Foster Family Week THE BRIDGE - Alberta Foster Parent Association

September 2012
THE BRIDGE
THE NEWSPAPER OF THE ALBERTA FOSTER PARENT ASSOCIATION
Foster Family Week
October 21-27, 2012
Having a positive impact on the lives of kids
... Thank You!!!
FEATURING…
•
•
•
Message from the Minister
AFPA’s 39th Annual Conference Information
AFPA Provincial Mentorship Program
Canadian Publication Mail Agreement
Number 40036752
NOTICE
Deadline for submissions for next BRIDGE
November 1, 2012
Return Undeliverable Canada Addresses to:
ALBERTA FOSTER PARENT ASSOCIATION
9750 - 35 Avenue
EDMONTON, Alberta T6E 6J6
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Norm Brownell
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Report ......................................
Page 2
Executive Director’s Report .....................
Page 3
Vice-President’s Report ............................
Page 3
Message from the Minister .......................
Page 4
Back to School ............................................
Page 4
conference committee has put together another great program of training and
Board Member’s Reports .........................
Page 5
entertainment. Conference is a great place to renew old friendships and reach out
F.A.S.T. Members ........................................
Page 6
AFPA Provincial Mentorship Program ....
Page 7
The History of Halloween ...........................
Page 7
Conference Information ...........................
Page 8
Night of the Living Bread ..........................
Page 8
Wicked Good Pizza Muffins ......................
Page 9
Kids These Days ..........................................
Page 9
10 Educational Apps for Kids ...................
Page 10
AFPA Legal Assistance Program .............
Page 10
Bounce Back Book Series .........................
Page 11
summer camp program. It was wonderful to watch the excitement on the
Car Seat Safety ..........................................
Page 11
children’s faces as they enjoyed time there. Every child in care should have the
Membership Application Forms ..............
Page 12
With autumn in the air, it’s time to turn our attention
towards our 39th annual Foster Care Training Conference
and Annual General Meeting in Jasper, Alberta,
November 1-4 at the Sawridge Hotel. The AFPA
to welcome people coming for the first time. It is a time to hone our skills, enjoy the
atmosphere and come home feeling refreshed.
The AFPA Brownell Children’s Retreat continues to need upgrades to the buildings.
At the current time we are putting metal on the Tuck Shop and garage roofs as
they are in need of some TLC. We have also replaced a pump in one of our wells to
increase our recovery rate. Since April 2005, volunteers have played a major role in
improving the quality of the facilities. Our next work bee will be held on October 1214. There are projects in need of attention and it’s time to shut down our RV Park for
the winter. We are in need of different trades and laborers. Please give me a call at
(403) 271 9011 or Shelly at 1 800 667 2372 (AFPA) if you can attend all or any part of
the weekend.
Our summer weather was beautiful, making it extremely nice for the children’s
chance to attend a week at camp; we will be exploring some different options for
next summer. A special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the summer
programs special for the children who attended.
Special thanks to Karen and Ray Tweedle and their committee who were
responsible for putting the Aboriginal Awareness Weekend program together.
Some of the events were the Pipe Ceremony, Sweat
Lodge, Aboriginal games, and crafts and training
courses for the men and woman. We had drumming
AFPA OFFICE STAFF
in the afternoon and evening, a course on how to
make bannock for the kids, and on Sunday morning
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Katherine Jones (Direct Line 780-701-4089)
PROVINCIAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Melissa Jones (780-907-2372)
we had the history on the Medicine Wheel. Thanks
to all the volunteers who helped with the meals,
crafts and the cleanup.
Development & Training Coordinator
Kathy Chronopoulos (780-966-4191)
Research & Evaluation Coordinator
PERMANENCY SUPPORT WORKER
Lavona Coutts (Direct Line 780-701-4090)
ACCOUNTING OFFICER
Brenda Rabie (Direct Line 780-701-4091)
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT III
Rebecca Potts (Direct Line 780-701-4092)
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT II / Receptionist
Shelly Morin (780-429-9923)
AFPA PHONE (780) 429-9923
FAX (780) 426-7151
1-800-667-2372
E-mail: info@afpaonline.com www.afpaonline.com
Page 2
The week of October 21st to 27th is Foster Family week
in Canada. Please check with the local Association
or Regional Council in your area as to activities
celebrating our special week. Have a wonderful Fall
and I hope the weather stays decent until
Christmas!
“Where there is room in the heart, there is always
room in the house” – Thomas Moore
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Katherine Jones
I hope that everyone had a relaxing summer filled with
their children to camp next summer. It is an opportunity for the children to have a lot of fun
memories to carry you through to next summer. My family
learning new crafts, trying out some water sports, playing games and making friendships that
and I had a wonderful time with our daughter and
will last a lifetime.
grandchildren at our place in Abaco, Bahamas. The only
problem is that holidays just don’t seem to be long enough.
Norm, Sylvia, Linda and I had the honour of attending the Canadian Foster Family
Association’s Annual Symposium which was hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador
Things have been a little slow this summer at the Alberta Foster Parent Association’s office.
Foster Families Association in St. John’s at the end of May. It was a superb event aside from
With so many families and workers on holidays it affords us the opportunity to clear up
the weather. We appreciate the opportunity to connect with others from across Canada
loose ends and start preparing for our upcoming 39th Annual Training and Awards
and learn about what is happening with regards to fostering in the various provinces and
Conference. Once again our conference will be held in Jasper at the Sawridge Hotel and
territories. In addition, I meet with the Executive Directors from across Canada which I find
Convention Centre. I look forward to seeing many of you there. Please book your rooms
very beneficial. Alberta will be hosting the 2014 Canadian Foster Family Associations
far in advance as they book up quickly and I would hate for you to be disappointed.
Symposium which will give many of you the chance to attend and meet foster families from
across Canada. Watch for information about this on our webpage sometime in 2013.
We have just had our auditors in to perform the audit of the Associations books. Everything
went smoothly and we are happy that it is completed for another year. Brenda thank you
The Provincial Mentorship Program is coming along very well. The coordinators hope to have
for the wonderful work you do in preparing everything for the auditors and for keeping our
it up and running in Region 6 sometime in September of this year. They will be at our
books in order.
Conference in Jasper this year so be sure to introduce yourself. They will be more than happy
to answer any questions you might have.
My children and I just returned from the Aboriginal Awareness weekend that is held at our
Brownell Children’s Retreat just north of Sundre. It was a wonderful event filled with many
Once again I thank the Board of Directors for their hard work and dedication to the AFPA. I
activities for children and adults to participate in. A great opportunity to learn about the
truly respect the work they do as volunteers in serving the fostering community. I would also
culture of many of the children we care for. I would like to thank all the volunteers who
like to thank my staff for the work they do on a daily basis. It is a pleasure working with you
give freely of their time and energy to ensure that this event is successful. You do an
and you are truly appreciated.
awesome job and you are very much appreciated. Special thanks to Karen Tweedle for
organizing the aboriginal component of the weekend and to Denis and Marie Nelson and
Wishing you all the best until we meet again in Jasper!
Mike Robertson for preparing all the meals during the weekend.
The summer camp programs held at Brownell Children’s Retreat went very well. Two of my
children attended and had a great time. They still talk about the things they did and the
people they met while at the camp. I hope that more families will make an effort to send
VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Sylvia Thompson
Wow, it’s hard to believe summer is almost gone. I hope everyone had a great one. The
AFPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Norm Brownell
13719 Deer Run Blvd. S. E.
Calgary, AB T2J 6L3
(403) 271-9011 (h) (403) 271-3029 (Fax)
ACTING DIRECTOR - REGION 4
Diane Gunter
PO Box 434
Delburne, AB T0M 0V0
(403) 749-4868 (h)
VICE-PRESIDENT
Sylvia Thompson
Box 7873
Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1S9
(780) 727-3745 (h) (780) 727-3781 (Fax)
DIRECTOR - REGION 5
Rene Rajotte
Box 3213
Wainwright, Alberta T9W 1T2
(780) 842-2098 (h) (780) 842-4205 (Fax)
DIRECTOR - ABORIGINAL CENTRAL Treaty 6
Rick Lightning
Box 418
Hobbema, AB T0C 1N0
(780) 585-2819 (h) (780) 585-3621 (Fax)
DIRECTOR - REGION 6
Linda Krauskopf
9505 - 95 Street
Morinville, AB T8R 1H9
(780) 939-5035 (h) (780) 939-5519 (Fax)
DIRECTOR - ABORIGINAL SOUTH Treaty 7
Peter Strikes With A Gun
Box 13
Brocket, AB T0K 0H0
(403) 965-2241 (h)
DIRECTOR - REGION 7
Beverly Towe
Box 6466
Bonnyville, AB T9N 2H1
(780) 826-4129 (h) (780) 826-6126 (Fax)
DIRECTOR SOUTHWEST - REGION 1
Marlin Meyer
2127 - 16 A Avenue
Coaldale, AB T1M 1J9
(403) 345-4128 (h) (403) 345-2327 (Fax)
DIRECTOR - REGION 8
Mary Legeyt
RR# 2
Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0
(780) 568-2186 (h) (780) 568-2494 (Fax)
DIRECTOR SOUTHEAST - REGION 2
Ralph Welzel
5, Madison Court
Strathmore, AB T1P 1M5
(403) 934-8299 (h) (403) 934-3266 (Fax)`
DIRECTOR, REGION 9
Vacant
DIRECTOR - REGION 3
John Starkey
606 Oakhill PL SW
Calgary, AB T2V 3X8
(403) 281-4691 (h) (403) 251-7777 (Fax)
BRIDGE EDITOR
Norm Brownell
weather has been variable here, but we have had some great days. We also had some
amazing thunder and lightning storms. One lightning strike hit a telecommunication tower
right beside our house and destroyed miles of telephone lines, so no one had lines for about
3 weeks. I apologize if you were trying to reach me and I wasn’t available.
The CFFA conference in St John’s was very interesting. The opportunity to meet and chat
with our counterparts from across the country keep us all up to date on improvements to
foster care nationwide. The Board of Directors of the CFFA will be coming to Alberta to our
camp for a Fall Board Meeting. It is a great place to get together. Because of no outside
distractions, we get to know each other better and accomplish more work, make plans for
the future and do some training.
Children’s camp was well attended this summer and it keeps getting better every year.
Thanks again to our volunteers and leaders who came to help out, we truly could not do it
without you. It is also amazing to see our young adults now come and help with the
camp. Dates will be set soon for next year.
Conference planning is almost final. Courses have been all scheduled, entertainment
chosen and plans finalized. We have some great sessions and information to share. Plan
to spend some time finding out about our new Provincial Mentorship Program. It will also
be great to have Wayne Lee back and entertain us, Wayne will also be presenting our
plenary session. Many great sessions, great company, and a great location should make for
a great conference! Hope to see you all there.
Our transition committee hopes to have some news to share soon about some new
METIS DIRECTOR, REGION 10
Vacant
PUBLISHER
Melissa Jones
resources that are being planned. We will keep you posted.
Page 3
Have You Thought
of Trying ...
Band-Aid Solution
Submitted by: Linda Dirksengale
Instead of using expensive,
toy-branded bandages, try
using plain bandages and
let the kids use stickers to
decorate them. It’s
cheaper and it provides a
fun distraction from the
‘owie’.
Frozen Fruit Oatmeal
Submitted by: Abigail Pugh
Cool hot oatmeal down
instantly (and make a
healthy and colourful meal)
by adding frozen
blueberries directly to the
steaming-hot cereal. Try
other frozen fruits too!
Travel Entertainment
Submitted by: Stephanie Brook
Bring kids’ audio books with
you when you’ll be
travelling a distance in the
car. You can download
them or find them at the
library.
Reprinted with permission from
www.savvymoms.ca
Back to
School!!!
The new school year is just
around the corner. Some are
overjoyed to see friends and
start a new grade level.
Some wish that summer
would never end. Whether
you are happy or
disappointed that school is
starting, here are 10 funny
quotes to inspire you for the
approaching school year.
There are quotes for students,
teachers and parents.
#1 For the moms
“If there were no schools to take
the children away from home
part of the time, the insane
asylums would be filled with
mothers.” -Edgar W. Howe
#2 For those of faith
“As long as there are tests, there
will be prayer in schools.” -Author
Unknown
#3 For Politicians
“But there are advantages to
being elected President. The day
after I was elected, I had my
high school grades classified Top
Secret.” -Ronald Reagan
...Continued on Page 11
Page 4
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REPORTS
REGION 6
Linda Krauskopf
REGION 1
Marlin Meyer
Success! That’s the word used to describe this year’s children’s camp at the AFPA
Brownell Children’s Retreat. Almost 50 children and another 20 or so volunteers
Another busy summer has ended. I spent a week with 50 kids at the AFPA Brownell
took part in this year’s camp. Dennis Eisenbarth did a fantastic job as our camp
Children’s Retreat Summer Camp program. It was a wonderful, fun filled camp that
director. I would personally like to thank those who helped me in the kitchen, my
left us with tons of great memories.
dear wife Marilyn and Sherry along with teenagers, April and Chris. Thanks so
much for the hard work over the week.
This fall, the Regional Council will be involved in Care Giver Appreciation at West
Edmonton Mall, Citation Banquet in October, and Jasper in November. In addition,
For foster parents in Region 1, we are having our annual Corn Maze evening on
we are starting work on the conference to be held in April, lining up interesting
September 14 at 5 pm. Supper will be served at the maze and of course you are
and informative trainers. So mark on your calendar for April 19th- 20th at the River
encouraged to lose your children in the maze. Finding them is required as well!
Cree. It would be a good idea to book your room early as we fill up fast!
Also, our annual Citation Awards banquet is booked for October 23rd at Country
Kitchen (below The Keg). I encourage parents and workers to attend. It is a
We are also meeting on a quarterly basis with upper management to make sure
wonderful evening.
there is better communication between foster parents and Ministry staff.
Lastly, Teresa Nihill has resigned as president of our local society. Teresa has
Regional council members are: Linda Krauskopf 780-939-5035, Paulette Kopp 780-
worked tirelessly and will be most greatly missed. Thank you, Teresa for all you
921-3393, Joanne Crowly 780-966-9942, Melissa Strike 780-906-2670, Marilyn
have done. It has been a real pleasure working alongside you!
Sandborn Parker 780-939-4741, Kitty Romaniuk, Stacey van Cingel, Scarlett WilsonBrown.
REGION 3
John Starkey
The Calgary & District Foster Parent Association had our AGM in June and wel-
REGION 7
Bev Towe
Hi everyone!
comed new Board Members as well as John Nicholls as our new President.
All foster parents, kinship homes and adoptive homes should have received their
We ratified our new bylaws and they have been sent to the Province for approval.
registration package in the mail for the training retreat. Please come and enjoy our
training in September! If you haven't received the registration package, please
It has been a quiet summer; we had a laser tag evening in June with about 98
contact your foster care or kinship worker.
attending, we also had the Family Camp at the AFPA Brownell Children’s Retreat in
Sundre in August and only 13 families attended. We are planning our Foster Family
I know everyone will be busy getting their children into routines for school and
organized sports. Remember to claim your school fees and get approvals for the
month activities for October.
recreation monies. I know we all get busy and our memories are not like they used
The Foster family of the year and social worker of the year have already been
to be. I know, for me, in September I am busy every weekend. Plus, I need to
chosen.
figure out when or how to move at the same time. So my organization skills will be
REGION 4
Diane Gunter
well used!
Please all try to attend the foster care meeting at the September retreat. See you
We had a very successful spring retreat at the AFPA Children’s Camp. A special
all there!
thank you goes out to the Department staff that stepped up at the last minute and
REGION 8
Mary Legeyt
did all the meals. Perhaps they have found a new calling!
Olds Association continues to meet monthly and is growing in numbers. We are
Summer is coming to an end, we’ve had some new foster parents join us but also
happy to announce a new association starting in Wetaskiwin in September.
some old ones have retired and some are moving away, we wish them all the
best.
Our CEO, Mr. Tunney, has arranged for our region to be given money to help us
put on child focused events. Thank you, Mr. Tunney. He also joined us at our
Plans are underway for our Regional Conference in November along with the
spring retreat and participated in the session “Beefs & Bouquets”. Our foster
AFPA’s Conference in November. The yearly training schedule is available
parents enjoyed being able to talk to him throughout the day.
through the support workers.
Each of the associations are in the process of planning their own Foster Family
Advisory meeting and the Northwest Council meeting will begin in October so
Week activities. Hopefully, we will all have a great turnout. To all of our foster
watch for dates and times in our local newsletter.
parents in Region 4, I ask that you try to get out and support your local
associations. To be heard, you must be seen!
Have a great Harvest!
Page 5
FOSTER ALLEGATION SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS
(F.A.S.T.)
Alberta
Foster Parent Association is responsible for the F.A.S.T. Program.
Alberta Foster Parent Association
9750 - 35 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6E 6J6
Tel: (780) 429-9923 Fax: (780) 426-7151
Provincial Tel: 1-800-667-2372
E-mail: info@afpaonline.com
CHAIRPERSON
Marie Brownell
13719 Deer Run Blvd. SE
Calgary, AB T2J 6L3
Tel: (403) 271-9011
Fax: (403) 271-3029
Cindy Margetts
35 Terrace Crresent NE
Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1Z9
Tel: (403) 580-3494
Sylvia Thompson
Box 7873
Drayton Valley AB T7A 1S9
Tel: (780) 727-3745
Region 1
Region 3
Linda Faye Campbell
2209 - 19 Avenue S
Lethbridge, AB T1K 1E7
Tel: (403) 380-6528
Marie Brownell
13719 Deer Run Blvd. SE
Calgary, AB T2J 6L3
Tel: (403) 271-9011
Fax: (403) 271-3029
Heather Guard
RR1, Site 2, Box 24
Winfield, AB T0C 2X0
Tel: (780) 682-2272
Heather Thibault
117 Sherwood Blvd. West
Lethbridge, AB T1K 6E7
Tel: (403) 388-4944
David Maiers & Bev
Tailfeathers
Box 593
Cardston, AB T0K OKO
Tel: (403) 737-2014
Verna Isley
RR# 1
Airdrie, AB T4B 2A3
Tel: (403) 948-4558
Andrew Kippers
Site 10, Comp 20, RR 8
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P4
Tel: (403) 394-2478
Roxanne Droppo-Treme
Box 1048
Crossfield, AB T0M 0S0
Tel: (403) 946-0054
James & Marie
MacGregor
5204 - 51 Street
Taber, AB T1G 1M3
Tel: (403) 223-0423
Donald & Susan Stephenson
43 Stagecoach Trail
Rockyview County, AB T4A
0P4
Tel: (403) 226-5610
Jeffery Solberg
Box 921
Raymond, AB T0K 2S0
Tel: (403) 388-9711
Region 4
Region 2
Wade & Debbie Holland
Box 1627
Hanna, AB T0J 1P0
Tel: (403) 854-2217
Tammy Beach
Box 358
Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0
Tel: (403) 548-7998
Charleen Leslie
3 Spruce Close
Lacombe, AB T4L 2L3
Tel: (403) 782-7503
David Chow
27 Valleyview Drive SW
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7K5
Tel: (403) 548-6890
Marlene & Mike Robertson
57 Kennings Crescent
Red Deer, AB T4P 3M8
Tel: (403) 346-1487
Christy Parsons-Donnelly
98 Scott Crescent SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 2M7
Tel: (403) 580-2066
Brenda Day
RR1
Sundre, AB T0M 1X0
Tel: (403) 556-3895
Lynette Slack
2392 Hatcher Drive NE
Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1X5
Tel: (403) 527-8084
Page 6
Doreen Heide
Box 562
Cochrane, AB T4C 1A7
Tel: (403) 637-3911
Kathleen Burnett
RR1
Clive, AB T0C 0Y0
Tel: (403) 784-2412
Diane Gunter
PO Box 434
Delburne, AB T0M 0V0
Tel: (403) 749-4868
Region 7
Pat Mahe
Box 129
St. Vincient, AB T0E 1V0
Tel: (780) 635-2648
Stephen & Susan Lander
Box 96
Cherry Grove, AB T0A 0T0
Tel: (780) 594-0904
Brian & Joyce Golding
Box 7078
Edson, AB T9E 1V4
Tel: (780) 723-2855
Joanne Ruck
19 Lyons Crescent
Whitecourt, AB T7F 1B9
Tel: (780) 706-7397
Region 5
Region 8
Rick Thornton
Box 56
Chipman, AB T0B 0W0
Tel: (780) 764-2636
Seth and Holly Barnfield
RR 2, Site 4, Box 4
Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0
Tel: (780) 568-4009
Ron Hillis
RR# 1
Ferintosh, AB T0B 1M0
Tel: (780) 877-0172
Sheila Wolfe
Box 11
High Level, AB T0H 1Z0
Tel: (780) 926-3437
Samara Stonehocker
RR1
Wainwright, AB T9W 1W1
Tel: (780) 842-3419
Sarah Foley
PO Box 179
Whitelaw, AB T0H 3T0
Tel: (780) 596-3016
Region 6
Jennifer Spencer
Box 5, Site 3
Hythe, AB T0H 2C0
Tel: (780) 356-2188
Paulette Kopp
Box 539
Bon Accord, AB T0A 0K0
Tel: (780) 921-3393
Vina McKee
10112 – 171A Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5X 4L4
Tel: (780) 456-8665
Linda Krauskopf
9505 – 95 Street
Morinville, AB T8R 1H9
Tel: (780) 939-5035
Graham Jones
170 Blackburn Dr. West
Edmonton, AB T6W 1B6
Tel: (780) 432-7442
Region 9
Region 9 is currently being
serviced by FAST reps from
other Regions. New reps from
Region 9 are being recruited
and will be trained as soon as
possible!
Region 10
Region 10 is currently being
serviced by FAST reps
throughout the other Regions.
Halloween Funnies
The History of Halloween
Did you know that Halloween is one of the
world’s oldest holidays? It has gone through
many changes, but was originally a Celtic festival
called Samhain (pronounced sow-in), marking the
Q. What do goblins and ghosts drink when they’re hot and thirsty on
Halloween? A. Ghoul-aid!!!
Q. What is a Mummie’s favorite type of music? A. Wrap!!!!!
end of harvest and the beginning of the new
Q. Why do demons and ghouls hang out together? A. Because demons are a
ghouls best friend!
year (November 1st). The druids believed that
Q. What’s a monster’s favorite bean? A. A human bean.
ghosts and spirits roamed the earth at this time,
and they lit bonfires as protection.
When the Romans took over the Celtic lands,
they adapted the day to honor their own deities.
One of these, Pomona, was the goddess of fruit
and trees and was represented by an apple. This
may be why we bob for apples at Halloween
parties today!
Eventually, the Roman Catholic Church adapted
the day as All Saints’, or All Hallows’, Day, to
honor saints who did not have a specific feast
day of their own. The name gradually changed to
Q. What do you call a witch who lives at the beach? A. A sand-witch.
Provincial Mentorship
Program
The AFPA is delighted to announce the
beginning of the “Provincial Mentorship
Program”, an exciting new addition to the
wonderful support programs already offered
to Alberta foster parents.
Halloween.
The tradition of trick-or-treating dates to All Souls’
Days parades in England. Villagers gave poor
people “soul cakes” in return for prayers for their
dead relatives.
In 1920s America, kids began going trick-ortreating in their neighborhoods. By this time,
Halloween lost its religious meaning and became
a holiday where people could don costumes and
become, for one night, something fantastical. It
also became an inexpensive way for communities
to celebrate together.
Other countries have their own celebrations at
this time, but with different meanings. In Mexico
people celebrate El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of
The Provincial Mentorship Program is being
developed with the intent to create support
for new foster parents as they enter the
world of foster care.
The first year of the program is focusing on
working with new Authority foster parents
within Regions 6 and 7. Focus groups are
being developed to inform Authority Foster Care Support Workers
about the program, as well as to inform and recruit potential mentors
and mentees within these 2 regions. If you are interested in becoming
a mentor for the Provincial Mentorship Program, watch for further
information on the AFPA website, “The Bridge” newsletter, regional
activities, and training conferences. You
may also wish to talk to your Foster
Together We Can
Care Support Worker, or call the AFPA.
Our Vision
the Dead. This is a time to honor and celebrate
the dead. Families clean and decorate their
relatives’ graves, and on the night of November
1, everyone meets at the graveyard.
Traditionally, this is the time that spirits are
believed to return to the land of the living.
From http://kids.librarypoint.org/halloween_history
The AFPA Provincial Mentorship
Program believes in foster parents.
Through collaboration, training,
mentoring and non-threatening
support, families who foster
children will feel empowered and
able to successfully self-advocate.
In a safe environment, foster
parents will develop positive
personal growth in their skills,
confidence, networking and
motivation. It is through positive
self-growth that we, as individuals,
can have a positive impact on the
lives of others.
Empowering
Alberta Foster Parents
... Every Day
AFPA Support Programs
• Foster Allegations Support Team (F.A.S.T.)
• AFPA After Hours Support Line
• Conflict Resolution Program
• Legal Assistance
• Support for Adoptive Families
• Online Links to Foster Parent Resources
• Insurance Program
• AFPA Bursary Program
For a complete description of these support
programs and additional membership
benefits, visit the AFPA website at
www.afpaonline.com.
Page 7
Pressed-Leaf Halloween
Cards and Gift Tags
Martha Stewart Living, October 2010
Today’s chore — raking the front yard — is tomorrow’s
cheer when you turn pressed foliage into greeting cards
or gift tags for bags of candy. Then you can let the wind
(or really, the letter carrier or the Halloween spirit) carry
them away.
Tools and Materials
·
Fresh leaves
Scissors
Craft knife
Spray adhesive
Colored paper or note cards
Hole punch
Ribbon
Bag of candy
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Halloween Cards and Gift Tags
How-To
Gather freshly fallen leaves with stems. If desired, use
a pair of scissors to trim them into a pumpkin
shape.
With a craft knife, cut facial features. Snip the stems
to preferred length.
Dry for several days in a leaf press or sandwiched in
newsprint inside a heavy book.
Coat one side with spray adhesive, press onto
colored paper or note cards, and let dry. For the
tags, punch a small hole in the paper, thread
with a ribbon, and tie to a bag of candy.
The AFPA’s 39th Annual
Training Conference and Awards Banquet
November 1-4, 2012
Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre
Jasper, Alberta
Thursday, November 1st
2:00 pm
Registration Begins
Silent Auction Begins
6:00 pm
9:00 pm
Opening Ceremonies
Chinese Auction
Friday, November 2nd
9:00 am – 4:15 pm
Workshops
7:30 pm
Wayne Lee, Comedic Hypnotist Show
Saturday, November 3rd
9:00 am – 4:15 pm Workshops
7:00 pm
Banquet and Awards
Sunday, November 4th
From http://www.marthastewart.com
Night of the Living Bread
Your kids can play Frankenstein chefs as they assemble a
set of weird and wacky mini-pita faces for party snacks.
Ingredients:
·
small pita
·
flavored cream cheese or hummus
·
edible features of your choice
For each, remove one half of the top
layer of a small pita. Fill the pita with
flavored cream cheese or hummus and
add edible features. Our faces have
cheese teeth, bologna and cornichonslice tongues, a cauliflower brain, oliveslice eyes, carrot and scallion hair, a
carrot nose, and a pepper mouth.
8:30 am
9:30 am
Join us in another wonderful weekend of learning
and connecting with others!
Register early with the AFPA and get the
workshops you want!
NOTICE of A.G.M
Where:
When:
Page 8
Non-Denominational Church Service
Annual General Meeting
Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre
Jasper, Alberta
Sunday, November 4th, 2012 at 9:30 am
Wicked Good Pizza Muffins
Makes 12 muffins
Ingredients:
Directions
2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder
1 tsp (5 mL) each salt and dried basil
½ tsp (2 mL) baking soda
1 cup (250 mL) tiny cubes old orange cheddar
1 cup (250 mL) plain yogurt
2 eggs
¼ cup (50 mL) butter, melted
½ cup (125 mL) finely chopped red or green sweet
pepper (optional)
¼ cup (50 mL) pizza sauce
½ cup (125 mL) shredded mozzarella
1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. In a large
bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, basil and baking soda until
combined. Stir in cheddar cubes.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs and butter until smooth. Stir into
flour mixture just until well combined and no dry spots remain; stir in sweet pepper
(batter will be very thick). Spoon batter into muffin cups, dividing evenly. Spoon 1
tsp (5 mL) pizza sauce on top of each muffin; sprinkle each with shredded
mozzarella.
3. Bake about 20 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in centre of one of
middle muffins comes out clean. Let muffins cool in pan at least 5 minutes before
removing, then let cool completely on a wire rack.
(Freeze muffins in an airtight container for up to 1 month; defrost at room temperature.)
Nutrients Per Serving
216 calories, 10.4 g fat, 178 mg calcium, 485 mg sodium, 22.6 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein,
0.7 g fibre; good source of folate and calcium.
From www.canadianfamily.ca
kids these days ...
By Dr. David Rideout, CEO
North Central Alberta Child & Family Services Authority
How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Forty-some Years Ago
As summer winds its way to autumn, kids today are living the
very moments they’ll soon write about in their “How I Spent
My Summer Vacation” back-to-school assignment. I wrote my
fair share of these assignments when I was a boy—and
assigned plenty of them when I was a teacher.
Casting my own memory back to the mid-1960s, I remember
the smell of the ocean on the Newfoundland coast across
the street from my home. My friends and I would load up a
knapsack with a feast of wieners or Vienna sausages,
potatoes and, if we were lucky, marshmallows for dessert.
We’d wander the rocky beach that stretched as far as the
eye could see, strewn with driftwood and dried seaweed.
Gathering up the dry wood, we’d light a fire to roast the
wieners over the flames and the potatoes directly on the
coals. We never thought to use tin foil because it was not a
common item then, and anyway, we didn’t mind the
occasional crunch of soot in our teeth.
equipment or gear. Even a store-bought bat and glove was
a luxury. When someone cracked a ball out of the park, we
stopped the game to find it, because it was usually the only
ball we had.
We roamed the hillsides playing cowboys brandishing
makeshift wooden rifles. In the heat of the day, we’d head to
a nearby swimming hole to cool down. Without lifeguards or
adults supervising, we looked out for each other.
Those were the days. I hope that all children are gathering
some great memories of their own this summer. And they can
tell the generations that follow about how idyllic life was
‘back then.’ How they made friendships that endured for a
lifetime. How they discovered new places and adventures. …
and how, when they finally returned to school in the fall, they
had to walk there barefoot, uphill in both directions.
Dr. David Rideout is a former teacher,
Sometimes we’d just stroll the beach for hours, stopping only
when the sun slipped beneath the waves. We’d search for
shining black mussels along the seashore and boil them in an
old tin can over a driftwood fire. If we were lucky, we’d also
feast on the wild berries from the bushes that grew nearby.
Life as a child was seldom lived indoors, whether you were a
boy or a girl. Even after dark, we played outdoor tag, using
flashlights to catch people. We had no organized sports but
spent hours playing baseball and soccer – without protective
principal, and school board
superintendent. He is a father of two
adult sons and the CEO of the North
Central Alberta Child and Family
Services Authority.
Feedback or comments are welcome and
can be sent via email to david.rideout@gov.ab.ca
Page 9
10 Educational Apps for Young Kids
Sometimes you just need some downtime—and so do the kids. We’ve got 10 of the best
ABC Go
learning apps for youngsters that they’ll love to play. The following apps can be found at
ABC Go showcases over 65 modes of transportation in a clever and innovative
the iTunes App Store.
approach—perfect for a younger audience. Using lots of (age-appropriate)
movies, images, sounds and interactive games, kids will be thoroughly
Touch and Write
entertained and engaged to learn new words, the alphabet and spelling.
Learning to write with ketchup, whipped cream and chocolate frosting? Yummy!
Reprinted with permission from www.savvymom.ca
Touch and Write includes 16 different writing ‘instruments,’ 28 writing papers,
two high-frequency word lists, two alphabet word lists and an alphabet list.
Added bonus: parents can create their own custom word lists. Learning to write
AFPA
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
has never been this much fun.
Toddler Counting & Alphabet - Dinosaurs
Numbers, letters and dinosaurs, oh my! This iPad app teaches toddlers
sequencing and pattern recognition of upper and lower ABCs and 123s up to 20
by way of dinosaur puzzles. Kids must match the dinosaur puzzle piece to the template with
the corresponding number or letter.
Program Description
Potty Time with Elmo
Let’s face it, potty training is not glamorous—but Elmo makes it fun. This app
follows our beloved red furry friend as he helps his doll, Baby David, make the
transition from diapers to underpants. Five fun songs, puzzles, a reward chart
and stickers make the perfect reinforcements in encouraging your child to reach
the potty milestone.
Monkey Math School Sunshine
The creators of the hit Monkey Lunch Preschool app have done it again with
The Legal Assistance Program was initiated in 2003 and developed to
provide financial assistance for foster parents and their adult children when
charged with a criminal offence (abuse) under the Child, Youth and Family
Enhancement Act against a foster child they have cared for or are caring for.
Minor children are eligible for legal counsel through the normal Legal Aid
program or by virtue of Section 11. (2) of the Young Offenders Act and
cannot access this program.
What you are entitled to under the Legal Assistance Program:
Monkey Math School Sunshine. Who knew a cute little monkey on the beach
could teach a young crowd the basic fundamentals of math, including patterns,
shapes and sequences? The app contains 9 interactive games, complete with
an interactive aquarium that kids can fill as their reward for a job well done.
Let’s Color!
Through a child’s eyes, a dot becomes falling snow or bath time bubbles, and
squiggles become the throwing flames from a fire breathing dragon. There’s no
limit to a child’s imagination. Let’s Color has 18 animated scenes that come to
Under this program your family has the right to access payment assistance
for legal counsel of $74.00 per hour to a maximum of $8,000.00 including
disbursements. (Please note: this program will not cover legal expenses for
appeals).
What you should do if you or a family member is charged with abuse:
·
Contact a lawyer of your choice and verify that he/she will provide
the required service at the above mentioned rate. You will be
responsible for any charges above the amounts funded under this
program.
·
Contact the Alberta Foster Parent Association and ask them to
provide you with a Notice of Eligibility letter. (Phone: 1-800-6672372 or within Edmonton 429-9923)
·
You will need to provide a copy of the charges, a copy of your
Agreement to Foster and the name, address and phone number of
the lawyer you choose to represent you to the Executive Director of
the Alberta Foster Parent Association.
life once your child adds their creative touches to the scene.
i Learn with Boing: Savannah Adventures!
Boing and his friendly-alien friends land their spaceship on the savannah but
this math app is all about the animals. With the help of ostriches, meerkats and
frogs, kids ages 3 through 6 will have fun as they learn counting, number
ordering and adding or subtracting. We love that kids can play head-to-head
against another player such as a parent or pal. Parents can track their child’s progress with
the personalized report feature.
Bob Books #1
The popular Bob Books are perfect for the first time reader. The methodology
used in the original print series is carried forward to the Reading Magic #1 and
Katherine Jones, Executive Director
Alberta Foster Parent Association
9750 - 35th Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6E 6J6
#2 digital series which combines interactive, engaging and creative elements
with the familiar Bob characters and stories.
AniMatch
·
Present the Notice of Eligibility letter to your lawyer.
·
Have your lawyer confirm in writing to the Executive Director of the
Alberta Foster Parent Association a statement indicating his/her
willingness to represent you.
·
You will be asked to enter into an agreement with the Alberta Foster
Parent Association setting out the payment method and maximum
amount that you are entitled to under this program.
This is a simple animal matching game which helps to foster memory and
concentration. The interface is intuitive and easy enough that the youngest
child can play. Kids will no doubt love the app for the cuteness factor of the
animals and their animal sounds.
Alien Buddies
Adorable aliens guide your child as they learn their upper and lower case letters,
colours, shapes and numbers through matching, puzzles and dot-to-dot games.
Kids will develop important skills such as problem solving, sequential counting
and fine motor skills with the help of their Alien Buddies.
Page 10
Alberta Health Services
Bounce Back Book series
Newest ‘Bounce Back’ book focuses
on resiliency in early school years
The third installment of an Alberta Health Services book
series will soon help children ages 5 to 9 “bounce back”
from setbacks and cope well with life’s ups and downs.
The Bounce Back Book: Building Resiliency Skills in the
Early School Years is scheduled for release during Mental
Health Week, May 3 to 9, 2010.
The colourful, 52-page illustrated publication is designed to
be a resource for parents, caregivers and teachers. It
focuses on the period in a child’s life when he or she will
spend more time away from home and family, and will
need to develop relationships with other adults and
children.
“Resilience starts in infancy and is developed during
childhood,” says Dr. Joanne Baxter, early childhood
development expert and Chair of the Department of Child
and Youth Studies at Calgary’s Mount Royal University.
“The Bounce Back books provide advice on how to prepare
children to feel competent in dealing with life’s challenges,
disappointments and setbacks.”
Resiliency skills will benefit these young Albertans
throughout their lifetimes, adds Beth Evans, manager of
Mental Health Promotion for Alberta Health Services.
“Research shows that resilient people are healthier, live
longer, are more successful in school and work, are
happier in relationships and are less prone to depression,”
Evans says.
Previous Bounce Back books, Birth to 2 Years: Laying the
Foundation for Resiliency in Your Infant and Toddler and
Building Resiliency Skills in Your Preschooler, focus on
how parents can start building resilience during their
children’s early years.
All three books contain information about childhood
development and activities that can be used at home or in
the classroom. They have been reviewed by experts in
early childhood development and children’s mental health
and wellness.
The Bounce Back books are available at http://
www.albertahealthservices.ca/1652.asp
From http://www.albertahealthservices.ca
Back to School! - Continued from Page 4
#4 For kids
“Smartness runs in my family. When I went to school I was so smart my teacher was in my class for five years.” Gracie Allen
#5 For teachers
“There are three good reasons to be a teacher - June, July, and August.” - Author Unknown
#6 For the student
“I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.” -Winston Churchill
#7 For the Class Clown
We all learn by experience but some of us have to go to summer school.” Peter De Vries
#8 For the question asker
“What’s another word for thesaurus?” Steven Wright.
#9 For unruly children
“When a teacher calls a boy by his entire name, it means trouble.” - Mark Twain
#10 For anyone who lives or works with kids
“Schoolteachers are not fully appreciated by parents until it rains all day Saturday.” - E. C. McKenzie
http://voices.yahoo.com/10-funny-back-school-quotes-6506220.html
Page 11
Added reasons to join the AFPA:
Special pricing is available to AFPA Members at The Brick, Hughes Car Wash and Gas Diesel Bar, and West Edmonton Mall (Choice Passes), SilverBirch Hotels and
Resorts, Chateau Louis Edmonton, AVIS Car Rentals, Canar Rock Products Edmonton and Red Deer, Minute Muffler & Break Calgary, and Koch Ford Edmonton
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
January 1, 2012 -December 31, 2012
NAME
PLEASE MARK X IN THE
APPROPRIATE BOX
NAME
q
q
NEW
RENEW
INDICATE CLASS OF MEMBERSHIP WITH X IN THE
CORRECT BOX
ADDRESS
CITY
PROVINCE
q
POSTAL CODE
TELEPHONE
q
DATE
q
q
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS
TO ENSURE ACCURATE INFORMATION TYPE OR PRINT
RETURN FORM AND MEMBERSHIP FEE TO:
Alberta Foster Parent Association
9750 - 35 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6J6
Local phone (780) 429-9923
Phone: 1-800-667-2372 -Provincial
Fax: (780) 426-7151
DEPARTMENT FOSTER HOME
Regional Authority Name
Regional Authority Number
Classification
AGENCY FOSTER HOME
Name of Agency
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
LIFETIME MEMBER
Method of Payment
q MASTERCARD
q CASH
q
q
VISA
CHEQUE
Credit Card Number
Authorized Signature
Expiry Date
CLASS OF MEMBERSHIP
1.
2.
3.
Foster Home Member: an individual who licensed by the Alberta Human Services or equivalent
Associate Member: an individual or agency that is not a licensed foster parent
Lifetime Member: appointed lifetime members of the AFPA (fee waived)
The membership fee is $50.00 per household per year (one card for each parent will be issued). A fee of $10.00 will be charged for all NSF
cheques. If you would like your membership card laminated, please enclose an additional $0.75 per card.
CANADIAN FOSTER FAMILY ASSOCIATION
Donor Membership Application
April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013
New Member:
Renewal:
Foster Family:
Social Worker:
Other:
Name(s):_____________________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________
City/Town:___________________Prov./Terr:______________Postal Code:_____________
Phone: (
) ___________________
Fax/Email:_______________________________
Family Membership Fee: $20.00 or $100.00 for 6 years:
Method of payment:
Cheque:
Page 12
Money Order:
A Receipt for Income Tax Purposes Will Be Issued
– Revenue Canada #137467726 RR0001
Mail this form and membership fee to:
CANADIAN FOSTER FAMILY ASSOCIATION
c/o Sharon Joyal
Membership Chair
Box 1 Group 25 RR2
Ste Anne, Manitoba R5H 1R2