CURRENT EVENTS

We've known Daniel since he was six. Now he is graduating from high school and he has been accepted at MIT. But first he had to do three weeks of community service. And we were the lucky ones to make use of his volunteer work. For three days he shoveled a mountain of woodchips and moved 30 tree stumps around, in order to make our swing area safer. And that's just one part of all the excellent work he has done for us. Thank you, Daniel!

December/January 2009/2010

• We will be open during the Christmas vacation on Dec. 21 - 23 from 8:30 - 6:00, Dec. 24 from 8:30 until 1pm.
  Sorry, but we will close for a break ourselves until Jan. 3rd.
  In January we will be open 8:30 - 6:00 for those two Mondays, Jan. 18 and 25.
  

  
  
• On December 16th, the Poekie Peace Party will have a Christmas Sale to benefit homeless moms and children in Oakland. Hot cocoa and treats and little gifts will be sold.
  
  
• The Poekies will have a Christmas celebration on Christmas eve from 11am to 1pm. All Poekies and their owners are invited.
  
  
• IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE. IT IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND YOUR GIFT GOES DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY!

July/August 2009

• In the first two weeks of August the Poekie Peace Party will organize another Poekie Play. If your child would like to join us in this fun event, be ready to come to the Planet almost every afternoon from 2 to 6, for two weeks, starting August 3rd. The performance(s) will be on Friday August 14th.

• The post office is forcing us to streamline our mailings. Please let us know when you move or no longer wish to receive our mail.
  
  
  
• In late spring, the Planet underwent more renovations. The front room was remodeled and repainted, and one of our alumni worked very hard during his three weeks of community service. Daniel Goodman not only fixed up our front swing area with many tree logs and a heap of woodchips, he also painted the stage in the woodshop in preparation for the next Poekie Play. Thank you Daniel!
  
  
  
• On the Friday before Memorial Day, the front room was transformed into a theatre. The Poekie Peace Party decided to celebrate this day with their first Poekie Memorial Day Play. Fifteen kids took part in the play and the room was full, standing room only!
  
  
  
• Our summer vacation started off with a bang. Baby Poeka's Birthday Pool Bash was a huge success. All the Poekies went swimming, the kids made bubble-blowers, decorated cupcakes, and received henna tattoos.

• Sophia's Saturday Sewing Circle will start again in September.
  

May/June 2009

• We survived a record-breaking Spring Break. Kids were pouring in our door and everyone had a great time, staying warm inside or running outside with the chilly breeze. Our new picnic table on the back lawn was immediately used for idyllic lunch breaks. Before the summer vacation starts, you will see some outside areas improved, and the front room will be painted and reorganized.
  
  

• We have streamlined our payment and check-in reports. With a few clicks we can now give you a computer print-out of your records.
  
  
• Ask for a refrigerator-magnet and our cool stickers next time you stop by!
  
  
• Sophia is almost done revamping our website. As she got into the work, she was inspired to start the 'Poekie Nook' pages, filled with photos and stories about the beanie-babies we sew in the beadroom. It is being received with great enthusiasm; kids are writing stories about their Poekies, coloring-in the printable pictures, and many parents read the frequently updated stories to their children. The Poekie Nook is a wholesome alternative to the internet-world of store-bought toys such as Webkinz, proving that the real source of imagination is the kids' own minds! Visit the Poekie Nook to see for yourself.
  
  
• The Poekie Easter Egg hunt was a wonderful, spring-like experience. Everyone helped each other's Poekies find their eggs in their funny disguises. We had tea and chocolate eggs while listening to a story and made many cute chicks from yarn. An event to be repeated!

March/April 2009

• Despite all the economic chaos, The Planet is doing pretty well. Donations are down, but attendance is up. And our computer's new sound signals have streamlined the payment process. A campaign of persistent billing is paying off. We are very grateful to all who have paid these old balances!

  Sophia is about to rejuvenate our website. Before long, all our information will be updated and kept current.
  
  
• We are experimenting with increased advertising, since many new families say they would not have learned about The Planet if a friend hadn't mentioned us. We participated in Mill Valley's "Camp Night," and we will be advertising in local newspapers. New business cards have arrived, and we're giving away our new refrigerator-magnets.
  
  
• In the Beadroom, the Poekie-world is flourishing. The Poekies had a very successful Valentine's Pool Party. They swam and dived to their hearts' content and afterwards relaxed in a (cleansing) bubble-bath. Everyone enjoyed the tea and treats.
  
  
• A recent Poekie wedding drew a surprising turn-out. At least 20 children attended the solemn ceremony and wild party afterwards.

January/February 2009

• The Planet has been busy in the past two months. Lots of children have attended happily; we have continued our drive to improve our interior; and we are very grateful for the donations we have received. Your appreciation encourages us to expand our special events. Here's a report on the last two months:
  
  
• The Poekie Peace Party organized three events. Before the Presidential election, we took our Poekies on a Peace March around the Pumpkin Patch. On December 10th, we had a Poekie Christmas sale. We sold hot cocoa and gifts the children had made. The numbers prove our success: we collected 199 dollars for a project for homeless mothers and children in Oakland! On Christmas Eve we had a special party for our Poekies: we sang songs and heard stories, and all the Poekies got presents, while we drank hot cider and ate yummie cookies. The Beadroom was filled with warmth and (truly) enraptured children.
  
  
• Our site is looking better all the time. Both bathrooms have been redecorated, and we hope you had a chance to see the holiday decorations we put all around our precious site. Updating the R/C room is next on our agenda, and we're planning to buy a foosball table. Also, you will soon find an improved computer-system to help you keep track of your account.

Kids Headquarters, Inc. / The Planet  220 Redwood Highway  Mill Valley, Ca 94941
Tel: (415) 331-8373  Fax: (415) 331-8275