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Keeping the promise to Springfield’s community and families July 13, 2018 SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – It has been two years since 35 or more Springfield community members sat in the conference room at the Springfield Police Station to gauge the interest of our community in seeking a Springfield Promise Community Grant. There was much interest and excitement, an application was completed, and we were awarded a $150,000 grant to meet the goal of realizing the promise to every child. The outcome is six sub-grants have been awarded to: Springfield Town Library, Adverse Childhood Experiences for Action, Edgar May Health and Recreation Center, Springfield Hospital Childbirth Center, Springfield Medical Care Systems Children’s Dental Program, and Springfield Art Gym. These sub-grants were awarded to applicants whose projects demonstrated the mission of Springfield Promise Community “to engage our community to build pathways that empower all families with young children to flourish.” Edgar May Health and Recreation Center The Edgar May Health and Recreation Center is offering three free opportunities to Springfield residents. Baby and Me Yoga is an opportunity for mothers and (mothers-to-be), parents, caregivers, and babies (newborns to crawling) to stretch, share, and bond. This is offered Thursdays at 2 p.m. at Studio Momentum. Family Yoga is a family-friendly class designed for children up to age 10 and their parents or caregivers. Participants will explore and have fun with movement, rhythm, make-believe, music, stories, and emotions in a safe and welcoming environment, held Thursdays at 4 p.m. at Studio Momentum. A third offering is family swimming at the Edgar May Health and Recreation Center every Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 2-4 p.m. Enjoy the Edgar May lap pool and beach entry wading pool for family fun in the water. During the first hour of each session the warm water pool will be open for parents with children under the age of 5 for parent and toddler time. Springfield Medical Care Systems Children’s Dental Program The Springfield Medical Care Systems Children’s Dental Program is offering a dental program to Springfield’s 16 childcare providers to provide services to children up to age 5 and their siblings. Parent education is also part of the program. SMCS dental hygienist, Barbara Hodgkins, will begin visits to providers who have completed the paperwork in late June or early July. The Childbirth Center at Springfield Hospital The Childbirth Center at Springfield Hospital is utilizing the Promise Community funding to develop a program that will educate and support women and families as they transition from pregnancy into parenting. The Baby and Me playgroup will meet the second Thursday of the month from 10 – 11:30 a.m. in the Level D Conference Room at Springfield Hospital. Any baby 3 months or younger is welcome to attend with their caregiver. Snacks and diapers will be provided to all that attend. This is a great opportunity for families to learn about their child’s development, and ask questions about feeding, sleeping and overall health. More information about the program can be obtained by calling the director of the Childbirth Center at 802-885-7129. Springfield Town Library The Children’s Library is currently being refurbished with new carpeting, shelving, and furnishings. The upgrades were carefully selected to nurture and effectively engage children in programming. The project includes the addition of a Family Meeting Room. This room will be located on the second floor of the library and will offer a comfortable place for families to meet. New program offerings include Baby Bootcamp and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. For more information about the Springfield Town Library, please call 802-885-3108 or visit www.springfieldtownlibrary.org. Springfield Art Gym The Springfield Art Gym will offer scholarships to families and individuals who wish to attend classes. Take-home art kits will be created and made available to families who are unable to get to the Art Gym, and the Art Gym will take their show on the road at community events and venues. For more information, contact Mona Frye at springfieldartgym@gmail.com. ACES in Action ACES in Action will embark on a window sticker campaign, “Stick Up for Kids” providing tips and strategies to show kids you care. ACES will also present a movie series to promote resilience and reduce the effects of trauma and toxic stress. The first movie showing is planned for the Health Center week in August. For more information contact Lindsy Mack, Behavioral Health and Substance Use care coordinator at LMack@springfieldmed.org. Watch for a future article to update our community on other Springfield Promise Community achievements later in the summer.
And yet, approximately half of the light fixtures in the library are out and when asked, the staff has no idea when they will be replaced.
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