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Join us for ConnectMed International's Holidays with Camp Cosmos. For the fourth year in a row, we will celebrate the holidays with YOU. This year's theme is "The Wonder of Winter Wildlife." On Saturday, December 14th join us for virtual programming with programming for kids, tweens, and teens. Please come deck the virtual halls with us! It is sure to be a great time.
By Christine Clinton
This year the Children’s Craniofacial Association held their 34th Annual Family Retreat and Educational Symposium in Baltimore, MD from June 27th-June 30th. I had never been to Baltimore prior to the retreat, so I was very excited to attend this retreat with CCA. This was my twelfth retreat that I have attended with CCA, so I was so happy to be able to be in Baltimore this year. Some of the highlights that I was looking forward to attending was the Baltimore Orioles game, they played against the Cleveland Guardians, and going to the National Aquarium in Baltimore as well. My friend Melissa and I also went to a seafood restaurant for lunch on Thursday afternoon, and the food was good. I went to the symposium on bullying, and how to manage bullying, on Thursday morning before I registered for the retreat, and got to see what special goodies CCA had for us. I had hoped to be able to go to Evan Wolkenstein’s Keynote as well, but unfortunately, Melissa and I did not make it back to the hotel in time. On Thursday night I went to the retreat kickoff, and entertainment. On Friday morning we had the welcome breakfast, and on Friday afternoon, I was able to see the Power of the Bucket List that Evan also did. After the Power of the Bucket List, I enjoyed baseball bingo. We had a very special surprise with the mascot from the Baltimore Orioles coming to visit us. I got to take a picture with him, which was cool. On Friday night, there was Family Night, with dinner, the hometown raffle baskets, and entertainment. Evan was at dinner on Friday night, and he autographed his book Turtle Boy, for anyone who had their copy of the book with them, and who wanted him to autograph their book. He autographed my copy of Turtle Boy for me, and I got to take a picture with him as well; that was very special. I was able to spend a lot of time with my friends, and meet some of the new families as well. I always enjoy being able to catch up with my friends who I already know, and meeting some of the newer families too. I always feel bad because there is never enough time to meet all the new
families; but I always do my best with meeting as many of the newer families as I can. On Saturday morning, we had breakfast, and then we took the annual group photos. Each of the craniofacial syndromes that were at the retreat took a group photo, and then we took a big group photo with everyone, which was fun. On Saturday afternoon, after lunch, was the CCA’s Got Talent Show. I took part in the talent show this year, I just was not in the audience, I was a participant. I read the Fearless Poem, which I dedicated to the memory of Francis Smith, who passed away last year in October; and I also wrote something that I read as a dedication to CCA. Saturday night was the dinner/dance, and there was a photo booth for anyone who wanted to take their pictures with friends. I always enjoy the dinner/dance, but it is always so bittersweet for me, because I know it indicates the conclusion of a wonderful weekend. On Sunday morning, we had our farewell breakfast, and then on Sunday afternoon, I went to the Richmond Family’s home for a pool party. I had a wonderful time at the pool party, catching up with some of the retreat attendees who were there, and just enjoying the afternoon. I always enjoying taking so many pictures, and enjoying everyone’s company. As always, I am very much looking forward to next year’s retreat. The retreats have become a way for me to connect with others who have had similar life experiences, with having a craniofacial condition. I truly believe that we all need people in our lives who understand what we are dealing with, and going through, and for me, the retreats do just that. Thank you to the Children’s Craniofacial Association for all that you do, for the families and individuals that you serve with craniofacial differences.
The Killin' the Battenkill 5K/10K was held this past Saturday June 1, 2024. We were fortunate to have perfect weather for the event held in Arlington VT, which is a short distance from our home in NY. The race has grown every year and this year we had approx 40 participants, and many others who donated that were unable to attend. Everyone was extremely generous and we raised $2,900 for CCA. We were so grateful. The checks are going in the mail to you today!!
There is so much fun to be had (and even more to eat) in Baltimore. Whether you are a history, science, or literature buff, Baltimore has something for you.
Click here to access an interactive version of the map below.
Playground - Adventure & Nature Play Playground. Just 8 minutes South of the hotel, this playground boasts some cool equipment, shapes, and more. Don't forget your snacks and sunscreen.
There are plenty of things to do in this wonderful city. Nearby I spy a children's museum, science museum, and aquarium all in walking distance. I personally am very excited about Camden Yards and the Edgar Alan Poe House and Museum. The museum dedicated to the author of the Raven and Annabel Lee, is a bit off the beaten path. In addition in Richmond, VA, there is the Poe Museum if you want to go a bit further to get your macabre fix.
Peter's Poor House - 111 Mercer Street
3 minute drive
6 minute walk
Phillips Seafood - 601 E Pratt Street (*do not recommend/crabcakes not traditional - small/lots of filler)
2 minute drive
10 minute walk
*Rusty Scupper - 402 Key Highway
3 minute drive
13 minute walk
Watershed - 1065 S Charles Street
4 minute drive
13 minute walk
Nick's Fish House - 2600 Insulator Drive
6 minute drive
43 minute walk
Captain James Seafood - 2127 Boston Street
8 minute drive
39 minute walk
*G&M Restaurant - 804 N Hammonds Ferry Road
11 minute drive
12 minute drive
Local favorite, great atmosphere, big supporter of Orioles/Ravens
*Kocos’s Pub - 4301 Harford Road
16 minute drive
Local favorite, great atmosphere, Doesn't take reservations/large parties difficult to seat at dinner time
*Costas Inn - 4100 North Point Blvd
16 minute drive
*By the Docks - 3321 Eastern Blvd
22 minute drive
*Pappas Restaurant - 6814 Ritchie Highway (other locations in Cockeysville and Parkville that are about 20-25 minute drive)
16 minute drive
*personal/family favorites
Join us for another Teen and Young adult Online social. We will play some games, gab, and connect.
We are less than two months from the 2024 Annual Family Retreat and Educational Symposium weekend. The most important thing when in a new city is transportation, or finding ways to get around. In a future blog post, I will cover attractions and eateries. I'm excited to explore this historic city that seemingly loves history, open ocean, baseball, and a something a little spooky - the Poe Museum.
Editor's Note: Please talk to hotel staff, concierge, or local retreat attendees to make sure your chosen mode of transportation is the safest choice for where you are headed. At night be sure to buddy up with one or more people before you go galavanting into the night.
Public Transit runs from the train station and the local airports. Maryland MTA has a variety of public transportation options from buses, trains, to water taxi. I love that the website has a trip planner option because I like to just cut to the chase and put in my point a and point b, then go. There are also route maps, and so much more. Please also make use of Google maps on your phone to help build your trips from airport to hotel, or hotel to local attraction. Download the CharmPass App on your phone before you get moving.
Everyone knows how much I love free, but you know what I love even more: alliteration. At your service is the Charm City Circulator which runs during the day for free all across town. On the Circulator's website, you can learn how far this free ride will take you, and back, of course. Easily track the wearabouts of the next bus to pull up on the website.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also great alternatives to the low-cost and free options outlined above. I love a Lyft!
Within walking distance, you can visit the Science Center, Aquarium, and Federal Hill Park. Camden Yards is just shy of a half mile away. The area appears to be teeming with culture and fun things to do. Hopefully you will find some fun on foot. Please do set out on foot with friends.
The fight for representation continues in writer's rooms around the world. May 4th's Saturday Night Live aired a sketch called Anomalous Man, featuring a Elephant man-like fellow falling in love with a beautiful woman. Anomalous man is found out as the player he is when his phone(s) "dings" during this period piece that reveals him texting with other women. Phone addiction and modern (ahem) dating culture would be better served without the need to exploit persons with facial differences. His appearance did not need to be a device for the skit to be a successful one. It was quite unnecessary. Our Executive Director, Erica Klauber, shares more on our feelings about this SNL sketch in this video.
Writers should be able to get their jokes and overall point across without poking fun at a person's physical attributes. Thankfully, CCA Kids joins the Face Equality International's (FEI) efforts to raise awareness about these issues of representation on screen, stage, and more each year during Face Equality Week, May 13 - 19, 2024. "Face Equality International is an alliance of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), charities and support groups which are working at national, regional or international levels to promote the campaign for ‘face equality.'" During the 2024 face equality week, FEI will share with the world that every face is equal because we are all masterpieces. The theme, "my face is a masterpiece" will utilize art as a tool for social good. If our bodies and faces are works of art, then the hope is that our collective humanity is reflected in the entertainment we consume at home and in theaters around the world.
Please take a look at this year's theme on the FEI website, and follow their social media pages. Take a look at the other nonprofits and non-government organizations that will come together to bring their take on the theme to life via social media campaigns.
I'm a huge fan of this newsletter that I receive each day in my work inbox called The Good Trade's The Daily Good newsletter. They have mouthwatering recipes, incredible playlist and podcast suggestions, and sustainable goods suggestions that are out of my budget yet out of this world. A girl can dream. Everything feels so elevated and modern, sensible, and sublime when you read the clean black text on the eggshell background, adorned with images of sliced lemons or an uncluttered bedroom.
Since the beginning of the year, they began creating these list of 99 things. 99 words of self affirmation, 99 this and 99 that. In today's newsletter they shared a list of 99 Inexpensive self-care ideas for the new year. I loved the ideas, and many of them are free, like the first suggestion, wash your bedding, towels, robes, and curtains. Once you've re-fitted them in their proper places, breathe deeply. Remind yourself that stagnancy and sadness aren't permanent. We all just need a tumble-dry sometimes." If the task feels overwhelming, break it up across multiple days. Wash and dry the bedding one day, the towels, the next then the robe and the curtains on the third.
The suggestions are not novel, but how they are so thoughtfully framed feels fresh. In reorganizing your closet, do it with the intention of "engaging your creativity in order to enjoy your daily routines more thoroughly." Wow! Focus your attention on the moment, mindfully.
Self care is not all bubble baths and chocolate. It is doing the things we do not want to do, but we know are good for ourselves. For me that bedding suggestion rang so true, as did reorganizing my closet, or moving the furniture around a bit. First thing in the morning, nor the middle of the day, nor evening do I want to do these things. I do not want to do them in a hat, nor with my cat*. However when reframed as a positive for my world and my experience in it...well you've got me.
Try these on and let me know how they feel to you. Also subscribe to the Good Trade's The Daily Good. You will not be disappointed.
*I do not have a cat. It just rhymed nicely.
