 Departments and Services > North Suburban Family Network > Kathy's Korner
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Beginning in the fall of 2008, the Franklin School will house the Melrose Public School Early Childhood Center. The Title One classes, Integrated Pre- School classes, and the tuition based preschool classes will be joining us. What a gem for Melrose to have services and programs for families from birth to 5 years old under one roof. Though exciting, it will mean some changes for us here at the family network. Traffic and parking will be two of the biggest challenges. Jenny Corduck, Director of the Early Childhood Center and I have been working together on these two issues. One change that we are initiating this spring is to close the office from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm. There will be no drop-in play or classes during this time. We will also be extending drop-in playtime on Thursday afternoons to 4:30 PM. Please check your schedule for dates. Together We Can Make a Difference. Peace, Kathy
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Location: The Beebe Estate Lawn, 235 W. Foster Street, Melrose
In case of rain: First Congregational Church, 121 W. Foster Street, Melrose
Picnic: 5:30 PM (No picnic in case of rain) Entertainment: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday, July 8 - Marcus Gale - Drop-In
Marcus Gale features interactive concerts with lively stories, singing and dancing for everyone. His mission is to bring the gift of music and laughter to children and their families. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Melrose Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Tuesday, July 22 - Debbie & Friends - Drop-In
Debbie and Friends concerts are fun for the whole family. Parents and kids join in this interactive “variety Show”, which includes a diverse array of styles including rock, pop, country and reggae. You’ll become the Big Bad Wolf and blow the house down, fix Rosie’s wrong rhymes, and share a special moment with your loved ones singing “Love Is A Family”.
Tuesday, August 12 - Mike “The Music Man” Slattery - Drop-In
Mike Slattery is a very talented children's entertainer that the kids just love because of his engaging and silly songs, stories, puppet show, and huge selection of silly hats and props. He's also a talented singer, guitar player and songwriter. His latest children's CD, 'Ducky Rock and Roll' is doing very well on Itunes and is available on just about every electronic music service worldwide. Mike's shows are very fast paced and engaging without being frantic or over the top. Not only does he get the kids to sing, dance, wiggle and giggle, but he also gets the parents involved with the fun!
Tuesday, August 26 - “ Big Joe” The Storyteller - Drop-In
“Big Joe” is a Family Network favorite. It would not be summer if we did not have a visit from one of the most energetic and creative storytellers around. You never know what he will pull out of his trunk of props. All will have a good time as Joe takes classis tales and adds his own original flair.
Tuesday Tunes & Tales are made possible by generous donations from our wonderful families.
North of Boston Dads
Are you an at home dad or take care of your children during the week? Join other dads for weekly dads lunch bunch playgroup, trips to local parks, bookstores, libraries and more. Dads from the NSFN facilitate this group. If you are interested please call 781-662-2722 to be added to our e-mail group or join our blog at http://northofbostondads.ning.com.
Registration required
The North Suburban Family Network, in collaboration with the Melrose, Stoneham and Wakefield Councils on Aging, supported by a grant through Mystic Valley Elders Services and additional community donations, offers a support group for grandparents and grandchildren. The program meets from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM, on the first and third Friday of each month at the Stoneham Senior Center. The two- hour sessions offer support and speakers on subjects chosen by the participants. You are not alone. Come meet other grandparents who are actively raising their grandchildren. Childcare is available. Please call the office at 781-662-2722 for more information or to register.
Monday, May 19 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (Limited childcare available, please call early.)
Thursday, June 12 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Meeting and Appreciation Dinner
The North Suburban Family Network is run by a Coalition comprised of staff, parents, local business people and representatives of human service agencies. The success of the network is based on all these people coming to the table, collaborating and sharing ideas. Our parents are a large part of that process. We meet every other month for 1.5 hours alternating from morning to evening. Be a part of the future of the NSFN. Call 781-662-2722 for more information.
The goal of this group is to support the work of the Coalition and to plan family activities. The next meetings will be held on Thursdays, April 3rd and May 29th, from 8 PM - 9 PM at Starbucks, 521 Main St., Melrose. If you can’t attend this meeting but are interested in future meetings, please call or e-mail Jill at 781-620-0358 or jilltully@comcast.net.
If you have lightly used spring and summer children’s clothing, cribs or baby equipment that you want to donate, call Karen Andrews at 781-338-7607 to arrange drop-off or pick-up. Please, no adult clothing at this time. Disposable diapers are always accepted, even opened packages of diapers.
Thursday, April 24 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Family Network 781-662-2722
If you are a new parent (child 12 months or younger) or expectant parent and do not know about the North Suburban Family Network, please join Kathy Harlow, Program Manager, for a special evening open house. Come visit our center, see our Resource Library, meet other parents and find out about the free programs we offer for families. Also learn about the other family programs that Hallmark Health has to offer. Moms, dads and infants are welcome. For additional info, call 781-662-2722.
Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item with you when you visit the NSFN for us to donate to one of the four area Food Pantries. Baby food, lunch box snacks and juice boxes are always appreciated.
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