Laughlin Children's Center

4th Annual Family Ball around the corner!

2012-01-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

Dust off your duds and shine up those dance shoes! Laughlin is once again hosting its popular St. Valentine's Day Family Ball on Saturday, February 3rd, from 5 to 8 pm at the Edgeworth Club. Prices remain the same as in previous years: $90/adult, or $175 for a family ticket (limit two adults); children under 12 are free!

Click below for a printable flyer about the event, or call 412.741.4087 and reserve your spots today! You won't want to miss dancing with the cast of QV's musical, "Guys and Dolls," getting to meet some of Animal Friends' "Reading with Rover Dogs," getting a cool balloon work of art, or a total rad temporary tattoo. And who can resists LEGOs? Snapology will be joining the fun with LEGO and DUPLO tables where you can build to your heart's content!

Don't wait to call--tickets go fast, and seating is limited!

LCC partners for free homework help

2011-11-16T06:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Tracy Shaffer and our friends at Quaker Valley for allowing us to partner with them and The Presbyterian Church, Sewickley and Youth Connect! This announcement went out recently:

Attention! Attention! For an important Announcement!

Laughlin Children’s Center will provide FREE homework support and tutoring
FROM 3:30 – 4:30 PM at the WHITE HOUSE (adjacent to The Presbyterian Church
Sewickley) after school on TUESDAYS beginning NOVEMBER 29. Any student is
welcome!

The White House after school drop‐in program is available for FREE to all students
until 5PM. To get there after school, 6th grade students can take bus 18 from
Osborne to the White House. Parents must provide transportation home at 5PM.
After School Homework Club for 6th grade will be ADJUSTED to WEDNESDAYS AND
THURSDAYS from Tuesday and Wednesday beginning the week of November 28th to
accommodate this free service. The time will remain the same: 2:30 – 3:30 PM.
Students now can receive free support three days a week.

LCC to present best selling authors!

2011-09-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

Does your child have trouble getting organized, staying on task, or remembering important details? Is his or her school performance suffering because of attention issues? Does it lead to family conflict?

Join Peg Dawson, EdD, and Richard Guare, PhD, authors of the best-selling “Smart but Scattered” to learn about executive functioning, discover easy-to-follow steps to identify each child’s strengths and weaknesses, use activities and techniques proven to boost specific skills, and problem-solve daily routines.

Monday, October 10th, 2011 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport

To reserve your spot, contact Laughlin Children’s Center at 412.741.4087 or register online at www.laughlincenter.org. The workshop is open to parents and educators alike!

Prices start at $130 for the conference, handouts, parking, breakfast, lunch, and breaks. Continuing education credits available for teachers, psychologists, counselors and other mental health professionals. Email d.florey@laughlincenter.org for more details.

Want to find out more or discuss your viewpoint on executive functioning? Join LCC’s clinicians for a free, informal “Smart but Scattered” book discussion on Wednesday, September 21st at the Penguin Bookshop. The talk begins at 7 pm, and you’re invited whether or not you’ve read the book. A daytime discussion will also be offered, at 10 am on Monday, September 26th. Refreshments will be provided--a great opportunity to prepare for the full-day workshop on October 10th!

Renovation update

2011-04-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

So, it has been a busy month at LCC, especially on the foundation front! Many thanks to our growing list of donors, including our two newest gifts from the R. K. Mellon Foundation and the H.J. Heinz Company! We're so appreciative of the support. And we're thankful to Gretchen Hansen, of the Hansen Family Foundation; Andrea Mitchell and James Mesloh from The Dominion Foundation; and Bruce Bickell from PNC Charitable Trusts, for taking time out of their challenging schedules to visit the Center and learn a little more about what we do and why the renovation is so important to our future, and the future of current and potential clients. The workers are preparing to replace the carriage house roof, as well as scrape and repaint the exterior while we wait for our building permits to come through. The interior of the carriage house has already been gutted and prepped for the construction phase, which will turn the 19th century building into a 21st century NAEYC-accredited preschool! Interested in learning more? I'd love to show you around (if you don't mind dodging workmen!)--contact the Center at 412.741.4087, or email me! Look for photos and more detail in our upcoming newsletter, due out in May.

Leadership positions change hands at Laughlin Center | YourSewickley.com

2011-03-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Leadership positions change hands at Laughlin Center YourSewickley.com

Laughlin Center ~ Valentine's Day Family Ball

2011-02-17T06:19:00.000-08:00

The photos from this year's Family Ball are ready to view! And, thanks to LCC board member Heather Terrell's underwriting of the photo costs, you can download them for free this year. Click Here to go to the Busy Bee site: Laughlin Center ~ Valentine's Day Family Ball

And while we're on the subject of the Family Ball...

The ever-changing banners over Broad and Beaver streets are a good indicator of how many charitable events Sewickley non-profits conduct each year. And for almost all of those events, Village merchants are approached for support—sponsorships, auction items, program ads, etc. Laughlin Children’s Center is one of the non-profits that asks our merchant neighbors for support during the year, and we are once again humbled by their gracious and generous response during our recent St. Valentine’s Day Family Ball.

First National Bank was our corporate sponsor for the third year in a row and The Sewickley Herald/Trib Total Media was our media sponsor. The following merchants and organizations contributed to our auction and goodie bags: Animal Friends, Annie Gensheimer Photography, Azul Bar Y Cantina, Belly Pops and the Marlovits Family, Betsy Wentz and Studio B, Big Bang Comics, Blinds 2 U, Breuggers Bagels, Child Health Association, Chocolate Therapy, Clay Café, Clearview Federal Credit Union, Eat N Park, Fun by the Pound, Gift Corner, Heather's Beauty Salon, ICE Service Group and the Morgan Family, Jewel Thief, Kennedy School of Driving and the Mancini Family, Learning Express, Little Blue Sister, Martin's, Orr’s, Party Ants, Penguin Bookshop, Prizebite.com, Sabika Austrian Crystal Jewelry, Sewickley Car Store, Sewickley Confectionary, Simply Yogurt, Soho, Spoiled Chics, Sweetwater, Van Salon, Village Candy, Vita Hair Salon, World Cup Soccer, and Zunino Dentistry. Proceeds from the auction help us keep our tuition costs low and support our financial aid program.

The Edgeworth Club provided the perfect setting for a memorable event; Jason Ciccone and staff went out of their way to make sure even the youngest attendee was well taken care of. Trish Ciesinski, the Charles Driscoll Family, Laurel Echavarria, Karen Flam, Valerie Johnson, Amy Joyce, Francye Kinney, Shelly and David Murray, Kate Poppenberg-Pigman, Heather Terrell, Liz Tilli, and Liz and Dan Wilson all contributed time, talent, and treasure, to make the third annual Family Ball a wonderful evening.

Sewickley and the surrounding area is blessed with a host of service providers, but those same providers are blessed with generous individuals, merchants, and corporations that support our efforts. A sincere thank you from the board, staff, and clients of Laughlin Children’s Center.

WQED Multimedia: TV :: WQED On Demand - PITTSBURGH-360

2011-01-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

Miss last night's episode of "Pittsburgh 360" featuring Laughlin Children's Center? Click here! WQED Multimedia: TV :: WQED On Demand - PITTSBURGH-360. The LCC clip starts at 11:37 minutes into the show.

LCC featured on "Pittsburgh 360"

2011-01-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

Tune into WQED-TV tonight at 7:30 pm to watch Beth Dolinar's piece on Laughlin Children's Center. The spot will air as part of QED's new local programming line up, on a show called "Pittsburgh 360". LCC parents Trish Ciesinski, David & Devonna Hopkins, and Doug Larsen are interviewed, along with LCC ED, Douglas Florey.

Can't catch us live this evening? Check back here or our Facebook profile in the coming days for a link to the clip. Once it airs, you can also access the clip, along with prior segments from the show, here.

And, ACTION!

St. Valentine's Day Family Ball!

2011-01-21T06:10:00.001-08:00

Join us for an early evening of
food, fun, & family time
where you can dance the night away
with your best girl or favorite guy.

Saturday, February 12th, 2011

from 5 to 8 pm at the Edgeworth Club

East Drive, Sewickley

Family photos

Auction Treasures
Adult Dinner Buffet

Separate Kid-Friendly Menu
Sundae Bar

Reading With Rover dogs

Dancing with the cast of QV’s musical, "Gershwin’s Crazy for You"

Cash bar available

$90.00 per adult or $175 for Family Ticket (limit two adults)
Children under 12 are free

To RSVP, call the Center at 412.741.4087

Proceeds from the evening benefit Laughlin Center’s educational support programs for children.

A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible.

Formal dress requested.

Just in time for Christmas...

2010-12-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

Take a five minute break and check out our video photo album--you just might spot your favorite LCC staff, client, or board member!

LCC joins list of Great Non-Profits!

2010-11-09T09:19:00.001-08:00

Check out our profile on the Great Non-Profits website. Review us while you're there!

http://www.greatnonprofits.org/organizations/reviews/mary-and-alexander-laughlin-childrens-center

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: the countdown

2010-11-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

Only 10 days left till the biggest movie event of the season:

Laughlin Children's Center's exclusive
Pre-Movie Party & Advanced Screening
of the latest Harry Potter movie,

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I

The optional pre-movie party is at The Sewickley Cafe, Beaver Street in Sewickley; the festivities run from 5 to 6:30 pm and include delish savory and sweet treats. Costumes encouraged!

7:30 pm Showtime at the Robinson Cinemark (near the new Market District Giant Eagle at Settler's Ridge).

Tickets are going fast, so be sure to call the Center today to reserve yours! 412.741.4087

Party & Movie: $65/person
Movie only: $50/person
Party only: $25/person

Child Health Ball details announced!

2010-11-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

The Child Health Players proudly present "Tying the Knot," a musical comedy about love and marriage with some very Sewickley twists. Tickets for the Friday, November 19 performance go on sale to the general public on Friday, November 5 at the Edgeworth Club. Reserved seat tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for children 12 and under. The performance begins at 7:30 pm at the Edgeworth Club. Tickets may be purchased at the Edgeworth Club Front Desk daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. The play will also be performed at the Child Health Ball on Saturday, November 20. A portion of the proceeds of the Play and Ball will benefit Youth Connect and help fund our community youth worker.

Cash or check only; no Club charges or credit card sales.

Calling all kids!

2010-10-15T10:18:00.001-07:00

Sewickley Chamber of Commerce will host its second scavenger hunt featuring the merchants of Sewickley on Oct. 30th. Participants will be eligible to win an iPod Shuffle. The event begins at 10a.m. before and after the parade. It is open to children age 14 and under accompanied by a parent or another adult. Children will receive a stamp on an official entry form at each of the scavenger locations. Entry forms will be available at Fun Buy the Pound, Penguin Bookshop, Clay Cafe, Village Candy, Party Ants, Nesting, The Ultimate Pastry, Sewickley Confectionery, Cafe des Amis, Sewickley Public Library and Simply Yogurt. For more information, call Brenda at Fun Buy the Pound at 412-741- 9097.

An Announcement from our friends, the Sewickley Area Moms Club:

2010-10-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sewickley Area Moms Club & Sewickley Valley YMCA Evening Speaker Series
www.sewickleymomsclub.com

Post-partum Depression
The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression. Studies show that Post-partum Depression (PPD) can affect up to 25% of women after giving birth, as well as new fathers.

Hosted by the Sewickley Valley YMCA, the Sewickley Area Moms Club will offer an evening speaker series open to the entire community (yes, that means dads too!). Please welcome speaker Adrian Dotson, a licensed family therapist based in Shadyside, who will address the symptoms, signs and treatment options for Post-partum depression.

October 19th
7 – 8pm
Sewickley Valley YMCA,
Community Activity Center
Adrian Dotson, MA, LMFT Presenter

Adrian currently works at Relationship Resolutions based in Shadyside. She has extensive work with families, experiencing a range of problems, including substance abuse, and a gamut of other emotional and behavioral issues. Adrian believes her best work has been with families with adoptive and foster care issues, couples in crisis that need and desire reconnection, and parenting of challenging children. She has a passion for the family systems approach to therapy and brings many years of strong, eclectic therapeutic interventions to the practice.

Other specialized training and experience included her involvement in a research-based treatment model called "Parenting with Love and Limits." As a facilitator, she implemented a specific program to help parents dealing with difficult/troubled children, including those that struggle with Reactive Attachment Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorders.

ADHD Workshop FULL

2010-09-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

Due to overwhelming demand, registration for the October 11 parent workshop on ADHD is now closed. Any parents who have not registered but are interested in learning more about ADHD and other attention issues should contact the Center and your name will be added to a mailing list for handouts, as well as an invitation to the next workshop on ADHD to be offered in the spring.

Thank you to those who registered--we'll see you on Monday, 11 October.

Laughlin to offer ADHD workshop, as part of Youth Connect calendar of events

2010-09-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Youth Connect is partnering with Laughlin Children's Center, Sewickley Academy, and Quaker Valley School District on two parent workshops in October.

On Monday evening, 11 October, beginning at 6:30, Dr. Donna Bednarek and Dr. Lenore Melmeyer, two of Laughlin's licensed psychologists, will present PAY ATTENTION: A Parent Overview of ADHD and Other Attention Issues. The presentation will take place at the Center, 424 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley. It is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please call 412.741.4087 or email k.miller@laughlincenter.org to reserve a seat.

Later in the month, Quaker Valley School District and Sewickley Academy will be hosting a night entitled, BULLYING: What We See and What We Do. This informational session will be held on October 21, 2010 from 7:00-9:00pm in the Quaker Valley High School Auditorium. A formal presentation will be provided by elementary level and secondary level guidance counselors followed by more informal discussion. Topics to be covered will include perception data gathered from teachers and students regarding bullying, among others. No RSVP is required.

Race to Nowhere screening

2010-09-16T05:50:00.001-07:00

Our friends at Montessori Children's Community are sponsoring a public screening of the documentary

Race to Nowhere

on Thursday, 30 September at 7 pm
in the ballroom of the Edgeworth Club
511 East Drive, Sewickley

A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children's lives. Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace; students are disengaged; stress-related illness and depression are rampant; and many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired. Race to Nowhere is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.

Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 @ the door.

Reserve Race to Nowhere Tickets Here

Find out more about the documentary here

Contact MCC here

Harvest Festival 2010 tomorrow!

2010-09-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

The frost may not be on the pumpkin quite yet, but it's still HARVEST FESTIVAL TIME!

If you are around tomorrow, Saturday 11 Sept., please stop at the World of Words tent, near the library. The tent is a collaboration between LCC, the library, and Animal Friends, and focuses on the importance of early literacy and language skills. Animal Friends is providing Reading with Rover dogs and handlers, the library is providing storytellers, and LCC is providing expert advice from our Academic and Speech departments on developmental milestones parents should be aware of in their children's language acquisition. All three organizations will have information about their services to distribute as well. It should be a fun time, and I'm really excited and proud of the collaborative effort that went into The World of Words tent.

I hope you'll stop by and say hello--the dogs, kids, storytellers, teachers, and speech pathologists will be there from 10 am to 3 pm!

One Powerful Message

2010-08-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

Take 90 seconds to watch this with your teenagers--in fact, take the time to watch it with everyone you care about who drives or rides in cars. It will be time well-spent.

Hot Off the Presses!

2010-08-20T07:55:00.001-07:00

The LCC Summer Newsletter has arrived! If you haven't received a copy and would like one, contact us with your postal mailing address; we'll be sure to send you one--You won't want to miss all the exciting news!

Facebook? Yes!

2010-07-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Can't get enough of LCC? Check out our new Facebook page! Become a fan!

Boy Wizard Grows Up

2010-06-30T09:43:00.001-07:00

Mark your calendars NOW for the event of the fall: LCC will once again host an advanced screening of the ever-popular Harry Potter movie release, on Thursday, November 18th. More details will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, maybe the movie's trailer will whet your appetite for some magic... http://harrypotter.warnerbros.co.uk/hp7a/

Positions Available

2010-05-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

We have a number of full- and part-time positions available. For more information on any of them, please contact Douglas Florey.

Summer Positions Available (part-time)

Secondary Mathematics Teacher for one-on-one instruction

Early Childhood/Elementary Teacher for small-group instruction

School Year Positions Available (part-time)

Preschool Teacher for afternoon class

Assistant Preschool Teacher for afternoon class

Full Time Positions Available

Psychology Department Director

Business Manager

Big Brainz

2010-05-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

In need of some cool teaching tools? Want to help support Laughlin?

Now you can do both; by ordering via the link below, Big Brainz will donate up to 30% of your order's value to the Center! Check out their cool educational gaming offerings at http://www.bigbrainz.com/, but order by logging in with the URL below to assure that Laughlin receives a donation!

www.bigbrainz.com/index.php?PARTNER=LCC

Here's what folks are saying about Big Brainz's TIMEZ ATTACK

Children's Technology Review: "Editor's Choice Award"

Old Schoolhouse Magazine Review: "I saw an immediate improvement in their comprehension and retention of their multiplication tables."

SuperKids Educational Software Review: "A narrowly focused educational software program, cleverly disguised as a captivating video game."

Sr. Editor Old Schoolhouse Magazine : "I've never seen an 'educational video game' that plays like this."

An Important, Life-Saving Weekend...

2010-05-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

We received this note from a good friend of LCC, Barbara Thaw. Relay for Life is an amazing event, and one that touches so many of us, including some of the staff of Laughlin. Please consider supporting Barb and the rest of the Relayers with your presence, or your resources.

As we gear up for the biggest Quaker Valley Relay for Life EVER, the American Cancer Society's signature event, I thought to email out a schedule of events so everyone can see all of the excitement in store. If you have already received it, pass this copy along to a friend.

May 22nd (noon kick off) to May 23 (8:00 a.m. closing ceremony)
Quaker Valley High School Track

From several Live Bands to Zumba lessons ......... from Life Flight to the Survivor's Victory Lap ....... From the QV Marching Band to FIREWORKS ... From line dancing to the Survivor's Victory Lap .... From a dove release to the inspirational Luminaria Ceremony .....

We will have crafts and games and food and raffles. Please consider attending this most important event, rain or shine!! Sadly, we are all too aware that cancer knows no season, no age, no social status. Let's support our community and this most worthy cause.

Additional information - to donate - to join a team (it's not too late), go to QVRelay.org or send me an email. Hope to see you and yours on the track.

Barbara

RELAY FOR LIFE OF QUAKER VALLEY 2010- HOEDOWN FOR HOPE

SCHEDULE OF MAJOR EVENTS

SATURDAY, MAY 22ND
9:00 A.M. TRACK OPEN FOR TENT SET-UP
12:00 NOON OPENING AND WELCOME
FEATURING: QVHS Marching Band
Performance by: John Tucci
12:15 P.M. PARADE OF TEAMS AND BANNER JUDGING
12:30 P.M. CRAFTS BEGIN & HULA HOOP CONTEST
12:45 P.M. THREE-LEGGED RACE / CAMP SITE JUDGING
1:00 P.M. THE ROX BAND
Pittsburgh’s Rox Performance Academy
2:00 P.M. KENTUCKY DERBY (Relay Race)
2:15 P.M. LIFE FLIGHT HELICOPTER LANDING & DEMO
Presented By: Allegheny General Hospital
2:30 P.M. WALDO- THE ONE MAN BAND
Website: http://www.waldoyoung.com/
3:00 P.M. HORSE/PONY RIDES
3:30 P.M. LINE DANCING LESSONS & ZUMBA LESSONS
5:00 P.M. SURVIVOR LAP, DOVE RELEASE AND RECEPTION
Sponsored By: National Aviary
5:30 P.M. BED SHEET BALLOON TOSS COMPETITION
6:00 P.M. CIRCUMFRENCE BAND (SCOTT & JEFF)
Website: www.MySpace.com/4CatMusic
7:00 P.M. FIGHT BACK CEREMONY
7:30 P.M. ANOTHER WHISPER
Featuring: Amy Lee
8:00 P.M. TUG OF WAR
8:15 P.M. SLEEPING BAG RACE
8:30 P.M. TEAM CAPTAIN APPRECIATION LAP
8:45 P.M. LUMINARY CEREMONY
9:15 P.M. THE STICKERS
Presented by: Froggy Radio (104.3FM)
10:45 P.M. FIREWORKS BY PYROTECNICO
Presented By: Littell Steel Co. / Ace Tire Parts & Parts
11:00 P.M. FROZEN T-SHIRT CONTEST
11:15 P.M. ONE LANE BRIDGE
http://www.myspace.com/onelanebridge79
11:30 P.M. HORSHOE TOSS

SUNDAY, MAY 23rd
1:00 A.M. RELAY IDOL (KARAOKE) $5 ENTRY FEE / PERSON
“Do you have what it takes to be the Relay Idol?”
1:00 A.M. POKER LAPS
1:30 A.M. RED LIGHT / GREEN LIGHT LAP
2:00 A.M. PIZZA PARTY & LINE DANCE PARTY
2:30 A.M. FUNKY SHOE LAP
3:00 A.M. RELAY SPIRIT LAP
3:30 A.M. FUNKY HAT LAP
4:00 A.M. FIND A FRIEND LAP
4:30 A.M. SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT LAP
6:00 A.M. MORNING STRETCH
Sponsored by: Curves
6:30 A.M. SUNRISE SERVICE (TRIUMPH BAPTIST CHURCH)
7:45 A.M. FINAL LAP
8:00 A.M. CLOSING CEREMONY

*SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, TIMES AND ACTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE.

We love the Moms Club!

2010-05-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

This year, Laughlin was proud to play host to the Sewickley Moms Club, a great group of local women who meet each month during the school year to discuss issues and learn about a wide variety of topics from presenters. Kudos to Dawn Morris, out-going president, for all her hard work, and congratulations to Teresa Duff, in-coming prez--we're thrilled the group will be returning to LCC in the fall.

For more information on the Moms Club, visit http://www.sewickleymomsclub.com/, or email sewickleymomsclub@yahoo.com.

Greg Mortenson visits!

2010-04-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to our colleagues at The Penguin Bookshop, who called this week and invited us to accompany them to Robert Morris University, where author and humanitarian Greg Mortenson was speaking to a small group of high school and college students, and their instructors. Karen Borland, our early childhood director and in-house Three Cups of Tea expert attended with Maryanne Eichorn and Karen Fadzen of The Penguin.

For more information on Mortenson's best-selling books, his experiences in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the nonprofit Central Asia Institute he established, stop by the Penguin, or check out www.ikat.org, CAI's website.

Rainy, but fun, Unleashed

2010-04-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

"What a difference a day makes..."

Last Friday was one of those rare Pittsburgh Spring Days--clear blue sky, a few popcorn-perfect clouds, and warm temperatures. The evening was perfect for the Spring Gallery Walk. But Saturday, for Sewickley Unleashed? Yeah, well, not so much. Rainy, chilly, grey...

But that didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm--be it two-legged or four-legged. LCC was blessed to have wonderful volunteers at our location of Sewickley Story Time. Big thanks go out to Karen Fadzen, our story teller; Liza Sipe, the Laughlin site coordinator, Ray and Barbara, and their beautiful collies, Jeremiah and Dakota; and Diane, from Animal Friends. We talked with about 16 kids and a dozen or so adults; not bad for a soggy 60 minutes! Thanks, too, to our Story Time Partners Dani Thomas at the Sewickley Public Library; and Brenda Fisk at Fun Buy The Pound.

You can watch a fun video of the Pet Parade, courtesy of Robin Pesa at Busy Bee Boutique Photography: http://www.busybeephoto.com/blog/?p=880

A few more Earth Day 2010 shots!

2010-04-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

The morning class rocks out with Mr. Gray and Mr. Holles!

Bennett and Hadley Haas. Check out Bennett's cool handmade tee!

EARTH DAY 2010!

2010-04-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today, Earth Day, was busy for students and teachers at The Village Preschool. The morning class hosted local musicians Jeremy Gray (of the band Almost Astronauts) and Toby Holles, who performed a number of songs for the group, including the premier of a piece written just for the class. The song, called “The Solar System” reflected the fact that the students have been learning about our planet and its nearest neighbors. “ I hear all about it...every night,” Gray told the audience with a smile.

Mercury is just like me,
Likes to turn his face toward the Sun.
Venus, she’s a genius
As she shines in our Spring Sky.
Planet Earth, for what it’s worth,
Is mostly water, like you and I.
Mars isn’t far
From your back door or mine.

The students jammed with the two musicians, both of whom have children at The Village Preschool. Sporting tee-shirts they decorated themselves with images of the planets, the children danced and sang along as Gray and Holles performed their newest piece, which includes a bit of recent history:

Jupiter, have you heard
Is the biggest one of all.
In my mind, I’d like to take a ride
On Saturn’s rings for a while.
Uranus spins on its side
Like a blue marble in the sky.
Neptune has thirteen moons—
That’s 12 more than us.
Pluto, did you know,
Used to be Number Nine.
Then they said it’s too small and cold
But it’s still a planet in my mind.

The afternoon class celebrated Earth Day 2010 outside, planting a weeping crabapple tree on the Broad Street lawn of Laughlin Children’s Center’s campus. Showing all of our students how to be good stewards of the environment is important. Along with learning success, one of the most important gifts we can give our children is a healthy planet.

The Village Preschool has just a few remaining slots for the 2010-2011 school year. For more information on the NAEYC-accredited program, contact Early Childhood Director, Karen Borland at 412.741.4087, ext. 7105, or by clicking here.

"Race to Nowhere" screening

2010-04-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

About 40 community leaders gathered at the Hansen Library on Sewickley Academy's campus last week to screen a documentary about the stresses that teens are under, entitled "Race to Nowhere." The event, which was a collaboration between Sewickley Academy, Youth Connect, Osborne Elementary, and Child Health Association of Sewickley, prompted a lot of good discussion about the drive to succeed in school and the ramifications of too much pressure. Look for more news about the film in the coming weeks.

Many thanks go out to the event partners, as well as Erin Harte, a local parent, for bringing the documentary to the attention of the Youth Connect Steering Committee. For more details about the movie, check out http://www.racetonowhere.com/.

Sewickley Story Time takes off on Saturday, April 24th!

2010-04-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Families are invited to share a little old-fashioned entertainment on Saturday, April 24th, beginning at 11 am, as part of "Sewickley Story Time," an event being sponsored by Laughlin Children's Center, The Sewickley Public Library, Fun Buy the Pound, and Penguin Bookshop.

Story-tellers will spin yards at three different locations: Laughlin, the library, and Fun Buy the Pound, a great toy store located next to The Sewickley Herald offices. The story-tellers will be accompanied by Canine Good Citizen-trained dogs from Animal Friends' cadre of volunteers. Each location will offer stories at 11 am, 11:20, 11:40, and noon, and families are encouraged to visit all three locations to hear the different stories, as well as collect a unique sticker from each site. Children who collect all three stickers can stop by the Animal Friends booth on Broad Street that day for a special treat.

PLEASE NOTE: Because this event includes dogs from Animal Friends' "Reading with Rover" program, neighborhood pets cannot attend Story Time. Sorry, Spot--you'll just have to ask your people to read you a story at home!

Sewickley Story Time is part of Sewickley Unleashed, a daylong event coordinated by the Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored in part by Trib Total Media.

Warm-Weather commercial to begin airing soon!

2010-04-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Check out the summer version of our Laughlin commercial; it will begin airing on lifestyle networks in select markets starting in May.

Summers at Laughlin include plenty of small group instruction for students from preschool through high school. Using approaches and technology that blend fun and learning, our clinicians design unique opportunities for children to catch up, stay strong, or move ahead during the months when they're not in the classroom. Of course we continue to offer our one-on-one services, like speech therapy and counseling, as well as academic instruction, in the summer, too.

Our programming is effective, affordable, and family-friendly in terms of scheduling. Check out the details below, watch the commercial above, or go to our website for even more information about our writing labs, Kidspiration Kamps, Summer Discoveries, and more!

Summer Sun, Learning Fun!

2010-03-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Summer is a busy time at Laughlin--lots of small-group sessions for students from preschool to high school, each focusing on a particular piece of the educational puzzle.

Our summer brochure is on its way to the printer as you read this, but you don't have to wait to find out what fun surprises are in store during the warm-weather months! Just click on the image below to download a sneak-peek at our Summer 2010 brochure.

Don't forget that we offer other services during the summer as well, like individualized instruction, Credit Recovery for students in need of summer school classes, and our One Minute Reader program, designed to increase reading fluency in shy or hesitant readers.

And of course, our speech and psychology departments continue to see new and exisiting clients all year 'round, so call today to find out more!

(If you'd like to recieve a hard-copy version of our summer brochure, send us your mailing address!)

Sewickley Unleashed Invitations on their way!

2010-03-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to receive an invitation to next month's "Pawsitively Purrfect" cocktail party, part of the community-wide Sewickley Unleashed event, click here and email me your contact info!

(That's Laughlin mascot, Olive, in the photo on the left!)

Laughlin Center goes to the dogs

2010-03-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

For a while now, Laughlin has been partnering with Animal Friends on a program called "Reading with Rover." Designed to help shy and struggling readers, RwR gives students an opportunity to read to a non-judgemental listener--a dog who's gone through good citizenship training. The dog, a volunteer handler, and the student, gather once a week and read stories together. The connections that are made can be amazing, and there's a whole body of research that backs up the effectiveness of the approach.

Sushi, a Reading with Rover Dog

Our RwR buddies joined us at last month's Family Ball, too! So, it was only logical that we'd partner with Animal Friends for the upcoming "Sewickley Unleashed" event, Saturday 24 April. Instead of RwR, Laughlin is coordinating "Sewickley Story Time," along with the Sewickley Public Library and Fun Buy the Pound. Here's how the event works:

Storytellers at Laughlin, the Library, and Fun Buy the Pound, will read books at 11 am, 11:20, 11:40, and Noon. The storytellers will be accompanied by an Animal Friends volunteer dog and handler. Families who visit the three locations and stay for the stories will receive stickers--anyone who gets all three stickers can redeem them at the Animal Friends booth on Broad Street for a surprise!

Sewickley Unleashed will include a lot more than just our Storytime event. For example, there are handpainted pet bowls that will be popping up in area businesses and will be auctioned off at Pawsitively Purrfect, a cocktail party at The Sewickley Car Store, the evening of April 24th. And there's a photo exhibition of local business leaders and their pets that's being coordinated by our friends at Busy Bee. Recently, the Laughlin Library was the scene of some major canine commotion, all for the greater good!

That good-looking model is Olive, by the way...

For more information on Sewickley Unleashed, click here!
PLEASE NOTE: Neighborhood dogs cannot attend Sewickley Story Time. Sorry!

Happy Anniversary, Party Ants!

2010-03-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Laughlin is blessed with wonderful neighbors. Among the best are our friends at Party Ants, who partner with us in so many ways. This month marks the store's 15th anniversary, so in honor of that milestone, here's an image of the beautiful work Party Ants did in turning the Edgeworth Club ballroom into a spectacular setting for the St. Valentine's Day Family Ball last month.

Congratulations, ladies!

photo: Robin Pesa, Busy Bee Photography

THE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL Now Enrolling for 2010-2011

2010-03-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

Did you know that The Village Preschool at Laughlin has a record-breaking number of children enrolled this year? Well, it's true! And part of the reason is because we're one of the only area preschools to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Why is NAEYC accreditation important? Click here to learn more about NAEYC, or here to watch a video about the importance of accreditation!

Enrollment for next school year has started, and we're on track to break more enrollment records, so don't delay in contacting us for information or to schedule a visit. The Village Preschool offers flexible scheduling, as well as a mixed-age classroom, allowing 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds the opportunity to do peer modeling and share learning experiences with a broad range of classmates.

For more information on our preschool, feel free to call 412.741.4087 or email Karen Borland, Director of the Early Childhood Department.

Before... And After

2010-02-25T08:33:00.001-08:00

It seems like everyone has some horror story from all this snowy weather. Here's one of Laughlin Children's Center's.

Spring 2009, outside the Cottage:

February 2010, same spot:

Have you seen our commercial?

2010-02-25T08:27:00.001-08:00

Late last year, we began running our very first commercial on lifestyle channels in certain local markets. In case you're not in one of our target areas, you can catch us on YouTube! Click below, or simply search by Laughlin Children's Center--you'll find our school year ad, and a summer version as well! Let us know what you think by clicking here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOuprctLGgY

Sewickley Unleashed!

2010-02-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

Laughlin is participating in a Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce fundraiser for Animal Friends, a local no-kill shelter. The event, Sewickley Unleashed, will take place on Saturday, 24 April, and includes a pets-and-their-people parade, vendors, and an evening cocktail party (Pawsitively Purrfect!). Robin Pesa was at the Center earlier this week to photograph Olive and one of her people, Laughlin's Executive Director Douglas Florey.

Check out the images at http://www.busybeephoto.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=10120

Laughlin will be coordinating a "progressive story time" event the morning of Sewickley Unleashed. Kids will be able to hear stories and visit with some of Animal Friend's "Reading with Rover" dogs at various locations throughout the Village. More details to follow!

(If you'd like to volunteer as a story reader, email me!)

The photos are ready, the photos are ready!

2010-02-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

Robin Pesa from Busy Bee Boutique Photography, has posted the Family Ball candid shots and a whole slew of family portraits on her website!

Go to http://www.busybeephoto.com/ and follow the links. The galleries are password protected; if you have misplaced the password (it was in your goodie bags), please email d.florey@laughlincenter.org.

Family Ball fills our hearts with LOVE!

2010-02-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

Almost 200 people filled the ballroom for Saturday's St. Valentine's Day Family Ball at the Edgeworth Club! You can find some preliminary event photos on the Busy Bee boutique photography website: http://www.busybeephoto.com/blog/?p=623. Family portraits will be posted soon, so check it out!

Besides the lovely photos that Robin Pesa and Bruce Erik Steffine took, families spent time with Animal Friends' Reading with Rover dogs; indulged in tattooes and balloon art; created beautiful photo frames; danced and carried on with the cast of QV's "SEUSSICAL The Musical"; and ooh'ed and aah'ed over the five-table-long auction! Dozens of items were displayed (and bid on, and proudly taken home!), all from local merchants and other business partners. In the spirit of generosity, please frequent these establishments whenever possible. The businesses listed below enrich the fabric of our lives!

You Look Like a Million Bucks: An individual or group portrait session with the owner of Annie Gensheimer Photography, along with an 8” by 10” print--and a lovely frame.

A Kid’s Day Out! Kid-sized gift certificates from Sewickley favorites: Breuggers, Fun Buy the Pound, Kidding Around, Party Ants, Penguin Bookshop, Sewickley Confectionary, and Village Candy.

A Cook’s Paradise: Child Health Association of Sewickley cookbooks, gift cards to Safran’s and Giant Eagle, and assorted kitchen accoutrements. Dig in!

A Family Fun Pack: Tickets to events, attractions, and more, courtesy of Clearview Federal Credit Union.

Hair’s the Thing… A Craig Allen haircut certificate, along with shampoo and conditioner.

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose: A gorgeous ceramic urn and a gift certificate for floral filler from cuttings, Locust Place in Sewickley..

Go Green and Get Clean: Friends of the Planet and Mrs. Meyers provide all the supplies a clean freak could want.

Have a Bouncy Good Time: A Hopper Ball Horse for your favorite cowgirl or boy. Courtesy of Gift Corner, Broad Street.

Meow Meow MEOW Meow: The Jewel Thief steals our hearts with Hello Kitty and Turquoise big girl/little girl earring and necklace sets. Purrfect!

No More Dirty Dog! Larry’s Laundromutt provides a certificate for a full-service grooming at its Ohio River Boulevard laundromutt.

Diamonds and Watches and Pearls--Oh My! Our friends at Orr’s Jewelers provide a gift certificate good for whatever your heart desires. Sewickley and Squirrel Hill.

Tea for Two: And make mine green, please. An earth-friendly plastic tea set for the junior set. From Party Ants, Broad Street, Sewickley. Plus some Belly Pop for the teapot!

My Fine, Feathered Friends: Robinsons Hardware donated this lovely and oh-so-eco-chic bird feeder. Your avian guests will love you for it.

The Ladies (or Lads) Who Lunch: A certificate for lunch with three of your closest friends at The Sewickley Café, Beaver Street. Yum-Oh!

You Make My Heart Bead… Your pulse will race when you wear this beautiful necklace from Soho, Beaver Street.

Oh So Chic, Chick! A gift certificate and hilarious Village tee from a Sewickley landmark—Spoiled Chics, Beaver Street.

The Good Life: There’s nothing finer than fine linens. Discover for yourself with this beautiful pillow (and free monogramming!) and powder room accessories. St. Michele Linens, Beaver Street.

The Art of Learning: A Sweetwater Center for the Arts gift certificate towards any of their many classes; a catalog is included.

Relaxation Technique: A well-stocked gift bag of skin care products and a gift certificate toward manicure & pedicure services at Van Salon, Broad & Beaver Streets, Sewickley. $125 Value.

Hair for Life: A lovely Hair & Skin Care collection and a gift card for services at Vita Salon, 421 Walnut Street, Sewickley.

Blinded by the Light: A gift certificate towards any of Blinds 2 U service or product. Your windows will be dressed for success!

Drew Brees or Peyton Manning? Neither—It’s Big Ben all the way! Try out for the NFL with this Steeler Football, courtesy of Party Ants, and then quench your thirst with Belly Pops.

Ugly is the New Beautiful: A face only a mother (or father) could love. Your very own Ugly Doll. What could be lovelier? Maybe some Belly Pop to share? From Party Ants and the Marlovits Family.

Kiddie Mad Money: A gift certificate for Monday’s Child, Broad and Beaver Streets in Sewickley, along with a furry friend to share the moment with.

Time to Go: A Kennedy School of Driving certificate for four hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction—ask your insurance provider about reductions in premiums!

Viva Mexico! A gift certificate for a culinary escape south of the border, at Azul, Broad Street in Leetsdale.

Fun in the Sun: A gift certificate toward the purchase of all-weather polywood furniture, another certificate good for pool supplies at Hopewell Pools, and a whole beach-blanket full of warm weather goodies.

Motorheads, Unite! Cool-weather gear for you or your favorite luxury-car lover. An Audi vest, Porsche jacket, and Audi ball cap, courtesy of The Sewickley Car Store.
$150 Value.

Explore all FIVE: Family fun in sets of four! Tickets to Carnegie Museum of Art, Natural History, Science Center (and Omnimax Theater), Andy Warhol Museum, and Carmike Theaters. A great package from Renda Broadcasting’s WISH 99.7 FM

Better than a Crew Cut: A summer tote in lavender, a gift card and a complimentary personal shopping appointment, all from J. Crew.

Ah, The Great Outdoors: Silk poodle scarf, classic charcoal men’s tee, double deck of cards, and note cards, perfect for a lazy weekend at the cabin! Pendleton, Beaver Street.

Four tickets to the Pittsburgh Penguins v. The Dallas Stars on Saturday, 6 March 2010 at Mellon Area, courtesy of Dennis Morgan, ICE Service Group.

Four field-level tickets to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, courtesy of Renda Broadcasting of Indiana.

Best-seller Twilight signed by Ashley Greene and Kristen Stewart, actors from hit movies, Twilight and New Moon. Courtesy of Penguin Bookshop.

Summer Stanley by Kevin Shea, signed by Sidney Crosby, “…chronicles the travels with each of the Pittsburgh Penguins through the summer of 2009, from the locker room to the victory parade, from Canada to Russia and beyond.” -- kevinsheahockey.com

Special thanks to the evening's corporate sponsor, First National Bank and its wealth management and private banking divisions, as well as to the Echavarria, Johnson, Mangan, Meakem, and Tsudis families. The event's chairperson is Wayneen Driscoll.

CHILD HEALTH MAKES GENEROUS GIFT!

2010-02-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

At its annual meeting today, the Child Health Association of Sewickley presented Laughlin with a check for $10,000!

On behalf of our governing boards, staff, client families, I’d like to thank Child Health for partnering with Laughlin on this year’s ball, and for this generous gift which we’ll use for our financial aid program. Because our two organizations share a common interest—the health and wellbeing of children—we are a good fit for one another. Like Child Health, Laughlin has a long and proud history of helping families from Sewickley and the surrounding areas. Today’s center grew out of two older organizations: the Fresh Air Home, and the Child Counseling Center, both of which had close ties with Child Health.

In fact, one of Laughlin’s founding board members, Virginia Nix, was also a Child Health member. As you may know, in 1950, she received a $600 grant from Child Health to fund research by a nationally-known family and child therapist. Using the results of that research, Mrs. Nix’s founded the Child Counseling Center in 1951. She led that organization as president of the board, and her tireless work helping children, especially those who struggled with learning, eventually captured the attention of Dr. Benjamin Spock. In 1956, with encouragement from Dr. Spock, the Fresh Air Home and Child Counseling merged, becoming Laughlin Children’s Center. So, in a very real way, Child Health has been helping Laughlin fulfill its destiny from the very beginning.

Our new logo!

2010-02-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

We've begun to roll out our new logo. Eventually, we'll incorporate the look below into all of our correspondence, including electronic media, and even our signage! Let us know what you think!

First National Bank signs on as Family Ball sponsor!

2010-01-28T07:19:00.001-08:00

FNB continues its partnership with Laughlin Children's Center by once again acting as corporate sponsor for Laughlin's annual St. Valentine's Day Family Ball. Big thanks go out to the bank, along with its Wealth Management and Private Banking Group divisions!

St. Valentine's Day Family Ball--call today!

2010-01-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

Join us for an early evening
of food, fun, & family time
where you can dance the night away
with your best girl or favorite guy.

Family photos
Auction Treasures
New, Family-Friendly, Dinner Buffet
Fun activities for all--Reading with Rover dogs, Tattoo Artist, Balloon Artist, crafts, and more!
Cash bar available
Sundae Dessert Bar
Dancing with the cast of QV’s SEUSSICAL The Musical

$90.00 per adult or $175 for Family Ticket (limit two adults)
Children under 12 are free

To RSVP, call Laughlin Center at 412.741.4087.

Proceeds from the evening benefit Laughlin Center’s educational support programs for children. A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible.

Formal dress requested.

Help for teenaged girls struggling with anxiety

2010-01-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

Laughlin Children’s Center is starting a group for teenaged girls who show signs of anxiety, are socially isolated, or get so emotional at times that they shut down, can’t think clearly, or misbehave impulsively. The goal of the group, led by one of Laughlin’s licensed psychologists, Dr. Lenore Melmeyer, is to provide the participating teens with techniques to calm emotions, develop new perspectives on themselves and others, and improve their communication skills.

The group will run for eight sessions, and will meet at the center, which is located at 424 Frederick Street in Sewickley. Each weekly session will be 90 minutes. Additional sessions will be available as needed. The teen participants can expect to experience the group as a time of sharing and support, as well as a chance to learn better ways of functioning. Some of the topics that will be worked on include mindfulness, interpersonal skills, problems solving, and techniques for overcoming distress.

Before entering the group, each participating teen and her parents will meet privately with Dr. Melmeyer, a therapist specializing in adolescents, for an opportunity to discuss the details of the group and for an assessment; families will have a chance to ask questions about the group at this initial intake meeting. Handouts will be provided to parents each week, reviewing what topics were covered in the group session.

The group will meet on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 pm, starting on 3 March and running for eight weeks. All initial meetings with families must be completed before the start of the group, and the group size is limited to no more than 10 girls, aged 13 through 16. Due to expected high demand, interested families are urged to contact the Center at 412.741.4087 or l.melmeyer@laughlincenter.org as soon as possible to schedule the initial intake.

The cost for the eight sessions is covered by most major insurance plans. For interested families without insurance coverage, details about payment can be discussed when the appointment for their intake is made. Financial aid is available for those self-paying families who qualify.

Laughlin Children’s Center has been providing educational supports to children and families from Western Pennsylvania for over 50 years. The staff of licensed and certified clinicians help children discover learning success through a variety of services, such as individual and small group instruction, speech therapy, counseling, and early childhood services, including The Village Preschool. For details on the center’s programs, log onto www.laughlicenter.org or call 412.741.4087.

Laughlin Children’s Center to offer PSSA Written Language help

2010-01-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

Laughlin Children’s Center is offering a series of classes designed to help students in fifth grade prepare for the written language portion of the Pennsylvania Standardized System of Assessment (PSSA). The PSSA, which is a state-wide exam, will be administered by local school districts the week of April 19, 2010.

The small group will meet at Laughlin, 424 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley, on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 beginning on 16 February, 2010, and will finish the seven-session course the week before the PSSA exams. The sessions will assist students in properly organizing their thoughts and ideas, help them gain confidence in their writing skills, increase their overall writing capabilities, and teach them to master the key components of writing a five-paragraph essay for PSSA. Enrollment will be capped at six students, and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The course will be taught by teacher Erin Frederick, who has PA-certification in elementary education, special education, and secondary English Language and Literature, as well as experience in K-12 gifted programs. Part of Laughlin’s new Writing Lab, the PSSA Written Language course will combine traditional one-on-one instruction with small group work, and offers the added benefit of working with laptop computers. Because of its small-group nature, students of various abilities can participate and receive the individualized help they need.

Sally Reichard, the Director of Laughlin Children’s Center Academic Department, and a certified reading specialist with extensive Orton-Gillingham training, collaborated on the development of the seven sessions, in order to maximize their effectiveness and real-life applicability. “We want children to have the skills necessary to do well on the PSSA, but more importantly, we want them to be equipped for success in life. The basis for that success is the ability to communicate effectively.”

Laughlin Children’s Center has been offering educational support services since 1956. As a community non-profit, its focus is on individual students and helping them discover learning success. Tuition for the Written Language course’s seven 90-minute sessions is $225; a generous financial aid program is available. For more information, call 412.741.4087 or click on www.laughlincenter.com.