How Well Do You Know Your Child?



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A Daily Morning Routine With Kids

Start Your Day Off Right With a Smooth, Efficient Schedule

Does your morning routine get your day off to a good start? Or do you rant, rave, and rush your kids out the door? Here are some ideas for a successful morning.

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Parents should plan out a morning routine, writing down a schedule of what needs to be done in the morning and how it can be done with a minimum of stress.

If your family’s morning routine is rushed, chaotic and full of frustration, first evaluate exactly what is happening in the mornings. What are the key things that get your attention and get you angry? A child who won’t get out of bed until the third call? A child who takes 10 minutes to put on his socks? Identify these situations and start responding to them in ways that will get your children to change their behaviors.

Here are some tips for streamlining your morning routine into a smooth ride for the entire family.

• Get enough sleep. No matter how well organized your morning routine is, you need to be well rested to handle it. If you don't already have a good bedtime routine for your kids, get one.

• Get up before your children. In order to lead the children in an efficient morning, parents need to be awake and ready to start the day ahead of time.

• Set things out the night before. Have your kids pick out what they’re going to wear and set out their clothes. Get completed homework back in the backpacks before they go to bed. Set out gym bags, forms, musical instruments and anything they need to take to school.

• Do as much as you can the night before. Encourage your kids to shower the night before instead of in the morning, especially the slow-pokes. Pack lunches the night before and keep them in the fridge, ready to grab and go.

• Schedule an extra 10 minutes of wake-up time. If you’ve scheduled your kids’ morning down to the minute, build in at least a few extra minutes of cushion time, for them to get out of bed and get moving.

• Give them a reward for “smooth mornings.” Tell your kids if they can get through a morning without yelling, threats, and excessive rushing, they’ll get a sticker on a chart, a candy in their lunch, or another reward.

• Don’t lump your kids together. Kids are different and need different types of encouragement in the mornings to get things done. Let each of your children have input on their own personal morning routine. If one child needs more time, get him up earlier. If another child needs more time to eat breakfast, allow that for him. Allow each of your children to have a schedule that works for him.

• Keep things close to the door. Organize your entryway so that coats, hats, gloves, shoes, and anything else your child needs for the day are all near the doorway.

• Use written reminders. Keep a white board near the back door and have your children write down reminders to themselves. Put it in a spot where it can be seen as you’re leaving the house.

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Wheeler Library Orange

(978) 544-2495

Thursday September 16

Get Messy - part 1 4 – 5 PM

For fourth graders and up. Get Messy - part 1, with wire and plaster will be led by Nina Wellen. Space is limited so registration is suggested.

Thursday September 23

Get Messy - part 2 4 – 5 PM

Paint your creation, wire + plaster + paint = artistic sculpture.

Thursday September 30

Radical Reptiles 4 – 5 PM

For fourth graders and up. Seven Radical Reptiles will be brought in for viewing purposes only. Participants will learn about these creatures and their habitats. Led by Radical Reptiles of Randolph. Space is limited so registration is suggested.

Wednesday October 6

UPcycle Yourself 4 – 5 PM

For fourth graders and up. UPcycle Yourself a unique pair of mittens and/or a hat from an old favorite sweater or from the sweaters provided. Led by Julie Davis.

Space is limited so registration is suggested.

Drop in Playgroup

at the Valuing Our

Children Family Center

When: Tuesdays Starting September 21

• Time: 10 - 11:30 AM

• Who: For children ages 0-5 years and their caregivers

• What: Crafts and activities offered

• Transportation available if needed

• Playgroup is free

Playgroups in Orange and Phillipston will be starting soon!

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Northfield Mountain

99 Millers Falls Road (Route 63)

Northfield

(413) 659-3714 or (800) 859-2960

Monarch Mania! with Rachel Roberts

Saturday, September 18 1 – 2:30 PM

Join educator Rachel Roberts for a class exploring the complete life cycle of butterflies

with emphasis on the Monarchs who will be migrating through our area at the time. Together we will do a variety of hands-on science and art activities focusing on butterflies and their life-cycle. Weather permitting, there will be time to investigate the wildlife outside together at Northfield (so dress appropriately). This workshop is free and intended for families. For ages 4 and older. FREE! Pre-registration required

Early Evening Kayak around Barton Cove

Saturday, September 25 4 – 6 PM

Join Bill Gabriel for this leisurely late-day fall paddle around the Cove. Will the red maples have reached their peak? Will the beavers be paddling around the Cove collecting branches for underwater winter storage? We know that the Cove will be its lovely early fall self and will provide renewal, energy and fun for those who take a few hours to enjoy this special evening. For ages 7 and older. Free with own Kayak, $25 with kayak rental. Pre-registration required.

Connecticut River Source to Sea Cleanup 2010

Saturday, October 2 9 AM – Noon

This is your chance to get involved in the 14th year of the Cleanup! Last year 275 volunteers filled four 30 yard dumpsters with trash in addition to 200 tires, 4,200 pounds of scrap metal, 9 televisions and assorted appliances which were collected from the Montague Plains and along rivers and streams in Montague, Gill and East Deerfield. Participants are assigned to sites near their home – so they can revisit them and enjoy the fruits of their labor. For ages 7 and older. FREE! Program meets at Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners.

Fall Foliage Hike

Saturday, October 23 1 – 6 PM

The oaks should be glowing orange and reddish brown all around us as we hike the MM trail beginning in Erving and then onto Northfield Mountain trails. Overlooks on the Millers River Valley and atop Northfield Mountain will give us classic New England foliage views. Along the way, we’ll travel through different forest types and read clues to land-scape changes through tree

species and other signs of forest disturbance. The route is generally more downhill than up on this 6½ mile hike, with total climbs of approximately 600 feet. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress for the weather and bring water and hearty trail snacks. Heavy rain cancels. For ages 12 and older. FREE! Pre-registration required.

Halloween Celebration around the Campfire with Roger Tincknell

Saturday, October 30 6:30 – 7:30 PM

This 25+ year-old celebration of Halloween through songs, stories and dance is led by internationally known and locally loved singer/ songwriter Roger Tincknell. Imagine a group of young witches, fairies and aliens in the glow of the firelight spellbound by a slightly spooky story – or waltzing around in small family groups to Roger’s beautiful music and you can get some sense of the delight this evening brings. Wholesome snacks also served. Dress WARMLY and bring flashlights and blankets or chairs for seating. Program meets behind Visitor Center. In case of poor weather, the program will be held inside the cozy yurt. For all ages. FREE.

CORNER

SWAP

FRANKLIN COUNTY

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY

Saturday, September 25

Orange Transfer Station

For residents in the following towns:

Athol, Erving, New Salem, Orange, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Warwick, Wendell

You must PRE-REGISTER to participate. Registration deadline: 9/17/10. You will receive a postcard in the mail assigning you a time and giving you directions to the collection site. Please call our office if you haven't received a card within five business days of submitting your information.  For more information call (413) 772-2438.

Needed:

High Chairs

Stroller

Infant & Baby clothes

To Give Away:

We always have an assortment of free toys & children’s clothing. Drop in and take a look!

If you have something to give away, or are in need of something and would like to make use of our Swap Corner, please call VOC at (978) 249 – 8467 and ask for Regan.

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Non- Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Athol, MA 01331

Permit # 78

Valuing Our Children

217 Walnut Street

Athol, MA 01331

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Valuing Our Children provides support and education for families in the North Quabbin Region.

VOC is funded by Community Connections, The Massachusetts Children’s Trust Fund, and MA EEC.

Millers River Environmental Center

100 Main Street, Athol (978) 248 - 9491

Monarch Mania!

September 11 1 - 2 PM

Join educator Rachel Roberts for a program exploring the complete life cycle of butterflies with emphasis on the monarchs who will be migrating through our area at the time. FREE . To register or for more info, contact Rachel at robertsrml@ or (413)774-7290.

The Nurturing Program

for Families with Young Children

Valuing Our Children is now taking applications

for the 2010/2011 Nurturing Program

What Is The Nurturing Program?

← A sixteen-week class for families to take together

Who Is The Nurturing Program For?

← any family with young children that wants to get along better, communicate more, and feel closer to each other

What Will You Get From The Nurturing Program?

← effective ways to discipline your children

← a sense of personal power

← fun with your family

Next Class:

← Starts September 16, 2010

← 10 AM – 1 PM

← Lunch served

← Transportation available

← Free!

For more information call Regan Kleber at (978) 249-8467

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Tool Town Live

Saturday September 11 7 – 9 PM

Richard Chase Band

Saturday September 18 7 – 9 PM

The Reprobate Blues Band

Fish Park Athol

Enjoy Folk/Rock music.

All concerts are free and open to the public.

In the event of rain, concert location will move to Memorial Hall at 584 Main Street, Athol.

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This issue’s artwork by

Jess R., Amber M., Ashley W.,Laura W., Maddie L., Patience C., and Maddie M..

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Athol Public Library

(978) 249-9515

Tuesday, September 7, 14, 21, 28 October 5, 12, 19, 26

Overdue Yo-yo Club  3:30 - 4:30 PM

Learn how to yo-yo with Jon Skinner.  Participants try to master all the tricks in 3 different levels.  Ages 7 and up.  Club meets in Liberty Hall at the Town Hall.

Wednesday, September 8, 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20, 27

Wii Gaming  3:30 - 4:30 PM

Come to the Athol Public Library for an afternoon of gaming fun. Grades 2 and up.

Tuesday, September 14 October 12

Drawing with Emily  3:30 - 4:30 PM

Learn how to draw with Emily.  For students in grades 4 - 12.  Please sign up at the library.

Tuesday, September 14 October 12

Mystery Discussion  6:30 – 8 PM

Come and discuss a selected mystery in the activities room.  Books will be available for Inter Library loan.  Bring a snack to share with the group.  Beverages are provided by the Library. 

Thursday, September 16, 23, 30 October 7, 14, 21, 28

Knit-Wits  3 - 5 PM

Join library volunteer Jean White and learn how to knit or practice some of the skills you already have.  All materials are provided.

Friday, September 17 October 15

Anime Club  3:30 - 5:30 PM

Join other anime fans to watch and discuss anime.

Monday, September 20, 27 October 4, 18, 25

YMCA Nursery Story Time  10:30 - 11:30 AM

Tuesday, September 21

Cupcake Decorating for Teens  4 -5 PM

Learn to decorate cupcakes with Amanda Leighton.  For students in grades 6 -12.

Wednesday, September 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20, 27

Wednesday Story Time  10:30 – 11 AM

Thursday, September 23

'Current Research at the Poles'  5:30 - 6:45 PM

Athol High School teacher Lynn Stopen will present 'Current Research at the Poles' (focus on the Arctic).  For general audiences. Free and open to the public.

Friday, September 24 October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Friday Story Time  10:30 – 11 AM

Thursday, October 7

Global Warming and Alaska  5:30 - 5:45 PM

Athol High School science teacher Lynn Stopen will present current predictions and consequences of sea level rise. For general audiences. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, October 19

Book discussion for teens - Teen Read Week - Vampires! 5 – 6 PM

Join us for a book discussion as part of a Teen Read Week

celebration.

Thursday, October 28

Curiosities, Commodities and Cultural Connections;

Egyptian Mummies in 19th Century America  5:30 – 7 PM

Great Falls Discovery Center

An Educational Visitor Center

2 Avenue A., Turners Falls (413) 863 - 3221

Leaves Falling Everywhere!

September 25 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Join us for an hour of fun leaf activities! Learn why leaves change color, go on a leaf exploration, and make your very own "stained glass" leaf window out of cellophane. Part of this program will take place outdoors, unless it is raining, so participants should dress appropriately. This program is aimed at ages 5-10, however, all ages are welcome!

Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week

October 16 1 – 2:30 PM

Master falconer Chris Davis will present a live bird program and demonstration. Come celebrate National Wildlife Refuge week. Eat cake and enjoy learning about the world of falconry.

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Community Meals

The Salvation Army, at 107 Ridge Avenue Athol

Sunday September 26, October 24

Hot meals will be served to the community on the fourth Sunday of every month at 5 PM.

Bethany Lutheran Church, 62 Cheney Street Orange

Monday and Thursday Doors open at 5 PM and meal is served at 5:30 PM ALL ARE WELCOME!

Orange Celebrate The Harvest & Bicentennial Events

October 10

Celebrate The Harvest Fair 9 AM – 3 PM

Butterfield Park

Annual Craft Fair, The North Quabbin Cruisers HUGE car show on the ball park field, and multi-division parade. Food and craft items for sale.

Celebrate the Harvest/Bicentennial Parade 1 – 2 PM

This year the parade celebrates the Town of Orange's 200th anniversary.

The parade starts near Pete's Tire Barn on East Main Street, then turns left on to South Main Street and continues to Mahar Regional High School.

Winners of the parade judging will be announced at Butterfield park, following the parade.

Record Hop 7 – 11 PM

Athol/Orange Elks Lodge 1837

92 New Athol Road

Orange

Enjoy a 'FREE' all-volunteer evening event that will consist of dancing and remembering the 40s/50s/60s. The event content will incorporate American popular culture with music and national historic moments. Local history will be the result of the research of town records from the library and personal collections. The format will be a radio station with music, news and sports from that era provided by classmates who worked at an Orange newspaper at that time.

All the town folks from high school to 100+ should be at this free bicentennial event.

Refreshments will be available.

Farmers Market - Orange

Orange Farmer's Market - every Thursday until October 21, 3 – 6 PM Butterfield Park, East River St. Contact Rachel at (978) 544 - 6063 with questions.

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Free After School Programs at the Salvation Army

Starting on Thursday, September 16, a number of free after-school programs will be held for children of various ages.

On Thursdays, from 4:15 to 5 PM, free guitar, drum, piano, vocal, dance and sign language lessons will be given. From 5:15 to 6:15 PM, Sunbeams/ Girl Guards/Boys Adventure Club group will meet (ages 6-12).

On Fridays, from 6 to 8 PM, the youth group for those ages 12 to 19 will meet.

Free nutritious meals are served with each after-school program. To register your child, call (978) 249-8111 or go to the Salvation Army.

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VOC News

September/October 2010

Petersham Memorial Library

23 Common St.

 Petersham

(978) 724 -3405

Manga Art Workshop for Teens and Tweens

Artist, Andy Fish will lead this studio-style workshop for Teens and Tweens interested in the Art of Manga. The workshop will be held on Saturday, September 25 at 11AM at the Petersham Memorial Library. Space is limited for this program. Participants must register at the library prior to the program to reserve a space. 

Beekeeping Lecture

Expert Beekeeper, Roland Sevigne will lead this lecture on the benefits of Bees and the art of keeping them. Please join us on Wednesday, September 29 at 6:30PM for this program. All are welcome to this free event.

First Friday Movies - Family Fun

The Petersham Memorial Library offers an excellent selection of films

that are shown on the First Friday of each month. The event is free and open to the public.

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Valuing Our Children Programs are open to all families in the North Quabbin region at NO CHARGE. Transportation and childcare are available.

Valuing Our Children offers:

← Parenting Classes

← Volunteer Opportunities

← Information and Referral

← Family Support

← Toy Lending Library

← Book Lending Library

← Leadership Development

← Community and Family Events

← Playgroups

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