Current Issue

A Trip to the Orchard

This fall, children from each of our family child care homes had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day at Charlton Orchards. The Orchard Safari tram transported the children, staff and volunteers into the orchard. Patty, the owner and operator of the orchard, gave a brief presentation to the children. She pointed out to the children the many different fruits that are grown on their farm. Throughout the ride the children had a chance to see many new and exciting things. On one of the trips a wild turkey ran along beside the tram. "Where did he go?" wondered a little girl when the turkey disappeared into the woods. Every child was given an individual bag to pick his/her own apples and pears to bring home to their families. The children held on to their bags as if they were bags of gold.
One little boy talked about bringing the apples home to share with his grandmother and sister.

With Patty's guidance the children were allowed to feed the different animals that live on the farm. Most of the children were eager to participate with the feeding, even the ones that were reluctant at first took a try with the feeding. After all that hard work each child had the opportunity sit on the grass under the beautiful trees and eat a red juicy apple.

Not only were these trips fun, they were also a learning experience for the children. These memories will forever stay in their minds.

Donor List
New Program Collaboration

Rainbow has been selected by Greendale People's Church to operate an after school program for Worcester area children at the Church. The program represents an opportunity for the Church to reach out into the community to support the need for more programs for working families. The after school program will combine the strengths of two Worcester organizations to provide a very critical support to children and families in the Worcester area, states Rev. Jeffrey Newhall, pastor of Greendale People's Church.

This summer and fall, the Church has been busy renovating the space that will be used for the program. Rooms have been painted, floors have been redone, new furniture has been purchased, and a new fire alarm system has been installed in preparation for licensing. Because the work took longer than anticipated, the program could not meet its original opening target date of September. However, we are pleased to announce all inspections have been completed, the license is secured, and we are now enrolling children.

The program, serving children in Kindergarten through 6th grade, will operate Monday through Friday after school, and will provide homework assistance, recreational and arts and crafts activities, a computer center, field trips, special events, etc. Transportation will be provided from schools in the quadrant area.

We look forward to working with members of the Church community who will volunteer in the program. We anticipate, in particular, that some of the retired members, will provide special program enrichment opportunities for the children.

Rainbow and Greendale People's Church have developed a very positive relationship in recent years. The generosity of church members have provided food basket donations during the Thanksgiving holidays to our families and gifts to our children during the Christmas season. Our families are very grateful for this support.

> Next

Back Issue of the Rainbow Child Development Center Newsletters