Broadreach Family & Community Services has received a grant from the Maine Children’s Trust, the statewide child abuse and neglect prevention organization, to help  improve the well-being of children in Midcoast Maine by providing Active Parenting Now classes in the Belfast and Rockland areas. This new curriculum offers 6 two-hour sessions and has been shown to improve parents’ confidence and ability.

The National Register of Evidence-based Programs and Practices describes the program in this way “Active Parenting Now is a video-based education program targeted to parents of 2- to 12-year-olds who want to improve their parenting skills. It is based on the application of Adlerian parenting theory, which is defined by mutual respect among family members within a democratically run family. The program teaches parents how to raise a child by using encouragement, building the child’s self-esteem, and creating a relationship with the child based upon active listening, honest communication, and problem solving. It also teaches parents to use natural and logical consequences to reduce irresponsible and unacceptable behaviors.”

These parent classes will be open to all parents and child care will be provided during class. A calendar of classes and locations is being developed and more information will be available shortly.

Broadreach provides a variety of services to young parents and their children in Waldo and Knox Counties. Broadreach services have been making a critical difference in the lives of area children and families since 1983.  Each year over 2000 families with children benefit from the agency’s quality education and support programs.  Broadreach has over a quarter of century expertise in delivering parenting education, family support, early childhood education and family literacy programming. Other provided parent education options include Kids First, Guiding Good Choices, and the Nurturing Fathers Program.

If you would like to learn how to register for Active Parenting Now, or learn more about our parent education offerings, please call Patrick Walsh at 207-338-2200 ext 109 or e-mail pwalsh@brmaine.org.

We are excited to offer an opportunity for people to show their support for Broadreach by purchasing our unique, one-of-a-kind Broadreach T-shirts. These T-shirts have been handcrafted by Inner Sense of Searsport and proudly display the Broadreach name and logo. Proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will help Broadreach continue to provide quality programming in the Waldo and Knox County communities for years to come. Won’t you help us raise needed funds to support our future services? Call Broadreach today for size information and to place your orders at (207)338-2200. Or email us at info@brmaine.org.

Broadreach Family & Community Services of 5 Stephenson Lane Belfast, Maine announces its participation in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program in its centers. Meals and/or snacks are available at no separate charge to all enrolled participants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

For further information on participating centers, please contact Mary Bailey, the Broadreach Early Childhood Programming Director, at 338-2200 or mbailey@brmaine.org, or visit the agency website at www.brmaine.org .

Now is the time to purchase tickets and make your dinner reservations for the Thursday, April 1^st I Pity the Fool Fundraiser in Downtown Rockland to benefit the Broadreach Family & Community Services programs Youthlinks and Mid-coast Children’s Services!  This three part event has something for everyone: dinner, dancing and multiple chances to win great prizes.  First, grab your friends and family and head to dinner at any participating restaurant on the night of the event.  A percentage of all sales from the evening will be donated to Mid-Coast Children’s Services and Youthlinks. 

EAT HERE:

• Café Miranda:  This cook owned and operated restaurant features a vast menu that’s sure to have something for every taste–from Italian to Thai, Mexican to Armenian, and more!  Call 594-2034 for reservations, and check out www.cafemiranda.com for a complete menu.
• The Boat House Restaurant and Raw Bar:  Enjoy seafood and more with a beautiful view of Rockland Harbor.  Call 596-0600 to make a reservation. 
• Lily Bistro:  A casual and contemporary French bistro, Lily Bistro sources as much as possible from Maine and adapts their menu frequently to utilize fresh local ingredients. Call 594-4141 for reservations, and visit www.lilybistromaine.com to learn more about this intimate eatery. 
• The Black Bull Tavern:  This friendly pub is always a local favorite!  Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a more formal entrée, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.  Call 593-9060 to make a reservation, or simply walk in.
• Amalfi on the Water:  Offering seafood dishes and more accented with fresh local ingredients, along with an incredible view of Rockland Harbor.  Call 596-0012 for reservations, and visit www.amalfionthewater.com for a full menu.
• Rustica:  Features classic Italian fare and an extensive wine list for the grown-ups, as well as kid-friendly favorites like pizza.  Call 594-0015 to make a reservation. 
• In Good Company:  Good food, good drink, and good company!  Pair light fare or full-size entrees with selections from the wine list.  Call 593-9110 for reservations and check out www.ingoodcompanymaine.com for sample menus. 
• Suzuki’s Sushi Bar:  Enjoy raw or cooked sushi rolls, and other hot Japanese entrees.  Call 596-7447 and visit www.suzukisushi.com for a complete menu, including daily specials. 
• Mc-Hale’s:  This Irish pub is within walking distance from Lincoln Street Center, where “I Pity the Fool” fun will continue for an ’80s themed dance! Call 593-7887 for reservations, or just walk in.
• Sunfire Grill:  Traditional Mexican fare in an intimate Main Street setting.  Featuring unique daily specials!  Call 594-6196 to make a reservation.
• Waterworks:  Cozy pub with family-friendly food and atmosphere.  Within walking distance of Lincoln Street Center–perfect for those customers who want to head on down to the ’80s dance after dinner.  Call 596-2753 or walk in. 
• Park Street Grille:  This southwestern restaurant also offers seafood and classic American fare.  From tacos to prime rib to burgers, there is something for every taste!  Call 594-4944 or walk in.
• Landings Restaurant and Lounge:  Seafood and other American fare, with a beautiful view of Penobscot Bay.  Lobster served everyday!  Call 596-6563 for a reservation. 
• Billy’s Tavern:  An Irish pub that utilizes fresh, local ingredients.  Located in Thomaston, it’s the perfect stopping point for avid ’80s dancers driving to Rockland for the “I Pity the Fool” dance at Lincoln Street Center!  Call 354-1177 or walk in. 
• Sweets and Meats:  A gourmet grocer and bakery located on the South End of Main Street.  Stop by for a freshly made sandwich, locally roasted coffee and delicious baked good including gluten free options.  Call 594-2070 or visit www.sweetsandmeatsmarket.com for more information. 
• The Rockland Café:  A family style restaurant on Main Street serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.  Menu includes choice seafood and all you can eat seafood specials.  Call 596-7556 and visit www.rocklandcafe.com for a complete menu.

Next, head to Lincoln Street Center to show off your best moves at an ’80s dance from 7 – 10pm.  This 21 and over event is sponsored in part by Café Miranda and will feature live music by The Awesome, Portland’s premiere ’80s cover band.  Bring your game face, because the competition will be on to win killer prizes for best outfit, radical hair, and bomb-diggity dance moves.  Don’t miss out on the chance to wear your most bodacious ’80s gear and shake a leg with some tubular dance moves.  There are lots of chances to win great prizes, including gift certificates to participating restaurants and other supporting businesses. 

Don’t forget to buy raffle tickets!  The grand prize package will be a gift certificate to each participating restaurant, valuing over $300!  Buy lots of tickets to increase your odds of winning this amazing prize, which will help you enjoy nights out on the town for months to come! Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance from Planet Toys is Rockland, Youthlinks and Mid-Coast Children’s Services for $5 apiece or 5 for $20.

Dance tickets are $20 each and available at the door or in advance at Planet Toys, the Grasshopper Shop, Youthlinks, and Mid-Coast Children’s Services in Rockland, Planet in Camden, Wild Rufus in Belfast and by phone at 594-2221.    

Check out www.youthlinksonline.org or call 594-2221 for more information.