CALENDAR OF EVENTS

*Events are at the Community Center unless otherwise noted. (If the Community Center is closed due to a holiday, the indoor playgroup will not be held.)

4/19 CPRC Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer
4/21 Children's and Youth Choir, "Levite's Genes", Cheverly United Methodist Church, 11:00 a.m.
4/22 Special Playgroup Activity: Storytelling, 11:40 a.m. (playtime before and after)
4/27 Kid's Stuff Sale: CANCELLED
4/29 CPRC Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer
4/30 CPRC Planning Meeting: 7:00 p.m. at Tammie Nelson Stringer's, Forest Rd. 301.386.3782
5/3 Special Playgroup Activity: Storytelling, 11:40 a.m. (playtime before and after)
5/4 Truck Touch, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Cheverly United Methodist Church
5/6 CPRC Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer
5/11 Spring Fling: See Article
5/17 CPRC Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer
5/31 CPRC Luncheon: 11:30 at Tammie Nelson-Stringer's, 5714 Forest Rd  RSVP: 301.386.3782
6/5 CPRC Planning Meeting: 7:00 p.m. at Tammie Nelson Stringer's, Forest Rd. 301.386.3782
6/8 Cheverly Day
6/14 CPRC Potluck at the Pool: (tentative - look for details in next Newsline)

ONGOING
Playgroups are every Monday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Gast Park.  If below 60 degrees or rainy, then meet at the Cheverly Community Center.  As indicated on the calendar above, we will sometimes meet at the JP Hoyer Parent Resource Room.

Locations: Gast Park:  Corner of Inwood and Parkway; Cheverly Community Center: 6401 Forest Rd.;
JP Hoyer Parent Resource Room: 2300 Bellview Ave. Please always check the Cheverly Newsletter for schedule additions or changes!

From the Coordinator ....

First, the bad news.  We had to cancel the Kid's Stuff Sale for the second year in a row.  There just weren't enough tables reserved to make it worthwhile.

Now, the good news.  We have three more big events this year!  In May we'll be having a Spring Fling (hopefully the first annual Spring Fling!)  This will be a potluck picnic at Town Park with activities and music.

June 8th, of course, is Cheverly Day.  This year is a parade year!  CPRC will be marching in the parade, complete with a banner, matching shirts, balloons, and bubbles.  Plan to march with us!  The CPRC will also have our traditional Bake
Sale table.

Tentatively scheduled for June 14, our CPRC Potluck at the Cheverly Swim Club is our final event of the year.  All families are welcome, even if you are not a member of the swim club.

See the articles later in Newsline for more details about these events and to find out how to help.

I have great news!  All of our officers are willing and happy to continue at their posts for the Sept 2002 – June 2003 year!  That's a wonderful thing, and I send out a big thank you to all the officers.  However, if you would like to help
with one of the offices, please don't hesitate to let us know.    Also, please see the article on morning playgroups for a description of a new office.

As always, if you have any ideas for CPRC, please send e-mail to one of the officers (listed at the end of Newsline) or come to a planning meeting!  We have two more planning meetings this year; April 30 and June 5.  If you have ideas
about next year, please be sure to come to the June 5 meeting!

-Tammie Nelson-Stringer, coordinator@cheverlyparent.org, 301.386.3782

The CPRC is looking forward to participating in Cheverly Day!  We will be hosting a bake sale.  We'll raffle off some gifts from ESPN Zone, and we will participate in the parade.  Here's how you can join with us in this family and community-oriented celebration:

Bake Sale: We need volunteers to bake things for the bake sale and to stand at the table and sell the goodies on Cheverly Day.  The more people who volunteer to take a shift during the day, the less time each person will need to
spend at the table.  Please contact Julie James at (301) 773-5530 by May 10th to let her know how you can help.

Parade:  We will prepare for this parade at the Spring Fling (see related article!) by decorating tie-dyed CPRC t-shirts for parade-marchers and by making a banner.  Even if you can't participate in this activity, you can march in the parade with us!  We plan to carry the banner and some CPRC balloons and to walk with kids in wagons in strollers.  Please
contact Julie James at (301) 773-5530 by May 10th to let her know if you are planning on walking with us.

B U L L E T I N  B O A R D

Childcare Position Wanted:

"I'll not only watch your kids, I'll teach them!" I'm a third year University of Maryland elementary education major looking for childcare employment. Available for after-school, evening, and summer hours starting April 16th.. Extensive
childcare and teaching experience.  Cheverly resident.  Own transportation. References upon request. Call Elynn at 301-341-3394.

If you'd like to place an ad in the CPRC Newsline – ITS FREE !  Simply send copy to Jennifer Allegro by
the 20th of each month at editor@cheverlyparent.org or drop it by 2816 64th Ave.

Registrations for the 2002-2003 Pre-K program for next year will be held at J.P. Hoyer Early Child Hood Center on April 29th and 30th for children turning four years old by November 30, 2002.  You must bring to the registration a copy
of your child's birth certificate, shot record, proof of residence (lease or deed) and your child's social security number.  The school is located at 2300 Bellview Ave if you have additional questions or would like to tour the school contact them at 301.295-1986.

This is a great program that many families here in Cheverly have attended.  If you would like to hear a parents opinion contact either Tammie Nelson-Stringer or Jennifer Allegro.  We'll be happy to share our knowledge.

Tennis Anyone ???????

This summer at the Cheverly Swim and Racquet Club (CSR) there is a GREAT opportunity awaiting all of the moms out there!!!  CSC offers a ladies tennis program on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. till noon for all of its members.
They provide FREE babysitting for your children.  The program will start up towards the end of June.  All levels of experience are invited.  Look for future announcements at the pool to sign up.  If you would like information about the
CSR check out www.cheverlypool.com.  So plan on coming out there this summer and working off some of that tension.
We hope to see you there !

Mark the date of May 4th on your calendar, Joe's Movement Emporium is celebrating the Big
Stick Festival!  This is a free open house extravaganza with hands-on activities for every age.  There will be dance classes, performances and visual art.  The Movement Emporium is located at 3802 34th St. in Mt. Rainier.  For more
information, visit their website at www.worldartsfocus.org.

CPRC Spring Fling

Come join us on May 11th!  Come meet some new families and relax.  Do not worry about dinner that day!  Just bring a dish to share and your own blanket for a fun potluck picnic at Town Park.  The children can play in the
playground while you get a chance to chat with other Cheverly parents.  There will be organized games for the kids and maybe even for the adults!  Then, after dinner we can sing along with our guest guitarist.

Date:  May 11
Time:  4pm till dusk

T-shirt Decorating – Order a shirt by Friday, April 19th!!In order for CPRC parade marchers to have
matching t-shirts, we will have tie-dye shirts at the Spring Fling for everyone to decorate.  The shirts will be pre-dyed, and at the Spring Fling, we will decorate them with handprints and fabric painted critters.  Please order your
shirt/oneies ahead of time, so we know how many to tie-dye and what sizes we need.  Shirts are $5, oneies are $2 regardless of size. Please contact Julie James (301) 773-5530 or juliejames@hcef.org and tell her how many
shirts of each size you will need.  Contact Julie to order shirts by Friday, April 19th!

If we have your email address on file, you'll receive an e-vite for the event.  Alternatively,
please RSVP to Ruby at 772-9844.  If there seems to be a question about whether or not
the event will be rained out, check the web page after 12 noon, or call any of the officers
listed at the end of Newsline.

Truck Touch 2002

The annual Truck Touch, sponsored by the Cheverly Weekday Nursery and Mother's Day
Out, is less than one month away!  Come sitbehind the wheel of some of your favorite
vehicles, honk their horns, and take pictures of your kids enjoying "the ride".  You can
experience a limo, police car, fire truck, garbage truck, and more !  There'll also be food, drinks,
and fun games too!  Join us on Saturday, May 4th, 2002 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the
Cheverly United Methodist Church parking lot.  Admission for children ages 2 or older is $2.50;
adults are free !Cheverly United Methodist Church

Children's Choir Performs…
Come enjoy a performance of the CUMC Children's Choir on Sunday, April 21st at the
11:00 a.m. service.  The choir will be performing "Levite Genes".  This year's musical presented
by the children's choirs leads to an understanding of the privilege of leading in worship and praise.
When the children in the story receive an offer of free "Levite Genes" they quickly find out that
these are "genes" that can't be worn.  All are welcome.

"Oliver!"

The Cheverly Young Actors Guild will perform "Oliver!" at the Prince George's
Publik Playhouse on April 26, 27 and May 3rd. Tickets are $6 for children 12 and under, $8
for students and seniors and $10 for adults.  For reservations call the Publik Playhouse box
office at 301.277.1710.

Come see  Cheverly kids perform live on stage, it should be another great production by the CYAG.
Check it out !!!!

Is your Child ready for Pre-K?

Children develop at different rates and take sudden leaps ahead.  Still, there are certain behaviors and skills a four-year old should show.  Many of these skills are necessary before your child can succeed in school.Motor Skills:  Jump up and forward, Ride a tricycle, Throw a ball overhand, Hold a crayon in thumb and fingers not in fist, Stack at least four blocks, Copy a circle.Social and Emotional Skills: Separate easily from parents for a short period of time, Play with
other children, Pretend when playing, Self-Help Skills: Feed himself with spoon and fork, Dress himself with some help, Use the toilet, Calm down easily after showing some temper.Language Skills: Use sentences with at least
three words, Understand simple pronouns – he is "me", someone else is "you", Be understood by people outside his family.

You may want to talk to your child's doctor if he/she can't do any of the above.

[SOURCE: ]
 

BABY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Montgomery Boice O'Connell to Barry and Jodi O'Connell on March 5th, 2002
weighing in at 6lbs. 3 oz.

CONGRATULATIONS to all !!!  To place birth announcements, contact Melanie Hartwig-Davis.

Yoga/Meditation Classes

Come join your neighbors at the Cheverly United Methodist Church for a yoga/meditation
class on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. till 7:30 p.m.  The instructor is Robert Boone who
has been practicing for twenty-five years and teaching for the past six.  The cost is $10.00 per
class, drop-ins welcome. It's a great way to relax!

June Potluck at the Cheverly Swim Club

We will once again have our annual June Potluck at the Cheverly Swim Club.  This is a chance to
get together at the pool, have some dinner, enjoy each other's company, and get in for a swim or
some tennis.  All families are welcome; if you are not a member of the swim club you will
come as a guest of Tammie Nelson-Stringer.  Guest fees after 6pm are only $1 per person.

The event is tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 14.  However, the pool schedule is not final
yet, so please watch the next Newsline, your e-mail, and/or the web site for confirmation of this
date.

Cheverly Recreation Council

The Cheverly "Rec" Council sponsors town events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween
Party, Christmas Party, and Flea Markets.  Many of these events are targeted towards kids 9 years
old and younger.  The Rec council meets every 4th Tuesday at 8pm for about one hour, in the
Cheverly Community Center conference room.  They would love to have some parents of young
children get involved!  They are looking for any new ideas for existing events or even new ideas
for different events.  If you do attend and have anything from those meetings that you'd like to
share with CPRC members, email Tammie Nelson-Stringer at coordinator@cheverlyparent.org.  Note: there
are no meetings in July or August.

****PLAYGROUPS****

Monday/Friday A.M.
Come join us in the community center gym 10:30 – 12:30 Mondays and Fridays.  Check the calendar first, though!  Some days we meet at J.P. Hoyer's Parent Resource Room.  If you need directions to the resource room, send e-mail
to coordinator@cheverlyparent.org.

Don't miss our storytimes with a visiting librarian on Monday, April 22 and Friday, May 3.  The librarian will be coming at 11:40, which gives time for kids in A.M. Weekday Nursery class to come and join us.  On those days, we'll
have regular playtime prior to the librarian, and afterwards as well, time-permitting.

If it's 60 degrees and sunny, the "sunny day rule" is in effect.  That means that we meet at Gast
Park instead.  The "sunny day rule" applies to community center days and Hoyer Resource
Room days.  However, it does not apply on days that we have a librarian coming to playgroup.

I maintain an email list for sending out reminders and announcements about playgroup.  If you
would like to be added to this mailing list, send e-mail to me at coordinator@cheverlyparent.org.

Caregivers and the kids they are caring for are encouraged to come join the fun.Come this Monday or Friday!  It's a great time for parents and kids alike.  *******See you there!*******

P.M. Playgroups

There is an afternoon playgroup that meets on Tuesdays, for more information contact Mary Ali
@301.773.7880 or maryalius@yahoo.com.

Cheverly Day Drawing Contest

The Cheverly Day Committee is sponsoring a drawing contest for children between the ages of
4 and 12.  This year's theme is "Cheverly Cares About Neighbors and Community" and awards
will be presented at Cheverly Day.  All drawings should be on 8.5" x 11" paper with the childs
name, age,address, phone number and parents signature on the back.  Drop your drawings off at
the Community Center by April 19th and Good Luck !

More Playgroup News From Tammie Nelson-Stringer

Although we have many days with a great turnout at playgroup, there are occasionally days
when someone will go to playgroup and be the only one there for a while.  In fact, I have had as
many as three different moms say to me, on the same day, "I went to playgroup and no one was
there".  This happens because each arrive at different times, and leave because they
(understandably) don't want to be the only one there.  We have a new system that will solve this
problem!  We have a list of designated moms (dads are welcome to join the list too of course!)
and each Mon/Fri, someone from the list is assigned to be there on time, for the full session.
Each of us only has to do this once per month, and it guarantees that when you go to playgroup,
you will have company!

Announcing a New Officer Position:  Morning Playgroup Coordinator.
I have been taking care of this, but I would like to separate it from the CPRC coordinator role.  I
am happy to continue through June, but would love if someone would step up to this job for
Sept 2002 – June 2003.  The responsibilities of this office will be:

1) Schedule dates for special events (e.g., librarian, Hoyer Resource Room)
2) Maintain e-mail list of playgroup participants, and email reminders about events
3) Maintain a list of "designated moms/dads" and maintain a calendar to ensure that there is always someone at
playgroup.

**TEE BALL IS STARTING**

Tee Ball tryouts have started but that doesn't mean it's too late. Everyone gets to play! So the
word "try-outs" is sort of a misnomer.  Kids 5, 6,7, and 8 are eligible. Games will start at the end
of April  If you have questions about tee-ball, call Carl Rutan at (301) 322-2345.
 
Also ... if you have older kids who want to play baseball, there are additional registration/try-out
dates. If you have questions about baseball, call Brad Tatum at (301) 773-8283.

There will be one more registration day to join the Boys and Girls Club, at the Community
Center, April 27th from 10-1.

We're Making a List  and Checking it Twice …

Actually, we're making several lists.  As coordinator, I get many calls and emails from
folks who want to know about babysitters, home daycare providers, local pediatricians, doctors
and dentists that other families in Cheverly use.  It would be great if CPRC could maintain a list
to give out.  These lists would be especially useful to new people moving into Cheverly or
families with babies on the way.  Help us to create the lists!

If you are a babysitter or a home daycare provider, we would like to have you on our list!
If you would like to see your babysitter or home daycare provider added to our list, ask them to
contact us.

If you have a pediatrician, OB/Gyn, dentist, or doctor that you like, please forward their
information to us.

Of course, inclusion of someone on the list does not imply endorsement or recommendation by
CPRC.

Please e-mail submissions to coordinator@cheverlyparent.org with "Submit to CPRC List" in the subject line. If you are
interested in receiving the list once it is compiled, please e-mail coordinator@cheverlyparent.org with "Request
CPRC List" in the subject line.

Watkins Nature Center Spring Events

There a re some fun things happening at the Watkins Nature Center this spring.  Join them
for some of these great family activities. The Park in the Dark Night Hikes, April 26th, 7-
8:30 p.m., for ages 8 and older with a parent, Fee: $1.  Discovery Hikes, April  20 and May
18, 9:30 11 a.m. Saturday mornings, for ages 4 and older with a parent.  Free.  Evening
Campfires, May 18th, 7-8:30 p.m. Enjoy tales around the campfire, bring marshmallow
sticks, marshmallows provided.  Fee: $1

SUMMER CAMP 2002

The following is a partial list of summer camps that are out there for your kids.  The CPRC has
put together this listing based on parent recommendations.  Some of us have sent our kids there or have heard great things about these camps from friends/relatives.  But take our advice, sign up early.  Some of these camps fill VERY quickly, keep that in mind for next year.

Preschool/Nursery Camps

The Mothers Day Out Program will be offering its Summer Fun Program at the Cheverly United
Methodist Church on Wednesdays in July.  A similar program is also offered at Christ Church
in Landover on Tuesdays in July.  For  more information contact Joyce Woodworth at
301.322.5281.

Nature/AnimalCamps

The National Zoo in Washington DC offers great animal camps for kids ages K-5th grade.
Check out their website at www.fonz.org for schedules.  Act quick, they fill up fast.

Discovery Creek Children's Museum (at Glen Echo Park) offers great nature camp programs
for kids of all ages.

The Patuxent River 4-H camp in Upper Marlboro offers day camps (ages 6-11) with one
night optional sleep over and their Camp Cherokee (ages 8-12) residential camp.  Call
301.390.7259 for an application

Girls Scout camps offer both daycamps and sleep-away camps for girls ages 5-18, contact
your local Girl Scout organization for more information.

M-NCPPC Summer Camps offers all kinds of camps for kids, including nature, sports,
computers etc. See their brochure at the local public library for schedule.  These camps fill up
fast so keep this in mind for next year.

Sports Camps

Cheverly Soccer Club offers the British Challenger camp here at Town Park the week of
June 17th-21st.  Mini-camps, half day and full day camps are offered.  Ages 4-18.  Call Ken
Furnkranz for an application at 301.773.5159.

If golf is your thing, Troy Beck Golf Academy at the Glenn Dale Golf Course offers four-day
camps for kids ages 7-17.  They run June thru mid-August.  Contact them at 301.262.3683 or
TBGABeckster@aol.com for a registration form.

Gymnastics camp is offered at University of Maryland, Gymkana runs one-week sessions
throughout the summer.  Check out their website home.gymkana.org/gymkana/summer.htlm.

A girl Sports Camp is offered at Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg.  June 17-21st
and July 8th-12.  Ages 7-14 welcome.  Contact Marybeth Dwyer at 301.864.4532 for more
information.

The Navillus Farm in Davidsonville has Summer Pony Camps for ages 5 and up.  Contact
them at 410.798.1992.

Misc. Camps

Is your child interested in cooking?  Check out the Summer Camps for kids (ages 9-12) at the
L'Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda.  They offer one-week camps, which include everything
from baking to international cuisine.  For more information call 301.986.9490.

The D.C. Capital Children's Museum offers weekly camps in clay animation, museum theatre
and much more.  Call 202.675.4149 for a brochure.
 
The Owens Science Center offers Summer Programs in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
and the Challenger Learning Center's Mission to Mars.  They also offer Preschool Summer
Programs also.  For further information call 301.918.8750.

Joe's Movement Emporium in Mt. Rainier offers three Summer Arts Camps this year,
Xtreme Circus, The Odyssey of Theatre and Creativity Explored I and II.  The ages range
from 3-14.  Contact them at 301.699.1819 for information.

Another great place to check is in a copy of the local paper, Washington Parent; you can pick
one up at your local Toys R Us, Borders and Fresh Fields.

The Cheverly Parent Resource Center is collecting dues for September 2001 through August 2002. These dues will help us continue our regular activities such as the twice-weekly playgroups, educational seminars, and new initiatives. To continue receiving Newsline and to support CPRC's efforts to make Cheverly a great place for children, please send your $10.00 check made payable to CPRC using the CPRC Membership Form. If you're not sure if your paid up or not, check your label on the newsletter.  The last two digits reflect the last year you paid your dues.  XX means we have no record of payment.

Tammie Nelson-Stringer, Coordinator, (301) 386-3782, coordinator@cheverlyparent.org

Erin Castelli, Treasurer, (301) 773-1642, treasurer@cheverlyparent.org

Tanya Marshall, Web Page Coordinator, (301) 772-4025, webmaster@cheverlyparent.org

Randy Zuwallack, Membership Database Coordinator, (301) 772-4025, database@cheverlyparent.org

Melanie Hartwig-Davis, Welcome Coordinator, (301) 386-5387, welcome@cheverlyparent.org

Jennifer Allegro, Newsline Editor, (301) 322-4952, editor@cheverlyparent.org

Deaphne Felton Green, Newsline Entertainment Editor, (301) 772-1041, entertainment@cheverlyparent.org