A huge part of parenting is passing down our values to the next generation by our words and actions. We know that children learn by imitating the people around around them. If we act in a way that we want our kids to act, they'll learn from our example. Generosity, compassion and empathy are things we can transmit to our little ones in the way we listen, comfort, discipline, guide, protect and enjoy them. You and I have opportunities every day to provide our kids with learning experiences so they can see how to behave appropriately. One example is how we react to people in need in our community.

The 19^th annual Community Christmas Hamper Campaign has just been launched. Twenty-two English-speaking partners come together to provide holiday cheer in the darkest days of winter to people in need. We are presently collecting non-perishable food and hygiene donations at a variety of locations around town, including the entry way into Jeffery Hale Community Services. These donated  items will be hauled, sorted, counted and packed by a team of volunteers during the week of December 15. If you wish to volunteer,  please visit the campaign's FB page to see an overview of possibilities, including delivering hampers as a family on Saturday, December 20. If FB isnt your thing you can call our Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Bilodeau 418 684-5333 Ext 1550  to find out how to lend a hand. Did you know we have 3 generations of families doing deliveries these days; proof that values can be passed down from grandparent to grandchild!

Cash donations are needed to help purchase a week's worth of groceries for each recipient including all the trimmings for a delicious Christmas dinner from the turkey to the cranberry sauce! Donations can be mailed in, dropped off or contributed online at www.Canadahelps.org This year's campaign's goal is $25,000 and every little bit helps. Be a role model for your children and start collecting groceries to donate today!

Greeting of the season from your early childhood team at Jeffery Hale

Enjoy a free activity in English just for pre-school age children (ages 3 to 4 years), and their parents or grandparents from October to June. Sing songs, hear stories, enjoy a snack and make a craft. Sessions rotate between St. Brigid's Home, the Morrin Centre, Valcartier Family Centre in Ste-Foy and Courcelette and the Quebec City Reading Council at Eastern Quebec Learning Centre.  Please click here to view our 2014/15 schedule.

The Quebec City Reading Council is ready to take your reservations at 418 681-1258 for the next Travellin' Toddler Time session to be held on Friday, November 21, 2014 from 9:30 to 11 am in the library at the Morrin Centre  (44 chaussée des Écossais, Quebec, Qc G1R 4H3). November's theme is Winter! Spaces are limited to 12 participants although baby brothers and sisters are welcome to accompany the toddler and his/her family. Call today to reserve your child's place. Please note: free parking is available next to the Kirkhall adjacent to the library for this activity.

Every mom needs time out from parental responsibilities now and then. It's perfectly normal. Admit it - you're dying to make some new women friends who are in the same life stage and who speak English!

Community Services has been helping to organize Moms' Nite-Out (MNO) activities for a number of years now. These events have become very popular and newcomers are ALWAYS welcome! Some events are just for moms, others for couples and many are for the whole family. Our dynamic team of volunteers has put together a fun line-up of activities for this fall and winter. Click here to view our 2014/15 MNO Schedule

Our thanks to Rebecca Boucher for organizing the arm knitting adventure in mid-November. A fabulour time was had by all and the resulting scarfs were absolutely gorgeous! See for yourself!

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Wednesday, November 19: Ceramic Café

Hostesses: Jean Nivischiuk and Daisy Enriquez

Location: 435 St-Joseph Est, Québec (Qc) G1K 3B6

Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm

Price: $8/2hrs or $10/3hrs + price of pottery piece (usually between $6-$20 with more than 2000 pieces to chose from)

Parking: Off street with parking garages within easy walking distance

RSVP: The more the merrier, so feel free to come at the last minute!

Like to paint?  Worried about gifts for the holidays?  Need an excuse to do something by yourself for an evening?  Then join us for a night of good company, relaxation and painting at the Ceramic Café!   Those without artistic talent can find plenty of inspiration and stencils to help paint a masterpiece in the tranquil café environment.  Get out of the house and meet some new moms or catch up with old friends. For more information visit http://www.leccs.com/quebec/ for more information.

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 Upcoming Events to look forward to: 

Saturday, December 13: Party with Santa

 
Please use GREAT discretion when dropping off these gifts at the entrance - we don't want to destroy the magic of Christmas for our little ones. Make sure the wrapped gift is well concealed in a bag and please don't yell out "Here's the SANTA gift!!! " as little ears are listening.  

January 13: Zumba Your Way into 2015

January 27: Winter's Eve at the Spa

Stay tuned details coming soon ...

The Trisomy 21 Prenatal Screening Program of Québec provides pregnant women and couples across Québec with access to a trisomy 21 prenatal screening test. The test is covered under Québec's Health Insurance Plan and requires informed consent. It is a very personal decision. Some pregnant women and couples have the prenatal screening test while others do not.

This link is intended for parents who are in the process of making that decision:

http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/sujets/santepub/depistage-prenatal/index.php?dois-je-passer-le-test-de-depistage-en

 This link opens a pamphlet to help you better understand the screening process: http://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/acrobat/f/documentation/2011/11-931-02A.pdf

This is an up-to-date link for people who want to learn more about Down syndrome upon receiving their  prenatal test result:http://www.downsyndromeprenataltesting.com/prenatal-resources/

Noel 100% Pur Laine

 The Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph offers a free online calendar for the local English-speaking community: http://www.qctonline.com/event ; check it out regularly!

Be sure to regularly check Voice of English-speaking Quebec's What's Happening Page: http://www.veq.ca/homepage and discover a wealth of programs and services to suit your family's needs.

Sign up for http://www.lifeinquebec.com free weekly online magazine and learn more about  what's happening in our beautiful city.

 The towns of Quebec,  http://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/famille/index.aspx ; Lévis http://ville.levis.qc.ca/Fr/Ind; ex.asp  and Saint-Gabrielle de Valcartier http://www.saint-gabriel-de-valcartier.ca/all offer on-line access to information about a variety of events for people of all ages.