Monthly Archives: September 2015

NCR Trail Bike Ride with Baltimore cluster

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Last Sunday a few members of the Baltimore APIA cluster met up at the NCR Trail in Hunt Valley to enjoy a bike ride from the Ashland Road starting point. We rode 6 miles and enjoyed a light picnic and some conversation. It was the first time for everyone there to discover this great trail which is part of the Rails to Trails project. Now they know where they can go to enjoy the beauty of nature and get a little exercise. Bikes can be rented just across the street from the Ashland starting point at Hunt Valley Village, www.HuntValleyVillage.com.

 

Childcare with a Cultural Flare ~ Simplify your Life!

DSC_0143If interested in learning more about hosting an au pair in your home to see if this would meet your childcare needs please stop by my Au Pair in America table at The Festival on the Green at the Crofton Country Club located at 1691 Crofton Parkway between the hours of 10am and 4pm on September 26th. I will have au pairs on hand to answer any of your questions. If you are not in the market please feel free to let others know that may be! Have a great weekend. For more information about us visit our website at www.aupairinamerica.com.

Pizza party and back to school safety tips

DSC_0659On Sunday night we welcomed some new au pairs to our cluster and rekindled some old friendships after the long summer months.  We enjoyed a beautiful crisp evening outdoors as we ate pizza and discussed back to school safety tips.  http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/back-to-school-safety-tips/2/.

Also, just in time for back to school, Au Pair in America has put together a handy note for au pairs and host parents.  With busy schedules and last minute changes, something simple like writing a note for the school can get lost in the mix. Or maybe your au pair has just arrived and she’s not quite sure yet how to notify the school of any pick up/drop off changes. That’s why we put together this useful note! Print off a few, and you’ll be set for the year. It’s blank so all you need to do is fill in the appropriate information: date, child’s name, teacher, grade and include a parent’s signature.  It can be used to grant permission, for absences, late arrivals or early dismissals, and has a comment section to include any other pertinent information. Print off the note here (it’s a pdf file) and make your life a little easier!  http://www.aupairinamerica.com/fp/school_note.pdf

 

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day2The Workman’s Holiday ~ Dedicated in honor of the worker, Labor Day is also known as the “workingman’s holiday”. The holiday is dedicated to all workers in the United States in respect and appreciation for the work they do in or outside of the home, union or non-union, big companies and small companies and au pairs too.  As long as you work somewhere at something, this holiday is for you! It is a day to celebrate your contribution to American working life and the work you do.

Was it McGuire or Maguire? Either Peter McGuire or Matthew Maguire is the Creator of Labor Day. Peter J. McGuire, was an active labor organizer. He was also general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. He was believed to be the first to suggest a day be dedicated to American workers and their accomplishments. Matthew Maguire however, was secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York in 1882 and many believed that he proposed the holiday in 1882.

The First Labor Day ~ The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882 and was started by the Central Labor Union in New York City. In 1884, it was moved to the first Monday in September where it is celebrated today. Labor Day quickly became popular and one state after another voted it as a holiday. On June 28, 1894, the U.S. congress voted it a national holiday.

So What do Americans eat on Labor Day? Picnics and barbecues are popular ways to celebrate Labor Day. Old standards are hamburgers, corn dogs, coleslaw, potato salad corn on the cob, baked beans and sliced tomatoes. Finish up with sliced watermelon, apple or blueberry pie and freshly churned ice cream. Sound good? Want to try a recipe?

http://www.whats4eats.com/salads/potato-salad-recipe

http://www.whats4eats.com/salads/sweet-coleslaw-recipe

http://www.whats4eats.com/desserts/blueberry-pie-recipe

What can you do with the kids on Labor Day? Schools are usually closed on labor day so the children are home for the day. Generally Americans love long weekends and it is an extra special time for families to be together. Join in and be part of the family activities. Enjoy your first Labor Day Weekend in the United States. If you recently arrived this is a great weekend to bond with the kids and get to know them. Go for a bike ride, play in the back yard, go to the park or enjoy the beach and the pool before the fall weather arrives. For indoor quiet activities try these:

Click here for Labor Day coloring pages: http://www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/labor-day/

Click here for Labor Day short stories for children: http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/labor-day/short-stories/