Free Zoo Pass

The Salem DCF Office has Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo pass available.
The pass allows 6 people admittance and offers 10% discount at gift shop.

Contact Carla and make your reservation.

Summer Theater Camp ARTS July 21 - 30

NEVERLAND CAMP FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
July 20 - 31 for Ages 8 - 14
9am - 1pm

Hamilton-Wenham Community House
Rte 1A, Hamilton, MA

Now in it's 15th year!

Daily Guest Artists in the fields of Singing, Dancing, Shakespeare, Dialects, Audition Techniques, Mask Making, Balloon & Magic.

Dailiy Guest Artists Subject to Change. Visit our web site for registration info.

Art Project

Do you have a budding artist in your home or on your caseload? We are soliciting art work from any child involved with the agency to grace our office walls to make us smile, laugh or to remind us that despite the many challenges that our children face daily, they are creative, expressive, talented and resilient.

Please contact Susan Stelk for more information and details at 617 748-2340 (x72340) susan.stelk@state.ma.us

free family-friendly festivities

June 6: Step back into time at 17th Century Saturdays, where 28 houses and structures built between 1625 and 1725 throughout Essex County are open to the public. Tours run from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This event is FREE on June 6 only; regular entrance fees on July 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 5 & Oct. 3. www.escapesnorth.com

June 13: The early bird gets the worm and the fish at “Go Fish! Kids Fishing Day on Plum Island” from 9 a.m. – noon. Meet at Sandy Point State Park at the tip of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport. 978-465-5753.

June 20-21: Visit 13 talented artists working in the places that inspire their art at Cape Ann Artisans Open Studio Tour. Look for magenta banners designating the studios as you travel around the beautiful coastline of Gloucester and Rockport. www.capeannartisans.com

June 20-21: You’ll be picking and grinning at Strawberry Festival at Russell Orchards in Ipswich. For those who don’t want to work for their fruit, there is Strawberry Shortcake, as well as hayrides, face painting & music. 978-356-5366.

June 27: Let your spirits soar at the Lawrence Kite Festival, a Family Fiesta, hosted in partnership with Family Services, Inc. and Lawrence Heritage State Park. Try your hand at free kite-making and kite-flying at Pemberton Park, located on the banks of the Merrimack River, and enjoy face painting, music and free trolley tours. 978-794-1655.

Apple Camp

All Trails Lead To Creativity
Your kids could talk about what they did this summer—or just press Play. At Apple Camp, kids ages 8-12 learn how to do cool stuff on a Mac: make a movie, show off photos like a pro, write and record a song, or create a multimedia presentation. You can sign up for as many three-hour workshops as you like. But space is limited, so do it soon. Then get ready for an adventure.

Sign up on Apple Website

ZOO Passes

The Salem DCF Office has Stone Zoo passes available.
There are SIX passes per day for one full year.

Contact Carla and make your reservation.

Help your teen get a summer job

Program that helps teens get summer jobs, federally funded and 200+ slots.

Totally free!

Great for kids who need something to do during the summer. It includes a 2-day training on job skills and then they will find the child a job. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR YOUTH.

http://nscareers.org/summerjobs.html

Free Activity for Kids - June 6, 2009

The Sterling Center YMCA in Beverly Adventure Department
is hosting an event on
Saturday June 6th
from 10am – 9pm.

The Adventure Dept Staff will be guiding kids through
an outdoor High Elements Rope Course,
200 yard Zip Line,
and an indoor Rockwall Climb.


The Coordinator is Steve Baglioni 978-927-6855 ext 1232

Fun and free things to do this weekend

Touch a Truck- Beverly
Location: Elliott Street (Rte. 62), Beverly, MA, 01915 directions
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hours: 10:00AM-1:00PM
In/Outdoor: Indoor
Cost: Free

Join us for trucks, trucks, trucks! Get up close and personal with some of our favorite "big rigs"! If you're a truck lover young or old, know a truck lover or just want to have a great afternoon, come out and interact with a wide variety of trucks, construction vehicles, public safety vehicles and more! The Beverly Masons will be there, offering their CHIP (Child Identification) program, free of charge. Whatever you do... don't forget the camera! Sponsored by the Beverly DPW & Cummings Center. FREE!!


Fly a Kite
Occurs at: Nahant Beach Reservation
Location: Nahant Causeway, Nahant, MA directions
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hours: 3pm-6pm
In/Outdoor: Outdoor
Cost: Free

The Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation North Region invites you to the Nahant Beach Gathering of Kite Fliers on Sunday, May 17th, 3pm-6pm. Dig out your old kite and come down to Nahant Beach for a fun-filled family afternoon. (Don't forget to bring your camera.) Meet at: The Nahant Beach "1/2-way" bathhouse, Nahant


Breakheart Reservation
Occurs at: Breakheart Reservation
Location: Christopher P. Dunne Visitors Center, 177 Forest St (off Lynn Fells Pkwy), Saugus.
Phone: 781-233- 0834
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Hours: 10am-2pm
In/Outdoor: Outdoor
Cost: Free

Help Breakheart celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Join in a park clean-up, 5K fun run, and canoeing Pearce Lake start at 10am; a live concert by Jumpin' Juba and various family activities and presentations run from 12pm-2pm. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart.


Clown Town
Location: Bartlet & Chestnut Streets, Andover, MA map
Date: Friday, May 15, 2009 - Saturday, May 16, 2009
Hours: Hours Vary see below
Ages: Toddlers, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor: Outdoor
Cost: $ see below

Andover's perennial spring event features carnival rides, games, face painting, candy, balloons, a variety of food. All proceeds used to help Andover youth learn, grow and achieve. Clown Town, a more than 50-year-old annual event that kids eagerly await for months, is the No. 1 fundraiser for the Andona society, which has doled out more than $70,000 to youth programs in the past year.

Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner!

JOIN US!
For our annual Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner!!

Wednesday May 13th
6:30
Angelica’s Restaurant
114 in Middleton

Please come for great food, great conversation and great door prizes!

Please RSVP to the Salem DCF office by Friday May 8th. We hope to see you there!

Camp for Children with Mental Health Needs

This foundation is providing camp scholarships for youth with mental health needs.
Here is the link for more information.

http://jasonhayesfoundation.com/jasonhayes/scholarships.htm

"Train the Trainer" Workshop!

District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett cordially invites you to learn about our latest prevention and educational presentations.


Please join us at ANY of the following locations:

Thursday, May 7th Haverhill Police Department, 40 Bailey Blvd. Haverhill, from 9-10:30 a.m.

Friday May, 8th Gloucester High School, 32 Leslie O’Johnson Road, Gloucester from 9-10:30 a.m.

Tuesday May, 19th Essex District Attorney’s Office, Ten Federal Street, Salem from 9-10:30 a.m.

Drugs 101: What Adults Need to Know,
is a PowerPoint presentation that informs parents and other adults about issues such as youth alcohol and drug abuse as well as other high-risk behavior. This presentation provides information on common signs of drug abuse, tips for talking to teens, and other resources for more detailed information on specific drugs.

Underage Drinking: Not Everyone Is Doing It, is a presentation that uses a combination of slides and video to educate students on the dangers of underage drinking. Video includes teens in recovery and teens who do not drink alcohol. This presentation provides students with the knowledge to make informed and healthy choices about alcohol. There are three individual presentations geared to specific age groups: Middle School, High School, and Adults

To register for any of these trainings or for further information
please call the District Attorney’s Office
978-745-6610

Diane Steele Ext. 5082 diane.steele@state.ma.us
Eric Walz Ext. 5055 eric.walz@state.ma.us

First Aid/ CPR Training

Tuesday June 9th Or Monday June 15th
6:00- 10:00 PM

First Aid and CPR training offered at the Salem DCF office. Class space is limited.

Please RSVP to Carla King with the night you would like to attend.

Foster Parent Pampering Night

Please join us for our 5th Annual Foster Parent Pampering Night!

Wednesday April 29th
6:30 to 9:00



Join us for facials, do-it-yourself foot spas, massages door prizes and yummy goodies!

RSVP to Carla.King@state.ma.us
At 978-825-3862
Or by calling your homefinder

No children please.
Please wear comfortable clothing and pants that you can pull up to your knees.

Annual Event Celebrating National Foster Care Month

Foster Parent of the Year

Giving stability and love: Salem mother and YMCA director named 'foster parent of the year'

By Tom Dalton
Staff writer

April 16, 2009 05:07 am

—

SALEM — Debbie Amaral met Jose Rivera for the first time nearly a decade ago. She had gone to the 12-year-old boy's apartment to ask if he had stolen a Game Boy video game from the Salem YMCA.

It was a strange way to meet, but it led to a wonderful relationship. Amaral, the executive director of the Salem Y, is now the legal guardian of Jose, who today is in college and calls her Mom.

"There was just something about him that was charming," she said.

Since meeting Jose, life for the 42-year-old Amaral has been turned upside down - but in a good way.

In addition to being legal guardian to 21-year-old Jose, she is becoming legal guardian of a 16-year-old boy, has begun adoption proceedings on a 7-year-old boy and is hoping to adopt his 2-year-old half-sister, all of whom live with her.

Considering all that has happened over the past nine years, it is not surprising that Amaral has been named "foster parent of the year" by the area office of the state Department of Children and Families, the former Department of Social Services.

"Deb's energy and commitment to children is endless," Carla King, a foster parent recruiter for the state, wrote in a nomination letter.

Amaral deflects any praise, and agreed to be interviewed largely to encourage other adults to become foster parents. Although there are sacrifices, and bad days with good, she says she has received much more from her foster children than she has given.

And she has learned what a difference one person can make.

"There are just so many kids who need somebody," she said during an interview in her office at the Y, where she has photos of all four children.

Amaral, a single parent, got formally involved with Jose when he was removed from his family's home and placed in a group home. When that didn't work out, the boy's case manager called Amaral and asked if she could take Jose for the weekend.

"I hadn't had any of the training courses," she said. "I had nothing. I just had this kid in my house."

Jose has not always been easy, Amaral said, but she was impressed by many things, including his ability to get into trouble and do good all at once. On the same week he ran away from his grandmother's house, Jose somehow kept a promise to turn in money he collected for the HAWC Walk, a local charity that helps abused women and their children.

"You could tell there was some good stuff in this kid," she said.

Amaral credits the Salem public schools, especially Collins Middle School, and staff at the YMCA, where her children attend pre-school and after-school programs, with providing invaluable help and support.

They have allowed her to give these children what they need most - stability and love.

"There are plenty of other great kids," she said, "... and they need someplace to call home."

Interested in foster parenting?

Contact Carla King, a foster parent recruiter at the area office of the Department of Children and Families, at 978-825-3862 or at carla.king@state.ma.us.

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.

Another family was also named. The Garvins of Danvers. But they were a little camera shy.... but no less deserving of this honor. We thank them both and ALL the foster families for making a difference in the lives of our children day in and day out.

Neverland Theater Foster Family Discount Tickets

Neverland Theatre's presents
PIPPI LONGSTOCKING
A fun non-musical version of the children's classic.



APRIL:
Wed, 22 at 3pm
Thurs, 23 at 3pm
Fri, 24 at 3pm
Temple B'nai Abraham Theater
200 E. Lothrop St., Beverly, MA

PREMIUM SEATING: $12.50 (First 4 Rows)
REGULAR SEATING: $10.00

To make a reservation please visit www.neverlandtheatre.com or call 978 500-8832.

2 tickets for the price of one for Premium Seating for Foster Families.
Tickets must be reserved in advance.

Tax Guide for Foster and Adoptive Parents

The National Foster Parent Association (NFPA) has posted its annual tax guide for foster and adoptive parents and kinship caregivers for tax year 2008. The guide explains basic rules and offers tips on ways that foster and adoptive parents and kinship caregivers can claim the deductions and credits available to them. The guide lists changes in the 2008 tax law, including increases in the Adoption Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, and Education Credit. NFPA suggests that users give a copy of the guide to their tax advisors.

http://www.nfpaonline.org/uploads/2008_federal_tax_benefits.pdf

Apply Online for Northeast Youth Leadership Institute July 14-16

College Fair for Foster Youth

Save the Date

Discounted Tickets for Vacation Fun!

SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND WILL BE OPEN DAILY APRIL 10-26TH

Six Flags New England will be open daily for Spring Break, April 10-26th. 2009 is an exciting time at Six Flags. Check out the all new "Blitz" and JOKERS Wildcard, both making their debut on opening day. Remember Six Flags New England Consignment Tickets are BETTER than a Kids Price! Plus your foster parents get to the fun faster by skipping the ticket lines

Tickets are $25 each. (reg price is $41.99), contact Carla

Training for parents - free

Address for Pathways is 29 Emerson Ave, Gloucester. Emerson is off Centennial.

Pancakes with the Easter Bunny

Pancakes with the Easter Bunny


Saturday April 4, 2009
9am - 12 noon

North Shore Technical High School

Cost $5 per person
Includes: egg hunt, face painting, bunny ears

Pictures with the Easter Bunny $5
1 5x7 and 4 wallets

50/50 Raffle
Kids Bucket Raffle $1/ticket
Guess the number of jelly beans in the jar 25 cents/ticket
And much more!!!

Come and enjoy the fun.

Blue Hair Troupe

Blue Hair Troupe, a musical revue of the '50s, '60s & '70s with a broadway and senior twist.

April 30 at 7:30 in Beverly.
Tickets are $20 or $25 per seat.

For tickets contact Elane Gilmore at 978-927-8591

Neverland Theater - 2 for 1 Tickets Available to Foster Famiies

'SALUTE TO THE AMERICAN GIRL DOLL ' OPENS MARCH 27. TIX ON SALE NOW!
Don't miss this fun event!

Neverland is creating a fun its own one-hour audience participation show that is a salute to the American Girl Doll. Children will get to come on stage and meet Neverlanders portraying all of your favorite American Girl Dolls. Children invited to come in favorite fairy-tale or American Girl costume. Don't forget to bring your doll, camera and autograph book.

MARCH SHOW DATES:
Fri, 27 at 4pm
Sun, 29 at 1pm
Tue, 31 at 6:30pm

Temple B'nai Abraham
200 E. Lothrop St., Beverly, MA

TICKETS:
Premium Seating: $12.50 - (First 4 Rows)
Regular Seating: $10

To Purchase Advance Tickets E-mail us with:
Name:
Date of Performance:
# of Tickets:
Seating Preference:
Visa/MC or Discover Card #:
Exp Date:

We will process your order and hold your tickets paid at the door to be picked up within 20 minutes of show time under your name. If you prefer to leave CC info on the producer's private phone line, you may at 978 500-8832. Please e-mail the rest of the info then call with CC #. Due to the large volume of calls we cannot return calls but can send a confirmation e-mail that we received your e- mail/phone call.

If you don't hear from us via e-mail within 24 hours, that means we did not receive your e- mail.

We look forward to seeing you at the show.

No Refunds or Exchanges.

Neverland Theater - 2 for 1 Tickets Available to Foster Famiies

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 TICKETS ON SALE NOW. OPENS MARCH 28!
4 Performances Only!

Discount to Foster Families.
2 for 1 tickets for (non-Sunday afternoon) performances.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

MARCH SHOW DATES:
Sat, 28 at 7:30pm (Cast A)
Sun, 29 at 3:30pm (B) & 6:30pm (A)
Mon, 30 at 7pm (B)

Temple B'nai Abraham Theater
200 E. Lothrop St., Beverly, MA

TICKETS:
PREMIUM PLUS: $20.00 (First 3 Rows)
PREMIUM SEATING: $18.00 (4th - 6th)
REGULAR SEATING: $16.50 (only sold in advance.)

At the door Regular Seating turns into Prem. Seating so we will only be selling tickets at $20 & $18.

To Purchase Advance Tickets E-mail us with:
Name:
Date of Performance:
# of Tickets:
Seating Preference:
Visa/MC or Discover Card #:
Exp Date:

We will process your order and hold your tickets paid at the door to be picked up within 30 minutes of show time under your name. If you prefer to leave CC info on the producer's private phone line, you may at 978 500- 8832. Please e-mail the rest of the info then call with CC #. Due to the large volume of calls we cannot return calls but can send a confirmation e-mail that we received your e- mail/phone call.

If you don't hear from us via e-mail within 24 hours, that means we did not receive your e- mail.

We look forward to seeing you at the show.

(No Refunds/Exchanges)

Drop and Shop

The 2009 SPRING/SUMMER event

Brookwood School
One Brookwood Road
Manchester, MA

March 16 - 22, 2009

Cash and local checks only.

Drop-off:	March 16, 17 and 18
Shop:	March 19*, 20, 21, and 22

Family Art Day

Wellspring Cape Ann Families & The Pingree School
host “Family Art Day” on Sunday, April 26, 2009

This event will be held at The Pingree School, 327 Highland Street in South Hamilton, MA. from 11:00am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 26, 2009. Free transportation is available from Wellspring Cape Ann Families at 28 Emerson Avenue. Lunch will be provided and each participant will receive a t-shirt. Choose from classes in dance, music, theater, ceramics and drawing & painting. All classes will be taught by Pingree students artists. Pre-registration is required and forms are due by April 20th. This is a free family event. For more information or to receive a registration form please stop by WCAF or call 978-281-7856. Email abaylies@wellspringhouse.org

College Advising Program - For Foster Youth

Come meet the Education and Training Worker from DCF who can assist you with your educational and financial needs on and off campus. Learn about academic supports that are available to you through DCF and your college or training program.

College Advising Program

Spring 2009 Campus Schedule

Quinsigamond Community College – March 23rd, 11-2. Admin Bldg. Room 123A

Cape Cod Community College – March 24th, 11-2. Club Room - Commons Building

North Shore Community College – March 25th, 11-2. Lynn Campus Room LW102

Mass Bay Community College – March 25th, 11-2. Library Conference Room B

UMass Dartmouth – March 26th, 11-2. Counseling Center

Westfield State College – March 27th, 10-1. Ely - Room 232

Salem State College – March 31st, 11-1. Student Center Room 207

UMass Boston – March 31st, 2-4. Student Support Services Campus Center 1100

Springfield Tech Comm College – April 1st, 11-2. Advising Center Bldg 27 - Room 1

UMass Lowell – April 1st, 1:30-3:30. South Campus Duggan 203

Middlesex Community College – April 1st, 10-12. City Bldg. Room 307

Holyoke Community College – April 3rd, 11-2. Frost Bldg. Barrett Room

Bridgewater State College – April 7th, 11-1. Maxwell Library MDR Room

Bunker Hill Community College – April 8th, 11-2. Room E-175

Helpful things to bring: student account history, current bill, financial aid award letter, transcript, book receipts.

Youth Pride - Boston

DCF is partipating in Youth Pride on May 9th in Boston by walking in the parade and then having a booth on the common about GBLT services that we provide and promoting that we as an agency are GBLT friendly

Please join us! We are trying to get as many staff, foster families and youth from across the state to participate.

Please let Carla know if you are interested.

Youth Pride 2009 will be held on
the Boston Common
on Saturday May 9th
starting at 11am.
RAIN OR SHINE



YP09 Schedule

11am-12pm - Registration
Boston Common (Parkman Bandstand)

12pm-12:45pm - Rally
Boston Common (Parkman Bandstand)

12:45pm-1:15pm - Parade
Beacon to Bowdoin to Cambridge to Tremont

1:15pm-4pm - Festival
Boston Common (Parkman Bandstand)

4:30pam-6pm - Open Mic
City Year (Back Bay)

7pm-11pm - BAGLY Prom
City Hall

Summer Camp Opportunity

For Children ages 6 through 12
For information and cost for the 2009 Camping Season,
please contact The Salvation Army
At least two weeks prior to desired session
(617) 542-5420 ext. 512 ask for Melissa

Session Dates:
Session 3 - 7/15/09 - 7/20/09
Session 4 - 7/22/09 - 7/27/09
Session 5 - 7/31/09 - 8/05/09 Teen Wk
Session 6 - 8/07/09 - 8/12/09
Session 7 - 8/14/09 - 8/19/09
(Session #5 ages 13-16 only)

Literacy Support in the Home Environment

March 19th
Presenter: Kathryn Kohl, Ph.D., Literacy Specialist


The critical role of the home environment in early literacy learning is widely documented. Relevant studies have examined home-school relations through socioeconomic factors, and home practices which support school success. Other studies, including my own doctoral research, have investigated differences between children's home-based literacy learning and school-based literacy instruction and achievement. Early predictors of later school success in reading and writing include alphabetic knowledge, phonological and phonemic awareness, and story-sharing experience. Parents and caregivers can provide models, opportunities for authentic literacy experiences, and scaffolding for learning. By sharing current knowledge of factors that support school success, educators and community services can enable families to provide positive home literacy environments for students of all ages.

As usual the lecture is FREE, intended for parents and professionals, and takes place in the Lynch Conference Room at the NSMC North Shore Children's Hospital, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Registration is required: email Marguerite Roberts or call 978 354 2660.

Foster Parents needed to lead MAPP groups

We need foster parents to be trained to train MAPP groups!  

There is a stiped that you are paid for doing so! we need you!

 

Anyone ineterested? 

Let me know. The trainings are in Worcester which stinks, but this is really an abbreviated course.  It's usually 8 full days!  

  Saturday, March 21, 2009 (8 hours) - 9-4pm

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2009 (3 evening hours) - 6-9pm

                        Thursday, March 26, 2009 (3 evening hours) - 6-9pm

    These times were selected in order not to interfere with foster parent's daily obligations. The total number of training hours is 14.

            LOCATION: Mass Mentor

                              67 Millbrook St.

                              Suite 520

                              Worcester,MA   

Neverland Theatre Discounts for Foster Families

Neverland Theatre will be presenting THE AMERICAN GIRL DOLL SHOW and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 at the end of March.

They will be offering a discount to Foster Families.

 

2 for 1 tickets for (non-Sunday afternoon) performances.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

 

Adolescent Group

Charlene Gormley is starting an adolescent group Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 that will run for 6 weeks beginning March 5. It is for boys and girls ages 14-18. Activities may involve such things as visiting colleges and having guest speakers. 

The group will incorporate psycho-educational, support, and peer mentor models.

Transportation will be provided to teens in the towns near Salem, MA.

Water Resort at Sheraton Ferncroft/Boston

CoCo Key Water Resort at Sheraton Ferncroft/Boston

PLAY -- FOR THE DAY $18

• Sunday - Friday arrivals
• Full day water park access
• Enter code: IRISH

Plan your day of play now!


STAY -- 1 Night/2 Days Package $189

• Hotel accommodations at the Sheraton Ferncroft
• Water park access for up to four
• Pizza dinner for four
• Four 10-point arcade cards
• Mention: IRISH EYES

Plan your overnight getaway today!

Free ADHD Workshop

Success with ADHD: How to Turn Any Person with ADHD into a Total Winner

The Education Advisory Council, The Sudbury Special Education Advisory Council (SSEAC) and Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Metrowest Boston (CHADD) are pleased to invite parents and teachers to attend a very special talk on Success with ADHD: How to Turn Any Person with ADHD into a Total Winner presented by:

Dr. Edward (Ned) Hallowell
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
7:00 - 8:30 PM at
Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Auditorium
390 Lincoln Road, Sudbury, MA 01776

This free workshop is open to the public. Registration is not required.

Dr. Hallowell will present new material from his book published in Jan. '09 called Superparenting for ADD: An Innovative Approach to Raising Your Distracted Child. He will discuss a range of interventions as well as a new way of conceptualizing ADD and explaining it to others. He will also give tips on how to work with schools (for children) and workplace and marriage (for adults).

Rebecca Goniwich, co-chair of LS-SEAC shared, "I have heard Dr. Hallowell speak many times and I always learn something that I can take home and put in place to benefit my family. I am very excited to hear him talk about his new book." She continued, "I will always be grateful to Dr. Hallowell for all the wisdom he shares in his books and talks as well as how much his words have helped make a difference in the quality of my family's life."

LS-SEAC, SSEAC and CHADD thank Dr. Hallowell for donating his time to support his community and invite you to come spend an evening with Dr. Hallowell as he shares his insight on how to succeed with ADHD.

For information contact rgoniwich@hotmail.com or visit www.drhallowell.com

OPENINGS AVAILABLE ! "Miracles and Magic" Summer Camp 2009

A one week summer camp for HIV-positive children or children who have a parent or siblings who are affected with HIV/AIDS

 

"Miracles and Magic" Summer Camp has openings for this summer's session which will run from August 2 through August 8, 2009.  The camp is located at the Ron Burton Training Village inHubbardston, MA and is run by Eliot and June Tatelman. The age range of the campers is 6 to 14. The children can be infected or affected with HIV/AIDS or they can have a parent or sibling who is affected with HIV/AIDS.  There is a camp physician and nurses who ensure the children receive their medications.  Transportation will be provided, if needed.  

 

Please contact Debbie Sullivan at debora.sullivan@state.ma.us if you are aware of a child that would enjoy a week of special events and entertainment along with traditional camp activities...like swimming, crafts and archery.  You will then receive an application and additional information regarding this very wonderful and "magical" camp opportunity. 

 

Please feel free to share with your co-workers and colleagues. 

Scholarship for Salem High Senior

Website Resource - SERVE New England

http://www.servenewengland.org/

Children's Drop & Shop

The Spring/Summer '09 Children's Drop & Shop is coming! We have a few announcements to share with you - the event is getting better for all of us - consignors will love the new software, shoppers will love the faster check out and volunteers will love the new sign up schedule.

Event details:
Location: Brookwood School
Drop dates: March 16, 17 & 18
Shop dates: March 19, 20, 21 & 22

After years of tagging, de-tagging, sorting, and having many dining rooms being taken over by tags, WE ARE PLEASED TO announce the readiness of our new consigning software system. Click here to sign up. There are many awesome features of this tagging, coding & tracking system but our favorite one is for you - you'll have the ability to go online during the event and see your sold items.

Other news:

You price the items.
We are implementing a small consigning fee.
Event sites coming to multiple locations around Boston.
Check us out on Facebook.
Check us out on Twitter.

Looking forward to seeing you again in 3 weeks,

Sincerely, The CD&S Team


Before you go, we wanted to share a few things:

The Drop & Shop is always interested in learning about new ways to help the community. Do you know of a service or charitable cause we should be sponsoring or contributing to? Let us know, we are listening and taking action.

The people of and friends to the Children's Drop & Shop are always open to green'er ways of doing business, do you have a hint, tip or an idea for us? Let us know, please share with us. We're all listening and taking action.

If you have not done so already, please email info@childrensdropandshop.com to receive the monthly "Experience Included" CD&S email blast. Here you will find leads from other families about local vendors, classes, sales, events and life saving solutions to make your day fabulous!

So Sexy So Soon:

Please Join Us Sat., April 4, 2009, 9—Noon at the O’Maley Middle School Auditorium for Professor Diane E. Levin, Ph.D, Expert on the Impact of Media on Youth.

So Sexy So Soon: What Parents Can Do to Protect their Kids

Popular culture bombards our children with sex at an early age. Parents ask, What can we do ?

This presentation, followed by questions and small group discussion, will address these concerns
and help us to build local approaches. The program is appropriate for teens, older youth, adults.

Limited child care is available by reservation: call 978-281-2477 by April 1st.

Pre-registration is encouraged: call 978-281-2477 by April 1st.
Light refreshments will be served.

Sponsors:
The Cape Ann School Safety Committee
Gloucester Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Partnership
The Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse
The Gloucester Bookstore

Come to Bob's Stores ABC Spring Event!

SAVE $$$ Coupon Training

Coupon Training!!!
For all of you who have asked! I have finally put together a coupon training!
Come learn how to get groceries for FREE!
Save on diapers, toothpaste, groceries and anything else!

Kathy Spencer of How to Shop for Free will train with me on all the pointers of saving money when you shop!

You can see the new office space, enjoy good conversation and best of all… learn to make your bucks go further!

Wednesday February 25th 6:30 pm
At the Salem DCF office.

Please RSVP to Carla King so we can plan food and supplies.

The new conference room is in the back of the office so please arrive on time as the doors will lock. If you are late make sure to have a cell phone so you can call us to let you in. We will leave number on door.

Biglots! Friends and Family Night

Biglots is having their Friends and Family Night on
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd 2009.
20% off your entire purchase on that day!

North Shore Fairy Godmother Project Princess Boutique 2009

A Special Education Training

Children’s Friend and Family’s Parent to Parent Program in collaboration with the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts proudly Presents:


A Special Education Training

• Rights of Special Education Students
• Preparing for a Team Meeting
• How to Read an Individualized Education Plan

When: Friday March 6, 2009, 10:00-12:00
Where: CFFS - 110 Boston St - Salem
Please RSVP Michelle Tortora
978-744-7905 ext. 263

Adolsescent Psychology: The Parent Version

Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: Holten Richmond Middle School: Multi-Purpose Room

"Adolescent Psychology - The Parent Version" is a workshop for parents, grandparents and those working with youth in their pre and early teens. The program covers the topics of physical, cognitive, and social/emotional changes that occur in adolescence and how they affect relationships with parent and friends as well as school life. Among the focus points will be:

• Identifying your teen's "lightening rod, imaginary audience, and personal fables."
• Learning how to teen-proof your home.
• Learning how to teen-proof your relationship.
• Learning how to set appropriate limits so your teen will want to follow them.
• Developing effective tools for identifying and dealing with your teen's experimentation with sex, drugs, and alcohol.
• Separating high expectations from unrealistic expectations and their respective consequences for your teen's emotional well-being.

Speaker Joani Geltman has been working as a therapist, parenting consultant, and coach for more than 30 years, and has given her seminar all over Massachusetts. As a member of the adjunct faculty of Curry College, and Lesley University, she designs curriculum and teaches Child and Adolescent development.

"I would like to help my audience understand that there is a context in which troublesome behavior occurs," she said. "It's not about bad kids or kids who are mean to their parents. It's about developmental changes that are out of control because teen's brains and bodies, their ability to understand, to conceptualize, to analyze, and to be introspective, are all brand new." Joani's special brand of "infotainment" using humor, storytelling, and sending home parents with a "goody bag" of helpful techniques make this a must-come evening.

This program is the second of four this spring offered by DanversCAREs prevention coalition as part of its Parent Enrichment Series.

Free Family Fun - February School Vacation Events

"Do Something Really Big!"
Tuesday, February 17th 10-11:30am
Large hall at 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester. Join us to play Giant Games including Mega 4-in-a-line, Giant Dominoes, Giant Pick Up Sticks and Giant Get Knotted (like Twister). This event is free and open to the public.

Nature Crafts
Thursday, February 19th
10:00-11:30am at Pond View Village - 23 Lepage Lane
11:30-12:30pm Pizza Lunch
If you like - stay 1:00-3:00pm for "Hermit's Tales on the Trails" at Ravenswood Park
Please RSVP 978-281-7856

Dance Revolution & Guitar Hero Tournament
Friday, February 20th 5:30-8:00pm
Get Your Game On with Beth Gallaway at the big hall at 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester. Win prizes and design your own cardboard guitar. This event is for ages 12 and up and space is limited to 30. Please RSVP at 978-281-7856.