Assabet Valley Area Family Network

Community Partnership for Children

Newsletter
Winter 2008/2009
What’s Up at the Family Network… Are you interested in receiving
I have good news and bad news to share with you all. First the bad news: our newsletter electronically??
As with many of the state funded programs, the Massachusetts Family Networks have
been told to cut their budgets. Our FN budget will be cut by 21.5 % or $28,811.29, In an effort to save money on printing
which drops our $134,006 budget down to $105,194.71. This is no easy task since we costs and stay up to date in the cyber
have been level funded for the last 6 years! With help from some of the Advisory Coun- world, we would like to offer you a
cil members we have come up with the follow cuts, which means the following changes chance to receive an email with our online
to our program: newsletter.
Staff salary and hours have been cut, we can no longer contract with anyone to provide If you are interested, please email us at
parenting workshops, we will no longer be able to pay for child care providers so our avafamilynet@yahoo.com with ‘Email
child care may become very limited since we’ll rely on volunteers, and we will not be newsletter’ in the subject line and we will
able to offer the community based activities such as Squeaky Sneakers, Mr. Kim or Fri-
add you to our list. You do not need to do
day’s drop in music with Mr. Mike to mention a few. Our supply line only holds funds
for limited postage and we will no longer contract for once a week cleaning. We no
anything if you would prefer to receive a
longer have funds for printing so we will not make newsletters available in the commu- paper copy. Please consider saving a tree
nity and we have severely cut back on our mailing list since we now are copying off a and some $$ by sending us an email!
very basic newsletter ourselves.
The Good News is we are still HERE. Our Playspace and the extra room LOTTERY REGISTRATION
across the hall will still be here for families with the help of our pervious donations! It Enclosed in this newsletter is the registration
was decided that we need the extra space to allow for programs that may developed, form for our winter session. Please complete the
with parent input, energy, and assistance. We will try our hardest to provide a number form and return to AVAFN 169 Pleasant St
of parent/child activities for everyone and we ask that anyone who has something to Marlboro, MA 01752.
offer PLEASE step forward and share! Our parenting workshops may be fewer but All registration forms must be completed in
Eliza and I will do our best to bring information to you and we will outreach to parents full and received no later than
and others who could provide presentations for free, as our facilitator for our upcoming Friday, November 21st at 2pm to be entered
Parenting Journey has done. We will be able to bring back our Single Parent Meeting into the lottery.
held once a month with the support of a community group and I look forward to other
opportunities that may come about in this manner. The lottery will be held on Monday November
24th at 9am. Members of the Lottery Monitoring
What we need from all of you is your SUPPORT if you are in a position to Committee will draw names randomly and fami-
help. For those who aren’t, not to worry because there will always people here for you. lies will be placed into one parent/child group or
Your support can come in so many different ways. We’ll need volunteers to placed on a waitlist.
help with child care, creative and energetic folks to come up activities and
programs like Alex’s and Darleen’s Happy Trails program this fall, and PLEASE REMEMBER what you choose for
boxes of crackers, bottles of juice, and diapers. Anyone have a connection to your first choice! Families will only receive a
a printer or big copy machine to help us copy off 400 newsletters?? Back up call if their first program choice is closed or they
cleaning crews, meals for the Parenting Journey program….if you have time and a are placed on a waitlist. Noting more than one
chance to share a talent, ability, or connection let Rosemary know, PLEASE! choice will allow us to place you in another
The last thought I’ll leave you with is a notice of an up coming mailing that you program if your first choice is closed.
will receive. Long before these cuts were announced, our Advisory Council decided to Please call 508-485-0085 with any questions!
hold a direct mailing fundraiser to maintain and increase our programs– now more than
ever! With the shift in economic times I realize that this will not be an option for many PLEASE WELCOME DANIELLE MOSKOWITZ
of you but please know that it’s okay! I truly believe that giving comes in different ways Danielle came to our FN just as our last newsletter was
and times. Sometimes the gift of giving is as simple as being here and sharing yourself, published so she never was formally “introduced”.
your children, your stories, and your joys with others because without families coming Even though her hours have already been cut!- she will
together, we would not be the wonderful Family Network that we are! still be a wonderful presence in the office a few days a
WE wish all the best for a happy, healthy & safe Holiday Season, week. If you haven’t had a chance to “hi” yet, please
Rosemary, Eliza and Danielle stop by the office and introduce yourself.

The Assabet Valley Area Family Network provides FREE family education and support to all families with
children age pre-birth through 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
 Playgroups & Parent/Child Activities
Title and Description Dates/Times Location Registration
Infant 1 & New Parents Playgroup - 8-week session for ages Dec 8 - Jan 26
Birth - approx. 9 months. Meet new parents, see other babies, and Mondays
enjoy and discuss the joys & concerns of being a parent 2:00-3:00
Infant 2 - 8-week session for ages 9 - 15 months. Each session will Dec 8 - Jan 26

Registrations received after that date will be honored if space is still available.
include a different activity, songs, snacks, and time to share. Tuesdays 9:15-10:30

Registrations will be processed by lottery on Monday November 24th.

Toddler 1 - 8-week session for ages 15 mos - 3 yrs. Each session Dec 8 - Jan 26

Lottery forms are due in the office by Friday November 21, 2008.
will include a different activity, songs, snacks, and time to share. Mondays 10:45-12:00

Please call 508-485-0085 with questions or to check availability.

Toddler 2 - 8-week session for ages 15 mos - 3 yrs. Each session Dec 8 - Jan 26
will include a different activity, songs, snacks, and time to share. Thursdays 9:15-10:30

169 Pleasant St, Marlboro

All Ages 1 - 8-week session for ages Birth - 4yrs. Each session will Dec 8 - Jan 26
include a different activity, songs, snacks, and time to share. Mondays 9:15-10:30
All Ages 2 - 8-week session for ages Birth - 4yrs. Each session will Dec 8 - Jan 26
include a different activity, songs, snacks, and time to share. Thursday 10:45-12:00

AVAFN
All Ages 3 - 8-week session for ages Birth - 4yrs. Each session will Dec 8 - Jan 26
include a different activity, songs, snacks, and time to share. Fridays 9:15-10:30
“The Arts” Group - All ages playgroup centered around weekly Dec 8 - Jan 26
art activities. Be prepared to get messy! (Geared towards 3&up) Tuesdays 10:45-12:00
Lunch Buddies - Ages 3 & up will share a bag lunch from home Dec 8 - Jan 26
with friends & a staff member who will provide activities. Mondays 12:15-1:30
DO-RE-MI - 8-week session for all ages. An interactive & lively Dec 8 - Jan 26
music class to introduce music concepts and instruments. Mondays 9:30-10:15
Play & Sign - This 4-week mini session will incorporate sign Dec 3 - Dec 24
language along side the spoken word to give children the chance to Wednesdays
have a language rich experience. Each week will focus on a 9:15-10:00
different theme and Carol Flynn will co-facilitate with Rosemary.
More Than Just a Story - 4-week mini session for all ages. Jan 14 - Feb 4
Stories come alive with songs, art, and puppets as we share the Wednesdays
many ways parents can introduce early literacy to their children. 9:30-10:15
Spanish Culture for Kids - All ages playgroup with songs, crafts, Dec 8 - Jan 26
play and conversation around Spanish language and culture. Bring a Wednesdays
brown bag lunch from home to eat while socializing. Fluency in 12:00-1:30
Spanish not required, all are welcome!
Fun & Run - 8-week session for ages 3 & up. This partially self- Dec 8 - Jan 26 1st Parish Church
directed playtime focuses on large motor activity at different Tuesdays Northboro
“centers” with lots of opportunities to burn energy. 10:00-11:00 Church St.
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 Dec & Jan 169 Pleasant St.
FN’s playroom. Come to one or all! 9:30-11:00 Marlboro

HEALTH NOTE WEATHER 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 play-group, attend-
ing an activity, or coming for child care.
Thanks for understanding!
Since winter weather is approaching, we would like to remind you of
our “snow policy.” When MARLBORO Public Schools are closed,
playgroups and activities for that day will be cancelled. You can find
out about school closings by watching any of the major networks in
the morning or listening to WBZ radio. In the event that school is not
cancelled and playgroups are running we ask that you use your best
judgment. If you are not comfortable coming out in the weather
please give us a quick ring to say you will be staying at home.
Should we have to make a decision to cancel an evening
activity, we will call you.
Our Special Heartfelt THANKS to those who have donated
and contributed to the FN these past months:
Monetary Donations from: The Holts, Laitys, Snyders, Hobins, Goodharts,
Bazikas’, Guenards, Matijevics, Smiths, Schreibers, Hallsworths, Tina
Martinez & The German Playgroup, Holy Trinity Church, Mothers &
More, and Rebecca Bell-At Home America Fundraiser.
Thank you to all of the families that have donated snacks, juice & supplies!
The Petersons, Sastrys, Hobins, Hirshs, Daurias, Sweeneys, Ropes, Powers,
Heinonens, McCurley, Bakstroms, Grandins, Seemungels, and Ana Romo,
We are forever grateful!
For those of you who noticed the newly painted bright hallway….we have
the General Federation of Women’s Club and specifically Julie Stanwood
of the Northboro Jr’s Women Club to THANK. This group came on Oct
25th to spruce up our hall and assist with other projects in the B &G club.
What a difference it makes!
Our Halloweekend Parties were a huge success thanks to the efforts of our
volunteers! Thank you to Lindy Hankins, Deb Clemons, Mary Garner,
Kelly Skoog, Kara Kendrick, Rebecca Bell, Kim Dunkelberg, Carol Ward,
Julie Dalbec, Jen Bastien and anyone else who we may have missed.
Thanks to Danielle, our amazing office support person, for donating the
bright & colorful paper for our NEWSLETTER!
Parenting Alone Together (PAT) – Single Parent Group
4th Tuesday of the Month– 6:00 to 7:30 at the FN
Let’s come together for an evening of sharing, discussion, and food! We’ll
plan our meetings together so everyone’s interests and needs will be ad-
dressed. Call Rosemary,508-485-0085,and let her know that you are
interested! Child care and dinner will be provided.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS
Thank you to all families who have placed
scholastic orders this fall. The new November/
December flyers are full of great bargains perfect
for Holiday gift giving!
You can now 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
Password: Family
Of course, you can still place orders paid with cash or
check by bringing them to the FN.
There were some technical issues with online
ordering last month so PLEASE try again!

ONGOING PLAYGROUPS
Terrific Twins Group - All age twins are welcome for a Wednesday Contact Renee.Munch@gmail.com if you
playgroup with planned activities, a snack, and time to socialize 10:30-12:00 are interested in this playgroup.
and connect. Renee Munch leads this group with her sons.
Japanese Playgroup - All ages playgroup for Japanese Wednesdays Contact Naokoconway@hotmail.com if you
speaking families. Please contact Naoko Conway for more 9:30-11:00 are interested in this playgroup.
information.

Parenting Workshops
The Parenting Journey - A 12-week program that allows all parents
will be accepted through our lottery
process or by calling 508-485-0085
the chance to engage in beneficial discussions and activities exploring January 8 - April 2

Registrations for parent workshops

early parent/family relationships and their impact on current parenting
169 Pleasant St, Marlboro

roles. This program also extends to those who may not have had that Thursdays
“perfect childhood” which, in turn, may not have provided them with 6:00-7:30pm
after November 24th.

the resources, emotional support and modeling necessary to respond

to their children. Feel free to call Rosemary for more info or with
questions. Dinner & Childcare will be provided.
AVAFN

1, 2, 3 Magic - This direct method of dealing with certain types of

behaviors provides parents with a calm way to guide and discipline December 11
children 2-12 without arguing, yelling, or spanking. You will learn Thursday
“your piece” in helping children to stop behaviors that you don’t want 6:00-8:30pm
them to do. The 6 Types of Testing and Manipulation (those behavior
patterns the frustrated child will use with unnerving skill to get you to
give in) will also be reviewed. One tool of many to understand & use.
Yucky Day - We will discuss the importance of the process of play
and how “being in the moment” can ease transitions. You will get to January 14
play with a variety of activities! Join in the fun and take home a Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm
packet of activities to do with your children. (Snow day Jan 21)
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

TOY SWAP
Monday, Dec 1st - Friday, Dec. 19th
PARTY 8am to 7:00pm Mon-Fri.
at the Family Network
Once again the Family Network is offering
Let’s ring in 2009 together! parents an opportunity to “use” the Family
Network as way to speak with children about
the idea of giving and sharing by doing a
Join us for a TOY SWAP.
Potluck Party If your child is old enough, 3 and up, you may
want to begin a discussion about passing toys

Friday, January 16th 6:00-7:30
at the FN
This is a great opportunity for Family Network families
to join together to ring in the new year! On our lottery
along to others at this special time of year. Let
your child look through their toys and decide
what they would like to pass on. Or, you may
want to dive into the pile without your child’s
input and participation so that you can make
room for other, upcoming items.

form, please let us know if you’d like to attend. We’ll be

Items can begin to come into the Family
back in touch with you as the time gets closer to find
Network starting November 10th
out what you would like to bring so we can be certain to
have a wonderful feast!