CNC Updates November-December 2026

We are in the middle of the fall season with leaves falling, pumpkins abound, and more clothes are being layered on as the chill settles in. Our CNC Children's Closet has been busier than ever. See more information below about how to support the CNC Closet.

• In November and December we have some schedule changes due to holidays. Please make sure to check the program calendars. The January through April calendar is posted as well if you like to plan ahead!

• CNC will be hosting a table at the Swift River School PTCA craft fair on November 7th from 9am -2pm. Stop in and say hello!
• There is still some openings for the re-scheduled Little Bear Walk - see below for more info
• Don't forget about our Sunday Family Playtime! Great opportunity if our weekday programs don't work with your family schedule. Next one is November 8th.
• The CNC Program has an Advisory Council that supports our program. We are looking for parent/caregiver representatives from Wendell and Leverett. Let Gillian know if you would like to learn more! (NOT a heavy lift - but your input is invaluable!). Meetings are virtual- next is Tuesday, November 3rd at 1:00pm.
• CNC Name change.....thank you for your patience....we are waiting for final details and resources from the MA Department of Early Education and Care. You will hear more as soon as we are given the release info!

Reminder that we have the following weekly programs

• MONDAY Playgroup continues with our new educator Samantha at the Erving Public Library, 10:00-11:30am.
• TUESDAY Playgroup continues with our new educator Emily at the New Salem Library, 10:00-11:30am through November 17th. On break in December. Watch for special Math Everywhere! group in January. Playgroup returns on March 2nd.
• WEDNESDAY Tales & Tunes with Katie continues at the Shutesbury Public Library, 10:00-11:00am. Stay and play in the children's room after!
• WEDNESDAY Playgroup continues with Jak at the Wendell Free Library on Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30am. Playgroup may be outside on the playground as the weather permits.
• THURSDAY is OPEN hours at the CNC Children's Closet in Leverett from 8am - Noon! Now accepting fall and winter clothing. All welcome!
• FRIDAY Playgroup with Jak continues at the Leverett Library, 10:30 - Noon. The Leverett Library staff will typically hold a playgroup when CNC is not in session and the library is open.

Special programs for families

• 🐻 Little Bear Nature Walks with Hitchcock Center Educator, Chrissy Larson. We postponed the Wendell walk and it is now taking place on Thursday, November 12th. Space is limited but we have a few spots open.These walks are made possible by funding from the Wendell Cultural Council. Registration required! See flyer below.
• 🤱 CNC is collaborating with the North Quabbin Health Collaborative. The Collaborative is offering a free Motherhood & More group that is scheduled to meet monthly. Call or text 978-985-9709 to register for the sessions. All groups held at the Orange Innovation Center except the one CNC is hosting on November 10th at the CNC office space at Swift River School. See the flyer below for more information.
• CNC is collaborating with the Union 28 schools to offer a virtual workshop on December 2nd with Dr. Ablon- Rethinking Discipline: Helping Children with Behavioral Challenges. See flyer below with registration information

CNC Children's Closet

• Open on Thursday mornings, 8am - Noon. Free clothes, shoes, toys, books and diapers! Families may access free diapers 1x a month.
• Donations of CLEAN, non-torn or stained clothing, shoes welcome. Donated toys, books, baby equipment, etc must also be in good condition, not broken or missing pieces. We don't have the capacity to wash clothing or dispose of large amounts of unusable donations. Thank you for your efforts to make the Children's Closet work smoothly and efficiently!
• Volunteers to help sort are welcome on Thursday mornings! Call/text Gillian at 978-935-4909.

See you soon!

Gillian & Brieta

P.S. Make sure to continue scrolling so you don't miss anything!

Find the program schedules and dates on the CNC Google calendar on the CNC website. You can even add programs to your calendar! https://sites.google.com/erving.com/cncprogram/home

Please note: To view the images in a larger format, hover over the image and to expand or download to photos.

Thursday, November 12th, 10:00-11:15am in Wendell.

Exact location to be emailed to you when registration is confirmed. Spots available!

Thank you to the Wendell Local Cultural Council for funding this program!

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://form.jotform.com/212215759871158

We have had a few families who have recently remarked how glad they were that they completed the ASQ for their child. It helped them to better understand where there child could use some support and for some gave them the nudge to consider early intervention services. Children are thriving and families are feeling supported and encouraged by their child's growth. Be in touch with Gillian if you have questions about the process.

What is ASQ, exactly?

ASQs help families reflect upon and review their child’s strengths, interests, attributes and areas that may need support.

Here are the five important areas of development that each questionnaire looks at:

1. Communication: Your child’s language skills, both what your child understands and what he or she can say.

2. Gross Motor: How your child uses their arms and legs and other large muscles for sitting, crawling, walking, running, and other activities.

3. Fine Motor: Your child’s hand and finger movement and coordination.

4. Problem Solving: How your child plays with toys and solves problems.

5. Personal-Social: Your child’s self-help skills and interactions with others.

Complete the form on the CNC website . The questionnaire responses will go to CNC Coordinator, Gillian, and she will be in touch with information to support your child's continued growth and development.

Please be in touch if you have any questions or would like to complete the questionnaire on paper.

As we layer up and children become more independent they can learn to put on their own coat. Try using this coat flip trick to support their growing independence.