6/13/14 TGIF! Natalie had a wonderful experience. At the end of each day she hugged her teacher, Ms. Boneau and told her she would miss her. I was really impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of both her instructors. Janne Boneau, has been working at COCA for 15 years and holds a Masters degree in music and Jess Ruhlin, professional ballerina, painter and writer for Alive Magazine and Bodies Never Lie, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Pedagogy. Natalie and her fellow campers enjoyed showing off the songs and dance skills they learned throughout the week.
Pre-party duel |
All the kids loved jumping and crawling around Bob Cassilly's apple chairs. I think it would have made him happy.
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But how?
Serendipidiously, Mark Curtin, a former ERS student came to visit Dr. R and happened to mention he was seeking Eagle Scout status.
Hmmm...you don't say?
About the same time, I contacted my friend/Webster Groves Garden Club member, Sarah Whitney, to see if her group had any grants available.
They did.
And, our proposed project was completely in line with their group's mission. It was truly wonderful because it offered an opportunity for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to work together. While Mark learned how to manage a team project and earned his wings, the girls devoted their time to learning all they could about gardening. Under the direction of, Sarah, they examined the proposed Buddy Bench areas to decide which flowers would be best suited for the therapeutic gardens that would hug each bench. They considered color, height and blooming seasons. They selected lavender and lilac for their sweet smelling properties and velvety leaved lamb's ear along with butterfly bushes to attract a fluttery friend or two.
We even
received a little press. I hope it serves to inspire more Scouts to build Buddy Benches on playgrounds across the planet!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Webster Groves Garden Club without whom none of this would have been possible.
And,
I'm happy to report that the Buddy Bench movement has
really gained momentum. Today five other countries now have benches and there are more than 300 confirmed benches in more than 40 states! Christian's parents now have a website
providing step by step instructions for other schools to attain a Buddy Bench.
The Dirty Knees Club |
This is one of my favorite cakes. I love Charlie Houska's art - so bright and fun. |
6/15/14 Happy Father's Day! My brother and I gathered our families to celebrate at our parent's house. With our Dad's birthday on the 19th - we also observed his special day with cake, ice cream and an exchange of gifts. Steve and I bought him a poker table topper and Brian taught us all to play Texas Hold 'Em. It was a good time but we learned a few things. 1. Jack has no poker face. 2. If we had a farm...Natalie would risk losing it any chance she got!
Looks like you had an awesome time! You have a beautiful family :) And I LOVE dog shows! And horse shows...and pretty much any show where trained animals show off their skills haha! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! and thanks for stopping in.
ReplyDeleteLook at you LIVE!!! Your life is soo full of such great things, sweet friend! I love seeing you writing about it all. :) I really want to get working on the Buddy Bench project at our school. Such a wonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you need any help with your Buddy Bench endeavor. I've got lots of ideas.
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