Monday, March 4, 2013

Cupertino



Cupertino Classes & Events: 


Mandarin Play & Learn
Led by Julia Zhu and Volunteers
Date: Thursdays, January 17-March 21
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Address: Canon Music, 10885 S. Blaney Ave, Cupertino
Notes: No registration required, but class will be limited to the first 15 families / 30 people who enter per class. Families often arrive by 9:30 or 9:45 to secure a spot, but it is first come, first served. Please plan to arrive on time and stay until the end. Families that come BEFORE 10:00 ON THE DAY OF CLASS and do not get in will be able to put their name down on a priority list to secure a spot for the following week (limit 5 for priority list). However, you must ALSO come BEFORE 10:00 the NEXT week or your spot will be forfeited to a family that is waiting. Confused? Please call 650-967-4813.

Movetrition (6 weeks)
Led by Nancy Doan
Date: Tuesdays, February 26 - April 2
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Address: Canon Music, 10885 S. Blaney Ave, Cupertino
Notes:   Class is FULL.
Class Info:  "This 6-week program is designed to teach children and their family the benefits of exercise and eating fruits and vegetables. They learn the benefits of fruits and vegetables while engaging in interactive activities that teach them age-appropriate motor skills such as running, jumping, and balance". - Generation Wellness 
 
Tuesdays Play & Learn (WILL RESUME IN APRIL)
Led by Volunteers Priti & Urmi
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Address: TBD
Notes: TBD





Volunteer Corner

Volunteer Quote of the Month



One day an elephant saw a hummingbird lying on its back with its tiny feet up in the air. "What are you doing?" asked the elephant. The hummingbird replied, "I heard that the sky might fall today, and so I am ready to help hold it up, should it fall." The elephant laughed cruelly. "Do you really think," he said, "that those tiny feet could help hold up the sky?" The hummingbird kept his feet up in the air, intent on his purpose, as he replied, "Not alone. But each must do what he can. And this is what I can do." --Chinese Parable.


UPCOMING Volunteer Meeting / Training
  • February Volunteer Meeting/Training is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 2013.
    • Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am
    • Location: Mercy Street FRC - 748 Mercy Street, Mountain View, CA 94041
    • If you would like to attend, please send Nancy an email at nancydoan5@gmail.com 
    •  
Training Opportunities
  • “Creating and Sustaining Your School Gardens” Training.
    • For more information, please send Nancy an email at nancydoan5@gmail.com 
    • To register: Garden Training
    •   
  • More training opportunities avaliabile
    • For more information, please send Nancy an email at nancydoan5@gmail.com 


 Volunteer Update


We had the opportunity to participate in a wonderful communication training done by Gayle Mayekawa. We got a lot of good feedback from the attendees. All the topics covered by Gayle were found useful and volunteers are inspired to apply the skills they learn in their volunteer work. The topics were very helpful for personal growth in learning how to work with people and communicate more efficiently. We want to thank, Gayle for her time and for providing an informatively rewarding training.








For additional information, please contact Nancy Doan, Volunteer Coordinator: nancydoan5@gmail.com or (650) 967 - 4813

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

February Overview


Greetings Families, Partners, and LTI Community

It’s February, and the earliest buds are now beginning to appear on the trees. Winter break is coming, and as always, your FIRST 5 Family Resource centers are busy co-creating a space for your children and you to grow in community.

Here is news from across the region:

This month, we welcome back Sunnyvale Community Worker, Hadas Keppel, from maternity leave. 


Stay tuned for additional offerings coming soon in Sunnyvale. Remember – in between blog entries, you can find our Google calendars on the right (scroll down). There is one for each community, and they are updated constantly.



Volunteerism on the Rise – Many thanks to the wonderful volunteers who help us provide so much for our communities. We have short- and long-term opportunities to pitch in, including helping with classes, administrative support, distributing information, and more. Some of our opportunities require a commitment, and others do not – there is an opportunity to fit your schedule and availability. Please see the Volunteer Corner link for more information.




 From L to R: Yoko, Thao, Ana Valle (staff), Guadalupe, Irais





Raising Emotionally Healthy Children FREE Webinar – If you received the Santa Clara County FIRST 5 Kit for New Parents, you may have this book on your shelf. It is a wonderful book, and now the Newmarks are offering a FREE Webinar on February 7 to talk about how you can support your child’s emotional needs. https://emotionallyhealthychildren.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/free-webinar-with-parenting-experts-february-7th-1pm-est/

Great Article on the Importance of the Arts – Think art is just about recreation? Read this great article about the many ways kids benefit. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/01/22/top-10-skills-children-learn-from-the-arts/

Art and Your Child - When you come to our Play and Learn classes, the art projects help kids learn! Our art projects are designed to help children develop fine motor and other critical skills to prepare them for school. Even if they do not complete the project, playing with the materials and experimenting are part of an important developmental phase.


Like us on Facebook! Did you know we have a Facebook page? We post interesting tips, videos, information on local events, and more. Please “like” us and help our online community grow. Find us by typing “Mercy Street Family Resource Center” in the search bar or click HERE

Schedule Changes:
We will be closed on Monday, February 18 for President’s Day.

Feedback: Do you have comments that you would like to send the staff?   Please send us a note to:mercystreetfrc@gmail.com

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Coming Soon
How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Chidren Book Group (Spanish) continues this month on February 4 from 10:30am-12pm. Childcare available with registration. Want one in English? Contact the office to start one. Next month’s group will be on March 4th (first Monday of every month).

Cafecito Mom’s Group (for Spanish speakers) is on Friday, February 1 at Mercy Street from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Childcare available (please register). Want one in your own language? Volunteer and start one! Mark your calendar for March 1, for next month’s group.

Family Day is Saturday, February 16th – 11:30am-1:00pm at Mercy Street. Please register at mercystreetfrc@gmail.com

5 Keys to Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater – a parenting class on eating challenges with young children. Learn how to avoid power struggles around food and discover children’s natural self-regulation is a great help in preventing future obesity. Free class led by nutritionist Luisa Linares from Choices for Children. Monday March 18 from 12:30pm-2:30pm. Childcare provided and snacks will be available for adults and children. Registration Required.

CHAC is offering Parenting classes (Spanish) in Mountain View and Sunnyvale. Childcare is NOT available. Please contact Carlos Jalpa at 650-965-2020 x12 for more information.
Mountain View:
o   Parents with children up to age 11. Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm (ongoing)
     o   Single Parents: Thursdays from 6-8pm, starting January 17 (ongoing)
     o Men’s Group:  Tuesdays from 8- 9:30pm (ongoing)
Sunnyvale:
o   Parents with children up to age 11: Tuesdays 8:15-9:45am (ongoing)




Outreach


Upcoming outreach events in February
Here's where to find us next! If you are available to help share information at the table, please contact Nancy Doan at 650-967-4813 or nancydoan5@gmail.com

Mountain View
·        Do you have a suggestion for a great location to go for finding more people who need health insurance for their children? Please be in touch 650-967-4813. 
·        Did you know we have regular hours every Tuesday from 10-2 and other times by appointment? We also offer services in Spanish, Mandarin and Vietnamese.
·         We will be tabling at the LAHS Latino Student/Parent Summit 2013 on Saturday, February 2 from 11:00 - 12:30pm.

Cupertino
·       Stories for 2’s.  We will be tabling at the Cupertino Library on Tuesday, February 14 from 10:15 - 11:30pm.

Sunnyvale
·       Fantastic 4’s and 5’s.  We will be tabling at the Sunnyvale Library on Thursday, February 28 from 11:00am - 12:00pm.

West San Jose
·        Mommy & Me & Daddies Too. We will be at the Westgate Mall on Wednesday, February 13 from 10:00 - 12:00pm.
Region-wide
Do you know of a private child care provider who can benefit from our trainings and turn to us as a resource for parents? Please contact Yadira Rios at 650-967-4813.