Adoption doesn’t have to be difficult
NOVEMBER IS National Adoption Month and the theme is “Answering the Call.” The purpose is to raise awareness about the nearly 130,000 children in foster care nationwide waiting for permanent families.
Prospective parents should keep in mind that they don’t have to be perfect to be perfect parents, to become loving adoption parents. The history of National Adoption Month goes back more than 25 years, to 1967, when the governor of Massachusetts first proclaimed Adoption Week and later that year President Gerald Ford made it official nationally.
The number of states observing Adoption Week grew over the years and in 1990 National Adoption Week became National Adoption Month celebrated in November.
A conference titled, “What Keeps You From Adopting?” is hosted by the Kingdom Kids Adoption Conference on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fourth Memorial Church, 2004 N. Standard St. Cost is $25 per person or $40 per couple and includes lunch. For more information, call 465-3520.
Learning totes available in Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene Public Library has LEAP Totes (Library Early-Learning Activities Project) available for checkout for families with preschool-aged children. This is made possible by a $1,500 grant from the Target Corp. Some of the themed totes are 1, 2, 3 for Me, Alphabet Soup, Animal Tracks, Animals Astir and Hand Talk. The bright red totes may include board books, flannel story boards, puzzles, music tapes and CDs, videos or puppets. For more information, call (208) 769-2315.
Church offers After School Program
Plymouth Church, located at 1502 W. Eighth Ave. on Spokane’s South Hill, is offering an After School Program for grades 6 through 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can play games such as foosball, ping pong or pool, study, receive tutoring, use computers, learn about art, music, video and theatre, and participate in many more activities. For more information, call 838-8667.
Book delivers fun for little ones
A current book by Deborah Shelton tells of fun ways for parents to keep little ones occupied when older siblings are doing homework, or distract them from feeling abandoned after the school bus takes their summer companions away. “The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast Activities for You and Your Little Ones” has more than 115 fun activities to choose from, with most projects calling for materials that can be found around the house. This paperback retails for $12.95 and is available at local bookstores or www.bayoupublishing.com
Another new book by Tracy Lyn Moland is for every mom who has lost her sense of self and needs help to find her balance and forge an identity apart from her role as mother. “Mom Management: Managing Mom Before Everybody Else” uses quotes, ideas and suggestions from mothers all over the world to provide hope and encouragement. Moland shows women how they can reclaim their sense of self and become better parents in the process. Some secrets include: using effective management skills to explore dreams, set goals and organize time and space. Moland has determined that self care is not selfishness, but rather a necessity. The paperback retails for $14.99 and has just been on the www.Amazon.com best-seller list.
All-day Arts & Crafts Camp
There is no school on Thursday in honor of Veteran’s Day and the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department is holding a Veteran’s Day Fall Arts & Crafts Camp for ages 5-12. Students will make a variety of fun art projects from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $25. Call 625-6200 to register.
Weekend fair is all about animals
Susan Rae’s Animal Fair will be held Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with information booths, new products, seminars, clinics, pets to adopt, veterinary care and lots of entertainment and shopping at Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, Havana at Broadway. Admission is $5/adults, age 10 and under admitted free. Call 466-9639 or www.nwpetfair.com
Museum celebrates America Recycles Day
The Children’s Museum of Spokane is celebrating America Recycles Day on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Creativity Clubhouse located on the Skywalk level of River Park Square. There will be lots of hands-on demonstrations and activities with the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Education Department, plus make your own art projects from recycled products. Admission to the site is free. For more information, call 624-KIDS or www.childrensmuseum.net
ComedySports to put on show for kids
ComedySportz is bringing improv to kids with CSz4Kidz on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the theater, 227 W. Riverside. This monthly matinee performance called ComedySportz for Kidz has players interact with children in the audience for a show designed just for them. Children will be encouraged to stretch their imaginations and explore their creativity. Tickets are $5 and available at the door a half hour before show time, seating is general admission for this one-hour show. For more information, call 363-1279 or www.spokanecomedy.com
Dress up as your favorite Super Hero
A Super Heroes Party for ages 4 to 7 is being co-sponsored by the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department on Nov. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at Northeast Youth Center, 4001 N. Cook. Boys and girls are invited to come dressed as their favorite super hero or just wear a black t-shirt as a costume. Party participants will help Spiderman and Wonder Woman free Batman from Cat Woman’s capture. All little super heroes will receive a photo card, souvenirs, balloon and snacks. Cost is $15 and registration is required by calling 625-6200.
Interactive music show planned for kids
KPBX is sponsoring a free interactive music show geared toward young people on Nov. 20 from 1 to 2 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Canote Brothers with hysterical fun at The Met, 901 W. Sprague. For more information, call 328-5729.