Topsfield Fair

History of the Essex Agricultural Society - 188 Years of Agriculture and Education http://www.topsfieldfair.org/

“The colorful and often exciting history of Topsfield Fair began in 1818 when the Essex Agricultural Society, the non-profit organization that owns the Topsfield Fair, was officially granted a charter on June 12th of that year”.

“The goal of the fledgling Society, formed by a group of "practical farmers" who first met on February 16, 1818, was "to promote and improve the agricultural interests of farmers and others in Essex County."”

“Topsfield Fairgrounds sits on the former Treadwell Farm property. Dr. John Goodhue Treadwell of Salem bequeathed the farm to the Agricultural Society in 1858 for the "promotion of the science of agriculture."”

Learn more here – this link http://www.topsfieldfair.org/fair%20history.htm

On Thursday 9th I was one of seven other chaperone parents to take the St. Pius V. School Fifth Graders to the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, Massachusetts. I had five students in my group; my daughter Sabrina, Sheila, Ashley, Angela and Yvonne who all did great a staying together. They were allowed to look at the exihibts - and they loved the BEEKEEPER one the most.

BUT they were not allowed to go on the rides or play the games. Which worked out fine. We were back on the bus by 12:30 PM. I heard on the radio that morning that John Travolta flew his private plane into the Beverly Airport and was going to visit the Topsfield Fair. I didn;t see him - but I did hear the theme song from Welcome Back Kotter! Which brought me back to my youth when JT was the hottest star. Of course I had posters on my wall and records albumns of his songs and copied all of his dance moves! (I even took a Disco class at the Cambridge Y.M.C.A. - "Nite Fever"...Nite...Fever")

On Monday October 13th Sabrina and I were back at the Topsfield Fair because the Toastmaster Area A-3 Governor Richard Baker arranged to have his A-3 Area Humorous Speech Contest at the Fair on one of the stages. He asked me to be a judge and I gladly agreed. After the judges deliverated he asked me up to give a Table Topic (speaking off the cuff)that was an unexpected but welcoming moment of "STAGE TIME"!!

I promised to take Sabrina on the rides because she couldn;t go on them on her school field trip so after the contest off we went to enjoy another day at the Fair!!

Oh and I just had to share this chuckle I got when I read the first half of this sign since there are SOOOO many animals at the Fair - "No Pets allowed at the Fair" -Exception: Guide Dogs.

Here is a list of State and County Fairs in New England http://www.newenglandexplorer.com/statefairsne.htm

Here is a book by David H. Fletcher - Topsfield Fair: America's Oldest - see this link http://www.amazon.com/Topsfield-Fair-Americas-Oldest-America/dp/0738512079

I hope YOU take the time to enjoy YOUR local fairs.
Share what exhibits you like and why.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beekeeping

Beekeeping (or apiculture, from Latin apis, bee) is the maintenance of honey bee colonies, commonly in hives, by humans. A beekeeper (or apiarist) keeps bees in order to collect honey and beeswax, for the purpose of pollinating crops, or to produce bees for sale to other beekeepers. A location where bees are kept is called an apiary.

The Beekeeping & Honey Show at Topsfield Fair is the largest at any fair in North America. The first honey exhibits were entered in 1844. The show has been operated and sponsored by the Essex County Beekeepers Association since 1928. In 1998 the International Association of Fairs and Expositions awarded it "First Place" for the excellence of its presentation.
There are up to four live observation hives on display during the Fair. Knowledgeable beekeepers will explain the inner workings of a bee colony to fairgoers. Children can make their own honeycomb beeswax candle to take home as a souvenir of their visit to the Beekeeping Building.
At the 2007 Fair there were more than 250 entries into four divisions at the show including: honey, beeswax, beekeeping related arts & crafts and cooking with honey. The competition is open to all.
2008 American Honey Queen

http://www.topsfieldfair.org/tour/bee/honey-queen.htm

http://www.topsfieldfair.org/tour/bee/honey%20ambassador.htm

Essex County BeeKeepers Association
http://essexcountybeekeepers.org/index.shtml

Essex County Beekeepers' Association is an non-profit organization comprised of hobbyist beekeepers based in Topsfield, Massachusetts, USA, with a membership of over 400 from several states. Monthly meetings are held for the purpose of fellowship and discussion about honeybees. The club is active in education, sponsoring an annual multi-week course in the art of apiculture, and maintaining a beekeeping exhibition and honey show each autumn at the Topsfield Fair (the largest such exhibition and show in the country).

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The Home - Big Stars for Little Wanderers II

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_holiday

2008 Holiday Events

November 25 - December 23, 2008

Help The Home for Little Wanderers provide gifts for the thousands of children and families in our care by participating in our "Big Wishes for Little Wanderers" gift drive.


November 25 - December 17, 2008

Our “Big Stars for Little Wanderers” online auction has been a great addition to The Home’s holiday fundraising activities, giving bidders a chance to have fun while raising money for The Home. In fact, over the past three years we have raised more than $100,000!

We’re reaching out to the local community to help us make our 4th annual auction the most exciting yet. Items that tend to generate the most interest include:
• Weekend getaways that include meals and lodging
• Gift cards to stores (often offered along with a “personal shopping experience”)

• Tickets to local sporting events or any “family” experiences
• Dinners, meetings or tours with celebrities or local personalities
If you can help, please contact Bob Sherburne at bsherburne@thehome.org or 617-927-0665.

The Home - Little Stars Big Wishes

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=give_corporate_corp_cards

Corporate Holiday Cards
Share in The Home’s vision of a brighter future for every child by sending our holiday cards to your clients, colleagues or employees. The revenue earned from the cards raises both funds and awareness to help the many at-risk children and families that we serve.

New for 2008 - orders can be placed online!
Features and Description
• Card size: 7" x 5"
• Printed on heavy card stock (100lb)
• Cards are $2.00 each; minimum order of 200 cards • Blank white envelopes included
• Envelope size: 7.25" x 5.25"
• Printed return address is an additional charge
2008 Card Designs



How to order:
1. Card Selection. Choose the holiday card design that you wish to send. Each card features original artwork of a child served by The Home for Little Wanderers.
2. Card Personalization. Create a holiday message from your company to be printed on the inside of the card in black ink. See online order form for font options.
3. Logo Option. You may imprint your company logo on the inside of the card along with your personalized message. All logos are printed in black and white and centered underneath the greeting unless otherwise specified. Logo should be sent to cards@thehome.org after submitting online order form. Please download our Logo Specifications form for further details on how to send your logo.

Logo can be printed in color for an additional charge. Please contact Bob Sherburne at cards@thehome.org for pricing details.
4. Envelopes. Blank envelopes are included with all orders. A return address may be printed in black and white on either top left corner or back flap for an additional charge (see order form for pricing). Ten extra envelopes will be included with all orders in case of errors.
5. Proofs. After online order form has been submitted and we have received your logo, we will create a pdf proof of the inside of the card and envelope for your approval.
6. Payment. Once your order has been received, we will send you an invoice with your grand total, including shipping and handling. Forms of payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check payable to The Home for Little Wanderers.
7. Delivery. Orders will ship by early November. If you need your order sooner, please contact us to discuss.
All orders should be placed using our online order form.
Please note: Payment is not required until after placing the order.
For questions about the corporate holiday cards, please contact:
Bob Sherburne
617-927-0665
cards@thehome.org


2008 Holiday Events

November 25 - December 23, 2008

Help The Home for Little Wanderers provide gifts for the thousands of children and families in our care by participating in our "Big Wishes for Little Wanderers" gift drive.


November 25 - December 17, 2008

Our “Big Stars for Little Wanderers” online auction has been a great addition to The Home’s holiday fundraising activities, giving bidders a chance to have fun while raising money for The Home. In fact, over the past three years we have raised more than $100,000!
We’re reaching out to the local community to help us make our 4th annual auction the most exciting yet. Items that tend to generate the most interest include:
• Weekend getaways that include meals and lodging
• Gift cards to stores (often offered along with a “personal shopping experience”)
• Tickets to local sporting events or any “family” experiences
• Dinners, meetings or tours with celebrities or local personalities

If you can help, please contact

Bob Sherburne at bsherburne@thehome.org or 617-927-0665.

Moulin Rouge

“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” Moulin Rouge


One of my favorite musicals!

"Nicole Kidman sizzles as Satine, a dazzling nightclub star. She unwittingly draws Christian (Ewan McGregor), a struggling young writer, into her seductive spell, sparking scandal and explosive consequences. Satine, the dazzling star of a popular French nightclub that caters to society's decadent elite. At the height of her sexual power, the stunning courtesan ignites the innermost of all the men who come in contact with her. She unwittingly draws Christian, a struggling young writer portrayed by Ewan McGregor, into her seduction spell. His love for her is forbidden, obsessive and unstoppable. Their steamy affair sparks scandal and explosive consequences".

These are a few of my favorite songs and scenes in the movie.

Moulin Rouge - Your Song Ewan McGregor -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REGzrwMj_N4

Come What May" Medley (Actuación Final) Moulin Rouge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z05f_MvEACM


This is the highlight of the movie for me - I LOVE THIS example of STAGE TIME -
from the audience (or the HOUSE as we call it in the Theatre) when Ewan McGregor who plays Christian - Sings back to Satine and ALL the heads and bodies turn to look at him. It is a great moment - nice stage direction as well.

Moulin Rouge - "Come What May" Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7l0O7nCgmI


----------------

Many more versions of UTUBE with "Come What May"
Amazing how many pther shows you can use this romantic song.

"Come What May" with Beauty and the Beast
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYkFsH_6v84

Come What May - Titanic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ4xbjBtFBo


Come What May - Grey's Anatomy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loK94fjH-hk

Ron & Hermione Music Video - Come What May
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2hrDEGb4PM


Come What May - Harry Potter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpl1e5i8G10

---------

Share some of YOUR favorite musicals or songs.


-------------

Definitions of Moulin Rouge on the Web:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&defl=en&q=define:Moulin+Rouge&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title

(1952), directed by John Huston, with Jose Ferrer as Toulouse-Lautrec
simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Toulouse-Lautrec

Moulin Rouge (French for Red Windmill) is a traditional cabaret built in 1889 by Josep Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge! is a 2001 Academy Award-winning jukebox musical film directed by Baz Luhrmann. It tells the story of a young British poet/writer, Christian, who falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge, cabaret actress and courtesan Satine. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge (1952) is a film directed by John Huston, produced by Sir John Woolf and James Woolf of Romulus Films and released by United Artists. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin Rouge (1952 film)

Moulin Rouge! is the original soundtrack album, on the Interscope Records label, of the 2001 Academy Award- and Golden Globe Award-winning film Moulin Rouge! starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Richard Roxburgh and Jim Broadbent. The score was composed by various artists.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin Rouge! (soundtrack)

Wise Words for Smart Teens

"You never know why you meet the people that you meet but there is a reason everyone crosses our path. Simply meeting someone new opens up the possibility to gain knowledge and perspective that you didn't have before because they are broadening your worldview" Carrie Perrien Smith

I attended the "Get Paid to Speak By Next Week" Champ Camp in Calgary August 9-11, 2008 and the Edge Summit on Tuesday the 12th. This was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the public speaking business and because I attended the Champ Camp in PHX '07 I was able to secure and excellent repeat rate. I learned even more from the Champs this year. It is also a wonderful way to meet and connect with others who are also interested in public speaking - and the business side.

See all the HAPPY WCPS and the CHAMP CHAMPERS above - Carrie took the photo - she is also a photographer - so much talent!! Carrie Perrien Smith's contact email is carrie@soarhigher.com

Another bonus was having Carrie Perrien Smith share her insights about her Pubishing/Public Speaking company - Soar Higher with Eagles - here is the link to Carrie's site - http://www.soarhigher.com/

Many of us also want to publish books and Carrie went through a mind mapping exercize and she asked for a volunteer - and I gave ideas about the book I am hoping to publish - The Little Wanderers Home.

As a thank you for participating Carrie gave me this book Wise Words for Smart Teens - she signed it - "You are going to make a great impact with your story" - "Can;t wait to see it"! Carrie -

As a single mom of a TWEEN I can certainly use all the help and advice I can get!

I wanted to share with YOU how you can find a copy - and a sneak preview of the first three chapters is below!!

Who has helped change YOUR life?

---------------

http://www.soarhigher.com/wisewordsteens.htm


Wise Words for Smart Teens - The Teenager’s Guide to a Great Life
A Book for Teens That Adults Will Love - "Wise Words for Smart Teens is a collaborative project of More Success Experts".

"This book was written specifically for teens. However, others who watch breathlessly as the teens they love prepare to step across the threshold to adulthood will love this book".

"Teachers, parents, pastors, and other family members will find the stories, advice, and lessons that will take them back to the unforgettable experiences of teenage life".

"Use this book as a resource as you craft the conversations that you will have with your own children someday. Understand that the most important legacy you leave is the treasure trove of lessons you accumulate over the years. Wise Words for Smart Teens is a collaborative project by More Success Experts".

"Seventeen veteran teenagers were asked what they learned from those tough years right before they transitioned to adulthood. This book is the product of the wisdom gained from those years of experience".

Preview first - Three Chapters
http://www.soarhigher.com/pdf/MSE%20Teen%20Book%20Sample.pdf

Invitation to participate in NSF Fall Fund Raiser

"BEE YOUR BEST YOU CAN BEE"


I just received this email from North South Foundation - I was a judge at MIT for it;s Public Speaking Contest. I am copying it on this post - to help spread the word on this very deserving fundraiser. The kids were great speakers - I was impressed at their enthusisam!

In the photo are the two of the three finalists from the contest I judged; first place - Shubhro Saha, second place - Ishita Kalya and third place - Rishika Chugh!


Here is the link for the photos -

http://picasaweb.google.com/nsfeventphotos/NSFFinals2008#slideshow


Dear Friends of NSF,

We hope this fall season finds you reinvigorated and enjoying the cool weather and the autumn colors.

After finishing the Finals at MIT, our chapter volunteers are gearing up for our 2nd annual Fall Fundraiser: "Are You Smarter Than An NSF Kid?"

As you know there are many students in India unable to receive a college education because of financial need. With the help of volunteers such as yourself, the national finals held at MIT raised enough funds to fund 112 scholarships for one year ($250 per student per year).

With your support we are hoping to raise another $10,000 towards the scholarship funds. Please come to our fall fundraiser and have a fun-filled afternoon with us. You can participate in our quiz show styled after "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader."

Its really easy:

1. Form a team of three with friends or we can put you in a team
2. $100 for your participation - you can donate or raise it from family, friends, or co-workers (ask 10 people for $10 each)
3. Start of with a complimentary lunch for you and your family
4. Do the quiz (you even have life lines - our local MA-NH winners are your lifelines)

One of our MA volunteers will be calling you to answer any question you may have, or feel free to RSVP to this email. Please send any donation checks made out to "North South Foundation" to: NSF Massachusetts Chapter, 6 Grist Mill Rd, Littleton, MA 01460.

Check out the attached flier and please pass it along to your friends.

Thanks again for your support of the NSF contests and we hope to you see you at the fundraiser.

With best regards,


Meledath Govindan
for NSF-MA chapter volunteers

P.S. I would also like to point you to the NSF Finals photo album at the following site that may give you a better sense of the three days of competition at MIT that you were part of:

http://picasaweb.google.com/nsfeventphotos/NSFFinals2008#slideshow



Invitation to participate in NSF Fall Fund Raiser
- Sunday NOV 9th 2008

St. Mathews United Methodist Church
435 Central Street, Acton, MA 01720
Sunday November 9th, 2008
1:00 to 4:00 PM


More info @ www.northsouth.org
CONTACT: Ramasundar Ramani: ram_ramani@yahoo.com; Anitha Rajagopalan: mathree@gmail.com, Savitha Rajiv:
savitha_usa@yahoo.com

The North South Foundation (NSF) was established in 1989 as a non-profit and tax-exempt entity to award scholarships to exceptionally qualified needy students in India entering colleges regardless of religion, gender, caste or geographic origin.

Over the years, NSF has given more than 3000 scholarships. In addition, NSF organizes activities for children of Indian origin living in the USA
and Canada such as spelling, vocabulary, math, geography, essay writing and public speaking contests. *This will be considered a taxdeductible
donation for tax purposes.

St. Eve’s

"One of the things I like best about the Halloween show is that I change outfits about six times in the show. It is a lot of fun to play the different characters".

Nancy Kerrigan

I wrote this Halloween poem about St. Eve's on October 29, 2002 with my daughter Sabrina in mind.

St. Eve's by Sherri Raftery, M. Ed.


Crispy air, crunchy leaves, fallen,

Darkness sets in,

Full moon above,

Candles flickering in carved pumpkin shells,

Circling around the neighborhood,

Children laughing, ringing, doorbells,

“Trick or Treat”, you hear them say,

Inventive costumes, greeted, and rewarded,

Candy drops, into their bags,

Stillness, darkness,

Ends the festive St. Eve,

Quietly, into the night,

Porch lights

Out…


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Have YOU ever written a Halloween poem?
Share YOURS!

P.S. Enjoy your St. Eve!!!

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HALLOWEEN
http://www.google.com/search?

hl=en&defl=en&q=define:Halloween&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title

All Hallows Eve, is the night of October 31 st when the spirit and nor- mal world allegedly become one.

www.wrexhamparaskeptics.4t.com/definitions.htm


Holiday celebrated on the night of October 31, usually by children dressing in costumes and going door-to-door collecting candy. It is celebrated in much of the Western world, though most commonly in the United States, Ireland, Scotland and Canada. ...

www.mind-n-magick.com/glossary/glossary.php