News from the Parent Council December 4, 2017
Hello MLWS Families!

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration and are moving easefully through the last few weeks of school before the holidays! As we continue our descent into the darker months, there is so much to be grateful for: the quiet beauty of the Advent Spiral, the joyful hustle and bustle of the Winter Faire , the amazing musical feats of the Music Share . We hope you enjoy this issue of our biweekly newsletter, which includes a Parent Council update, highlights activities of various classes and other school-related topics, offers classified listings, and provides information about upcoming events in the community

PARENT COUNCIL UPDATE
Parent Council will hold our December meeting on Wednesday, December 13, 3:15-4:15pm . We will continue to focus on several priority projects this year including: Parent Council presence at MLWS public events to support enrollment, Faculty Nourishment, Food Drives at Music Shares to support Family of New Paltz, a Welcome Committee for new families, and this bi-weekly newsletter. Please consider attending the December meeting or offering some of your time to one of these projects. Many hands make light work! 

In this issue:
Upcoming Events
A Peek Into the Classroom
Coffee Hour Camaraderie
Development Corner
Classifieds
Calendar of Events

Tuesday, December 5, 1:45-2:45pm
Winter Faire Handwork Group
Join Rosana Workman this Tuesday, the last one before the Winter Faire, in the back Kindergarten classroom, and make beautiful craft items for the Winter Faire. If you are unable to attend but still want to help, there are “take-home” craft kits available as well. Please see Mrs. Workman to make arrangements.

Wednesday, December 6, 8:30-9:30am
MLWS Coffee Hour
Come join us in the Sculpture Room in the main school building! Please bring your own cup, and email alethea.mcelroy@gmail.com if you can bake something to share.

Saturday, December 9, 7:00pm
Holiday Concert featuring 5 th & 6 th Grade Chorus
Benefit concert for Family of New Paltz/Woodstock at the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, with other acts.

Sunday, December 10, 11:00am-4:00pm
MLWS Winter Faire
Please help spread the word! Looking forward to celebrating with you there!

Monday, December 11, 3:00-4:15pm
Steiner Study Group
Led by Theo Lundin, meeting in the First Grade classroom. Free and open to all!

Tuesday, December 12, 1:00pm
Free Marionette Workshop
Join Rosana Workman and learn how to make marionettes like those used in our beautiful Kindergarten puppet shows. This is a gift from Mrs. Workman to the parent body, as a thank you for all of the handwork help offered in preparation for the Winter Faire. Mrs. Workman is also hoping to find new talent and interested participants for the school’s puppetry group.

Wednesday, December 13, 3:15-4:15pm
Parent Council monthly meeting

Friday, December 15, 7:00pm
Winter Music Share
Please join us, in the New Paltz High School Auditorium. Please don’t forget to bring your bag of non-perishable food donations for the MLWS Food Drive!
A Peek Into the Classroom
SECOND GRADE: From Ms. Loshak

At this time the Second Grade classroom is filled with the stories of Saints, meeting the spiritual and soul development of the rising eight year old. The story of Saint Nicholas has been unfolding, along with the continued journey with vowel sounds and consonant blends, moving towards word families. The times tables continue to weave and pulse through our days while we are in between math blocks. Preparations for sharing the celebration of Santa Lucia with the school are underway. 

Coffee Hour Camaraderie
It was great seeing everyone who attended our November coffee hour! We enjoyed our morning cup and potluck baked goods on a gorgeous autumn day in the 6 Innis play yard. Please join us at our next coffee hour on Wednesday, December 6 th , 8:30-9:30am in the Sculpture Room . A representative from the MLWS administration will be joining us to answer any questions you may have about the school. We look forward to continuing to this becoming a MLWS tradition! Please bring your own cup!

Development Corner
Mountain Laurel is excited to welcome Patty Gandin as part-time as Development Director for the school. Her work will focus on coordinating the Annual Giving Campaign, obtaining grants for the school and fundraising. If you would like to become more involved, please contact Patty at pattyjacobson@gmail.com

Here are some of the highlights of recent efforts:

  • Church Communities, also known as the Bruderhof, gifted a Community Playthings play loft to the Kindergarten class. Members of Church Communities delivered the gift and assembled it with the First Grade-ready Kindergarten children. The loft is a wonderful addition to the Kindergarten classroom and the children are thoroughly enjoying it. We are filled with gratitude for this donation.

  • Mountain Laurel was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Waldorf Schools Fund, to be used toward beautification of the school grounds, which will be completed over Winter Break. 

  • The Winter Faire 50/50 Raffle tickets are selling like hot cakes. The more we sell, the bigger the pot. There’s no limit to the number of tickets you may sell, so if you would like more, please see Patricia in the office. Competed tickets with payment should be dropped off at the office. The drawing will take place during the Winter Faire, and you do not need to be present to win. Thank you so much for your participation!

  • Spring Gala Chair Carly Fridlich is busy planning this year’s Gala, which will take place April 14th. In addition to each class creating a gift basket for the online auction component of the event, Carly is also accepting items and services for inclusion. If you can offer an item or can procure a service please contact Carly at cfridlich@mountainlaurel.org

  • We are so pleased that parent Tim Smith has donated a piece of his original artwork again this year and it is stunning. Bidding was competitive for his work last year so we are thrilled to be able to offer his work again. Thank you Tim!
Classifieds
STUFF (For sale, for free, in search of...)

ISO Working Manual Typewriters to borrow for Seventh Grade curriculum for January 2018. Mr. Aram is planning curriculum for the Seventh Grade students to use typewriters to learn keyboard and writing skills. If you have one to lend, please contact Laura at lauraklimenchenko@yahoo.com or Patty at 845-701-1380 or psalone1@hotmail.com
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ISO Used Vacuum Cleaner in good condition. Please contact Anna at steinhardt.anna@gmail.com .
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ISO Boys Hiking Boots Size 4 (possibly a half-size smaller or larger would work). Text Lisa at 845-430-4633 or email sunsnake@optonline.net
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FREE Vornado Evaporative Humidifier . Two years old and in great condition. Please contact Anna at steinhardt.anna@gmail.com .
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FREE Sustainable Living Consultations Would you like to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Do you need help determining what personal actions have the biggest impact? We offer consulting to help you tread lightly on the Earth and mitigate climate change. This is a free service because we truly believe in building a viable future for all of our children. Samrat Pathania (Waldorf parent) and Dan Guenther are the Climate Consultants. For more information, email samratpathania@gmail.com or call/text 631-848-1599.
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For Sale : Expandable Ice Skates Gently used, Gray, Youth sizes 2 to 4. $15. Text Lisa at 845-430-4633 or email sunsnake@optonline.net
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For Sale: Stroller I ronman Bob Stroller for Sale, 2012 version. Identical to 2016 BOB which can be viewed at the website bobgear.com. Heavy Duty with suspension for trails and running, perfect for Minnewaska carriage trails. Also included is the infant Graco car seat adapter, which allows you to use car seat in the stroller. Excellent condition. $150. If interested, please contact Dennis at dennis.ebbing@gmail.com
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For Sale : Log Splitter Troy-Built, 27-ton hydraulic log splitter, vertical/horizontal operation, 160cc Honda engine, coil-wrapped hose, towable. Lightly used. $699 (Costs $1,399.99 new.) Contact: Susan - susanbaileyramaty@gmail / 845-532-2466

For Sale : Burton Zipline Snowboard Boots, youth size 2 (they run small)
Practically brand new -- used about 3x. Call Renee or r_skuba@mac.com

LEARN

Beginner Weaving as Meditation Workshop ($40)  – Friday, January 5 th , 9:30am-12:30pm, 8 Bridge Creek Road in New Paltz. 
Learn weaving techniques as a meditative practice with Poliana Danila, MLWS parent and fiber artist/former landscape designer. Access to loom and yarn included, and refreshments will be served. Reserve your spot via email:  polianthestuberosa@gmail.com .
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Traditional Figure Drawing for Teens Offering 14 to 19 year olds an opportunity to hone their figure drawing skills at the 10 Horse Art Center (five minutes outside of New Paltz). The 12-week class covers anatomy, proportion, composition and perspective, with the goal of creating accurate drawings of the clothed human figure from direct observation. Contact Alex Canelos at 845 255-7612 or  alex@thesevenfoldstudio.com . For details, visit www.sevenfold.school/figure-drawing-for-teens/  . Adult classes also available. ( www.sevenfold.school/figure-drawing-1/ )
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Tutoring Ashley Sapir Lathrop is offering tutoring for children in reading and literacy skills. She holds dual master’s degrees in elementary education and literacy, with certification in both areas. Whether it is decoding, phonics, comprehension, fluency, or simply finding more comfort with literacy skills, Ashley finds fun and meaningful ways to help children shine. Ashley is available year round for tutoring, at an hourly rate of $60, and can be reached at (845)519-5067 or ashley.sapir@gmail.com
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Traditional landscape paintings in oil – Tim Smith
Offering private tuition for adults and 8th grade students in classical oil painting method. To organize a session around your or your child's specific schedule and needs, 
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Guitar and mandolin lessons  with Mr. Steve Bernstein at his home in Gardiner, NY. Children, teens and adults are all welcome. Please call: 845 255 0822 or drop a note in his mailbox (2nd floor) at school.
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Private Drum-Set Lessons Amir Ziv (Head of the Drum Dept at the New School University's Jazz & Contemporary Music Program) is now offering students of all ages private lessons from his home studio in Kerhonkson. Serious students only.
For more details and to set up a time to speak on the phone or in person, please email:  az_prod@yahoo.com
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Music Composition with ‘Famous Waldorf Alumna’
Have you ever wanted to write a piece for recorder? Maybe a piano sonata? Or even a symphony? My name is Stephanie Ann Boyd, I’m a symphonic composer in New York City, and I went to the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor. You can find me on the list of Famous Waldorf Alumni, and my music is being played all over the world. I teach music composition lessons via Skype and I have helped over 100 people write their first pieces. I charge $100 an hour, and I have financial scholarships for those who need them. You can read more here: http://stephanieannboyd.com/teaching and you can contact me at: stephanie@stephanieannboyd.com

SERVICES

Seeking F/T Nanny Position Mature, experienced child care provider seeking full time nanny position while pursuing part time education. References can be provided. Former nanny to MLWS family. janeborgen2@yahoo.com 845.750.5203
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Hearth to Hearth Bread Club CSA - slow fermented, brick-oven baked, fresh bread from our hearth to yours. Sign up for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly pickup/delivery in Saugerties, Kingston, or New Paltz.www.hearthtohearthbreadclub.com. Any questions, email baker@hearthtohearthbreadclub.com
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Valentine and Wilder's Pet-Sitting Service
Experience with cats, fish and guinea pigs, but also open to other pets as well! (917) 309-7790 or seanaskye@me.com
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Home Inspections: emfs, dirty electricity, radio frequency
Concerned about children’s cell phone or lap top use? Get protection from new electric meters. Get emf readings on prospective new homes. Learn about router signals. Create an emf free sleeping environment. Teach children about safe wireless use. Decrease overall field exposure. Measure offices, cars, dorms. Learn about resources. Public talks. Harrison Barritt, selfkindness@yahoo.com, 256-0446
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Permaculture designs and landscapes created, installed and maintained by Andrew Faust and Adriana Magaña, suited to your vision and the ecology of your site. We use our 20+ years of experience and a great crew to bring you these services: Real Estate Assessment, Land Selection, Natural Building, Native Landscapes, Permaculture forest gardens, Biodynamic Orchard and Tree work, Organic Vegetable Gardens, Ponds and Solving water problems of all sorts. Contact us at 917-584-4588 or visit us at:

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Looking for a reason to stay in shape this winter, while meeting other MLWS parents? Let's form a team of MLWS Parents to participate in the 2018 Rock the Ridge 'endurance challenge'. This Mohonk Preserve fundraiser caters to all abilities. We'll divide the course into equal parts that each team member (or twosome) can walk/jog at their own speed. To prepare, we'll schedule once per month group training walks . Interested?...contact Mischa Cohn: mischac@hotmail.com
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Wellness: Holistic, Drug-Free Asthma and Allergy Relief. Buteyko Breathing Method is the most effective drug-free approach for the management of asthma, other breathing related problems, anxiety and panic attacks. Technique can be practiced by children and adults. Anna Yashayeva, RN, Dip BBM. yaanna1@gmail.com . 917-750-2652 
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Naam Yoga Classes with Renée at The Living Seed in NP: 10-11:30am
Tues: Flow of Naam class (gentle and harmonizing)
Thurs: Shakti Naam class (strengthening and vivifying)
All levels welcome! Call 917-655-2540 for more information.
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Welcome Wellness MLWS parents Liz Duncan-Gilmour, Callie Hershey and Nancy Hoose invite you to experience Ondamed® PEMF therapy. Liz and Callie founded Welcome Wellness after our children achieved remission from neurological Lyme Disease with the help of Ondamed® therapy. Our team has seen the benefits from Ondamed® therapy with issues including stress management, sleep disorders, sports injuries and surgical rehab, Lyme disease and other chronic and degenerative issues. A one-hour session generally costs $75, but MLWS families will receive a special “friends and family” discount. We are located across the street from MLWS at 29 South Chestnut St., Suite 201. Please call to learn more. Liz: 845-616-2709, Callie: 914-456-5406, Nancy: 518-269-6357.

 MORE

Waldorf-Anthroposophical Tours in Europe
Two European tours with Waldorf/Anthroposophical themes are being offered by Sarnia Guiton of Sophia Services for 2018.

• In Search of Knights Templar in Portugal 
The Knights Templar are well known for their activities in Jerusalem and the Holy Land in the Middle Ages following the First Crusade. Their demise in 1307 is also well known. What is not so well known is the belief that their activities in Portugal, working with Bernard of Clairvaux and Portuguese Templar Kings over several generations, formed a Kingdom of Conscience with laws that are echoed in Rudolf Steiner’s Threefold Social Order. 

• In Search of the Future—in Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria
Anthroposophy was planted in these Eastern European countries early in the last century. Communism kept it underground prompting it to grow strong roots. At the end of that era, it grew strong and firm above ground and blossomed with joy that it could now be free. We have known none of that in the West. On this tour we will explore what has been happening anthroposophically in Eastern Europe in the last 25 years, and if we have anything to contribute or to bring back home from our experience.

For more information, please contact: Sarnia Guiton, 604.740.0676, sarnia@sophiaservices.ca