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Inauguration Day, Manners & The Internet
NEW CLASS

"Netiquette"
Ages 11 to 15
January 28, 2009
5pm to 7:30pm
Beverly Hills Public Library

Internet

Beverly Hills Manners™ has joined forces with Vanessa Van Petten, book author and writer of a blog on parent-teen relationships, to offer a specialized program on "Netiquette". "Netiquette" is a term that is used to define all of the guidelines that assist us with online communication. It provides general rules of protocol for such technologies as emailing, blogging, texting, social networking and all other new technological forms for communicating. Learn how to navigate online communication tools and the most appropriate ways of maintaining a positive online image. In a time when the walls between online and offline communication are coming down, protecting yourself and knowing the proper way to behave is not only sensible, but vital in today's world. In addition to the lecture and Internet demonstration, a light dinner snack will be served.

Click here to register now!

New York Times

The New York Times recently published an article written by a pediatrician on the importance of instilling good manners in children.  She mentioned that these social skills are a necessary part of life and provide them with the tools to thrive from the playground to the boardroom.  Click here to read the complete story!
 
 

 

NEW TWO-PART SERIES 
"The Introductory Course" & "The Intermediate Course"
Ages 6 to 12  
 Jan. 24 & Feb. 28, 2009
March 28 & April 25, 2009 
11am to 2pm 
 
Introductory Course   

Our most popular program, "The Introductory Course" will now be presented as a two-part series along with "The Intermediate Course: The Party Perfect" beginning in January 2009.  Together these programs offer a comprehensive study into the world of manners.  Children are instructed in all aspects of etiquette and protocol while developing fundamental character-building traits such as respect, compassion and common courtesies. Through acquiring and practicing these indispensable life skills, children gain more confidence and increase self-esteem. 
 
In addition to the instruction, both programs include a formal dining tutorial covering all rules of table and dining etiquette.  Children learn how to set a basic table, the proper way to use their utensils, how to manage specific types of foods and beverages, and how to initiate and participate in conversation during an actual 5-course meal.  This fun-filled program is full of interaction and practice for your child.

Program highlights include: 
� Etiquette vs. Manners
� First Impressions

� Meetings & Greetings
� Handshake & Eye Contact
� Art of Introductions
� Telephone Etiquette
� Punchbowl Etiquette
� Table & Dining Skills
� Holiday Dining
� Party Etiquette
� Dressing Up

� Gift Giving & Receiving

� Stationary, Invitations & RSVP's
� Thank You Notes

 
Sign up for one or both classes now!January 24th & February 28th  

 

 

YouTube

If you didn't catch it when it entered the YouTube charts a year ago, "The Mom Song" performed to the tune of the William Tell Overature is  something to hear.  About a month ago, Vanessa Van Petten submitted her version of the "Kid's Response to "The Mom Song".  Take a few minutes out of your busy day to enjoy these two hysterical  videos. 
 
 
Greetings!
 
Inauguration Day

Today is certainly a momentous occasion.  One for the history books!   When my seven year old daughter asked me why this day was so important, it actually brought tears to my eyes as I tried to explain to her the historical significance of how this presidency was different than any other we have experienced before.  I explained that this was the first time an African American has been elected our nation's president.  I went on to explain that this day would also have been significant if we had elected a  woman as our president.  I talked about the present state of our country, how people are losing their jobs and their money and how they are looking to our new president with hope for a brighter future.  My daughter was filled with excitement at the prospect of viewing the swearing in ceremony at her school with her fellow students and teachers.  The mere thought of watching our 44th president take the oath of office seemed to provide her with a sense of joy and pride.  Children can express their feelings directly by taking part in the "Dear Mr. President Project" sponsored by the National Education Association.  To participate, they may write a letter and draw a picture sharing their hopes and ideas for the future.  Submission deadline is January 27th.  For more information, contact www.kidthing.com


Inauguration Ball Etiquette 101
 

If you are lucky enough to garner an invitation to the Inauguration Ball in Washington, D.C. or an invitation to another elegant celebration to commemorate this monumental event, we have compiled the best etiquette tips and advice on how to manage your style, your poise and your plate.  

The Presidency & the Internet

Barack Obama was the first President to use the Internet and modern technology to his full advantage.  His use of social networking sites such as MySpace and FaceBook and micro-blogging services like Twitter helped him communicate with constituents, spread his messages and request donor contributions all of which contributed to a major part of his success! 

The Internet is a fascinating tool with unlimited resources and when used properly can result in favorable outcomes.  In order to use it to its fullest capability, we must adhere to a few protocols to help us maintain our safety and our autonomy.  Our newest class for children entitled "Netiquette" addresses a number of these guidelines and is a vital curriculum to explore in today's technological age. 
 

Happy Inauguration Day!  May these next four years, and beyond, be a positive turning point in history for us all! 

Very best,

Lisa Gach�

  
MomLogic.com 
MomLogic.com consulted with Lisa Gach� of Beverly Hills Manners™ for etiquette tips on how to attend an inauguration ball with dignity, grace and style.  
 
1.  Make your grand entrance. In order to feel confident before entering any formal affair, one must have good poise and posture. Make sure to stand up straight, hold in your stomach and walk slowly and gracefully. You may also want to make sure you are well-groomed, that your hair is brushed, your clothes are neatly pressed, your shoes are clean and that you have plenty of breath freshener or mints on hand. Armed with this checklist, you are sure to be the belle of the ball. 
 
2.  Shake hands with confidence.
When making introductions at a formal affair, it is important to know the proper handshake and to say hello with a smile while making eye contact. Extend your right hand with your fingers meeting web to web and shake hands with two pumps only, then break. 
 
3.  Balancing act. Ladies, refrain from carrying big, heavy bags to a formal affair. A clutch is not only chic, but much more easy to handle. Tuck your clutch under your arm so that you may hold your beverage in one hand and your hors d'oeuvre in the other.
 
4.  Do not double dip! If hand-passed trays of food are being served, make sure to have a cocktail napkin in hand to soak up any drippings or to wrap your toothpicks, skewers or inedible morsels of food. Refrain from double-dipping. Once you've taken a bite of your food, you may no longer dip the remaining contents. Also, be aware not to dispose of your dirty napkins onto a clean tray of food.
 
5.  Strike up a conversation. Mingling and socializing are the keys to success at any event whether formal or informal. Be an expert conversationalist by brushing up on current events, hot topics and local culture before your big night. Keep the conversation flowing by asking open-ended questions and really listening to the answers. Remember, people love to talk about themselves -- however, sometimes this may be a problem when you need to circulate the room. If you must end a conversation, begin by diverting your attention, break eye contact and then follow up with a line such as "it's been a pleasure meeting you..." and then venture into another area or room. 
 
6.  Celebrate with a toast. All toasts should be made with a glass of champagne in hand if possible. Make sure to hold your glass by the stem so as not to warm the chilled bubbly beverage in your glass. Raise your glass and repeat the words "I would like to propose a toast". Once you have completed your toast, take a sip of your champagne while looking at the recipient. If you are the recipient of the toast, you do not raise your glass, nor to you drink. You simply accept the gracious acknowledgment by saying "thank you."
 
7. Do not disturb. As in movie theaters, once the movie has begun, it is time to put away the food. During a formal sit down dinner, once a speech is given, you should refrain from making any noise, including a chewing sound or clanking sound that may occur while eating your meal. Once the speech is complete, you may resume your dining experience.
 
8. Never talk with your mouth full. If someone asks you a question when you have a mouth full of food, do your best to finish swallowing the contents before answering. There is nothing more distasteful than watching a grown adult speak with chewed up pieces of food in their mouth.
 
For the complete story or for more fabulous resources and information from MomLogic.com,
click here! 
 
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