Photo Credits: (Front Row L-R) Maureen’s Father with his sister, Dr. Gertrude Barber
As we approach Father’s Day I think back to my father who passed away 40 years ago. No matter how many years go by each of us has very special memories of our dad. For me I think how my father served as a role model throughout my life. He always encouraged me to reach for the sky. Challenges were opportunities for us to grow.
As I reflect on my life as a parent, teacher and administrator I have used his lessons to guide me on my journey. It has led me to dreams not only for Ryan but for the hundreds of families that I have had the privilege of getting to know and serve. By following my father’s advice I have helped make dreams come true for Ryan and the children and families at Barber National Institute.
As I think about my father I recall a quote that I truly believe. “The most important … work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.” ~ Harold B. Lee
What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it … Dad
~Author Unknown
The sun is shining on our students who are graduating this evening from the 
elementary school or 
That is what I will see tonight – 45 children and their families who’s “dreams have come true.”
Our children are excited as they approach their final countdown to summer vacation. We as parents have probably been planning our children’s vacation schedule since the beginning of April. I know I always did. Summer is a time when we are vacationing at the beach, visiting amusement parks, out and about and having fun. Even though summer is a fun and exciting few months, it is also a worrisome time because our children may have opportunities to wander.
wandering with a purpose of getting something he/she wants
tips
As we focus on May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we know that there is a great deal of misunderstanding about mental illness. Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. Although 1 in 4 people have some form of a mental health disorder, a recent study found that in Europe and the United States up to 75% of those affected don’t receive the treatment they need.
and are afraid to let anyone know they have an issue. Those most affected by the stigma are young people, those from minority ethnic groups, members of the military and healthcare professionals.
the local summer day camps. What can you offer me?” Fourteen years ago a small group of parents of children with high functioning autism/Asperger’s approached me and asked me to help them find a solution to the challenges and obstacles their children were experiencing in the traditional day camp. They were looking for a summer recreation program where their children could be together, have fun and develop friendships. Their children were in inclusive educational placements and progressing well academically but didn’t have friends. Their parents worried that another summer would pass with the children alone at home playing video games or reading books about their special interests. They wanted 
more.
Siebenbuerger. The SeaWolves will offer a baseball clinic at Jerry Uht Park on Tuesday, July 22nd for participants in the Connections Camps. Erie SeaWolves players and coaches will help teach baseball fundamentals such as fielding, throwing, pitching and base running. They will also cover topics such as nutrition, proper stretching and exercise. The goal is for youngsters to take what they learn at the clinic and put it to use on school and neighborhood fields with their friends, classmates or in a league. In addition, to the instruction provided at the Clinic, each child will receive a t-shirt, certificate and a ticket to an Erie SeaWolves game, where they will be recognized on the field before the start of play.
social dates and look forward to getting together the following summer. As one child told me, “I don’t have any friends at school but at Connections Camp I have lots.” Definitely a win-win for all of the children involved.
