Words cannot express how sincerely grateful I am for all the hundreds of well wishes, prayers, and messages that were sent not only to me but to my children and the staff. I can’t thank my amazing staff enough for stepping up at a moment’s notice and taking charge with an expertise that is exemplary. This unexpected and scary journey has taught me so many things about the power of community and the extraordinary power of positive thinking. There were times in the hospital when I was scared and alone and I would just feel the waves of positive energy pour through my veins and my heart and my soul. I knew I was surrounded by love and I knew I was going to be OK.

My medical journey isn’t over yet as I face surgery in January to fix the colon and repair some damage. I am confident in my medical team and my own strength to come through this better and stronger than ever. I am hoping that I can return to work to at least read stories and play the piano near the end of next week. I miss the kids and that world so very much. It is my life blood and I will feel better if I can see those faces and hear those voices! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing by my side and for supporting the CCC community. I will be back!

HOLIDAY BREAK
We will be closed from December 18th-January 2nd. We will reopen on January 3rd.
We realize that some of you may still need child care on the days we are planning to close. If that is the case, please let us know which days you will likely need care. We will try to help find a caregiver for you if possible.

2022 CALENDAR
We have posted the dates CCC is closed on our Google calendar. Some of the dates may change (with notice, of course) but it at least gives you a good idea of the year ahead and it allows you to plan vacations and arrangements for childcare in advance. In addition I want to remind you that when the Ann Arbor Public Schools close for inclement weather, we will close as well. We will communicate this via email as well, as soon as we are made aware of the closure.

https://www.childrenscreativecenter.org/calendar

GIVING TREE
Every year the staff and families at CCC adopt several families to help fill their wish list for the holidays. This year we are adopting four families that are a part of our nearby communities. We will share the wish lists online and via email.

Please drop gifts off at CCC, wrapped and with a post-it attached clarifying which family the gift is for. In addition we will also put up mittens for gift cards for groceries for the holidays. It is a great way that we as a small community can give to those less fortunate than us. It is always so exciting when the gifts start to pile up! The gifts should be returned by Monday, December 20th.

https://www.childrenscreativecenter.org/giving-tree-2021

BOOK EXCHANGE
The preschoolers and toddlers are going to have a used book exchange that will be part of a holiday game we will play. Every child should bring a gently used book wrapped in wrapping paper for the book exchange by Monday, December 13th. We will send out email reminders as well, we know how hard it can be to remember everything this time of year!


WINTER WEAR
We have now entered the dreaded months of winter. We ask that you please make sure your children have the proper clothing to go outside every day. That includes boots, shoes for inside, snow pants, coat, mittens (preferably attached to coat sleeves), hat, and a change of clothing (including socks!). We try to go outside every day if the weather permits. These are the days when I wish CCC was in Arizona!

https://www.childrenscreativecenter.org/outdoor-clothing

As this year winds down I want to thank you for sharing your incredible children with us and thank you for your support of our school, staff, and programs. I love having an opportunity to be a part of all of your families. I am so very lucky that I enjoy what I do and that I work with such wonderful people. Times can be hard for many of us and the world outlook can be scary, but it helps to be part of a community that is there for you during the good times and the bad. This year, together, we have made a difference in the lives of so many children and their families. As we applaud our past successes let us look ahead with renewed visions and energy to continue to make an impact. We move forward remembering that everyone deserves respect, kindness, and dignity.

All of us at CCC wish all of you the best during the holidays. As we bring this year to a close let us hope we are moving closer to peace and compassion for all.

Happy Holidays!
Laurie Atwood