Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A Visit From Tufts University's Dental Professionals
Our children at New Beginnings Childcare Center are fortunate to be part of Tufts University's BEST Oral Health Program. Here are three of our little ones having an oral exam and cleaning from Dr. Tran and her assistant Tysonn Nguyen.
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| Jacob looks on as his pal Joshua has his teeth checked |
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| Dr. Tran performs an oral health exam |
Monday, March 12, 2012
Fundraiser for the family of Jessica Rojas
Tragically, two children at our childcare, New Beginnings, lost their mother this past week. Jessica Rojas, only 25 years old, was a victim of domestic violence. Jessica's family and the teachers at New Beginnings rallied to pay tribute to her life and to raise funds for her funeral expenses. We were more than happy to be the site for the bake sale, tee shirt sale (with beautiful photos of Jessica as an angel), and for the sale of ribbons and buttons. In one day, almost $1,800 was raised to help the family.
Womanshelter/Companeras set up a table and staffed it for the entire day. Anyone wishing to talk about domestic violence, or just shed a tear talking about Jessica, was helped by Carmen Nieves and Lexi Meyers from the shelter. They also provided helpful information about paying for the costs of the funeral. Visit http://www.mass.gov/ and look for victim compensation. It really helps to bring in experts.
The YWCA also brought materials on domestic violence to distribute to anyone interested that day. We are grateful for their help.
Friends and relatives dropped by throughout the day, to donate, to bring in baked goods, to remember Jessica, and to share their concern for her children. It was a horribly sad day, but it was also a day to help each other get through the suffering.
Womanshelter/Companeras set up a table and staffed it for the entire day. Anyone wishing to talk about domestic violence, or just shed a tear talking about Jessica, was helped by Carmen Nieves and Lexi Meyers from the shelter. They also provided helpful information about paying for the costs of the funeral. Visit http://www.mass.gov/ and look for victim compensation. It really helps to bring in experts.
The YWCA also brought materials on domestic violence to distribute to anyone interested that day. We are grateful for their help.
Friends and relatives dropped by throughout the day, to donate, to bring in baked goods, to remember Jessica, and to share their concern for her children. It was a horribly sad day, but it was also a day to help each other get through the suffering.
We will accept donations through the end of March. Checks should be made out to the Jessica Rojas Funeral Fund. An account has been established at Hampden Bank and they will also accept donations at any one of their sites.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Earned Income Tax Credit Day
We celebrated the National Earned Income Tax Credit Day with guests from the IRS, the MA Department of the State Treasurer, MA Department of Energy Resources, the United Way of Pioneer Valley, local bankers from Hampden Bank and Citizens Bank, representatives of area legislators and representatives from partner VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites. Also attending were several of our wonderful VITA volunteers.
Our VITA volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS to look for appropriate tax credits for our clients for our clients. EITC is a financial boost for working people, and families with two or more children are eligible for a larger credit.
Many, many thanks to all who attended and please, let low to moderate income workers know that we can file their taxes for free.
Our VITA volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS to look for appropriate tax credits for our clients for our clients. EITC is a financial boost for working people, and families with two or more children are eligible for a larger credit.
Many, many thanks to all who attended and please, let low to moderate income workers know that we can file their taxes for free.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Brrrr!
Western Massachusetts did get snow last night and that, combined with the extremely cold temperatures of late, inspired a look back at some energy saving tips that were included in one of our annual reports. They are definitely worth repeating.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents
Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle
Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven
Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use
Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use
Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air
When the fireplace is not in use, keep the flue damper tightly closed
Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable, and consider an automatic setback thermostat to save additional money
Clean or replace filters on furnaces every other month
Make sure that warm air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators are not blocked by furniture, carpets, or drapes
Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day to let the sun in during the winter and close during the day to keep the sun out in the summer
These are all easy to implement and will not only reduce utility bills, but will help the environment. Also, check out the MA Department of Energy Resources for additional tips for staying comfortable this winter. Look for their Energy Smarts Blog.
Stay warm and safe.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents
Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle
Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven
Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use
Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use
Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air
When the fireplace is not in use, keep the flue damper tightly closed
Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable, and consider an automatic setback thermostat to save additional money
Clean or replace filters on furnaces every other month
Make sure that warm air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators are not blocked by furniture, carpets, or drapes
Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day to let the sun in during the winter and close during the day to keep the sun out in the summer
These are all easy to implement and will not only reduce utility bills, but will help the environment. Also, check out the MA Department of Energy Resources for additional tips for staying comfortable this winter. Look for their Energy Smarts Blog.
Stay warm and safe.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Happy Holidays to All
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Yesterday, the children at our childcare, New Beginnings, performed for their parents and teachers. they were just adorable. And then Santa dropped in for a visit bringing presents, excitement and a few tears from some of the younger ones.
Be sure to visit our Facebook page for more photos of the cutest children in Springfield.
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