1 a non-profit family resource center Volume 5, Issue 2 May/June 2010 Cape Cod Children’s Place Family Newsletter for families and caregivers of children from birth through age six living on the Lower/Outer Cape... CCCP News... Our lives are filled with transitions. From the moment of birth on, we are adapting to new environments, learning new skills, moving into new stages of development. And in order to navigate those transitions successfully, we all need support. As parents, we need supports within our community in order to help our children make these transitions. When a child learns to adapt to a new sibling, or how to participate in a playgroup, or how to adjust to entering and leaving a childcare program -- all those are transitions, and the family provides the most important foundation for the child's success in adapting to each new situation. This time of year is filled with transitions, as we plan for summer, the end of the school year, and new schedules for children and adults alike. Some children are getting ready for kindergarten; others may be enrolling in a new childcare program so their parents can work this summer. For all of us, transitions work better when we know what to expect. Cape Cod Children's Place is dedicated to supporting families during transitions because we recognize that by planning transitions, we can help our children adjust to new settings and approach new experiences in a positive way. Our new brochure, "Planning Transitions For Your Young Child," provides information and resources to help families with these transitions. On May 13 at Stony Brook Elementary School in Brewster, Cindy Horgan will copresent with kindergarten teacher Kelly Barnatchez a workshop for parents, "Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?" designed to help parents prepare for that milestone. Call us at 508-240-3310 at any time to share your own experiences and ideas about how we can support families through all transitions, big and small. Thanks and Giving… Thanks! A big “thank you” to Cape Associates for donating the labor and some materials to replace the cabinets and appliances in our kitchen. Cape Associates employees Moon Parker, Peter Corbett and Joel Erickson volunteered their time to do this job. We also thank Joe & Son Appliances of Provincetown for giving us a discount rate; and Sandy Silva of Long Point Electric for donating cabinets for this purpose. Thanks! To Jared Colley for rototilling our community garden. Thanks! To Tessa and Glen Svenningsen for all of their hard work cleaning up the toddler playground during April vacation. Thanks! To everyone who sponsored Cindy for this year’s Boston Marathon run. She raised $2,725.80 for CCCP’s Family Support Programs. Way to go Cindy! You can read Cindy’s post run reflection on page 7 of this newsletter. Giving! CCCP is in need of the following for our community garden: wheelbarrow, rakes, seeds, seedlings, soil, plant tone, vegetable tone; help with weeding/harvesting, planting, rototilling, etc. NEW PARENT, BABY & TODDLER NEWS New Moms: Meet other moms! free Moms & Babies group : These groups are informal gatherings of moms (dads and caregivers are also welcome!) and their pre-walking infants. We meet to share stories, ask questions and get familiar with resources that support you such as: nutrition, parenting, breastfeeding, etc. Mondays, 10:30—noon Harwich Community Center, Oak St. Monica Keefe-Hess: 508-2403310 Postpartum Depression Support Group for new mothers Tuesdays 10:30 am Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis With Aimee Rozum, LMHC There is a fee associated with this group, but most insurance is accepted and no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Call Aimee, 508-957-0267 for information or registration. WIC Breastfeeding Support Group For moms-to-be & mothers of nursing Infants! Please join us for this informative and supportive morning at the: Outer Cape WIC office 79 Finlay Road, Orleans, MA Wednesday, May 12, 2010 Wednesday, June 16, 2010 10 am—11 am Meet with WIC Lactation Consultant Gabrielle Hathaway, I.B.C.L.C., get answers to your breastfeeding questions & learn new information in a confidential & sympathetic group environment. Snacks will be provided! Questions? Please call the WIC office 508-240-0853. Mexican Fajitas 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 2 Ingredients: 2 c. red & green peppers, sliced; 1 c. red onion, sliced; 1 tbs. vegetable oil; 2 lg. boneless, skinless chicken breasts; a sprinkle of paprika; 4-8 tortillas Suggested Toppings: Shredded cheese; sour cream; salsa; assorted veggies (lettuce, tomato, onions) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is heating, slice the peppers & red onion. Spread oil on the bottom of a baking dish. Lay the chicken breasts on top & sprinkle with paprika. Put peppers & onions over the chicken. Cover the baking disk with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Take foil off & bake for another 15 minutes. Slice chicken into thick strips. Turn off oven. Wrap tortillas in foil and heat for 10 min. in still warm oven. Arrange some chicken, pepper, and onion slices on a tortilla & add desired toppings. To eat your fajita, fold up the bottom of the tortilla & then fold the 2 sides toward the center. 3 Preschool Years / Announcements Join Us! Car Seat Safety Check Did you know 9 out of 10 car incorrectly? For this Mother’s by the Eastham Fire Station children are safe in the car! car seats and your children! seats are being used Day Weekend, come and make sure your Bring your car, your Saturday, May 8, 2010 10 a.m.—1 p.m. Eastham Fire Station 2520 State Highway Eastham, MA Cape Cod Children’s Place Community Family & Friends Pot Luck Cook Out Wednesday, May 26, 2010 (raindate Thursday, May 27, 2010) 5:30—7:00 pm At the Orleans-Eastham Elks Club McKoy Rd., Eastham Cape Cod Children’s Place will provide hot dogs & veggie burgers, drinks, music, & balloons. Please bring something to share; appetizer, salad, side dish or dessert. Please R.S.V.P. to Cape Cod Children’s Place, 508-240-3310. The Rocking Unicorn Nursery School, Chatham For more information, contact Kate O’Connell at 508-322-1519 or email [email protected] Sponsored by Eastham Fire, A Baby Center’s Cape Kids Car Seat Program, and Cape Cod E.D.D.Y. with help from the Cape Cod Children’s Place. Laurel Day Camp 2010 June 7th—August 27th Ages 16 months to 12 years Offering flexible summer scheduling for busy families. Choose from 3,4, or 5 day enrollment options during our core program sessions, and convenient half or full days. Extended days also offered for families needing early drop off (8 AM), and afternoon care through 5 pm. For more information or forms visit www.laurel-school.org. is now enrolling students for our fall 2010 Pre-K class (4 & 5 year olds), which meets on Mon-Wed-Fri. Cape Cod Children’s Place is now accepting applications for Fall 2010 enrollment in all programs. Please call Gretchen at (508) 945-0611 to request a brochure and arrange for a visit with you child! CCCP also has openings in the Pre-K room for the summer. 4 ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS... Cape Cod Children’s Place Family Roadshow Stony Brook Elementary School 384 Underpass Road Brewster, MA Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:30—7:30 P.M. “Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?” Join Cindy Horgan, Family Support Coordinator for Cape Cod Children’s Place and Kelly Bernatchez, Kindergarten teacher at Stony Brook Elementary, in a discussion about how to prepare your child socially and emotionally, as well as handle separation anxiety for a healthy transition into kindergarten. Free childcare and pizza dinner. You’ll have a chance to ask questions, share ideas and go home with education and resource materials. Single Moms Monday, May 24, 2010 Monday, June 28, 2010 5:30—7:00 pm At Cape Cod Children’s Place 10 Ballwic Rd. Off Nauset Rd. in Eastham Come join Cindy Horgan and Kate Macaulay for this non -therapeutic group designed to encourage individuals to share their challenges as well as their successes. Meet new friends and be supported and empowered by each other! FREE pizza dinner and childcare will be provided. Preregister by calling 508-240-3310. Funding support provided by a Mass. Family Centers grant through Children’s Trust Fund, Administered by Cape Cod Children’s Place. Come and join us! Pre-registration is required. Call CCCP at 508-2403310 with your names and ages of children who will attend. Please let us know if you are in need of transportation. We need your ideas at the two upcoming meetings of the Lower Cape Early Childhood Council. So please note these dates in your calendar and come and join us: This program is funded by a Mass. Family Centers grant through the Children’s Trust Fund, administered by Cape Cod Children’s Place. Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Wednesday, June 16, 2010 6-7:30 pm At Cape Cod Children’s Place March for Babies At the Cape Cod Canal June 27 Registration for the March of Dimes signature walk begins at 9 am, the walk at 10 am. It is a 3 mile walk along the Cape Cod Canal. Dan Clark, the Singing Trooper will be singing the National Anthem Free childcare provided if you register in advance: call Elizabeth at 508-240-3310 or email her at [email protected]. Some topics to think about and share your thoughts at these meetings: • Should we look for other sources of childcare aid? Where should we look? • What are other needs of families? What would be beneficial to your family? • Would you like to use the Resource Center at Cape Cod Children’s Place? To do what? • What would make it easy for you to attend occasional meetings of this Council? 5 MORE ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS... ATTENTION Harwich Homeowners In the Harwich Center Area Are you in need of critical home repairs? Do you have any problems with the following? Plumbing Heat Roof Insulation Hot Water Septic System Doors & Windows Flooring Foundation Structural Repairs Ceiling Electrical The Town of Harwich has applied for grant funds that will provide a forgivable loan of up to $30,000 for repairs to your home. These funds are available for income-eligible households and administered by The Resource Inc., a local, nonprofit organization. Call now to complete a pre-application and get on the list! more information call Jean Stanley-Project Manager The Resource, Inc. 508-760-4900 Or check us on the Web at theresource.org Dads’ Talk First Monday of every month 6:00-7:30 PM At Harwich Community Center 100 Oak Street With Paul Melville. A free, safe, non-therapeutic group providing an opportunity for dads of kids & teens to talk about the issues of being a father in today’s world. Come gain support & share experiences & strategies to help you in the important job of being a father. Pizza & childcare provided. Information & registration 508-771-4338 or [email protected]. Sponsored by the Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition with additional support from Cape Cod Children’s Place & Harwich CPC Free!!! Dad & Me “Critter Cruise” Saturday, June 19, 2010 1:00—2:15 P.M. At Viking Princess Cruises MacMillan Wharf Provincetown Come join other dads, father figures and children for this FREE event sponsored by the Cape Cod Children’s Place. The Critter Cruise sails promptly at 1 pm from MacMillan Wharf. An expert naturalist will be our guide as we explore the local marine world. You can help pull up a lobster pot or a bottom dredge and see what’s inside. Explore some of the catch in the “Tide Pool Touch Tank”, a miniature marine habitat that allows you to see all of the “critters” in a natural setting. A naturalist will show you how to handle each one safely, and without injury to the animal. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required; call 508-240-3310. Funding support provided by the League Club of Cape Cod, administered by Cape Cod Children’s Place. 6 Massachusetts 2-1-1 Get connected. Get answers. A partnership of United Way and MAIRS Dial 2-1-1 to get the help you need. 2-1-1 connects you to local services—from food, clothing and shelter assistance to counseling, legal and financial services. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Multilingual and TTY service is available. It is also FREE and confidential. Or Visit www.mass211help.org and conduct your own easy search for local social service programs. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have designated 2-1-1 as the Commonwealth’s primary telephone information call center during times of emergency. You’ll be able to access vital, up-to-date disaster information, numerous post-disaster programs, interpreter, etc. Lower Cape Outreach Council Do you need help? Do you need food, clothing or short term economic assistance to tide you over a crisis? If you live in the town of Harwich, Chatham, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro or Provincetown… HOPE is just a phone call away! By phone: 508.240.0694 or 866.TRY.LCOC By email: [email protected] By mail: P.O. Box 665, Orleans, MA 02653 In person: 19 Brewster Cross Rd, Orleans, MA 02653 Lower Cape Outreach Council is open Monday—Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the exception of holidays. Parenting in a Tough Economy (adapted from OneToughJob.org) Tips for getting your family through these tough times • • • • • • • • Put things in perspective. Even if your family has not been directly been affected by the economic climate, it’s likely that your child has friends whose parents have lost their jobs or who are having some financial trouble. So, listen to what your child is saying & try to be as honest as possible. Remind your child that no matter what the situation is, you will always take care of her & love her. Give age-appropriate information. Children under the age of 9 may not need too many details unless their routine will be disrupted by something like having to move or not going to child care as a result of a parent being laid off. Keep up with rules and routines. Children need structure, so try to maintain a normal family schedule. Just because things may have changed, it doesn’t mean the family rules change. Avoid filling free time with extra television or computer privileges. Make time for family time. While some traditions may have to be put on hold, think of new things to do that are less expensive but just as fun. For example, eating out on Friday nights could be replaced by making pizza at home and renting a movie. Look for free activities through local organizations. Think outside the box. There are creative & inexpensive ways to cut expenses but still continue to do fun things. For example, if your child has a birthday coming up, a party at the local playground for younger children or a sleepover at home for older children can be just as fun as having a party somewhere else. If you have family & friends who give your child a gift, ask them for things your child needs that you may not be able to afford right now, such as clothes. Share your wealth. Even if money isn’t tight for your family, there are many other families who are struggling right now. Ask your child to consider donating some of her things to children who could use them. Think of something you both can do together to help local families in need. Look out for signs of stress. When children see their parents upset, they can also become upset and may blame themselves. If you find yourself being more irritable around your children than you used to be, take a deep breath & count to 10 before saying something you don’t mean that will upset them. Pay attention to any changes in your child’s behavior or emotions, including sleep & appetite changes, nightmares, separation anxiety, acting out, or a slip in academic performance. Take care of yourself. Try to take some time for yourself, even just to go for a walk or read a magazine. Find out about parenting groups in your community. If you need assistance with basic necessities like food or clothing, there are local organizations that can help. Reflections on My Boston Marathon Run… Y esterday at the 114th running of the Boston Marathon I arrived in Hopkinton at about 6:45 a.m. Being early, I found a bench to sit, reflect, and watch all the activity around me. As I waited, a “Dad” asked to share my bench with me. We chatted about his two sons and his wife who runs a home daycare. It was clear he worked hard for his family and was running for them. After moving to sit in the sun under a tree, I met another man and he told me how he raised money for Homeless Shelters, and I realized we are all working together. The moment came when the runners gathered in the corrals; all 26,000+ of us, and the race began. With each step I found one of my families in my mind. As the first mile passed, I thought ‐ I can do this for 25 more miles. As I ran I watched the people on the sides of the road and again was reminded of how important our family support work is to others. I saw the “Dad” with his two small children holding them up and my heart was full. I saw the multi‐generations of families celebrating together and the gratitude for all those able to be together. I saw the “Mothers” with small children wishing they were running too, but knowing they were doing what their children needed, and it reminded me of the sacrifices we make as parents. I looked up at one point and saw my work partner Monica on the sidelines and felt so loved by her continuous support and her journey that has taught me so much. Thanks for the hug Monica; it’s good to know we are not alone in this work. Upon entering Natick my soul was full as all of my family stood and held me and I was so grateful for them allowing me to share them with so many. I began to struggle as I was running into Newton and once I hit the 17 mile mark, I was in trouble. My head felt dizzy and felt I might be sick. Upon reaching the top of yet one more hill, I saw a porta‐potty and was instantly reminded of the humor we need to do this very hard work of parenting. How embarrassing this will be to ask a stranger to assist me in getting out of the potty. It was not a pretty thought but it did make me giggle to myself. I finally exited my little “rest spot” and as my legs struggled, luckily, across the street was a medical tent. A young man greeted me and asked if I was okay and I replied that “I’m having trouble.” How many times have I had that experience in meeting families along the way? He offered me a place to rest and a “warm blanket,” a symbol of what we at Cape Cod Children’s Place are to so many families. He stayed with me and asked what else he 7 could do for me. I asked to use his phone and called my husband and told him “I need you, I’m not doing okay.” It wasn’t the first time he told me “It’s okay Hon, I will be right there.” It’s a blessing to know that kind of love. My “new friend” supported me as I stood and offered another “warm blanket.” Imagine the sight; I looked like a silver bullet walking the streets of Newton. I walked and found my husband. He nourished me with popsicles and put me into a very hot shower. Then I sipped chicken broth and replenished the important sodium my body needed. We then began the long journey home. I shared with my husband my disappointment of not finishing. He shared his fears that I was going to hurt myself and not be able to do one of the things that I love so much ‐ run. Today when I woke I felt a little sore, and really began to think about yesterday. I knew I’d finish that marathon but not on anyone else’s schedule. So today holding all those families in my heart, I ran 4.5 miles and it felt good. Upon reflection, my marathon run is like the work we do parenting and working with families. Even when our hearts are fully in it, we sometimes come to the place of struggle and need support. Sometimes we are able to find it within our own families and friends and sometimes we need to go outside to our community and agencies for help. Thank you all who have supported me and believe in the work that we all do. Whether we are the “warm blanket” along the way, or the words of encouragement, or cup of chicken broth that replenishes what we have lost, I pray we continue to do this work and believe in every family that journeys among us. Thank You! P.S. For the record your body is different at 50 than at 38! Healthy Families Strong = Communities 8 Spring 2010 The following free activities are offered in the Lower/Outer Cape towns for children aged birth-3, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Many of these activities will end in May; call the contact number provided here, to check whether a specific playgroup is still meeting. Brewster Toddler Story Hour Fri., 10-11 am through mid-May at Brewster Ladies Library April 23rd—will resume Fall 2010. Truro Truro Tots Playgroup: Mon, 9-11 am at Truro Public Library. Please call to learn about special events the library has planned. Call Maggie Hanelt at 508-487-2693 Call Pat Policastro 508-896-2136 for more info. Eastham Parent Chat & Playgroup Wed., 10:30-11:30 am at Eastham Public Library. Weekly story time and craft with Lucy Gilmore. Call Fran McLoughlin 508-240-5950 Wellfleet Toddler Story Time Fri, 10:30-11 am A mix of stories, songs and projects geared for toddlers and their caregivers Toddler Town: Fri, 11 am-2 pm A PARENT supervised indoor play facility geared for children up to 3 years and their families. Both at Wellfleet Public Library: 508-349-0310 Chatham Itsy Bitsy Yoga Thursdays at Eldredge Public Library. Sessions for Tykes (2-4 yrs) 9:30 am; Tots (Crawling—2 yrs) 10:30 am; and Infants (Birth— crawling) 11:30 am. Enrollment is ongoing. Introduce your child to the many benefits of Yoga. You and your child will enjoy practicing Yoga, discovering movement, and singing rhymes in a child-friendly, relaxed environment. There is No Fee for this program. Call Monomoy Community Services : 508-945-1501 to register. Orleans Playgroup: Mon, 9:30-11 am Federated Church. Parent Coordinator: Allison Pillsbury 508-737-6094 Provincetown Born to Read Playgroup : Tues. 9:30-11 am at Provincetown Public Library. Call 508-487-7094 for info. Harwich Moms and Babies Mon. 10:30-12 For moms and their babies from birth to pre-walking. An informal place to meet other moms and to share information and resources. Call Monica Keefe-Hess at 508-2403310. Playgroups: Tues., 10:00– noon (11-12 join us in the gym with E.I.); Thurs. 9-10:30 through May 20th. Call Parent Coordinator Melanie Bach for information 508430-8603. ****************** Above groups meet at Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street Funding support for most of the above programs is provided by grants from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, administered by Cape Cod Children’s Place. Call 508-240-3310 for more information. 9 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORTH EASTHAM, MA PERMIT NO. 25 Cape Cod Children's Place, Inc. PO Box 1935 10 Ballwic Rd., off Nauset Road North Eastham, MA 02651 Phone: 508-240-3310 or 800-871-9535 Fax: 508-240-2352 www.capecodchildrensplace.org This newsletter is funded by grants from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and other sources. Helpful telephone numbers: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Outer Cape Women, Infants & Children’s Nutrition Program (WIC): 1-800-675-1188 Fuel Assistance Program (emergency help for fuel/heating costs): 508-746-6707 Homeless Prevention Council (resources, referrals, housing, etc.) 508-255-9667 MSPCC (MA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children): 508-775-0275 Alanon (support for families of those with drinking problems): 508-394-4555 Healthy Connections (insurance and MassHealth referrals, applications and info): 508-255-1903 Mass-APEAL (free clothing shop in Wellfleet / info on Food Share program): 508-349-1173 Lower Cape Outreach Council (financial assistance for emergencies, food, clothing): 508-240-0694 LaLeche League (breastfeeding information): Carolyn Witt at 508-255-8521 Maternal Depression (resources and referrals): Cindy Horgan 508-240-3310 The Center for Breastfeeding (toll free line to get answers to breastfeeding questions) 1-888-8902229 Consumer Credit Counseling Service (non-profit assistance with budgeting & debt consolidation): 1800-208-2227 Family Support Program (free referrals to parenting resources, child & family therapists, etc): Cindy Horgan 508-240-3310 Massachusetts Child Support Enforcement (Hyannis office): 508-771-2414 ext. 3 Parental Stress Line: 1-800-632-8188 Provincetown Family Resource Center (support, referral and financial aid through John A. Henry Trust, administered by CCCP. Located at the Grace Goveia building, limited hours. Call CCCP 1-800-871-9535 or Tuesdays call 508237-2688.