CALENDAR OF EVENTS*

4/7     Playgroup: Librarian @ Community Center
4/11    Playgroup: Bubbles @ playgroup
4/25    Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer .
5/3     Truck Touch, 10 am - 2pm, at CUMC; see Article
5/4     Spring Fling, Town Park, see article
5/5     Playgroup: Librarian @ Community Center
5/10  Cheverly Day Volunteer Open House,  Community Center, 7pm - 8pm
5/17    Mothers Pampering Day, at Julie James, see article.
5/26    Playgroup: J.P. Hoyer
6/14    Cheverly Day!

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.  If the Community Center is closed due to a holiday, the indoor playgroup will not be held.  Locations:
Gast Park:  Corner of Inwood and Parkway.
Cheverly Community Center: 6401 Forest Rd.
J.P.Hoyer,: Bellview Ave.(near 7-11)

Letter From the Coordinator

February and March were busy months.  Bill, Ann Marie, Kimberly and I had a lot of fun hosting a potluck dinner in February.  The child safety workshop was a great success, as was the scrapbooking workshop fundraiser!
Playgroups have been great fun; we get a great turnout at every Monday and Friday gathering, and it has been so much fun to watch the kids' and parents' friendships grow.  Many of the moms & dads who come to playgroup work part-time, and a few work full-time but have a flexible schedule.  If you can squeeze a playgroup visit into your schedule, please do!
I have just started to work part-time again, and was reflecting a bit.  One of the things that I have always loved about CPRC is that it is for the whole family, regardless of your work schedule. During the past six years my work-away-from-home-week has ranged from 60 crazed hours to zero hours, with variation in between.  There has always been some part of CPRC that fit my lifestyle at the time:  weekday evening workshops, Saturday afternoon family events, Friday evening social events, and when I've been lucky enough, morning playgroups.  And when there wasn't time for anything else, I could at least read Newsline on the Metro!

I hope that all of you are finding the slice of CPRC that fits your life at this moment!  If you have not yet been to a CPRC event, please consider coming out to the Spring Fling on May 4th, our special Mother's Indulgence event on May 17th, or the Summer Pool Potluck.  See articles later in Newsline for full details!

Cheverly Day this year is on June 14th.  For those who are new to Cheverly, this is a wonderful town-wide event.  Since much of Cheverly Day is geared towards kids, CPRC is very involved in supporting the event.  See articles later in Newsline about how you can help!  And be sure to come out for the event; it promises to be a great day and night filled with friends, fun & games, food, and fireworks.  Watch our June Newsline for a schedule of kid-related events.
It's time to announce the new CPRC officers, who will "take office" in September.  First, the returning coordinators:  Randy ZuWallack as database coordinator; Tanya Marshall as web page coordinator; Lisa Lincoln and Julie James as treasurer.  New to the committee:  Sue McElroy as welcome coordinator; Cindy Popol as playgroup coordinator; and Marisa Summers as Newsline editor.

Notably missing from this list is the new CPRC coordinator!  This job is a lot of fun and is very rewarding.  And it isn't as much work as you think!  There's a great committee already in place for each of the specific areas.  The coordinator is the primary contact (mostly answering questions from new residents and new parents), holds the meetings, and oversees everyone else's wonderful work.  A "job-share" arrangement is a definite possibility, so if you are interested in taking only part of the responsibilities, give me a call!

I look forward to seeing you at one of the spring events!

Until Then,
Tammie Nelson-Stringer
Coordinator@cheverlyparent.org
(301) 386.3782

How You Can Help

In every issue of Newsline, look in this section for specific volunteer opportunities. 

* Help Tracy Hartmann with the Spring Fling on May 4th.  Contact Tracy at hart9394@worldnet.att.net or 301-772-8332.
* Offer your expertise to the Day of Indulgence and Pampering, May 17th.  Contact Julie James at julieandmike@att.net or 301-773-5530.
* Volunteer to help staff the Cheverly Day bake sale table or bake an item for the sale on June 14th.  Contact Susan McElroy at misssusans@yahoo.com or (301) 523-1843.
* Help with the Cheverly Day field day games or game booths.  Contact Bill Stringer at wstring@comcast.net or 301-386-3782.
* Become our new CPRC Coordinator!  Contact Tammie Nelson-Stringer at coordinator@cheverlyparent.org or 301-386-3782.

TRUCK TOUCH

The annual Truck Touch, sponsored by the Cheverly Weekday Nursery and Mother's Day Out is only one month away! Come sit behind the wheel of some of your favorite vehicles, honk their horns, and take pictures of your kids enjoying "the ride." Your children can experience a police car, a fire truck, a garbage truck and numerous other vehicles. There will also be food, drinks and games. Join us on Saturday, May 3, 2003 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cheverly United Methodist Church parking lot. Admission for children ages 2 or older is $2.50; adults are free!

Pool Party !!!

Never too soon to think about swimming!! CPRC will be having its annual pool party in mid-June -- date to be announced in late April! Suzy Rosen Singleton will be the coordinator of the family-oriented event -- let her know if you would like to assist in the splish splash at suzyrs@yahoo.com.

Help Make Cheverly Day GREAT!

The Cheverly Day Committee will be holding a Volunteer Open House on Thursday, April 10th from 7pm to 8pm in the Community Center conference room.  Pre-event planning volunteers and day of the event volunteers are needed.  Game booths and field games are perfect places to volunteer your time!  If each of us gives just one hour of time, we can ensure fun activities for all!  Three special volunteers are also needed: coaches for the east and west side softball teams, and someone to coordinate field day events.  Please attend the volunteer meeting if you can; if you want to help but can't make the meeting, email Bill Stringer at wstring@comcast.net

Playgroup News

We have finally been able to hold a few playgroups outside at Gast Park.  Thank goodness Spring has finally sprung!  The rule of thumb is that 60 degrees or higher and not raining means outdoor playgroup.  Otherwise we continue to meet at the community center gym.

We have a bubble day scheduled for playgroup on April 11th (raindate is April 21st), when Tammie will bring out her GIANT bubble maker.  It's quite a sight to see, bubbles up to 6 feet long.  Don't miss it!  We also have our usual once-a-month visit from a librarian, and once-a-month field trip to the Parent Resource Room at JP Hoyer.  See the calendar for these dates.

(Note:  If it's a good-weather day on a scheduled Hoyer day, we will meet at Gast Park.  However, if it's a good-weather day on a scheduled librarian day, we will meet at Town Park and then walk up to the community center at 11:45 for storytime.)

We have a centralized distribution list for playgroup.  We use this list to remind folks about the location of each playgroup.  If you wish to be added to the list, please email playgroup@cheverlyparent.org.  If you do not have access to email and would like to stay informed, please call Tammie at 301-386-3782.

We meet every Monday and Friday, from 10:30 - 12:30.  Don't miss out; come join us soon!

MOMS!  You Deserve a DIP Today...

When your family asks you what you want for Mother's Day, suggest that they buy you a Day of Indulgence and Pampering (yes, the acronym is DIP) with other CPRC moms!  The CPRC is hosting DIP Day on Saturday, May 17th from 10am-3pm at the home of Julie James.  Rather than hire professional massage therapists and salon specialists to provide services (which would have required us to charge at least $50 per person), we have decided to buy high quality facial products, provide manicure/pedicure products, serve a lovely lunch, and spend the day with other moms doing each other's nails, doing facials, sipping herbal tea, practicing Yoga, reading magazines, or just enjoying the quiet...  One CPRC mom has offered a foot massage to anyone who wants one!  Please join us.  The cost is $20 per person, and you can come for all or part of the day.  Lunch will be served at noon, but other fruit and finger foods will be available all day.  We've all earned a DIP!  You may reserve a spot at the DIP by calling Julie James at (301) 773-5530 or emailing Julie at julieandmike@att.net.  Please make your reservation by Sunday, May 11th (what a coincidence... the RSVP date is on Mother's Day!).

Book Review By Tammie Nelson Stringer

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees: A Parent's Guide to Raising Financially Responsible Children
by Neale S. Godfrey, Carolina Edwards

Trips to Target had suddenly become a nonstop dissertation of what Ann Marie wanted me to buy her, and I was looking for a way to end the trend. I was astounded at how quickly this book solved the problem. This approach to allowance seemed to very quickly teach her the value of money. On our subsequent trip to Target instead of "I want that Barbie CD player", she said "49.99?!? Who would pay that for a Barbie CD player?"

In short, this is how it works: You give your child an allowance that is divisible by 4 (the book recommends $1 per year of age, but you may think that is too steep). She divides this amount evenly into four jars (your child should do this herself, to teach her how to handle money). One jar is pocket money (this one solves the "buy me an ice cream at the snack bar" problem); one is savings (for planned purchases); one is a college fund; one is for charity.

The child has to truly earn the allowance; the author says to be very strict; if even one of the assigned (age-appropriate) chores is not done, then no allowance.  There is also a good discussion about the difference between personal responsibilities and chores; there are certain things that you do just because you are a member of the community of your family and you do not get paid for those tasks.  You give the child control over the money; within the bounds of your family values you have to let them make their own purchase decisions. Spending your hard-earned savings on a flimsy toy that breaks is one of life's important learning experiences.

You might find that giving your child allowance actually saves money in your family budget! I had been a sucker for "please, mom, please!" . . . now those items come out of her savings, which she is very cautious about spending.  My favorite side effect of adopting this approach has been watching Ann Marie's generosity. After saving up for a while for a teddy bear at the build-a-bear workshop, she instead bought a little backpack for her baby sister. Ann Marie "spends" her charity dollars even more enthusiastically than her personal savings. Her favorite is that she sponsors a chicken named Tina at a farm animal sanctuary. The one that touched me was when, after watching a news program about children in Afganistan who were dying of preventable diseases, she said "How come their mother doesn't take them to the pediatrician?" We went to the Internet and she donated money to Project HOPE for child vaccinations.

There's a lot more to it, you'll have to read the book for full details!

Taste of Takoma Park

The 3rd Annual Taste of Takoma Park is Sunday, April 13th from noon till 5 p.m. at Columbia Union College, 7600 Flower Ave. Takoma Park, MD.  There will be food from local restaurants, CUC's gymnastics team, the Acro-Airs, childrens storytelling, carnival games and much more.  For more information contact Elissa Morello at 301.270.3347.

Teaching Sign Language to your Baby By Tammie Nelson Stringer

When I was pregnant with Kimberly, Ann Marie would talk about how excited she was to teach her baby sister or brother "everything".  But most of all she was looking forward to teaching sign language to the new baby.  Ann Marie is hard of hearing, and although she is primarily verbal, she uses some sign language, and is always learning more.  We keep saying we're going to learn more as a family, and teaching Kimberly seemed like a good way to get going.
 
Babies can use their hands to form signs long before they can put together all the complex elements that make up verbal speech.  Teaching your baby to sign allows them to communicate earlier, reducing both parental and child frustration.  Research suggests that early signing results in an increased vocabulary when the child starts verbal communication.

Joseph Garcia, author of "Sign With Your Baby," writes that parents can begin teaching their babies signs as young as 6 months of age.  After a few months of consistent use of signs to represent common actions or objects, a child may begin using the signs shown to him as early as 9 months.  We intended to start that early, but didn't start with Kimberly until 10 months, and she started signing within a few weeks.

Kimberly's first sign was "milk" for nursing.  This was wonderful; she could now clearly tell me when she was hungry!  By eleven months she added signs for eat, more, swing, fan, and helicopter.  It was so much fun to be able to communicate with Kimberly this early.  And the excitement in her eyes when Bill or Ann Marie or I really understood her showed that Kimberly was also enjoying this early communication.

By 18 months, Kimberly was using many more signs including drink, open, finished, bird, water, hurt, cookie, book, stop, thank you, please, baby, tree, and even the ASL sign for "I love you".  (Her daddy's favorite.)  We have also noticed that she makes up her own signs for things; she understands that using your hands is a method of communication and she's going to use all the tools at her disposal to get her point across!  She puts signs and words together in sentences.  She'll tell me that the dog needs water:  the ASL sign for water, her own personal sign for give/want/need, and a verbalized "woof-woof".

Kimberly is talking more now, and seems to have a large vocabulary for a 21 month old (but of course I'm her mother so I am biased).  This makes sense to me; if you start signing at an early age then you have an earlier grasp of the whole process of communication.  But as I see it, the intent of this is not to make your child smarter, but to make them happier; a child who can communicate her needs is going to be a happier child.  And despite the occasional temper tantrum, Kimberly is indeed a very happy, confident child.

The following was excerpted with permission from "The Benefits of Using Sign Language with your Baby" by BD Vega; see the full article at http://www.guerrillagrrls.com/signs.html.

Tips to Successful Signing with your Baby

1.  Begin slowly.  Use only a few signs representing the most common words or actions that your baby will understand.
2.  Be consistent.  Use the same sign, the same way, each time you show it to your child.
3.  Make signs at your child's eye level.  When you teach your child a sign, make sure she can see it and understand how it is done.
4.  Be patient.  Give your child time, and soon he will surprise you by using the signs he has learned.
5. Don't be too quick to correct.  As she gets older, and with practice, your child will learn the correct representation of the sign.

Prince Georges Sports and Learning Center

There are some great upcoming and ongoing events happening at the Sports and Learning Complex located in Landover.  Did you know that Friday nights are Open Swim Fridays?  That means their FREE !  Fri, April 4th and 18th from 6:00 p.m. - 8 p.m..  Bring the entire family to the pool and enjoy free swimming.  On the alternate Fridays they offer a FREE Stroke Clinic from 6p.m. - 8 p.m.  Come learn basic stroke techniques from their Water Safety Instructors.  Their Easter Egg Hunt is Sun, April 19th from noon to 4 p.m., ages 2-12, Fee:$4, hunt for candy and eggs and enjoy a show from the Tom Lilly Beowulf and the One Step Magic Company.  Don't forget about their great Gymnastics Workshops on Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Fee: $3.  Their Field House is also open for Field House Walking, Mon-Fri. from 8 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and its FREE.  Sorry strollers are not allowed.  Its so close why not check it out.

U-PROMISE TO SEND ME TO COLLEGE? BY ANDREA LEAL

It recently dawned on me that I have 17 years, 8 months and an odd number of days to save up for my daughter, Alexandra's, college education.  Wow!  With budgeting for diapers and everything else a baby needs, how do you do it?!?  Well, I recently came across a wonderful program that may not foot the bill for her classes down the road, but it will add to her savings and hopefully make a difference.  It's called U-Promise (www.upromise.com) and it takes almost no effort to start the change coming in.

U-Promise is a free program in which companies give a small percent back to the consumer for their brand loyalty.  Here is how it works:  Simply log on to sign up for the program at www.upromise.com, enroll cards like your Giant & Safeway discount cards, your CVS card, bank debit card, and any other credit cards you use (such as gas station cards, long distance calling cards, and credit cards).  Once they are enrolled you simply continue on as a consumer as before.  But now when you do your shopping, participating companies will give a little bit back to your U-Promise fund.  For example, when you buy HUGGIES diapers, you get 3% back for your fund.  There are hundreds of participants so you really don't need to change your shopping habits.

The best thing is that this program is for anyone.  That means that not only Mom & Dad can enroll to save, but also Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and friends, too.  With everyone signed up, it's more change coming in! The program works for retail stores, restaurants, online shopping, and other special programs.  And to take things a step further, you can invest your U-Promise savings into a 529 tax-free plan (this is explained on their site).

I still stress-out a bit as I stroll down the isles at Giant spending money, but at least now I feel a little bit better knowing that as I spend, a little is being set aside for my daughter's education.

First Annual Scrapbooking  Fundraiser was a Great Success! By Tammie Nelson-Stringer

This event was a lot of fun and was also a successful fundraiser!  Twenty women attended and we raffled off three prizes.  We raised $350 for CPRC plus a $100 contribution to the Cheverly United Methodist Church (CUMC) as a thank you for the repeated use of their space for our events.  Many thanks to those who contributed snacks and beverages, and to those who helped set up and clean up.  We'll do this again next year!

Linganore Winecellars

As the weather starts to warm up and your looking for something to do, check out the Linganore Winecellars in Mt. Airy, Maryland.  They offer great wine fests with music, winetasting, food and tours of the vineyards.  It's a great place to bring the kids and let them run around and enjoy the fresh air.  The last time we were there they also had a petting zoo for the lil'ones.  Future events include a Swingin'Blues Wine Fest the weekend of May 24-25 and in June, the weekend of the 21st-22nd they will have their Classic Motown Wine Fest.  For more information or directions contact them at 301.831.5889 or check them out at www.Linganore-wine.com.

University Park Clothing Co-op Spring Sale

The 26th Annual Co-op Spring Sale will be held Saturday, April 5th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church, 6513 Queens Chapel Road in University Park, MD.  Check it out for great deals on gently used children's clothes, baby items and toys.  I know we probably all have too many gently used toys but they really do have quite a large clothing selection.  Go early it does get very crowded and people arrive before the doors open.  Mark your calendars now for their Fall sale, October 11th, 2003.

* * Spring Fling * *

It's time for the annual CPRC Spring Fling!  Sunday, May 4th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Town Park and Pavilion.  Enjoy a sunny time playing games, doing crafts and spending time with other Cheverly families.  You will receive an Evite soon with more information.  Everyone will be asked to bring a covered dish or drinks.  The grills will be available but you should plan on bringing your own supplies.  Don't forget to label all of your sports equipment, frisbees, balls and serving dishes. See you there! For more information contact Tracy Hartman at 301.772.8332.
 

5th Annual Kite Day

The 5th Annual Port Towns Kite Day is Saturday, April12th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Free kite to the first 500 guests !  Come out and see the Wings over Washington Kite Club, have your face painted and just enjoy the day.  Kite Day will be at Colmar Manor Ballfields just off of Bladensburg Road.  For more information contact Lynne Anderson at 301.210.3788.

Car seat Alert !

Just a note here, the DC police have begun enforcing a new law that requires children to ride in a car safety seat until age eight.  The District is the first jurusdiction in the country to have such alaw, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  First time driving offenders will face a fine of $75 and two points on their driver's license, but the fine will be reduced to $25 if they attend a child-restraint safety class.  The fine and the class are mandatory for second time offenders.  Fines increase to $125 for a third offense and $150 for the fourth and subsequent offenses.  So remember to BUCKLE UP !

A MUST-SEE! 

Cheverly Young Actor's Guild presents Rogers and Hammerstein's CINDERELLA at
The Public Playhouse,5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, Reservations: 301-277-1710
April 3,4,5,6,10,11,12 at 7:30pm
April 5,6,12 at 2:00pm
(April 5 matinee interpreted for the hearing impaired.)

Child Safety Workshop was a Success! By Lisa and Andy Lincoln

On Feb. 2nd, CPRC sponsored a Child Safety Workshop that was fun as well as educational!  Eighteen children attend the workshop and learned about many safety issues, including a 5 step program:

1. Run to dial 911
2. Helmets are for bikes, skates, and scooters too
3. Keep guns away from me
4. Check before you open the door
5. Buckle up to stay alive

As a side note:  The Cheverly Police Department has two officers trained to perform car safety seat checks.  You may call the Department to schedule a check.

BULLETIN BOARD

Dan Shenk-Evans is looking for people here in Cheverly who do or who are interested in carpooling a couple of days a week.  He works at 13th and U Street, NW.  Please contact him at 301.772.7304 or dshenkevans@alumni.duke.edu

Creative Memories Scrapbooking Workshops

Get yourself out of the house, and get your photos out of shoeboxes and into albums!   Come to my house and work on your scrapbook with friends.  I'm going to host these events once a month, alternating between Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.  The first one is Sunday April 6th, 2pm - 5pm.  The next one will be Friday May 9th, 7:30pm - 11pm.  The price is just $5, which includes beverages and snacks and use of my "cropping" tools.  Space is limited!  RSVP today to tammienelson@comcast.net or call 301-386-3782.  Hope to see you there!

Children's Art Workshops
3030 Crest Ave., contact: Liz Lescault 
tel. 772-9340;  e-mail  lescault@earthlink.net

Summer:   Pottery Workshops
Fall:          Wire Sculpture   Mobiles and Stabiles
Winter:      Water  Color
Spring:      Sketching and graphics

Play Ball!
T-Ball sign up and registration for the Boys and Girls club will take place Saturday, April 12 at 10 am, Town Park.  We are looking for coaches and volunteers to help run the league.  401K plan is unbelievable - literally.  :)  Call Carl Rutan if you'd like to help!  (301) 322-2345

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Melanie Hartwig-Davis, Lance Davis, and big brother Hunter celebrated the arrival of Shepard Hartwig Davis, born on February 8, 2003:  8 lbs, 6 oz and 20.5 inches long.

Alex and Assheton Carter and big sister Phoebe welcomed a baby boy on January 24th.  Little Eric weighed 6lb 13 oz and was 21 inches long.  He joins his proud big sister Phoebe.

The CPRC welcomes these little ones and wishes a good night's rest to their parents!  Please send all baby announcements to Sue McElroy at welcome@cheverlyparent.org

As you all know, Cheverly Day is June 14. CPRC will once again have a Bake Sale at Cheverly Day. Sue McElroy is asking for baking volunteers as well as volunteers to man the table the day of the event.  Please contact Sue at misssusans@yahoo.com or 301-341-3497

Cheverly Soccer Club 2003 Soccer Camp

The CSC will be offering their Challenger British Soccer Camp again this year.  The camp will be at the Town Park from June 23rd thru the 27th.  There will be two Mini-camp sessions, ages 4-5, from 9:00-10:30 and 10:40-12:10.  There will also be a half-day camp for 5 to 8 year olds from 1 - 4p.m.  Check out the Adolescent page for camps for the older crowd.  This is a great camp offered right here in town, the coaches are enthusiactic and very well qualified.    The cost for the camps will be $125.00 for the half-day camp and $75.00 for the Mini-camp session.  For more information or a registration form contact  Ken Furnkrantz, 301.773.5159

Babysitting Workshops

The Prince George's County Memorial Library System will be holding babysitting workshops for ages 13 to 19 at several of its library branches. The workshop, aimed to teach the basics of babysitting, will cover child care, safety, helpful hints, and play time ideas. Qualified participants who complete all three sessions will receive an official 4-H Babysitting Certificate.

The New Carrollton Branch, located at 7414 Riverdale Road in NewCarrollton, will hold the workshop on April 30, May 7, and May 14th from6 PM to 7:30 PM. Preregistration is required. Please call: 301-459-6900.Other branches that will holding babysitting workshops in late April and early May are: Hyattsville, Laurel, Surratts-Clinton, Bowie, and Upper Marlboro. See the CPRC Library Web page (http://www.cheverlyparent.org/resources/libraries.html) for contact information for these branches.

Cheverly Soccer Camp

The CSC will be offering the Challenger British Soccer Camp again this year, the dates will be June 23rd thru the 27th at the Town Park in Cheverly.  There will be four full-day camps offered, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., ages 7-8's, ages 9-10's, ages11-12's and ages 13-15's. They will be looking for volunteers to host coaches and assist with the registration and monitoring of the camp sessions.  The cost for the full-day camp will be $175.00 with multicamper and early bird discounts available.  For more information or a registration form contact  Ken Furnkrantz, 301. 773.5159

Baseball Season has Arrived!

Well, now that the Baltimore Orioles have won their opening day game against the Cleveland Indians at Camden Yards, some people say that's the official start of spring !  Never  mind that they had a freakish snow squall in the middle of it !  What better way to get in the mood than a visit to The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.  The museum houses collections on George Herman "Babe" Ruth, the Baltimore Orioles, the Baltimore Colts, the Negro Leagues of Maryland, regional baseball and Johnny Unitas.  It truly does preserve Maryland's sports heritage for future generations.  There is a great exhibit on Memorial Stadium Memories.  There are historic photographs and rare artifacts reliving great moments at Memorial Stadium, the 1966 World Series and the 1959 NFL Championship game.  Last March, Johnny Unitas donated his football collection to the Babe Ruth Museum because he wanted to "give something back to the fans of Baltimore."  They have everyhting from his cleats to footballs including rare film footage of his high school team.

The museum is located at 216 Emory Street in Baltimore.  The hours are Mon. through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, and until 7 pm on all Orioles home game days.  Admision is $6 -foradults, $3 for kids ages 5 - 16, and 4 and under are free.  For more information call 410.727.1539 or visit them at www.baberuthmuseum.com.

Help Dr. Marbles save Motherboard and keep Cyberspace safe! By Tammie Nelson Stringer

Cyberchase is a daily animated adventure television series and multimedia project for children ages 7-10, about a team of kids on daring missions in Cyberspace. To save the day, our heroes have to use MATH and BRAIN POWER. My daughter Ann Marie loves this show, and it is one TV show that I think is not just innocuous but is truly beneficial. It's got great "AHA!"  potential: you can practically see the cartoon light bulb go off over her head while she is watching it. It really makes math fun, and helps her to "get" some difficult math concepts. I also think that the companion website is terrific. There are tons of games that partner the episodes, true problem solving games that really get her thinking. Cyberchase is on PBS and the web site is http://pbskids.org/cyberchase.

The Cheverly Parent Resource Center is collecting dues for September 2002 through August 2003. 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

Lisa Lincoln, Treasurer, (301) 773-1642, treasurer@cheverlyparent.org

Donna Brown, Playgroup Coordinator, 301-773-5036, playgroup@cheverlyparent.org

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

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

Susan McElroy, Welcome Coordinator, (301) 386-5387, welcome@cheverlyparent.org

Marisa Summers, Newsline Editor, editor@cheverlyparent.org