Assabet Valley Area Family Network

Newsletter
April-June 2009

What’s Up at the Family Network… LOTTERY REGISTRATION

As with the changing seasons (the reason so many of us love New England–
even the cold and snow, right?) so are changes due at our Family Network. Enclosed in this newsletter is the registration
form for our spring session. Please complete
We are still anxiously awaiting to hear from the state as to what our funding
situation will look like come the new fiscal year starting July 1st! It’s not hard to the form and return to AVAFN 169 Pleasant
imagine that our budget will be the same and maybe even less, given the state of St Marlboro, MA 01752.
our state. With that in mind, the Assabet Valley Collaborative– our fiscal agent, All registration forms must be completed in
is possibly considering moving the AVA Family Network into the building (the full and received no later than
old Bigelow School on Orchard St) that they currently are renting from the city Friday, April 10th at 2pm to be entered
of Marlboro. The move would free up most of our $20,000+ rent which could into the lottery.
then be put into programming and services for families, something that we have
worked so hard to maintain. It means a lot of work to actually move and then the The lottery will be held on Monday April 13th
process of settling into a new “home”. I’ve always felt that the space/place is at 9am. Members of the Lottery Monitoring
important BUT not as important as the incredible families that occupy it. YOU Committee will draw names randomly and
all make the FN such a wonderful and amazing PLACE! As soon as we get families will be placed into one parent/child
more info from the state, we will get the word out through playgroups, work- group or placed on a waitlist.
shops, email, and the web site.
This next change is one that I personally have been struggling with. I have made PLEASE REMEMBER what you choose for
the decision to leave the Family Network at the end of June. My journey of 12 your first choice! Families will only receive a call
years here at the FN has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. if their first program choice is closed or they are
My own family, over the years, has been involved here at the FN which has al- placed on a waitlist. Noting more than one choice
will allow us to place you in another program if
lowed my “two lives” to blend in such a special way. As my children have
your first choice is closed. Please call
grown and now have lives of their own I realize that I too have the opportunity to
508-485-0085 with any questions!
change. My husband and I are looking to make some major life changes in the
next few years which will hopefully involve long term community service either
here in the states or out in the greater world. Since I never do anything with-
out due process, I still plan on being “around” after I leave so I can “wean”
Are you interested in
myself slowly from this heartwarming community. I will also be very com- receiving our newsletter
mitted to making any and all transitions as smooth as possible. To all the many electronically??
families that I have had the honor and pleasure to connect with and get to
know over all these years, you will always be with me in heart and spirit. In an effort to save money on printing costs
and stay up to date in the cyber world, we
With love, Rosemary would like to offer you a chance to receive an
email with our online newsletter.
Spring Cleaning??? Don’t forget about our annual
If you are interested, please email us at
avafamilynet@yahoo.com with ‘Email news-
Spring Clothing Exchange- April 6 - 24th
see back page for more info
letter’ in the subject line and we will add you
to our list. You do not need to do anything if
We will need help sorting clothes and preparing for the
you would prefer to receive a paper copy.
exchange, please let us know if you can help in the after- Please consider saving a tree and some $$ by
noon on Saturday, April 4th— yes, after the Family Fun Fair! sending us an email!
To date we have 100 members who have re-
quested an emailed newsletter, which means
we will still be mailing 300! Won’t you con-
sider this option?

The Assabet Valley Area Family Network provides FREE family education and support to all families with
children age pre-birth to 5 years who live in Hudson, Marlboro, Northboro, Southboro, and Westboro.
Program sponsored by the Assabet Valley Collaborative
Funding for these programs provided by Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care
 for
3rd Annual Family Fun Fair Fab
v ent ! resou ulous fun
E e
FRE familie
s Saturday April 4th with rces for fa &
l ch i ld r
al en ag milies
9:30am - 12:00pm es 0-
5!
Kane Elementary School
520 Farm Rd. Marlboro

Free Entertainment!! Find out about…

Childcare & Preschool Programs,
Community Resources, Local
9:30 Martial Arts Demo Volunteer Opportunities, Activities,
Kwon’s Martial Art
Classes & Products for Young
10:00 Musician Children
Ed Morgan
11:00 Educational Entertainers
Animal Adventures
Don’t miss…
All Day! Fictional Faces Face Painting Bake Sale, Basket Raffles, Free
Sponsored by Cottage Children's Center Child Fingerprinting, Prizes &
Giveaways!

Hooray!!! It’s Time to Get OUTSIDE!!!

*Fun Activities* that you can do almost anywhere, anytime
Playing outside is naturally fun for your child. Below are a few ideas to get you started with some outdoor fun now
that the weather is turning nice and warm.
Bugs – Go on a bug hunt in your yard or at the park. Can you find a parade of ants? Do you see a grasshopper?
Find a harmless bug and use a bug catcher to examine them up close. Talk about its color, see if it has wings,
count the legs, and then let it go. Get an insect book from the library and see if you can find out what kinds of bugs
you’ve found! Why not read Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider
Running games – Take advantage of what your child loves to do naturally, run. Take turns running behind, in front
of, and side by side one another. Run holding hands, run backwards, run from one tree to another, or run while
holding a pinwheel or a kite and watch it spin and fly. The possibilities are endless. Keep the game going by hav-
ing your child hop on one foot, walk on all fours, or roll around.
Rock Collection – Little ones love to pick things up. Let them start a rock collection. Collect rocks of different
sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. Give your child a basket or box to keep their collection in. Once they have col-
lected several rocks decide what you would like to do with them. Paint and glitter them, glue them into a rock
“sculpture”, toss them into a pond and make a splash, create a continuous growing rock pile in the backyard (how
big do you think you can get it?)
ONGOING PLAYGROUPS
Terrific Twins Group - All age twins are welcome for a 2nd & 4th Contact Renee.Munch@gmail.com if you
playgroup with planned activities, a snack, and time to socialize Wednesday are interested in this playgroup.
and connect. Renee Munch leads this group with her sons. 10:30-12:00
Japanese Playgroup - All ages playgroup for Japanese 1st & 3rd Contact Naokoconway@hotmail.com if you
speaking families. Please contact Naoko Conway for more Wednesdays are interested in this playgroup.
information. 9:30-11:00
German Playgroup - All ages playgroup for German families. 2nd & 4th Contact tinainla@yahoo.com if you are
Please contact Tina Uzoma for more information. Wednesday interested in this playgroup.
9:15-10:30
A Special Heartfelt THANKS to:
♦ David Tscherne for single-handedly painting the rest of the trim in
the hall!
♦ The Freeman, Narris, Poverman, Friedberg, Marino, Geimna &
Berardino families for their generous monetary donations!
♦ Our supply fairies - Weisenberg, Sweeney, Crouse, Fraser, Nguyen,
& Lambert families and anyone else who may have donated snacks,
juices & supplies!
♦ Our Family Fun Fair organizers- Mary Garner for pulling ALL
the pieces together! Julie Peterson for making up the amazing Bas-
ket Raffle, Christine Smith for heading up the wonderful Bake Sale,
AND to all the families that have donated raffle basket and bake
sale items!
♦ Our volunteer child care folks–Deb Clemons, Sarah Matejevic,
Heidi Schwher, and Liz Hallsworth
♦ Amy Yazdani and Kara Kendrick for our Upcoming Vehicle Fair!
Parents Helping Parents- (PHP)
Monday’s On-Going
Support Group Opportunity
6:30 to 8:00 at the Family Network
Here’s a special kind of support that you can get from other par-
ents in a group with a trained leader. Connecting with others who
are going through the same parenting and family issues and con-
cerns can really help!
Call Rosemary, 508-485-0085, for info.
Limited Childcare is available.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS
Book order forms are on the door in the
Playroom! Browse the wonderful selection and take
advantage of the great prices! Bring the orders back
with cash or check to the FN and we’ll call you when
your order is in.
Order Scholastic books online!
Shop the titles in the printed flyer and enjoy the same
great selections and low prices while helping out the
FN earn bonus points for free books! Use the informa-
tion below to access the Scholastic Book Club web
site. Browse the titles and place your order with a
credit card. After the order deadline, the entire order
will be submitted to Scholastic. Your order will be
delivered to the FN and we’ll call you for pick up. The
site is private and secure. To access it, go to the Web
address below and enter the personalized User name
and the Password we have set up:
www.scholastic.com/parentordering
Class user Name: avafamilynetwork

Give your child's communication a boost THE PARENT EXCHANGE

with the following tips: A space for parents/caregivers to share!
Talk to your child about the obvious. Point out what you are
doing and what your child is doing. For young children you
might label simple object or familiar actions. For older children
We are always in need of car
point out more abstract concepts like feelings. seats and pack & plays!
Build on what your child is saying. Repeat or acknowledge
what your child has said and expand on it. For example if a Please let us know if you can donate these
young child said, "Ball," you might say, "Red ball. You want the
red ball." items so we may pass them along to
families in need!
Be quiet sometimes. Allow your child time to respond to what
you have said. Also allow them quiet time to experiment with
sounds and sentences. Car seats must be under 6 years old and
Read and Sing to your child. Both activities provide wonderful have never been in an accident! ID labels
opportunities to learn new vocabulary and experiment with must be readable.
language.

ATTENDANCE - SICK POLICY

Please be mindful that if your child has cold or flu-like symptoms, they may be contagious. If you’re not sure, feel free to call
us and we’ll help you sort out what would be best for all. Kindly respect the health of other children when deciding whether or
not to have your children accompany you to the Family Network’s Play Space.
We require that your child be fever and diarrhea free for at least 24 hours before returning to groups,
attending an activity, or coming for child care.
Thanks for understanding!
Assabet Valley Area Family Network NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
169 Pleasant St. U.S. POSTAGE PAID
MARLBOROUGH, MA
Marlboro, MA 01752 PERMIT NO 223

Address Service Requested

How to get in
CONTACT with us!
Phone number- 508-485-0085
Bi-lingual line/ PCHP-ext. 4
Email- avafamilynet@yahoo.com
Website - www.avafn.org
Fax- 508-481-9397

ATTENTION: ALL “VEHICLE” ADMIRERS Are you looking to pick up or donate gently
This is the event for you… used children’s clothing in time for spring?
Our Annual Vehicle Fair
When: Saturday, June 20th SPRING
9:00 to 10:30
** If it is raining at 8 am, the event will be
cancelled
CLOTHING
Where: The Fitchburg St. Parking lot of the EXCHANGE
Assabet Valley Technical School
215 Fitchburg Street, Marlboro Come stop by the Family Network to drop off
Children’s clothes and/or pick some out!
What: Vehicles of all types, sizes, and
uses. Come to get a close-up look, You do not need to “add to the pile” in order to take
climb board and play.
items home. We do ask that the clothing
Questions? Call the Family Network at be clean and in usable shape and ONLY! up to size 6.
508-485-0085
Tables will be up for the exchange
No sign up required…
just hope for great weather! April 6 - 24th Mon-Fri 8 am-7 pm
We will be accepting clothing from March 30 - April 17
 Playgroups & Parent/Child Activities

Title and Description Dates/Times Location Reg Info

Infant 1 & New Parents Playgroup - for ages Birth - approx. 9 Apr 27 - June 8
months. Meet new parents, see other babies, and enjoy and discuss Mon 2:00-3:00
the joys & concerns of being a parent

Each session of the following activities will include a different

Registrations received after that date will be honored if space is still available.
activity, songs, snacks, and time to share.

AVAFN — 169 Pleasant St, Marlboro

Infant 2 - for ages 9 - 15 months. Tues. Apr 28 - June 9 9:15-10:30

Registrations will be processed by lottery on Monday April 13th..

Lottery forms are due in the office by Friday April 10, 2009.
Toddler 1 - for ages 15 mos - 3 yrs. Mon. Apr 27 - June 8 10:45-12
Toddler 2 - for ages 15 mos - 3 yrs. Thurs. Apr 30 - June 11 9:15-10:30
All Ages 1 - for ages Birth - 4yrs. Mon. Apr 27 - June 8 9:15-10:30
All Ages 2 - for ages Birth - 4yrs. Thurs. Apr 30 - June 11 10:45-12:00
All Ages 3 - for ages Birth - 4yrs. Fri. May 1 - June 12 9:15-10:30
“The Arts” Group - Geared towards 3 & up but all ages welcome. Tues. Apr 28 - June 9
This group is centered around weekly art activities. Be prepared to 10:45-12:00
get messy!
Lunch Buddies - Ages 3 & up will share a bag lunch from home Mon. Apr 27 - June 8
with friends & a staff member who will provide activities. 12:15-1:30

DO-RE-MI - for all ages. An interactive & lively music class to in- Thurs. Apr 30 - June 11
troduce music concepts and instruments. 10-10:45

Spanish Culture for Kids - All ages group with songs, crafts, play Wed. Apr 29 - June 10
and conversation around Spanish language and culture. Bring a 12:00-1:30
brown bag lunch to eat while socializing. Fluency in Spanish not
required, all are welcome!

Discovery Days-This interactive 4 week “mini courses” will help

facilitate your role as your child’s 1st teacher. Come play and leave Wed. May 13 - June 3
with ideas to continue at home. 9:15-10:00
Creative Sensory Play - Here’s a chance to “get into” the play
materials in a fun and engaging way. We’ll be doing a
little of everything; from paints to playdough and everything in
between.

Squeaky Sneakers - This activity program for ages 2½ to 4 will pro- Tues. Apr 28– June 9 Teamworks,
vide an opportunity for children to gain gross motor skills, social 10:45-12:00 185 Otis St.
interaction and individual challenges, as well as, “beginner lessons” Northboro
for sports instruction.
Fun & Run - 8-week session for all ages (held in a big space so may Tues. Apr 28 - June 9 1st Parish
be overwhelming for little ones). This partially self-directed playtime 10:00-11:00 Church
focuses on large motor activity at different “centers” with lots of op- Northboro
portunities to burn energy. Church St.

Happy Trails - Come join us as we explore nature’s many wonders Fridays May 1 - June 12 Schedule to
on simple local trails. Each week we will explore different walk-able 1:30– 2:30 be mailed
trails while singing, reading, dancing, and doing crafts under the sky.

Dads & Kids Play Day - Any and all ages group with fun 2nd Saturday AVAFN
activities, a place to play, and a chance to meet other Dads at the April*, May, Vehicle Fair for June! Marlboro
FN’s playroom. Come to one or all! 9:30-11:00
*We’ll be sure to get your request since
the 11th is so close.
 Parenting Workshops
Infant Massage
Presenter: Sheryl White,. Cert. Infant Massage Instructor Saturday
Infant massage is a form of loving communication that fosters May 16
bonding and trust between parent and child. Techniques will be 1:00pm
demonstrated on a doll and you will practice the strokes on your
baby. Bring a blanket for baby to lie on.

will be accepted through our lottery process or by calling 508-485-0085

All workshops are held at AVAFN
Getting Along With Your Picky Eater
Presenter: Christine Smith & Liz Hallsworth Wednesday
Learn what toddlers and preschoolers need to eat - and how to get May 13

169 Pleasant St, Marlboro

them to eat it! We'll discuss which nutrients are important for kids 6:30 - 8:00pm
ages 2-5 and what foods they're found in. We'll also suggest some
strategies for encouraging picky eaters to try new things - and help
you modify your family favorites. "Kid-tested" recipes will be
demonstrated, too! Come to share what has worked for your family

Registrations for parent workshops

and take home some new ideas.
It is EASY to be Green…How to become a“Green” Family Thursday
Presenter: Erika Wilson
May 21

after April 10th.

Come join us for an evening of interesting, easy, and fun tips and
6:30 - 8:00pm
tricks to save you money, engage your children, and to learn how
you can do your part to make a better world for all of our children.

How to Talk so Kids will Listen & Listen so Kids will Talk
Presenter: Rosemary Schantz Tuesdays
This on-going 6 week workshop, based on the popular books written May 5-June 9
by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish, provides a number of “hands on” 6:30 - 8:00pm
tools for creating a positive and enriching relationship with children.
Over the 6 weeks, the group will view videos to discuss and explore
the topics of: cooperation, alternatives to punishment, handling
children’s feelings, building self-esteem & praise, and encouraging
independence.
Infant Signing Wednesday
Presenter: Sheryl White May 27
The first form of communication with your baby is through touch. 10:00am
The next natural step is using gestures with your baby before he or
she can speak. In this workshop, learn how to teach your baby
American Sign Language.
Talking About Touch- Personal Safety for Children
Presenter: Rosemary Schantz Thursday
This workshop will explore the first steps caregivers & parents can June 4
make for keeping our youngest children safe. The evening will 6:30 - 8:00pm
provide a framework for parents to begin teaching children how they
can be empowered to stay safe in a number of situations.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION/ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

We are requesting families to notify us when they are not able to attend a session/workshop or if they decide not to continue
with a parent/child activity. This allows us to place someone else in the spot or cancel the activity all together should only a
few people express interest in coming. We do realize that life with children can be hit or miss and haphazard, but as children
grow, so do our outside commitments and responsibilities. We all want our children to understand, practice, and become
responsible people and we all know children learn by watching and listening. Being able to master the task of knowing ones
limits, understanding ones abilities, and staying on top of commitments and responsibilities could turn into a great win-win
situation for everyone !!! Thanks for working with us on this!