Grand days for grandparents and 'grand-others' - News - DailyTidings.com - Ashland, OR

Ashland Daily Tidings (Ashland, OR — Wayback)

2014-09-01

Document text

0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation  |  Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Work on new park underway Police reports Weather change should help clear smoke from fires 10 things to know for Friday Rabbi Lerner visits Ashland to speak, lead workshops Education Getting a 'Fresh Start' Ashland Kiwanis Club donates to AHS emergency fund Getting the low down on high school SOU ROAR's to life Middle schoolers get a taste of college living Environment Talent earns Bee City USA designation Ashland marchers won't give up on climate change message Deadly virus stalks Southern Oregon deer National monument area still faces threats What do you think of the return of wolves to Jackson County? Business Brammo plans to keep jobs in Rogue Valley U pick, U enjoy Organic & Healthy Dobra serves up teas and tranquility Revised employment figures show job growth in Jackson County Politics and elections Two races set for council positions Library district won't take maximum tax rate Commissioner Skundrick plans final four town hall meetings Taking an independent stand Library district board, county at odds over proposal State News Nation - World Obituaries Gwen G. Thomas Death Notices Death Notices Death Notices Colton Taylor Webster Sports Latest Stories Raiders let one slip away Allred finishes strong at Fort Wayne Allred climbs leaderboard Raiders start fast Raiders stay hot, improve to 5-1 High school Southern Oregon University Raiders let one slip away Raiders start fast Raiders stay hot, improve to 5-1 'Keep it fresh, keep it fun' Raiders cross country teams ranked high Opinion Latest Stories Letters to the Editor, Aug. 30 Letters to the Editor, Aug. 29 Matthew T. Mangino: Violent crime was rampant not too long ago Granlund cartoon: Russian humanitarian aid to Ukraine Michelle Teheux: Kids aren’t as expensive as you think Editorial Not out of the woods yet Our View: Taking small steps to confront climate change Now's the time to taste the bounty Whither OSF? Two views City sets example on marijuana tax Letters Letters to the Editor, Aug. 30 Letters to the Editor, Aug. 29 Letters to the Editor, Aug. 28 Letters to the Editor, Aug. 27 Letter to the Editor, Aug. 26 Guest opinions Two seemingly disparate moments in history Rauch replies: Frustrating, yes — yet there is method in't The summer of my discontent: An open letter to Bill Rauch Opportunities for civic involvement are plentiful in Ashland Hamas supporters spread anti-Semitism around the world Revels Latest Stories Community blog: Poet Willa Schneberg at Bloomsbury Books Community blog:Ashland Book and Author Festival Coming Soon Ashland's On The Fly Improv had the audience rolling Community blog:Poet Laureate Peter Sears in Ashland World of Wine celebrates local varietals Theater Wise cracks and hot licks make for super show OSF adds 'Wrinkle in Time' Family Night Daedalus Project 2014 Music The Jeff Stanley Trio at Lounge South 'On the Fly' Visual Art Movies Movie listings: Aug. 27-Sept. 4 'Calvary' is about darkness and dialogue Varsity Theatre, Ashland Street Cinemas movie listings: Aug. 22-26 'What If' hits the sweet spot Varsity Theatre, Ashland Street Cinemas movie listings: Aug. 15-21 Food and Drink World of Wine celebrates local varietals Lifestyle Latest Stories Nonviolence as a transformative way to peace Community Blog: Take a Joyful World tour! Grand days for grandparents and 'grand-others' Michelle Teheux: Kids aren’t as expensive as you think Gluten-free support Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED   » Obituaries Photos Videos NEWS NOW   10 things to know for Friday       ...       Fire crews stop blaze before it spreads from cars to house       ...       UPDATED: Interstate 5's northbound lanes south of Ashland reopen after truck fire       ...       10 things to know for Friday       ...       Fire crews stop blaze before it spreads from cars to house       ...       UPDATED: Interstate 5's northbound lanes south of Ashland reopen after truck fire       ...           COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR: QUILLS & QUEUES Grand days for grandparents and 'grand-others' By Angela Decker For the Daily Tidings DailyTidings.com By Angela Decker For the Daily Tidings Posted Aug. 28, 2014 @ 7:06 pm By Angela Decker For the Daily Tidings Posted Aug. 28, 2014 @ 7:06 pm »  Social News Everybody grab a grandparent or grandchild and head to the Ashland Library the week of Sept. 1 to 6 to celebrate Grandparents Day with storytimes, crafts, letter writing and some very sweet books. “We want to encourage grandparents and kids to come together, enjoy the activities and each other,” said Amy Blossom library manager at the Ashland Library. She also adds that we should feel free to play fast and loose with the term “grandparent,” as many of us have adopted grandparent figures. “We're using the term, 'grand-others' to describe all those wonderful people who take the place of grandparents,” said Blossom. When my husband and I moved to Ashland, we left our parents in other states. Our new neighbors, Bill and Connie, quickly became the grandparent figures we all longed for, sharing stories and baking cookies with our kids, giving us truly helpful advice and, yes, babysitting. There aren't enough days in a year to express our gratitude. Blossom admits to having a personal interest in this year's celebrations. “I've become a grandmother recently, and it is so much fun,” she said. “At the library, we want to celebrate these relationships and celebrate families,” she added. Although most of the action happens on Saturday, the children's library will have craft and letter-writing materials available throughout the week. The crafts will include simple projects such as creating small booklets within which grandparents and grandchildren can learn about one another, sharing information about their interests, foods and activities. Children can also draw pictures or write letters to grandparents. “The idea is to spur conversations between grandparents and children,” said Blossom. On Saturday at 1:30 p.m., volunteers will help visitors of all ages make crafts. From 2 to 3 p.m., writer, teacher, and grandma Carol-Jo Petit will lead a letter-writing workshop for all ages. “Carol-Jo is a great teacher and she'll get kids excited about letter writing,” said Blossom. The library will supply everything needed, including envelopes and stamps. Pettit will offer a workshop on Sept. 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Medford branch library as well. “Last year, the Jackson County libraries held a similar celebration and it was a lot of fun honoring the people who enrich our lives and our children's lives so much,” said Blossom. “And grandchildren — wow, grandchildren are amazing,” she added. The library will also have a display of books for all ages featuring and honoring grandparents. The children's library has a list of popular books for grandparents and kids to read together. Here are a few picks for young readers: “I Love You, Grandpa” by Vivian French. When Grandpa cat visits the kittens for the weekend, he and young Stanley bond with snuggles and songs after the older kittens leave Grandpa all tired out. This is a sweet story with adorable illustrations. “Thunder Cake,” by Patricia Polacco. A grandmother helps her granddaughter overcome her fear of thunder by baking a special cake while a storm threatens. The book has lovely illustrations, and a yummy recipe at the end. “Sweet Dreams = Dulces Suenos,” by Pat Mora. Written in both Spanish and English, this book is like a lullaby with its repetitive text and simple story of a grandmother tucking in the children at bed time. “Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion,” by Mo Willems. Beloved toy, Knuffle Bunny goes on an international adventure when Trixie and her family fly to Holland to see Oma and Opa. This is a heart warming story about growing up and letting go. The Ashland Library is at 410 Siskiyou Blvd. For more information about Grandparents Day activities, call 541-774-6980.   Angela Decker is a freelance writer in Ashland and can be reached at [email protected]. By Angela Decker For the Daily Tidings DailyTidings.com By Angela Decker For the Daily Tidings Posted Aug. 28, 2014 @ 7:06 pm » Comment or view comments   Reader Reaction »  STAY INFORMED   Email NewsLetter   Sign Up Today   Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed   Email newsletter   Sign Up Today   Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2014 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.    Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service  |  Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501