mfn fall 2011 newsletter

8/4/2019 MFN Fall 2011 Newsletter

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mfn-fall-2011-newsletter 1/8

A Friend to Know...a Place to Grow! Fall 2011

Medford Family Network Newsletterof the Medford Public Schools

TABLE OF CONTENTS:Page 2 Family Support/Parent Education ProgramsPage 3 Ways to Play Together!Page 4 Weekday/Weekend Family FunPage 5 Community ResourcesPage 6 Fun in the Community Page 7 Parent Leadership OpportunitiesPage 8 What is the MFN?

International Family Festival

Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity

Sunday, October 16, 20112:00—5:00 pm

at Springstep in Medford Square

Explore the cultures in your own backyard with this

event for all ages. Families will take part in ac-tivities, watch great performances, and learn aboutcultures from:

Brazil Haiti Japan

This event is FREE to the public and is designed forchildren birth to 13!

Advanced registration is requested, but not required.

Please call the Network at (781) 393-2106!Please call for transportation options.

Medford Family Network Family CenterMedford High School, 489 Winthrop Street

Medford, MA 02155Phone: (781) 393-2106 Fax: (781) 393-2123

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.medford.k12.ma.usHttp://www.medfordfamilies.org

Marie Cassidy, Family Support CoordinatorHeather Fuller, Program Aide

Dottie Palladino, Office Worker

Office Hours: 9:00 am—5:30 pm (Monday—Friday)

Casa necessite de um Interprete para traduzir esta informacao,favor contactar o escritorio de ELL no numero 781-393-2348

Si un Interprete es necesitado para tradusir esta infomacion, porfavor contacta la officina de ELL en numero 781-393-2348

Si w bezwen yo Entepret pou tradui enfomasyon sa a pou wou,souple rele biwo ELL nan nimewo sa a 781-393-2348



New Mom’s Group * NEW DAY/TIME * Drop-in FormatFacilitated by Liz Katzman, JF&CS Visiting Moms Group Every Monday 10:30 am—12:00 pm Location: MFN Family CenterAre you a new mom? Would you like to join a group of others who know exactly what you mean by the word “tired?” Welcometo a great supportive network and a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends for yourself and new playmates for your child! If

you plan to arrive later than 30 minutes after the group starts, please call the Medford Family Network.

Grandparents and Others Registration Required Facilitated by Arlene Wish, Council on AgingEvery Thursday 10:00—11:30 am Location: MFN Family CenterWelcome to a great supportive support group that provides an avenue for grandparents to meet others who are caring for their

grandchild(ren) either on a full or part-time basis and to offer support, ideas and compassion. Issues of limit setting and otherchild-rearing topics such as teaching children safety and empathy are discussed.

Babysitting Exchange Program Registration RequiredHosted by Jane Hamel, MFN Parent LeaderBarter for child care! We still have openings for families interested in participating in this established, family-friendly program.Please feel free to contact Jane at [email protected] with any questions, to join, and/or to learn more about the exchange.

Life Transitions...Surviving and Thriving Through and After Divorce Registration RequiredHosted by Leona Tevari, MFN Parent LeaderMonday, October 17 7:00—8:30 pm Location: MFN Family CenterWelcome to a new year of learning how to survive and thrive, especially with young children through challenging times asparents. All ideas and resources are welcome. We will be creating a list of topics and suggested guest speakers for the year.

Similarly Different Support Group Registration RequiredCo-Led by Adrienne Szafranski and Kathy Aluia, MFN Parent Leaders Thursday, September 22 7:30 - 9:00 pm Location: Offsite Calling all parents/caregivers of children with Autism, PDD, ASD, Down syndrome and other special needs! Join us to addressand find positive ways to deal with the isolation and uncertainty of caring for a child with unique challenges. Please contactAdrienne via email [email protected] for more details and location.

Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us

Family Support ProgramsCall the Medford Family Network at (781) 393-2106Please call for transportation options and child care.

Parenting Education Programs

Turning Stress into Strength 2 Programs to Choose From! Registration Required

Facilitated by Judy Scribner-Moore, Parent Educator5 Wednesdays; September 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26 10:00—11:30 am Location: MFN Family Center5 Wednesdays; November 2, 9, 16, 30; December 7 10:00—11:30 am Location: MFN Family CenterIn this program, we will identify and discuss major stressors in our parenting lives. When we respond quickly and skillfully tostresses that arise in our busy, complicated lives, we diminish the negative effects of stress on mind, body and emotions. In thisway, we model for our children resourcefulness, cooperation and resilience. Selected readings from parenting literature.

Food for Thoughtful Parenting Registration RequiredFacilitated by Authors, Nina Coslov and Tara Keppler 3 Fridays; October 7, 14, 21 11:30 am—1:00 pm Location: MFN Family CenterThis program offers a wealth of creative strategies and useful tactics utilizing a collection of handy lists to help busy parents makethe most of the time they spend with their kids. Bring a lunch. Nut-free, healthy dessert and beverage will be included.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen... EVENING Registration RequiredFacilitated by Valerie DeGeorge

6 Tuesdays; October 18, 25; November 1, 8, 15, 22 7:00—8:30 pm Location: MFN Family CenterPrinciples and skills promoted in this workshop offer a consistent and positive approach for you to consider as you develop effectivecommunication skills with your children. Our goal in this series is to explore and discuss ways that result in confident, cooperative, andresponsible parent/child interactions.

STEP/Teen EVENING Registration RequiredFacilitated by Howard Wolfe , LMFT 6 Wednesdays; October 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16, 30 7:00—8:30 pm Location: McGlynn SchoolParenting teenagers is one of the most challenging tasks of raising children and youth today. Join this program that will focus onimportant issues such as understanding yourself and your teen, communicating respect and encouragement, changing yourresponse to your teen, encouraging cooperation, solving problems, using consequences to build responsibility and deciding what todo.

2



3Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us

Ways to Play Together at the Family Center!

Drop-in Playtime!Parents, Caregivers, Guardians welcome!

September Mondays 9:00 am—5:00 pmTuesdays 9:00 am—5:00 pmWednesdays 9:00 am—5:00 pmThursdays 9:00 am—5:00 pmFridays 9:00 am—5:00 pm

October/November/DecemberMondays 2:00 pm—5:00 pmTuesdays No Drop-in

Wednesdays 12:00 pm—5:00 pmThursdays 1:30 pm—3:00 pmFridays 1:30 pm—5:00 pm

Sign in all family members when you arrive each day!

What is Drop-in Playtime?Drop-in playtime at the Family Center is a wonderfulopportunity to play and interact with your child(ren).Come down and enjoy the company of other families

with young children while playing in our largeplayroom. Books, puzzles, toys, blocks, and more await

you and your child(ren)!\

CLEAN UP...CLEAN UP...EVERYBODY EVERYWHERE!CLEAN UP...CLEAN UP…EVERYBODY DO YOUR SHARE!\

Please make every effort to clean up “as you go” andbefore you leave. Clean up activities help children sort,

organize and have a sense of accomplishment.

MFN Family Center489 Winthrop StreetMedford, MA 02155

(781) 393-2106

3

FALL 2011 PLAY AND LEARN GROUPS Registration will be held on:

Monday, September 19—9:30 am to 6:00 pm

Tuesday, September 20—9:30 am to 7:00 pm

Wednesday, September 21—9:30 am to 7:00 pm

Thursday, September 22 - 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Friday, September 23 - 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

MFN Family Center 489 Winthrop Street, Medford, MA

Call (781) 393-2106 if you cannot register in person.

Creepin’ Crawlers (Age 7-13 months)11 Tuesdays, 11:15 am—12:15 pm

October 4, 11, 18, 25;

November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13

Waddlin’ & Toddlin’ (Age 14-20 months)11 Tuesdays, 9:00—10:30 am

October 4, 11, 18, 25;

November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13

Yahoo Crew (Age 21 - 33 months)11 Mondays, 9:00–10:30 am

October 3, 17, 24, 31;

November 7, 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12, 19OR

10 Thursdays, 9:00—10:30 am October 6, 13, 20, 27;

November 3, 10, 17; December 1, 8, 15

Kiddie Glee (Age 34 - 47 months)11 Mondays, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

October 3, 17, 24, 31;

November 7, 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12, 19

Fun Galore (Finally Four!)9 Fridays, 9:00 am—11:00 am

October 7, 14, 21, 28;

November 4, 18; December 2, 9, 16

All Ages! All Stages! 11 Tuesdays, 1:00—2:30 pm

October 4, 11, 18, 25;

November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13 OR

10 Thursdays, 11:30 am—1:00 pmOctober 6, 13, 20, 27;

November 3, 10, 17; December 1, 8, 15

What are Play and Learn Groups?Play and Learn groups are FREE, fun for parents or caregiverswho work or live in Medford. These groups facilitated by Play

and Learn group leaders offer children a safe environmentwhere they can explore their world and develop new

friendships. They are designed to offer parents and caregivers a

supportive place for social connections; help families connectwith and be resources for each other; provide information tohelp parents access needed services and resources; and model

positive strategies to support parent/child interactions.

What Will I do at Play and Learn group?Sing! Play! Read! Paint! Move! Laugh!

These groups include free play, open art, whole group circletime with songs and music, and sensory play.

Please call the Medford Family Network at(781) 393-2106 for more information.



Babes in the Woods Drop-in FormatSponsored by the Mass Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Location: Varies Tuesdays; Sept 20, 27; Oct 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 10:00—11:30 amWalks are accessible for caretakers and children of all ages in backpacks, jogging strollers, or on foot. Contact the Friends of the Middlesex Fells for more information by calling (781) 662-2340 or visiting www.fells.org. Bring snacks and drinks, anddress for the weather. Trails may be muddy in spots. No dogs, please.

Story Times Drop-in Format7 Wednesdays; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16 10:00 - 11:00 am Location: Medford Public LibraryStory Times are for ages 2 to 5. Come listen to a story and make a simple craft!

Sing-A-Long with Liza Kitchell * New Day * Drop-in Format3 Thursdays; Sept 15; Oct 13; Nov 17 10:00—11:00 am Location: Medford Public LibraryHave lots of fun and enjoy singing, clapping and action with your baby and toddler! Sing-a-longs are for parents and theirchild(ren) from birth to 36 months.

Family Supper Registration RequiredTuesday, October 4 6:00—7:30 pm Location: Lawrence Memorial HospIn collaboration with Hallmark Health and North Suburban Child Family Resource Network, we will host our 3rd family supper at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. October is fire safety month, so we will have a visit from a local firefighter and havea chance to see and explore a fire truck. Handouts on fire and Halloween safety will be available, along with a delicious,healthy supper!

Have Fun, Be Toned with Knuckle Bones! Registration RequiredFeaturing Knuckle Bones ...for the love of Play! Saturday, October 8 9:30—11:00 am Location: Boston Sports ClubHey Dads and Men in a Fathering Role! Be Fit! Have Fun! Tone What You Own! Tone with Your Own! Lots of laughter,excitement, exercise and healthy athletic activities and games. All family members are welcome to enjoy the fun with thatspecial guy! All activities will be held in the beautiful gym on the second floor of the Boston Sports Club at Station Landing.

9th Annual Community Day at Tufts University! Drop-in FormatCo-sponsored with the cities of Medford and SomervilleSunday, September 25 11:00 am—3:00 pm Location: Top of the hillCome Visit the MFN Table! Music & Dance Performances! Community Resources! Arts! Learning Across Tufts! Educationand entertainment for all ages! All events, including lunch, are FREE. Rain or shine! For more information,visit: http://cday.tufts.edu

4


Weekday Family FunPlease call (781) 393-2106!

Call with questions and for transportation options.

Weekend Family Fun

Swap Day at the Medford Family Network! September 24, 20113:00– 4:30 pm

It’s back to school time! Kids need new clothes? Want to get rid of the old ones to make room? We are here to help!What can I donate? Gently-used toys and books for all ages; baby equipment and clothes for infants and toddlers (car seatsmust be less than 5 years old and not have been in an accident, no cribs or large furniture, please); big kids’ clothes (gradeschool and older); Halloween costumes for all age kids; maternity wear (no other adult clothing, please). Please drop off

items at the MFN Family Center on Friday, September 23, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, or anytime September 19-22 on the porchat 155 Forest Street.

♦ Contact Tamar Siegel at [email protected] or call the MFN at (781) 393-2106 with questions;

♦ Donations must be small enough to carry; no stuffed animals; ♦ You are NOT required to bring items in order to take items;

♦ Child care is NOT available during the Swap (children may play in the MFN space with parent supervision, and youMUST clean up after them;

♦ At the end of the day, items not chosen will be taken to a local charity.



Community Resources Call the Medford Family Network at (781) 393-2106

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Registration Required Facilitated by Ami Boardman (Intermediate) and Michael Skorker (Beginners)9 Tuesdays & 10 Thursdays; October 13—Dec ember 22 3:30—6:00 pm Location: MFN Family CenterESOL is a program for families who live or work in Medford want to improve their English skills. Both Beginner and Intermediate classes areoffered. Students with young children will enjoy a language-based playtime after class with the child care workers from 5:30 - 6:00 pm.

EMARCEMARC is a non-profit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the Metro North area. TheFamily Resource Center offers assistance to parents and other primary caregivers in their efforts to provide care in the home andcommunity for a child or an adult. Services are flexible, individualized and family directed. For more information, please contact

Judy Santa Maria, Director of Family Support at (781) 942-4888 x4022 or visit www.theemarc.org. The latest copy of the Fall2011 Recreation brochure is available at the MFN Family Center.

Freebie Foyer at the MFN Family CenterPlease come by and check out our FREE gently-used items including books, maternity wear, infant and children’s clothing, diapersand baby essentials. TO DONATE, PLEASE BRING ALL ITEMS TO THE STAFF IN THE MFN OFFICE . We will check them for safety

and appropriateness and then place them in the Freebie Foyer’s display. Also, feel free to give us a call at (781) 393-2106 if youneed a particular item.

Local Food Pantries in Medford Community Cupboard Food Pantry at Unitarian Universalist Church (781) 396-4549, Thursdays; 6:00 to 7:30 pmSaint Francis Food Pantry (781) 396-3400, Thursdays; 3:00 to 4:30 pmHoliness Food Pantry & Multi Services (781) 395-4100; 362 Salem Street, Medford; last Saturday of each month; 2:30 - 4:30 pmProject Bread’s Food Source Hotline (800) 645-8333Bread of Life (781) 397-0404; 511 Main Street, Malden; Wednesdays; 4:00 - 6:00 pm; Fridays; 2:00 - 4:00 pm

WIC Are you struggling to meet your weekly food bill? Are you a new mom on unpaid maternity leave? Has your family recently experienced a reduction in work hours or job loss? You might be eligible for WIC benefits. WIC is a health and nutritionprogram sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Department of Agriculture. Contact the Maldenoffice at (781) 338-7578 to see if you are eligible. The Medford office is now closed.

Mass “211” (www.mass211.org) Sponsored by United Way

Free confidential/multilingual/TTY (508-370-4890) information/referral service that connects people to the community.

Parents Helping ParentsAre you a parent feeling overwhelmed, isolated or stressed? Several local groups are facilitated by trained volunteers who provide place for support, sharing and encouragement with other parents with similar concerns. FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. Parental StresLine is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (800) 632-8188 or visit www.parentshelpingparents.org

The Children’s Room The Children’s Room is the leading nonprofit organization in Massachusetts serving grieving children, teens, and families. The stafat The Children’s Room offers a series of workshops that provide practical information and strategies to addresschallenging topics related to death, divorce, illness, or any crisis of loss. Visit www.childrensroom.org or call (781) 641-4741.

Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 *

Babies, Bibs and Books!A New Early Literacy Program for first time newborns!

Congratulations on the birth of your first child!We would like to share in your joy with a few gifts for your baby.

To receive your FREE gift of a complimentary bag filled with a book, a bib, and information about the MedfordFamily Network as well as other resources and activities in Medford, here is what to do: (1) Go to the Babies, Bibsand Books display at any of the businesses or organizations listed below; (2) Take one of the registration coupons from the dis-play case; (3) Bring the completed coupon to the Medford Family Network, 489 Winthrop Street, Medford High School, Mon-

day through Friday, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. If you cannot bring it in, call us at (781)393-2106 to make other ar-rangements; Pick up your Babies, Bibs and Book Bag!

Bestsellers Café, Book (2nd Hand), Carters, Children’s Dental Associates, Children’s Place, Dr. Renato Carpinito, HarvardVanguard/Pediatrics, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Gift Shop, Medford Boys & Girls Club, Meadow Glen Mall Information

Desk, Medford Chamber of Commerce, Medford Lions, Medford Public Library, Medford Rotary, Mystic Valley Towers,Station Landing Main Office, Wards Gifts.

Please call the Network at (781) 393-2106 for the list of addresses or with any questions.

5



Farmers Market!5 Thursdays; Sept 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 13 3:00 - 7:00 pm Location: Whole Foods, MedfordFarmers Market will be held every Thursday until October 13 at the Whole Foods parking lot. There will be 20 vendorsincluding 4 produce, 2 bread, 2 wine, 1 full time jewelry, 2 free range meat, 2 coffee, 2 baked goods, and much more!

Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Women Dinner Series Registration Required Sponsored by Hallmark Health 5:30 pm Location: Montvale Plaza, StonehamWednesday, October 19 and Thursday, November 3

These interactive lectures are FREE and include a light dinner. Participants may attend one session or all. Separate registrationis required for each session. Each event begins at 5:30 pm. Dinner will be served promptly at 6:00 pm. Register online atwww.hallmarkhealth.org by selecting “Events Calendar” and the date of the session(s) or by calling (800) 540-9191.

Harvest Your Energy FestivalSaturday, October 1 1:00 - 4:00 pm Location: Wind Turbine

Sponsored by MassEnergy Consum ers AllianceCome for some fun, education, food and more! For more details, please visit http://Medford.org/harvestyourenergy

“Wings” at the Chevalier TheatreSaturday, October 1 7:00 pm Location: 30 Forest Street,This classic, academy award-winning 1927 silent movie is accompanied live by organist, Peter Krasinski. General admission is$10.00. You can purchase tickets at Medford TV/Electronics, 25 Salem Street, or by calling (781) 874-0920.

Medford on the Mystic Arts FestivalOctober 1 - 31 Location: Varies This festival is presented by CACHE (Coalition for Arts, Culture, and a Healthy Economy). The events will last the whole monthof October. Please visit www.medfordfestival.org for more details. Brochures available at the MFN Family Center.

Mystic River Celebration Saturday, October 22 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: Condon Shell /Rt.16Hosted by the Medford on the Mystic Arts Festival

FREE! Live Music! Food! Artisan Crafts! Art Exhibits! Interactive Art Installations! Crafts for Kids! And, More! Shuttletransportation available from Commuter Lot near the Hyatt and City Hall. Rain date: Sunday, October 23.

Haines Square Fall FestivalPresented by CACH E (Coalition for Arts, Culture, and a Healthy Economy

Saturday, October15 (Rain Date: October 16) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: Haines SquareCelebrating a diverse and vibrant shopping area, the Haines Square Fall Festival will feature live music, vendors from Medford

Farmers Market, photographers, children’s activities, painters, and crafters. Glass blowers from Diablo Glass Blowing school of Jamaica Plain will be demonstrating glass blowing techniques throughout the day. Please visit www.medfordfestival.org formore details. Brochures available at the MFN Family Center.

5th Annual Medford Fit for Life 5K Registration Required Sunday, October 2 (Registration at 9:00 am) Location: Hormel Stadium

Join Fit for Life on a 3.1 mile walk/run starting and finishing at Hormel Stadium, followed by prizes, food and music! Eventproceeds will be donated In Memory of Officer Patrick Fahey. Please contact Breanna Lungo-Koehn at (781) 874-0011 [email protected], or AnnMarie Cugno at (781) 396-1783 or [email protected] with any questions you may have. Check out the website at www.fitforlifemedford.com

Halloween Stroll Friday, October 28 3:00 - 4:30 pm Location: Medford SquareHosted by the Medford Chamber of Commerce

Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Show off your costumes as you trick or treat at local businesses throughout Medford Square,

West Medford Square and Haines Square. Visit the MFN table for some special treats in Medford Square.

Fun in the Community Call the Medford Family Network at (781) 393-2106

6

Help Me Grow ProgramThe Coordinated Family and Community Engagement is proud to be selected as one of 15 sites in Massachusetts to pilot

the Help Me Grow program through the Department of Early Education and Care. Using the Ages and Stagesquestionnaires, parents are able to monitor their child’s growth and development physically, emotionally, and socially.

The questionnaires are completed online. Participating in the program allows parents to be an active participant intheir child’s development. Working together, we will be able to provide the most effective education and resources to

ensure they have every opportunity for optimal growth and development. If you are interested in learning more,please call (781) 393-2106.



Parent Leadership Opportunities

Medford Family Network Advisory Board(MFN)

We are seeking parents and community members to join the Advisory Board Committees for this year. We

have a full workplan for each and need your help to get it done! Our Committees are…

Administrative/Ad Hoc CommitteeTo review the bylaws and other administrative items and to

develop and prepare for the Boards’ annual electionevery May.

Legislative Action CommitteeTo be aware of legislative bills and state and federal policie

that affect children and their families, and host activitiessuch as an annual Legislative Breakfast for local

legislators.

Marketing/Public Relations CommitteeTo focus on all communications, including brochures,

press, newsletter and social media.Outreach Committee

To focus on reaching out to parents and families that liveand/or work in Medford.

Program CommitteeTo advise on program development and

implementation; to identify grants for future programs.

For more information and/or to have the Chair of the

committee in which you are interested speak with you

please contact Marie Cassidy, Family Support Coordinator

at (781) 393-2106 or mcassidy@ medford.k12.m a.us.

Medford Family Resource Coalition Council(MFRC)

The Council is a local governing body whose purpose is toplan, develop, and oversee the

implementation of comprehensive, high-quality services to children, youth and families in the city. Our

next meeting is Thursday, November 17, 6:00 pm.For more information , please contact

Shelley Gross, Early Childhood/Afterschool Director at

(781) 393-2102 or [email protected].

Friends of the Medford Family Network Board

(FMFN)The Friends is a nonprofit corporation comprised of MFN

parents who promote, support, and assist inraising funds for MFN programs. We are seeking

community support to help us make the “Night of 10,000Balloons” fundraiser a huge success!For more information, please contact

Debbie Steiner-Hayes, President at (781) 395-8624 or

[email protected]

Caring About All Children“Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends,

never lose a chance to make them.”Francesco Guicciardini

Excerpt from ExchangeEveryDay (July 2011).

In her presentation at the 2011 World Forum onEarly Care and Education, Lilian Katz shared a

concern from her book Intellectual Emergencies:

Some Reflections on Mothering and Teaching…

“I believe that each of us must come to care abouteveryone else’s children. We must come to see

that the well-being of our own individual childrenis intimately linked to the well-being of all other

people’s children. After all, when one of ourchildren needs life saving surgery, someone else’s

child will perform it; when one of our children isthreatened or harmed by violence in the street,someone else’s child will inflict it. The good lifefor our own children can only be secured if it is

also secured for all other people’s children. But toworry about all other people’s children is not just a

practical or strategic matter; it is an moral andethical one; to strive for the well-being of all other

people’s children is also right.”


7

Medford Public Schools Early Childhood O ffice(781) 393-2102

The Early Childhood Office is a local point of entry. Parents/guardianscan call the Early Childhood Office to find out information about

quality early education and care. The office can assist placing eligiblefamilies on the Department of Early Education and Care centralizedwait list for child care—infant, toddler, preschool, and school age.

Check out these helpful websites:www.bostoncentral.com

family fun in Medford and surrounding areas

www.medfordpubliclibrary.orgmuseum passes, story times, and much more!

www.babysitterexchange.com established family-friendly child care bartering

www.onetoughjob.organ online resource for real-live parents sponsored by the

Children’s Trust Fund; ages birth - teenage; current topic on the“Ask the Experts” column is Finding the Strength in

Parenting !



A F RIEND TO K NOW…A P LACE TO GROW!

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL INTERNET SUBSCRIBERS! WE NEED YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS! E-MAILS SAVE US $$$$! Join our email list to receive our program fliers and updates of local events at the Medford Family Network. Send a request by

e-mail with your name, address and phone number to [email protected]. Also, please let us know of any addresschanges so we may update our database. You can also access the newsletter via www.medford.k12.ma.us.

Medford Family Network is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, the Children’s TrustFund, the Friends of the Medford Family Network, Corp., and the generous donations from our families and friends.

MEDFORD F AMILY NETWORK

MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL

489 WINTHROP STREET

MEDFORD, MA 02155

What is the Medford Family N etwork? The Medford Family Network of the Medford Public Schools is a universal (everyone welcome) parenting education and family support programfocusing on the positive impact on the developmental process of children prenatal to age 13, and supporting the families that care for them. This isaccomplished through parenting education workshops; discussion groups; age-specific playgroups; new moms groups; home visitation; family events; a lending library; a family resource/drop-in center; information and referral services; and family literacy initiatives. There are programs fordads, grandparents, single parents, parents who speak languages other than English; working parents; at-home parents; and more. Programs areheld at a variety of sites around the city – weekdays, evenings and weekends. Many activities are co-sponsored with other family-serving agencies.Parent advisory, governing and leadership roles are available and encouraged. All adults who live or work in Medford, caring for young children,are welcome!

Information & Referral Services

If you have questions or concerns about your child(ren), family, or want to know about community resources, you can always call on the MedfordFamily Network. Our role is to listen and help you find the information you need. Stop by the MFN Family Center at the Medford High School or caus at (781) 393-2106. We can make appointments to meet with you at the Center, in another location, or just take some time to talk on the phone.Please let us know what is important for the healthy growth and development of you and your family. We are here to make a difference... and youare the one who can make that happen!

Wish ListPlain White Napkins Paper Towels Plastic FlatwareWhite Paper Plates (any size) Disinfecting Wipes Hand SanitizerTissues Clear Liquid Hand Soap Manila Folders (not legal size)

Our BIGGEST wish is that you know how much we appreciate your support!No matter what it is, we are most grateful for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

mfn fall 2011 newsletter

Documents