Collaborative Corner on the Move

By Jeannie Pederson, Pope County Initiative Coordinator

As we celebrate children and those who teach and care for them during “Week of the Young Child” and throughout the month of April, it’s a time to show our gratitude.

Preschoolers will be taking part in activities in their classrooms, Facebook posts will include fun ideas to try this week, the Glenwood Public Library is hosting an Easter-themed Story Hour at 10:30 am this Thursday morning and a spring Bingo card will top off the month.

Have you checked out the Central Square Art in the Square Gallery to view the wonderful turtle creations from Minnewaska Area Schools and W.I.N. Academy 7th-12th grade students? You’ll also find a wood carving by Beth Aaberg, a knitted turtle by Ann Grandy along with a sewn turtle by Mary Newcomb that displays many of the activities that BeKind has accomplished over the past 5 years. The Myrtle the Turtle & Friends, Keep Going Keep Growing Kindness Art Show is open at Central Square on the second floor from 10-4 Monday-Thursday, 10-2 Fridays and watch for a special Saturday, April 15th opening and new of a 5 Year BeKind Anniversary Reception on Friday, April 28 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Gallery.

You may have been reading updates in the newspaper of the partnership between the Minnewaska Area Schools and the Lakes Area Enrichment Center (formerly Kingdom Kids) as they pursue ways to work together. Did you know there is also a Pope County Child Care Task Force that is working on solutions for increased child care access with a focus on center-based, family child care homes, school programming and family/friend/neighbor care? Through the Pope County Family Collaborative, a grant was awarded by the West Central Initiative to hire a child care project manager. Tammy Anderson has been working with a group that has been expanding their reach through visits with stakeholders, parents, community and business leaders. Watch for more news to come!

The robins know it’s spring and soon we will too! Enjoy!