To the editor:

On behalf of the board and staff of the Northern Lights School, I would like to thank the Adirondack Foundation and its donors for its Generous Acts grant award. We are very happy to be able to use these funds to run two programs free of charge to our wider community. We believe these two programs will provide valuable support and enjoyment to young families in our region.

The first program is a series of pregnancy and childbirth classes designed to support expectant parents as they prepare for the arrival of a new baby. At these Rainbow Bridge classes, we will cover topics such as the normal process of labor and birth, creating a birth experience that nurtures your family, emotional aspects of the childbearing process, and caring for and enjoying your newborn baby. We will also offer healthful snacks and build connections between parents. The first Rainbow Bridge childbirth class series will begin Sept. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The second program will be free Saturday morning Little Dippers classes approximately once per month. Little Dippers is a program for children from birth to 3 and their parents or caregivers. Little ones enjoy seasonal songs, stories, puppet plays, a homemade snack and have the opportunity for free play with natural toys. Parents have the opportunity to visit with one another, discuss child development, observe their children and make simple playthings with their hands. Northern Lights School has been offering this program for close to 20 years, but these grant funds are now allowing us to offer classes for free on Saturdays, making the program accessible to those who may work during the week or for whom the regular enrollment fee may be an obstacle. The first Saturday Little Dippers class will be on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Please call the school at 518-891-3206 to register for either the Rainbow Bridge classes or the Little Dippers classes. Space is limited, but there is currently space available.

For over 20 years, Northern Lights School has worked to educate and nurture our community’s children and their families by fostering healthy growth and development through the exploration of the living arts, imaginative play and immersion in and appreciation for the natural world.

For more information about the projects of the Adirondack Foundation, please visit www.adirondackfoundation.org.

With gratitude,

Vannesa Houghtlin

Rainbow Bridge and Little Dippers teacher

On behalf of the staff and board of Northern LIghts School

Saranac Lake