December 2006

FAIR FAMILY FUN – YOU ARE INVITED

FAIR HOLIDAY PARTY:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2:30-4:30

Location:
Ng family home
718 E. Meadow Dr. Palo Alto, near the corner of Middlefield Rd.
Look for the balloon or sign.

This party is for FAIR families with elementary children and younger. Older kids will enjoy helping. Waiting families are welcome. Meet other families with young kids!

What to Bring:
A wrapped inexpensive gift for each of your children (marked with first & last name & age.) These will go into the appropriate “Santa’s bag” when you arrive, to be distributed later! A plate of cookies or simple finger foods to share. (Optional) Some crafts and food may be set up outside, unless it rains. Please come rain or shine.

When:
Party is from 2:30-4:30. Simple crafts and play from 2:30 on. Santa will appear at 3:30. Please arrive before he comes!

Helpers:
Adults and Teen/older child helpers. Let us know if you can come early to help set up. See RSVP information below.

YOUR RSVP HELPS US PLAN! Send a message to lansingw@earthlink.net  to let us know how many people are coming, their ages, and if you could help at the party. Teens are especially wanted and needed to help.
 

FAIR is planning for our popular PLAYSHOPS with Jane Brown again in 2007. Save the dates and watch for more information.
March 16-18 for the adult workshop and older kids’ groups.
April 21-22 for the younger kids’ groups.

Sun. Dec. 3. 1st Sunday Playdate. It's our turn to be in the East Bay, and people who gave feedback pretty much all mentioned ice skating, so how about ice-skating at Berkeley Iceland, on Milvia St, near Shattuck. There's public skating from 11:30 to 4:30 on that day. Families that attend typically have children from preschool to middle school. Let's meet as usual at 2 p.m. FAIR member Hazel White coordinates this event. For information molliemcleod@aol.com 

Wed. Dec. 6. 7-9pm. “Moving On.” A support and networking group for parents of teens and young adults. Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of development. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Please contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net  or Kathy Katherine.metz@comcast.net  before coming for the first time.

Sun. Dec. 10. FAIR Holiday Party for families with young children. Palo Alto. See above for details.

Mon. Dec. 11. 7-9pm. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net 

Mon. Dec. 18. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net 

Planning Ahead:

January 27. 3-5pm Los Altos Library Meeting Room. Keeping Birth Family Ties for Your Adopted Children: How to make it work and manage the challenges.
Presenter: Micky Duxbury, author of the new book, MAKING ROOM IN OUR HEARTS which presents the stories of families throughout the United States who share the joys and challenges of maintaining open relationships. Discussion will include opening closed adoptions, maintaining good boundaries, managing conflict and openness in the public system. It should be relevant for all FAIR families, regardless of the kind of adoption as well as for pre-adopters and professionals.


November 2006

To Celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month
FAIR Presents:

Sunday, November 19 1-4 pm

Get Published!!

Calling all artists, poets and writers age 6 and up! No previous experience necessary! Join us for an afternoon opportunity to GET PUBLISHED !! in News from FAIR
--writing, poetry and art workshops
–snacks
- fun
--parent helpers welcome!

Place: the Ng Home, 718 East Meadow Drive Palo Alto

RSVP by November 15: Nancy nancycng@gmail.com

Announcements:

Sat. Oct. 28. Oakland. Baby Care for Adopted Infants. Sponsored by Pact. 510-243-9460. www.pactadopt.org/events/baby.html

FAIR Playdate – Palo Alto Peers Park location – no more meetings for the winter. Hope to see you at the Holiday Party in early December. Details in December calendar.

FAIR is planning for our popular PLAYSHOPS with Jane Brown again in 2007. Save the dates and watch for more information.
   March 16-18 for the adult workshop and older kids’ groups.
   April 21-22 for the younger kids’ groups.

Wed. Nov. 1. 7-9pm. “Moving On” A support and networking group for parents of teens and young adults. Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of development. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Please contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net or Kathy Katherine.metz@comcast.net before coming for the first time.

1st Sunday Playdate. No meeting this month. FAIR member Hazel White organizes this event alternating between SF and East Bay locations. In December, shall we go ice-skating in Berkeley? Lake Anza closes at the end of October for the winter. Any ideas for winter venues would be greatly appreciated. For information molliomcleod@aol.com Families that attend typically have children from preschool to middle school.

Mon. Nov. 13. 7-9pm. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net 

Fri. Nov. 10. 7:00-9:00 pm.* FAIR Adoption Discussion and Support Group. San Francisco. *Note slightly earlier time. Come share the joys and challenges of adoptive family life with other adoptive parents in an informal setting. Everyone welcome. Topic: school issues. (We'll make time for other pressing issues as needed.) This is our last meeting before the holidays. For location and to RSVP, please email amyk@stanfordalumni.org .

Sun. Nov. 19. 2-5pm. Palo Alto. GET PUBLISHED!! See above for details.

Mon. Nov 20. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net 

Planning Ahead:

Coming in late January! FAIR is planning a Workshop: Keeping Birth Family Ties for Your Adopted Children: How to make it work and manage the challenges. Presenter: Micky Duxbury, author of the new book, MAKING ROOM IN OUR HEARTS which presents the stories of families throughout the United States who share the joys and challenges of maintaining open relationships. Discussion will include opening closed adoptions, maintaining good boundaries, managing conflict and openness in the public system. It should be relevant for all FAIR families, regardless of the kind of adoption as well as for pre-adopters and professionals.


October 2006

FAIR ON ICE

FAIR FAMILY FUN – YOU ARE INVITED!

Bring extended family members, other adoptive families, special friends. We would like to have 100 skaters this year. RAIN or SHINE.

Saturday, October 21, 5:30-7:30pm

What: The first FAIR on ICE party of the season will take place on at the Winter Lodge in Palo Alto. Join other FAIR families for a wonderful evening at this cozy outdoor rink. FAIR HAS EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE RINK AND BARBECUE AREA. Non-skaters are welcome to watch, encourage, and chat. Please invite extended family members and friends. Waiting parents are welcome. Teens are encouraged to come. Wheelchairs and strollers glide beautifully on the ice, so bring the little ones! There is a covered area in case of rain.. See you there!

Where: Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto
From 101, take the Oregon Expswy exit then left onto Middlefield.
From 280 take the Page Mill exit. This becomes Oregon. Turn right onto Middlefield. Just past the gas station on your left turn into the Winter Lodge parking lot.

What to bring: A simple dinner for your family: sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. Gas barbecues and picnic tables will be ready. (There is a Safeway with a deli and a Round Table almost next to the rink.) FAIR will provide hot chocolate, cookies, cups, plates, utensils, mustard, catsup, and relish. No alcohol, please.

What to expect: Fun, good company, a great time! This is one of our most popular events, definitely worth a drive. Since FAIR has the whole rink, it will be a relaxed, comfortable evening for all. Del Valle campers, video stars, group members – reunite on the ice!

Cost: $5.00 per skater, collected for the Winter Lodge at the door. Cash or checks to FAIR. This includes skate rental, even if you own skates. No RSVP necessary. Just come!!! Questions? Lansing@fairfamilies.org 

 
Announcements: FAIR thanks the 12 young experts, ages 6-11, who are starring in FAIR’s New Video/DVD! They were videotaped on June 24th with adoption expert Dr. Joseph Crumbley and Board Member Minji Ng. FAIR dad Jim McCarthy and Bentley Broadcast Associates is providing technical production assistance and editing expertise for the project. BBA also donated production costs and labor for FAIR’s popular video, “I Wonder”, Teenagers Talk About Being Adopted. The editing will take place in September! More info soon.

Sun. Oct. 1. 2:00pm. 1st Sunday Playdate. San Francisco. Crissy Fields West Bluff picnic area, which is about 50 yards from the Warming Hut. See you there, at a picnic bench or on the sand just in front of the picnic area, at 2 p.m. For information molliemcleod@aol.com. FAIR member Hazel White organizes this event alternating between SF and East Bay locations. Families that attend typically have children from preschool to middle school. http://www.crissyfield.org/center/directions.html 

Saturday, Oct. 7. 10:00 a.m. FAIR Fall Playdate. Alexander Peers Park - - 1899 Park Blvd., Palo Alto (between Leland and Stanford Aves.) Come meet other families with young children and babies. Waiting parents are welcome too! FAIR will provide juice, water and cups. We'll meet by the balloon. RSVP Noreen Chin travelscrap@yahoo.com 

Mon. Oct. 9 . 7-9pm. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net

Wed. Oct. 11. 7-9pm. “Moving On” – A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up. (We have also had some parents of 14-15 year olds.) Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school. For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net  or Kathy Katherine.metz@comcast.net 

Friday, Oct. 13. 7:30-9:30 pm. FAIR Adoption Discussion and Support Group. San Francisco. Come share the joys and challenges of adoptive family life with other adoptive parents in an informal setting. Everyone welcome. Topic this month: adoption issues at school. For location and to RSVP, please email amyk@stanfordalumni.org 

Sun. Oct. 15. 3-5pm. FAIR Board of Directors Meeting. Palo Alto. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net

Mon. Oct. 16. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net 

Announcements:

Sat. Oct. 14. The Maltreated Child: Finding What Lurks Beneath. Seminar with Dr. Steven Gray. Sponsored by Help One Child. Contact Judy Holmes at 650-917-1210 or www.helponechild.org 

Sat. Oct. 28. Oakland. Baby Care for Adopted Infants. Sponsored by Pact. 510-243-9460. www.pactadopt.org/events/baby.html


September 2006

FAIR ON ICE

FAIR FAMILY FUN – YOU ARE INVITED!

Bring extended family members, other adoptive families, friends. We would like to get 100 skaters this year. RAIN or SHINE.

Saturday, October 21, 5:30-7:30pm!
(this date now confirmed)

What: The first FAIR on ICE party of the season will take place on at the Winter Lodge in Palo Alto. Join other FAIR families for a wonderful evening at this cozy outdoor rink. FAIR HAS EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE RINK AND BARBECUE AREA. Non-skaters are welcome to watch, encourage, and chat. Please invite extended family members and friends. Waiting parents are welcome. Teens are encouraged to come. Wheelchairs and strollers glide beautifully on the ice, so bring the little ones! There is a covered area in case of rain. Our goal is 75 skaters. See you there!

Where: Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto
From 101, take the Oregon Expswy exit then left onto Middlefield.
From 280 take the Page Mill exit. This becomes Oregon. Turn right onto Middlefield. Just past the gas station on your left turn into the Winter Lodge parking lot.

What to bring: A simple dinner for your family: sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. Gas barbecues and picnic tables will be ready. (There is a Safeway with a deli and a Round Table almost next to the rink.) FAIR will provide hot chocolate, cookies, cups, plates, utensils, mustard, catsup, and relish. No alcohol, please.

What to expect: Fun, good company, a great time! This is one of our most popular events, definitely worth a drive. Since FAIR has the whole rink, it will be a relaxed, comfortable evening for all. Del Valle campers, Girls’ Group Members – reunite on the ice!

Cost: $5.00 per skater, collected for the Winter Lodge at the door. Cash or checks to FAIR. This includes skate rental, even if you own skates. No RSVP necessary. Just come!!! Questions? Lansing@fairfamilies.org

Announcements:

FAIR thanks the 12 young experts, ages 6-11, who are starring in FAIR’s New Video/DVD! They were videotaped on June 24th with adoption expert Dr. Joseph Crumbley and Board Member Minji Ng. FAIR dad Jim McCarthy and Bentley Broadcast Associates is providing technical production assistance and editing expertise for the project. BBA also donated production costs and labor for FAIR’s popular video, “I Wonder”, Teenagers Talk About Being Adopted. The editing will take place in September! More info soon.

Sun. Sept. 3. 2:00pm. 1st Sunday Playdate. Lake Anza in Berkeley. FAIR member, Hazel White, is the organizer of this ongoing social gathering for adoptive families that alternates in San Francisco and East Bay locations. Board Member Mollie McLeod will also be there to welcome you. Families that attend typically have children that range in ages from preschool to middle school. Lake Anza is a gem of a location nestled in the Berkeley hills. There is a large grassy area for play and a lovely beach with lifeguards to supervise the swimmers and waders. For more info and email reminders of meeting locations, contact Mollie at molliemcleod@aol.com

Wed. Sept. 6. 7-9pm. “Moving On” – A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up. (We have also had some parents of 14-15 year olds.) Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school. For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net  or Kathy Katherine.metz@comcast.net 

*Mon. Sept. 11 . 7-9pm. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net  Note that this group and the Parents of School Aged Kids will meet together this month.

*Mon. Sept. 11. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net  *Note that this group and the Parents of Young Kids Group will meet together this month.

Friday, Sept. 15. 7:30-9:30 pm. FAIR Adoption Discussion and Support Group. San Francisco. This month's topic: Transitions. Come share the joys and challenges of adoptive family life with other adoptive parents in an informal setting. Everyone welcome. For location and to RSVP, please email amyk@stanfordalumni.org .

Planning Ahead:

Saturday, Oct. 7. 10:00 a.m. FAIR Fall Playdate. Alexander Peers Park - - 1899 Park Blvd., Palo Alto (between Leland and Stanford Aves.) Come meet other families with young children and babies. Waiting parents are welcome too! FAIR will provide juice, water and cups. We'll meet by the balloon. RSVP Noreen Chin travelscrap@yahoo.com 

Sun. Oct. 15. FAIR Board Meeting. Palo Alto. 3-5pm. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net 

Sat. Oct. 21. 5:30-7:30pm. FAIR on ICE. Palo Alto. Check online calendar for date after Sept. 15th or email lansingw@earthlink.net 


July/August 2006

FAIR FAMILY FUN
FAIR’s ANNUAL FAMILY CAMPOUT

Sign up right away, by July 7th!
THURSDAY OR FRIDAY TO SUNDAY, JULY 20-23

Don’t miss FAIR’s Annual Campout at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. Meet new and old friends. FAIR has reserved and paid for 12 large campsites in one area, some of which can be shared by two families up to 8 people per site. There is a safe swimming lake in the park with lifeguards and where non-campers can join us for the day on Saturday. No reservations needed for DAY use, but please let us know if you plan to come. We use the beach on the campground side of the lake. Try to arrive at the campsite in the afternoon on Thursday or Friday and beat the traffic.

COST: $20 for two nights or $30 for three nights. First time campers are welcome! There are picnic tables, fire pits, water, flush toilets, and showers - plus beautiful starry nights, wild turkeys, and great company. Bring simple food for your own family. Campers will share a simple potluck dinner on Saturday evening and there will be some other low-key activities to help people become better acquainted.

To reserve your space:

  1. RSVP to lansingw@earthlink.net with your family info, including phone # ASAP or by July 7. We will cancel sites not being used to save money, so please let us know as soon as you can.
  2. Send a check for $20 or $30, made out to FAIR to the FAIR address on this flier by Fri. July 7.

More information:

Please include a note with name, address, phone, how many people will be camping, kids’ ages, and day you plan to arrive. FAIR will assign campsites so let us know if you would like to share or be close to another particular family. FAIR will also send you a map, campground regulations and directions. Each site can accommodate up to 8 people. Please note that the second car at each site will be asked at the check-in station to pay $6.00. Two cars max per site. Spaces will be assigned on a first come, first served basis, so make your plans as soon as you can and contact Lansing with questions. lansingw@earthlink.net

 

Announcements:

FAIR thanks the 14 young experts, ages 6-11, who are starring in FAIR’s New Video/DVD! They were videotaped on June 24th with adoption expert Dr. Joseph Crumbley and Board Member Minji Ng. FAIR dad Jim McCarthy and Bentley Broadcast Associates is providing technical production assistance and editing expertise for the project. BBA also donated production costs and labor for FAIR’s popular video, “I Wonder”, Teenagers Talk About Being Adopted. Watch for more information.

Please note that this calendar lists August events also. Please save it for reference since we will not mail another calendar for August. 

Saturday, July 8. 10:00 a.m.-Noon and Sat. Aug. 5. FAIR Summer Playdate. Alexander Peers Park - - 1899 Park Blvd., Palo Alto (between Leland and Stanford Aves.) Come meet other families with young children and babies. Waiting parents are welcome too! FAIR will provide juice, water and cups. We'll meet by the balloon. RSVP Noreen Chin travelscrap@yahoo.com  Next date: Saturday, August 5

Wed. July 5. 7-9pm. and Wed. Aug. 2. “Moving On” – A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up. (We have also had some parents of 14-15 year olds.) Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school. For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net or Kathy Katherine.metz@comcast.net 

Mon. July 10. 7-9pm. and Mon. Aug. 14. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink 

Mon. July 17. 7-9pm. and Mon. Aug. 21. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP wilmachu@aol.com  or lansingw@earthlink.net 

Thurs. or Fri. to Sun. July 20-23. FAIR’s Annual Campout at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. See box above for details. Come for 3 nights or 2. Lansing will be out of town July 15-29th so please ask questions early and sign up before July 7 so that I can get the paperwork and details to everyone. For late questions, contact Karen Mueller Mueller4@ix.netcom.com  or Judy Rowlee Judy@virtually-there.com 

Planning Ahead:

NACAC Training Conference: July 26-29. Long Beach. FAIR will have a table there. If you are going, contact Nancy Ng nancycng@gmail.com  Don’t miss it! www.nacac.org


June 2006

FAIR FAMILY FUN – FAIR’s ANNUAL FAMILY CAMPOUT

THURSDAY OR FRIDAY TO SUNDAY, JULY 20-23

Don’t miss FAIR’s Annual Campout at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. Meet new and old friends. FAIR has reserved and paid for 12 large campsites in one area, some of which can be shared by two families up to 8 people per site. There is a safe swimming lake in the park with lifeguards and where non-campers can join us for the day on Saturday. No reservations needed for DAY use, but please let us know if you plan to come. We use the beach on the campground side of the lake. Try to arrive at the campsite in the afternoon on Thursday or Friday and beat the traffic.

COST: $20 for two nights or $30 for three nights. First time campers are welcome! There are picnic tables, fire pits, water, flush toilets, and showers - plus beautiful starry nights, wild turkeys, and great company. Campers will share a simple potluck dinner on Saturday evening and there will be some other low-key activities to help people become better acquainted.

To reserve your space:

1) RSVP to lansingw@earthlink.net  with your family info, including phone # ASAP or by July 7. We will cancel sites not being used to save money, so please let us know as soon as you can.

2) Send a check for $20 or $30, made out to FAIR to the FAIR address on this flier by Fri. July 7.

More information: Please include a note with name, address, phone, how many people will be camping, kids’ ages, and day you plan to arrive. FAIR will assign campsites so let us know if you would like to share or be close to another particular family. FAIR will also send you a map, campground regulations and directions. Each site can accommodate up to 8 people. Please note that the second car at each site will be asked at the check-in station to pay $6.00. Two cars max per site. Spaces will be assigned on a first come, first served basis, so make your plans as soon as you can and contact Lansing with questions. lansingw@earthlink.net

Announcements:

June 5-June 30. Bay Area Heart Gallery presents professional photos of local waiting children, 1 Market St. Plaza, San Francisco, CA. Visit www.bayareaheartgallery.com  for more information.

Nancy Ng is working on a Mothers/Fathers Day edition of News from FAIR. If you did not receive the recent “Long View” edition, let us know. Please remember to send your photos, stories, poems, drawings, and thoughts to Nancycng@gmail.com  We also need art work for FAIR’s new Video Project Taping. See June 24th below.

 

Saturday, June 3 10:00 a.m.-Noon FAIR Summer Playdate. Alexander Peers Park - - 1899 Park Blvd., Palo Alto (between Leland and Stanford Aves.) Come meet other families with young children and babies. Waiting parents are welcome too! FAIR will provide juice, water and cups. We'll meet by the balloon. RSVP Noreen Chin travelscrap@yahoo.com  Next dates: Saturday, July 8 Saturday, August 5

Wed. June 7. 7-9pm. “Moving On” – A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up. Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school. For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net or Kathy Katherine.metz@comcast.net

Mon. June 12. 7-9pm. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.

Sun. June 17. 9am-4pm. True Colors: Parenting Children Across Racial Lines. Kaiser Oakland Health Center. Presented by Pact. FAIR is a cosponsor. To register contact Pact www.pactadopt.org (510) 243-9460.

Mon. June 19. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP wilmachu@aol.com or lansingw@earthlink.net

Sat. June 24. Taping of FAIR’s New Video Project. FAIR will be producing a new video featuring a small group of school aged (2nd-5th graders) children talking about their views on adoption and how it affects kids their age. It will be professionally taped and edited (thanks to Jim McCarthy) to produce a video/DVD available through FAIR to families and agencies to help others understand more about the experiences of adopted kids. You may be familiar with FAIR’s video, “I Wonder,” Teenagers Talk About Being Adopted. If your child is interested in participating, please contact Lansing ASAP for more information. We are putting together a diverse group of kids (age, sex, type of adoption) as we did with “I Wonder.” Only first names will be used and great care will be taken to make the experience a very positive one for the “stars.” A wonderful professional will be working with the children to elicit their ideas and comments. Parents will be on site, but not present during the taping. Thank you for considering this opportunity. lansingw@earthlink.net. We also need kids’ artwork to be enlarged, mounted, and used as a backdrop in the taping. Please contact Nancycng@gmail.com  for more information. This is a great way for many kids to participate.

Planning Ahead:

NACAC Training Conference: July 26-29. Long Beach. Don’t miss it! www.nacac.org


May 2006

Announcements:

FAIR on ICE was a great success – about 80 skaters of all ages and many more who watched and chatted. At the FAIR on ICE Party, we elected the following people for a three year term on FAIR’s Board: Noreen Chin, (welcome to the Board!) and the five members who are returning for another term: Katey Casab, Wilma Chu, Beckett Haight, Amy Klatzkin, and Minji Ng. Continuing Board Members are Bill Fitler, Anne Hall, Mollie McLeod, Kathy Metz, Nancy Ng, and Lansing and Kingsley Wood. Without these dedicated folks, FAIR would not happen! Many thanks to all.

A wonderful new edition of News from FAIR will soon be on it’s way via bulk mail. Many thanks to editor Nancy Ng for working her magic and to all of our distinguished contributors of all ages! Please remember to send your photos, stories, poems, drawings, and thoughts to Nancycng@gmail.com .

FAIR FAMILY CAMPOUT: We are planning for the weekend of Thurs.-Sun. July 20-23 at Del Valle East Bay Regional Park. Once again Karen Mueller and Judy Rowlee have offered to help “host” and coordinate this event. This year FAIR is going to reserve campsites starting on Thursday night to give families more time together, but Friday arrival dates are also possible. Please contact Lansing for more information, and to let us know if you are considering this low-key, but fun family event. lansingw@earthlink.net 

FAIR would like to sponsor a meeting/seminar for parents with kids both adopted and born to them. Interested? Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net  with your thoughts.

Wed. May 3. 7-9pm. “Moving On” – A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up. Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school. For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net  or Kathy Katherine.metz@comcast.net 

Mon. May 8. 7-9pm. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink .

Mon. May 15. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP wilmachu@aol.com 

Fri. May 26. 7:30-9:30pm. FAIR Adoption Discussion and Support Group. San Francisco. Come share the joys and challenges of adoptive family life with other adoptive parents in an informal setting. Everyone welcome. For location and to RSVP, email amyk@stanfordalumni.org . No meetings in June or July.

Planning Ahead:

FAIR summer play dates for families with young children are back! Noreen Chin is coordinating these informal play dates. Get to know other parents with little ones. Prospective parents are also welcome. 10-12am. Saturday, June 3 Saturday, July 8 Saturday, August 5 Location: Alexander Peers Park, 1911 Park Blvd,Palo Alto. (Between Leland and Stanford Aves) For more information and to RSVP, contact Noreen travelscrap@yahoo.com 

July 30 to Aug 4. Pact Camp for Adoptive Families of Color. Redwood Glen Conference Center. Loma Mar, CA. Highly recommended. Contact Pact at www.pactadopt.org  for information.

NACAC’s 32nd Annual Training Conference will be held in Long Beach, CA July 26-29. This is a wonderful opportunity for inspiration, learning and networking with other parent groups. For information visit www.nacac.org  to find out about conference registration and the program.


April, 2006

FAIR on ICE

FAIR FAMILY FUN – YOU ARE INVITED!
Bring extended family members,
other adoptive families,
and friends.
RAIN or SHINE
Saturday, April 8, 5:30-7:30pm

What: The last FAIR on ICE party of the season will take place on at the Winter Lodge in Palo Alto. Join other FAIR families for a wonderful evening at this cozy outdoor rink. FAIR has exclusive use of the ice and the picnic/barbecue area. Non-skaters are welcome to watch, encourage, and chat. Please invite extended family members and friends. Waiting parents are welcome. Teens are encouraged to come. Wheelchairs and strollers glide beautifully on the ice, so bring the little ones! There is a covered area in case of rain. Our goal is 75 skaters. See you there!

Where: Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto From 101, take the Oregon Expswy exit then left onto Middlefield. From 280 take the Page Mill exit. This becomes Oregon. Turn right onto Middlefield. Just past the Arco station on your left turn into the Winter Lodge parking lot.

What to bring: A simple dinner for your family: sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. Gas barbecues and picnic tables will be ready. (There is a Safeway with a deli and a Round Table almost next to the rink.) FAIR will provide hot chocolate, cookies, cups, plates, utensils, mustard, catsup, and relish. No alcohol, please.

What to expect: Fun, good company, a great time! This is one of our most popular events, definitely worth a drive. Since FAIR has the whole rink, it will be a relaxed, comfortable evening for all. Meet old and new friends!

Cost: $5.00 per skater, collected for the Winter Lodge at the door. This includes skate rental, even if you own skates. No RSVP necessary. Just come!!! Questions? Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net

FAIR Annual Meeting and Elections:  At the FAIR on ICE Party, we will pause briefly to elect the following people for a three year term on FAIR’s Board:  Noreen Chin, (welcome to the Board!) and the five members who are returning for another term: Katey Casab, Wilma Chu, Becket Haight, Amy Klatzkin, and Minji Ng.

Thanks to retiring members Patrick and Louise McCarthy for their years of service and also to Penny Fitler and Hannah Feneron who retired earlier in the year. 

Continuing Board Members are Bill Fitler, Anne Hall, Mollie McLeod, Kathy Metz, Nancy Ng, and Lansing and Kingsley Wood.  Without these dedicated folks, FAIR would not happen!  Many thanks to all.

 

We still have openings for kids in grades 1-3!

FAIR Playshops 2006

FAIR is pleased once again to sponsor this popular adoption education program for children. Each session of PLAYSHOPS will be facilitated by founder Jane Brown, an adoption professional and adoptive parent. Board members Amy Klatzkin and Mollie McCloud will be organizing the event locally. This is a wonderful opportunity for adopted children to participate in a fun, structured, guided group. It is NOT a playgroup or playdate. Professional Jane Brown will be assisted by adult adoptees as she gently leads the children through the session.

After Jane works with the children she meets with their parents to talk about the groups’ experience and the age appropriate topics each group was involved with. FAIR encourages parents who have adopted in the US as well as those who adopted from other countries to register for this program.

Details and updates are available through joining the Playshops announcements list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FAIR-Playshops2006/
or simply send a blank email message to:
FAIR-Playshops2006-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Here are registration forms:

APRIL 8-9, 2006: YOUNGER KIDS

Registration packet (younger children)

Sat. morning, April 8: Playshop 1, ages 5 (all) & 6 (first timers)
Sat. afternoon, April 8: Playshop 2, kids born 1999 and later
Sun. morning, April 9: Playshop 3, born 1998
Sun. afternoon, April 9: Playshop 4, born 1997

 Scholarships are available to FAIR members. Contact amyk@stanfordalumni.org

 

Wed. April 5. 7-9pm.  “Moving On” A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up.  Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school.  For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga.  Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net  or 650-328-6832 or Kathy Katherine.metz@comcast.net  

Sat. April 8. 5:30-7:30pm.  FAIR on ICE Party and FAIR’s Annual Meeting and Elections. Palo Alto.  Details on reverse.  RAIN or SHINE!  Come and welcome new Board Member Noreen Chin!

Sat,Sun. April 8,9. FAIR Playshops for younger kids led by Jane Brown.  Pacific Rim International School. Emeryville. Updates are available by sending a blank email to FAIR-Playshops2006-subscribe@yahoogroups.com    This is where we will post enrollment lists two weeks before each Playshop weekend.  

Mon. April 10. 7-9pm.  Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful.  Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space!  465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215.   RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net  

Mon. April 17. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids.  Mountain View. Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades.  Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group.  Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215.  RSVP wilmachu@aol.com

Fri. April 28. 7-9pm. FAIR Adoption Discussion and Support Group. San Francisco. For location, RSVP in April to amyk@stanfordalumni.org

Sun., April 30. 1-3:30pm. Seminar on Teens and Adoption.  Presented by FRUA and FAIR.  Los Altos Library - 13 South San Antonio road, Los Altos Program Room (when you enter the library, make an immediate left down the hall, and the Program Room is the last door on your right.)  A look at the tasks and changes of teens and the “extras” brought by adoption.  Presentation by therapists, adoptive parents, and a panel.  No charge for FAIR members. RSVP: Roxane Baxter (FRUA), 510 624-2105; BaxterR@bsci.com 

 

March, 2006

Saturday, April 8, 5:30-7:30pm. FAIR on ICE Party.

Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Save the date for this popular family activity! Invite extended family and friends. No RSVP necessary. Rain or shine. Details in April Calendar. This is also FAIR’s Annual Meeting and Elections. We need active, enthusiastic people who are willing to help with planning, outreach, and the ongoing activities of FAIR. Contact Lansing or any Board Member for more information. lansing@fairfamilies.org

 

Register NOW for March Playshops for Kids!

See Below for Online Registration Details. Sessions fill quickly!

FAIR Playshops 2006

FAIR is pleased once again to sponsor this popular adoption education program for children. Each session of PLAYSHOPS will be facilitated by founder Jane Brown, an adoption professional and adoptive parent. Board members Amy Klatzkin and Mollie McCloud will be organizing the event locally. This is a wonderful opportunity for adopted children to participate in a fun, structured, guided group. It is NOT a playgroup or playdate. Professional Jane Brown will be assisted by adult adoptees as she gently leads the children through the session.

After Jane works with the children she meets with their parents to talk about the groups’ experience and the age appropriate topics each group was involved with. FAIR encourages parents who have adopted in the US as well as those who adopted from other countries to register for this program.

Details and updates are available through joining the Playshops announcements list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FAIR-Playshops2006/
or simply send a blank email message to:
FAIR-Playshops2006-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Here are registration forms:

MARCH 17-19, 2006: OLDER KIDS

Registration Packet (older children)

Adult & Educators' Workshop, Friday evening, March 17 (see below)
Sat. daytime, March 18: Kids born 1996
Sat. afternoon, March 19: Non-adopted sibs (8 and older) CANCELLED!
Sat. evening, March 18: Born 1991-93
Sun. morning, March 19: Born 1994-95

APRIL 8-9, 2006: YOUNGER KIDS

Registration packet (younger children)

Sat. morning, April 8: Playshop 1, ages 5 (all) & 6 (first timers)
Sat. afternoon, April 8: Playshop 2, kids born 1999 and later
Sun. morning, April 9: Playshop 3, born 1998
Sun. afternoon, April 9: Playshop 4, born 1997

 Scholarships are available to FAIR members. Contact amyk@stanfordalumni.org

And, for all parents, waiting parents, and educators:

FAIR PRESENTS:
Friday. March 17, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

How Am I Different? How Am I the Same? Adopted Children Growing Older in School, in the Family, and in Their Friendship Circles.

Presenter: Jane Brown MSW and adoptive parent.

Location: Hewlett-Packard Auditorium, HP Corporate Headquarters, 3000 Hanover Street (at corner of Page Mill Road), Palo Alto.

Cost: FAIR members $15 each or $25 for spouses/partners, non-members $20 each. Educators are FREE if registered in advance (invite your child's teacher!)

This adult evening is separate from the children’s Playshops. FAIR is happy to take advantage of the presence of Jane Brown who is traveling from Arizona. We recommend the workshop to all. Please spread the word. You can register through the FAIR website in February or contact amyk@stanfordalumni.org . We regret that no childcare is available.

 

 

Wed. Mar. 1. 7-9pm. “Moving On” – A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up. Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school. For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net or Kathy Katherine.metz@comcast.net 

Saturday, March 4, 9:30-4:00. Oakland. Workshop presented by Pact, an Adoption Alliance. The Emotional Life of an Adopted Child: Working Through Difficult Feelings. Morning Panel of Adult Adoptees and Afternoon Speakers, including Sharon Kaplan Roszia. Book Sales, Lunch and Networking. Register through Pact www.pactadopt.org  or call 510-243-9460. FAIR is delighted to be a co-sponsor. This is for all parents, parents to be, and adoption professionals. Highly recommended.

Mon. Mar. 13. 7-9pm. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net 

Friday. March 17, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Adult workshop: How Am I Different? How Am I the Same? Adopted Children Growing Older in School, in the Family, and in Their Friendship Circles. For all adoptive parents, parents-to-be and educators. Presenter: Jane Brown MSW and adoptive parent. Location: Hewlett-Packard Auditorium, HP Corporate Headquarters, 3000 Hanover Street (at corner of Page Mill Road), Palo Alto. Cost: FAIR members $15 each or $25 for spouses/partners, non-members $20 each. Educators are FREE if registered in advance (invite your child's teacher!) See registration info above.

Mon. Mar. 20. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP wilmachu@aol.com  or for information.

 

Planning Ahead:

FAIR Adoption Discussion and Support Group, San Francisco: because of Playshops, no March meeting. Our next date is Friday, April 28, 7-9 pm. For location, RSVP in April to amyk@stanfordalumni.org 

AFTER post adoption services sponsors parent support groups in the San Jose Area. Contact Katherine.metz@comcast.net


Wed. Feb. 1. 7-9pm. “Moving On” – A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up. Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school. For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net  or Kathy at Katherine.metz@comcast.net for information.

Mon. Feb. 13. 7-9pm. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net 

Mon. Feb. 20. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. At long last we are going to get this group going! Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP wilmachu@aol.com  or contact her to let her know of your interest.

Fri. Feb. 24. 7-9pm FAIR Adoption Discussion and Support Group, San Francisco. Discussion topic TBD--suggestions welcome! For location and to RSVP, email amyk@stanfordalumni.org

 

Planning Ahead:

Saturday, March 4, 9:30-4:00. Oakland. Workshop presented by Pact, an Adoption Alliance. The Emotional Life of an Adopted Child: Working Through Difficult Feelings. Morning Panel of Adult Adoptees and Afternoon Speakers, including Sharon Kaplan Roszia. Book Sales, Lunch and Networking. Register through Pact www.pactadopt.org  or call 510-243-9460. FAIR is delighted to be a co-sponsor. This is for all parents, parents to be, and adoption professionals. Highly recommended.

Saturday, April 8, 5:30-7:30pm. FAIR on ICE Party  Palo Alto. Save the date for this popular family activity! Sorry it is the same date as one of the Playshops. This is also FAIR’s Annual Meeting and Elections. We need active, enthusiastic people who are willing to help with planning, outreach, and the ongoing activities of FAIR. Contact Lansing or any Board Member for more information. lansing@fairfamilies.org 

AFTER post adoption services sponsors parent support groups in the San Jose Area. Contact Katherine.metz@comcast.net


February, 2006

Register NOW for March Playshops for Kids!

See Below for Online Registration Details. Sessions fill quickly!

FAIR Playshops 2006

FAIR is pleased once again to sponsor this popular adoption education program for children. Each session of PLAYSHOPS will be facilitated by founder Jane Brown, an adoption professional and adoptive parent. Board members Amy Klatzkin and Mollie McCloud will be organizing the event locally. This is a wonderful opportunity for adopted children to participate in a fun, structured, guided group. It is NOT a playgroup or playdate. Professional Jane Brown will be assisted by adult adoptees as she gently leads the children through the session.

After Jane works with the children she meets with their parents to talk about the groups’ experience and the age appropriate topics each group was involved with. FAIR encourages parents who have adopted in the US as well as those who adopted from other countries to register for this program.

Details and updates are available through joining the Playshops announcements list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FAIR-Playshops2006/
or simply send a blank email message to: FAIR-Playshops2006-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Here are registration forms:

MARCH 17-19, 2006: OLDER KIDS

Sat. daytime, March 18: Kids born 1996
Sat. afternoon, March 19: Non-adopted sibs (8 and older)
Sat. evening, March 19: Born 1991-93
Sun. morning, March 20: Born 1994-95

APRIL 8-9, 2006: YOUNGER KIDS

Sat. morning, April 8: Playshop 1, ages 5 (all) & 6 (first timers)
Sat. afternoon, April 8: Playshop 2, kids born 1999 and later
Sun. morning, April 9: Playshop 3, born 1998
Sun. afternoon, April 9: Playshop 4, born 1997

 Scholarships are available to FAIR members. Contact amyk@stanfordalumni.org

And, for all parents, waiting parents, and educators:

FAIR PRESENTS:
Friday. March 17, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

How Am I Different? How Am I the Same? Adopted Children Growing Older in School, in the Family, and in Their Friendship Circles.

Presenter: Jane Brown MSW and adoptive parent.

Location: Hewlett-Packard Auditorium, HP Corporate Headquarters, 3000 Hanover Street (at corner of Page Mill Road), Palo Alto.

Cost: FAIR members $15 each or $25 for spouses/partners, non-members $20 each. Educators are FREE if registered in advance (invite your child's teacher!)

This adult evening is separate from the children’s Playshops. FAIR is happy to take advantage of the presence of Jane Brown who is traveling from Arizona. We recommend the workshop to all. Please spread the word. You can register through the FAIR website in February or contact amyk@stanfordalumni.org . We regret that no childcare is available.

 

Wed. Feb. 1. 7-9pm. “Moving On” – A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up. Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school. For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga. Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net  or Kathy at Katherine.metz@comcast.net for information.

Mon. Feb. 13. 7-9pm. Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful. Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space! 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net 

Mon. Feb. 20. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids. Mountain View. At long last we are going to get this group going! Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades. Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group. Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215. RSVP wilmachu@aol.com  or contact her to let her know of your interest.

Fri. Feb. 24. 7-9pm FAIR Adoption Discussion and Support Group, San Francisco. Discussion topic TBD--suggestions welcome! For location and to RSVP, email amyk@stanfordalumni.org

 

Planning Ahead:

Saturday, March 4, 9:30-4:00. Oakland. Workshop presented by Pact, an Adoption Alliance. The Emotional Life of an Adopted Child: Working Through Difficult Feelings. Morning Panel of Adult Adoptees and Afternoon Speakers, including Sharon Kaplan Roszia. Book Sales, Lunch and Networking. Register through Pact www.pactadopt.org  or call 510-243-9460. FAIR is delighted to be a co-sponsor. This is for all parents, parents to be, and adoption professionals. Highly recommended.

Saturday, April 8, 5:30-7:30pm. FAIR on ICE Party  Palo Alto. Save the date for this popular family activity! Sorry it is the same date as one of the Playshops. This is also FAIR’s Annual Meeting and Elections. We need active, enthusiastic people who are willing to help with planning, outreach, and the ongoing activities of FAIR. Contact Lansing or any Board Member for more information. lansing@fairfamilies.org 

AFTER post adoption services sponsors parent support groups in the San Jose Area. Contact Katherine.metz@comcast.net


January, 2006

You are Invited!  It’s 4704, the Year of the Dog

FAIR’s LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Saturday, January 28, 2006, 2-5pm
Los Altos Community Center,
1 North San Antonio Rd, Los Altos

 Our celebration will include food, crafts and fellowship. All FAIR families are most welcome.  We will especially honor our families with a connection to cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year: Korea, China, Thailand and Vietnam. Bring or wear traditional outfits from those countries if you can.

Schedule:  Come on time for all of the activities!   2:00 – Crafts, games, story time.  3:30 – New Year Feast of soup and other good food.  4:00 - Drawing for prizes and then more play and visiting.

Please RSVP by January 20 or before!  We really need to know the numbers for cooking and crafts.  Send an email to minji_ng@hotmail.com stating the number of people attending and their ages. 

Volunteers are needed to help with crafts, to come early to help set up and decorate, and to stay for clean up.  Teens and also parents with grown children make wonderful volunteers!  Contact minji_ng@hotmail.com to let us know if you can help.

Donation for Party: $10 at the door per family for FAIR members with current dues.  Please check your label to see when your renewal is due.

Non-members are asked to donate $20 or join FAIR for $30 and take advantage of the member donation rate.

Directions to the Los Altos Youth Center (next to the orchard)

From 280, take El Monte exit East to Foothill Expswy.  Take Foothill Expswy North to San Antonio Rd.  Take San Antonio Rd East to the entrance of the Los Altos Youth Center/Police Department.  The entrance is on the South side of the street (to your right) a couple of blocks East of Foothill Expressway.

From 101, take San Antonio Road exit and follow West to the entrance of the Los Altos Youth Center/Police Dept/Civic Center on your left.

Wed. Jan. 4. 7-9pm.  “Moving On” – A support and networking group for parents of young adults ages 16 and up.  Share the ups and downs of parenting kids who may have extra challenging behaviors or tasks at this stage of transition into the world beyond high school.  For all adoptive parents of older teens and young adults. Facilitated by experienced adoptive parents. Meeting place: Saratoga.  Contact Lansing lansingw@earthlink.net or Kathy at Katherine.metz@comcast.net for information.

Mon. Jan 9. 7-9pm.  Parents of Young Children Support and Networking Group. Mountain View. This group is for adoptive parents of infants and young children. Pre-adopt parents will also find this group helpful.  Thanks to BAAS for the meeting space!465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215.   RSVP lansingw@earthlink.net

Fri. Jan 20. FAIR Adoption Discussion and Support Group, San Francisco. Discussion topic TBD--suggestions welcome! For location and to RSVP, email amyk@stanfordalumni.org FAIR membership encouraged but not required.

Mon. Jan. 23. 7-9pm. Parents of School Age Kids.  Mountain View. At long last we are going to get this group going!  Join other parents to share experiences, questions, and the unique issues involved in parenting kids in K-5th grades.  Parents of Kinders may choose between this group and the Parents of Young Children Group.  Meets at BAAS, 465 Fairchild Dr. Ste 215.  RSVP wilmachu@aol.com or contact her to let her know of your interest.

Planning Ahead:

FAIR on ICE Party – Saturday, April 8, 5:30-7:30pm.  Save the date!

AFTER post adoption services sponsors parent support groups in the San Jose Area. Contact Katherine.metz@comcast.net

Planning Ahead: Please consider participating in this unique program.

FAIR Playshops 2006. FAIR is pleased once again to sponsor this popular adoption education program for children, PLAYSHOPS, facilitated by Jane Brown, an adoption professional and adoptive parent. Board members Amy Klatzkin and Mollie McCloud will be organizing the event locally. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to be with others who were adopted in a fun, structured, guided group. After Jane works with the children she meets with parents to talk about the groups’ experience and the age appropriate topics each group was involved with. FAIR encourages parents who have adopted in the US as well as those who adopted from other countries to register for this program. Many details are available through joining the Playshops announcements list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FAIR-Playshops2006/  or send a blank email message to: FAIR-Playshops2006-subscribe@yahoogroups.com 

MARCH 17-19, 2006: ADULT & OLDER KIDS
  • Fri. evening, March 17: Adult Workshop
  • Sat. daytime, March 18: Kids born 1996
  • Sat. evening, March 19: Born 1991-93
  • Sun. morning, March 20: Born 1994-95 
APRIL 8-9, 2006: YOUNGER KIDS
  • Sat. morning, April 8: Playshop 1, ages 5 (all) & 6 (first timers)
  • Sat. afternoon, April 8: Playshop 2, kids born 1999 and later
  • Sun. morning, April 9: Playshop 3, born 1998
  • Sun. afternoon, April 9: Playshop 4, born 1997

If we have enough interest in a Playshop for the nonadopted sibs (ages 8 and up) in blended families, it will be in the afternoon of Sunday, March 19, 2006.

Registration will begin in February. You do not need to be a FAIR member to register, but FAIR members will get preference if sessions fill. Scholarships available to FAIR members. Contact amyk@stanfordalumni.org


Link to Calendar 2006

Link to Calendar 2005

Link to Calendar 2004

Link to Calendar 2003

Link to Calendar 2002

Link to Calendar 2001

Link to Calendar 2000