Anyone know of  a  highschool aged very high academic achiever whose family is in the low income bracket? Ever heard of Quest Bridge? Their 20applications are being accepted  beginning in the middle of Feb. according to their site: that's in just a couple of weeks.

Quest Bridge is a national program that offers full scholarships at top notch colleges and universities to very high achieving low income students. Here is the main site:http://www.questbridge.org/Here is the link to the National College Match Program:http://www.questbridge.org/for-students/cps-college-prep-scholarship
They also have college prep programs:http://www.questbridge.org/about-questbridge/college-prep-scholarship

There is a parent and child play group at  Waterville High through the KV Tech program. Bonnie Brown is the director. This is her email address:bbrown@aos92.org

  and # is 873-0102, ext. 222

I just spoke to the director for specifics regarding the program. I personally attended the playgroup with my son when he was a toddler over 20 years ago and the director at that time is still there.
She sent me this email today.

"Parents and caregivers, with their children, any age, can come to playgroup. It is a lab experience for my high school students who are studying Early Childhood Education. Our classroom layout is primarily for preschool age because we run a licensed and NAEYC accredited preschool. But on playgroup days we put out toys safe for infants and toddlers.

There is no fee and no registration. We generally have a full house based on word-of-mouth recommendations. It is mostly "free play" with activities offered like sensory play, the easel, dramatic play, blocks, etc. We have a "circle time" for the last 10-15 minutes because it helps the children understand that the session is ending. During circle we do songs and easy active games".

There are brochures of area resources and general info (oral health, Child and Family Services, Parent Federation, etc.)"

They are open this morning( Today is Monday Jan 27th from 9-10:30.) The next dates are:

February 24

March 3 and 17

April 7 and 28

May 5 and 19

June 2 (final playgroup until next fall)

Anyone looking for no cost items either to acquire  or donate, in other words to get or give?Well Freecycle is a world side no money exchanges hands program to do just that.
Here's Waterville's Freesycle group:https://groups.freecycle.org/group/WatervilleMaineFreeCycle/posts/all

Here's  Augusta's  Freecycle group:https://groups.freecycle.org/group/freecycleaugustame/description
\and here's Skowhegan's Freecycle group:https://groups.freecycle.org/group/SkowheganME/posts/all

There is a $ 5.00 per session yoga class on Friday nights at School St Yoga in Waterville  on Fri evenings.from 5:30-6:45. http://www.schoolstreetyoga.com/Workshops.html#Mindfulness_Communications
The fee for this over time over course could prove to be costly. However, if attending just once in a blue moon, sort of speak of course is much less,  so I thought it was worth mentioning.

For anyone that is currently undergoing cancer treatments, there are  free yoga classes at School St Yoga in Waterville.Contact info is  at 207-330-1450 or by email. Scroll down the page for more info:http://www.schoolstreetyoga.com/Workshops.html#Mindfulness_Communications

 Anyone looking to join in or visit a meditation group?There is an ongoing free meditation group in Waterville on Wednesday nights from 7-8PM .Its in  the School St Yoga on School St in Waterville.  According to the a site,Its open to everyone regardless of  past meditation experience. Scroll down the page for more info: http://www.schoolstreetyoga.com/Workshops.html#Mindfulness_Communications

Free Clothing Store in Fairfield

Lambs Clothing Store at the First Baptist Church on Newhall St in Fairfield offers free clothes for all ages and a variety of sizes (money donations are accepted but never required).Lambs had a flood in basement issue but the the organizers hope  reopen back up on Tues Feb.2nd from 9-12 AM Maxine Scribner may be called at (207) 453-6841 just prior to  the 2nd to confirm the reopening date. Just called Maxine stated that it is espexted to open the first week opf March.

Lawrence Library in Fairfield has some great sounding programs for families.There's a weekly Story and Craft Time for Preschoolers held on Wednesdays from 10:15-10:45.
http://www.fairfieldme.com/library/index.php/calendar-of-events/Weekly+story-time/month/2014/01/15

There's also a Montessori Parenting Support Group on Tuesday, January 28th, 2014: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM for any family whether their children attend Montessori or not!:
http://www.fairfieldme.com/library/index.php/calendar-of-events/montessori+parenting+support+group/month/2014/01/28

Gear Up College Prep and Scholarship Program

Gear Up College Prep and Scholarship Program

Many Jr high and high school students and their families who attend public schools are acquainted with the Gear Up college preparation and scholarship program for those that fall under the so called low income bracket.
That said, there are likely those who for a variety of reasons such as homeschoolers for example who have never heard of its benefits. My son and I were homeschooling when we decided to use some of the public school services;that is when the junior high school counselor informed us about Gear Up.

Here is the US Dept Of Education Gear Up national guidelines link:http://www2.ed.gov/programs/gearup/index.html
 Individual states do have their own links and individual policies. For example here is the Maine Gear Up page:http://www.gearupme.org/
It is important to note that some colleges may not be familiar with the program. (A big reason for this is that many people are under the false impression that select schools are more expensive for low income families than select schools so  unfortunately academically qualified students  they simply do not apply The fact is select schools often have a much larger endowment than public universities.

Hey guys,

211 is a local by state phone and web-based information line/portal for "food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more". Here is the website version :http://www.211.org/ I will put it under our nonprofit program listings.

Anybody eaten any wild Japanese knotwood aka bamboo in many locales. yet? Its very high in antioxidants
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Knotweed.html'
I recently read that the UK is releasing some kind of healthy to eradicate this invasive albeit very healthy plant- as well as a good source of wood stove starter when they get dry!

Anybody picked dandelions yet? I have. I tossed a couple uncooked dandelion leaves in a salad with vinegar and mustard and gathered a great many to be cooked similar to spinach. The brand new ones that are coming up now are not as bitter as they get later in the season. I only had to briefly and gently boil them and rinsed them once. If they boil too long the delicate leaves can break up. Later in the season, when they are more bitter, I have to repeat the boil rinse process 2 or 3 times. Anybody have any good recipes for wild edibles Wish you'd post them here as well as any other freeshares.
I revamped this recipe to make it vegetarian the last couple of years which my son and his girlfriend as well as my self loved. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Doras-Dandelions/Detail.aspx

Are Any Freesharers Out There Friday?

©flickr user doubleyou_em


Right now, I am eating dandelion soup from yard fresh greens and even a few of the flower heads. . I recently found out that dandelions contain more Vit. A than do carrots.Its ironic that society's perception is that it costs so much to live today when pesticides are used to get rid of would be nutritious foods. Yes, they are a little bitter, like many lettuces are.However, gently boiling them, rinsing in cold water, boiling gently once again preceded by a final rinse takes much of the bitterness out. Then find a tasty recipe to throw them into. .Mm.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Doras-Dandelions/Detail.aspx
Does anyone else gather no cost foods from nature?

Thought to be Thursday

©Flickr user Kitty 28806 http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitty28806/2910941700/

Mystique Monday

© Flickr user Paulo Perdigão http://www.flickr.com/photos/27371499@N05/3329106092/


Guess what today is-It is Scrabble Day.



A freesharing friendly educators kit that focuses on the Plains States entitled Primary Sources for Teachers CD-ROM is available to order: http://www.archives.gov/central-plains/kansas-city/education/primary-sources-cd.html

Shine a light on this fluorescent freesharing find!http://www.shatterprooflights.com/Sample.html

The United Nations(UN) sends out teacher's kits that offers students a intensive look into the inter-workings of the organization. An elementary, middle/high school & informational/individual kit: http://www.un.org/geninfo/faq/teacherskit/teacherkit.htm


This Interdental Stick & Floss in One send-out can help save money and your teeth toohttp://www.flixsticks.com/sandwich Sounds to me like some kind of a world wide flossing campaign, as several countries are eligible to receive this dental tool ha. Who knows?!☺

The 2009 Walton cds are being sent out in May- they may be pre-ordered though-which may be a good idea so to eliminate running into run outs!
http://www.waltonmusic.com/CDSamplerForm/form.html Here is the main site where samples of their choral sounds may be heard:http://www.waltonmusic.com/index.php

Sensational Easter Sunday

© Flicker user Heaven's Gate(John)http://www.flickr.com/photos/59303791@N00/446079638/


Manatee education materials may be sent by US mail if not by downloading. Send an email to education@savethemanatee.org and state with address and grade level specifics. Here is the main website:
Manatee education materials may be sent by US mail if not by downloading. Send an email to education@savethemanatee.org and state with address and grade level specifics. Here is the main website: Manatee education materials may be sent by US mail if not by downloading. Send an email to education@savethemanatee.org and state with address and grade level specifics. Here is the main website:

The Foundation for a Better Life sends out poster sets to educators/ organizations:http://www.values.com/resource_center/educator.asp

American Electric Power( AEP) sends out freestyle friendly Louie the Lightning Bug Safety Booklet http://www.aep.com/citizenship/community/safetyBooklet/Default.aspx

Educators may order a complimentary Earth / Mars comparison poster:http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/classroom/earthMarsForm.html

Would you like to listen to the Marley and Me story in audio form!? Well, son of a dog biscuit, here you go! I will place the link under Web and Phone Based Story Links as well:
http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/template/ext/landing.jsp??BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&pac=Garmin

Speaking of dogs, There are dog tags being passed out Purina Mighty Dog Nation: for those interested:http://www.mightydog.com/MightyNation/join.aspx

Though the subject of bullying thankfully is much more disapprove these days than seemingly in distant past,advocating& modeling respect for all is still something very much needed in this society: Operation Respect is helping to share the necessary message by putting out a no cost Don't Laugh at Me Kit:http://inter.viewcentral.com/events/cust/single_event.aspx?cid=dontlaugh&pid=1&cbClass=1&lid=2

A River Lee jazz music demo cd is available to obtain by downloadable form or receive by mail!http://www.riverleejazzband.com/index.php
I have yet to read anything by Adrian Trigianni.however, I'm always on the lookout for interesting reads, however one way to investigate her work is by checking out the movie trailer at http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/adrianatrigiani/adriana_dvd.html
And then, if that looks appealing, then a full length dvd may be ordered by filling out the form found through the same link.

a 3 year subscription is available to Remedy Magazineby answering some questions on lifestyle & supposed conditions:http://freebies.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=freebies&cdn=hobbies&tm=4&f=11&tt=14&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.omeda.com/cgi-win/rx.cgi

Saturday is Excellente!

While this teacher's kit from Teaching Tolerance.org will not arrive before Easter, the sooner its ordered, the sooner it will arrive!: It contains Mighty Times, focusing on Rosa Park's activistic life. The site recommends it for middle & upper grade levels:http://www.tolerance.org/teach/resources/mighty_times.jsp Tolerance.org also has other free educators kits and resource available. For example, Rhinos & Raspberries: Tolerance Tales for the Early Grades: http://www.tolerance.org/teach/resources/rhinos.jsp
I have been searching for great free Easter cards- I found a dinosaur themed one I that I really like at Carlson Cards; http://www.carlsencards.com/ There's a couple of other e-card sites listed on 4/1, which have been my staples for card sending.Do you you have any favorite e-card sites? Wish you'd share them or any other free sharing messages right below in the comments box!

Teachkind.org with a focus on humane education has freesharing style materials that place an emphasis on humane treatment for all sentient beings, to be shipped out to educators:http://www.teachkind.org/

The New York Apple Association kindly offers complimentary mini posters: Just email joan@nyapplecountry.com at the New York Apple Association to request these free materials. "Please include the following information: Name, School or Business, Street Address (not a PO Box), City, State and Zipcode".

Fabulous Frugalites

The TA Barron Educators Gift Box is available for homeschoolers. I was unsure as the sign up form indicates that the required contact phone number may not be a personal phone#. So, I sent an email to the project contact person and received a response this am. Here is the response:
"We are happy to provide your homeschool with the same Educator Box that we send to other verified teachers. Simply log on to the website, click on the link "For Educators" and when you request the gift box, please indicate "Homeschool" in the School field. Please expect a call from our office to confirm your homeschool status. Hope you enjoy it!" (Anita Southwick Assistant to T.A. Barron box)
So, here is the link to sign up for the educators gift box: http://www.tabarron.com/for-educators

Richly Thrift Thursday

Hello quiet visitors!

Note that if a post is taken off soon after it is posted, it is because I found a glitch like the offer requires some paid participation with another offer or something like that.
Also, I am updating the Web & Phone Based Story post section.
Recently, that is, on March 25, Wakerupper phone alarm/ reminder service http://wakerupper.com/ was posted.I have used Wakerupper over a period of time and found it very useful as a backup alarm clock. Well guess what? There's another freephone reminder service:http://www.abbyme.com/ As for Wakerupper, making indivual calls does not require a sign up. However,as a member; membership is free of course, the service allws concetutive callsto be set up in advance on a temp bais. After the trial period, reminder calls must be made individually and without signing in. I have yet to try Abbyme so I do not know the details yet excetpt that a free reminder service is offered.
Environmentally/people safe dry-erase writing surface paint sample that is available to receive in multiple countries: http://www.ideapaint.com/get-a-sample.aspx

Well now, here's a freesharing ping pong rules poster for requestors in US & neighboring Canada:http://www.robopong.com/posteroffer_0.html


I found these free Society of Friends publication listings and the following quoted statement from http://www.quaker.org/ You can even just send an email to request the publications if desired:
'"We have been blessed with a number of his books that are out of print - they are free for the asking - but donations for shipping would be greatly appreciated."' Contact Sue Kern - Center for Quaker Thought and Practice, Earlham Drawer 104 Richmond, IN 47374 or quakercenter@earlham.edu

* The Essence of Spiritual Religion
* The Encourager
* A Place to Stand
* Basic Christianity
* The Future of the Christian
* Your Other Vocation
* A Philosopher's Way

Free bible lessons for children- adult by mailhttp://www.childtel.org/free.htm

Why,here's a nifty letter opener:http://mailfinity.net/letter-opener.html

Herbal coffee's available in many countries it appears as the country line is left open to fill: http://www.theherbsoflife.com/

Wondering Wednesday

Here's a Braille alphabet card. I would like to learn Braille and so I am going to order this wonderful item: http://www.afb.org/braillebug/braille.asp
East Coast Pens offer pen samples that can be ordered by sending an email to CarolinaPens@aol.com

There is a free Mylie Cyrus poster to the first 15,000 signupers. But what about that Billy Ray?!☺ Oh, the promo code for the Mylie poster is 5R!GP#U https://secure.glamour.com/magazine/sweeps/miley/entry/long/

Personal care item sample: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100664/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100664&source=&ss_id=

With the prevalence of societal alcohol promotion/acceptance, it is encouraging to hear another message on the substance. Here's a "Sober Folks" bumper sticker:http://www.soberfolk.org/freebumpersticker.html

Here's a sample of Alterna hair care product: The country line is left open so it is a global care care sample it would appear!http://www.alternahaircare.com/elle/

Here's a modern freebie gadget: a wall cell phone holder: The item is free & valid in the US, Canada, the UK,& Australia:http://www.ringtonehall.com/free-wall-holder.html

Complimentary School/learning supplies are available from the Leafy Greens Council in collaboration with their educational on site offerings : http://www.leafy-greens.org/contact.htmlom

Markers like pens are an important free find in my book:http://www.gpxmarker.com/

Try Veg;that is in the form of a bumper sticker:http://order.cok.net/tryvegbumper/

Here's some more fancy candle samples!http://www.newville-candles.com/request_sample/