December 2013

Bright lights, snowflakes, and hot chocolate!  These are a few of my favorite things about winter. We hope the information below can help you make this winter season happy & healthy for you and yours!

Day of Holiday Cheer

The Jessamine County Community Early Childhood Council (CECC) will be hosting a

 Day of Holiday Cheer! Come and enjoy FREE hot cocoa and cookies. Activities include: a carriage ride, making reindeer food, and watching a ballet performance of The Nutcracker. 

Where: Jessamine County Public Library

When: Sunday December 8^th from 1pm-5pm.

January Family Fun Night

Get your SAFARI gear ready to go and join us at JELV for an adventure in the jungle!

January Family Fun Night will be

Thursday January 23^rd from 5pm-7pm

This year, our theme is Jungle Safari.  We’ll make binoculars, explore jungle wildlife and go jungle bowling!

A small dinner will be available for purchase. 

Holiday Assistance

The deadline for applying for the JELV Holiday Assistance program has now passed. If you are in need of assistance you can still sign up with the Nicholasville Firefighters Toy Drive. This program is for residents of Jessamine County ages 6 months to 12 years of age.

The last registration date is on

Wednesday December 4^th 5pm-8pm.

Registration is at the Corman Building on High Street. Registrants bring:

ü  Proof of residence

ü  Photo ID

ü  Certified Birth Certificate for each child

ü  Custody papers (if you currently have custody of the child and your name is not on their birth Certificate).

*Call 859-553-0437 for more information*

Heating Assistance

There’s still time to sign up for winter heating assistance through the Bluegrass Community Action LIHEAP Program. The open dates when you can apply are:

Wednesday December 18^th and Thursday December 19^th

from 8AM until 12PM.

Call the FRC for more information.

Are You Donating Clothing?

The local Goodwill (off Main Street by Long John Silver’s) has a credit system with Jessamine County Schools that enables us to give clothing vouchers to families in need!

When you go to Goodwill to donate your clothes, just request that your clothing donation be credited to Jessamine County Schools.  The worker should have you sign a donation slip.

Connie’s Health Tip

Nurse Connie at JELV encourages all families to wash your hands, especially during this season of sickness. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water will help prevent illness.

As always, if you are in need of information, support, or services, please feel free to stop by the FRC or contact Debbie Cumbie or Kendra Cox at 887-0567. Happy holidays from the FRC!

November 2013

November is thought of as the “thankful” month. It is a time when we can reflect on our blessings. For some, it may be a little more difficult to compile that list of blessings. With harder economic climates and winter approaching, it can be difficult to make ends meet. The FRC has listed some information on local resources that can help out during these seasons of life. We hope you find them helpful and informative.    

 

 

Christmas Assistance

► You should have received a Holiday Assistance Information Flyer in your child’s folder by now. The deadline to sign up for the JELV Holiday Assistance Program is November 22^nd.

► If you have not received the flyer and would like more information, plesase call Kendra Cox at 887-0567 with any questions.

► If you have elementary age children in your home please call and find out where you should apply for Christmas assistance. We do not want you to make an unnecessary trip to the Village.

 

Sponsor a family at Christmas

If you would like more information about sponsoring a family that has applied to receive Christmas Assistance please call the Family Resource Center at 887-0567 and ask to speak to Kendra Cox. 

Thanksgiving Assistance

 

The Jessamine County Food Pantry will provide a turkey breast to go along with the food boxes for families needing Thanksgiving assistance.

Distribution date is Nov. 21^st from 4pm-6pm

Located at Nicholasville Christian Church

102 S. Second Street

·         Must bring a picture ID

·         Must bring proof of Jessamine County residency

·         Must meet financial criteria

 

Wilmore/High Bridge residents are directed to work with their community service center for any food needs.  Call 858-2819.

 

FREE Community Thanksgiving Dinner!!!

 Hosted by Bluegrass Hospitality Group (partnered with Southland Christian Church)

11 AM to 2 PM

Thursday, November 28^th

Sal’s and Malone’s Restaurant

Landsdowne Shoppes

3373 Tates Creek Road, Lexington KY

Please call 859-977-2606 to make reservations to attend and if you need assistance with transportation.

Walk-ins also welcome. 

Family Game Night at JCPL

The Jessamine County Public Library is hosting a family game night on

November 21^st from 6-8pm.

FREE pizza and drinks provided.

You MUST register for this

in order to attend.

For more information,

contact JCPL staff at 885-3523.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance

Apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program at Bluegrass Community Action located at 213 South Main Street, Suite 103 in Nicholasville (885-3512).  There are specific days to apply based on the last name of the head of the household.  The LIHEAP flyer has the dates when you should go to apply and has gone out in your child’s folder.  If you are unable to locate the flyer please call the Family Resource Center at 887-0567.

*Food Stamp Assistance*

You now have 3 different ways to receive assistance in completing a food stamp application.

·         Call 1-855-306-8959

·         Online at www.chfs.ky.gov

·         In person at 111 Edgewood Plaza

 

September 2013

It is hard to believe that we are mid-way through September!  Fall is here and the FRC of Jessamine Early Learning Village would like to inform you of upcoming events and important news. 

Upcoming Events:

Parent Teacher Organization 

Next meeting is scheduled for 6pm on

Tuesday September 24^th at JELV.

All JELV parents are welcome to attend.

Family Fun Night

Hoedown

JELV will be hosting our annual Fall Family Fun Night with a Hoedown theme.  Bring your boots, bandanas, and brazen attitudes on Thursday October 10^th from 5:00pm-7:00pm.  Watch your child’s folder for more information.

Important News:

JELV FRC NEW FACES

The FRC has a new director this Fall. Debbie Cumbie, former Assistant Director of the FRC  has transitioned to Director of the FRC. The new Assistant Director is Kendra Cox, recent Asbury MSW graduate. The intern for the FRC this year is Brittainy Martinez, current Asbury MSW student.  Debbie, Kendra, and Brittainy are very excited about the JELV FRC and helping families in any way they can this year. 

Change of Clothing Needed 

All children attending JELV need to have a change of clothing at the school for when accidents occur.  Please include a top, pants/shorts, underwear, and socks.    

Volunteering 

Would you like to volunteer? Volunteers are needed at the Village in many different areas including classroom support, assisting children in the cafeteria, filing books in the Library, picture days and more.  If you are interested in volunteering, please follow these steps:

1. Contact your child’s teacher first and set up a day and time to start volunteering.

2. The very first time you come to volunteer, go to the Family Resource Center first in order to complete a background check and a 10 minute training on expectations and confidentiality. 

Call the Family Resource Center at 887-0567 with any questions.

GED Program 

There are some exciting changes coming soon regarding GED classes and preparation. If you are interested in getting your GED, please call the FRC for more information.
 885-0567

Free Dental Clinics 

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry will be providing dental exams and treatment

AT NO COST for children ages 4-12. This treatment includes exams, x-rays, cleanings and any needed fillings, extractions and sealants. 

September 28, 2013 9am-12pm

October 19, 2013 9am-12pm

November 16, 2013 9am-12pm

As always, if you are in need of information, support, or services, please feel free to stop by the FRC or contact Debbie Cumbie or Kendra Cox at 887-0567.

Wow!  It's already April, and Spring is in the air. We are approaching our last few days with our Preschoolers and Kindergarteners, and boy, have they grown!  Summer is approaching and so are many opportunities for your little ones to continue growing.  Check out the resources below for more information.

Summer Camps

YMCA

Camps offered June thru August   

Monday through Friday

7:15 AM to 6 PM

Ages 5 to 13

Financial Assistance Available for families that qualify.

Call Jennifer Bishoff at 885-5013 for more information or go to ymcaofcentralky.org.

Wilmore Parks and Recreation

Camps offered June through July

Monday through Friday

Ages 5 to 13

Call Amy Fitch at 858-9031 for more information or go to Wilmore.org and click on Parks and Recreation.

For information about

Special Needs Summer Camps

Call Vickie Shearer

Parent Resource Center

887-2421 Ext. 3728

Other Upcoming Events

Jessamine County Public Library

Children’s Clothing Swap

Tuesday, April 16^th, 7 PM to 8:30 PM

Wednesday, April 17^th, 10 AM to 12 PM

Trade in your good quality, gently used children’s or baby clothes and you will be able to "shop" from a wide selection of other donated clothing items. There is no charge for this event, but each participant must donate items.  No registration is required. 

Clothing must be clean, gently used, in good condition, and labeled on front with gender and size.  Items for donation will be accepted beginning Monday, April 8th.

Accepted items: underclothes, accessories, coats, shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters, shoes, dresses

Screen-Free Week

April 29 – May 3

Screen-free week is a national celebration where children, families, schools, and communities turn off entertainment screen media and turn on life.  It’s a time to unplug and play, read, daydream, create, explore, and spend more time with family and friends.

Jessamine Early Learning Village wants to challenge you and your family to take part in Screen-Free Week during the week of April 29 – May 3.   More information about this week will be coming in your child’s folder. 

Rules and Consequences

F.A.C.E.S. of the Bluegrass

Parent/Grandparent/Caregiver Support Network

For some parents/caregivers, setting appropriate rules and consequences can be a struggle. We will discuss rule setting guidelines. Attendants will have the opportunity to discuss what has been effective in their life.  As always, come prepared to share your individual experiences, successes and struggles.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Jessamine Counseling Center

12:00 to 2:00

Call the FRC for more information. 

887-0567

Noteworthy News

Moving!

The Wilmore/High Bridge Community Service Center and Attic Treasures Thrift Shop will be moving to a new location.  They will be located in the basement of Clark Chapel in the Wilmore United Methodist Church at 209 East Main Street.  They hope to accomplish the move by the first of May 2013.  Phone number and email will remain the same.  Contact Connie Sunda for further details or questions.

858-2819

The Kentucky Governor's Office of Early Childhood has a public message for parents who have children getting ready for Kindergarten.  The following link will lead you to their monthly messages that provide valuable insight into Kindergarten readiness. http://kidsnow.ky.gov/Mobilizing-Communities/Pages/Monthly-Message.aspx

If you have any other concerns or needs, please feel free to stop by the JELV FRC or give us a call at 887-0567.

March 2013

March is here, and Spring is fast approaching!

Below, you'll find important information about the happenings of Jessamine County.  As always, feel free to contact us anytime you need assistance or more information!  887-0567

• GED Information
• ATTENTION! DO NOT DELAY in getting your GED.  This is the last year for the current version of the GED test.  In 2014, there will be an all new test that is more rigorous and more expensive.  Call Jessamine County Adult Education for more information at 887-9052.

• Free Dental Clinic at the UK College of Dentistry
• March 9th, from 9am until 12pm
• Dental exams and treatment at NOT COST for children ages 4-12
• The clinic operates on a first come, first served basis, so arrive early!
• Bring the child's social security number and any medical insurance cards in case a follow up appointment is necessary
• Located in the courtyard next to the Markey Cancer Center, 2nd floor

• Jessamine County YMCA Spring Break Camp
• April 1st through 5th
• For ages 5-12
• 5-7 year olds: $110/child/week
• 8-12 year olds: $105/child/week
• Pre-registration is required
• call 885-5013 for more information

February 2013

It's February: the month of love!  Here at the Village, we LOVE when our families come together for a night of fun and adventure, and that's precisely what happened during the January Family Fun Night.

The January Family Fun Night was a huge success.  Over 650 people turned out to enjoy a night of Pirate Fun.  A big thanks goes out to Cheryl Hughes and Beth Lanaghan who popped 800 bags of popcorn and Wilmore Free Methodist Church that sent volunteers to help work the Capture the Flag station.   The next Family Fun Night will be on May 9^th.

Below, we've listed a few more fun and helpful events happening in the community.

Free Dental Clinic

March 9th, 2013

9 AM to 12 PM
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry will be providing dental exams and treatment AT NO COST for children ages 4-12. This treatment includes exams, x-rays, cleanings and any needed fillings, extractions and sealants.
The clinic operates on a first come first serve bases so it is recommended that you arrive between 8 and 8:30 AM to register.
It is also recommended that you bring your child’s social security number and any medical or insurance cards with you in case a follow up appointment is needed.

Waggin’ Tales

Jessamine County Public Library
Saturday, February 9th
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
If you're in kindergarten - 5th grade, and would like to read a book to a dog, here's your chance! Children can sign up for a 15 minute time slot. Please plan to arrive a few minutes before your designated time so that you can choose a book to read. For more information or to sign up, ask at the JCPL children's desk or call 859-885-3523 ext. 227.

Lego Club

Wednesday, February 6th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Love LEGOs? Come explore the wonderful world of LEGOs with other LEGO enthusiasts. All supplies will be provided. This program is designed for children 4 years old - 5th grade. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please register at the Jessamine County Public Library. 859-885-3523

As always, a big thank you goes out to all of our Certified Volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to help in any way they can!  THANK YOU!

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call or drop by the JELV Family Resource Center, and we would be happy to assist you.  (887-0567)
Have a Happy February!

January 2013

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!  January 2013 is here, and we're getting back into the swing of things at JELV Family Resource Center.  We are ready for a new year full of possibilities!

Although the snow is pretty, it can bring some nasty sicknesses!  If your child is showing signs of illness such as sore throat, excessive cough, skin rash, a fever above 100 degrees, vomiting, or diarrhea, please keep your child at home and seek appropriate medical attention.  Children have to be FEVER FREE for at least 24 hours WITHOUT medication before they are allowed back at school.  This is to prevent the spreading of illnesses.

Drum Roll Please!!!
We are excited to announce that A Night of Pirate Fun will be held at the Village on January 17th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM.  Come dressed in your best pirate clothing and get ready for a fun evening full of pirate schemes for the whole family!
***Can you guess what a pirate's favorite letter is?  You think it be "R", but it be the "C"!

Below, we've listed some helpful information and resources.  If you cannot find the information or resources that you need, please feel free to call the FRC or stop by for assistance!

LHEAP Crisis Program

A heating assistance program for low income families
You must have a disconnect notice to qualify!
To apply go to: Bluegrass Community Action
Monday through Thursday
Sign in times are 8 AM to 12 PM
Bring Social Security Card, Picture ID, Proof of income for the previous month for everyone that lives in the house or proof of no income for the previous month and the Disconnect Notice.
This program ends when funding runs out.

Caregivers Support Group

(For grandparents, foster parents, relatives raising children)
Sponsored by F.A.C.E.S. Of The Bluegrass
Group meets at the Jessamine Counseling Center
324 Southview Drive, Nicholasville
Thursday, January 24, 2013
12:00PM to 2:00PM (Lunch Provided)
January Topic: Organizing Family Medical Paperwork
Contact Deanna Tudor 859-254-3106 ext. 2250

Tax Preparation

Free Tax Preparation and Filing Service is available again this year! Contact Bluegrass Community Action
For more information at 885-3512

YMCA Childcare

The YMCA provides several childcare options for working parents. See some of the options below then contact the YMCA at 885-5013 for more information.
Primetime Emergency Care:
No more than 3 days per month.
$25/child per day.

Scheduled School Days Off/All Day Snow Days:
Location: Brookside Elementary School
Time: 7:15 AM to 6 PM
Fee/day: $20 if attending the after school program, $25 if not attending after school program.
*Pre-registration required

School Age Break Camps:
Spring Break Camp: April 1-5
Location: Brookside Elementary School
*Pre-registration required
5 days: 7:15 AM to 6 PM, $115 (ages 5 to 7)