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.)

2/4        CPRC Planning Meeting: 7:00 p.m. at Tammie Nelson Stringer's,  Forest Rd. 301.386.3782
2/8        CPRC Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer
2/11      Special Playgroup Activity: Storytelling: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
2/12      Shove Tuesday Pancake Supper, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m., Cheverly United Methodist Church
2/25      CPRC Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer
2/27      Parenting Workshop, "How to write a Will", 7:30 -8:30 p.m. (See Article)
3/4        Special Playgroup Activity: Storytelling: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
3/8        CPRC Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer
3/18      CPRC Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer
3/30      Easter Egg Hunt: Sponsored by the Cheverly Rec. Council
4/13      Spring Flea Market
4/27      Kid's Stuff Sale
5/4        Truck Touch, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Cheverly United Methodist Church

ONGOING
Playgroups are every Monday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Gast Park.  If below 65 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....

We had two very fun social events in December.  Mary Ali hosted a holiday potluck that was attended by about 12 families.  It was a lot of fun.  I especially enjoyed meeting some families who have moved to Cheverly recently.
We also had a Caroling party at my house.  The caroling and the post caroling gathering were both great!  We had hot chocolate and eggnog and everyone brought goodies.  Parents talked, children played.  Some parents even played the piano and sang after we got back to the house.  Great fun was had by all.

Playgroups, playgroups, playgroups!  There are now three CPRC playgroups!  The Monday / Friday morning playgroup, which is CPRC's traditional playgroup timeslot, had a slow December.  Many folks were sick or had sick kids, or were out shopping or entertaining guests.  So if you stopped by and found an empty gym, that's why!  But we have had quite a resurgence in January.  For instance, on January 11 we had 8 parents and 10 kids.  January 18th at Hoyer we had 10 parents and 12 kids. See the article on morning playgroups and the calendar for info on upcoming events at this playgroup.

There were several moms who would have liked to attend the morning playgroups but had kids in morning preschool or who work Mondays and Fridays.  Mary Ali has formed an afternoon playgroup; see her write-up later in the newsletter.

There are several home-schooling families in Cheverly.  Another playgroup is being formed that is open to everyone, but that has a focus on older kids (so far the age range is 5-12 with some younger siblings).  See Mary McGovern's write-up later in the newsletter.

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!

-Tammie Nelson-Stringer
tammienelson@mindspring.com
301.386.3782

BABYSITTING LIST

The CPRC is starting to compile a list of local babysitters who have attended formal babysitting training sessions offered by the Red Cross, area hospitals, and other organizations. This list will be provided to interested parents who are looking for a babysitter who is trained and educated in child safety, infant and child first aid, and related babysitting skills. If you have already attended one of these programs and would like to be added to our list, please call Tanya Marshall at 301-772-4025. You may also send her an e-mail at tlm@wam.umd.edu. Don't forget to include the following information: Your name, age (or birth date), address, phone number, and the name of the program that you have attended. If you are interested in attending a babysitter training program, Children's Hospital offers a course in Child Care and Babysitting Safety (CABS) at it's outpatient center in Upper Marlboro. The next course is scheduled for Saturday, February 16, 2002, from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (bring a lunch), and it covers personal safety, fire and water safety, infant care, emergencies, basic first aid, and choking management. The cost of this program is $45. For more information, call 202-884-381, or visit Children's Hospital's "Raising Healthy Kids" class website at
http://www.cnmc.org/parents/par2d1.htm. If you attend this course, please let us know so that we can add you to our new babysitter list! Additional babysitting  programs will be listed in Newsline as information about them is collected.

B U L L E T I N  B O A R D

Wanted - Small Toys:
Are you overwhelmed by the number of small McDonalds or other fast food toys you have in your house?  Would you like to free up some space and start your Spring cleaning early?  The Cheverly Weekday Nursery School is asking for small toys donations (Happy Meal --sized) for two of its upcoming fundraisers (Truck Touch in May and Cheverly Day Fishing Pond in June).  Please take your donations to either the Cheverly Weekday Nursery or Mother's Day Out at the Cheverly United Methodist Church or drop them off at Mrs. Nancy McGuirk's house at : 2901 64th Avenue in Cheverly.  We greatly appreciate your help!  If you have any questions, please call 301.773.2297.

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 allegroblue@aol.com or drop it by 2816 64th Ave.

National Building Museum

There are some great programs coming up at the National Building Museum in Washington DC.  For instance, Family Program, "All Aboard!", Saturday, February 9th, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.  After visiting the exhibition, On Track: Transit and the American City,  families will enjoy stories about trains and travel such as The little Engine that Could.  Then children can design and build their own train car. Ages 3-6. $3.00 per train car. No registration required. Then on February 28th, there's music in the Great Hall - Anassegromma of Ghana, from 12:215 - 1:15 p.m.  During this lively performance, songs, dances, and games are accompanied by drum rhythms that evoke the majesty and mystery of West Africa. Free.   Registration not required.

CPRC Parenting Workshop

The CPRC will be sponsoring a parenting workshop specifically addressing "How to write a Will and ALL those other Legal Issues"   Have you been putting it off?  Thought about it, but just didn't have the time?  Well join the CPRC at the Cheverly Community Center on Wednesday, February 27th, 7:30 -8:30 p.m.,  while we welcome Larry Burch ( a longtime Cheverly resident/parent.)  Larry is a General Practice lawyer here in Greenbelt and is going to explain all about simple wills/ trusts/ living wills etc.  He'll have questionnaires which walk you through every step of the way.  He'll answer any questions you have concerning any of these issues.  Please plan on joining us you really shouldn't put this one off any longer. We hope to see you there !

CPRC Website has a New Home

On January 1st of this year, the Cheverly Parent Resource Center website moved to a new home.  The new URL is http://www.cheverlyparent.org.  Don't forget to update your bookmarks with this new address!  Also, if you have any ideas for the website, such as the addition of new material or information, feel free to contact the CPRC Web Coordinator, Tanya Marshall, at 301.772.4025 or tlm@wam.umd.edu.  Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Watkins Park Special Events

There are a couple of great events scheduled at the Watkins Nature Center located in Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro  On Saturday February 9th from 1-4 it's Day of the Dinosaur.  There will be crafts, puppet shows, live animal shows for dinosaur fans ages 4 and older (and their parents).  Cost is $2, reservations are required.  March 9th, it's Owls on the Prowl, from 1-4.  You can meet the live owls up close.  For either of these events call 301.218.6702 to register or for more information.

Kid's Stuff Sale
Mark your Calendar! Reserve Your Table Now!

The Cheverly Parent Resource Center's Kids' Stuff Sale will take place on Saturday, April 27th, 2002.  Please mark your calendars with this date.  We are currently taking table reservations. Please contact Lisa Lincoln @301.773.4844 or andrew.lincoln@verizon.com OR Elizabeth Bou @ 301.772.0377 or m2mbou@cs.com.  Suitable items to sell include children's clothing, toys, books, games, sports equipment, baby furniture and equipment and maternity clothes.  Sorry, NO CAR SEATS may be sold.

BABY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ms. Erin Grace O'Leary to Patrick and Liz O'Leary on December 17th, 2001 at 6:43 p.m. weighing in at 6lbs. 12 oz. and 19.5 inches long.

Twins !!!! Mr. Sean McManus Dwyer weighing in at 4 lbs. 14 oz. and his brother Mr. Ciaran Ruddy Dwyer weighing in at 4 lbs. 8 oz.  The boys arrived on November 13th, 2001 to the delight of their parents Maureen and Chris Dwyer

Mr. Nathaniel (Nat) Joseph DiMauro McGovern to Mary and Charlie McGovern on December 1st, 2001 at 8:50 p.m. weighing in at 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 21" long.

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

PANCAKE SUPPER !!!

Come join your neighbors  at the Cheverly United Methodist Church for the Annual Shove Tuesday Pancake Supper ! Tuesday, February 12th from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in Fogle Hall, $5.00 adults, $3.00 children,  three and under are free!  Come and see the church renovations in progress   Hope to see you there......!!

CPRC participates in Cheverly Day 2002

The CPRC has traditionally held a bake sale during Cheverly Day, and it has proven to be a successful fundraising event. Watch in the April Newsline for information on how to sign up to bake or work a shift at the table on Cheverly Day. If you'd like to help organize the bake sale, please give Julie James a call at 301-773-5530.

Julie is also heading up CPRC's parade effort. We have not yet decided exactly what our participation in the parade will be. In the last Cheverly Day parade, the CPRC had a number of members push their children in strollers. Some additional ideas are a parade of kids, a float, banners, etc. If you are interested in brainstorming for ideas and motivating people to participate in this year's parade, please give Julie a call!

****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 tammienelson@mindspring.com.

The kids have a great time at playgroup.  We have lots of ride-on toys, push-toys, and infant/toddler toys.  We have a clubhouse, and an exersaucer.  We have two little tables and chairs for eating lunch.  We could use another exersaucer if you've got one you'd like to donate.

Don't miss our storytimes with a visiting librarian on February 11th and March 4th.

Caregivers and the kids they are caring for are encouraged to come join the fun!  Don't delay!  Come this Monday or Friday!  It's a great time for adults and kids alike.

NEW Homeschoolers Playgroups
Cheverly homeschoolers, their friends, and anyone else interested in kickball, basketball, tumbling, tag or whatever other games we're inspired to play - join us for a good romp on Thursdays from 1 - 3p.m. (except for the 2nd Thursdays of each month, on which there will be no meeting).  For now, we're meeting in the Community Center gym.  When the weather gets nicer, we'll move to the Pool Park.  Bring your sports equipment, bring your energy and let's have fun!  Everyone is welcome.  If you have questions, call Mary McGovern at 301.772.6096

NEW P.M. Playgroups
There has been some interest expressed in an afternoon playgroup for children that are in morning programs.  With that in mind, we are starting a new playgroup open to everyone to provide a wider range of options.  The group will meet at least once a week while we are getting everyone's feedback.  Please contact Mary Ali @ 301.773.7880 or  maryalius@yahoo.com with any suggestions or comments.  If you are interested on being on our monthly list to receive the scheduled events, contact Mary.  The group presently meets every Tuesday from 12:30 - 1:30 at the Sports and Learning Complex for an open gymnastics session.

  KIDS ABOUT TOWN

(If your child wants to be a "kid about town", send email to tammienelson@mindspring.com)
 

Julia (age 5), Emily (age 7), and Elise (age  2) Castelli highly recommend the Capital Children's Museum.  It's appropriate for all ages and isn't too far from Cheverly.  It's located at 800 Third Street NE in DC.  It's open Tues-Sun, 10am - 5pm.  There are lots of interactive exhibits, cool workshops, activities (crafts, etc.) and storytimes.  For more information, call (202) 675-4120 or go to their web site at http://www.ccm.org/   Cost info:  $7/person, $5/seniors, children under 2 FREE; half-price Sundays before noon. Family Membership is $50 (up to 6 people), includes free admission to Capital Children's Museum as well as to other science museums with ASTC Passport Program.

Hannah Hartman (age 4) gets creative at the Greenbelt preschool drop-in art program.  It's held in the first floor children's art room at the Greenbelt Community Center (15 Crescent Rd in old Greenbelt).  This program is for ages 3-5 and is held Wednesdays through April 3, 9am - noon.  There is also an after school arts and crafts program for ages 5-8 on Tuesdays through March 12, 4:30 - 5:30.  The cost for either program is only $1 per session!  For more information call Elizabeth Lundberg Morisette at 301-474-8042.

David Stemmle (age 3) proudly listens as his mom tells stories at the Spanish/English story time (Lectura de Cuentos en Español e Ingles) at the Hyattsville Library on Saturdays at 10:30 am.  This storytime is intended for kids 3-6.  The Hyattsville branch of the library is located at 6532 Adelphi Rd.  You can call them at (301) 985-4690.  For more information on this or other storytimes, see the program schedule for all branches at http://www.prge.lib.md.us/lib/programs.html

REMINDER: NO PLAYGROUP FEBRUARY 18TH, PRESIDENT'S DAY !!!!!!!
 

2002 Cheverly Boys and Girls Club Registration

The Cheverly Boys and Girls Club will be holding their registration for the upcoming year on Feb. 23rd and March 2nd.  Come down to the Community Center between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.and register your child (must be born in 1996 or earlier). Registration allows your child to participate in all three sports offered by the Club.  Tee-ball in the Spring, mini-soccer in the fall and basketball  in the winter.  Bring a copy of your child's birth certificate, proof of residency, and a photo of the child to the registration.  If you are interested in coaching please let the registrar know and she can give you further details.

For more info, call Diana Dawkins, 301.386.9832

****ART CLASSES****

Did you know that Art Classes for Children are being offered right here in Cheverly?  Liz Lescault has been teaching art to children here in Cheverly over the last twelve years.  She is a professional potter and artist with a beautiful studio and classroom facilities for teaching art in her home.  She has a masters in Education and has also studied and worked in a variety of media including watercolor which she studied in Paris.  Her schedule for classes this year is as follows:

AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES
(7-15 yr.olds)
Winter: Watercolor
Spring: Sketching
Fall: Wire Sculpture, Mobils and Junk Sculpture

SUMMER CLASSES
(7-15 yr. olds)
Pottery

If you have any questions or would like to be put on her mailing list please contact Liz directly  at 3030 Crest Avenue, Cheverly, MD, 301.772.9340.

CHEVERLY DAY !!

Mark your Calendar for June 8th, 2002. This year Cheverly Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th, 2002.  For those of you who may be new to Cheverly, Cheverly Day is an annual event held to commemorate the establishment of the town.  This year is also a "parade year" (usually held every five years), which means that the residents of Cheverly will enjoy an old-fashioned parade, with bands, dancers, a number of civic organizations, and a variety of other acts, right down Cheverly Avenue.

While Cheverly Day is enjoyed by many - it offers many activities for children, such as a moon bounce, pony rides, and organized games, stage entertainment for the whole family, vendors for food and crafts, fireworks, and much more - participation in the organization of Cheverly Day has significantly dwindled in the past years.  As a result, the town had to cancel last year's celebration.  Participation in the organization of this year's Cheverly Day is equally low.  We have only a handful of volunteers who are trying to organize everything from vendors and games to booklets and the parade.  The Committee needs your help !

There are a variety of ways that people can help out, even if it is only for an hour! The committee is also seeking some volunteers who are interested in investing a little more time for the following tasks: managing fundraising activities; serving as treasurer; coordinating vendors; designing the layout of the Cheverly Day booklet; helping with the logistics of the parade; and organizing adult activities. All of these tasks are already assigned to people on the committee who are willing to either share the work or transfer the tasks to new people. If you are interested in learning how you can help out, please contact Tanya Marshall at 301-772-4025 or at tlm@wam.umd.edu. The Cheverly Day Committee looks forward to hearing from you!

 The ultimate success of the day, and the ability to continue the tradition of Cheverly Day, is dependent upon you !

MOM ABOUT TOWN By Melanie Hartwig-Davis

Ever need some encouragement to get up and moving?  Maybe even loose those last few pounds left from the latest pregnancy?  Well, I would like to share with you some information on the Prince George's County Sports and Learning Complex.  I have been going there for over a year now, and truly enjoy the many opportunities the facility provides.  Please keep in mind that this article presents my personal experience, not necessarily a complete review of the facility. I often try to follow my "personal time" at the gym with a special time for Hunter (3 years old).  Usually that involves the gymnastics workshop or leisure pool.  We would love to see you there!

MEMBERSHIP- There is no "initiation fee" for joining the facility.  To access the Fitness Center, you can pay $5.00 a day, or $43.00 for a monthly membership.  This allows you access to the Leisure pool area, the core Aerobic Classes, and the Fitness Center.  There is a separate membership for the Olympic Pool area.  I believe the gym track is free when available.  There are seasonal track meets and conventions held in this location at times.

DAYCARE - There is a wonderful daycare facility with loads of toys, a dress-up station, kitchen area, tool area, reading area, computer area, etc. - and NO TELEVISION.   The hours are from 9-1 and 4:30-8:30pm during the week.  There are limited Saturday hours and no Sunday hours.  The cost is a $2.00 "coupon" that allows you to leave your child for two hours. The youngest they accept is 12 months old.  They do not change diapers, but they will come find you and ask you to change a dirty diaper.  They allow sippy-cups and selective snacks upon approval.

FITNESS CENTER - This is where I spend most of my time weight training and on the cardio machines.  When I first started at this gym, a trainer walked me around and showed me how to use the machines.  There are always trainers available if you have questions, or just need to be motivated or challenged.   There are aerobics classes in the late afternoon and evenings.  There are usually spinning classes at lunch during the week.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me, or the Sports and Learning Complex at 301.583.2400.

ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS By Elizabeth Bou

Finding Forrester...starring Sean Connery

A true Hollywood secret......another great movie that didn't get the fanfare it so truly deserved. Really enjoyed this movie...it combined humor with emotion in a way that makes it worth watching again...

This movie is about a unique and unusual friendship that develops between a gifted inner-city youth and a reclusive, esteemed novelist.
Finding Forrester introduces talented newcomer Rob Brown, whose performance opposite Sean Connery is refreshingly uplifting. The gifted youth (Brown), is a 16 year old basketball wizard whose secret passion is writing. The Pulitzer Prize winning novelist (Connery) accidentally meets up with the youth, becomes his unlikely mentor while sharing life's lessons with each other through friendship, respect and integrity.

This believable, witty, comical movie is a must see.....ENJOY!!

Spring Fling 2002

The CPRC is looking for someone to organize this years Spring Fling at Gast Park.  In the past, we have had spring plantings, picnic potlucks, games, etc.  Help out the community while having a great time at the park !  If you are interested in organizing it or just want to help out please call Tammie Nelson-Stringer at 301.386.3782 OR tammienelson@mindspring.com.

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, tammienelson@mindspring.com

Erin Castelli, Treasurer, (301) 773-1642, bcaste1642@aol.com

Tanya Marshall, Web Page Coordinator, (301) 772-4025, tlm@wam.umd.edu

Randy Zuwallack, Membership Database Coordinator, (301) 772-4025, zuwal001@yahoo.com

Melanie Hartwig-Davis, Welcome Coordinator, (301) 386-5387, hdsquare@verizon.net

Jennifer Allegro, Newsline Editor, (301) 322-4952, allegroblue@aol.com

Deaphne Felton Green, Newsline Entertainment Editor, (301) 772-1041, dfeltongreen@yahoo.com