ParentsKids
Tom Brady's Thanksgiving Plans: Working While Others Travel
2024-11-27
Tom Brady, the renowned retired football player, is set to spend Thanksgiving in a unique way. According to a reliable source, instead of enjoying the holiday with family and friends like most, he has decided to spend it working. This decision comes as his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen and their children, along with her partner Joaquim Valente, are traveling to Costa Rica.

Brady's Thanksgiving Work Ethic in Contrast

Brady's Work on Thanksgiving Day

During Thanksgiving, it is a big day for football, and Brady will be busy. He will be calling the game for Fox that day and will be tied up with work. He will be one of the broadcasters on Fox Sports NFL and will be commentating on the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants game. This shows his dedication and passion for the sport even on a holiday.

His work on this day is not just a routine task but a significant part of his life. It showcases his commitment to the sport and his ability to balance his personal and professional life.

Brady's decision to work on Thanksgiving is a testament to his work ethic and his love for football. It also shows that he is not one to take a break easily and is always looking for ways to stay involved in the game he loves.

Gisele Bündchen's Thanksgiving Journey

Gisele Bündchen, along with her partner Joaquim Valente and their children Benjamin and Vivian, took a private flight from Miami to Costa Rica on November 23rd. The photos captured showed them dressed comfortably and carrying some luggage, suggesting that they would be spending a few days away from their everyday routine.

This trip is a part of their Thanksgiving plans and shows their desire to spend time together and create new memories. It is a time for them to relax and enjoy each other's company.

Gisele's decision to travel with her partner and children is a sign of her focus on family and her ability to create a happy and harmonious environment. It also shows that she is not afraid to take risks and try new things.

Their Relationship and Future

In late October, Bündchen and Valente shared the news of their first pregnancy. This is a new chapter in their lives and they are looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family.

While their relationship has been kept private, they have been spotted on trips and spending time together since 2022. This shows that they are committed to each other and are building a life together.

In February of this year, they confirmed the romantic nature of their relationship. Bündchen emphasized that she is doing better than ever and is ignoring the criticism and attention towards her personal life. This shows her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

The couple is often photographed going on bike rides together and doing all sorts of workouts. This shows their active lifestyle and their commitment to staying healthy and fit.

Warren Graver: Bridging the Gap in Foster Care
2024-11-27
Warren Graver, a 51-year-old from Freeport, Maine, holds a special place in his heart for a particular book. This book became a part of his life when his twin boys chose "Bud, Not Buddy" for story time. The novel tells the story of a boy in foster care seeking his father. Graver believes that every person has someone they long to find but often face challenges due to our broken and disconnected community.

Discovering the Power of Connection in Foster Care

Repairing the Disconnect

As an independent contractor, Graver is actively involved in replacing Maine's child and family services technology. However, his true passion lies in working after hours to find solutions to the foster care crisis. He understands the hardships faced by children who age out of foster care at 18, often becoming homeless or entering the criminal justice system. By leveraging his connections, he is dedicated to addressing these issues.Graver's most recent personal project brought together nonprofits and Midcoast Federal Credit Union to create a financial literacy program for foster care children. In October, the first two savings accounts were opened, marking a significant step forward.

Growing Up with a Service Spirit

Graver's upbringing in Jamaica shaped his values. His parents were passionate about service, and although he was "technically" a high-school dropout, his mother gave him the time to regroup and move forward. Today, he is an author and holds two master's degrees from Howard and DeVry universities. He firmly believes that his accomplishments were only possible because he was allowed to fail. In a resource-rich country like the United States, he emphasizes the importance of giving children a second chance.Shannon Saxby, who oversees Maine's Youth Leadership Advisory Team, highlights Graver's creative thinking. He connects foster care children to their community in unique ways, such as giving them tickets to the orchestra or guiding them towards job opportunities. Saxby is amazed to see Graver's enthusiasm for others' potential and his unwavering effort to help them see their own.

Making a Lasting Impact

Graver's work extends beyond his professional projects. He volunteers with non-profits to launch a financial literacy program specifically for children in foster care. By providing them with the tools and knowledge to manage their finances, he hopes to give them a better future. His dedication and hard work are a testament to his belief in the power of connection and the importance of giving back.In conclusion, Warren Graver's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of foster care children. Through his various efforts, he is bridging the gap and helping these children find their place in the world.
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The Impact of ArtVan on Bath's Neighborhoods
2024-11-27
As a child, Bianca D’Arcangelo found a haven at Maritime Apartments in Bath. The arrival of the ArtVan in her neighborhood brought a sense of tranquility that was often hard to find amidst the chaos of a home with four siblings. D’Arcangelo, now 27 and an accomplished artist, attributes her understanding of using art to calm down to the influence of ArtVan.

Unlock the Healing Power of Art with ArtVan

How ArtVan Started

Jamie Silvestri, the founder and director of ArtVan, used to work as an art therapist in clinical settings like St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston. However, she had a vision to bring art therapy to kids before they required more serious intervention. In 2004, she launched a mobile program that brought a van filled with art supplies directly to neighborhoods. Twenty years on, ArtVan has become a renowned nonprofit, serving 15 neighborhoods in four counties. The program's costs are covered by grants, donations, and partner organizations, ensuring it remains free for the participating kids.ArtVan is truly dedicated to providing the resources and tools for young people to navigate through life's challenges and emerge whole, healthy, and healed. Silvestri emphasizes, "We're striving to offer a space where kids can express themselves and find solace through art."

The ArtVan Experience

When the ArtVan arrives, its horn honks, signaling the start of an exciting creative journey for the kids. They can drop in and work on the project of the week, which could range from a mobile to a sculpture or a drawing. Using materials like pipe cleaners, cardstock paper, yarn, and hole punches, the kids let their imaginations run wild. Silvestri prompts them to think about spaces that make them feel cozy or encourages them to release their anger through art.This is significantly different from a traditional arts education setting where the focus is on shading and following specific artistic techniques. At ArtVan, the emphasis is on exploration and freedom with the materials, ensuring that the kids' needs are met on a deeper level.

The Lasting Impact

D’Arcangelo moved to Woolwich at 12 but her family still feels the influence of ArtVan. Her younger brother, Keegan Companion, is renowned in Bath for his pipe cleaner sculptures. As an adult, D’Arcangelo returned to Maritime Apartments and brings her 6-year-old to see Silvestri when the ArtVan visits. She proudly shows him the colorful mural she created during her time in the program. Silvestri had asked the kids, "Paint something you would like to see." Now, D’Arcangelo can tell Odin, "I helped paint that."This shows how ArtVan not only provides a creative outlet for the kids in the present but also leaves a lasting mark on their lives, inspiring them to express themselves through art and find joy in the creative process.
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