A friend of mine is suffering from depression. Not only is depression difficult, but it is especially difficult during the holiday season. The days are growing shorter and darker, everyone is either complaining about the shopping/baking/Christmas cards or relentlessly upbeat...
So today, I am suggesting random acts of kindness towards friends. Not gifts, not a toy to Toys for Tots (although this is a worthy cause: click here to find places to bring the toys). Instead, take a moment to send a non-Christmas card or note to a friend who might need a quiet word of love. It doesn't have to say much. Just let them know that you are thinking of them. So many people in my life have had loved ones die (and they never "get over it"--every year is a struggle), or been divorced, or "just" suffer from clinical depression.
For inspiration, you might check out Very Truly Julie, a lovely blog by a great wordsmith. You might also consult "9 Holiday Depression Busters" on Beliefnet and see how you can be proactive. For example, you might offer to have your friend's children over on a random Saturday morning or schoolday afternoon so that friend can have a few moments of peace. Or you could show up with a healthy meal that boosts their energy levels--that means a salad, not a casserole! (Although you COULD show up at my house with a casserole!) You might even offer to address envelopes, or stand in line at the post office ("I am going there anyway," you could say--which is probably true!).
To Do: Make a burden light(er).
Friday, December 11, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
For the birds
I sing the praises of bird watching. For our family, at least, this is an activity that all generations can share (unlike the DS or Pokemon or Diary of a Wimpy Kid, for example). Growing up, I remember watching the birds in the snowy bushes outside my grandparents' kitchen window. Today, our children talk birds with their grandparents, who have feeders outside their kitchen windows, too. It's a language that we all understand.
We buy our feeder stuff anywhere and everywhere, but the two places we have been the most often are Blackhawk Hardware in the Park Road Shopping Center and the Wild Bird Center of Charlotte in the Arboretum Shopping Center. Both have a good selection of all kinds of feeders.
When my children were in preschool, we participated in many activities at Wing Haven in Myers Park. Wing Haven was created as a private garden in 1927, and the Wing Haven Foundation was created in 1970 to care for the gardens. During the year, Wing Haven offers gardening symposiums, plant sales, and programs for children and families. For example, coming up on Wednesday, December 16, Wing Haven is hosting a holiday celebration. Families can help decorate a tree at Wing Haven with edible ornaments for the birds, and make an edible ornament to take home to their yard, too. Click here for the details (including the RSVP number).
I've blogged about the Carolina Raptor Center before, so I won't take up more space here. Check it out! Cool birds, pretty location. Great family outing.
Coming up on December 26 is the Christmas Bird Count with the Mecklenburg Audubon Society (part of the nationwide Christmas Bird Count which takes place from December 14-January 5). We have never done this, and we won't be doing it this year, but if you are interested in a half-day or all-day trip out in the great outdoors counting birds, click here to learn about the Christmas Bird Count from the National Audubon Society, and click here for details on the event here. The Mecklenburg Audubon Society web page also has lots of information on local birding spots.
For younger children, a more practical bird count is the Great Backyard Bird Count, which will take place in 2010 on February 12-15. Here's a link to learn more about the GBBC for kids. The GBBC is sponsored by the Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, whose website has all kinds of cool bird stuff. When our children were very early risers, this was a great activity for sleepy parents and the kids--I could lounge on the couch drinking my coffee while they eagerly peered out the window to see which birds were coming to our feeders.
While putting this blog post together, I ran across the information for Project FeederWatch, which I had completely forgotten about. Project FeederWatch is a winterlong survey of--yes--birds at feeders. You pay $15 to participate, and receive a research kit, a subscription to BirdScope, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology newsletter, and an ID number for you to use when you submit your data. I hopped right on the website to sign up for a gift membership for our eager 9-year-old birder. It might be a fun gift for a grandparent to receive from a participating grandchild, also.
UNCC biologist Rob Bierregaard is a local treasure for his commitment to birds. Click here to read (or hear) a piece from WFAE on Rob's work banding barred owls in suburban Charlotte neighborhoods--there are more than you might think (owls, not suburbs). You can follow Rob on Twitter; his "handle" (is that what they are called?) is ospreytrax. His website is here.
A great series of books for eager young birders is the Birdsong series, which features recordings of birdsongs from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to accompany the pictures and descriptions.
To Do: Buy an inexpensive feeder and put it up outside your window to beckon the birds.
We buy our feeder stuff anywhere and everywhere, but the two places we have been the most often are Blackhawk Hardware in the Park Road Shopping Center and the Wild Bird Center of Charlotte in the Arboretum Shopping Center. Both have a good selection of all kinds of feeders.
When my children were in preschool, we participated in many activities at Wing Haven in Myers Park. Wing Haven was created as a private garden in 1927, and the Wing Haven Foundation was created in 1970 to care for the gardens. During the year, Wing Haven offers gardening symposiums, plant sales, and programs for children and families. For example, coming up on Wednesday, December 16, Wing Haven is hosting a holiday celebration. Families can help decorate a tree at Wing Haven with edible ornaments for the birds, and make an edible ornament to take home to their yard, too. Click here for the details (including the RSVP number).
I've blogged about the Carolina Raptor Center before, so I won't take up more space here. Check it out! Cool birds, pretty location. Great family outing.
Coming up on December 26 is the Christmas Bird Count with the Mecklenburg Audubon Society (part of the nationwide Christmas Bird Count which takes place from December 14-January 5). We have never done this, and we won't be doing it this year, but if you are interested in a half-day or all-day trip out in the great outdoors counting birds, click here to learn about the Christmas Bird Count from the National Audubon Society, and click here for details on the event here. The Mecklenburg Audubon Society web page also has lots of information on local birding spots.
For younger children, a more practical bird count is the Great Backyard Bird Count, which will take place in 2010 on February 12-15. Here's a link to learn more about the GBBC for kids. The GBBC is sponsored by the Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, whose website has all kinds of cool bird stuff. When our children were very early risers, this was a great activity for sleepy parents and the kids--I could lounge on the couch drinking my coffee while they eagerly peered out the window to see which birds were coming to our feeders.
While putting this blog post together, I ran across the information for Project FeederWatch, which I had completely forgotten about. Project FeederWatch is a winterlong survey of--yes--birds at feeders. You pay $15 to participate, and receive a research kit, a subscription to BirdScope, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology newsletter, and an ID number for you to use when you submit your data. I hopped right on the website to sign up for a gift membership for our eager 9-year-old birder. It might be a fun gift for a grandparent to receive from a participating grandchild, also.
UNCC biologist Rob Bierregaard is a local treasure for his commitment to birds. Click here to read (or hear) a piece from WFAE on Rob's work banding barred owls in suburban Charlotte neighborhoods--there are more than you might think (owls, not suburbs). You can follow Rob on Twitter; his "handle" (is that what they are called?) is ospreytrax. His website is here.
A great series of books for eager young birders is the Birdsong series, which features recordings of birdsongs from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to accompany the pictures and descriptions.
To Do: Buy an inexpensive feeder and put it up outside your window to beckon the birds.
Friday, December 4, 2009
How do you direct your holiday charitable giving?
This year, I decided to give to a charity instead of giving a gift to neighbors. In the past, we gave maple syrup. The skyrocketing price of maple syrup ended that, and recently we have given jam from a little roadside stand in Maine. However, I myself get tired of having partially used jars of jam in my refrigerator, so I was looking to do something a bit different.
Here's my theoretical question for you: do you give to a charity that you already support, or do you give to a charity that supports the theme of "neighbor"? We are longterm supporters of Thompson Child and Family Focus, which helps children "at risk for social and academic failure" through a variety of services, including everything from Child Development Centers to psychiatric residential treatment. We are also devoted members of the Carolina Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured and orphaned raptors (owls, hawks, etc.) as well as providing education and research programs. I am a big fan of Friendship Trays, which is the local Meals-on-Wheels program. Many of my elderly relatives have benefited from similar programs in their communities, and I have delivered my fair share of meals here in town. And then there are worthy health-related organizations like Charlotte Community Health Clinic and Community Health Services. And finally, we have had several friends and family pass away this year, so I considered organizations like Hospice and CaringBridge, so helpful during times of critical illnesses.
I even (briefly) toyed with the idea of giving a gift card like TisBest or Kiva so neighbors could choose the charity (but then decided that was tacky--fine for a gift to a child, but not for my neighbors).
However, I struggled with each of those for different reasons. I didn't want the gift to be one that somehow added to my own generosity towards a personal passion; I couldn't really see how a gift to the raptor center was a gift for my neighbor. And I didn't want to get into any political or religious issues around the gift; I worried that a gift to the health clinic might ruffle a few feathers. I ended up going with a gift to the Urban Ministry Center, which ministers to poor and homeless people in Charlotte. I felt that this was a non-controversial program that speaks to the "who is my neighbor" question. (I also, I must confess, picked it because I had made a measly donation at the recent luncheon for the Urban Ministry Center and later learned that the cost of my meal was more than my gift. Plus the Urban Ministry had a really attractive card for me to give to my neighbors.)
I plan to give a gift in honor of my friends to another organization--probably one of the above. Or maybe A Child's Place, which provides services to homeless children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Or to Second Harvest Foodbank, which has made eliminating child hunger its most important goal. Most of my friends have children and would find a gift to either organization meaningful.
Gees, there are a lot of worthy places, aren't there? Are you making any donations this holiday season? Where?
To Do: Consider your own charitable giving. Why do you make that gift?
Here's my theoretical question for you: do you give to a charity that you already support, or do you give to a charity that supports the theme of "neighbor"? We are longterm supporters of Thompson Child and Family Focus, which helps children "at risk for social and academic failure" through a variety of services, including everything from Child Development Centers to psychiatric residential treatment. We are also devoted members of the Carolina Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured and orphaned raptors (owls, hawks, etc.) as well as providing education and research programs. I am a big fan of Friendship Trays, which is the local Meals-on-Wheels program. Many of my elderly relatives have benefited from similar programs in their communities, and I have delivered my fair share of meals here in town. And then there are worthy health-related organizations like Charlotte Community Health Clinic and Community Health Services. And finally, we have had several friends and family pass away this year, so I considered organizations like Hospice and CaringBridge, so helpful during times of critical illnesses.
I even (briefly) toyed with the idea of giving a gift card like TisBest or Kiva so neighbors could choose the charity (but then decided that was tacky--fine for a gift to a child, but not for my neighbors).
However, I struggled with each of those for different reasons. I didn't want the gift to be one that somehow added to my own generosity towards a personal passion; I couldn't really see how a gift to the raptor center was a gift for my neighbor. And I didn't want to get into any political or religious issues around the gift; I worried that a gift to the health clinic might ruffle a few feathers. I ended up going with a gift to the Urban Ministry Center, which ministers to poor and homeless people in Charlotte. I felt that this was a non-controversial program that speaks to the "who is my neighbor" question. (I also, I must confess, picked it because I had made a measly donation at the recent luncheon for the Urban Ministry Center and later learned that the cost of my meal was more than my gift. Plus the Urban Ministry had a really attractive card for me to give to my neighbors.)
I plan to give a gift in honor of my friends to another organization--probably one of the above. Or maybe A Child's Place, which provides services to homeless children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Or to Second Harvest Foodbank, which has made eliminating child hunger its most important goal. Most of my friends have children and would find a gift to either organization meaningful.
Gees, there are a lot of worthy places, aren't there? Are you making any donations this holiday season? Where?
To Do: Consider your own charitable giving. Why do you make that gift?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Holiday Gift Programs that Make the World a Better Place
I'm on the road for a family wedding but just read this blog post by Beth Kanter and wanted to pass it along. Some great ways to shop AND help nonprofits at the same time. Be sure to check the "Comments" at the bottom for additional suggestions from readers.
Happy Thanksgiving!
To do: Click here to visit Nonprofit Tech 2.0 and spend some money that benefits more people than just your intended recipient.
Happy Thanksgiving!
To do: Click here to visit Nonprofit Tech 2.0 and spend some money that benefits more people than just your intended recipient.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Early Holiday Giving Opportunities
I went to the mall last week and was shocked to see it already decorated for Christmas. The holidays sneak up so quickly. It reminded me to check on a couple of giving opportunities that are great to do with your family, but happen really early in the season.
1. Operation Christmas Child: Collection week is NEXT week (November 16-23). Help your children pack a shoe box for a child; you can choose the age of the recipient (ages 2-4; 5-9; 10-14) and whether your box is for a boy or girl. Pack school supplies, hygiene products, hard candy, toys, flashlights, etc. Register your box online (paying a small fee for shipping, etc.) and you can track your box to find out where in the world it ends up! Enter your ZIP code at this page to find the closest drop-off locations if your church is not sponsoring a drive.
2. Charlotte Rescue Mission: Serving a meal on a holiday is very popular. Consider baking a pie (does it get any easier--or tastier--than the Libby's pumpkin pie?) with your child and delivering it the day before Thanksgiving to the mission.
3. Check your church or synagogue calendar for ways that you and your family can make a hands' on difference. One program you might consider is Room In the Inn, a partnership between over 100 area congregations and colleges and the Urban Ministry Center to provide a night of housing and meals for 12-14 people per site. Even young children can help make up the beds for the guests, or toss a salad for dinner.
To do: Keep a sharp eye out for volunteer opportunities that take place before the holidays take over your schedule.
1. Operation Christmas Child: Collection week is NEXT week (November 16-23). Help your children pack a shoe box for a child; you can choose the age of the recipient (ages 2-4; 5-9; 10-14) and whether your box is for a boy or girl. Pack school supplies, hygiene products, hard candy, toys, flashlights, etc. Register your box online (paying a small fee for shipping, etc.) and you can track your box to find out where in the world it ends up! Enter your ZIP code at this page to find the closest drop-off locations if your church is not sponsoring a drive.
2. Charlotte Rescue Mission: Serving a meal on a holiday is very popular. Consider baking a pie (does it get any easier--or tastier--than the Libby's pumpkin pie?) with your child and delivering it the day before Thanksgiving to the mission.
3. Check your church or synagogue calendar for ways that you and your family can make a hands' on difference. One program you might consider is Room In the Inn, a partnership between over 100 area congregations and colleges and the Urban Ministry Center to provide a night of housing and meals for 12-14 people per site. Even young children can help make up the beds for the guests, or toss a salad for dinner.
To do: Keep a sharp eye out for volunteer opportunities that take place before the holidays take over your schedule.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Adopt-A-Bird, Release-a-Raptor
The Carolina Raptor Center was founded in 1981 and is "dedicated to the care and successful release of injured and orphaned birds of prey." It is located in Huntersville near Latta Plantation, and makes a great afternoon trip on a pretty fall day.
I was sort of half-listening to the TV yesterday and a piece about the temporary closing of the raptor center came on the news. With the CMS budget cuts and the ASC funding "reductions," the Carolina Raptor Center has had to rethink its budget and strategy. The center will reopen on November 17, and if you have not been out to visit before, or not been out for awhile, I encourage you to make the trip to support the center. The birds are gorgeous--owls, hawks, falcons--and the opportunities to see and learn about them up close and personal are not to be missed. Membership is so affordable--just $50 annually gets you and your immediate family in for the year. Join now and attend the 25th Anniversary Party on November 21, where they introduce two African Eagles to the CRC family.
Another great way to support the Carolina Raptor Center is by adopting a bird--this is a great gift from a godparent or aunt or uncle for the kid who has everything and you can't bear to buy them just a gift card for yet another electronic game. Bird adoptions range from $30 for an American Kestrel or small owl to $300 for an eagle. It's a cool gift for a budding scientist--they receive a 5x7 photograph of "their" bird, a written description of how this bird came to the center, a newsletter subscription AND a personal visit with their bird (you just call ahead to let the center know you would like to visit your bird). The personal visit would be a great time for some one-on-one with the special child!
Another cool way to support the center is by holding a "Release-a-Raptor" party. I think this is a GREAT idea. Prices start at $150 (depending on the size of your group) and you can either pick a date and just wait to see what type of species is ready to go, or request a certain species and wait for the center to call you. What an awesome birthday party--helping another creature fly free and healthy!
To do: Save the birds.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
What to do with leftover Halloween candy
Here are a couple of suggestions for what to do with your leftover Halloween candy (we have a lot, thanks to the rainy night!). I understand that the candy is often given away to children where the soldiers are stationed. Go vote first, then get rid of your candy!
Organization #1 is Halloween Candy Buy Back, where local dentists register their practices and buy children's Halloween candy for $1/pound. Personally, I'm just interested in getting rid of MY leftover candy, but if you can convince your children, this is a great idea! You can enter your ZIP code on the website and find out which dentists in your area are participating: I found 4 practices in a 15-mile radius from my ZIP. The candy gets sent to Operation Gratitude, which handles the logistics. You need to call the dental practice to make sure you have not missed the deadline for bringing the candy in.
Organization #2 is Soldiers' Angels. I'm just cutting-and-pasting its information here.
Halloween has come and gone: the costumes are put away, the kids have come down from the sugar high, and the jack-o-lantern is starting to wilt... and there are still pounds and pounds of candy all over the place! What to do?
Our military men and women deployed around the world always enjoy candy in their care packages, and this is the perfect time of year for shipping chocolate--the cooler weather means it's less likely to melt! Patriotic kids and parents can send extra Halloween candy to Soldiers' Angels, who will make sure it brightens the day of a service member far from home (please be sure to send "the good stuff,"--no crushed/melted candy or broken/torn wrappers, etc).
Soldiers' Angels asks all Angels to spread the word and get their community involved in sharing their Halloween candy to give our troops a taste of home.
If you live east of the Mississippi, please ship your Halloween candy to:
Soldiers' Angels
112 Greenhill Road
Ramseur NC 27316
(Dropoff avail. M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
To do: Vote and send off your candy!
(Dropoff avail. M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
To do: Vote and send off your candy!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
CMS History Tour
"Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education and The Levine Museum of the New South are sponsoring a talk and tour focusing on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' history and on how patterns of racial and economic separation evolved." This event will be held on Thursday, November 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you are like me and completely baffled about the turmoil in the CMS system--why busing? Why not busing? Why not neighborhood schools? What is a neighborhood? Why doesn't anyone from Myers Park High School (population 3,500!) want to attend East Meck?--this talk sounds like an excellent chance to learn about how Charlotte has ended up in this predicament. I plan to be there--join me!
To do: Registration for this CMS History Tour is required. Contact Rosalyn Allison Jacobs at rajacobs@mecked.org or 704-335-0100.
If you are like me and completely baffled about the turmoil in the CMS system--why busing? Why not busing? Why not neighborhood schools? What is a neighborhood? Why doesn't anyone from Myers Park High School (population 3,500!) want to attend East Meck?--this talk sounds like an excellent chance to learn about how Charlotte has ended up in this predicament. I plan to be there--join me!
To do: Registration for this CMS History Tour is required. Contact Rosalyn Allison Jacobs at rajacobs@mecked.org or 704-335-0100.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Every Nonprofit is an Act of Hope
Today, I attended a discussion led by Jane Kendall, founder and president of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits. She gave us some great tips on what to look for when reviewing potential grantees. Even better, I thought, she gave us some things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to serve on the board of a nonprofit. (Events like this are one benefit of being a member of the Women's Impact Fund. It sponsors "Lunch & Learns" and "Wine & Wisdoms.")
First, make sure that the organization gives you a written list of your responsibilities as a board member. Don't accept "it won't be much" as a description. A nonprofit should have a list of responsibilities for the board as a whole, and some organizations may have lists of individual responsibilities, as well (if they have a very defined board that looks for specific skill sets or representation from each board member). The list should include helping to raise resources, although that can be defined in different ways (in kind donations, making "the ask," writing thank you notes). If that is not on the list, they don't ask enough of their board members and you should be suspicious. Also, make sure there are terms and term limits.
Second, you should decide how passionate you are about the issue that this nonprofit addresses. As a board member, you should expect to spend between 5 and 20 hours a week on board matters (again, any less and the nonprofit isn't using its board efficiently). Most nonprofits expect its board members to put the needs of the nonprofit right behind self, family, and work on their priority list. Do you care enough about this issue to do that?
Third, make sure that the nonprofit has regular evaluation of staff, board, and mission. Also ensure that the nonprofit has regular financial oversight by an accountant familiar with nonprofit finance and has access to a lawyer (either paid or pro bono).
Jane also suggested asking these questions of a nonprofit:
To Do: Be an informed donor. Know more about the organizations you support financially and with your time.
First, make sure that the organization gives you a written list of your responsibilities as a board member. Don't accept "it won't be much" as a description. A nonprofit should have a list of responsibilities for the board as a whole, and some organizations may have lists of individual responsibilities, as well (if they have a very defined board that looks for specific skill sets or representation from each board member). The list should include helping to raise resources, although that can be defined in different ways (in kind donations, making "the ask," writing thank you notes). If that is not on the list, they don't ask enough of their board members and you should be suspicious. Also, make sure there are terms and term limits.
Second, you should decide how passionate you are about the issue that this nonprofit addresses. As a board member, you should expect to spend between 5 and 20 hours a week on board matters (again, any less and the nonprofit isn't using its board efficiently). Most nonprofits expect its board members to put the needs of the nonprofit right behind self, family, and work on their priority list. Do you care enough about this issue to do that?
Third, make sure that the nonprofit has regular evaluation of staff, board, and mission. Also ensure that the nonprofit has regular financial oversight by an accountant familiar with nonprofit finance and has access to a lawyer (either paid or pro bono).
Jane also suggested asking these questions of a nonprofit:
- What are you looking for from me? What talent, viewpoint, resources do you expect from me? For example, if you have a job in finance and you are looking to expand your world, do you want to be on a board that needs you to specialize in financial matters? Or, would you feel comfortable being "the female voice" or "the minority voice" on the board?
- What are you, the nonprofit, struggling with right now? What are your challenges? All nonprofits have challenges, but if its challenges are with compliance, ethics, or accountability, make sure you know what you are getting into.
- Call up current board members and ask them about their experience on the board. Ask them the first two questions to see what they say.
- 8 out of 10 fundraising dollars come from individuals, who are the most stable base of support.
- Understand that administrative costs have increased dramatically as legal and accounting requirements for nonprofits have increased. Make sure you understand WHY the administrative costs are high.
- Don't just look for a mission statement from a nonprofit. Discover what their desired impact is and what it looks like.
- A nonprofit should be participating in the public debate on the issue they work with. They should be sharing with other groups and engaging people outside their "bubble."
To Do: Be an informed donor. Know more about the organizations you support financially and with your time.
Friday, October 16, 2009
An Autumn Bounty of Opportunity
Time runs away, and I don't get on this blog to tell you about all of things I would like to share! So, here's a quick update on a few things:
1. Friendship Trays, our local "Meals-on-Wheels" program, and Slow Food Charlotte are busy with all kinds of exciting projects and events. Get up-to-date by clicking here. First, Slow Food Charlotte is a finalist for a $20,000 grant from Tom's of Maine. This grant will support Slow Food Charlotte's demonstration garden for Friendship Trays. Visit the Tom's of Maine website and vote daily until October 30. You can also check out the other cool projects in the running (you have 5 votes per day) from around the country.
Second, Friendship Trays and Slow Food Charlotte are hosting an Autumn Garden Party to celebrate their collaboration and the garden. The party will be held next Friday, October 23, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Friendship Trays location in South End (2401 Distribution Street). Tickets are $75 each and can be reserved by emailing friendshiptrays@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit Friendship Trays, Slow Food Charlotte and Community Culinary School of Charlotte.
2. It's time to start thinking about holiday giving (I know! Already!). Just today I was in a meeting with people discussing which nonprofits offer holiday greeting cards (check out Cards That Give for some ideas, or look around locally). Also, A Child's Place here in Charlotte has just announced this year's giving options for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Click here to look at how to help provide a Thanksgiving dinner for a homeless family or how to make a Christmas merrier. More to come on other ideas.
3. Finally, a little shout-out to Johnson C. Smith University, which received a $5.7 million grant from The Duke Endowment. The money will go towards a leadership program for students and staff to work with neighborhood groups and another program for nontraditional students. President Ronald Carter's leadership was cited as one reason for the gift, the largest on record to the university. Read about it in the Charlotte Observer by clicking here. The Duke Endowment funds nonprofits and organizations in the areas of Child Care, Health Care, Higher Education and Rural Church, according to the wishes of James Buchanan Duke.
To Do: Start looking at how you will celebrate your harvest bounty by sharing with others in need.
1. Friendship Trays, our local "Meals-on-Wheels" program, and Slow Food Charlotte are busy with all kinds of exciting projects and events. Get up-to-date by clicking here. First, Slow Food Charlotte is a finalist for a $20,000 grant from Tom's of Maine. This grant will support Slow Food Charlotte's demonstration garden for Friendship Trays. Visit the Tom's of Maine website and vote daily until October 30. You can also check out the other cool projects in the running (you have 5 votes per day) from around the country.
Second, Friendship Trays and Slow Food Charlotte are hosting an Autumn Garden Party to celebrate their collaboration and the garden. The party will be held next Friday, October 23, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Friendship Trays location in South End (2401 Distribution Street). Tickets are $75 each and can be reserved by emailing friendshiptrays@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit Friendship Trays, Slow Food Charlotte and Community Culinary School of Charlotte.
2. It's time to start thinking about holiday giving (I know! Already!). Just today I was in a meeting with people discussing which nonprofits offer holiday greeting cards (check out Cards That Give for some ideas, or look around locally). Also, A Child's Place here in Charlotte has just announced this year's giving options for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Click here to look at how to help provide a Thanksgiving dinner for a homeless family or how to make a Christmas merrier. More to come on other ideas.
3. Finally, a little shout-out to Johnson C. Smith University, which received a $5.7 million grant from The Duke Endowment. The money will go towards a leadership program for students and staff to work with neighborhood groups and another program for nontraditional students. President Ronald Carter's leadership was cited as one reason for the gift, the largest on record to the university. Read about it in the Charlotte Observer by clicking here. The Duke Endowment funds nonprofits and organizations in the areas of Child Care, Health Care, Higher Education and Rural Church, according to the wishes of James Buchanan Duke.
To Do: Start looking at how you will celebrate your harvest bounty by sharing with others in need.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Huge Gigantic Very Big Book Sale
In an effort to pinch the pennies a little tighter, I have a new ritual on Sundays. I take the New York Times Sunday Book Review to the computer, and if there is a book that looks interesting, I request it from the library. The book is delivered to my library branch, I receive an email that it is there, and I go pick it up.
The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County is having a HUGE book sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 15; Friday, October 16; and Saturday, October 17. They have over 30,000 books, with "98%" of them selling for under $5: fiction, non-fiction, children's and young adult books. Many of them came from the estate of Sophie Bruckner Greenfield (click here to read her story). Proceeds will help the library purchase new books and materials. It will be held in Ardsley Town Center.
Here is the map of Ardsley Town Center, if you have never been there:
View Larger Map
For more information about this event, click here. Or become a fan of the library on Facebook to get regular updates about upcoming library events.
On a related topic, the PLCMC announced a $804,100 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to create a Job Help Center at the Main Library. Here's the article in the Charlotte Business Journal. I believe that this is one result coming out of the library's strategic plan put together last summer and fall. What a great idea!
To Do: Get ready to curl up with a good book as the weather grows cooler.
The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County is having a HUGE book sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 15; Friday, October 16; and Saturday, October 17. They have over 30,000 books, with "98%" of them selling for under $5: fiction, non-fiction, children's and young adult books. Many of them came from the estate of Sophie Bruckner Greenfield (click here to read her story). Proceeds will help the library purchase new books and materials. It will be held in Ardsley Town Center.
Here is the map of Ardsley Town Center, if you have never been there:
View Larger Map
For more information about this event, click here. Or become a fan of the library on Facebook to get regular updates about upcoming library events.
On a related topic, the PLCMC announced a $804,100 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to create a Job Help Center at the Main Library. Here's the article in the Charlotte Business Journal. I believe that this is one result coming out of the library's strategic plan put together last summer and fall. What a great idea!
To Do: Get ready to curl up with a good book as the weather grows cooler.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Amelie's French Bakery
I'm not sure that this fits with the "be a good Do-Bee" posts I try to have here, so just in case, I'm hanging this on the "shop local" peg.
If you haven't been down North Davidson to try Amelie's French Bakery yet, I encourage you to get there ASAP. I knew I was in the right place when two men in Johnson & Wales outfits came in and ordered salted caramel brownies (which of course I ordered right after them--fabulous!). Divine lunches, lots of breakfast pastries (croissants, sticky buns, apple turnovers) and an endless supply of those cute little French pastries (tarts, cakes, chocolates, pretty French macaroons) at fairly reasonable prices. If you have to bring a dessert to a gathering or want to cheer a friend up, this is the place to go.
At a weekday lunchtime, there were lots of people chatting and having tartines and homemade soups. On a Saturday evening at 9:30, the place was filled with folks, most of them on their laptops (we felt a little out of it because we were actually there to TALK!).
Amelie's is open 24 hours a day and has several rooms in which to spread out at tables or on couches, all whimsically decorated in a kind of flea-market-French style. It would be the perfect place to host a bridal shower or tea party.
Amelie's is located at 2424 North Davidson Street--headed from downtown it will be on your right in a factory/mall space at 28th Street before you get to NoDa proper. Once you have passed Celebration Station on your left, keep an eye out for the big 2424 North Davidson Street sign on your right.
To do: Bon appetit! Head to Amelie's French Bakery aujourd'hui!
If you haven't been down North Davidson to try Amelie's French Bakery yet, I encourage you to get there ASAP. I knew I was in the right place when two men in Johnson & Wales outfits came in and ordered salted caramel brownies (which of course I ordered right after them--fabulous!). Divine lunches, lots of breakfast pastries (croissants, sticky buns, apple turnovers) and an endless supply of those cute little French pastries (tarts, cakes, chocolates, pretty French macaroons) at fairly reasonable prices. If you have to bring a dessert to a gathering or want to cheer a friend up, this is the place to go.
At a weekday lunchtime, there were lots of people chatting and having tartines and homemade soups. On a Saturday evening at 9:30, the place was filled with folks, most of them on their laptops (we felt a little out of it because we were actually there to TALK!).
Amelie's is open 24 hours a day and has several rooms in which to spread out at tables or on couches, all whimsically decorated in a kind of flea-market-French style. It would be the perfect place to host a bridal shower or tea party.
Amelie's is located at 2424 North Davidson Street--headed from downtown it will be on your right in a factory/mall space at 28th Street before you get to NoDa proper. Once you have passed Celebration Station on your left, keep an eye out for the big 2424 North Davidson Street sign on your right.
To do: Bon appetit! Head to Amelie's French Bakery aujourd'hui!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Garden Study
Wing Haven, located in Myers Park, was begun as a private garden by a young bride, Elizabeth Barnhill, in 1927. Today it is run by a private foundation in Myers Park, with beautiful plants and trees, an abundance of birds and wildlife, and many programs for people of all ages. You may know it for the very popular plant sales every spring and fall (October 7-10 this year). The gardens are open on a very particular schedule, so check the web site before you go.
The annual Wing Haven symposium this year is called "Beauty and Bounty in the Garden" and will be held on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23. I think that this program will really appeal to you CSA members, Earth Fare shoppers, and new backyard gardeners.
The program begins with two talks on Thursday morning. Barbara Damrosch, weekly columnist in The Washington Post (The Cook's Garden), author (The Garden Primer), and host on HGTV and The Learning Channel, will offer advice, tips and wisdom for happier, more successful gardening.
Eliot Coleman will speak on "Secrets of a Long Time Organic Gardener." He is the author of many, many books, including his latest, The Winter Harvest Handbook: Year-Round Vegetable Production Using Deep-Organic Techniques and Unheated Greenhouses. He was a co-host of "Gardening Naturally" on The Learning Channel with Barbara.
On Thursday afternoon, symposium attendees will take a field trip to Eastover to study three private gardens designed by Burch Mixon, Eric Ritchie and Myron Greer. The designers will speak about the design, form and structure of their respective creations.
On Friday, Barbara Damrosch and Eliot Coleman will lead an outing to New Town Farms, one of Charlotte's first organic farms. This event includes transportation, a walking tour led by Sammy Koenigsberg (one of New Town Farms' owners), and a gourmet picnic prepared by Chef Joe Bonaparte.
To Do: Visit www.winghavengardens.com to learn more about Wing Haven. Call 704-331-0664 to request a brochure on the symposium. Visit the Wing Haven gardens and enjoy early fall beauty.
The annual Wing Haven symposium this year is called "Beauty and Bounty in the Garden" and will be held on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23. I think that this program will really appeal to you CSA members, Earth Fare shoppers, and new backyard gardeners.
The program begins with two talks on Thursday morning. Barbara Damrosch, weekly columnist in The Washington Post (The Cook's Garden), author (The Garden Primer), and host on HGTV and The Learning Channel, will offer advice, tips and wisdom for happier, more successful gardening.
Eliot Coleman will speak on "Secrets of a Long Time Organic Gardener." He is the author of many, many books, including his latest, The Winter Harvest Handbook: Year-Round Vegetable Production Using Deep-Organic Techniques and Unheated Greenhouses. He was a co-host of "Gardening Naturally" on The Learning Channel with Barbara.
On Thursday afternoon, symposium attendees will take a field trip to Eastover to study three private gardens designed by Burch Mixon, Eric Ritchie and Myron Greer. The designers will speak about the design, form and structure of their respective creations.
On Friday, Barbara Damrosch and Eliot Coleman will lead an outing to New Town Farms, one of Charlotte's first organic farms. This event includes transportation, a walking tour led by Sammy Koenigsberg (one of New Town Farms' owners), and a gourmet picnic prepared by Chef Joe Bonaparte.
To Do: Visit www.winghavengardens.com to learn more about Wing Haven. Call 704-331-0664 to request a brochure on the symposium. Visit the Wing Haven gardens and enjoy early fall beauty.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Just a Quickie
This blog entry about microfinance from Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief and Development, popped up on my Facebook home page this evening (Rob and I attended the same church in NYC for several years). I thought it was worth passing along. Don't miss the link to his earlier entry about child sponsorships. I am not advocating a particular point of view, but I think that thoughtful philanthropists should ponder his questions and comments.
To Do: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21
To Do: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21
Monday, September 7, 2009
Girls Day Out
The US National Whitewater Center is sponsoring its second "Girls Day Out" on Saturday, September 26. Admission is $40/person (parking is $5/car). In the morning, you choose two activities from a list including yoga, zumba, whitewater kayaking, climbing clinics, and flatwater kayaking. In the afternoon there is a food & wine tasting along with a cooking demo, beer samples, and "healthy living booths."
Sign up by September 21 (apparently this filled up quickly last time, so don't delay!) and bring a friend! Register by clicking on this page and clicking on the "Girls Day Out" icon.
Click here for other events at the USNWC.
To Do: Enjoy the fine fall weather by getting some girlfriends together and enjoying the US National Whitewater Center.
Sign up by September 21 (apparently this filled up quickly last time, so don't delay!) and bring a friend! Register by clicking on this page and clicking on the "Girls Day Out" icon.
Click here for other events at the USNWC.
To Do: Enjoy the fine fall weather by getting some girlfriends together and enjoying the US National Whitewater Center.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Don't just sit there
A long and arduous court process seems to be a chronic problem here in Mecklenburg County. In an article in the Fall 2009 issue of the Myers Park Homeowners Association newsletter, a writer (unidentified) says that "the same 400 repeat offenders commit 80% of the crimes in Charlotte-Mecklenburg."
A recent article in the Charlotte Observer cites Mayor Pat McCrory as saying that the trial process takes so long that inmates out on bond are often rearrested on new charges. Click here to read that article. Last week, 200 inmates were sleeping on the floor of the Mecklenburg County jail due to overcrowding. Something does need to change.
Charmeck Court Watch works with the police community liaison officer to "track the worst of the repeat offenders in our police division. " Members go to court as a group, write community impact letters to the Judges and District Attorneys, and follow and report arrest reports on its web site. On the web site, you can also read reports on the trial proceedings attended by the group. I have to confess to not knowing enough to understand some of the reporting (is it good or bad if a judge enters 20 minutes after a court room opens?), but I am glad that someone is doing more than just complaining.
To Do: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
A recent article in the Charlotte Observer cites Mayor Pat McCrory as saying that the trial process takes so long that inmates out on bond are often rearrested on new charges. Click here to read that article. Last week, 200 inmates were sleeping on the floor of the Mecklenburg County jail due to overcrowding. Something does need to change.
Charmeck Court Watch works with the police community liaison officer to "track the worst of the repeat offenders in our police division. " Members go to court as a group, write community impact letters to the Judges and District Attorneys, and follow and report arrest reports on its web site. On the web site, you can also read reports on the trial proceedings attended by the group. I have to confess to not knowing enough to understand some of the reporting (is it good or bad if a judge enters 20 minutes after a court room opens?), but I am glad that someone is doing more than just complaining.
To Do: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle
As we head into philanthropy season (United Way campaigns, etc.), I wanted to give you a little food for thought. A friend forwarded this article to me from the Stanford Social Innovation Review. I think it is helpful information to keep in mind when making a donation to an organization. It is easy to have the heartstrings tugged by the shoestring budget organization and be turned off by the more corporate-looking one. You owe it to your pocketbook to go beyond the looks and find out the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. This article suggests that nonprofits often have a poor infrastructure that makes sustainability difficult; "funders unrealistic expectations about how much it costs to run a nonprofit" is one key problem.
To Do: Read "The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle" and be an informed donor.
To Do: Read "The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle" and be an informed donor.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Coffee Talk
I met my friend Lisa for coffee this morning. We went to Julia's Coffee and Used Books, which is attached to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Wendover Road, just across from Home Depot. If you have not been to Julia's Coffee yet, I encourage you to check it out. Great (organic, fair trade) coffee and food (muffins, sandwiches, etc.) and a laid-back atmosphere (2 levels, too). All proceeds support Habitat for Humanity Charlotte.
Julia's Coffee is named for Julia Maulden, a public servant extraordinaire. According to the website, she helped build a Girl Scout Camp in Kannapolis, sat on the CMS school board from 1966-1974, served in the Peace Corps at the age of 60, and started the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, serving as the first (volunteer) executive director. She was Woman of the Year in Kannapolis in 1945, and then Woman of the Year in Charlotte in 1973. Phew! I should say she deserves a coffee place named after her!
After enjoying your coffee, be sure to browse through the extensive selection of used books. They are very well-organized and there was a great selection. I picked up a hardback for $5. Most paperbacks are $3. Remember to donate your own books when you are cleaning out your stacks. You get a tax receipt and can pass along a great book to another interested person (why, though, is my copy of Nightingales--about Florence Nightingales family--still sitting on the shelf? It was a good book!).
If you are looking for a great volunteer opportunity, Julia's Books always needs baristas and people to volunteer in the book department. Contact Kirsten Martin, 704-716-7040 x2, or kmartin@charlotterestore.org .
PS If you think it is too far to go--it took me less than 10 minutes to get there from my house, and I shopped at the Cotswold HT afterwards.
To Do: Drink coffee, share a good book, and save the world all at the same time at Julia's Coffee and Used Books.
Julia's Coffee is named for Julia Maulden, a public servant extraordinaire. According to the website, she helped build a Girl Scout Camp in Kannapolis, sat on the CMS school board from 1966-1974, served in the Peace Corps at the age of 60, and started the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, serving as the first (volunteer) executive director. She was Woman of the Year in Kannapolis in 1945, and then Woman of the Year in Charlotte in 1973. Phew! I should say she deserves a coffee place named after her!
After enjoying your coffee, be sure to browse through the extensive selection of used books. They are very well-organized and there was a great selection. I picked up a hardback for $5. Most paperbacks are $3. Remember to donate your own books when you are cleaning out your stacks. You get a tax receipt and can pass along a great book to another interested person (why, though, is my copy of Nightingales--about Florence Nightingales family--still sitting on the shelf? It was a good book!).
If you are looking for a great volunteer opportunity, Julia's Books always needs baristas and people to volunteer in the book department. Contact Kirsten Martin, 704-716-7040 x2, or kmartin@charlotterestore.org .
PS If you think it is too far to go--it took me less than 10 minutes to get there from my house, and I shopped at the Cotswold HT afterwards.
To Do: Drink coffee, share a good book, and save the world all at the same time at Julia's Coffee and Used Books.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
If I had a billion dollars
School is back in session, and "fall"--while not here weatherwise--is in the air. Our family even picked apples yesterday at Skytop Orchard in Flat Rock, NC. When our children were in preschool, teachers would give us a form to fill out that asked us things like "what does your child enjoy doing with you?" and "what do you do together as a family?" Well, the answer to that last question was "not much" besides hang out. So, we decided to become "seasonal fruit pickers." Strawberries, apples, pumpkins (I know, not a fruit).
But back in the world of giving back, I remain fascinated by Leon and Sandra Levine's generosity. I mean really, if you have the resources to give, what a great time to start handing out the money! Where would you give? Here are some programs I would fund:
1. The Community Arthritis Project, or "CAP," from Arthritis Services. This program bundles services (exercise, talking points, testing) and brings them to seniors at local community sites during the lunch hour. They collaborate with the Department of Social Services Senior Nutrition Program. I love this program for its simplicity and its ability to bring direct relief to people in pain. If you or a family member have suffered from "Arthur Itis," you know how important programs like these are for underprivileged members of the community.
2. Friendship Trays. This important service not only provides nutritious meals for homebound elderly, handicapped and convalescing people, but also human contact and a friendly face. My grandfather participates in a similar program in another state and--although he complains about the food--he is glad to see the driver every day.
3. Seigle Avenue Partners Freedom Schools of Charlotte. Using a model developed by the Children's Defense Fund, this program provides "critical summer and after-school enrichment through a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment, parent and family involvement, civic engagement and social interaction, intergenerational leadership development, and nutrition, health and mental health." Read this great article by Taylor Batten in the Charlotte Observer.
4. A Child's Place. This nonprofit provides support to homeless children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As of May 2009, there were almost 3,000 homeless children in CMS. A Child's Place provides stability and support services for children and their families. Check out this "Charity Spotlight" by WCNC to learn more, and follow up with this more recent piece on the need for school uniforms.
To Do: Make your own "wish list" of how you would donate money around the area. Make a habit of regularly checking out the Charlotte Mission Possible website. This collaboration by local media outlets lets you keep up on the charity/nonprofit news and needs in the region.
But back in the world of giving back, I remain fascinated by Leon and Sandra Levine's generosity. I mean really, if you have the resources to give, what a great time to start handing out the money! Where would you give? Here are some programs I would fund:
1. The Community Arthritis Project, or "CAP," from Arthritis Services. This program bundles services (exercise, talking points, testing) and brings them to seniors at local community sites during the lunch hour. They collaborate with the Department of Social Services Senior Nutrition Program. I love this program for its simplicity and its ability to bring direct relief to people in pain. If you or a family member have suffered from "Arthur Itis," you know how important programs like these are for underprivileged members of the community.
2. Friendship Trays. This important service not only provides nutritious meals for homebound elderly, handicapped and convalescing people, but also human contact and a friendly face. My grandfather participates in a similar program in another state and--although he complains about the food--he is glad to see the driver every day.
3. Seigle Avenue Partners Freedom Schools of Charlotte. Using a model developed by the Children's Defense Fund, this program provides "critical summer and after-school enrichment through a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment, parent and family involvement, civic engagement and social interaction, intergenerational leadership development, and nutrition, health and mental health." Read this great article by Taylor Batten in the Charlotte Observer.
4. A Child's Place. This nonprofit provides support to homeless children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As of May 2009, there were almost 3,000 homeless children in CMS. A Child's Place provides stability and support services for children and their families. Check out this "Charity Spotlight" by WCNC to learn more, and follow up with this more recent piece on the need for school uniforms.
To Do: Make your own "wish list" of how you would donate money around the area. Make a habit of regularly checking out the Charlotte Mission Possible website. This collaboration by local media outlets lets you keep up on the charity/nonprofit news and needs in the region.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Charlotte: Mission Possible & Edison Nation
Just a quick note from lovely Maine to tell you to keep your eyes and ears open for Charlotte: Mission Possible's collaboration with Edison Nation, looking for ideas to effectively leverage the limited charitable resources to creatively solve community needs. Click here to read (and listen) to the WFAE report, then keep your eyes open for the official entry forms debuting on July 19.
To Do: Start thinking of ways to make a difference.
To Do: Start thinking of ways to make a difference.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Mission Possible
I am happy to report that several media outlets in Charlotte have formed a coalition called "Mission Possible," which "works together to alert our communities to the most critical needs." Click here to read Observer Editor Rick Thames' article on Mission Possible. From this article, you can find links to the Facebook page and Twitter link (I don't use Twitter, so I'm not sure what the terminology is--I hope "link" is right!). Other media outlets involved in Mission Possible are WCNC NewsChannel 36, public radio station WFAE, Spanish language newspaper La Noticia and three Web-based media organizations: CLTblog.com, Qcitymetro.com and DavidsonNews.net.
Here is the link for the Observer online Mission Possible page, which then provides links to all kinds of helpful information, from stories to blogs to search engines for nonprofits you'd like to learn about.
Finally, here is a link to "The Cliff," which is a blog by Observer reporter Peter St. Onge, focusing on "the latest news and information about funding for non-profits and county agencies - and how it impacts life in Mecklenburg."
I'm headed out for the summer, but I think you'll find plenty to get involved with by keeping your eyes and ears open for Mission Possible!
To Do: Bookmark one of the media partners involved with Mission Possible and check its page daily for updates and opportunities for you to make a difference. And have a great summer!
Here is the link for the Observer online Mission Possible page, which then provides links to all kinds of helpful information, from stories to blogs to search engines for nonprofits you'd like to learn about.
Finally, here is a link to "The Cliff," which is a blog by Observer reporter Peter St. Onge, focusing on "the latest news and information about funding for non-profits and county agencies - and how it impacts life in Mecklenburg."
I'm headed out for the summer, but I think you'll find plenty to get involved with by keeping your eyes and ears open for Mission Possible!
To Do: Bookmark one of the media partners involved with Mission Possible and check its page daily for updates and opportunities for you to make a difference. And have a great summer!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Summer Theater
When I was in elementary school and middle school, my family had season tickets to the Hartt School of Music summer musical theater--it was a great way to see all of the old shows and to introduce children to the experience of real, live theater (beyond "Dora the Explorer" traveling shows). I thought of that last night, as my husband and I enjoyed an evening of summer theater at CPCC. It was a lovely evening in "Camelot" (despite the faulty fire alarm system that evacuated us twice--luckily it was a lovely evening Charlotte, too!).
"Company" opens at CPCC on June 19--click here to see the full schedule. There is also a special performance of "Willa Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"--based on the film with Gene Wilder--in July. Perfect for the kids!
The college has a beautiful new theater--Halton Theater in the Overcash Building, on the corner of Elizabeth and Kings. Parking was a breeze off of 4th Street (just before it merges into 3rd and heads downtown). I thought that ticket prices were very reasonable--a high of $21 for front orchestra. Click here for ticket information.
Don't forget about all of the other summer theater offerings, also great for families. The Collaborative Arts Theatre just completed its outdoor offering of "Shakespeare at the Green" this past weekend, but it opens "Julius Caesar" at the McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square in August. If you have a teenager who will be studying Shakespeare, this is a great opportunity to see it live--and FREE!
Matthews Playhouse (in Matthews!) is currently putting on "Cinderella," the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, through June 28. Another great way to introduce your children to musical theater nearby.
If you will be traveling to the mountains, don't forget the great summer theater offerings up there. The Flat Rock Playhouse, "The State Theatre of North Carolina," is offering "Man of La Mancha" and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" among other shows this summer season. Click here for information.
Blowing Rock Stage Company presents "Shear Madness" and "Bye Bye Birdie" in addition to several other productions this summer. Patrick Ratchford, our Lancelot last night in "Camelot," will star in "Bye Bye Birdie"--I assume in the Dick Van Dyke role. He has a lovely voice. Click here for Blowing Rock Stage Company information.
Somewhat grudgingly I remind you the "The Phantom of the Opera" is in town at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. I'm a big fan of the Blumenthal, but in the summertime my heart goes to the enthusiastic casts of the small-budget productions that keep great classics alive. In these tough times, save a little money and go for the smaller shows, helping those productions endure.
To Do: Join the "Ladies Who Lunch," figure out a riddle with the Oompa Loompas, follow your destiny with Don Quixote, and raise your intellect with Julius Caesar--go to the theater!
"Company" opens at CPCC on June 19--click here to see the full schedule. There is also a special performance of "Willa Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"--based on the film with Gene Wilder--in July. Perfect for the kids!
The college has a beautiful new theater--Halton Theater in the Overcash Building, on the corner of Elizabeth and Kings. Parking was a breeze off of 4th Street (just before it merges into 3rd and heads downtown). I thought that ticket prices were very reasonable--a high of $21 for front orchestra. Click here for ticket information.
Don't forget about all of the other summer theater offerings, also great for families. The Collaborative Arts Theatre just completed its outdoor offering of "Shakespeare at the Green" this past weekend, but it opens "Julius Caesar" at the McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square in August. If you have a teenager who will be studying Shakespeare, this is a great opportunity to see it live--and FREE!
Matthews Playhouse (in Matthews!) is currently putting on "Cinderella," the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, through June 28. Another great way to introduce your children to musical theater nearby.
If you will be traveling to the mountains, don't forget the great summer theater offerings up there. The Flat Rock Playhouse, "The State Theatre of North Carolina," is offering "Man of La Mancha" and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" among other shows this summer season. Click here for information.
Blowing Rock Stage Company presents "Shear Madness" and "Bye Bye Birdie" in addition to several other productions this summer. Patrick Ratchford, our Lancelot last night in "Camelot," will star in "Bye Bye Birdie"--I assume in the Dick Van Dyke role. He has a lovely voice. Click here for Blowing Rock Stage Company information.
Somewhat grudgingly I remind you the "The Phantom of the Opera" is in town at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. I'm a big fan of the Blumenthal, but in the summertime my heart goes to the enthusiastic casts of the small-budget productions that keep great classics alive. In these tough times, save a little money and go for the smaller shows, helping those productions endure.
To Do: Join the "Ladies Who Lunch," figure out a riddle with the Oompa Loompas, follow your destiny with Don Quixote, and raise your intellect with Julius Caesar--go to the theater!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Shop Local
The other night a friend of mine referenced Sally Brewster, the awesome owner of Park Road Books, about how shopping at local businesses impacts the community. I emailed Sally to get her actual statistics, and here they are:
For every $25 that you spend in Charlotte, here's how much stays in our community:
I think one of the best things about shopping locally is that you get to know the owners and employees, and they get to know you. I can walk into Park Road Books and Sally will say, "Have you read the new Stephanie Kallos?" because she knows I like that kind of book. Or, I can say, "I need a chapter book for a beginning reader who likes animals" and Sherry (the children's books specialist) will point me towards a character I had never heard of before. I LOVE shopping for wine at Pasta and Provisions because I know nothing about it, but I can walk in and say, "I have 20 women coming for dinner--what kind of wine should I serve?" and they can hook me up.
I also want to give a shout-out to a group of self-employed or locally-employed businesspeople that keeps my household running:
For every $25 that you spend in Charlotte, here's how much stays in our community:
- Park Road Books or any other locally-owned store: $13.75
- Borders, Costco, or any other chain store: $3.90
- Amazon: "a big, fat zero"
I think one of the best things about shopping locally is that you get to know the owners and employees, and they get to know you. I can walk into Park Road Books and Sally will say, "Have you read the new Stephanie Kallos?" because she knows I like that kind of book. Or, I can say, "I need a chapter book for a beginning reader who likes animals" and Sherry (the children's books specialist) will point me towards a character I had never heard of before. I LOVE shopping for wine at Pasta and Provisions because I know nothing about it, but I can walk in and say, "I have 20 women coming for dinner--what kind of wine should I serve?" and they can hook me up.
I also want to give a shout-out to a group of self-employed or locally-employed businesspeople that keeps my household running:
- Jason Duff of JD Audio (704-654-0880) who sorted out our stereo/TV system and comes over to fix it whenever I've screwed it up or added something strange--like our karaoke system and the wii--to it
- Scott Fletcher of Scott Fletcher Appliance (704-605-5037), who has now repaired every appliance I own except the ice maker
- Debbie Roberts of Gopher Dogs (704-778-7743), whose mobile dog grooming is a lifesaver for those of us whose dogs don't behave well with other dogs
- Drew Harkey of Drew Harkey's Window Cleaning (704-362-0026)
- Alan Williams of Fiber Services (704-543-0903) who treats my rugs and furniture so stains won't last forever
- Alicia Shumate (704-759-0054) who tunes my piano and harpsichord beautifully
- Queens Texaco on Providence (704-334-8427), where they always say "bring it over" when I have a car crisis
- Sylvia Fletcher, who bring pilates to me so I don't have to humiliate myself in public
- Ginny Mabry of Sterling Brownell Travel (704-987-3139), who does everything from family trips to Disney to girls' shopping trips to Italy (not that I have done one of the shopping trips, but a girl can dream!)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Purple Martin and the power of organization
Last night I went to the launching of a new Charlotte company, The Purple Martin & Co. The Purple Martin helps you create a Family Handbook to compile all important data in one place. The handbooks are beautiful binders with calendars, important phone numbers, family schedules, contact info for every service provider you use, etc.
Lori Martin--possibly the most organized person I've ever met--is the brains behind this venture. She is mother of three and in her former life worked for an investment bank. I first discovered Lori's gifts when I asked her to help me throw a class party with activities for the kids and she showed up with a completely detailed plan with everything neatly organized and stored in bins and boxes! No fool I, I tapped her to help a teacher organize his classroom when the academic dean discreetly asked if I knew anyone with those skills.
Lori created her family binder after she was unexpectedly in the hospital and realized that just having the preschool number on the fridge and the insurance card on the counter was not enough information for her family. Click here to read her story.
Lori will work with you at any level--you might be a very organized person and just want a pretty binder and a few suggestions about what to include. On the other hand, you might be someone whose stuff is scattered all over the place and have no idea where to begin. Click here to read about things you might put in your book.
I think her services are particularly handy for someone who has grandparents or a nanny who help out--these books have all the info they need at their fingertips. Lori offers a yearlong updating service as well, so when soccer schedules end and swim team begins, you can adjust your book accordingly.
Lori is donating a percentage of her profits to The Relatives, a co-ed, 9-bed emergency shelter for runaway, homeless, and other youth in crisis from ages 7-17 run by Alexander Youth Network. What a great way to give back to the community.
For more information on the Purple Martin & Co., check out Lori's website by clicking here.
To Do: Get organized, be stylish, help youth.
Lori Martin--possibly the most organized person I've ever met--is the brains behind this venture. She is mother of three and in her former life worked for an investment bank. I first discovered Lori's gifts when I asked her to help me throw a class party with activities for the kids and she showed up with a completely detailed plan with everything neatly organized and stored in bins and boxes! No fool I, I tapped her to help a teacher organize his classroom when the academic dean discreetly asked if I knew anyone with those skills.
Lori created her family binder after she was unexpectedly in the hospital and realized that just having the preschool number on the fridge and the insurance card on the counter was not enough information for her family. Click here to read her story.
Lori will work with you at any level--you might be a very organized person and just want a pretty binder and a few suggestions about what to include. On the other hand, you might be someone whose stuff is scattered all over the place and have no idea where to begin. Click here to read about things you might put in your book.
I think her services are particularly handy for someone who has grandparents or a nanny who help out--these books have all the info they need at their fingertips. Lori offers a yearlong updating service as well, so when soccer schedules end and swim team begins, you can adjust your book accordingly.
Lori is donating a percentage of her profits to The Relatives, a co-ed, 9-bed emergency shelter for runaway, homeless, and other youth in crisis from ages 7-17 run by Alexander Youth Network. What a great way to give back to the community.
For more information on the Purple Martin & Co., check out Lori's website by clicking here.
To Do: Get organized, be stylish, help youth.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Take Advantage of Parks & Rec
The Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec Department coordinates so many programs that slip right past me. Last weekend I volunteered for the Senior Games, which is part of the US Olympics program and feeds from the county level into the state competition and on to the nationals. Reader, you too would have been amazed with these athletes, ages 55 and up. I helped at the long jump (both standing and running), and the athletes ranged from those who had never tried before to those who had had track scholarships to state universities. One woman did the 5,000-meter walk and looked like she barely broke a sweat. What an inspiring day. Events ranged from croquet to track-and-field to badminton and basketball. There is also an arts competition in the Senior Games. If you are 55 or older (or know people who are), I encourage you to check out the Mecklenburg County Senior Games by clicking here. If you want information on the national program, click here.
The volunteers were really fun, too--I worked with one young woman who had run track at UNC and was now volunteering through Hands-On Charlotte; a woman who used to volunteer through Wachovia and continues her commitment even though Wachovia no longer sponsors the event; and a woman who heard about the games through the Marion Diehl Senior Center and came to help. Additionally, there was a group of senior cheerleaders who stopped by (I think on the way to their competition, although I could be wrong about that) and chanted some cheers for some jumpers. Lots of good fun and totally different from the people I see every day.
Today, while on the Parks and Rec website (who needs full-time employment when you can search the web for activities for other people to do?), I noticed that Coke is sponsoring a Dads-and-Kids 6-week Kickball League at Park Road Park. There is a "kickoff" event this Saturday (May 2), and the season starts on May 16. I thought this was a cool idea. Here's the Coke link and here is the Parks and Rec link.
Finally, there is a Scavenger Hunt on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway this Sunday (May 3). Here is the blurb:
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and Charlotte Sports Cycling host a scavenger hunt on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway to educate and encourage people to use the greenway as a means of pedestrian transportation and exercise. There are many daily errands and tasks you can accomplish on the bike using the greenway and neighborhood streets. Join us for this adventure on May 3rd from 1pm to 3pm. All you need to bring is your bike and a bag to carry your prizes. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Not recommended for children with training wheels.
You can link to the site by clicking here.
To Do: Check out the Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec website often for fun activities for you and yours.
The volunteers were really fun, too--I worked with one young woman who had run track at UNC and was now volunteering through Hands-On Charlotte; a woman who used to volunteer through Wachovia and continues her commitment even though Wachovia no longer sponsors the event; and a woman who heard about the games through the Marion Diehl Senior Center and came to help. Additionally, there was a group of senior cheerleaders who stopped by (I think on the way to their competition, although I could be wrong about that) and chanted some cheers for some jumpers. Lots of good fun and totally different from the people I see every day.
Today, while on the Parks and Rec website (who needs full-time employment when you can search the web for activities for other people to do?), I noticed that Coke is sponsoring a Dads-and-Kids 6-week Kickball League at Park Road Park. There is a "kickoff" event this Saturday (May 2), and the season starts on May 16. I thought this was a cool idea. Here's the Coke link and here is the Parks and Rec link.
Finally, there is a Scavenger Hunt on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway this Sunday (May 3). Here is the blurb:
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and Charlotte Sports Cycling host a scavenger hunt on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway to educate and encourage people to use the greenway as a means of pedestrian transportation and exercise. There are many daily errands and tasks you can accomplish on the bike using the greenway and neighborhood streets. Join us for this adventure on May 3rd from 1pm to 3pm. All you need to bring is your bike and a bag to carry your prizes. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Not recommended for children with training wheels.
You can link to the site by clicking here.
To Do: Check out the Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec website often for fun activities for you and yours.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Whither testing?
Even though my children are not in the CMS system, I am tempted to attend the Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education event on Thursday, May 14, at Queens University, entitled "Leading Our Schools: Understanding School Testing and Accountability." I just don't get testing. I don't mean I necessarily think it is a bad idea--I just don't understand what it proves about the individual schools or the individual students or trends or... so yes, as you can see, this program is designed for people like me!
Here's a description of the event:
To Do: Click here to find out about the Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education event on May 14. Get it on your calendar!
Here's a description of the event:
Standardized test scores have become the universally accepted measure of how well our schools are teaching and our students are learning. But how does one make sense of ABCs versus AYP? How do North Carolina accountability measures differ from the federal No Child Left Behind standards? And how is testing data applied to reform classroom instruction?
Please join MeckEd for a community workshop to better understand the basics of school testing and accountability, the rewards and consequences associated with school and district-wide performance, and how testing and accountability inform CMS administrative and school board staffing, operational and policy decisions.
- Build a cadre of exceptional educators and community leaders who will positively affect student academic achievement.
- Effectively address, as a whole community, the impact of high concentrations of poverty on students’ academic success.
- Pursue proven strategies to engage parents as active participants in their children’s academic success.
- Build community partnerships around family literacy to eliminate associated academic risk factors.
To Do: Click here to find out about the Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education event on May 14. Get it on your calendar!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Birthday Blessings
Did you catch the article in today's Charlotte Observer about the nonprofit Birthday Blessings, which provides parties and presents for homeless children in Charlotte? What a great concept. I know that there were many times in my own life that I felt like I didn't fit in or had the wrong clothes or didn't know that you were supposed to bring a treat to share... imagine what it must be like for homeless children.
The Observer's website-for-moms, MomsCharlotte.com, sponsors a big party to benefit Birthday Blessings on Sunday (April 26) at Oogles-n-Googles in downtown Pineville. Click here for the details. The party is free, but you are strongly encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for a child to contribute to Birthday Blessings. (As an aside, I think this website is doing good things!)
Here is a statement from the founders:
I think that sums up how we all feel about passing along a sense of joy AND responsibility to our own families. I really admire the Cervantes for going the step beyond and creating such an ambitious program.
Birthday Blessings provides monthly parties at the following locations: Salvation Army Center of Hope, Charlotte Emergency Housing, The Shelter for Battered Women, Blessings in the Storm, Turning Point of Union County, The YWCA, and Hall House. Additionally, Birthday Blessings partners with A Child's Place to provide classroom parties and gifts for homeless children within the CMS system (2,749 as of March 2009).
Birthday Blessings is always looking for volunteers, in-kind sponsors, and underwriters. What a great program to partner with for your own child's party--have each child bring a gift for a homeless child! And for all those adult birthday parties where you put "your presence, not your presents, required"--ask for a gift for a child instead!
To go one step further, consider these volunteer opportunities: for $35, be a Classroom Party Sponsor; Adopt-a-Party at a shelter, providing decorations, food, cake, and goody bags for all attendees; create a Themed Party-in-a-Box with your Sunday School class or book club (or whatever) to present to a shelter group for one of the monthly parties.
This paragraph (about volunteering at the Birthday Blessings offices) sold me right here. I think it really speaks to the "it takes a village" aspect of this program:
The Birthday Blessings office is a family-friendly environment. Young children are welcome and encouraged to come and volunteer alongside a parent. For our youngest little "helpers" we also have a dedicated playroom. At-Home moms who are looking for some volunteer work are welcome to bring their little ones along!
To Do: Visit the Birthday Blessings website. Count your own blessings.
The Observer's website-for-moms, MomsCharlotte.com, sponsors a big party to benefit Birthday Blessings on Sunday (April 26) at Oogles-n-Googles in downtown Pineville. Click here for the details. The party is free, but you are strongly encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for a child to contribute to Birthday Blessings. (As an aside, I think this website is doing good things!)
Here is a statement from the founders:
Birthday Blessings began as a family outreach project in the fall of 2005, with a desire to bring happiness to underprivileged children while also providing a meaningful and hands-on service opportunity for our own young children. As we considered how we could work together to help make a difference in our community, we began thinking about homeless children and the sadness and emotional challenges they face. Knowing how important birthdays are to our family, we decided to help homeless children celebrate their birthdays; an idea built upon the belief that every child, no matter the circumstances, deserves an opportunity to feel the joy and value of being recognized on his or her special day. Today, with the help of numerous volunteers and supporters Birthday Blessings continues to grow, bringing joy and support to hundreds of homeless children every month.
~Amy & John Cervantes, founders
I think that sums up how we all feel about passing along a sense of joy AND responsibility to our own families. I really admire the Cervantes for going the step beyond and creating such an ambitious program.
Birthday Blessings provides monthly parties at the following locations: Salvation Army Center of Hope, Charlotte Emergency Housing, The Shelter for Battered Women, Blessings in the Storm, Turning Point of Union County, The YWCA, and Hall House. Additionally, Birthday Blessings partners with A Child's Place to provide classroom parties and gifts for homeless children within the CMS system (2,749 as of March 2009).
Birthday Blessings is always looking for volunteers, in-kind sponsors, and underwriters. What a great program to partner with for your own child's party--have each child bring a gift for a homeless child! And for all those adult birthday parties where you put "your presence, not your presents, required"--ask for a gift for a child instead!
To go one step further, consider these volunteer opportunities: for $35, be a Classroom Party Sponsor; Adopt-a-Party at a shelter, providing decorations, food, cake, and goody bags for all attendees; create a Themed Party-in-a-Box with your Sunday School class or book club (or whatever) to present to a shelter group for one of the monthly parties.
This paragraph (about volunteering at the Birthday Blessings offices) sold me right here. I think it really speaks to the "it takes a village" aspect of this program:
The Birthday Blessings office is a family-friendly environment. Young children are welcome and encouraged to come and volunteer alongside a parent. For our youngest little "helpers" we also have a dedicated playroom. At-Home moms who are looking for some volunteer work are welcome to bring their little ones along!
To Do: Visit the Birthday Blessings website. Count your own blessings.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
How do you feel about workplace giving?
Check out the article in today's Charlotte Observer about workplace giving for Mecklenburg County employees. Citizens and nonprofits have the opportunity to weigh in about the annual campaign, currently offered for the United Way and the Arts and Science Council only. I admit to some conflicted feelings about this issue. In theory, I like both agencies. In practice, I resent being told how to give my money (notice how I am personalizing this even though this particular survey would not affect how MY family is solicited!).
Since the county has been nice enough to ask, I think we should all participate! Click here to take the survey.
To Do: Take the online giving survey by Wednesday, April 8.
Since the county has been nice enough to ask, I think we should all participate! Click here to take the survey.
To Do: Take the online giving survey by Wednesday, April 8.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Elizabeth Strout and the Guardian ad Litem program
First, a head's up on an interesting night out: this Thursday, April 2, author Elizabeth Strout will read from her works in the Sykes Auditorium on the Queens University campus at 7 p.m. It is free and all are welcome. Strout's latest work is her short-story collection Olive Kittredge, nominated for the National Book Critics Circle award. You may also know her 1998 novel Amy and Isabelle, about a mother and daughter in a New England mill town. Click here to get to the Queens University site with all the information.
Second, I caught a piece in Sunday's Charlotte Observer that I wanted to draw your attention to (click here for the article). The Mecklenburg County Guardian ad Litem program is looking for more volunteers. What, you may ask, is a Guardian ad Litem? He or she is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children. Their mission is "to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in the state court system and work towards a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe, permanent home."
Currently, there are 221 volunteers who oversee 888 children. According to the Observer article, 319 children badly need advocates. The four main jobs of the guardians are:
1. Investigate the case, interviewing teachers, doctors, social workers, the parents and children.
2. Monitor the progress of the case, making sure all orders are followed. They also routinely visit the child.
3. Advocate for the child, writing a report for the judge and appearing in court.
4. Express the child's wishes.
Obviously, this is not an easy, resume-building volunteer job. It is hard work, and you have to have a passion for it. On the other hand, imagine the impact your participation has on the life of the children involved. I recommend visiting the Guardian ad Litem Charlotte web page to learn more (click here).
To do: Be inspired by a great writer. Inspire a child.
Second, I caught a piece in Sunday's Charlotte Observer that I wanted to draw your attention to (click here for the article). The Mecklenburg County Guardian ad Litem program is looking for more volunteers. What, you may ask, is a Guardian ad Litem? He or she is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children. Their mission is "to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in the state court system and work towards a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe, permanent home."
Currently, there are 221 volunteers who oversee 888 children. According to the Observer article, 319 children badly need advocates. The four main jobs of the guardians are:
1. Investigate the case, interviewing teachers, doctors, social workers, the parents and children.
2. Monitor the progress of the case, making sure all orders are followed. They also routinely visit the child.
3. Advocate for the child, writing a report for the judge and appearing in court.
4. Express the child's wishes.
Obviously, this is not an easy, resume-building volunteer job. It is hard work, and you have to have a passion for it. On the other hand, imagine the impact your participation has on the life of the children involved. I recommend visiting the Guardian ad Litem Charlotte web page to learn more (click here).
To do: Be inspired by a great writer. Inspire a child.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
"A Layoff Survivor's Duty to the Less Fortunate"
I'm just back from spring break, so here's a quick link for you. I spotted Ron Lieber's column in the New York Times over the weekend: "Not Laid Off? How to Aid the Less Fortunate." I thought this was a really succinct list of ways to help. If you are lucky enough to keep your job, how do you help your friends? Take a look at this for some good tips, from providing babysitting to help with the job hunt or to give a much-needed night out, to letting people make photocopies in your office (if it won't get YOU in trouble!).
To Do: Lend a hand. Click here to read Ron Lieber's Saturday column in the Times.
To Do: Lend a hand. Click here to read Ron Lieber's Saturday column in the Times.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Bow Wow Books
Call it Bow-Wow Books, call it Sit Stay and Read, call it Paws Awhile to Read... they are all names for the same "read to a dog" program at different branches of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. I brought my daughter to "Bow-Wow Books" at the Myers Park branch today. We signed up for a 15-minute time slot when we were at the library last week. The librarian called us on Thursday to remind us. We showed up this morning and Ellie sat on the rug with Champ, an 8-year-old golden retriever who is a certified therapy dog, and his owner. She read two books to Champ (we had brought one from home, but obviously, being the library, there were plenty to pick from there!) while she petted him, then loved on him for a few minutes before letting the next child have his turn.
While Ellie is a reader, the children signed up before her were quite young and Champ's owner read to them. The reader after Ellie was shy and he sat in his mother's lap while she read the book to Champ. So, the program accommodates all levels and personalities. There was a librarian on hand to help with book selections and to keep the schedule going.
On the right-hand side of this page, you can see upcoming programs at the library. Or you can check out the schedule of all programs at all branches by clicking here. Or you can check with your local branch--it looks like Myers Park, Morrison Regional, and Mint Hill branches all offer this program. Sign up ahead of time at the branch.
To Do: Encourage your young reader and greet a friendly dog at the library.
While Ellie is a reader, the children signed up before her were quite young and Champ's owner read to them. The reader after Ellie was shy and he sat in his mother's lap while she read the book to Champ. So, the program accommodates all levels and personalities. There was a librarian on hand to help with book selections and to keep the schedule going.
On the right-hand side of this page, you can see upcoming programs at the library. Or you can check out the schedule of all programs at all branches by clicking here. Or you can check with your local branch--it looks like Myers Park, Morrison Regional, and Mint Hill branches all offer this program. Sign up ahead of time at the branch.
To Do: Encourage your young reader and greet a friendly dog at the library.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Survive the Time Change
All of sudden, this week seems very long... and it's only Monday morning! Judging from the posts on Facebook, I'm not the only one who drags through the time change. I'm recommending simplifying the meal prep this week. Here are some suggestions:
- Shop local and check out the take-out meals at cafe and catering specialist Something Classic--the chicken pot pie is a classic and there are other daily specials. Click on the link above for locations, or pick up a meal at the "Tiny Teeter" in Myers Park.
- Local gourmet catering company Porcupine Provisions has started something called "Bus Stop Dinners" (as in "pick it up on your way home from the bus stop.") Order by 3 p.m. on Sunday and pick up your meals Tuesday-Thursday from 2:30-4 p.m. at the location on East Boulevard (behind Rock Lobster). Email pqpine@porcupineprovisions.com for the weekly menu and further info. The sample menu I received included Grilled Swordfish Skewers with Tomato Couscous with a choice of grilled asparagus or dilled baby carrots for $24 (serves 4), in addition to other entrees; it also included a turkey lasagna serving 6-8 for $45--great for a last-minute gathering!
- Pick up some family style bbq from Mac's Speed Shop on South Boulevard--and don't forget the mac & cheese! (Go to the "catering" section of their web site and look up at the top for family-friendly choices.)
- Most churches around here seem to have a dinner program on Wednesday nights--if you are a church member (or are church shopping), now's the time to get there! If you are lucky, your church will ALSO have a children's program that will allow you to enjoy some after-dinner downtime.
- Trader Joe's (click here for locations) has pre-marinated meats that make dinner easier, and also pre-made meals. We love the frozen Asian food, too. The Fresh Market and Harris Teeter also provide easy meals-to-go.
- Pick up a roasted or smoked turkey breast at Honeybaked Ham. My kids love them and there are lots of ways to make an easy meal out of them, ranging from a simple sandwich to turkey tetrazzini. Go whole hog and pick up some sides, too!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Spring Has Sprung
First--don't forget to change your clocks this weekend!
Now onto the fun. The Charlotte Weekly's calendar reminded me that it is time to keep an eye on the goings-on at the local parks for fun spring activities. The North Carolina Office of Environmental Education offers lots of programs around the state. Click here for a calendar of events within 20 miles of Charlotte.
For example, this coming Wednesday (March 11) from 7 to 8:30 p.m., there is a Full Moon Hike at Reedy Creek Nature Center. (Click here for directions and more information about Reedy Creek Nature Center.) This is a guided hike of 2-3 miles, talking about and hopefully seeing some nocturnal animals.
On Friday, March 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., there is an "Owl Prowl" at Reedy Creek Nature Center.
On Saturday, March 14, the Carolina Raptor Center (at Latta Plantation) celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a "Go Green" festival. "This festival will bring together environmental organizations from all over the Charlotte area who will share information, ideas, and supplies to help us all make our lives more eco-friendly. We will also provide recycled arts and crafts, games and activities for kids, and of course, live bird shows."
To Do: Check out the calendar of the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education. Put some activities on your own calendar and plan to attend at least one.
Now onto the fun. The Charlotte Weekly's calendar reminded me that it is time to keep an eye on the goings-on at the local parks for fun spring activities. The North Carolina Office of Environmental Education offers lots of programs around the state. Click here for a calendar of events within 20 miles of Charlotte.
For example, this coming Wednesday (March 11) from 7 to 8:30 p.m., there is a Full Moon Hike at Reedy Creek Nature Center. (Click here for directions and more information about Reedy Creek Nature Center.) This is a guided hike of 2-3 miles, talking about and hopefully seeing some nocturnal animals.
On Friday, March 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., there is an "Owl Prowl" at Reedy Creek Nature Center.
On Saturday, March 14, the Carolina Raptor Center (at Latta Plantation) celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a "Go Green" festival. "This festival will bring together environmental organizations from all over the Charlotte area who will share information, ideas, and supplies to help us all make our lives more eco-friendly. We will also provide recycled arts and crafts, games and activities for kids, and of course, live bird shows."
To Do: Check out the calendar of the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education. Put some activities on your own calendar and plan to attend at least one.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Read to Me, Charlotte!
Read to Me, Charlotte! is a community-wide initiative that promotes daily reading for children birth-five. It is looking for new or "gently used" children's books which will be distributed throughout the community at sites that serve low-income families, including the Tot Lot and Waiting Room at the Department of Social Services, the Soap Suds Coin Laundry on Pineville-Matthews Road, the Stratford-Richardson YMCA on West Boulevard, and the CMC Rehab Center. I am really glad to see such a diverse group of locations for the distribution. 400 books have been donated so far, and it looks like more "shelves" will be opened in different locations as more books are donated.
This is a great way to move along some of those board books and picture books. You can bring your books to Yoga One Wellness on Central Avenue, EarthFare Ballantyne, the main library uptown, or contact Amy Kukla, Family Literacy Coordinator, at (704) 416-0561 or akukla@plcmc.org. If you, your children or business would like to coordinate a book drive, contact Amy. Click right here to check out the Read to Me, Charlotte! page.
To do: Do some early spring cleaning and free up space on your bookshelves while helping kids.
This is a great way to move along some of those board books and picture books. You can bring your books to Yoga One Wellness on Central Avenue, EarthFare Ballantyne, the main library uptown, or contact Amy Kukla, Family Literacy Coordinator, at (704) 416-0561 or akukla@plcmc.org. If you, your children or business would like to coordinate a book drive, contact Amy. Click right here to check out the Read to Me, Charlotte! page.
To do: Do some early spring cleaning and free up space on your bookshelves while helping kids.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Don't solo mio--bring the kids along
I received an intriguing invite in the mail yesterday. Opera Carolina and its Verdi Society (charitable givers) are hosting a performance of "Little Red's Most Unusual Day," an adaptation of the tale of Little Red Riding Hood, on Saturday, February 28, from 2-4. The first hour is the performance, the second is a cookie reception. This event is "highly recommended for children ages 3-12" and will be held on the Charlotte Country Day Campus at 1440 Carmel Road, in the Gorelick Theatre.
I went on Opera Carolina's web site and it looks like they are not advertising this to the general public. "Seating capacity is limited" says the invite. However, I did find a press release from October 2008 describing a performance of "Little Red's Most Unusual Day" in Morganton: click here.
If you are an opera buff who is hoping to get your children interested, now's the time.
To do: Call Opera Carolina at 704-332-7177, ext. 205 for tickets, which are only $15/each.
I went on Opera Carolina's web site and it looks like they are not advertising this to the general public. "Seating capacity is limited" says the invite. However, I did find a press release from October 2008 describing a performance of "Little Red's Most Unusual Day" in Morganton: click here.
If you are an opera buff who is hoping to get your children interested, now's the time.
To do: Call Opera Carolina at 704-332-7177, ext. 205 for tickets, which are only $15/each.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Oh Little Playmate, Slide Down My Rain Barrel
In the middle of winter, I never hear about the drought. So I did a little checking to see where Mecklenburg County stands. Click here to see the January 29 Water Watch Update for Mecklenburg County from the www.charmeck.org website. We are still under Stage 2 drought conditions, which means we can only water our yard two days per week (click here for all the details)--not that we are watering our yard at this time of year anyway. Mecklenburg County is not as bad off as the western counties in NC (we are only categorized as "abnormally dry" by the NC Drought Management Advisory Council) but we still need to pay attention.
I remember reading about someone who showers with extra buckets to catch the water so they can water their yard with it. I don't think I'm ready to take that step. But I'm intrigued by rain barrels. They catch the rain and have a spigot for you to hook up your garden hose. Rain barrels have a screen to keep mosquitos and other insects out and are covered to prevent algae growth AND to prevent your child from getting into it (those barrels are heavy when full!).
I noted a little blurb by meteorologist Daniela Lopez in the Charlotte Observer on Saturday. She was mentioning the rain barrel sale by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) that was just held last week. The next sale will be held on Saturday, April 18 at CPCC (you must preorder your barrel--either 60-gallon or 80-gallon--by April 6). Email savetherain@yahoo.com or call (704) 336-2455 to order one. Visit the LUESA Rain Barrel Sale website for information by clicking here. The prices are significantly lower than several I saw on major home improvement stores' web sites.
If you don't know how to set up a rain barrel, Terri Bennett has a useful video on her website which you can view by clicking here. (She also offers rain barrels for sale in her website store, again cheaper than the box stores.)
Finally, to learn even MORE about water conservation and local water issues, WCNC has lots of information on its web page "WaterWise."
To Do: Put a reminder on your calendar to order your rain barrel by April 6. Keep an eye on drought updates before you plant lots of high-maintenance plants.
I remember reading about someone who showers with extra buckets to catch the water so they can water their yard with it. I don't think I'm ready to take that step. But I'm intrigued by rain barrels. They catch the rain and have a spigot for you to hook up your garden hose. Rain barrels have a screen to keep mosquitos and other insects out and are covered to prevent algae growth AND to prevent your child from getting into it (those barrels are heavy when full!).
I noted a little blurb by meteorologist Daniela Lopez in the Charlotte Observer on Saturday. She was mentioning the rain barrel sale by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) that was just held last week. The next sale will be held on Saturday, April 18 at CPCC (you must preorder your barrel--either 60-gallon or 80-gallon--by April 6). Email savetherain@yahoo.com or call (704) 336-2455 to order one. Visit the LUESA Rain Barrel Sale website for information by clicking here. The prices are significantly lower than several I saw on major home improvement stores' web sites.
If you don't know how to set up a rain barrel, Terri Bennett has a useful video on her website which you can view by clicking here. (She also offers rain barrels for sale in her website store, again cheaper than the box stores.)
Finally, to learn even MORE about water conservation and local water issues, WCNC has lots of information on its web page "WaterWise."
To Do: Put a reminder on your calendar to order your rain barrel by April 6. Keep an eye on drought updates before you plant lots of high-maintenance plants.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
It's not just a walk in the park
I was walking through Freedom Park yesterday and noticed a sign for Track & Field sign-ups for children 5-8. It started me thinking: what other programs does Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation offer that I don't know about?
Reader, it offers a LOT that I don't know about. Staying in town for President's Day weekend? Bring your family to Latta Plantation Nature Preserve and attend the Fairy House Festival. (Click here for an events calendar including the Fairy House Festival.) Other activities going on at various times in various places in Mecklenburg County: for $10, your teenager can go on a supervised paddle boat trip; for no fee at all, seniors can participate in "Training: Pastime Sports & Games"; for $5, you can have a mother's morning out while your young child does arts & crafts and plays games. Or bring your whole family to celebrate National Bubble Week at the McDowell Nature Center. The county has partnered with a program called "eParks" that allows you to read about individual programs and to sign up for some of them online. Click here to get to the list of ALL the programs the Meck Park & Rec offers.
In short, I don't know why my family sits around bored. We could be going 24/7 with all of the stuff going on around here!
To Do: Visit the Parks & Rec website to see what you've been missing.
Reader, it offers a LOT that I don't know about. Staying in town for President's Day weekend? Bring your family to Latta Plantation Nature Preserve and attend the Fairy House Festival. (Click here for an events calendar including the Fairy House Festival.) Other activities going on at various times in various places in Mecklenburg County: for $10, your teenager can go on a supervised paddle boat trip; for no fee at all, seniors can participate in "Training: Pastime Sports & Games"; for $5, you can have a mother's morning out while your young child does arts & crafts and plays games. Or bring your whole family to celebrate National Bubble Week at the McDowell Nature Center. The county has partnered with a program called "eParks" that allows you to read about individual programs and to sign up for some of them online. Click here to get to the list of ALL the programs the Meck Park & Rec offers.
In short, I don't know why my family sits around bored. We could be going 24/7 with all of the stuff going on around here!
To Do: Visit the Parks & Rec website to see what you've been missing.
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