Pizza and Yard Sale Cluster Meeting, July 2011
Posted by Krystyna on Jul 16, 2011
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Krystyna and Engelien's Au pair in America Blog
The place to find out about Au pair in America in NW of Washington DC and in Bethesda, Maryland
July 4th in Washington DC
Posted by Krystyna on Jul 1, 2011
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Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th! The National Mall is the center of all of the Independence Day Celebrations in DC. There are events all day, beginning with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ending with a fireworks display over the Washington Monument.
Washington, DC’s Independence Day Parade
Parade Start Time: 11:45 a.m.
Parade Route: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Sts.
See a map of the parade route
Washington, DC’s 4th of July Parade features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP’s. The parade draws a large crowd, so plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot. Read more about the National Independence Day Parade
4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall
Fireworks Time: At dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. Rain Date: July 5th
Launch Location: The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument.
Getting to the National Mall
The best way to get to the National Mall is to take the Metro. Stations nearby include Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, Judiciary Square, Federal Triangle and L’Enfant Plaza.The Smithsonian Metro station will be closed for most of the day for security reasons. The station will reopen for entry-only shortly after the fireworks show has concluded to help get people home. It typically takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to clear the Mall after the fireworks.
Public access to the National Mall begins at 10:00 a.m., with all visitors required to enter via a security checkpoint.
Information above is from About.com. Visit their website HERE for much more information about the DC July 4th celebrations, including the best places to view the fireworks.
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Smithsonian Folk Life Festival on the National Mall in Washington DC
Posted by Krystyna on Jun 22, 2011
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The Folklife Festival will take place June 30-July 4 and July 7-11.
The Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an international exhibition of living cultural heritage. Attracting more than one million visitors yearly, the two-week long celebration is the largest annual cultural event in the United States.
This year’s festival will celebrate Rhythm & Blues Music in the U.S., the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps and the traditions of Colombia.
The Festival is held outdoors on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between the Smithsonian museums. There is no admission charge. Visitors should dress for hot and humid weather. Parking around the Mall is extremely limited, so visitors are advised to use Metrorail. The Smithsonian station (Mall exit) is at the Festival site. Federal Triangle and National Archives stations are close by. For general Smithsonian visitor information, call 202.633.1000.
Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with special events taking place most evenings.
I highly recommend that you visit their website to plan your visit http://www.festival.si.edu/
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State Department Reception Honoring the 25th Anniversary of Lagal Au pairs in the U.S. and Au pair in America
Posted by Krystyna on Jun 13, 2011
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On June 9, 2011 Host Families, Au pairs and staff were invited to take part in a very special celebration at the U.S. State Department. It was a reception honoring the 25th anniversary of the legal au pair program in the U.S. and Au Pair in America, the first au pair agency.
In 1986, The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) received designation from the State Department to sponsor a two year pilot au pair program and Au Pair in America was born.
Twenty-five years later and we have placed more than 87,000 au pairs from more than 60 countries worldwide with host families in 43 states.
Click here to view the full program
Au pairs volunteered at Westbrook Elementary School International Night
Posted by Krystyna on Mar 19, 2011
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What an evening it was. The Westbrook Elementary School in Bethesda organized their International Night where parents served excellent food from many countries. Eight au pairs from Israel, Russia, South Africa, Costa Rica, Bosnia, Italy, Mexico helped with crafts. Children were coloring Au pair in America placemats, doing international quiz and getting prices.
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National Cherry Blossom in Washington DC
Posted by Krystyna on Mar 11, 2011
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The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event that celebrates springtime in Washington, DC as well as the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.
The predicted peak blooming period of the cherry blossoms – MARCH 29 – APRIL 3!
Here are some of the highlights:
Family Day - Saturday, March 26, 2011
National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Metro Judiciary Square, Red Line
10am-3:30 pm
Opening Ceremony – Saturday, March 26, 2011
National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Metro Judiciary Square, Red Line
4-5:30 pm
Smithsonian Kite Festival – Sunday, March 27, 2011
Washington Monument Grounds
10 am-4 pm
Fireworks Display - Saturday, April 2, 2011
Waterfront Park – 600 Water Street, SW
Fireworks at 8:30-9 pm
Cherry Blossom Parade – Saturday, April 9, 2011
Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, NW
10 am- 12 noon
Helpful links:
Cherry Blossom Festival Website
National Park Service Bloom Watch
Metro Website (use the trip planner feature on this website to find the metro options, taking metro is much better than driving for the festival events)
International Navy Ball in Annapolis
Posted by Krystyna on Mar 11, 2011
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It’s time to purchase your tickets to attend the highly anticipated 45th International Ball at the US Naval Academy!
Date: April 16, 2011
Location: United States Naval Academy
Time: 8:00 pm
Cost: $10 per ticket, plus $1.50 service charge
Dress: Cocktail Dress, Formal (check out Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls for discount dresses and shoes)
2011 Au pair in America DC/MD/VA Cultural Fair
Posted by Krystyna on Feb 16, 2011
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In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Au Pair in America and the beginning of legal au pair programs in America, we will be hosting a Cultural Fair on April 9th, 2011 from 1:00 to 3:00 at Glen Echo Park in Maryland. All of the clusters in the DC/MD/VA area will be participating. We expect to have au pairs representing over 25 different countries.
This is a family event and open to the public. Anyone interested in learning about other cultures and the Au Pair in America program are invited.
This event will take place at the beautiful, historic Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park.
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Picnic 2010
Posted by Krystyna on Sep 22, 2010
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Many families and au pairs attended the picnic on September 19, 2010 at the Cabin John Reginal Park. Au pairs from Thailand presented the culture of their country through wearing beautiful traditonal dresses. There were colorful posters, various artifacts and brochures.
Cluster Meetings in 2010
Posted by Krystyna on Aug 9, 2010
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August 30 - The Importance of Discipline and Limit Setting with Kids of all Ages. Speaker – Robbye Fox, Certified Parent Educator, Parent Encouragement Program.
September 19 - Host Family and Au pair Picnic
October - Dance Class
November 8 - Suntrek Presentation
December – Holiday Party