Tag Archives: celebration

JUNE 20TH IS FATHER’S DAY

June 16, 2011 – 8:19 am

Father’s Day

To honor the father in your family, work together to make one of these special homemade gifts:

Make a special card for a special dad, granddad or uncle. Enjoy these cards for Father’s Day!

Also check out our other Father’s Day ideas for even more great ideas including Father’s Day crafts, coloring pages and tasty recipes just for Dad!

Father’s Day Car Father Bear

Puppy Dog with Dad Dad with Kids

Hugging Dad Bear Dad with Cubs

Dad Award Dad and Daughter

Hot Air Balloon Dad Fishing Father

Dad Award Ribbon Number One Dad Bear

Bear Message for Dad Dad with Family
More fun Father’s Day printables and activities:

From Kaboose.com

Two Au Pairs nominated for Awards

June 1, 2011 – 12:02 am

Fabiana Geisler of Brazil was nominated by her host family for the International Au Pair Association Au Pair of the Year Award.Although she was not selected as a finalist,Fabiana is still a winner!Congratulations.She will receive her Celebration Award at our next cluster meeting

Paloma Gomez Rodriguez of Mexico was nominated for a Celebration Award by her host family for her outstanding work ethic,competence and confidence.She received her award at our last cluster meeting.

Paloma Gomez Rodriguez

Celebration Awards” are special recognition awards given to those who have shown a true commitment to the spirit and mission of the Au Pair in America program. Awards can go to host families, au pairs, community counselors, or anyone involved in the Au Pair program. Nominations can be made by any of the above!

“Celebration Awards” offer a chance for individuals to be recognized for outstanding performance in the areas of childcare, character, relationship as a family member, cross cultural understanding, personal growth and commitment to the program as a whole.

If you would like to nominate someone for an award, simply fill out and submit the nomination form linked below. Nominations are reviewed to ensure the nominees are in good standing. Au pairs will receive their “Celebration Awards” at cluster meetings, while all others will receive theirs via mail with a letter explaining the award.

Nominate someone who goes above and beyond! It’s a great way for them to know they are being acknowledged and appreciated!

Click here to download the Celebration Awards Nomination Form.

May 26, 2011 – 7:28 am

Memorial Day

Memorial Day started in 1868 after the Civil War ended. Dead soldiers from both the north and the south were honored as a way to try to heal the nation. Now all past soldiers are honored. It is also a day that is considered to be the start of the summer season. Many people celebrate with a cook-out or even a trip to the beach. Check out some of those local activities worth doing over the course of the long week-end:

National Memorial Day Concert
Sunday, May 29, 2011, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m.
PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
Sunday, May 29, 2011. Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues.

National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 30, 2011, beginning at 2 p.m.
The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons.

Wolf Trap Farm Park
Sunday, May 29, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Summer Blast Off! “The President’s Own”. The park for performing arts kicks off the summer season with a free performance by the U.S. Marine Band followed by fireworks. The Filene Center gates open at 6:30 p.m. Arrive early because the park closes once capacity is reached.

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
Monday May 30, 2011, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Falls Church, Virginia celebrates Memorial Day with a festival featuring pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food and a community parade.

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY ON APRIL 22ND

April 14, 2011 – 4:16 pm

Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment.

Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970, in San Francisco, California. Every year, America and over 100 different countries join together in the celebration of Earth Day on April 22^nd. Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. On Earth Day, we remember to appreciate nature and learn ways to protect our environment. Find ways that you can help keep the planet clean and help protect our environment!

How can our cluster REUSE,REDUCE,RECYCLE ?

Use your AU PAIR IN AMERICA reusable bags to go to the gym,the class,the pool,the store!

Continue collecting gently used shoes,clothes,sheets and towels for ArtForHumanity.org and bring your items to our next cluster meeting !These items will be reused by less fortunate people and help them make a better living.

Walk or bike the many bike lanes in Arlington and Falls Church and leave your car at home!

Carpool to classes,events and cluster meetings!

For fun activities to do with your kids,go to:http://www.epa.gov/superfund/kids/index.htm

HAPPY EARTH DAY TO ALL OF YOU HERE and AROUND THE WORLD! kids_around_the_globe

MARDI GRAS

March 8, 2011 – 8:39 am

Today is March 8 and we are celebrating Mardi Gras !Check the recipe section and the seasonal craft section for fun ideas!

Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday” marks the end of Carnival and the beginning of the Christian fasting of Lent. The biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the US is in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil also has a huge celebration. Find a Brazilian au pair in your cluster and ask her to tell you all about it.

President’s Day is February 21st!

February 17, 2011 – 4:38 pm

images
School is closed today! President’s Day is a Federal holiday created to commemorate
the births of former Presidents George Washington (Feb. 22) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb.
12). Throughout America, Presidents’ Day is observed by big sales in retail stores, closed
schools and no mail delivery.
Things to do with children: The United States has had more than 40 presidents. How
many can the children name? Who has been president during their lifetime? Take a look
at American coins and bills; who are the Presidents pictured on each coin and bill? images-1

HAPPY NEW YEAR

September 9, 2010 – 2:26 pm

Today,many families accross the globe celebrate Rosh Hashannah!

Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish Holiday commonly referred to as the Jewish New Year. It is observed on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the high Holidays specifically set aside to focus on repentance that concludes with the holiday of Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah is the start of the civil year in the Hebrew calendar. It is the New Year for people, animals, and legal contracts. Jewish people believe Rosh Hashanah represents either analogically or literally the creation of the World, or Universe.

On Rosh Hashanah, Jewish people all over the world gather in synagogues to celebrate the day. The holiday is celebrated with sweet foods, like apples dipped in honey and honey cake and round Challot made with honey and raisins as a wish for a sweet year.

Rosh Hashanah is observed today and tomorrow. We wish all of our Jewish host families, au pairs and friends a very Happy Holiday.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEK-END CELEBRATION!

May 22, 2010 – 8:24 am

Background

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.

What do people do?

It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to honor everyone, who has died, and those, who have died in military service, in particular. In National Cemeteries, volunteers place an American flag on each grave.

Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year.

Public life

Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools, businesses and other organizations. Most public transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. Many people see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or friends. This can cause some congestion on highways and at airports.

However you choose to observe this holiday, make it a special day to enjoy family and friends.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR AREA:

Pools will officially open for the Season!Au pairs, please read Safety tips found under “Child Care” in this Blog.

IN WASHINGTON DC:

PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert
Sunday, May 30, 2010, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m.
PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra. See Photos of the performers in the 2010 concert.

National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 31, 2010, beginning at 2 p.m.
The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. See Photos of the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
Sunday, May 30, 2010. Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues. See Photos of Rolling Thunder

GI Film Festival
May 12-16, 2010. The festival is held annually just before Memorial Day weekend. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.

Arlington National Cemetery
Monday, May 31, 2010, 11 a.m. A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.See Photos of Arlington National Cemetery.

Navy Memorial
Saturday, May 29, 2010, 11 a.m. Rolling Thunder visits the Navy Memorial and holds a wreath-laying ceremony featuring special guests and live performances.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Monday, May 31, 2010, 1 p.m.
This year’s annual Memorial Day ceremony includes Presentation of the Colors, remarks by a special guest and wreath-laying service.

World War II Memorial
Monday, May 31, 2010, 9 a.m. The National Park Service and the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will sponsor a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. The theme for the commemoration is “Honoring our Fallen Warriors.” Many surviving WWII veterans will be in attendance.

Air Force Memorial
Monday, May 31, 2010, 9 a.m. wreath laying ceremony is open to the public.

IN VIRGINIA:

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
Monday May 31, 2010, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Falls Church, Virginia celebrates Memorial Day with a festival featuring pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food and a community parade.
Wolf Trap Farm Park
Sunday, May 30, 2010, 8:00 p.m. The park for performing arts kicks off the summer season with a free performance by the U.S. Marine Band followed by fireworks. The Filene Center gates open at 6:30 p.m. Arrive early because the park closes once capacity is reached.

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

May 6, 2010 – 4:16 pm

Mother’s Day

Many countries celebrate a special day for mothers. In the U.S, it started as a day of peace; now it is more a day to celebrate and pamper Mom. Help the children make cards or gifts or plan a special meal or other surprise for Mom. Read picture books to young children about mothers such as Are You My Mother by PD Eastman, Little Bear (an I Can Read Book) by Else Holmelund Minarik, or Just Me and My Mom by Mercer Mayer. You’ll find many other choices in your local library. For ideas of activities and surprises, visit www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/mom/.

Pasta Heart Plate for Mom

Even little ones can make one of these fun plates of love for Mom! All you will need is some glue, a plate, and some noodles.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to create beautiful crafts and homemade cards just for Mom! Treat her to special recipes and bond with printable activities as well.

What you’ll need:

Colorful disposable plate
White craft glue
Dried macaroni noodles
Yellow and green split peas

How to make it:

Use white craft glue to draw a heart shape on the plate. (See photo.)
Place macaroni shapes onto the white craft glue heart. (See photo.)
Use white craft glue to write “mom” in the center of the heart. Place flat side of split peas onto the craft glue, using yellow peas for both letter “m’s” and green for the “o.” (See photo.)
Let dry completely.

Tips:

For younger children, use dried beans instead of peas, as they are larger and easier to grasp.
Check the party aisle of your grocer or discount department store for colorful disposable plates.
You can paint a plain paper plate instead of using a coated plate.

Flower Card for Mom

A pretty flower takes center stage in this adorable Mother’s Day card that Mom is sure to love receiving.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to create beautiful crafts and homemade cards just for Mom! Treat her to special recipes and bond with printable activities as well.

What you’ll need:

1 sheet of card stock
Patterned paper
Orange construction paper
Glue stick
Pencil
Scissors
White craft glue
½” wide ribbon in two complementary colors
Pattern

How to make it:

Fold card stock in half to create the greeting card. (See photo.)
Print and cut out flower pattern. Trace pattern onto the back of the patterned paper. Cut the flower shape out of the patterned paper, but do not cut the center circle. (See photo.)
Trace the center circle onto orange construction paper. (See photo.)
Cut out construction paper circle and glue it to the center of the patterned paper flower. (See photo.)
Glue the paper flower onto the center of the card.
Cut ribbon into pieces to create the letter “M”. Use white craft glue to “write” the letter “M” onto the card, and then place the ribbon onto the glue. Use glue to tack the ends that overlap. (See photo.)

Tips:

Look for pretty ribbons to go on sale, usually immediately following a holiday.
Your favorite craft supply store often includes coupons on your local newspaper, or you can sign up to receive them online.
Card stock is much sturdier, but construction paper is a suitable and less expensive option.

Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2010 – 6:00 am

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the May 5, 1862, Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in which Mexican troops defeated Napoleon’s French forces. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico. Look for the book Cinco de Mayo by Janet Riehecky or visit www.elbalero.gob.mx/index_kids.html for information and activities from Mexico.

Mexican food is a huge part of celebrating Cinco de Mayo. To celebrate this fun holiday and all the tasty meals that go with it, try making these adorable foam tacos and tostadas.

FOAM TACOS AND TOSTADAS:

What you’ll need:

Tan craft foam, cut into a 3-4″ circle
Brown, yellow, green and red craft foam, cut into strips
White craft glue
Hot glue gun

How to make it:

To make the taco, glue brown foam strips to the circle. Be sure they are hanging over the edge so they will be sticking out when you fold the taco.
Repeat Step 1 with each color until you’ve worked your way around the circle. Fold the circle in half as you go to make sure it looks right. Use green for lettuce, yellow for cheese, and red for tomato salsa.
Fold the circle in half and hot glue in place to hold it closed.
For the tostada, smear the circle with white craft glue. Cover with brown foam strips.
Dot white glue on top of the brown strips and add a layer of yellow and orange foam strips for the look of cheese.
Dot white glue on top of the “cheese” and add the “lettuce” by gluing on green strips.
Lastly, cut a few red strips into squares and glue the “tomatoes” on top.

Tips:

You can purchase craft foam in individual sheets in many colors, or you can purchase packages of various shapes, sizes and colors. Either option will work since they can easily be cut down to strips.
You can add a magnet to the back of your taco and hang it on the fridge!
Felt can be substituted for foam in this craft.

MARACAS:

Make your own shakable maracas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Use your imagination to create colorful and festive maracas to enjoy with your friends.

What you’ll need:

2 Styrofoam or paper cups
Tan, red and white acrylic paint
Decorative accents such as pom-poms and buttons
Hot glue gun
Dried beans

How to make it:

Paint cups with tan paint and let dry.
Decorate cups by painting on swirling or curvy lines. We used red paint for ours. You can also paint zig-zags. We used white for ours. Paint the bottom of each cup red.
Place a handful of dried beans into one of the cups.
Put a layer of hot glue onto the rim of the cup with the beans in it before quickly placing the other cup on top of it, lining up the rims of both cups. Allow to dry completely.
Finish any decorating you would like, such as adding pom-poms around the center (to hide the glue line). We also used mini pom-poms to dot the peaks of the zig-zags.
Once your glue is completely dry, shake your maraca!

Tips:

Smaller children may enjoy using stickers instead of trying to manipulate pom-poms and buttons. Older kids may like to get even more intricate by painting on more detailed and thinner lines.
If you don’t have any dried beans, use a few pennies instead.
Our color suggestions are just that, suggestions. Use whatever colors you like to make this project your own!