Happy fall, S.T.A.R. families!
What a beautiful October we enjoyed! We were thrilled to see our Adventure Pods venture out. So far, groups have explored Gardner Farm and the Audubon property off of Hummock Pond Road. What a joy it was to see the children interact with each other, staff and volunteers! The crisp air and blue skies set the perfect tone for groups to laugh, learn and play. We saw birds, animal tracks, insects and more. Although we had to cancel last week due to bad weather, we are looking forward to reconnecting this week at the Milestone Cranberry Bog! The weather looks perfect to walk the bogs and learn about the cranberry harvest on Nantucket. We will be rescheduling last Saturday’s missed trip, so stay tuned!
Our littlest community members also began Saturday Mornings with S.T.A.R., outdoors at the Community Music Center. Tina spends the morning hour with children birth -4 and their caregivers, providing a developmentally rich environment to play, craft, sing and enjoy each other’s company. This group is always such a joy and is offered in partnership with the Community School and generously funded by ReMain Nantucket and the Community Foundation of Nantucket.
As we move into November, we are grateful for the opportunity to be together and enjoy. This month, board member and mother, Terri Dion, will be hosting two cooking classes! On Saturday, November 6th from 3-4pm, we will learn how to make a crustless cranberry pie. A perfect treat as we move deeper into autumn. If you have yet to do so, please email Kerry if you are interested in participating. Classes will be conducted via zoom and materials will be delivered. Stay tuned for another cooking class later this month!
November also brings fundraising opportunities, and the Nantucket Police Department has graciously selected Nantucket S.T.A.R. as the recipient of their ‘No Shave November’ fundraiser. Members of the NPD are required to remain clean shaven, except during November, when they are allowed to let their facial hair grow for donations a local nonprofit. This is always a fun event for the NPD and community members. Thank you NPD! Donations can be made by scanning the QR code on their flyer. Please spread the word!
On a personal note, I would like to thank all of you for the warm welcome I have received from our S.T.A.R. community. I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Director and beyond excited to build on the wonderful programming that S.T.A.R. already has to offer.
Warmly,
Kerry Ray