Newsletter for May 5, 2009
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Childhood is a journey...not a race!"
Author Unknown
HELP Center Announcements
Happy Mother's Day!!
From all of the SPHC staff to all of our hardworking moms: Have a WONDERFUL day!!
-Susan, Jerri, Melanie, and Chanee
Save the Date:
End of the Year Event
Monday, May 18, 2009 from 4-7 pm
Join us to celebrate another successful year! Please watch your email for an e-vite invitation in early May. Those who RSVP are allowed to receive some great giveaways (gift certificates for hair cuts, family outings, Twins games, Bibelot gift cards, University of MN Bookstore gear, and more).
CCAMPIS Grant Green Forms- Upcoming Due Date!!!!
For those students receiving the CCAMPIS Child Care grant, the deadline for returning the Green Verification of Early Childhood Education Activities Form is May 8, 2009. This is one form we will allow to be faxed in as it has limited personal info and does not impact the initial application outcome. The SPHC fax number is: 612-626-9867. Please submit this form to the SPHC as soon as possible!
PASS Group (Parenting as Students Support Group)
Wednesdays 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
The Student Parent HELP Center meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 in Room 24, Appleby Hall.
The group provides the opportunity to connect with other student parents, discuss the challenges and joys surrounding academic studies and parenthood and share a FREE lunch with your fellow SPHC friends.
The direction of the group will be determined in large part by your needs and ideas. Your willingness to share experiences and personal challenges will undoubtedly help others, so we hope you will join us as often as you can. Feel free to come for all or part of the group and remember that you are not obligated to come every week. Simply come as often as your schedule allows. (Your little ones are welcome!!). See below for upcoming group topics.
May 6, 2009: Last group of the semester! Come prepared to have fun, say goodbye to friends, and reflect on the semester. We will order in for lunch today.
Note: Please know that the SPHC staff does not want student parents to skip class in order to attend the weekly group meetings. Academics are considered student parents' priority at the U. If there is a specific topic you are interested in and you are unable to attend group, please inform a staff member and we will be happy to provide information to you after the group meets.
If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Jerri Wagner
or Melanie Opay at sphc@umn.edu.
We Need You…
The Student Parent Association (SPA) is a University student group specifically designed to address the issues facing student parents on campus. As the new academic year gets underway, SPA is looking to enroll new members and officers. Membership and officer application forms are available on their web site under the “Links” tab. Complete applications can be returned to Susan Warfield, via email attachment sent to her direct email address: warfi002@umn.edu.
We will also have applications available at the HELP Center and you can attend a meeting and sign up then as well. Meetings are held each Friday from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM in the Student Parent HELP Center. This type of engagement looks wonderful on a resume and goes a long way toward increasing the visibility of student parents at the U of MN. Please visit their web site to learn more: www.tc.umn.edu/~umspa/
Summer Activities Feature
Directory of Summer Camps and Camp Resources
Minnesota Parent’s Directory of Summer Camps
http://www.mnpubs.com/index.php?publication=mn_parent§ion=67&page
American Camp Association
CampParents.org is a comprehensive camp resource for families—offering expert advice from camp professionals on camp selection, readiness, child and youth development, and issues of importance to families. CampParents.org helps you find the right camp for every child.
MNChildCare.Org’s 2009 Summer Camp Resources
Looking for summer camp experiences for kids? With more than 8,500 day and resident camps in the United States, choosing a camp may seem overwhelming. Selecting the right program is often a matter of knowing your options and asking the right questions. This website offers some information to help you find and evaluate camping opportunities.
http://www.mnchildcare.org/families/camps.php
University of Minnesota Summer Youth Programs
June 15 through August 28, 2009
Discover one of the most exciting programs in the Twin Cities! University of Minnesota Summer Youth Programs offer unique fun, enrichment, and activity in a variety of settings for ages 5-15. From the court to the pool, from historic libraries to local parks, no two days are alike. Discover the best that the University and the surrounding areas have to offer. Summer programs include: Kids’ University, Minnesota Sport Schools, Discovering ‘U’, and Gopher Adventures. Visit the website for more information.
http://www.recsports.umn.edu/youth/summer.html
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
“Our mission is to work with citizens to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.”
Visit the website for a listing of state parks and recreation areas, as well as information on natural resources and recreation activities.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html
Swimming Lessons
Looking for swimming lessons for the summer? Check out the links below for programs in the Twin Cities metro area (including the U of M!) that offer swimming lessons:
http://www.redcrosstc.org/train_aquatics.cfm
http://www.fossswimschool.com/
http://www.ywca-minneapolis.org/healthfitness/aquatics/swim-lessons/index.asp
http://www.recsports.umn.edu/aquatics/learntoswim.html
Local Library Summer Programs
Check out these links to local libraries for some fun, free activities for the whole family this summer! Share the joy of reading with your children, and don’t forget about the FREE Museum Adventure Pass program!
http://www.hclib.org/?Welcome=Y
Community Education Programs and Classes
Interested in taking some fun classes this summer? Looking for some activities to help keep your kids occupied? Check out your local Community Education program! Classes are available for all ages in a wide variety of subjects. Have fun this summer!
http://commed.mpls.k12.mn.us/home.html
http://www.commedprograms.spps.org/
Make a day of it: Overlooked Minnesota destinations your family will love
By Monica Wright and Briana Bierschbach, MNParent.com
http://www.mnparent.com/index.php?&story=13456&page=88&category=51
After many winter months indoors, even soggy April feels like a welcome break. With warmer, wide-open days right around the corner, it's time to make travel plans for the summer — or even next weekend. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly destinations right in our own backyard.
Mystery Cave
Outside Wyckoff, Minn.
The pristine, miles-long Mystery Cave is a geological wonder that draws visitors of all ages to this state park.
Who should go
Families (who aren't afraid of the dark) looking for a unique day or overnight trip that shows them a different side — namely, the underside — of Minnesota.
What to see along the way
Mystery Cave State Park is smack in the middle of sinkhole country — in fact, the nearby town of Fountain is nicknamed the "sinkhole capital of the world." Driving around Fillmore County families can spot groves of trees in the middle of fields that are growing in deep sinkhole depressions. Caused when underground rock strata (in this case limestone) honeycombs and crumbles under the weight above, sinkholes are a trademark of this landscape (known as "karst" to geologists).
What you'll see
This is a full-service cave: Visitors will see stalactites, stalagmites, an underground pool, and plenty of bats hanging from the ceiling.
What to do
Take a tour. When the state bought the cave in 1988, it made plenty of upgrades in hand rails, lighting, and steps to help families navigate the cool (the cave is at a constant 48 degrees year-round) terrain.
What you'll love
Warren Netherton, the park's naturalist and cave specialist for the past 20 years, is a wealth of knowledge about the Mystery Cave and the region's topography — just try and stump him. His most-asked question: why is it called Mystery Cave?
Make it even cooler
Take a wild caving tour! This four-hour tour goes deeper into the cave than the more traditional family tours. Visitors ages 13 and older don jumpsuits and headlamps (there's plenty of crawling) for in-depth spelunking through a large swath of the cave's 13 miles of caverns. Those too young to spelunk will enjoy a trip to the park's restored 1899 town of Forestville. Costumed interpreters bring the rural trade center to life so visitors can explore the Meighen family store, help a hired hand with the chores in the farm buildings, and check out what's cooking in the family's kitchen.
Where to eat
Ideally, around the campfire. Families should bring s'more and hotdog fixings for a DIY dinner, and daytrippers should pack a picnic to eat at one of the park's bountiful picnic tables or on the grass along the Root River.
Where to stay
Camping at the park is plentiful, with 73 drive-in sites (several of which offer electricity) that include showers and flush toilets. Campsites run $16–$18 per night.
Contact information
507-937-3251, dnr.state.mn.us
Season, hours
The park opens for the season on April 18 for weekend tours. Daily tours are available Memorial Day through Labor Day. The first cave tour leaves at 10 a.m. each day and the last tour leaves at 4 p.m. in spring and fall and 5 p.m. in summer.
Cost
Tours are $10 for those 13 and over, $6 for ages 5–12, and children under 5 are free. A state park vehicle permit is required to enter the park, which costs $5 for the day or $25 for an annual permit that will get your vehicle into any state park for the entire year (a great deal).
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Dugout Site
Walnut Grove, Minn.
See the home of Half-Pint and the entire Ingalls family.
Who should go
It's hard not to love the Little House books, no matter what your age. Fans of the pioneer spirit can get their fill of history, while bookworms will delight in reliving Laura's stories from On the Banks of Plum Creek, which was set in Walnut Grove.
What to see along the way
At roughly three hours from the metro area, Walnut Grove can be a long drive for families to tackle at one crack. Take a break in New Ulm, where kids can stretch their legs at Hermann Heights Park, home of the 32-foot Hermann the German statue guarding New Ulm from atop a large cupola. Hermann is the third largest copper statue in the United States and cuts an imposing figure.
What you'll see
Walnut Grove is all Laura Ingalls Wilder all the time. The museum has artifacts from Wilder's time living in a dugout on Plum Creek as well as a staggering amount of paraphernalia from the nine-year run of the television series, which was set in Walnut Grove.
What to do
The museum is a must-see, and the outbuildings that surround the museum explain more of the history of the Ingalls family's time in Walnut Grove. Give yourself plenty of time to wander throughout the grounds.
What you'll love
Wilder's dugout site is 1.5 miles outside of town and worth the short trek. For $4 families can see the site of Laura's dirt homestead and wade into waters lined with the same plum thickets and black-eyed Susans described in her book.
Make it even cooler
Every summer the city hosts the Wilder Pageant, a family-oriented drama derived from On the Banks of Plum Creek. The live performance takes place nightly in a hillside amphitheater alongside the creek with the Laura narrating the story of quaint Walnut Grove in the 1870s. This year's pageant takes place July 10–11, 17–18, and 24–25. Girls ages 8–12 can also compete in the Laura-Nellie Look Alike contest!
Where to eat
Why, on the banks of Plum Creek of course! Pack a picnic and dine next to the creek's gentle flow just like Laura did more than 100 years ago.
Where to stay
At Plum Creek Park campers can choose from 70 sites on 205 acres, with playground equipment and a disc golf course. You're just a dugout away from being a pioneer.
Contact information
800-528-7280, WalnutGrove.org
Season, hours
The museum is open April–October every day (hours vary by month and day as the season ebbs) and the dugout site is open during daylight hours May through October, weather permitting.
Cost
Museum: $5 for ages 13 and over, $2 for 6–12, free for ages 5 and under
Dugout: $4 per car
Pageant tickets: $12 reserved seating (chairs near the stage), $10 general admission
Train sites around the Twin Cities
Trains and preschoolers — need we say more? Throw in a doting grandparent who never outgrew a love of trains, and you've got a great day out right in the Cities. These are our top picks.
Museums and rides
Como-Harriet Streetcar
Queen Ave. S. & 42nd St. W., Minneapolis, 952-922-1096, TrolleyRide.org
A 15-minute ride from shady Lake Harriet to sunny Lake Calhoun in a vintage streetcar is enough to excite train-loving toddlers and relax foot-weary parents.
Opens for the season May 1. Check web site for days, hours, and admission.
Excelsior Streetcar
Water St. & 3rd St., Excelsior,
952-922-1096, TrolleyRide.org
The Twin Cities streetcar lines once stretched from Stillwater in the east to Excelsior in the west. Families can ride one of four restored streetcars along the shores of Lake Minnetonka.
Opens for the season May 1. Check web site for days, hours, and admission.
Hennepin Overland Railway Historical Society, Inc.
2501 38th St. E., Minneapolis,
612-276-9034, HennepinOverland.org
Members maintain a meticulous HO-scale layout that is fully 65 feet long. Watch tiny trains chug under tiny mountains, past tiny towns.
Open most Saturdays and Sundays 1–4 p.m., check web site. $4 per person, $9 per family.
Jackson Street Roundhouse
193 Pennsylvania Ave. E.,
St. Paul, 651-228-0263, TrainRide.org
This operating roundhouse — like a turntable for trains — is one of the last of its kind in the country. Learn about local rail history and watch people at work restoring vintage equipment.
Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesdays: $7 adults, $6 seniors and kids ages 5–15, $5 kids ages 2–4, children under 2 free.
Saturdays (includes caboose or classic bus ride): $10 adults, $8 seniors and kids ages 5–15, $5 kids ages 2–4, children under 2 free.
The Minnehaha Depot
Minnehaha Park, near Hwy. 55 and Minnehaha Pkwy., 651–228–0263, TrainRide.org
No trains here, but plenty of pictures of them. This tiny building in Minnehaha Park is worth a quick stop on a Sunday afternoon, or a peek in the windows on a trip through the park.
Open Sundays, Memorial Day to Labor Day, 2–6 p.m. Free.
Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway
114 Depot Rd., Osceola, Wis.,
715-755-3570, TrainRide.org
Trains travel north from the Osceola Depot to Dresser or south to Marine on St. Croix. Enjoy the scenery on one of the regular rides, or watch for scheduled brunch, dinner, and lecture trips.
Open weekends, holidays, and special events, May–October. $3–$12.
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
1021 Bandana Blvd. E., St. Paul,
651-647-9628, TCMRM.org
This O-gauge track combines the wonder of tiny trains with the delight of familiar Twin Cities landmarks. A good choice for the tiniest train-lovers.
Open Tuesday–Thursday 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday noon–5 p.m. Closed Monday. $4, children under 5 free.
Train Events
A Day Out With Thomas, The Hero of the Rails Tour
21778 Highview Ave., Lakeville,
952-985-7245, ThomasAndFriends.com/usa/parents/dowt.html
Ride a real train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine and meet conductor Sir Topham Hatt. Plenty of other family entertainment — like face painters and music — round out the day. Buy tickets in advance.
August 1–2, 8–9, 15–16, $14–$18.
Model Railroad Toy Train
Railroadiana Sale
Minnesota State Fair Grounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-647-9628, TCMRM.org
More than 200 vendors will sell collectibles, toys, tools, antiques, and new and used models of all scales.
May 16, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., $5, ages 5 and under free.
Train Shop
Choo Choo Bob's Train Store
2050 Marshall Ave.,
St. Paul, 651-646-5252, ChooChooBobs.com
A store that's great for serious hobbyists and for toddlers just learning to grasp their wooden tracks. Fun to shop and fun to visit.
Open Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Career Resources
On-Campus Career Centers
College of Education and Human Development
Exploratory, Transition, and Career Services
Our mission to prepare and support undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education and Human Development to make well thought out and informed decisions about their present and future academic, experiential learning, and occupational choices.
College of Liberal Arts Career and Community Learning Center
CCLC connects U of M students to community involvement and service-learning opportunities and exchanges to other U.S. campuses. CCLC also offers resources and services to help undergraduate College of Liberal Arts students choose a major, get an internship or volunteer opportunity, choose a career, find a job, apply to graduate/professional school, and prepare for the world of work.
http://www.cclc.umn.edu/
CLA career services http://careerservices.class.umn.edu/
We provide comprehensive career development assistance to undergraduate and graduate students through individual appointments, workshops, courses, as well as through online and print resources.
http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/
Career Search Preparation Tools
Online Career Workshops
Do you need help writing a resume or cover letter, effectively job searching and networking, or practicing your interview skills, but don’t have time to attend a workshop? Check out these online career workshops, which are a great way to gather basic career information at a time that is convenient to you!
http://cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/career/workshops.html
Practice Interviews Online With InterviewStream!
What is InterviewStream?
A webcam based virtual mock interviewing tool.
Why use InterviewStream?
Because when it comes to interviewing – practice and preparation are key!
You can choose your questions and immediately view your answers online.
It’s convenient, easy to use, and free for U of M students!
How do I start?
Click on the link: http://campus.interviewstream.com/login/?schoolid=323
Create an account, set up your webcam, pick your questions, and start interviewing.
Don’t have a web cam? Students served by our office can check one out from the St. Paul Campus Career Center in 198 McNeal Hall.
What if I want feedback on my interview video from a career adviser?
We’re happy to help! Feedback sessions are appointment based, to set up a time with a career adviser call 612-624-2170
Employment databases and search engines
University of Minnesota
GoldPASS — University of Minnesota Internship/Job Database
Students are able to post and store their profile and up to five different résumés in GoldPASS’s database. A student can choose to make that information available to employers, who are able to search the database for candidates.
Student Employment at the University
Opportunities for working while attending the University are plentiful and diverse. In fact, there are usually more job vacancies than applicants.
Minnesota
LandIt!
Students — View job and internship postings from hundreds of employers in Minnesota, research employers, and search postings by your field of interest.
ISEEK.ORG
Minnesota's gateway to career, education, employment and business information
Minnesota Teacher Recruitment Center was designed for Minnesota school districts to fill open teaching positions and to assist teacher candidates locate current teaching vacancies in Minnesota.
Minnesota Council of Non-Profits
Search for job openings in non-profit and governmental agencies throughout Minnesota.
National
Academic Employment Network — If you are looking for a teaching job or other academic position, a successful national employment search is but a click away!
Job Source searches through millions of jobs from thousands of Web sites including Monster, Careerbuilder, Hotjobs, Net-temps, Dice, and Craigslist. Find jobs from all job sites, newspapers, associations, and company career pages at one site.
Resources for Career Clothing
*The SPHC has a limited number of adult interview and career clothing available. Please call the front desk line at 612-626-6015 to schedule an appointment to "shop" the in the clothing closet if you are in need of career clothing.
Ready for Success
Sponsored by Episcopal Community Services
2 locations:
1831 E Minnehaha
St. Paul, MN
651-731-6400
425 Oak Grove
Minneapolis, MN
612-872-1509
Martha’s Closet
500 Cedar St
St. Paul, MN
651-224-4728
Elbethel Baptist Church
3953 4th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-825-6469
Hot Tip
Study Tool
MeetingWizard: Online Scheduling Solutions
Use MeetingWizard to arrange and schedule meetings and other events. As a productivity tool it makes the planning process easier and more effective.
MeetingWizard automatically does the following:
- sends invitations to participants proposing alternate times
- summarizes their responses
- updates you on the results
- sends confirmations
- sends optional reminders prior to meetings
MeetingWizard requires only that you and your participants have access to e-mail and a browser. It uses the simplest technologies possible, ensuring that all of your guests will be able to use the system.
How MeetingWizard Works
The system typically works in a 3-step process.
1. You invite participants providing a number of optional dates/times.
2. Participants respond to invitations by indicating when they are available.
3. You confirm the meeting or event after reviewing responses.
In addition, there are many other features that ensure you don't forget important details, and that all participants receive complete information about meetings.
Best of all, our basic free service allows you to schedule as many meetings or events as you like.
http://www.meetingwizard.com/mwiz/home/default.cfm
Scholarships
The Asian Women In Business Scholarship
The Asian Women In Business Scholarship encourages and promotes exceptional Asian female students who have demonstrated scholarship, leadership, community service and/or entrepreneurship. The AWIB Scholarship Fund will award Scholarships in November 2009 to students who have the attributes to be our next generation of leaders.
Eligibility:
Candidates for the scholarship must be female of Asian (includes those who can trace their ancestry from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam) or Pacific Islander ancestry.
Candidates must also fulfill the following criteria to be considered:
- Enrolled full-time in an accredited 4-year undergraduate institution in the U.S. at the time of application and award
- Have one or more of the following:
a) a leadership role in a community or non-profit endeavor, or b) a record of entrepreneurial achievement - Minimum of 3.0 GPA (out of 4.0) at the time of application
- Most recent college transcript is required for the application; semifinalists will be required to provide their most recent official college transcript
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
http://www.awib.org/content_frames/ScholarshipFund.html Deadline: June 15, 2009
Hands Along the Nile Essay Contest
The Hands Along the Nile Essay Contest is available to full-time undergraduate and graduate students who attend an accredited college or university in the United States. High school students entering college in the fall of 2009 are also eligible. To be eligible for this award, you must submit an essay of no more than 2,500 words on the topic: "How is community development in the Middle East important to the U.S.? Why is it particularly crucial to focus on Egypt?" Additional guidelines and rules are available on the sponsor's site.
http://www.handsalongthenile.org Deadline: July 4, 2009
Opportunities to Share
Student Parent Success Stories
We would like to continue featuring announcements of student and family successes as regular newsletter items. If you will be graduating at the end of fall term, are welcoming a new child, purchasing a home, getting married or experiencing any related event that you would like to have us post in the newsletter, please send the details to the SPHC email address, spch@umn.edu. We would be proud and honored to share in celebrating these wonderful life transitions with you and your families.
Photo Gallery
Sharing photos of our children and families is a great way to get to know each other. If you have a photo of your child(ren) or family and would like to see it featured in one of our upcoming newsletters, send it as an e-mail attachment to sphc@umn.edu.
Community Resources
Tubman
Please note that Tubman Family Alliance and Chrysalis, A Center for Women, have merged their operations and are now known as Tubman. The merge unites the complementary strengths of Chrysalis' chemical dependency and mental health programs with Tubman Family Alliance's domestic violence prevention work. If you are interested in more information on the programs available through Tubman, or would like to download any of their program guides, please visit their website at www.tubman.org.
Fare For All
Big savings every month on fresh, high quality, nutritious groceries – that’s what Fare For All is all about! As food prices continue to rise, more Minnesotans are experiencing significant difficulties affording basic expenses each month. Fare For All is open to anyone who wants to save money on their groceries. Participants have the opportunity to save 40-50% off their monthly food budgets and access fresh fruits and veggies, frozen meats of all kinds, and a variety of non-perishable staple items.
For more information visit www.fareforall.org or call 763-450-3880 or 1-800-582-4291 (outside Metro area).
MinnesotaHelp.info
MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help. It is especially rich in resource information for seniors and their caregivers; people with disabilities and their caregivers; parents and families; and low income people. http://www.minnesotahelp.org/public/
211, First Call for Help
Looking for information on childcare, food, housing, transportation or senior services? The Minnesota 2-1-1 database lists more than 10,000 organizations and 40,000 services throughout the state. Just dial 2-1-1 (or 651-291-0211). It's free, confidential and available 24/7. Trained information specialists can connect you to more than 40,000 community resources. Multi-lingual lines are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. You can also download a copy of the 2-1-1 application and database (http://www.ctkodm.com/gtcuw/211_app/ ) directly to your computer. By doing this, you will be able to search for resources at any time without needing an Internet connection.
Energy Assistance
Whether we like it or not the cold is coming! Many Minnesotans will see significant increases in their energy bills, sometimes beyond the ability of some to pay. The Energy Assistance Program provides grants for individuals in need. Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-536881374&contentid=
Are you looking for specific information for your County?
If so, please check out the following links for metro Counties:
Parenting Information
Minnesota Parents Know
Trusted parenting information, resources, and activities to help your children grow, develop, and learn from birth through high school.
This website features special sections for newborns, children ages 1-2, children ages 3-5, grades K-8, and grades 9-12. Links to other parenting resources are also available.
http://www.parentsknow.state.mn.us/
Parent Zone
Welcome to the most comprehensive resource for Twin Cities parents. This site proves that the area has far more to offer families than the Mall of America! This over-flowing directory of local resources includes free things to do around town, great classes for kids, the most family-friendly of the 10,000 lakes, and more! Plus, the local events calendar features family fun on both sides of the river. It's Minnesota nice! http://twincities.parentzone.com/
MinnMoms.com
Welcome to MinnMoms.com -- a Web community designed for busy moms just like you. This new venture, from the folks at the Pioneer Press and twincities.com, was created to meet a need we kept hearing about in the community. Moms wanted local solutions to their everyday dilemmas (What's for dinner?), they wanted help making important decisions (What school should I choose?) and they wanted the latest information on issues that matter to them (bispheynol-A in kids products). They also wanted a way to connect and share with other local moms. And they wanted it all in one easy-to-use place available at a time that was convenient to them. MinnMoms.com does just that and we hope you'll enjoy MinnMoms.com. More than that, we hope you will make the site your own by participating in discussions, commenting on our Daily Juggle blog and sending your feedback. If you can't find something you need, let us know. MinnMoms.com is here for you.
http://www.minnmoms.com/
Mommy Savers
Money Saving Ideas for Frugal Moms
Welcome to Mommysavers! This is the site for all moms who want the best for their families, but don't want to spend an arm and a leg to get it. Here you'll find the best internet bargains, money saving ideas, arts and crafts activities, work at home resources, and support from other moms on the internet.
http://mommysavers.com/money-saving-ideas/index.shtml
Mom Talk!
Looking for a place to learn from other moms, share resources, recipes and experiences? Visit www.momtalk.com. This is a great online forum with information on health and wellness, upcoming events, pregnancy and just about anything related to being a mom in the Twin Cities.
Dads Today!
Welcome, Dads! Here's a place just for you to get the answers you're looking for, make new friends and be a part of an active community. Visit http://www.dadstoday.com/. Have fun!
University of Minnesota Extension Service
The University of Minnesota Extension Service offers a host of resources for Minnesota parents. Please bookmark the following website for access to answers and advice regarding a number of common parenting questions. http://www.extension.umn.edu
Learn to Swim
Learn to Swim focuses on providing safety and fun in and around the water. Participants learn a solid base of swimming skills and build upon them throughout the program. The classes are taught following American Red Cross Learn to Swim Guidelines.
Learn to Swim is a program through the University of Minnesota Recreational Sports and classes are offered at St. Paul and Minneapolis. Classes are offered for parents and children (6 months to 5 years old), children lessons (age 4 and older), and for adults.
Rates for University students is: $50 per participant.
For more information visit www.recsports.umn.edu, call 612-625-3794, or email lts@umn.edu
Parent Warmline 612-813-6336
The Parent Warmline is a free consultation service for parents provided by Children’s Hospital. If you have questions or concerns about behavioral or developmental issues such as toilet training, discipline, sleep patterns, temper tantrums, fears, etc., call this free hotline (612-813-6336) and leave your name, telephone number and a brief description of your concern. Within 24 hours a professionally trained volunteer will call you back to offer practical advice, encouragement or community resource referrals. Please note that the Parent Warmline is a non-crisis, non-medical service. This service is free to parents who live in the Twin Cities metro area.
Community Events and Activities
Family Friendly Activities in the Twin Cities!
Twin Cities Family Event Calendars
Looking for local outings for you and your family? Check out these websites for Twin Cities area event calendars. Enjoy!
http://www.minneapolis.org/page/1/events-search-results.jsp?keyword=Keyword&date=3%2F23%2F2009-4%2F7%2F2009&category=2003&x=40&y=17
http://www.twincitiesmom.com/calendar.aspx
http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/region/minneapolis-st-paul-mn-usa
Dinh Thi Tham Poong
Gardens of Eden, 2004
watercolor on do paper
Changing Identity: Recent Works by Women Artists from Vietnam
Presented at the Weisman Art Museum, Changing Identity: Recent Works by Women Artists from Vietnam is the first major touring exhibition to feature Vietnamese women artists in the U.S. The exhibition explores the roles of women in Vietnamese society and challenges the stereotypes they face. By tracing the trajectories and life stories of ten artists working in a variety of media - painting, ink drawing, video performance, photography, and multimedia installations - Changing Identity reveals these women in their historical and social contexts as artists, as Vietnamese, and as individuals.
http://weisman.umn.edu/exhibits/ChangingIdentity/home.html
Wild Rumpus Books
Wild Rumpus Books is a great children's bookstore in south Minneapolis where they
have a bunch of live animals for the kids to pet - birds, chinchillas, lizards, even a tarantula. They also let cats & 2 chickens roam around the store freely. There are lots of comfy spots to sit & read stories to the kids & they have a great selection of used books for purchase between $0.25 & $1.00.
Wild Rumpus also offers Tale Time! Stories for the wee....every Monday at 10:30 AM...guaranteed NOT to put you to sleep! Babies through preschoolers welcome! (oh, parents too).
www.wildrumpusbooks.com
Free Third Sundays at the Minnesota Children’s Museum
Check out this great museum just for kids of all ages, free on the third Sunday of every month!
Saint Paul, MN 651-225-6034 http://www.mcm.org/
Free Thursdays at the Walker Art Center
Admission is free every Thursday at the Walker Art Center.
Minneapolis, MN 612-375-7622 http://www.walkerart.org/index.wac
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Ten Sundays each year the MIA hosts Family Days. These events feature music, art, dance performance and hands-on activities for kids. May’s event is “Spaces and Places" where families will have the opportunity to explore the museum and discover all the fabulous places you can visit through art. Create your own masterpiece as you draw from a live costumed model. Discover how to use the space around you in theater workshops, and enjoy music, performances, and much more! This event is free and takes place on Sunday, May 10th between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. There is no pre-registration required-simply show up anytime between 11 and 5.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is located at 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404. Visit http://www.artsmia.org/ for more information.
The Bell Museum of Natural History
The Bell Museum of Natural History located right on our own U of M, East Bank campus, offers two fun family events. Visit their website for more details: http://www.bellmuseum.org/calendar.html
Nature Play
A drop-in family program from 1-3 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Free with museum admission. For families with kids ages 4 and older.
Nature Tots
A program for toddlers and preschoolers with their parents, held the first Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Free with museum admission, but registration is required. Call 612-624-9050.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Did you know…families who receive any assistance in the form of WIC, MFIP, GA, MA, MN Care, SSI, FS, or Section 8 qualify for reduced admission rates at the MN Science Museum. Just bring along current proof that you receive any of the assistance forms listed above, and you and your family can enjoy the Science Museum for the following prices:
Exhibits: $1.00
Exhibits + Omni Theater: $3.00
Please contact the museum with any further questions: 651.221.9444, www.smm.org
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday 9:30 am-9:00 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-5:00 pm CLOSED MONDAY
Quick and Easy Recipes
Mexican Pasta Skillet
Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean (at least 93%) ground beef or turkey, optional
- 1 jar (16 oz) mild salsa
- 1 cup tomato sauce (from 15-oz can)
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 cups uncooked regular or multigrain elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen corn
- ½ cup shredded reduced fat sharp Cheddar cheese (2 oz)
Directions
- In 12-inch skillet, cook beef or turkey over medium-high heat 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.
- Stir in salsa, tomato sauce and water. Heat to boiling. Stir in macaroni and corn. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender.
- Sprinkle with cheese. Cover; let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Cheerios Caramel Crisp Bars
Makes: 36 servings
Ingredients
Bars:
- 6 cups Cheerios cereal
- 1 bag (14 oz) caramels
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- ¼ cup miniature semisweet candy-coated chocolate candies for baking
Chocolate Glaze:
- ¼ cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons shortening
Directions
- Butter bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan. Measure cereal into large bowl; set aside.
- In medium microwavable bowl, microwave caramels and water uncovered on High 2 1/2 to 4 minutes, stirring after each minute, until smooth. Pour over cereal; gently stir until well coated. Add marshmallows; gently stir. Press evenly in pan, using buttered back of spoon.
- In small microwavable bowl, microwave glaze ingredients uncovered on Medium (50%) about 1 minute or until mixture can be stirred smooth; drizzle over bars.
- Sprinkle bars with candies. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until bars are firm and glaze is set. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows. Store loosely covered.
Stove-Top Directions: Butter bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside. In 1-quart heavy saucepan, heat caramels and water over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth. Pour over cereal; gently stir until well coated. Add marshmallows; gently stir. Press evenly in pan, using buttered back of spoon. In 1-quart saucepan, heat glaze ingredients over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth; drizzle over bars. Sprinkle bars with candies. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until bars are firm and glaze is set. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows. Store loosely covered.
Enjoy these easy and healthy recipes!
Grants Update
The lists for both the CCAMPIS Grant and the Post Secondary Child Care Grant are closed, there is no other funding available at this time.
All programs of the SPHC are available to undergraduates only.
COOL WEB LINK:
Funschool- Fun and Educational Games and Activities for Kids
Part of the Kaboose family of websites, which also brings you ParentZone and BabyZone, Funschool is a fun, interactive website for kids of all ages! Check out the website for educational games, cool polls, and creative coloring pages and find out for yourself how fun "school" can be!
Visit http://funschool.kaboose.com/index.html
Featured Books
*Note* All of the books/CD’s listed below are available for check-out at the Student Parent Help Center
- Dictionary of Developmental Disabilities Terminology, 2nd ed.by Pasquale J. Accardo and Barbara Y. Whitman
- 40 Ways to Raise a Nonracist Child by Barbara Mathias and Mary Ann French
- Self-Assertion for Women by Pamela E. Butler
- Career Opportunities in Law Enforcement, Security, and Protective Services by Susan Echaore-McDavid
- Dinosaurs Divorce: A Guide for Changing Families by Laurene Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
- The Maggie B. by Irene Haas
Who’s Who at SPHC
Susan Warfield, MSW, LICSW
As the Director of the SPHC, I am responsible for overseeing all programs of the Student Parent HELP Center, managing our child care grants and supervising SPHC staff. This has meant that I have had to step back from having the degree of direct contact with students I have always enjoyed having in the past. This has been a difficult but necessary step for me to take in order to meet the needs of our growing program. If you have an issue that absolutely cannot be addressed by another SPHC staff member, you may schedule an appointment with me. These appointments should be booked through the SPHC front desk at 612-626-6015. Intakes and basic questions about services offered should be directed to Jerri Clark Wagner (once she returns), Chanee Rudolf or our Graduate Social Work Intern. I am entering my 9th year with the HELP Center and during this journey have moved from on-line staff, to Coordinator and now Director. With this evolution has come an increase in responsibilities and duties. Please know that even though you may not see as much of me in the actual Center as you may have in the past, I continue to work each and every day to bring you the programming, funding and visibility on campus that student parents need to have a successful experience at the U of MN. Over the summer and beginning of fall term I have had a chance to step back into the direct service world while our Direct Service Coordinatior is on leave; and will be leading group and completing the largest share of the new student intakes for the 2008-2009 year. It has been fun to get a chance to meet and greet our new students and to hang out with our new and on-going students in group once again. Rest assured that whether acting as the stand in group facilitator, or working on grants and other administrative duties for the center, I am always right next door and will always be working hard to bring you the services and funding needed to assure that each and every SPHC student parent has what they need to succeed at the U!
Jerri Wagner, MSW, LGSW
I am the Direct Service Program Coordinator for the Student Parent HELP Center. Originally from New York State, I graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in theatre, with minors in sociology and women’s studies. After undergrad, I was an AmeriCorps volunteer for one year in Chicago, teaching arts integration on the west side in a Chicago Public School. In June of 2003, I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. While in graduate school, I served as a therapist with Chicago’s Metropolitan YWCA, working with survivors of sexual assault and their families. From 2003-2006, I coordinated two statewide youth violence prevention programs for the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention in Chicago. Prior to relocating to Minneapolis, I spent March-June of 2006 traveling and learning abroad in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. I would love to talk about any of these varied experiences with you and really look forward to working with such an amazing and resilient population at the SPHC!
Melanie Opay
Hi everyone! I am the new graduate social work intern this year. I am a first-year direct practice student in the Master’s of Social Work program and am very excited to be in the program, at the University of Minnesota, and working in the Student Parent HELP Center for the entire year. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Augsburg College and since then have been working in St. Paul as an MFIP job counselor. I’m thrilled to be working with student parents in a different capacity and look forward to getting to know you and your families throughout the school year!
Chanee Rudolph
Hello!! I am the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA) here at the Student Parent HELP Center. This is my first year so like many of you I am learning a lot of new and exciting things. My job here is to assist you with anything you need as well as make you feel comfortable and welcomed, so please don't hesitate to ask me for anything if you have questions. I am in my third year here at the University and I am a family and social science major and developing a minor in Family Violence Prevention. So far, I have enjoyed myself more than any of you know and I am looking forward to many more to come!
Comments, questions or ideas about useful information for this newsletter can be directed to Melanie Opay at Sphc@umn.edu.