Celebration for Solstice at Audobon

Family Program: Summer Solstice Celebrate the longest day of the year with sunny fun for all ages.We'll learn what the sun does for plants and animals, hear sun tales from cultures all over the world, and work on a sun craft or two. Saturday, June 21 10-11:30 a.m. Members: $6/adult, $3/child; nonmembers: $8/adult, $4/child Advance registration necessary tel: (207) 781-6180 ext.215 Camps/toll-free: 1-888-325-5261 ext.215 email: LLEDOUX@MAINEAUDUBON.ORG

August 16 Peace Event

Sue Sheriff, who many know from music together, is offering a kick-off party for her new book... Peace in the Park WHEN: Saturday, August 16, 2008 WHERE: Royal River Park in Yarmouth TIME: 10:00 AM - NOON As a celebration for the release of Sue Sheriff’s new book on peace for children "In Harmony and Other Songs of Peace, please join us for this wonderful family peace event. There will be crafts and face-painting, an exciting concert with many talented performers, book signing, and a dedication of a peace pole to the town of Yarmouth. This is a FREE event, although donations for UNICEF will be welcome. DON"T MISS this exciting opportunity to create an intention of teaching your children about peace. For more info call (207) 846-1154. Rain Date: Sunday, August 17 - 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Join the BLOG

I am willing to keep the blog updated with community events, links, etc. this summer but also want to invite everyone's participation!

Community Values, Norms, Rules

The parents association meeting included a great - but truncated - conversation about what might constitute our "core values" and how to institutionalize them. The conversation came up through a conversation about how to make sure that kids are kept safe and are following school rules when at school, even during out-of-school times like potlucks or after school. Different families have different playground rules, for example - - do kids go by parent rules or school rules during after-hours times? Are there general norms all parents can agree with, given the different ages of kids? Is it good for kids to experience that families and people are different and there are going to be some different expectations but also some community norms?

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