Sharing Gratitude

The Thankful Tree

Hurricane Sandy in the east and droughts in the west have made this Thanksgiving a special time to reflect on how important our community is.  Listening to the wonderful stories of  people and groups caring for each other after Sandy is a refreshing change from the usual nightly TV fare.  While watching neighbors helping neighbors, I realize that something really beautiful can come out of adversity. There are many lessons to be learned from this experience. I hope that our young people will realize the importance of building community and providing service for others.  I also hope that they will learn to honor the wisdom of the first Native Americans, and respect our natural environment.

Each Thanksgiving I try to provide a project that connects the children in the family with a deeper meaning of giving thanks.  This year I liked Daily Candy's Gratitude Jar and the Thankful tree by Simply Vintage Girl.  I liked both their ideas and I think we will probably extend them beyond the holidays.    Thanksgiving and Gratitude show be celebrated every day.


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"The Carousel That Could" Symbolizes the Spirit of New York

One year after its’ installation Jane’s Carousel was becoming the landmark for children at the Bridge Park on the Brooklyn waterfront. Then Sandy sweep through bringing fear that the three million dollar installation would not weather the storm but, fortunately, this carousel has had a history of endurance. 

The carousel was built in 1922 to bring joy and delight to children at Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio. When a fire consumed the park in the 1970s,  the carousel was spared.  The historic carousel was then purchased by Jane Walenta and her husband who spent nearly three decades painstakingly restoring it and then installing it last year at the park. Now after withstanding the ravages of Sandy, the carousel has been nicknamed “The Little Carousel That Could,” symbolic of the resilience of New York.

John Seabrook in his article for The New Yorker explained the significance of the now symbolic image above:

“Few pictures of Hurricane Sandy captured both the enormity of the disaster and the unquenchable spirit buried deep in the city’s core better than the image of Jane’s Carousel, the glass-enclosed merry-go-round on the waterfront near the Brooklyn Bridge, taken at the height of the storm.  The photo shows the dark water lapping at the horses’ hooves, with the eerie blacked-out lower-Manhattan skyline in the background, and the festive riderless ponies twinkling merrily in the bright yellow light. Originally posted on Instagram and picked up by CNN, the picture was seen all around the world; at one point that night it was at the top of Twitter’s trends.”

Read more about The Carousel That Could.


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Sesame Street Hurricane Kit

Sesame Street Hurricane Kit offers children and parents an opportunity to discuss children's fears about Sandy and other disasters.  "Hurricanes, storms, and other natural disasters can be difficult for young children who may not fully understand what's going on around them. These tips, activities, and videos can help them feel safe, cope with emotions, and understand that there is hope for the future." Check out their program at http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/hurricane


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What is a Maker Faire? Part I

For a few years now I have been wondering, what is a Maker Faire?  This year I finally got my answer when I attended the World Maker Faire 2012 at the Hall of Science in Queens. Now after two days of whimsy and wonderment, I still don’t have a definition but I heard one participant describe it as a feast for nerds, engineers, designers and eccentrics. One little girl described it as magical. It was definitely fun as makers displayed their wares and inventions, some very useful and others well…very imaginative. It was a coming together of the creative community.

There were buildings made entirely of toothpicks at Toothpick World. Think of viewing a miniature city housed with the Taj Mahl, Empire State building, Notre Dame and many other major buildings from around the world all made of toothpicks.  Then there were-D projections that you watch through special glasses, light shows, robots and even a zombie detector.

To get a better idea of what the World Maker Faire is all about, I asked Maker Faire Producer, Louise Glasgow.  Listen to her response.

What is a Maker Faire? Part II "Every Child a Maker"

At the Maker Faire 2012, Ann Marie Thomas explains the potential for the Maker Faire in "Every Child a Maker".  Through the Maker Education Initiative,  teachers and parents can participate in Maker Faire.  They can engage children in creating fun projects and developing their imagination. Sounds like fun!

THE LOOK: Elmo Talks Through His Style A to Z

Now that shopping for school is out of the way, it's time for some fun shopping!  Get some
tips on the latest fashion from Elmo or maybe just get a good laugh.

Lily the Newest Member of Sesame Street Wants Everyone to Know about Hunger and Children

Watch Growing Hope Against Hunger - Preview on PBS. See more from pbs.

Finding ways to alleviate hunger and provide proper nutrition to young people has become a major issue in this country, particularly, since the economic downturn. Last October, Sesame Street introduced a character to address some of the issues of hunger through a child’s point of view. Lily, a new character whose family is having economic problems was introduced to children. Her character was an opportunity for young people to develop empathy toward those in need, and for those who are experiencing hunger to realize there is hope.  Months of research, interviews with parents and children and character development went into creating Lily.  Lily will not be a full time member of Sesame Street but will appear on the website to address issues. In the special, “Growing Hope Against Hunger,”  shown last year Lily along with Elmo, and Brad and Kimberly Paisley discusses solutions like community projects and urban gardening.  Sesame Street is using their site to provide information for families on making it through stressful times.  Now families can meet Lily, and discuss their concerns.