Tag Archives: Au Pair in America

January Cluster Meeting – Tax Information

Who said taxes aren’t much fun? Rhode Island au pairs attended our annual “Tax Information Cluster Meeting” on Sunday, January 19, and had a wonderful time!Jan 2014 - Tax Meeting

We had a chance to meet our new arrivals, and to review tax information and answer questions about the U.S. government’s requirement that taxes be paid by everyone who earns money in the U.S., even au pairs:-( We talked about the benefits of putting away a few dollars each week so that there is a “cash reserve” available for expenses like taxes, emergencies, or on a more positive note — vacations and travel.
All tax information and forms can be found by clicking on this link: http://www.aupairinamerica.com/pdf/tax_information_for_aupairs.pdf
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Information Sessions on Flexible, Affordable Child Care

The Rhode Island office of Au Pair in America offers free, no obligation information sessions to provide details and answer questions that parents may have about hosting an au pair for their child care needs. Program costs are discussed and compared with other child care options, with emphasis on the benefits and cost-effectiveness of the Au Pair Program. Information sessions are held in Smithfield on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m., just prior to our 4:00 p.m. prenatal yoga class (Moms-to-be are welcome to stay for both!) Reserve at 401-949-2427 or BarbaraFetta@gmail.
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Prenatal yoga classes are held on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center, 7 Esmond Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island

For moms-to-be, prenatal yoga classes are a wonderful way to put aside time for you and your baby, and to prepare for the birthing process. Each class begins with a brief check-in and discussion — an opportunity for mother-to-be to talk about how she is feeling and address any questions or concerns. The discussion is followed by meditation to quiet the mind and bring focus to the body and the woman’s growing baby. We then move on to breathwork, stretching, strength building and balancing postures that help prepare the body and mind for the process of giving birth. Each class is a unique experience tailored to all stages of pregnancy. We finish the yoga session with deep rest and relaxation. This class is suitable to those new to yoga. Pre-registration is required.

“A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside….when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone”

Happy Hanukkah!

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Hanukkah begins at sundown this evening.

Au Pairs may find fun and educational activities for children at http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/hanukkah/Dreidel

Directions to play the Dreidel game. Play for Hershey kisses, a great way to have fun with the kids when they are home from school! http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/hanukkah/dreidel-game.html

November Cluster Meeting – Thanksgiving Dinner

Rhode Island au pairs had the opportunity to celebrate the American Thanksgiving holiday at their November cluster meeting as they shared a Thanksgiving dinner with International students from Brown University and friends of the International House of Rhode Island. Thanksgiving Dinner (which was the first for most au pairs and international students!) was a traditional meal of roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, apple pie, and hot mulled apple cider. The food was delicious, and it was a fun and festive evening for all! For au pairs, this dinner was a preview of coming attractions — a prelude to Thanksgiving Dinner which most will be sharing with host families and friends on Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 28.
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WaterFire Providence

Providence Waterfire
On Saturday Evening, July 13, au pairs from throughout New England are invited to join us at WaterFire, Providence’s spectacular, award-winning event which centers on a series of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence. The fires illuminate nearly two-thirds of a mile of urban spaces and parks. Visitors stroll along the river enjoying the sound of crackling flames, the fragrant scent of blazing cedar and pine, the flickering firelight, the performers traveling along the river in torch-lit vessels and the extraordinary music from all over the world. WaterFire is a must for Rhode Island visitors and residents alike! This will be a fun way for New England au pairs to get together and enjoy the spectacular event, and will also be an opportunity for interested families to stop by our “campsite” to gather information about Au Pair in America. Look for red, white and blue balloons on the lawn at Waterplace Park — adjacent to to Waterplace Restaurant.
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Au Pair In America Regional Host Family Event

On Sunday, June 2, Au Pair in America hosted a Tailgate Party/Soccer Game Event at Gillette Stadium* in Foxboro, MA. Many host families and au pairs throughout New England attended the event, which involved games, raffles, prizes and refreshents at the tailgate party, followed by the New England Revs/Los Angeles Galaxy soccer game. New England won the game with a final score of 5 – 0!
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*Gillette Stadium is the home stadium for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution soccer team. Located in Foxboro, Massachusetts, the facility opened in 2002, replacing Foxboro Stadium. The seating capacity is 68,756, including 6,000 club seats and 87 luxury suites. The stadium is owned and operated by American businessman Robert Kraft, who also owns the Patriots and Revolution.

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Au Pairs Celebrate Spring

2013 5-19 Au Pair Picinic
Spring is definitely in the air…and Rhode Island au pairs welcomed the nice weather by organizing a picnic at India Point Park in Providence on a recent Sunday afternoon. Everyone brought food to share, and the mood was upbeat and enthusiastic. It’s been a long, cold winter for all of us, and especially those au pairs who have come to us from warmer climates. The arrival of warmer weather and longer days brings us all a sense of rejuvenation. Rhode Island au pairs are planning another picnic which will be scheduled on a week-day when they can bring along their children for a play date. With summer just around the corner, there are a lot of plans in the works for au pairs who want to make the most of their time here in the beautiful “Ocean State”!

Au Pair in America Earth Day Volunteer Activity

On April 20th, some of our Rhode Island Au Pairs celebrated Earth Day by volunteering to participate in the clean-up of WaterPlace Park in preparation for the upcoming WaterFire Season. They really enjoyed the activity, and later had the opportunity to attend an after-party at the Temple of Music at Roger Williams Park with Mayor Angel Tavares and other Earth Day Volunteers, for music, food and fun!
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WaterFire events generally occur on select Saturday evenings starting at the end of May and ending in early October. The 2013 schedule should be announced soon, and can be found at www.Waterfire.org. WaterFire is always in need of volunteers to help during the season, and some au pairs have expressed interest in getting involved in additional volunteer activities. Those who are interested in volunteering for an upcoming Waterfire production must attend one of the following Orientations for new volunteers:
Upcoming WaterFire Orientations:
(click to sign up)
Thursday, May 2 6PM-7:30PM
Mock Dock Day: WaterFire’s Onsite Pre-Season Training Day. A very important training for new volunteers!
Saturday, May 18th 12PM-6PM

If you are interested in volunteering but cannot be at either of these orientations, you should contact Alex Brinckerhoff, volunteer coordinator, at Alex@WaterFire.org
Fires on Wall with Courthouse

All of these volunteer activities will give our Rhode Island au pairs a sense of pride and “ownership” when we host our regional event in July; we will be inviting au pairs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont to join us at a for a summer evening at WaterFire.

Earth Day 2013

Earth Day is observed on April 22 and was started in the United States in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson to create awareness for the Earth’s environment and to encourage conservation efforts. In 1990, Earth Day was taken international, and today, more than 500 million people in 175 countries observe Earth Day.
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Since the first Earth Day in 1970, it has been an annual event for people around the world to celebrate the earth and renew their commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world for all of us. This year, au pairs in Rhode Island will have the opportunity to volunteer as a group to do something nice for the earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference! Details of Au Pair in America’s Earth Day activities will follow.