Hello all! Happy Thanksgiving! I hope this year finds you with many things to be grateful for and that next year is even better.
Don't forget the Tree House auction will end on Saturday at the Portage Lake District Library. Join the KFRC any time between 10 and 2 to bid on the baskets. Joe Kirkish heard about our project last week and donated two of his beautiful photographs - one of leaves and the other of some colorful sails. That makes items 90 and 92! There is truly something for everyone.
Call Cathy Benda if you'd like a private showing or a proxy to bid for you! 906-482-9363
Jessica
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Construction Continues
THIS may look like a non-descript box to you, but in REALITY, it is a crate of bumpity zoom with a squeal of delight thrown in. Yes. Our roller slide was delivered today!! It is HERE, and we can only imagine the years of fun it will provide. And hey - the box it came in just might be fun to play with, too ;).
Not our FIRST little customer in the park, but certainly one of the cutest thus far (I am prejudiced... she's my daughter. If I'm writing this blog, I get to shamelessly gush over my child). This place will be a whole lot funner in the not too distant future, little girl!!
Construction continues. Those garish red walls are turning sky-blue this week, with puffy clouds drifting by. Too, too exciting.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Daily Mining Gazette Article
Tree House playspace nearing completion
By KURT HAUGLIE, DMG Writer
POSTED: November 20, 2009
HOUGHTON - In January, Jessica Della Valla, while watching over her rambunctious 1-year-old son Joseph, had an idea that what was needed in the Houghton/Hancock area was a winter indoor playspace, where younger children from infants to five years old could be safe.
After bringing the idea to the Keweenaw Family Resource Center in Houghton, which Executive Director Cathy Benda thought was a good idea, the project started moving along. Now, after several months of communications with local organizations and individuals, that playspace, called the Tree House Indoor Playground, is taking shape in the Red Ridge Plaza on Sharon Avenue in Houghton.
Although funding for renovation of the retail space in the shopping center has been lined up, Della Valla, who is chairwoman of the task force created to develop the playspace, said more funding is needed to pay for some of the items, which will make up the playspace.
To help with those funding needs, the KFRC will conduct a silent auction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 in the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton.
A couple donations helped get the construction going, Benda said.
"We had two $10,000 anonymous donations to start," she said.
Thursday Della Valla and Benda looked over the progress of the renovation of the space, which will be the Tree House, and both were impressed with how fast work is moving along.
Benda said the construction is being done in two phases. The first phase is nearly complete, with painting and flooring yet to be done. The second phase will involve the installation of the play fixtures.
The idea for the playspace is to create the impression of the outdoors indoors. It will have a tree swing, a slide and a "crash" area where children can bang around safely. On one wall will be a picket fence, and as a fundraiser, pickets are being offered for sale for $100 each. The 200 pickets will have 17 spaces where those who purchase them can have comments printed.
Benda said about one-quarter of the pickets have been sold since fundraising officially began Nov. 1.
Although contractors were hired for much of the renovation construction, Benda said some of the work and items, such as paint and windows, have been donated.
"We're having that kind of outpouring of support," she said. "There are so many people taking on the task."
Della Valla said the items for the auction have been donated, also, and she's hoping it will be successful.
"This has the potential to raise us $10,000 to $15,000," she said.
Benda said the KFRC will offer memberships to the playground for either a "semester," or few months, a school year or a calendar year.
It's hoped the Tree House will be open in January, Benda said, and she's very impressed how far the project has moved in about one year.
"When you look at this, it's kind of mind-boggling," she said. "The community support has been awesome. It just shows how much we care about the wellness of our children."
Della Valla said she would like to see the playground become a community center where parents can talk about issues involved with raising children.
"I hope it's more than a playground," she said.
Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie @mininggazette.com.
By KURT HAUGLIE, DMG Writer
POSTED: November 20, 2009
HOUGHTON - In January, Jessica Della Valla, while watching over her rambunctious 1-year-old son Joseph, had an idea that what was needed in the Houghton/Hancock area was a winter indoor playspace, where younger children from infants to five years old could be safe.
After bringing the idea to the Keweenaw Family Resource Center in Houghton, which Executive Director Cathy Benda thought was a good idea, the project started moving along. Now, after several months of communications with local organizations and individuals, that playspace, called the Tree House Indoor Playground, is taking shape in the Red Ridge Plaza on Sharon Avenue in Houghton.
Although funding for renovation of the retail space in the shopping center has been lined up, Della Valla, who is chairwoman of the task force created to develop the playspace, said more funding is needed to pay for some of the items, which will make up the playspace.
To help with those funding needs, the KFRC will conduct a silent auction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 in the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton.
A couple donations helped get the construction going, Benda said.
"We had two $10,000 anonymous donations to start," she said.
Thursday Della Valla and Benda looked over the progress of the renovation of the space, which will be the Tree House, and both were impressed with how fast work is moving along.
Benda said the construction is being done in two phases. The first phase is nearly complete, with painting and flooring yet to be done. The second phase will involve the installation of the play fixtures.
The idea for the playspace is to create the impression of the outdoors indoors. It will have a tree swing, a slide and a "crash" area where children can bang around safely. On one wall will be a picket fence, and as a fundraiser, pickets are being offered for sale for $100 each. The 200 pickets will have 17 spaces where those who purchase them can have comments printed.
Benda said about one-quarter of the pickets have been sold since fundraising officially began Nov. 1.
Although contractors were hired for much of the renovation construction, Benda said some of the work and items, such as paint and windows, have been donated.
"We're having that kind of outpouring of support," she said. "There are so many people taking on the task."
Della Valla said the items for the auction have been donated, also, and she's hoping it will be successful.
"This has the potential to raise us $10,000 to $15,000," she said.
Benda said the KFRC will offer memberships to the playground for either a "semester," or few months, a school year or a calendar year.
It's hoped the Tree House will be open in January, Benda said, and she's very impressed how far the project has moved in about one year.
"When you look at this, it's kind of mind-boggling," she said. "The community support has been awesome. It just shows how much we care about the wellness of our children."
Della Valla said she would like to see the playground become a community center where parents can talk about issues involved with raising children.
"I hope it's more than a playground," she said.
Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie @mininggazette.com.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Help Wanted
Cathy Benda is in need of some able-bodied people to help transport and set up our auction baskets at the Portage Lake District Library on November 28th, starting at around 8:30 am. If you happen to own a pair of hands and feet (as required for carrying and walking), then you are PERFECT for this job ;). Please call Cathy at 482-9363.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Silent Auction Status Update
The Silent Auction is still on - the next viewing of all 89 baskets will be at Trinity Episcopal Church on Tuesday November 17th from 2:00pm -6:00pm. The donations keep growing and growing and growing. What an awesome community we have! The updated list of ALL items is in the sidebar, so you can get an idea as to what is available. Final showing and close of the auction is still slated for November 28th at the Portage Lake District Library. Start your Christmas shopping NOW - it's for an excellent cause!
Brockit Photograpy Pics From Family Fun Day!
This is the latest entry from Brockit Photography's Blog:
"If you know us well, we’re all about gloss & glam photos for clients, but you also know that we are passionate about the community and spend a lot of time in and out of the studio helping with foundations, benefits, and fundraisers all for the greater good. Shooting for the Keweenaw Family Resource Center and their fundraising efforts for a children’s indoor, winter park (to be called the Treehouse) was a pleasure for us. Read more about their efforts, the event, and the park here. Its a great cause!
Families can select the link below for galleries of candid and semi-candid shots. Digital downloads and physical prints can be ordered easily and immediately, with a percentage going back to help KFRC’s efforts with the winter park.
http://brockit.smugmug.com/Clients/kfrc"
So check it out and see if YOUR kid was caught "in the moment".
"If you know us well, we’re all about gloss & glam photos for clients, but you also know that we are passionate about the community and spend a lot of time in and out of the studio helping with foundations, benefits, and fundraisers all for the greater good. Shooting for the Keweenaw Family Resource Center and their fundraising efforts for a children’s indoor, winter park (to be called the Treehouse) was a pleasure for us. Read more about their efforts, the event, and the park here. Its a great cause!
Families can select the link below for galleries of candid and semi-candid shots. Digital downloads and physical prints can be ordered easily and immediately, with a percentage going back to help KFRC’s efforts with the winter park.
http://brockit.smugmug.com/Clients/kfrc"
So check it out and see if YOUR kid was caught "in the moment".
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Treehouse Color Vote
We want a little feedback from ya'll (what, are we Southern now?) Vote in the sidebar for the color YOU think the treehouse should be! This is AMERICA! Let your voice be heard!!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Silent Auction
Keep checking back, as new items are added to the silent auction almost daily. We'll try to update the slide show in the side-bar as often as we can - currently there's pictures and descriptions of about half our available items. If you see something you like, you can learn more about it by clicking on the picture. ALL the baskets will be on display tomorrow night at the Hot Peas 'N Butter concert at the Rosza. Afterwards, they'll be on display at "With These Hands" on Quincy Street in Hancock. On November 28th, all 70-some baskets will travel to the Portage Lake District Library, where the auction will end with great fanfare. Please join us for this fun event... there'll be foooo-ood =). These are some well-traveled items, looking for a good home after their "world tour" this month!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Community Events
The MOMS Club of the Copper Country will host Heather Store, parent liaison for the Copper Country Great Start Collaborative, as she discusses the Collaborative and Cathy Benda, Director of the Keweenaw Family Resource Center, as she discusses the Center's programming. Both women and their programs are having a tremendous impact on the lives of families in the Keweenaw. Join us for snacks and to find out how. November 19, 10:30am - 11:30am at Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, 201 Isle Royale St, Houghton. All are welcome (including children) so please bring a friend! Contact: Jessica DellaValla, 906-281-1353 or jess.dellavalla@charter.net. For more information about the MOMS Club of the Copper Country Contact Amy Evans, (906) 523-5342 or (906) 370-9615,goker7@hotmail.com.
Playgroups 10am-noon, at Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, hosted by Copper Country MOMS Club, open to the public, children of all ages. Suggested donation of $1 to $3, donations to go to Tree House Indoor Playground. Contact: Jen Olson 296-9047. Dates: Thursday, Nov 5, Thursday, Nov 12, Tuesday, Nov 17, Tuesday, Nov 24.
Potluck/Playgroup: Monday, Nov 9, noon-2pm, bring a dish to pass. Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, hosted by Copper Country MOMS Club, open to the public, children of all ages. Contact: Kathy Nantell 483-0488.
Thanksgiving Potluck/Playgroup: Monday, Nov 23, noon to 2pm at Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, hosted by Copper Country MOMS Club, open to the public, children of all ages. Contact: AmyEvans 523-5342.
Playgroups 10am-noon, at Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, hosted by Copper Country MOMS Club, open to the public, children of all ages. Suggested donation of $1 to $3, donations to go to Tree House Indoor Playground. Contact: Jen Olson 296-9047. Dates: Thursday, Nov 5, Thursday, Nov 12, Tuesday, Nov 17, Tuesday, Nov 24.
Potluck/Playgroup: Monday, Nov 9, noon-2pm, bring a dish to pass. Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, hosted by Copper Country MOMS Club, open to the public, children of all ages. Contact: Kathy Nantell 483-0488.
Thanksgiving Potluck/Playgroup: Monday, Nov 23, noon to 2pm at Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, hosted by Copper Country MOMS Club, open to the public, children of all ages. Contact: AmyEvans 523-5342.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Finlandia Newsletter Article!
The Keweenaw Family Resource Council’s winter park concept ‘The Tree House’ will offer indoor exercise opportunities for area children ages: infant to 5-years old. Finlandia design students are designing some of the toys, displays, accessories and playground equipment. The Tree House is hoping to open its doors for play this winter in the Razorback Center in Houghton.
Art + Design student Vanessa Lipson, is working on Infant Corral/Seating modules, while Abbi Zablocki is exploring fabric Cloud concepts, and David Goodman, is making Big Lincoln Logs from cardboard carpet tubes.
Christine Westrich, a third-year Interdisciplinary Design student with her eye on a career in toy design, is developing a 4-seat bicycle carousel. Challenging enough just as a design effort, Christine is also fabricating the unit in the ISAD model shop, and doing it using 95% reusable resources.
Art + Design student Vanessa Lipson, is working on Infant Corral/Seating modules, while Abbi Zablocki is exploring fabric Cloud concepts, and David Goodman, is making Big Lincoln Logs from cardboard carpet tubes.
Christine Westrich, a third-year Interdisciplinary Design student with her eye on a career in toy design, is developing a 4-seat bicycle carousel. Challenging enough just as a design effort, Christine is also fabricating the unit in the ISAD model shop, and doing it using 95% reusable resources.
Combining old tricycle parts donated by BHK, the wheel bearing from a Ford Taurus and part of a truck tire rim from Julio’s Salvage yard, the designer has managed to get all the mechanical elements complete and operational and is beginning conceptual studies for the visual effects which are an important part of this piece of Tree House playground equipment.
“I want to make this unit more fun than just riding it,” Christine says. “Maybe with parts that move or animate or even light-up when the kids are pedaling.”
The KFRC Tree House winter park is a great community project. You can see what they’re up to at: www.houghtonwinterpark.blogspot.com
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