Month: September 2013

Guest blogger and parent Rita Fletcher welcomes you to our new site, recaps an amazing summer and looks forward to the new school year.

As an involved parent of our community I a mom of three beautiful daughters, one granddaughter and one granddaughter on the way, I would like to welcome you to be part of our new community organization: The Greater Falls Connections. The Greater Falls Connections is a real place where teens, parents, and community members can access updated informational resources, upcoming events, and special events.

It is our mission to connect the Windham Northeast by inspiring and empowering people through education and collaboration to promote wellness and prevent the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Donations and Volunteers are welcome.

On behalf of the Greater Falls Connections, parents, and organizers, we would like to share a jubilant thank you to many people, businesses, and organizations that contributed to the success of our 2nd annual park-a-Palooza Neighborhood Block Party on June29, 2013. The Park-A-Palooza is totally community-driven, old school crazy-fun block party. Through   creative play using the games our parents and grandparents taught us. Park-A-Palooza is another example of community driven change in action. Community – led activities such as this builds character, trust, and a nurturing connection.

This year’s festivities took place at the Central Elementary School playground and included: potato sack racing, jellybean contest, and bicycle smoothies. Yummmm!! LOL. And…apple bobbing, face painting, dodge ball, baseball bat spin off, and egg spoon race, and a water balloon throw down.” Plus with a little help from our friends at the Bellows Falls Fire and Police department, kids and (some adults!) were able to cool off and play around a gushing hydrant. Yeahhh!!!

Thanks to our two grill masters, Dominic Pratt and Nathan Elmore, as well as several other volunteer chefs, and community members who brought a dish to share, people were able to eat and snack all day. We look forward to seeing some new faces and old ones too and members of our community to join us for our next Park-A-Palooza. Photos were taken by: Jeff Woodward of Woodward photography. Thanks for creating a positive and meaningful day.

Thank you to the following local businesses, community organizations and individuals for your generous contributions that were vital to the days success: Parks Place, Dari Joy, Lisai’s Market, Bellows Falls Boy’s and Girl’s Club, The Bellows Falls Bike Project, Greater Falls Pharmacy, Rockingham Recreation Center, Hannaford’s and Barbra Stickney.

The Greater Falls Connections held its second annual cook out at the Rockingham Recreation Center in Bellows Falls where family and community members brought a dish. The Greater Falls Connections presented an award called the  (“Ace Award’), which means- Active Community Engagement, to Samantha Fletcher, who worked tirelessly to make a difference. Sam is a volunteer and board member and a dedicated advocate for the Saxtons River Recreation Area. Congratulations to a real team player in the community you deserve the award for all your dedication to making communities better. Thank you to our chefs Christina Bennicoff , Rita Fletcher, Chad Simmons and out little chefs Ryan Childs and Sierra Parker-Fletcher and many more who hung out the signs to welcome community members and families to this event. The children enjoyed adventuring in  supervised grilling. This was just another way for families to get acquainted with our Recreation Center families meeting families  and other activities that are available. A special thank you to Ryan  and The Rockingham Recreation Center for the use of the Rec for our cook out.

For upcoming events, check out our “Events” section. But I should mention VT Adult Learning (V.A.L) Barbra Caine Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Jay Callahan will be taking over Barbara’s classes in Bellows falls  she will sadly be missed as she is my teacher as well new times and days will be posted as it happens

Positive Parenting is Prevention Public Service Announcements will run on FACTV starting this fall.

The parenting and caregiver workshop Guiding Good Choices will begin this fall. Contact Deb Witkus at 802.463.9927 x 212 for details.

WOOL 100.1 check it out teens always looking for volunteers to learn the ropes from Nadine Fletcher and Dominic Pratt as radio voice if you want to learn how to be a radio personality  ask Chad Simmons how. Chad Simmons can be reached at Parks Place 1-802-463-9927 leave your name and number and a brief message.

Coming soon to the blog recipe of the day more information to come on that soon

Finally, a special thank you to numerous individuals who volunteered there time and help create this site.

There are opportunities for everyone both teens and adults so come join the fun. I helped create this blog and the web  design in a group  the learning experience alone was something great. Look for updates. Until next time, this is Rita Fletcher signing off!!!!