Author Archives: Diana Kustra

It’s time for Goblins and Ghosts….

Going trick-or-treating?

Below are tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters

Alphabet letter S Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
Alphabet letter A Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Alphabet letter F Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
Alphabet letter E Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
Alphabet letter H Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
Alphabet letter A Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
Alphabet letter L Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
Alphabet letter L Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
Alphabet letter O Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
Alphabet letter W Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Alphabet letter E Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
Alphabet letter E Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.
Alphabet letter N Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.


St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Philadelphia 3/13/11

The 2011 Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns March 13, With 20,000 Performers In Marching Bands, Dance Groups, Floats And More

The 241st St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place March 13. (Photo courtesy Irish Philadelphia)

Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is actually the city’s largest parade, with 20,000 participants representing more than 150 groups including marching bands, dance groups, youth groups, Irish associations and floats.

Thousands of festively green-bedecked spectators line the Ben Franklin Parkway to enjoy the parade each year, a religious and cultural celebration of St. Patrick, on the Sunday prior to St. Patrick’s Day (this year’s parade: March 13, beginning at 11 a.m.). The first documented St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade in Philadelphia was held in 1771, marking this year’s the 241st year.

The parade begins at 16th and JFK Boulevard before making its way down the Ben Franklin Parkway. Click here for the full parade route. Some best bets for vantage points include Logan Circle and the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where a dance floor will be set up at Eakins Oval.

A series of awards are given to parade performers, ranging from Outstanding Float to the group that best exemplifies the spirit of the parade, so you can weigh your own opinions against the judges’ decisions, revealed Wednesday, April 13, 6-9 p.m. at a ceremony at Finnigan’s Wake.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a Philadelphia tradition, is a celebration not to be missed. If the weather is less than exemplary, you can watch it live on CW Philly 57 from noon to 3 p.m.; it will also stream live on the station’s website. And also check out Hear Philly’s look at St. Patrick’s Day bar tours in Philadelphia for an added layer of holiday fun.

Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Sunday, March 13, beginning at 11 a.m.
Where: Begins at 16th and JFK Boulevard
Cost: FREE
More info: www.philadelphiastpatsparade.com

Chinatown Brunch Cluster Meeting

March Multi-Cluster Meeting

Chinatown Brunch

Date:  Sunday, March 13th 2011

Time: 12-2 (please arrive at 11:45)

Place:  Charles Plaza

234-236 North 10th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

(about a ten minute walk from Market East train station)

Cost:   $14 includes lunch, soda, tax and tip

Please bring exact change If possible!

Please respond by March 10th.  I need to give the restaurant an accurate count and they charge us for each reservation.

This is a fun and delicious meeting and a great way to get to know the other au pairs in the area.  We are expecting a group over 120 au pairs!!


February 2011 Cluster Meeting-Snow Tubing

February 2011 Cluster Meeting

Snow Tubing

Where:  Spring Mountain Ski Area

757 Spring Mount Road

Spring Mount, PA  19478

www.springmountainadventures.com

610-287-7900

(check out the website for directions)

When:  Sunday – February 27, 2011

Time:  9:30 am

Cost:  $20 (discounted rate)

Please respond by February 23.  I have to submit a list of names to Spring Mountain a week before.  You cannot come if your name is not on the list and I get charged if you say you are coming and then you do not show up, so please be sure you  can come.  Spring Mountain is reserving spots for you.  You can pay there.

Please arrive at 9:30am to fill out release forms for Spring Mountain.  You cannot go tubing without the paperwork filled out and signed.  I am attaching the release form.  If you can print it and bring it, that would be great.  If not, there will be forms to fill out there.  Please do not be late because you will hold up the group from going out on the hill and we would like to go out by 10 am sharp.

Please be dressed very warm!  Bring your warm coat, hat, scarf, boots and gloves.

It should be a lot of fun!  See you all there!!!!     DIANA 215-699-8034 / dianakustra@yahoo.com

February 2011 Cluster Meeting-Snow Tubing

February 2011 Cluster Meeting

Snow Tubing

Where:  Spring Mountain Ski Area

757 Spring Mount Road

Spring Mount, PA  19478

www.springmountainadventures.com

610-287-7900

(check out the website for directions)

When:  Sunday – February 27, 2011

Time:  9:30 am

Cost:  $20 (discounted rate)

Please respond by February 23.  I have to submit a list of names to Spring Mountain a week before.  You cannot come if your name is not on the list and I get charged if you say you are coming and then you do not show up, so please be sure you  can come.  Spring Mountain is reserving spots for you.  You can pay there.

Please arrive at 9:30am to fill out release forms for Spring Mountain.  You cannot go tubing without the paperwork filled out and signed.  I am attaching the release form.  If you can print it and bring it, that would be great.  If not, there will be forms to fill out there.  Please do not be late because you will hold up the group from going out on the hill and we would like to go out by 10 am sharp.

Please be dressed very warm!  Bring your warm coat, hat, scarf, boots and gloves.

It should be a lot of fun!  See you all there!!!!     DIANA 215-699-8034 / dianakustra@yahoo.com

President’s Day

PresidentsDay-w
Presidents’ Day is celebrated in February to honor two of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. The holiday is celebrated in the United States on the third Monday in February.   George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 and was the first president of the United States.  Abraham Lincoln was president during the Civil War and was born on February 12, 1809.

Most of your host children will be off this week from school.  Traditionally this is a winter break for Long Island schools.  It is a great time to plan some activities in and out of the house with your host children.  Many of the libraries and museums will have special activities for the kids home from school.  Check online and bring your kids to explore these activities.

flower-craft-free-kids-pop-sticks-easy-patty-pans1Mid winter is a great time for crafts and for board games.  Pull out the games the children received for their holiday gifts and play them together.  Gather the craft supplies and get creative! Dreaming of spring?  How about coloring or painting some pictures of with the kids of spring flowers?  Decorate the room with the colorful pictures!  It might be cold and snowy outside, but inside the flowers are blooming on the walls!  Enjoy!!

Au Pair In America Partners with AAA

Au Pair in America Partners with AAA

AAA

The most trusted choice for live-in childcare, Au Pair in America has partnered with AAA, the nation’s most trusted name in driver safety and instruction, to offer a custom course specifically designed for au pairs. This course differs from those offered in your community, in that AAA has taken the best of several of their courses, adapted them to be the most accessible to the au pair population, with special focus on driver and child passenger safety. Key components of the course include:

  • Driver Safety
  • Child passenger safety (car seats, communication, expectations)
  • Communication and traffic devices
  • Vehicle Awareness (understanding what your vehicle is “telling you.”)
  • Reducing Risks while Driving (includes defensive driving techniques, phone/texting issues, and drinking and driving awareness)

kids-car-safety-toddler

This  AAA course designed exclusively for Au Pair In America.  Course includes a combination of lecture, group exercises, video/other media to ensure the maximum understanding to speakers of other languages or newly arrived to the US participants.

young-woman-driving

All Host Families with au pairs arriving into the USA in 2011 will receive more information about this new course and how their au pair can be enrolled!

Tax Information for Au Pairs

taxes-pic

We have been talking about taxes a lot lately and there have been lots of questions. I will continue going over tax questions each month at our Coffee Meetings.

Here are some of the basic questions:

Who is supposed to file taxes? – All au pairs (even those who don’t owe money)

Will all au pairs have to pay something? – No, it depends on when you arrived and how much money you earned last year.

When are 2010 taxes due? – April 18, 2011

Where can I get the tax form? –  1040NR-EZ Form

Where can I get the instruction booklet? – 1040NR-EZ Booklet

Where can I get detailed information and see a sample au pair tax form? – APIA Tax Info for Au Pairs

What to Keep in the Car Glove Box

If you are like me, you probably have napkins and straws from fast food restaurants and other assorted items in your glove box in the car.  It can be a nifty storage place, but it’s main purpose is to keep some important documents related to the car. glove box

It is very important that you keep all of the necessary documents in the car glove box. These items will be necessaryif you are stopped by a police officer or have an auto accident. Not having these items can result in your receiving a ticket (citation) from a police officer.

Essential Documents

*Some host parents may tell you to carry these in your wallet instead of keeping them in the car. Follow their instructions.

Helpful Extras

  • Flashlight
  • Tire Pressure Gauge
  • Vehicle Owner’s Manual
  • Map or GPS
  • Tissues and Hand Sanitizer
  • First Aid Kit

In Your Wallet
Carry your Maryland license or country driver’s license and international driver’s permit with you at all times, especially when you are driving. You should leave your passport and Social Security Card and other documents at home, to reduce the risk of losing them.