KIDLINKs
A newsletter serving families…Published by the Orange County Parent Child Center
www.orangecountypcc.org
May 2011
Community Playgroups…Way More Than Play
The Orange County Parent Child Center offers six
playgroups for children from birth to age five
throughout our region. Playgroups are fun for
parents and children but also offer other
significant benefits. These gatherings of children
and parents provide a structure that supports
opportunities for children’s growth and
development. For example, interactions with
other children help develop the ability to navigate
emotions and express those emotions
appropriately. Children who have the
opportunity to learn and practice these skills are
more likely to experience competence in middle
childhood and adolescence (Phillips and
Shonkoff, 2000). Acquiring these social skills is
critical to school
success.
Playgroups also
provide benefit to
parents, both first time parents and those with
other children. Particularly in rural areas,
playgroups offer social support and networking.
A 2001 study conducted by the Center for
Community Health in Melbourne, Australia
supports the premise that playgroups offer
parents an opportunity to establish relationships
that provide on-going social interaction. Mothers
who have opportunity for frequent and regular
social interaction are less likely to suffer from
post partum depression. Depanfilis (1996)
defines social support interventions (playgroups
are an example) this way:
“… Social support interventions are
activities designed to alleviate stress and
promote parental competencies and
behaviours that will increase the ability of
families to successfully nurture their
children, enable families to use other
resources and opportunities available in
the community, and create supportive
networks to enhance child-rearing abilities
of parents and help compensate for
increased social isolation and vulnerability
of families.”
We are all familiar with the adage that it takes a
village to raise a child. Playgroups are an
important component of a community that
supports children and their families in a natural,
nurturing, and FUN manner. When families come
out to play; it makes a difference.
We would love to have you join us! Find our
complete playgroup schedule on page two of this
newsletter or learn more at
www.orangecountypcc.org. We are also hosting
two Saturday summer playgroups – see our
calendar inside.
The Orange County
Parent Child Center
Supporting Families…Building Community
We are one of 15 Parent Child Centers in Vermont.
All Parent Child Centers offer eight core services:
Home Visiting
Early Childhood Services
Parent Education
Parent Support
Playgroups
On-site Services
Information & Referral
Community Development
You can find our main office at
361 VT Route 110
Chelsea, VT 05038
Local: 1-802-685-2264
Toll Free: 1-888-685-2264
www.orangecountypcc.org
REGIONAL PLAYGROUP SCHEDULE
Each of these playgroups is open to children ages birth through age five, unless otherwise noted.
Playgroups are a wonderful way for parents and children to meet new people,
gain support and be introduced to new ideas in play.
Bradford
Brookfield
Chelsea
Norwich
Norwich
Randolph
Rochester
South Royalton
West Fairlee
Wednesday
Tuesday
Friday
Monday (birth to 2 yr)
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
Wednesday
Thursday
9:00 –11:00 am
9:30 - 11:30 am
9:30 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 2:30 pm
9:30-11:00 am
9:30 -11:30 am
10:30 -12:00 noon
9:30 – 11:00 am
9:00 - 11:00 am
Grace Methodist Church, OCPCC
First Congregational Church, OCPCC
Orange County PCC, 361 VT Rt 110, Chelsea
Olcott House atThe Family Place, 649-3268
Olcott House atThe Family Place, 649-3268
Kids Place, 25 Forest St, Randolph, OCPCC
Rochester Federated Church, OCPCC
United Church (on the green), OCPCC
Westshire School, West Fairlee, OCPCC
Playgroups that are held in schools are
not held on days when school is not in session.
For more information or directions please contact the
Orange County Parent Child Center (OCPCC) at 888-685-2264
or visit www.orangecountypcc.org
GROWING A HAPPY CHILD
A Parenting, Early Care & Education Calendar…
Workshops and events for parents and caregivers in Northern Windsor and Orange Counties.
SPRING & SUMMER 2011
Ongoing New Parent Support Group Drop by this informal weekly group for new parents held every
Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon in the Family Center building at Gifford Medical Center in
Randolph. Contact Nancy Clark, R.N., at 728-2274 for more information.
Ongoing Kinship Care Support Group This monthly support group brings together “kinship providers,”
who are relatives caring for the children of a family member. This might be a grandparent, aunt or uncle,
or other family member. This group will provide a space and time for folks to gather and connect, share
strategies, build community, and learn about the resources that are available to help them in this
important work. Dinner and childcare are provided. Co-faciliated by Cindy Blondin, an area kinship care
provider, and Mary Ellen Otis, OCPCC’s Executive Director. We have two seasoned childcare providers to
keep children of all ages safe and happy while the adults are meeting. Held at the Orange County Parent
Child Center in Chelsea (361 VT Route 110) on the first Tuesday evening of each month from 6:00 – 7:30
p.m.For more information and/or details regarding location and childcare call Mary Ellen at (888) 685-2264
or email [email protected].
Parent Advisory Group Monthly meetings on Tuesdays May 24 & June 21 where parents come together for
an informal discussion group to learn about the importance of family engagement and ways that they can
be involved in their child's learning and school experience. This opportunity is coordinated by the Parent
Information Resource Center (PIRC-VT) and the Orange County Parent Child Center. Parents will receive a
$20 stipend for each meeting they attend as a gesture of appreciation. Dinner and childcare are provided
onsite during the meeting. Held in Chelsea from 6:00-7:30 p.m Contact Emily Marshia at 888/802-685-2264
or [email protected] to register or for more information.
Get Outdoors & Get Moving Family Challenge: Winter ~ Spring Edition February 1-May 28: Gather your
family, get outside, and get moving together. The Orange County Parent Child Center challenges you to
engage in outdoor family activities over a 17-week period. There are just two rules: be active and have fun
together! We’ll enter your family in a drawing for a variety of family passes and gear. See form on last page.
MAY
Pajama Story Hours A fun story hour for preschool children and their parents to visit their future
elementary schools. Wear your pajamas, hear stories, sing songs, and get a free book to take home. Cosponsored by the schools and the Orange County Parent Child Center. For more information contact Emily
at 802-685-2264 or visit www.orangecountypcc.org. Complete schedule below.
Braintree Elementary School – Thursday, May 19, 6:00 p.m. Guest readers: John & Janet Poeten
Brookfield Elementary School – Monday, May 16, 6:00 p.m. Guest readers: John & Janet Poeten
Fun with Felting Westshire Playgroup- Tuesday, May 24: Playgroup facilitator, Leslie Berger, will be joined
by Jen Messier, fiber crafts enthusiast and OCPCC family support director, at the weekly Westshire
playgroup for a morning of fiber and wool crafts for children. Roll it, twist it, pull it- see what you can
create with your child and learn about the endless, simple activities you can do with wool. Held at the
Westshire Elementary School from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Contact the Orange County Parent Child Center for
more information at 802-685-2264 or visit www.orangecountypcc.org.
JUNE
Teddy Bear Social- Saturday, June 25: Gather up your family and bring your child’s teddy bear or favorite
stuffed friend to this free and fun celebration of friendship and families! It’s a special summer Saturday
playgroup and we’ll play games, enjoy stories, and soak up summer! Held at the Orange County Parent
Child Center in Chelsea from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Contact the Orange County Parent Child Center for more
information at 802-685-2264 or visit www.orangecountypcc.org
Fun with Felting Chelsea Playgroup- Friday, June 24: Playgroup facilitator, Emily Marshia, will be joined by
Jen Messier, fiber crafts enthusiast and OCPCC family support director, at the weekly Chelsea playgroup
for a morning of fiber and wool crafts for children. Roll it, twist it, pull it- see what you can create with your
child and learn about the endless, simple activities you can do with wool. Held at the Orange County Parent
Child Center from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Contact the Orange County Parent Child Center for more information at
802-685-2264 or visit www.orangecountypcc.org.
JULY
Fun with Felting Randolph Playgroup- Thursday, July 14: Playgroup facilitator, Dede Tracy, will be joined by
Jen Messier, fiber crafts enthusiast and OCPCC family support director, at the weekly Randolph playgroup
for a morning of fiber and wool crafts for children. Roll it, twist it, pull it- see what you can create with your
child and learn about the endless, simple activities you can do with wool. Held at the Kids Place A-frame on
Forest Street from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Contact the Orange County Parent Child Center for more information at
802-685-2264 or visit www.orangecountypcc.org.
Rhythm & Rhymes Social Saturday, July 16: Come dance and sing and celebrate summer at our first-ever
summer musical playgroup with local musician, Brooke Wilkinson. We’ll be outdoors at the Orange County
Parent Child Center in Chelsea from 10:00-11:30 a.m.For more information or directions, contact Emily at
802/888-685-2264 or [email protected].
Dear Readers,
You have probably noticed that our newsletter is considerably smaller. To save paper, we have begun
posting relevant articles and resources for families and early care & education providers on our website at
www.orangecountypcc.org. From time to time, we may still publish a larger print newsletter around a
specific topic. We look forward to hearing from you through our Get Outdoors & Get Moving Family
Challenge and to seeing at our events throughout the county.
If you are ever seeking a workshop or experience on a certain topic, please feel free to contact Emily at
OCPCC directly at 888-685-2264 or [email protected]. We enjoy custom tailoring our offerings
based on the needs and interests of the communities we serve. Enjoy summer!!
The Arts Bus
The Orange County Parent Child Center is thrilled to announce its collaboration with the Arts Bus, a
mobile art studio, free library, and pocket theater, which brings free art activities to the children of rural
Central Vermont on the wheels of a renovated school bus! The bus visits the towns of Randolph, Bethel,
Braintree, Brookfield, Chelsea, Tunbridge and Williamstown, making appearances at schools, child care
centers, libraries, town recreation centers, neighborhoods and special events, like the Tunbridge
Memorial Day Parade and the Randolph 4th of July Parade. Parents and children are welcome to come on
board and enjoy the various activities, presented by a wonderful roster of skilled artists. ALL
APPEARANCES & WOKSHOPS ARE FREE OF CHARGE!
The Arts Bus in Chelsea Tuesday, July 26 and Tuesday August 16: The Orange County
Parent Child Center will host the bus on two afternoons this summer for an afternoon of open-ended
exploration aboard from 1:30 – 3:00 pm. Spread the word and stop by 361 VT RT 110 on the corner of
Bobbinshop Road and Route 110 at the north end of Chelsea village. The bus will be parked out back.
The Arts Bus in Braintree Saturday, May 21: The Arts Bus will appear at Mobile Acres
Community Park in Braintree from 10:00 am- 12:00 noon. Artist Sequana Skye will be making masks
with the kids. All interested parties are welcome to attend. If you wish to come, just turn into the Park
off of VT 12A, and turn left at the first opportunity (at the bank of mailboxes). Drive a block or two and
you will see the bus! Come one, come all!
The Arts Bus in Randolph Saturday, May 28: Artists Barry Miller and Erica Sears will be
appearing for the Arts Bus at the White River Craft Center in Randolph (50 Randolph Avenue), for the
“Vermont Open Studio Weekend,” from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. All are welcome to come by!
CREATIVITY TRAININGS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS AND PARENTS
Workshops designed to help adults plan and present art activities for the children in their care.
To pre-register, contact Jennie Harriman: 802-236-9173, [email protected]
STORY SHUFFLE at the Bethel Elementary School: Mondays, May 9 & May 16, with Eva Zimet
from 6:00-7:30 pm. Each class is self-contained and counts for 1 ½ hours toward professional
development requirements (you will find this class on the Northern Lights/Bright Futures website
calendar under:Art Explorations. You can also use “The Arts Bus” in the “sponsor” search category, to see
what other workshops are coming up).
PAINTING WITHOUT BRUSHES at the Orange County Parent Child Center in Chelsea:
Tuesday & Thursday, August 9 & 11, with Jennie Harriman . The training is for PARENTS, though child
care providers may also attend. Held from 6:00-7:30 pm.
THEATER at the Orange County Parent Child Center in Chelsea : Tuesday and Thursday,
September 27 and 29, with Sequana Skye, This activity is for CHILD CARE PROVIDERS ONLY. Held from
6:00-7:30 pm.
The Nurturing Parenting Program
at the
Orange County Parent Child Center
COME AND GROW AS A FAMILY!
The Nurturing Parenting Program is an educational
program that involves the whole family.
If you want to improve communication with your children, learn
how to set limits, have family meetings, discipline without spoiling
or spanking, and have a fun time together and with other families,
Call for more information and/or to Register!
Connie Button
Kids Place
A Program of the Orange County Parent Child Center
685-2264
Meets once a week for 2.0 hours for 10 weeks
BEGINS IN MAY
For more information or to sign up, contact
Connie Button at 802-685-2264
[email protected]
PUBLIC LIBRARY STORY HOURS
Updated April 2011
All children’s story hours are open to all preschool age children unless otherwise noted.
Please call to confirm story times in advance.
LIBRARY & TOWN
DAY
TIME
PHONE
Baldwin Memorial Library, Wells River
Monday
10:00 am
802-757-2693
Bethel Public Library, Bethel
please call
please call
802-234-9107
Blake Memorial Library, East Corinth
Thursday
10:30 am
802-439-5338
Bradford Public Library, Bradford
Friday
10:00 am
802-222-4536
Chelsea Public Library, Chelsea
Monday
10:00 am
802-685-2188
Fairlee Public Library, Fairlee
Tuesday (will change soon – call) 10:00 am
802-333-4716
George Peabody Library, Post Mills
Wednesday (school age)
3:30 pm
802-333-9724
Kimball Public Library, Randolph
Wednesday(preschoolers)
11:00 am
802-728-5073
Kimball Public Library, Randolph
Friday (toddlers)
10:30 am
802-728-5073
Latham Memorial Library, Thetford
Friday
10:30 pm
802-785-4361
Morrill Memorial & Harris, Strafford
Friday
10:00 am
802-765-4037
Rochester Public Library, Rochester
Thursday
2:00 pm
802-767-3927
Tunbridge Public Library, Tunbridge
Thursday(1st & 3rd of month)
6:15 pm
802-889-9404
Vershire Community Library, Vershire
Wednesday
10:00 am
802-685-9982
VENTURE VERMONT
2011 OUTDOOR CHALLENGE
A statewide outside scavenger hunt
WIN A FREE STATE PARK PASS FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON!
Download score sheet at www.vtstateparks.com or pick one up at any state park
Go around Vermont doing the activities and taking pictures of your family. You get points for each activity, and when
you reach 250 points, you get a special gold medallion that admits
you into any state park day use area this summer AND next!
Kidlinks Newsletter
Orange County Parent Child Center
361 VT Route 110
Chelsea, VT 05038
PreSort Std.
U.S. Postage Paid
PAID
Permit No. 30
Chelsea, VT 05038
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Spring & Summer 2011
Get Outdoors & Get Moving
FAMILY CHALLENGE
1) We challenge your family to participate in at least ten outdoor activities between May 1 & Aug 31.
2) We reward your family with a prize. Past prizes include: books, museum, mini-golf, & state park passes.
3) Take a photo, draw a picture, or write a brief description about one of the activities.
(We love to hear from your children!)
4) Return this form, along with any photos, drawings, or written descriptions to the address below.
First & Last Family Names & Ages:________________________________________________________
Mailing Address:_______________________________________________________________________
Email:_____________________________________ Phone #___________________________________
 I give permission for my family’s art work and/or writing to be displayed on the OCPCC website
and/or Facebook page.
Mail art work/writing and this form to: OCPCC, 361 VT Route 110, Chelsea, VT 05038