Tag Archives: November

November Cluster Meeting

Yee Haw!

Welcome Au Pairs!!!

Welcome Au Pairs!!!

On a cold autumn evening last weekend, two clusters and our many guests enjoyed an evening of good old-fashioned line dancing with Cowgirl Mary Rinker at the Bay Path Barn. Although the barn was cold when we arrived, it soon heated up with the tunes of American country western favorites.  Au pairs, many in their boots and cowgirl clothing, seemed to get into the spirit immediately and the fun began when we tried out the first dances that Mary had taught us.

After 2 straight hours of line dancing, the au pairs were heated up and ready for a break!  We used the time to catch up with each other, to welcome our many new au pairs, and to say farewell to those that had finished their year in the USA!  All in all, we had a great time.  It was the perfect way to spend time together before heading out into the darkness.

Line dancing is particularly well suited for our gathering because all interested participants can learn the steps quickly and it requires no partner.  The best part is that the steps can be adapted to all sorts of music and it is great exercise. Language is optional as we just follow the demonstrations.  Everyone lines up, (that’s why we call it line dancing!) and the fun begins.  So, as we like to say at line dancing, “Yee Haw, Cowgirl!”

view photo album ->  Country Line Dancing

NOVEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER

1102Election Day

Would you like to know more about the American political system? Check out http://bensguide.gpo.gov/ for a simple presentation of information about the US government including elections. Talk to the children about what you learned and create an Election Day theme at home: decorate in red, white and blue (how about colored napkins on the table?) Put out an American flag, and serve red, white and blue snacks. Blue and white corn chips with red salsa, vanilla ice cream with strawberries and blueberries or layers of colored Jell-o served with whipped cream.

1107Daylight Savings Time Ends

Move your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night and enjoy the extra hour of sleep…

1111-1Veteran’s Day

A day to honor American veterans of all wars, Veteran’s Day is a federal holiday. You can find some suggestions of activities to do with children at www.va.gov/KIDS/.

1125Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dates back to the first European settlers in North America. After hardship, illness and hard work, the Pilgrims celebrated a successful harvest that they shared with their Native American friends. This national holiday is a day to feast and give thanks. Visit this site to compare Thanksgiving to other harvest festivals: www.familyculture.com/holidays/thanksgiving.htm.

1126

Black Friday

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving and is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. Black Friday is not an official holiday, but many employees take the day off, which increases the number of potential shoppers. Many retailers open very early (typically 5 am or even earlier) and offer door buster deals and loss leaders to draw people to their stores. Merchants and the media use the term Black Friday to refer to the beginning of the period in which retailers are in the black (i.e., turning a profit).