Introducing the New 2015/2016 Parent Talk Board!

In June, we kicked off a new Parent Talk year by saying goodbye to our outgoing Board members and welcoming a new group of Board members to lead our organization.  This energetic group is already hard at work planning fun events for kids, interesting lectures for parents, community events and fundraisers. We can't wait to share them all with you this year.

Members of the Parent Talk 2015-2016 Board of Directors (from left): Susan Kagan, Joanna Cram, Nar Lee, Megan Bourque, Leslie Arnould, Elizabeth VanDahm, Liza D'Hemecourt, Meredith Swisher, Michelle Freniere, Kate Swenson, Ellie Beasley, Meredith Giannotti, and Michael Cohen.

 

The Parent Talk Board of Directors for 2015/2016 includes the following new members:

Joanna Cram - Clerk

Meredith Swisher - Playspace Chair

Leslie Arnould - Fundraising Co-Chair

Michelle Freniere - Fundraising Co-Chair

Elizabeth VanDahm - Membership Co-Chair

Joanna Noon - Membership Co-Chair

Meredith Giannotti - Events Co-Chair

Liza d'Hemecourt - Community Relations Chair

Diana Han Wilson - Lecture Chair

Bonnie McLellan - Volunteer Co-Chair

Jennifer Emmett - Marketing Chair

These 11 new board members join the following five returning Board members: 

Megan Bourque - President

Ellie Beasley - Vice President

Nar Lee - Treasurer

Kate Swenson - Events Co-Chair

Michael Cohen - Volunteer Co-Chair

The Board of Directors is rounded out by our new Executive Director, Susan Kagan, and our Business Administrator, Mary Schneider.  

The current Board is grateful for the hard work of the outgoing Board members.  Many thanks to Wendy Todd, Emily Roach, Lauren Baum, Shalini Broderick, Kristen Capodilupo, Colleen Doran, Deborah Dorman, Riley Hastings, Susan Koslow, and Maggie Shapiro for making the transition so seamless.

To learn more about Parent Talk's Board members, please visit the About Us section of our website at http://www.parenttalk.info/about/board.php.

About the Author

Megan Bourque lives in Needham with her husband Zach and their four children, Erin (6), Annette (4), Ryan (2 1/2), and Henry (2 months). She first got involved with Parent Talk through the Sale Committee and this is her second year on the Board. She is honored to work with such a talented team of volunteers to lead this amazing organization.

Do you have thoughts related to this post? Please share them in the Comments section below.  

Got Something to Say? Blog it!

Parent Talk wants to hear from you!  The Parent Talk Matters Blog is a place for members to connect by sharing their experiences, insights and comments. If you have something on your mind, the Parent Talk Matters Blog may be the perfect place to say it as a guest blogger!

"Bloggeur, after Cassandre" by Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

Got an interesting story or helpful insight on parenting or child development? Maybe you had a great experience at a Parent Talk event.  Want to tell others about your fun idea for a craft, activity, recipe or outing?  Do you have a unique solution to a common problem? Can you share your impressions on the book you recently read?  Or do you have the expertise to provide a helpful answer to a "How To..." or other question?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above and want to be a guest blogger, email Darlene W. Cancell, Parent Talk's Blog Coordinator, at promodw@gmail.com.  Please put "Blog Volunteer" on the subject line.  Briefly state what your idea/experience is and why you want to write about it.  Or, if you don't have a topic in mind, just contact us so we can ask you about a writing assignment in the future. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Do you have any comments related to this post? Let us know, below.

How to Consign and Donate to PT's Sale

Twice a year, Parent Talk hosts its  Used Clothing, Toy, and Equipment Sale.  I have been shopping, volunteering, donating, and consigning for (gulp!) the past eleven Sales, and I’m preparing for my twelfth Sale on Saturday, October 17th, 2015.  A month or so before each Sale, I initiate my beautifully crafted, tested, and wonderfully organized system.  I’m quite proud of it, and I’m going to share some of my secrets with you.  My system works for me, and it may work for you.  Here is my process.

     

I always keep empty bins in my attic, designated as “consign” or “donate.”  Whenever one of my children complains of an item not fitting properly or not liking it anymore, it goes straight to one of these bins -- no questions asked.  (Okay, to be honest, it sits on the bureau in our guest room for a few weeks first).  Once in the bin, it cannot be taken out.  That is a house rule that we honor.

"Box O' Happy!" by davidd

When I am ready, I bring the items from my donation and consignment bins to my staging area.  I do this on a daily basis until Sale day.  My staging area consists of three chairs (one for me to sit on and two to use as staging areas), a box of hangers (yes, I collect children's hangers throughout the year), a folding table with my computer on top, a tagging device, fasteners, safety pins, a pad of paper and pen. 

First, the process for donations is easy.  There are two ways you can donate, and I highly recommend either choice: (1) drop off your items at the PODS (which is located conveniently in Needham) or (2) drop off your donations to Christ Episcopal Church beginning at 9 o'clock on Friday, October 16th, 2015, the day before the Sale.  Once your donations are dropped off, Parent Talk's team of amazing volunteers will work diligently to price, tag, hang, and display the items for sale.

A group of volunteers tags clothing.

Although I donate many items, there is an alternative - consignments.  People often ask me how to price consignment items.  I try to think about what I would want to pay for the item, and then I add a few dollars.  I base the price on each item's brand, quality, and supply and demand.  I thoughtfully price my items so that they will sell quickly.  Shoppers want a bargain, but I always remind myself that this is a fundraiser for Parent Talk, so I want to raise money.

Once I price six items, I print the corresponding tags.  I bring the printed sheet directly from the printer and put it on top of the six items it matches. There are small six-item piles all over the staging area.  Once I accumulate a few piles, I start cutting the tags and then tag each item.  The tagged items go into new piles that I sort by gender, size, and type.  This helps to keep things organized so that I can quickly put them on hangers and pack with a method.  If I have carefully categorized my items, it will be much easier to unpack and display them for the Sale.

A member of Parent Talk's Sale Committee puts clothing on display.

Parent Talk's bi-annual Used Clothing, Toys and Equipment Sale has become a part of my life.  Twice a year, I clean out my closets, search for items that are no longer used, and talk with my children regarding the importance of being a part of a community that cares for, commits to, and serves others.  They understand my process and often help me gather items to be donated or consigned.  We have made it into a game. In order to bring more things into the house, we have to make room.  My children who are six (almost seven) and four-and-a half years old, playfully search the house for donations.  I love how they say, "donate-consign-trash" with confidence.   

Sometimes they make very thoughtful, mature choices.  Other times they grab whatever they can fit in their arms and dump it on the floor in front of me.  I always ask them twice whether the item is really one that they no longer want.  I follow their lead, but sometimes it drives me crazy when they want to "donate-consign-trash" a barely worn item, each other's clothing, a favorite book or beloved toy.  Sometimes I learn why this tiny-itty-bitty-thing that I step on every day needs to remain a part of our playroom.  Their tears, frustration, and explanation help me to recognize that some things are meant to be kept.  This chance to watch my children's reactions and talk with them helps me to understand what is important to them and why.  Without this exercise or such a conversation, I would miss this opportunity to learn and grow with my children.

I love Parent Talk, I love the Sale, and I am honored to be part of this community.  Not only does Parent Talk help with making connections, playgroups and activities, but it fills my closet, my bookshelves, my playroom and my heart. 

Nikki Amara Myers is a Needham resident, a parent of two children, an independent educational consultant specializing in the college admissions process, and owner of Nikki Myers Photography. She has lived in Needham since January 2011. 

If you have questions about consigning or donating to Parent Talk's upcoming Sale, ask them in the Comments section below!

How Preschoolers and Kindergarteners Learn

"Amalie tests the obstacle course she built" by Lars Plougmann

Finding the right balance between play-time and academic learning is a problem every parent faces with their child.  We instinctively know that kids need to run around but that they also need intellectual stimulation.  Play provides young children with both.

You might picture learning taking place in a classroom led by a teacher who gives students drills and instructions.  But research on early childhood learning has found that it is more helpful to guide a child than to give her direct instruction.  In fact, one study found that over time, children performed worse in preschools focusing on direct instruction and preschools that combined play-centered and teacher-centered approaches, compared to children in play-based preschools.  Rather than telling a child the "right" way to do something, allowing her to explore with guidance fosters greater creativity in thinking and problem-solving.

"Adventures in Preschool Science" by San Jose Library

For parents concerned with academic achievement, it is important to know that play-based learning does not need to exclude academics.  A child should have opportunity for unstructured play, which can help develop gross and fine motor skills along with imagination.  But bringing adult guidance into exploratory play can take the learning to another level.  A child enjoying the outdoors can learn about science through rocks (geology) and animals (biology).  A child playing with toys can learn about math by adding and subtracting a few members from a group of stuffed animals.

"Mountain kids" by Travis Swan

With all that has been said about play-based learning, there is still a place for direct instruction.  In writing, a child needs to know how to form each letter and how to place them in the right order.  Practice drills and direct instructions can be an effective writing lesson.  (But the lesson might be even better learned if it can also be made into a playful game!)

"Lyra teachers her dinosaurs how to write" by Jenny Lee Silver

There are many early education philosophies that focus on different play-based and/or academic-based activities.  Parents can decide which philosophy best matches their goals and their child's individual learning style.

On Wednesday, October 28th, 2015, parents can meet representatives of area preschools and kindergartens at Parent Talk's 11th Annual Preschool & Kindergarten Fair.  The fair will be held at  Christ Episcopal Church in Needham from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Registration is not required for this popular event.  Admission is free for Parent Talk members and $10 for non-members.

About the Author

Darlene W. Cancell is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom, and most recently blog coordinator for Parent Talk.

Do you have thoughts related to this post? Please share them in the Comments section below.  

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More Reasons to Buy "Used," Not "New" - Parent Talk's Used Clothing, Toy & Equipment Sale this Fall

Now is the time of year that I start counting down days to the event that first introduced me to Parent Talk -- the biannual Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale.  A few years ago, I walked into Parent Talk's fall sale at Christ Episcopal Church for the first time, not knowing what to expect.  After the bundle of new expenses brought on with becoming a first-time mommy, I had eyes and ears ever open for great baby items at great prices.  I immediately was floored by the massive selection of useful items in good condition that were housed in multiple rooms and floors of the church, plus the outdoors.  From large, outdoor play structures to small, handheld toys, from children's clothes to maternity items, from books to games, this Sale had it all.

Toys and Strollers lined up for sale outside Christ Episcopal Church.

In contrast to the yard sales I had been to, everything was clearly priced and laid out in a logical way. This made shopping a breeze.  I walked out with 2 large plastic bags full of items.  I also left greatly impressed with the organization sponsoring the Sale.  Parent Talk somehow knew exactly what I needed in producing this well-oiled, large and successful volunteer-run event. 

People like me already know that Parent Talk's upcoming October Sale is worth supporting with donated goods and attending as a shopper and volunteer.  But some folks just like buying new.  They squirm at the idea of owning anything second hand, or prefer to toss their own, worn items into the trash rather than pass them along to someone else.  To these folks, I offer a few reasons to consider supporting the marketplace of used goods.

Book Room at the Parent Talk Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale.

Buying Used Allows Room for Creativity and Flexibility

Used items routinely cost 50% or less of an item's price when new, so a consumer can afford to experiment with purchases.  Not sure how an expensive baby carrier will feel on your back?  Buy them used, and you can afford to try out multiple options.  If you routinely purchase pink, brown or blue clothing for your child, why not try bright green or bright orange for a change and see how it works?  Create a wardrobe for your child's dolls and stuffed animals with used infant or preemie clothes.  Used items can be disassembled for fun and crafts.  Has your child ever wanted to operate on the insides of a wind-up clock or toy car?  Let him or her experiment with opening a cheap, used one.

"Three wheels on my wagon!" by Les Chapfield

Buying Used is Good for the Environment

New paper products require tree clearing.  New plastic items require oil extraction.  New metal items mean extracting metal from the earth in ground-razing activities.  In contrast, used items do not require any new extraction, refining, or processing which would result in consuming additional natural resources, some of which are limited.  No new energy is needed to "make" a used item because the electricity associated with farming, manufacturing and shipping operations has already been spent in the initial production of the item.   There is no new pollution (such as chemicals or carbon emissions) associated with "making" a used item.  For example, a new cotton tee-shirt represents the harvesting and processing of cotton, which likely includes farming operations that use pesticides.   According to one used clothing recycling company, the production of one cotton shirt requires one-third of a pound of pesticides.  However, no new resources or pesticides are expended in purchasing a used tee-shirt.  Also, there is savings in packaging such as plastic wrap, Styrofoam and cardboard boxes, which though accompanying an item when it is new, need not be produced for a used item.

"Open-pit Copper Mine Mission Complex" by docentjoyce

Buying or Donating Used Items Translates to Supporting to the Local Community

In the case of Parent Talk's Sale, community support happens in several ways.  First of all, as a non-profit organization, Parent Talk's revenues go not to shareholders, but to its mission of "helping families with young children connect, learn, play, and grow together."  Proceeds from donated items will directly fund Parent Talk activities and member benefits.  Proceeds from the used clothing, toys and equipment that are sold on consignment go to local consignors and Parent Talk.  In contrast, proceeds from new, store-bought items can be expected to go to a corporate retailer or manufacturer.  Often, that entity is not local.  Buying items "new" in such cases fails to provide direct support to our local community.

Additionally, items that remain after the Parent Talk Sale go to local charities, so any donations to the Sale that remain unsold should eventually find their way into someone's grateful hands.  Many items will have far reaching impact.  Charities from the Greater Boston area are invited to participate at the end of the Sale by sweeping through and choosing items that will benefit the needs of the communities they serve.  Local charity Circle of Hope states, "The clothing we collect from Parent Talk sales is vital to our mission.  Without the Parent Talk items, we would struggle to provide enough clothing for all of the children we serve."

Quality at Less Expense

Top brand names for toys or equipment can be purchased for much less when used, compared to their prices when new.  Purchasing used designer or boutique clothes can mean obtaining superior quality clothing at more affordable prices.  At the Parent Talk Sale, items tend to be in good to great condition, and sometimes even have original tags still attached.

Racks of children's clothing at an October Sale.

Need I say more?  Mark your calendars!  This year, Parent Talk's fall Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale will again be held at Christ Episcopal Church (across from the Needham Public Library) on October 17, 2015.  Volunteers and donations are welcome and still needed.  The general sale runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by the clearance bag sale from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Sale items are generally targeted for ages 0-8.

About the Author

Darlene W. Cancell is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom, and most recently blog coordinator for Parent Talk.

Do you have thoughts related to this post? Please share them in the Comments section below.  

Sources:

1. Waseem Trading Company, Top 10 Reasons to Buy Used Clothing & Used Shoes, available at http://www.wtc-textile.com/top-10-reasons-to-buy-used-clothing-used-shoes/.

2. MAC Recycling, Why Recycle Clothes?, available at: http://mac-recycling.com/why.html.

Parent Talk's 2014-15 President Wendy Todd and VP Emily Roach Thank Volunteers, Board

  2014-15 President Wendy Todd (left) and
  2014-15 Vice-President Emily Roach (right)

Summer always brings lazier days and a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the school year.  Summer also means the transition from old to new at Parent Talk when the official changing of the guard comes and a new set of amazing volunteers takes over and begins planning the many events and activities that will keep our families busy for months to come. This past June was no different as the outgoing leadership team passed the torch to a wonderful group of incoming board members. But before we say our final goodbye, we want to take a moment to thank the many wonderful volunteers that have contributed their talents and time this year.

From left: Wendy Todd and Emily Roach with PT's new President Megan
Bourque and outgoing Board Members Deb Dorman, Lauren Baum, and
Kristen Capodilupo

First, we want to give a big thank you to our 2014-15 Board Members: Lauren Baum, Shalini Broderick, Kristen Capodilupo, Colleen Doran, Deborah Dorman, Riley Hastings, Susan Koslow and Maggie Shapiro.  For the past few years, their time and endless energy has gone towards making Parent Talk the wonderful organization it is today.

2014-15 Sale Chairs Diane Solomon (left) and Seema Layne (right)

From left: 2014-15 Go Green Chairs Cristina Santamaria, Kate Hassan, and Joanna Noon

 Second, we want to thank our 2014-15 event chairs and committee members.  They each made significant contributions to the success of Parent Talk’s programming and fundraising efforts this year.  There are too many of you to name here, but we would like to give a special shout out to Sale Chairs Seema Layne and Diane Solomon; Go Green Chairs Kate Hassan, Joanna Noon and Cristina Santamaria; and Volunteer of the Year Liza d'Hemecourt.

Center: Liza d'Hemecourt, Volunteer of the Year

Finally, a huge thank you to each and every one of the member volunteers who contributed to Parent Talk’s success this year.  Whether it was as a 2-hour volunteer at the sale, helping to move tables at Flicks, or writing a post for the blog, this organization does not succeed without the support of every individual member. Thank You!

During our tenure on Parent Talk’s leadership team, we had an amazing ride and met wonderful people who will be in our lives for years and years to come.  Thank you to everyone for your support and friendship over the past few years.  We feel very lucky to be part of a community as wonderful as Parent Talk and we are thrilled to be leaving the organization in the capable hands of the 2015-16 board, led by President Megan Bourque and Vice-President Ellie Beasley.

All our best, 

Wendy Todd and Emily Roach

Free Girls' Lacrosse Clinic this Saturday

Ever wonder about how the game of lacrosse is played? Or even wonder, "What is lacrosse, anyway?" Many people go through life without knowing the exact answer!  Sure, we see a bunch of players running about a field with nets on sticks tossing a ball around, but what skills are they using, and what are the actual rules of the game? This Saturday, any questions from you or your girls (preschool age through grade 2) can be answered.

Photo by mhara442

This coming Saturday, August 29, 2015, there will be a free trial lacrosse clinic offered by Stix 4 Chix at the Boch Hockey Center in Dedham.  The 30 minute clinic is for entry to first year level players and covers basic rules and fundamentals of lacrosse. Trial classes are small, with a maximum of 8 children per session.  Leading the clinic will be a former collegiate player and current official. Interested?  Register here.

Lacrosse is one of North America's oldest games and was played by Native Americans.  Its popularity has not yet caught on like the mainstream sports of hockey and soccer, but interest is growing.  Grow your family's interest in this game by registering now!