Come to Tryon for a day of community service in honor of the memory of MLK and what he did for the people of our country.

• Registration is not required but please call ahead with groups of 5 or more
• All minors must be checked in at the Nature Center with their minor’s insurance form signed by a parent/guardian (can be found on our website)
• Anyone under 14 MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian
• Gloves and a light snack provided
• Please bring your own water bottle
• Please dress for the weather, to get dirty, and to be off trail (sturdy shoes and long pants are strongly suggested)
• We usually need to hike at least 15-20 minutes to get to the spot where we will be working.

If you have any questions please contact Sarah Kreisman at sarah@tryonfriends.org.

Binky Patrol is an all volunteer, national, non-profit organization making and distributing homemade blankets to vulnerable children and teens through local shelters and youth-serving agencies. A “binky” is a homemade blanket that can be sewn, knitted, crocheted or quilted.  They range in size from 3 feet square up to twin bed size.

Join us in celebrating Martin Luther King Day of Service as we work towards a goal of making as many blankets as possible in half a day! The blankets we make will find their way to families with children in need of comfort and warmth. We’ll be working together to sew, pin, trim, tie-off, and decorate scores of blankets.

Please note that we will be working both on the floor and at cafeteria tables/benches for the majority of the time. If you need a backrest, something soft to kneel on, or want to bring a chair of your own, please plan on it so you can be comfortable!

We’re asking that all volunteers come equipped with scissors that can cut through fabric. We are also in need of at least 30 volunteers who can bring their sewing machines and serve as our “sewing machine brigade” that day. If this sounds like you, please sign up for the “Sewing Machine Blanket Brigade” shift, so we know you’re committed to bring your machine!

Volunteers without a sewing machine should sign up below. Your tasks for the day might include:

• Cutting fabric in preparation for the sewers

• Pinning the bottoms to the tops and trimming the bottoms

• Tying off the blankets with yarn or embroidery threads

• Hand sewing the Binky Patrol labels to the blankets

• Bagging finished blankets for the recipient agencies

• Cleaning up at the end of the project

Children ages 7 and older are able to participate, provided that a parent/guardian stays with them and is responsible for them at all times.

For registraton details and guidelines, see the Hands On Greater Portland website

There’s no way around it, parenting just ain’t easy! We may find ourselves trying to cope day to day with anger, depression, anxiety, you name it — and our kids pick up on this!  But the #1 thing we can do to help ourselves, and our kids, lead happier, more relaxed lives is to learn how to take responsibility for our own emotional wellness! Join me in this interactive discussion for a take-home wellness toolkit that can help you truly enjoy this new year with your family. Hosted by Sarah Nuxoll ofwww.welcomewithlovefamilycare.com. For more details, email sarahnuxoll@gmail.com or call 503-285-4906.

Family fun this weekend!