Executive Director's Letter

Wednesday, November 29th, 2006

Dear Friends of Farnam,

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for, especially all our friends, alumni, and supporters who are always performing random acts of kindness for our Farnam families. We are especially grateful to the Kiwanis Club for their generosity in providing 50 Thanksgiving Baskets to our families. This has been an annual tradition for over 10 years. Lt. Billy White of the New Haven Police Dept. provided 15 baskets, and we were able to share them with neighbors and other community residents.

Farnam Alum - Danny Perrotto who has developed a wonderful program called "Bikes for Babes" has provided 20 new bikes to us, and we will be using them as prizes for a Free Throw Contest in the Biddy Program, and for our Afterschool Student of the Month incentive.

Six volunteers from Brenner, Saltzman, and Wallman spent a "Fun Friday" with us - activities included a Pancake Breakfast, Puzzle Making Contest, an Art Project, and lots more. Our volunteers and kids had a great time. Sellinette Vega, age 8, a member of our Afterschool Program designed the winning holiday card that BS&W are sending out from the firm this Holiday season! Once again, one of the most exciting events our kids look forward to is the Thanksgiving Dinner at Oak lane Country Club. All of the children who attended this year were attending for the first time, so this wonderful tradition is carried on. Again, we extend our thanks to all the members of Oak Lane Country Club!

Our Nursery School Playground is looking fabulous! Special thanks to Mary Early for donating all the beautiful stones, and planting HUNDREDS of bulbs! I can't wait till Spring!

Project More has been instrumental in helping us with this project. Thanks, Alton.

We have been able to provide two families with computers that were assembled from donated hardware from our Board members. They were thrilled! We distribute quite a bit of clothing and household items that are thoughtfully donated year round by our Board Members. Thank-You!

Special Events

Dec. 13 Farnam families and Seniors from Ruoppolo Manor will visit the Fantasy of Lights. We are providing the bus and refreshments.

Dec. 14 Farnam families will attend the Black Nativity at the Long Wharf Theater.

Dec. 20 Farnam Drama and Dance Groups Holiday Show at Farnam. Our friends from Town Fair Tire will be providing gifts for all the children in our Afterschool Program and pre-school program. (160)

Dec. 21 Board of Directors- Christmas Luncheon.

Important Meetings

Dec. 6 1:00-3:00pm at ACES Conference Center on 205 Skiff St. Hamden United Way will meet with agency directors, Board Chairs, and other interested Board members and staff of agencies currently funded by United Way to present their plans for allocating dollars in 2007.

Dec. 10 2:00-4:30pm at Patty B.'s house on 67 Penny Lane, Woodbridge. A strategic planning session for Board members and friends of Camp Farnam that will help shape the future of the Camp.

Sincerely, Liz