FREE January/February 2020 Parent &...

Parent & FaParent & FammilyilyJanuary/February 2020FREE

Holiday Debt Hangover? Check out our Remedies

TM

Cabin Cabin Fever Fever 20202020Prevention Prevention & Cures& Cures

It’s Time forthe Early BirdCamp Guide!

Playful Playful ParentingParenting

The Secret The Secret to Creating to Creating WinterKidsWinterKids

Page 2 Parent & Family January/February 2020

We are adding to our team of Sales Associates! The right candidate wouldbe a friendly and motivated individual who has a passion for families.

Job responsibilities include advertising sales in Cumberland Countyby working with existing accounts as well as developing new ones.Sales experience preferred but not required. Strong organizational

skills and the ability to work independently a must.

Please send your resume with cover letter to Wendy Towleat [email protected] or call 251-2840 with questions.

Help Wanted

Your Family and Your Real Estate comes First.“Every time I contacted her with concerns, anxieties, or just general

doubts, she would respond right away to guide me through the process. She never pressured me in any way towards one house over another. She

always tried to find ways to alleviate my fears with positive solutions. I seriously would have been lost without her. I would wholeheartedly

recommend Coleen to any of my friends or family. Anyone would be lucky to have her in their court. She is a joy to work with. Coleen is extremely thorough, detail oriented, and above all else genuinely cares about her

clients and their journey through this process.”

-C. Newsom (South Portland)COLEEN SMITH 207.712.5768

[email protected]

Skating Rinks in Southern Maine

January/February 2020 Parent & Family Page 3

A letter from the Editor CONTENTSStory Hours ................................................................4Winter Kids ................................................................5Winter is Meant to be Experienced, Not Endured

Parenting Toolbox ......................................................6Playful Parenting for the Win

Thrifty Parenting ........................................................6 Recovering from a Christmas Debt Hangover

Early Bird Camp Guide ..........................................7-10Cabin Fever Cures................................................ 10-11Daycare & Learning Center Directory ........................12Families Making a Difference ...................................13 The Great Transition Plan for "L"

Recipes for Reading ..................................................14"With Love, Grandma" – A Legacy of Love and Literacy

Nutrition News ................................................................... 15Cabin Fever Remedies

Happy 2020!Feels like just yesterday that we were celebrating 2019. It’s so true when they say, “days

go slow and years fly by.” I feel that even more as my kids are growing up. I hope everyone had wonderful and magical holidays and rang in the new year with family and friends. Although, I find it a little bittersweet to end a year and welcome the new one, it does always fill me with hope and the relief of having a blank slate with the opportunity to create the best year to come.

January and February can feel like a tough time of year, for a couple different reasons. Families are trying to play catch up from holiday spending, along with the frigid temps and lack of Vitamin D, it can feel hard to be motivated and encouraged during these months. However, we have a magazine full of great ideas to help you cope and dare I say, enjoy this time of year and prevent cabin fever. Sarah MacLaughlin has written “Playful Parenting for the Win” aimed at showing us how to have fun during these wintery days. The Maine Dairy Council has some tasty treats and activities to try, too. We know how important it is to get outside and get fresh air every day, but Julie Mulkern, from WinterKids has some tips and tricks that will get your whole family outside embracing the elements, not just enduring them. Pam Leo is also going to give us some reading ideas you can use this time of year and explains how grandparents can get in on the literacy action. We also have an article from our Thrifty Parenting section to give you some remedies for holiday spending hangovers. Meet a wonderful little boy, his foster parent, adoptive parent and team in our Families Making a Difference section. It gives us a good idea what a streamlined plan looks like for transitioning kids from fostering to adoption. It really takes a village.

We have a section filled with great advertisers that can give you ideas of activities to participate in this winter. We also have a list of sledding hills and skating rinks to help you take advantage of all the tips you read about this issue. Winter is a long season in Maine, so we hope this will inspire you have some fun with it!

Jan/Feb is also our Early Bird Camp Guide! It may seem crazy to start thinking about your summer plans, but lots of these camps fill up fast, so It’s a good idea to take a peak at what will be going on this summer and be proactive. You can sometimes get great deals with early sign up. Check it out!

I hope you have been catching us on Good Day Maine, each month discussing topics from our current issues. We are so excited for this opportunity and to have another media platform to share parenting education with viewers.

Look for the Book Fairy in this issue and let us know where you found her for a chance to win a gift card for a book! Make sure to check out our webpage, like and follow us on FaceBook and Instagram. Let our advertisers know you visited because you saw them in Parent & Family Magazine. We appreciate the support and they appreciate knowing they are in the right place to grow their businesses.

Enjoy the start of the new year and I will see you back here in March! Warmly,Jen

Serving since 1995 as Maine’s Premiere Parenting Information & Events Resource for your family.

You could win a $10 Gift Certificate for a brand new book!

As part of our commitment to children’s literacy and The Book FairyPantry Project, we will continue to have a contest in every issue where you and your child can look for our tiny Book Fairy (shown) within the pages of Parent & Family. When you find what page the Book Fairy is on, go to www.myparentand-family.com, click on the contest link and the first family who has the right page number will win a $10 Gift Certificate from Bull Moose Millcreek! Good Luck!

Join our Contest to Find the Book Fairy

*Sorry but families are only allowed to win once per year

Our winner of the Book Fairy Contest is Molly from Buxton

Wendy S. Towle, Editor/Publisher207-251-2840 • [email protected]

Jen Buckley, Assistant Editor/Publisher207-332-5093 • [email protected]

www.myparentandfamily.com

Address for Payment and SubscriptionsP.O. Box 644, Gorham, ME 04038

Subscriptions - $18 per year

Advertising SalesJen Buckley, [email protected] Towle, 251-2840

[email protected]

Community EditorWendy Towle

[email protected]

GraphicsLaura Burchill, [email protected]

Parent & Family is a free bi-monthly paper that is distributed throughout the Southern Maine area. Circulation is 12,000 copies. The information in Parent & Family has been obtained by sources believed to be reliable and we take all necessary precautions to prevent any type of errors. However, Parent & Family will not be held responsible for any such errors, nor do we endorse any products or services advertised.

Parent & Family also reserves the right to reject any announcements or adver-tisements. All submissions are subject to editing. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission of Parent & Family.

The opinions expressed in any ads or editorial in Parent & Family do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff or Publisher.

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STORY HOURSNorway Memorial Library • Norway, 743-5309 Ext 4TUES 10:30-Noon, Toybox TuesdaysWED 10:30-11:00 am, Terrific Tales w/CraftFRI 10:30-11:00 am, Music & Movement www.norway.lib.me.us

Prince Memorial Library • Cumberland, 829-2215 FRI 10 am, Lap Sit Stories No story time when school is off. www.cumberlandmaine.com

Portland Public Library • Portland, 871-1700www.portlandlibrary.com

Monument Square • 871-1700 ext 707TUES 10:30 am, Preschool Story Time, 3-5 yrs.WED 10:30 am, Rhythm & Rhymes, Birth-24 mos.FRI 10:30 am, Tales for Twos, ages 2 yrs.Burbank Branch • 774-4229WED & THURS 10:15 am, Toddler TimeRiverton Branch • 797-2915FRI 10-10:45 am, Toddler Time FRI 10:45-11:30 am, Preschool Story Time

Scarborough Public Library • Scarborough, 883-4723July 5-August 9TUE 9:30-11 am Summer Story Time, ages 0-3July 7-August 4THU 10:30 am Special Guest Story Time, ages 3-7 www.scarboroughlibrary.org

South Portland Public Library • S. Portland, 767-7660 WED 10:30 am, Toddle Town, ages 1-3 yrs. THURS 10:30 am, Book Bambinos, ages 0-18 mos. THURS 6:30 pm, Starlight Stories, all agesFRI 10:30 am, Letter Zoo, ages 3-5 yrs. www.southportlandlibrary.com

Walker Memorial Library • Westbrook, 854-0630 TUES & THURS 10:30 am, Toddler WED 10:30 am, Babies

Wells Library • Wells, 646-8181 MON 10:30 am, Mother Goose, Birth-2 yrs.TUES 1:30 pm, Toddler, ages 2-5 yrs. WED 10:30 am, Storytime, ages 2-5 yrs.

Windham Public Library • Windham, 892-1908 MON 10:30 am, Preschool TUES 10:15 am, Books and Babies, 6 - 24 mos. THURS 10:30 am, Preschool

Hollis Center Public Library • Hollis, 929-3911 MON 10-11 am, Preschool Story Time www.hollis.center.lib.me.us

Libby Memorial Library • OOB, 934-4351WED 10:30 am, BabiesTHURS 10:30 am, Preschoolwww.ooblibrary.org

McArthur Public Library • Biddeford 284-4181 MON 10-10:30 am, Toddler Time, 18-36 mos. MON 6:30 pm Family StoriesTUES 10-10:20 am, Baby & Me, 0-18 mos. THURS 10-10:45 am, Storytime, 3-6 yrs.

Merrill Memorial Library • Yarmouth, 846-4763THURS 10:30 am, 2 pm, Tales & Tunes, 3-5 yrs.FRI 10:15 am, Baby Bounces & BooksFRI 11:00 am, Tales for Twoswww.ooblibrary.org

North Gorham Public Library • Gorham, 892-2575 WED 10-10:30 am, Story Time, 0-3 yrs. www.north-gorham.lib.me.us

Don’t see your library listed? Check out www.mainelibraries.com.

Baxter Memorial Library • Gorham, 222-1190 TUES 9:30 am Preschool Discovery Time, 3-5 yrs.WEDS 9:30 am Baby Discovery Time, 0-18 mos. WEDS 6:00 pm Family Discovery Time, all ages THURS 9:30 am Toddler Discovery Time, 18-36 mos.

Dyer Library • Saco, 283-3861 TUES 10 am Preschool THURS 10 am Toddler FRI 10 am Babies

Falmouth Memorial Library • Falmouth, 781-2351 MON 10 am, Toddler Storytime, ages 1-3 yrs.MON 10:30 am, Preschool Storytime, ages 3-5 yrs.THURS 10 am, Preschool Storytime, ages 3-5 yrs.THURS 4 pm, Baby Singalong, ages 0-3 yrs. FRI 10 am, SAT 10 am Baby Singalong, ages 0-3 yrs.www.Falmouth.Lib.Me.US

Freeport Community Library • Freeport, 865-3307TUES 10-10:30 am, Infants & Toddlers TUES 10:30-11am, Preschoolers

Graves Library • Kennebunkport, 967-2778TUES 10 am - Noon, Play & ReadFRI 10 am, Preschoolers www.graveslibrary.org

Call or email for more information:Beth @ 561-315-6641

[email protected] Lover’s Lane, Gorham, ME

www.timbernook.com

Year-round programming now available for children

ages 18 mo. - 12 yrs.Play the TimberNook Way:100% outdoors.Designed by a licensed OT.Children are given plenty of time and space for self-directed play.Challenges mind, body and senses through meaningful outdoor play experiences.

Foster HopeAs a KidsPeace foster parent, you can make all the difference in the life of a child.

49 Atlantic Place So. Portland ME 04106207-771-5700 ext. 5725fostercare.com

© 2012 KidsPeace. We respect our clients’ privacy. The model represented in this publication is for illustrative purposes only and in no way represents or endorses KidsPeace. 005-0062A www.measuringupcookingforkids.com – 25 Plaza Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074

Winter Cooking CampsMeasuring Up! Party Camp (Feb. 18-20 — 9am to 12pm - Ages 5-13)Let the party begin. We will be throwing a different themed party everyday: a Cinco de Mayo party, an ice cream party, and a pasta party. We will be preparing homemade pasta, enchiladas, and ice cream sandwiches to name a few. Participants will receive recipes for all foods prepared, plus an apron.

Bake Shop Camp (April 21-23 — 9am to 12pm - Ages 5-13)Let’s heat up the ovens, grease the plans and get baking. We will be cooking up loads of fun in our kitchen while making some soon to be family favorites such as mini chocolate ganache cakes, Boston crème pie cupcakes, and mint sandwich cookies to name a few.

Call 207-885-0611 or stop by to sign up.

BIDDEFORDRotary Park - Main St

Cape ElizabethFort Williams Park - 1000 Shore Rd

CumberlandVal Halla Golf and Recreation Center - 60 Val Halla Rd

FreeportMast Landing School - Bow St

GorhamGorham Country Club - McLellan RdUniversity of Southern Maine Campus

HarpswellHarpswell Islands School - 308 Harpswell Islands Rd (Route 24)

KennebunkOld Landfill - Sea Rd

KitteryFort Foster

PortlandEastern PromRiverside Golf Course - Riverside StPayson Park - Ocean Ave

New GloucesterPineland Farms - 15 Farm View Drive (off Rt 231)

ScarboroughBehind Blue Point School (outside of school hours)

South PortlandHigh School and Softball Fields - Highland Ave

SacoClarks Hill, near Garside’s Ice Cream - Ferry RdSaco Middle School Recreation Area - Buxton Rd

SanfordGowen Park - Gowen Park Drive

South BerwickPowderhouse Hill - Agamenticus Rd

WindhamBehind the East Fire Station - Falmouth RdMaine Correctional Center Hill - River RdSeacoast Adventure - 932 Roosevelt Trail

YorkMount Agamenticus - Kendall HillYork Golf Club - Organug Rd

Sledding Hills in Southern Maine


WINTER KIDS

Andrea M. Taliento, DMD Melissa M. Carrier, DDS

207-839-6266 www.dentistgorhamme.com 405 Main Street, Gorham, ME

New Patients Welcome

Winter is Meant to be Experienced, Not EnduredBy Julie Mulkern

Winter may be our longest season, but humans are not meant to hibernate. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, only 13% of children ages 6 to12 participate in outdoor winter recreation. In addition, parents of children 8 to 12 years old report that their children spend three times as many hours with computers and televisions each week as they do playing outside. These numbers steadily increase with the onset of winter, our most sedentary season. With this knowledge, it’s more important than ever to make a conscious effort to be active outdoors.

Recall your own winter experiences as a child. You more than likely spent hours outside playing in the snow, not wanting to go in to warm up or eat your next meal. Feed that nostalgia with your own children. It is also likely you did not have the top-notch winter gear at your disposal that we have now. There is no bad weather, only bad clothing. With the appropriate clothing and a can-do attitude, winter can be fun and full of exploration for the whole family.

Maine is well-known for its rich winter heritage, which is a huge benefit to those interested in trying a new winter sport. Our state boasts over 50 winter outdoor recreation centers that offer downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, tubing, ice skating, fat tire biking and more. You can also check out your local community calendars for winter festivals, guided hikes and winter vacation camps.

If you are snowed in or just want to stay close to home, make your own sledding hill in the backyard, build a snowman with natural items or paint a snow mural with spray bottles, water and food coloring. It’s fun to take a hike near your home and break out the binoculars. Look for animal tracks, measure the snowfall, build snow forts or create a winter treasure hunt. There is a wealth of information online to help you take advantage of free and low-cost opportunities for your children to play and learn outside in the winter.

Frankly, kids love to be outdoors. They are active and curious by nature. It is our job (one of many) as parents to nurture their love for exploration in the outdoors. Outdoor play and learning helps children connect with the natural environment while increasing

well-being and academic and social development. All these benefits are motivation enough to increase your family’s winter outdoor activity level, but a really important one is that it’s fun! So, put on your warmest, weatherproof gear and get outside with your family.

Do not simply endure winter. Embrace all the season has to offer. Make memories and encourage healthy habits. You will not regret it. Enjoy the snow before it turns to mud. Before you know it, winter will be a distant memory and you will be excited for it to arrive once again.

West Falmouth, ME (207) 878-9884

www.forest-school.net [email protected]

Children Thrive at the Forest School! Your Child Will Too!

Who loves Forest School?• Children whose needs are not

met in a traditional classroom• Families leading an earth

centered lifestyle• Home schooling families who

don’t want to “go it alone”• Montessori families who wish to

continue self directed learning into grade school

Come join us! We welcome you!

• Nature connected learning in a beautiful and nurturing community setting

• Non-classroom-based experiential education for children ages 4-10

• Human ecology: reading & writing, living history, cultural studies, art, music, yoga

• Girls leadership program, Montessori edu-cation, summer camps, parenting support

Julie Mulkern is the Executive Director at WinterKids. She lives in Gorham with her husband, Ric and their winter kids, Johnny and Ben.


PARENTING TOOLBOXPlayful Parenting for the WinBy Sarah MacLaughlin, LSW

Once the holiday season is over, it’s difficult to sustain the cheer through the rest of the long, dark days of winter. All that anticipation and fun come crashing to a halt. You’d think the kids would be busy with their new toys and all, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. This year, instead of sinking into the doldrums, bring some hygge (a Scandinavian word for the concept of “cozy”) and just plain fun to the snowy season that is upon us. Here are some ideas to help you play a little more so you can enjoy yourself along the way:

Let there be light! Worldwide, there are nearly a dozen winter holidays and many of them celebrate with lights and/or candles. Stock up on votives and twinkle lights and keep the light shining. If you have toddlers in your home, the fake candles will do in a pinch—they even flicker.

Keep things festive. Once you have the lights and candles lit, you might as well keep the celebratory mood going. Try having weekly “fancy” dinners. That could be anything from foods with dipping sauces (for littles) to appetizer night with seltzer in pretty glasses (for older kids). Children old enough to help cook usually love the opportunity to participate.

Make it silly. This one is especially for you parents of toddlers and preschoolers. Whether you are pretending your socks are earmuffs, making up a promotional jingle about breakfast or talking in a funny accent/robot voice, YOU CAN’T BEAT SILLY. If it feels like it will take too much time to be silly, I promise it will take you just as much time (if not more) to NOT be silly.

Sarah MacLaughlin is a writer, social worker, and child development nerd. She helps parents (and others who interact with children) show up authentically and model great communication skills and emotional intelligence. Sarah is author of the award-winning, bestselling book, What Not to Say: Tools for Talking with Young Children, and is currently writing her second book, Raising Humans With Heart: Not a How-To Manual. She lives in Windham with her husband and tweenaged son. Learn more about her work at www.sarahmaclaughlin.com.

Get outside. Yes, it’s freezing. But as Alfred Wainwright famously said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Bundle everyone up and get out there. One January morning I spent 20 minutes wrapping up every exposed part of my 8-year-old’s body and sent him out for a day of skiing in 1-degree weather. I thought he would last about an hour, but I was wrong! He was perfectly warm under all that gear.

Arts and crafts. Take the cream of the crop of any fresh art supplies or craft kits and tuck them away for a special occasion (ahem, snow day). Whenever you see a clearance sale, snag googly eyes/pipe cleaners/stickers and add them to your collection. After the fun, leave out anything they make and tuck the supplies away for the next time you need them.

Maine winters are long. Even if you only try a few of these ideas, it will make your days a little brighter. One last thing; take care to nourish yourself, too. You must have some of your own fun. If you have a partner, go on an occasional date. Whether or not you have a partner, you can also date yourself! My personal favorite is to grab a hot tea and wander around a bookstore ALONE. If you can’t find or afford a babysitter, see if you can swap childcare with a friend for a win-win. If all else fails, bring some intention to a stay-at-home night by doing whatever will make things feel cozy and peaceful after the kids are (finally) asleep.

STEP ONE: REFLECTTake a moment to reflect while memories are still fresh in your mind. What was your

favorite part of the holiday season? Maybe, it was gathering with family and friends or watching your children opening their gifts. Perhaps, you enjoyed the Nutcracker. Make a list of what you enjoyed this year and would like to do next year. What part did you not enjoy? Did exhaustion overtake you because there was way too much to do? Did your children receive too many toys? Did your little one ignore his gifts and play with the boxes instead. Make a list of what you want to let go of.

STEP TWO: ASSESS THE DAMAGE.Take a deep breath and grab a cup of coffee. Add up all your debt and remember to

add everything because the truth will set you free. There were presents for family, friends, neighbors, and teachers. Oh, don't forget your pets or secret Santa. Then, there was the bottle of wine you brought to the party for a hostess gift. Be sure to include the wrapping paper for the gifts.

What would the holiday festivities be without food? Include rushing through the drive thru because there was no time to make supper (because we are juggling school plays, concerts, and cookie swaps in addition to our regular life). We return home to festively decorated houses with lights on the outside and trees on the inside. What was your total spent on decorations this year?

Misc. expenses such as traveling, postage, and holiday donations add up quickly. We might be traveling by car or plane to see loved ones. Even traveling by car costs gas. Will you stay with family, a hotel or Airbnb? Maybe you didn't travel but are mailing out packages and cards instead. Your generous heart isn't contained to family and friends but overflows to charities.

When you add the total keep your chin up. Remember, a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step.

STEP THREE: CREATE A REPAYMENT PLAN.Let's uncover some extra money to start a repayment plan and apply that savings to your debt.Bills: Make some phone calls to see if you get lower rates on your regular bills, like credit cards or utilities. Can you save on heating by lowering your thermostat a couple of degrees? Closing curtains when the sun sets is another way to conserve on heating your home. What can you eliminate? Do you have memberships and subscriptions that you do not need or use? Even small amounts such as $8.99 add up to $107.88 per year. Look over your bank and credit card statements to see what you can eliminate. Food:Food can be one of the biggest items we spend our money on. Download apps such as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards to get rebates on groceries you are already buying. Sign up for the loyalty programs at your local grocery store. Dive a little deeper and stock up on sale items that your family eats. Some perishables can also be frozen to be used later.Clothing:Our little ones keep growing right out of their clothes so try “refashioning" or upcycling clothes so they last a little bit longer. Check Pinterest or YouTube for ideas. For buying new clothes, try to shop sales at your favorite retailer, however, you can save the environment and your wallet when you shop at your local thrift and resale shop. Transportation:Go green and use less fossil fuel. Baby, it is cold outside but warming up the car ahead of time does burn fuel. Make sure your vehicle's tires are properly inflated and slow down to reduce your car's miles per gallon. Save time and money by mapping the most efficient route when combining errands. Try carpooling or catching the bus to work and you might even save on parking fees! Walking will reduce fuel so bundle up those kiddos and take a stroller ride to the store or library! Download the Gas Buddy app to find the best gas prices in your area.

By Deb PoissantDecember was full of wonder and awe. We laughed with friends and family at parties, concerts, and plays. We soaked up the sights as we shopped till we dropped. Paying for everything with

the credit card was so easy. Actually, too easy! Opening January’s credit card bill sets the room spinning and a wave of nausea engulfs you. Your Diagnosis? A Debt Hangover! Two aspirins are not enough. Join us on an adventure as we take manageable steps to pay off this year’s debt and prevent next years.

Thrifty Parenting: Recovering From a Christmas Debt Hangover

STEP FOUR: ENJOY LIFE!Life is not over. Find free or inexpensive things to do: • Pack some of the toys your child received in a box to be taken out later when they are bored of their new toys. Rotate the toys to keep them fresh and interesting. • Play in the snow! Build a snowman, have a snowball fight. • Host a night out with friends. Games, movies, or even a potluck. • Whip up some hot chocolate and stir in the leftover candy canes.• Have a weekly family reading night. Your local library has movies to borrow for free and passes to local family entertainment venues.• Encourage others & post your family fun on Facebook. Share your secrets of saving!

Deb Poissant is an explorer, friend, wife, mother and teacher. She started an adventure of wiping out debt and living within her means while in college. The journey continued when she went down to a one-income family as she took a sabbatical to home-school her son. Now, almost ten years later, another adventure begins!

STEP FIVE!Prevention is the best medicine so tune in next issue to learn how to chart your results and turn it into savings!


Summer Camp Guide Pull Outand Save!

FMI: 207-518-9557 or [email protected]

Sponsored by

2020 Camp Fairs2020 Camp Fairs

Any camp or youth program that is offering summer programs for kids may participate in the camp fairs. The cost for having a table at one fair is $150, or you can register for both fairs for $285. Historically, more than 700 people attend our fairs. We can accommodate up to 70 camps at each fair.

Cheverus High School 267 Ocean Ave, PortlandFebruary 2nd 1-3pm

East End Community School

195 North St, PortlandMarch 22nd 1-3pm

www.mainecamps.org

Registgration Begins on December 16th

Full and half-day sessionsBeginner to advancedAges 5-17Scholarships availablePortland, So.Po., Belgrade

Ages: 4-15 yearsSmall GroupsExperienced StaffExtended Day Half Day Option

FMI See website:

207.541.9171

www.DaVinciExperience.com

www.ScienceMadeFunME.net207.400.0937

Visit our website to learn about our engaging, fun, hands-on science day camps!

ENGAGE

INSPIREEXPLORE


SUMMERSUMMER

CAMP 20202020

FMI please visit www.fiddleheadcenter.org

or call 207-657-2244.

25 Shaker Road, Gray

Hours: 9-3 with optional before (7-9am)

and after care (3-5:30pm)

June 22 - August 21 (9 weeks)

Summer Camp Sale Starting in February

After School Cycling Programs (K to 4th grade)Beginner Mountain Bike Clinics (all ages)Summer Mountain Bike Camps (ages 7 to 13)Maine Youth Mountain Bike Series Summer and Fall (ages 2.5 to 18)

For more information go to www.youthcycleproject.org and [email protected]

Youth Cycle Project believes that by providing children the opportunity to bicycle, we are helping to encourage healthy

lifestyles that can be used to overcome life’s challenges.

Ice HockeyJune 22-26

Boys & Girls ages 9-13 and 14-17

Girls SWISH ShootoutJune 26-28

Girls entering grades 9-12

Girls SWISHJune 29-July 3


BaseballJuly 20-24

Boys ages 8-12

VolleyballJuly 27-31


STIX Field HockeyJuly 27-31


SUMMER DAY CAMPS

For information on these and other USM Athletics Camps:(207) 780-5544 • TTY (207) 780-5646 • (800) 800-4876 X: [email protected] usm.maine.edu/athletics/sports-camps

SoftballJuly 6-9


Boys SWISHJuly 6-10

Boys entering grades 3-8

SoccerJuly 13-17

1/2 Day - Boys & Girls entering grades K-2 Full Day - Boys & Girls entering grades 3-8


MAD SCIENCE SUMMER CAMPS:•Various Camp Themes for ages 6-12•Fun, Hands-on Science Exploration•Interactive Outdoor Games and Activities!•Offered Weekly, M-F, 9am-3pm•Before and After Care Offered in Select LocationsCamp Locations: Portland, Augusta, Bath, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Kennebunk, Saco, Turner, Waterville/Fairfield, Wells, Yarmouth, Dover NH, Durham NH, Stratham NH and Nottingham NH!

207.712.462532 Sky-Hy Drive, Topsham, ME 04086

Feb. Vacation Camp Homeschool Program

“Through the Trees is an absolute blast! The kids tell stories and cook around the campfire; build shelters; and learn to identify plants, animal tracks, and constellations – each day we pick them up, we marvel at the experiences they have packed into just one day” - Parent of Camp Participant

www.throughthetrees.org

Afterschool Program


CABIN FEVER CABIN FEVER CURESCURES

If you picked your summer camp because you saw it in Parent & Family, please let

our advertisers know.

We appreciate it when folks let them know

that their ad dollars are hard at work!


Your kiddos will love our exciting and fun play place for ages 8 weeks – 6 years. IT’S FREE!

We know being a parent or guardian can simply be exhausting! Enjoy an hour of peace in Roots Cafe. Can you imagine being able to talk with a friend without interruptions! Yes we’ve made that possible!

Located at 20 School St. Westbrook next to Roots Cafe.

Walk in or enroll online at greentreeministries.net 207-854-TREE

Year-round Skating Lessons @ Troubhicearena.com225 Park Avenue, Portland, Maine 207-774-8553



Daycare & Learning CentersWishing Tree Preschool

Inspiring a love for learning

Conveniently located near 29511 Hutchinson St.

South Portland, ME 04106207-523-WISH (9474)

[email protected] Locke - owner

What you’ll see...•Individualized care •Fostering relationships •Age appropriate learning activities

Children’s TimeChild Development Center

Quality childcare for infants,

toddlers, preschool and school-age

children.

[email protected]

A Family Owned Early Care and Education Program

1065 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106 www.childrenstimemaine.com Mon-Fri 7:00-5:30

Contact Us for a Tour

Today!

LIL’FOLK FARM192 BLACK POINT ROAD

SCARBOROUGH, MAINE 04074

• Nursery School/Pre-K Program• Afterschool Program (K-2)

• Childcare, ages 3-7 yrs. (PT & FT)

For more info contact Tracey Murrell at 883-4001 or [email protected]

Full & Part Time• Child Care Ages 1-10• Nursery School

Age 2 1/2 and up• School Age Child Care

Open Monday-Friday6:30 am-5:30 pm

Centrally locatedbetween Rt. 1 & Maine Mall at

100 Westbrook St. So. Portland, ME

FMI: [email protected]

www.buildingblockssouthportland.com

Providing In-Home Childcare to Maine Families since 1985• Full Time/Part Time Nannies• Hotel Babysitters• Emergency/On-Call Services• Babysitting List Subscription• Temporary Nannies• Newborn Nannies

207.799.0200 WWW.PORTLANDNANNIES.COM

All of our nannies and sitters have been through our extensive application and screening process.

Catherine Morrill Day Nursery is an Equal Opportunity provider.

Preschool Openings*Call 207-874-1115*(Wait list for children under 3)

• Ages 6 weeks to 5 years• Healthy Meals & Snacks• Full time, M-W-F or T-TH schedules• Financial assistance for

eligible families

www.catherinemorrill.org96 Danforth St., Portland, ME 04101

Do you have a daycare or learning center?Contact Us!Be a part of the Directory that parents use to find care and learning experiences for their child.

207-251-2840


FAMILIES MAKING A DIFFERENCEThe Great Transition Plan for "L".

Having provided therapeutic foster care with KidsPeace for 7 years, Betty Ann Wilder certainly understands what goes into developing a solid transition plan for a child leaving her home. During her years of work in this field, she has also seen the various obstacles that can derail the best made plans. This most recent transition for a child in her care was so well orchestrated and clearly illustrates Betty Ann’s unwavering commitment to great teamwork.

L. moved into the Wilder home in April of 2016. At just shy of three years old, L. was the youngest of the four kiddos in the home. This was the fourth placement for this little guy. He was a bundle of energy and quite challenging. Diagnosed with asthma, suffering from frequent nightmares and being terrified of the bath were just a few of the pressing issues needing immediate attention. For a child with barely any language, it took months to acclimate him to the home and family. As a seasoned provider with a very strong skill set, Betty Ann faced a number of struggles with this little boy.

Several times throughout his three year stay with her, Betty Ann found herself looking for yet another childcare/pre-school option. L. was acting up so much that he was being sent home early on a regular basis or being asked not to return at all. Child care options were quite limited in this community. There was a period of time where Betty Ann would accompany him on any outings or field trips just so he would be allowed to attend. Fortunately; at the time, she was working from home and had some flexibility to accommodate the intervals of extra supervision required or days when he had no place to go. She would find herself up late at night trying to catch up on work she was unable to do during the day.

For the first year reunification efforts were made, which included regularly scheduled visits with his mother and visits with siblings who were placed in other foster homes within the agency. At times these went well and at other times L. would have very difficult behavioral issues following the visits. Many months passed as the outcome plan was being assessed. The decision to terminate the parental rights was made by the courts. Betty Ann walked L. through this very difficult time. He was grieving the loss of his mother. The focus was now changed to finding an adoptive family or individual for this kiddo. Naturally, Betty Ann was asked to consider this but determined that she was not a permanency option due to where she was in her own life; she had three children as well as aging parents who would undoubtedly need her. Betty Ann clearly understood the extensive needs of this child. She committed herself to actively participating in any efforts necessary to ensure that a solid plan would be made with his best interest as the main focus, no matter how long that process would take. An adoption worker with DHHS presented an interested candidate who currently lived out of state. Betty Ann was able to have communication with this woman on various occasions; she felt it was very important for this person to fully understand L. and his needs. They began to have regular contact via telephone and Skype sessions and a great working relationship emerged. Betty Ann opened up her home to Amy as a “family friend” so that Amy would be able to get to know L. and observe his day to day life and understand his current environment. He had three sisters who cared deeply for him, a family dog who was near and dear to him and a foster mom who was his biggest advocate. Consistent contact led to visits both here in Maine and at Amy’s home state. This aided in Amy truly becoming a family friend with a relationship of mutual respect becoming evident. Betty Ann and Amy were both involved in all aspects of his routines, as well as the other children’s lives. This family continued to

be supported by KidsPeace staff. Over time the reigns began to shift from Betty Ann to Amy. Additional family members were introduced through Skype while Amy was there visiting in Maine. The family included Amy in all of the seasonal activities so she would experience some of the things that had become important to L. over his years with Wilder family. They went sledding at his favorite hill, ate ice cream at his favorite spot and went to the pond that had come to be a special place for him. This way Amy would have a clear understanding of his “family traditions.” When he spoke of these places, Amy would know exactly what he was making reference to. This was done in a very mindful way so that his fond memories could continue to be special for him long after he became adopted into his new family; a symbolic bridge from his past to his future.

As the months rolled on, this family friend became someone very special to all of the family members. In February, Betty Ann and the kids spent the vacation week doing activities near Amy’s home. Being able to see and experience Amy’s surroundings provided a point of reference for everyone when she spoke of her everyday life. In March, Betty Ann and the girls went to Florida while Amy spent time in Maine with L., instead of him going on respite. Amy was supported by the KidsPeace team just as Betty Ann typically was. In April, the family went back to Amy’s area for a few days and did a variety of activities together and in differing combinations of kids. L. and one of his foster sisters stayed overnight at Amy’s home and they all met up together the next day. This allowed for L. to ask Amy questions about the things that were important to her and how she lived her day to day life. By May, an extension was granted to allow L. to finish the school year before the big transition. It was decided that over the Memorial Day weekend L. would be told of his impending move and upcoming adoption by Amy. The expected reaction was an appropriate balance of elation and sadness. Betty Ann and Amy agreed that a mindful, unscheduled period of time was needed for them to make family memories, say goodbyes and slowly pack up his belongings. It was important to keep in mind that there would likely be a bit of a natural push/pull that he would need to go through around this new information. L. then moved to his new home with Amy in July.

With Betty Ann, Amy and L. being the main characters of such a heartwarming story, there are many others who were also key players in the successful outcome. Betty Ann’s family, Amy’s family, the DHHS caseworker, the individual therapist and the KidsPeace Family Consultant all worked in harmony to support the entire process. It was truly touching to see the level of commitment, dedication and professionalism put into this transition plan. This young man so deserves all of it! He is surrounded by so many people who took the time and made such efforts to ensure the best possible plan could be implemented for his future. Much happiness to L. and Amy. WAY TO GO, TEAM!!!

Pediatric Dentistry1601 Congress St., Portland, ME

Parking accessed on Frost St.

Accepting New Patients

WWW.MAINEPEDO.COM • (207) 773-3111WWW.MAINEPEDO.COM • (207) 773-3111

Dr. Whitney R. Wignall / Dr. Aaron Schmick


RECIPES FOR READINGWe touch the future by what we do today. Have you ever read a book to a child or

given a book to a child? Yes? Then you have touched their future. Every time we read to children or give books to them, we give them the messages, “Reading matters, books matter and you matter.” Children feel loved when we read to them. They also feel loved when we give them books. When books bring love to children, children learn to love books. When they love stories and get to own books, children usually learn to read more easily. Whether or not children learn to read will have a major impact on their standard of living and quality of life.

One of my primary jobs for the Book Fairy is to examine and sort all of the locally donated books before they are sent out to families at the food pantries, the WIC program, the Head-start locations and community events. Through this task, I have been blessed to have read thousands of inscriptions in donated books. Those inscriptions always say, “With Love,”mostly from grandparents. I have learned that grandparents are the unsung, yet undisputed champions of touching the future of literacy with their book giving!

I was my family’s book fairy long before I became known as “THE” Book Fairy. Actually, I am “THE” Book Fairy’s personal, human assistant. As such, I sometimes hear inspiring stories about other family book fairies. I was so moved by this most recent story that I asked for, and was granted the family’s permission to share this book-fairy tale.

Once upon a time, in 2006 Averil Smith became a grandmother. Already a champion of young people in her Connecticut community, Averil made commitment to pass on her love of books to her grandchild by asking her local bookstore to create a Grandparents Book-o f - the-Month Club. Her request was granted and she enrolled her grandparent friends in joining her quest to establish a legacy of love and literacy for the next generation. (This next

part has tears running down my cheeks as I write this). When Mrs. Smith passed away in 2013, her husband chose to honor her passion for children and literacy by continuing her monthly gift to their grandchildren so they could still grow up feeling both her love for them and her passion for books.

It is my deepest honor to share that, in keeping with their grandmother’s legacy of valuing books and championing less privileged children, Averil’s grandchildren have chosen to donate some of their outgrown, pre-loved, Grandma-Averil books to the Book Fairy Pantry Project so they may benefit another generation.

Mrs. Smith’s gift to her grandchildren made me think of another grandmother. An abuela in our community told me that she has two reasons for loving me and my Book Fairy Pantry Project. She said, “The first reason is because it empowers me to be a grandmother who can give books to my grandchildren. The second is that it gives my grandchildren enough books that they can donate some of their books back to the Book Fairy to give away to other children. Your project doesn’t just give more books to children, it also gives children more dignity by allowing them to be givers as well as receivers of books.”

I can’t help but think how pleased Mr. and Mrs. Smith will be to learn that their grandchildren have passed on their legacy of love and literacy to other grandparents and other children. These are some of the reasons why I too, love The Book Fairy Pantry Project so much. It gives us ALL the opportunity to be a book fairy who touches the future of children with our simple gift of a gently-used children’s book.

I dedicate this article to all the grandparents who give new or gently-used books to their grandchildren, and to all the children who pass those books on to benefit other children. Our circle of literacy will one day end the cycle of illiteracy and all children will be able to claim their birthright of learning to read.

Pam Leo, is a family literacy activist, the author of Connection Parenting, and a new poem, Please Read To Me. Her enduring love of children's books, her passion for literacy, and her commitment to empowering parents, are combined in her new role as the founder of the Book Fairy Pantry Project, whose mission is "No Child With No Books," because "Books change children's lives... For good."

Combining Competitive Swimming, Dance,

and GynmasticsJoin us at the Riverton Pool

in Portlandand the Davan Pool

in Westbrook

Synchronized Swimming

Ages 6-18

FMI: [email protected]

“No matter what our attempts to

inform, it will be our ability to inspire that

will turn the tide.” - Jan Phillips

"With Love, Grandma" – A Legacy of Love and LiteracyBy Pam Leo, Family Literacy Activist


NUTRITION NEWSCabin Fever Remedies

Ingredients: • 2 cups buckwheat flour

(you could also use wholemeal or spelt flour)

• 1 cup rolled oats• ½ cup honey • 2 eggs• ¾ cup natural or Greek

style low fat yogurt

Instructions:1. Preheat oven to 355° F 2. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and stir well3. In a smaller bowl, mix eggs, honey, olive oil, yogurt and vanilla4. Add egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir well 5. Add mashed banana and berries and gently fold through (lumps are okay) 6. Use parchment paper or colorful muffin tins to line the muffin pan 7. Spoon mixture into the prepared tray 8. Place in the oven and allow to cook for 20-30 minutes 9. Test that the cakes are fully cooked with a toothpick before moving from

the oven

Banana, Berry, Yogurt Breakfast Muffins

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)• ½ cup fresh or frozen berries• ¼ cup olive oil • 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional) • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp natural vanilla extract• ½ tsp baking soda

Recipe adapted from healthymummy.com

Serves 12

By: Amanda Robbins, Dietetic Intern at Maine Dairy CouncilCold winter days have your family growing a little blue? Old man winter certainly

left his mark early this year—which has probably left your family feeling a little stir-crazy this season, particularly the little ones. Nevertheless, below is a list of five heart-warming activities to warm up the coldest noses and tiniest hands!

Explore cooking with kid-friendly recipes.Encourage and invite your children to help with cooking activities to engage their creative little minds and test their culinary skills. Check out: https://dairygood.org/recipes for a few creative sweet-treat recipes the whole family will enjoy. Allow your child or children the opportunity to assist with planning out the grocery list, picking up the items at the store and creating/assembling the final product. This exciting experience is sure to entertain for a few hours or more!

Homemade popcorn and a movie. Believe it or not, you can make your own delicious, low-fat rendition of microwave

popcorn right at home. Grab the kids and let them take part in the magic of popping corn. Using standard popping corn and a brown paper lunch bag, you can create the perfect whole grain snack in about 2 minutes. Want to add a little flavor? Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar for a sweet flavor profile, a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a shake of grated cheese for a cheesy bang. If butter is a must you can add a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter. Now grab a seat, pop on a movie and let the family bonding begin!

Keep it simple. Get outside and move! Just because it is cold outdoors does not mean you have to stay cooped up inside. Grab the snow garb and get moving! Getting your heart rate up will keep you warm and cozy despite the winter chill. Encourage your kids to build a snow fort, find a hill to sled down or walk the dog. When the fun is over, invite them inside to warm up with a bowl of homemade tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

Want to keep it simple? Allow your kiddos the opportunity to create their own mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Yum!

Go to another indoor location. A little change in scenery never hurt anyone! Try seeking out a new location that offers physical activity. Head to a local bowling alley, roller- or ice-skating rink, indoor pool, or a children’s museum. Need a place to start? Check out: https://www.kitetails.

org/ for an alternate place for your child or children to explore and play this winter season.

Five food groups. Four seasons. We got you covered! Head over to https://www.choosemyplate.gov/resources/seasonal/seasonal-winter for more nutrition-oriented tips, tricks, and resources to beat the winter blues this

season (and any other season thereafter).



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