yourself the right questions today can result in great opportunities tomorrow. To guide you in the right direction, ICL invites you to participate in: Act II: Setting the Stage for the Next Step in Your Work and Career   Friday, June 5 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. USM Osher Lifelong Learning Institute $99 (includes lunch) Register by May 22 (click here for registration form) Whether you find yourself at a career crossroads because of a layoff or you simply desire a new direction, this interactive daylong forum is designed to provide participants at all professional stages and ages a unique and supportive structure to plan for a successful career and work transition. Act II will engage participants' heads and hearts by offering strategies, connections and a positive perspective from which to move forward.   Act II will feature: ·Deb Gallant, of D.Gallant Management Associates, speaking on current state trends of transition, employment figures and the opportunities to be found in the numbers ·Barbara Babkirk, of Heart at Work, speaking on how to take control during transition and turn worry into action by defining your edge. ·Breakout workshops on topics including Job Search Strategies: Tapping the Hidden Job Market (taught by Amy Wilson Jaffe, of Heart at Work) and Making the Best of Social Networking (taught by Sherry Mason, Asst. Director, Career Planning, Bowdoin College). ·An interactive panel discussion and Q & A session moderated by ICL Executive Director Steve Schuit featuring the inspirational stories of those who have successfully completed professional transitions before in both the public and private sectors. ·Interest-driven table discussions and guided group and individual reflection. ·And much, much more. And, thanks to a generous contribution from Mainebiz, all Act II attendees will receive a complimentary one-year subscription (a $42.95 value) to help them stay informed about Maine's latest business news during their transition. If Act II isn't for you, but you know of someone who would benefit from this timely forum, please pass this invitation along by using the button below: A special thanks to our sponsors:             REGISTRATION: $99 (including lunch). To register, contact Wayne at 207-773-3254 x100 or email wgriffin@civicleadership.org. Or click here for the registration form. Registration cancellations must be received two weeks prior to the event. INSTITUTE for CIVIC LEADERSHIP · 34A Exchange Street · PO Box 422  Portland  ME 04112 · tel  207-773-3254  ·  fax  207-772-5954

Recap of Susan Linn's visit

I have posted a recap and some links that came out of Susan Linn's vist on my personal blog if anyone is interested... If you are interested in participating, have ideas for future speakers, sessions, resources, etc. please email parentingforpeace@gmail.com or use the comments section!

Maine State Book Award List

The most recent Maine State Book Award List is ready : It is a reading program for grades 4-8. This year's annotated list, with suggested grade levels, can be found on the Windham Library Page. Every book on the list was read and recommended by at least 4 professional children librarians or teachers from Maine. Many of the books are available at public libraries.

Boys to Men - conference & free lecture

Raising Healthy Kids Strategies for the Whole Community With Dr. Dennis Embry FREE Parent Night Thursday, May 21 7:00-8:30 pm South Portland High School Auditorium Presenter Dr. Dennis Embry will outline how many of our current policies and practices can be harmful to youth, and how we can use just four simple, scientifically proven strategies to better the futures of all children. Dr. Embry is a nationally acclaimed child psychologist whose work has taken him from Sesame Street to the Secretary of Defense with stops in between. He is a National Research Advisory Council Senior Fellow and a scientist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Prevention and Intervention and the National Center on Early Adolescence, an author of evidence-based prevention programs, and an advocate raising healthy kids using community-wide support. Introductory remarks by Maine's former Attorney General Steve Rowe. Earlier in the day, Dr. Embry will present the keynote address at the annual Boys to Men conference at USM. For more info, check out the e-mail from Real Life Real Talk

FW: 2 Camps for the price of 1!

Summer Camp Registration: Early Bird Special; Register and pay by May 29 and get your second camp free! In these challenging economic times, we would like to offer a special opportunity to enjoy 2 camps for the price of 1. We provide fun, interactive and educational camps to our members and visitors. Please take advantage of this great offer and help us fill up our camps! Click HERE for online registration. Please note: Payment must be made at time of registration.  Tuition refunds for cancellations will be given up to 14 days before camp begins less a $25 processing fee.  After that time, no refunds will be given.
2009 Camps: Fairy Fun Creative Kids! A-B-C & ME! Dino Days! The 3 Billy Goats Gruff Grow Your Own Garden Silly Science Pirate Camp Where the Wild Things Are Punch and Judy Puppet Camp	Camps for ages 4-5 Fairy Fun *Only one spot remaining! June 22-June 26 · 9am-Noon If you believe in fairies, clap your hands! Make your own fairy doll and spend a week building fairy houses, making fairy dust, and learning all about fairies and their stories. We will also make wings, wands, and houses to be fairies ourselves! Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 241 or email jamie@kitetails.org. Creative Kids! June 29-July 3 · 9am-Noon Let's get down and dirty! Express your artistic ability in so many genres! We'll use our imaginations to explore color and art materials. Join us for a gallery showing to display our masterpieces. Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 227 or email lousia@kitetails.org.
A-B-C & ME! (Art, Books, Creativity) July 13-July 17 · 9am-Noon Plant the seeds of fun and learning as we explore the wonderful story of The Little Red Hen. Through movement activities, crafts, storytelling and creative play, we'll bring the beloved characters of this classic tale to life, all while encouraging our growth as emergent readers. Join us as we use art and our imaginations to help make books come alive! Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 229 or email sarahc@kitetails.org. Camps for ages 6-9 Dino Days! August 17-21 · 9am-Noon Calling all dinosaur lovers! Join us for five days of dynamite discovery and fun as we explore the world of these giants from the past. We'll dig up fossils, learn fascinating facts, read wonderful stories, create terrific crafts, and make delectable dinosaur treats-all while having a roaring good time! Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 229 or email sarahc@kitetails.org. The 3 Billy Goats Gruff August 10-14 · 9am-Noon This camp is for young Billly-goats that want to get their hooves wet on the stage. Be an actor in our production of the Three Billy Goats Gruff and experience for the first time the magic of live theater. We will perform it for the public on the last day of camp. Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 247 or email reba@kitetails.org. Grow Your Own Garden August 3-August 7 · 9am-Noon Calling all green thumbs! If you'd like to grow your own herbs, create a multicolored crystal garden, and try the ancient art of Japanese Zen gardening, this is the camp for you. We will also learn about what grows in Maine and make some tasty treats with food from the Farmer's Market! Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 241 or email jamie@kitetails.org. Silly Science July 27-July 31 · 9am-Noon Hey Junior scientist! Put on your lab coats and join us as we cover all the bases (and acids too!) From kitchen chemistry to the earth and planetary sciences, we'll learn about observation and collecting information, then put it to the test as true scientists do! You're sure to take home some neat and gooey knowledge! Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 227 or email louisa@kitetails.org. Pirate Camp July 20-July 24 · 9am-Noon Ahoy thar Matey! Come for a fun-filled week of swashbuckling pirate adventures. Follow the map to the buried treasure, help build a private ship and create your own pirate costume from head to toe! Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 229 or email sarahc@kitetails.org. Where the Wild Things Are August 3-7 · 1-4pm Is the stage calling you? Were you born to play a Wild Thing? Come be a part of the adventure of putting on a play! In this one week camp, we will work together to create Where the Wild Things Are, and we will perform it for the public on the last day of camp. Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 247 or email reba@kitetails.org. Punch and Judy Puppet Camp August 17-21 · 1-4pm Create your own Punch and Judy Puppets, and put on a puppet show on our puppet stage! Learn about the history of this puppet tradition, brush up on your comedy! We will perform it for the public on the last day of camp. Cost is $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Cost of registration includes t-shirt. FMI: call 828-1234, ext 247 or email reba@kitetails.org.

Susan Linn Tomorrow!!!

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood Reclaiming Childhood from Corporate Marketers CCFC's Director, psychologist Susan Linn, will be giving a special lecture at the Friends School of Portland this Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM. Children's creative play is crucial to their growth and development. Play is the foundation of learning, and creativity and is essential to self-reflection and the capacity to make life meaningful. Play comes naturally to children, yet in the 21st century United States its very existence is threatened by an unprecedented convergence of sophisticated screen technology and rampant commercialism. Psychologist Susan Linn discusses the inseparable links between play, creativity and health, identifies the modern threats to make believe, and lays out strategies for nurturing play in a culture that dictates against it. This event is open to the public. When: Tuesday, May 12, 7:00PM Where: Friends School of Portland, 1 Mackworth Island, Falmouth, ME For more information please click here or contact information@... The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood A Program of the Judge Baker Children's Center 53 Parker Hill Ave Boston, MA 02120 www.commercialfreechildhood.org

Fwd: Join us at Working with Girls on Wednesday, May 20th in Portland, ME

 

You're invited to…

Working with Girls: A Training in Facilitation and Group Dynamics

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

 

 

Dear friends,

 

Facilitating group work with girls can be as challenging as it is rewarding.  While building the group into a safe space, nurturing girls' voices, and helping them speak to their experiences takes effort and time and it can be difficult and messy.  Bet, we also know that providing girls with the space and supports they need to connect, challenge and talk about their world is essential to girls' healthy development.

 

That's why we're offering a special training on Wednesday, May 20^th from 9a-4p in Portland, Maine.  The training, Working with Girls: A Training in Facilitation and Group Dynamics, is an opportunity for you to learn concrete strategies for:

¨       Appreciating girls' differences and standing with girls

¨       Becoming self-aware as a facilitator and group member

¨       Observing, listening and tracking a group's voice and growth

¨       Practicing the 3 levels of listening

¨       Recognizing & handling resistance

Participants will also have the opportunity to practice facilitation techniques and look at group case studies.

 

Our trainer is Lael Couper Jepson, the owner and principal of SheChanges, a coaching and consulting firm based in Portland,Maine.  She is a professionally educated and seasoned practitioner of organization development as well as a certified coach.

This workshop is designed for teachers, guidance counselors, school administrators, health service and social service providers, parents, and anyone else who wants to learn more effective approaches to bringing out the best in girls!

Join us for this groundbreaking training and find out how we can all create a better world for girls.

Find out more about Working with Girls

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

Registration fee is $95  if received by May 13th; $110 afterward. A 15% discount is available for groups of 3 or more people from the same agency who register together. For more information on the training please visit our website (www.hghw.org), contact Hardy Girls Healthy Women (207) 861-8131 or info@hghw.org.

Register online now 

Or

Download the flyer

 

We hope to see you on May 20^th.

 

Sincerely,

 

Megan Williams, Executive Director

Hardy Girls Healthy Women, Inc.

PO Box 821 / 14 Common Street

Waterville, ME 04903-0821

207/861.8131 (tel) / 207/615.0514 (fax)

megan@hghw.org / www.hghw.org

 

 

Fwd: Join us at Working with Girls on Wednesday, May 20th in Portland, ME

You're invited to…

Working with Girls: A Training in Facilitation and Group Dynamics

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

 

 

Facilitating group work with girls can be as challenging as it is rewarding.  While building the group into a safe space, nurturing girls' voices, and helping them speak to their experiences takes effort and time – and it can be difficult and messy we also know that providing girls with the space and supports they need to connect, challenge and talk about their world is essential to girls' healthy development.

 

That's why we're offering a special training on Wednesday, May 20^th from 9a-4p in Portland, Maine.  The training, Working with Girls: A Training in Facilitation and Group Dynamics, is an opportunity for you to learn concrete strategies for:

¨       Appreciating girls' differences and standing with girls

¨       Becoming self-aware as a facilitator and group member

¨       Observing, listening and tracking a group's voice and growth

¨       Practicing the 3 levels of listening

¨       Recognizing & handling resistance

Participants will also have the opportunity to practice facilitation techniques and look at group case studies.

 

Our trainer is Lael Couper Jepson, the owner and principal of SheChanges, a coaching and consulting firm based in Portland,Maine.  She is a professionally educated and seasoned practitioner of organization development as well as a certified coach.

This workshop is designed for teachers, guidance counselors, school administrators, health service and social service providers, parents, and anyone else who wants to learn more effective approaches to bringing out the best in girls!

Join us for this groundbreaking training and find out how we can all create a better world for girls.

Find out more about Working with Girls

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

Registration fee is $95  if received by May 13th; $110 afterward. A 15% discount is available for groups of 3 or more people from the same agency who register together. For more information on the training please visit our website (www.hghw.org), contact Hardy Girls Healthy Women (207) 861-8131 or info@hghw.org.

Register online now 

Or

Download the flyer

 

We hope to see you on May 20^th.

 

Sincerely,

 

Megan Williams, Executive Director

Hardy Girls Healthy Women, Inc.

PO Box 821 / 14 Common Street

Waterville, ME 04903-0821

207/861.8131 (tel) / 207/615.0514 (fax)

megan@hghw.org / www.hghw.org

 

 

Re: Frog & Toad @ Maine State Music Theater -- June 8th

Jen M. let me know that the 10am show is actually sold out --  Let's go for the 1pm show, and folks should buy their own tickets ASAP since they are also almost sold out... It would be great to meet for a pre-show picnic! K

Frog & Toad @ Maine State Music Theater -- June 8th

I am going to get tickets for Kate and Grace and I to see Frog & Toad The Musical at the Maine State Theater in Brunswick on June 8th at 10:00 am.   We'd love to have friends join us, and I'd be happy to coordinate group tickets.  Please get back to me by May 15th if you'd like me to get tickets for you and yours... They are $11.00 per person.

(and a note for older kids -- later that week they are doing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - we might also go to that, but aren't quite sure yet)

Thanks, Kim 

Re: Parenting for Peace: Free Public Lecture - MAY 12 -- Please Forward!

This week's NYT magazine featured an article by Peggy Orenstein about the importance of free play for young children.  [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/magazine/03wwln-lede-t.html?_r=1&emc=eta1]   We are so pleased to offer an opportunity for child care providers and  parents and teachers and community members to discuss this idea, with a national expert.   

Susan Linn is the director of the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood and recently wrote : The Case for Make Believe which uses developmental psychology and current research on media  to help adults think about the role that pretend play has in the lives of young children, the role of adults to engage in that play (or leave it alone), and the role of social forces in scripting, limiting or encouraging make-believe.  

Although Susan, a ventriloquist, takes this work very seriously, she brings with her an audacious friend "Audrey" who adds a much needed dose of humor to the conversation. 

The talk is FREE

May 12th 

Begins at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30)

at the Friends School of Portland ~ Mackworth Island

ASL interpreting will be provided 

Please come and please share this with friends! 

(p.s.  I'm sorry to send repetitive reminders, but please do pass them on!)