March Au Pair Event at ERX Motor Park!

Posted by: tkapaun on March 2, 2010

The races start at 5:00 but we will be meeting at 6:15 in the big white tent.  You are welcome to arrive anytime before that but you must be there by 6:15 to sign in!

Everyone is welcome!  Au Pairs in the group were given one admission ticket, any quests etc. will have to pay admission at $10 per person (kids 12 and under are free).

Dress warm, and bring extra money if you want food or beverages.  My son Austin will be racing so you can come an cheer him on.  This will be a great Minnesota experience for all of you!

For more information visit their website at
www.erxmotorpark.com

Results of Fall 2009 Host Family Survey!

Posted by: tkapaun on January 27, 2010

The results are in!

The results from the 2009 Host Family Survey are in … and the consensus is that our host families are overwhelmingly happy! To share a few of the stats:

- 96% of host families are satisfied with the quality of childcare that their au pair provides
- 95% are satisfied with the support provided by their Local Childcare Coordinator
- 97% are pleased with the choice they made to use the services of Cultural Care Au Pair
- 96% would recommend the services of Cultural Care Au Pair to other families

Thank you to our current host families for participating and for helping us to further improve our program! Host family feedback gathered through our customer satisfaction survey has contributed to several changes at Cultural Care Au Pair including an improved host family and au pair matching process, increased new and repeat host family discounts, new payment plan options, and better online and phone support for host families. In addition, host families are able to provide direct feedback to senior management at face to face meetings held throughout the country, and they may participate in an online forum (www.community.culturalcare.com) created just for program participants.

We’re thrilled with these results, which are certified by independent survey company Discovery Surveys, Inc. In fact, our participation rate (52% of active host families this time around) and the results themselves have improved each of the four times we have administered the surveys (spring and fall of 2008 and spring and fall of 2009). For more detailed survey information, visit our website.

2010 Coon Rapids Snowflake Days January 30 - February 13

Posted by: tkapaun on January 21, 2010

Bring the whole family and enjoy various events throughout the week!  Events include a Medallion hunt, brunch, snow sculpture contest, children’s carnival, talent contest, dance, and much more!  Visit the link for more information!

http://www.snowflakedays.com/index.htm

Snow Day at Wargo Nature Center

Posted by: tkapaun on January 21, 2010

The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department is having its 10th annual Snow Day event on January 30th from 1-4 p.m. at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes, MN.  Featuring snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, live animal displays and crafts.

http://www.anokacountyparks.com/programs/se_snowday.htm

Community Wellness Day

Posted by: tkapaun on January 7, 2010

The Community Education Department of Anoka Hennepin Schools presents

COMMUNITY WELLNESS DAY

January 23rd from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Coon Rapids Middle School, 11600 Raven St., Coon Rapids

FREE for the entire family - includes health and fitness information, Children’s book swap, activities for the kids and more.

go to www.anoka.k12.mn.us/communitywellnessday for more information.

Holiday Happenings in the Minneapolis Metro

Posted by: tkapaun on December 8, 2009

Looking for some fun things to do during the holiday season in Minneapolis?  Well, here are some of the things that I have come across.  Now that the snow is falling it is really beginning to look like Christmas!

The Holidazzle Parade - Downtown Minneapolis Thursdays through Sundays at 6:30 p.m. between 12th and 4th streets on Nicollet Mall.  Runs through December 20th.  Bundle up the family and head downtown!  www.holidazzle.com or call 612-376-snow for more information!

Before or After the Parade be sure to visit the “Day in the Life of an Elf” at the Macy’s 8th floor auditorium. Runs through December 31st and it is free! http://www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=902

Macy’s is also celebrating National Believe Day on December 11th.  In honor of the movie Yes, Virginia - if your name is Virginia you can get at $10 gift card for Macy’s!  Visit  http://www.macys.com/r61×45_virginias_popup.jsp?cm_sp=NONE-_-ABOVE_NAV_POOL-_-ADVERTISEMENT%20–%20510004%20–%20120809_gna_call_virginias for more details!

Nature Hike with Santa - for ages 3-9.  cost is $3-$6.  Decorate your own letter to Santa and and ornament.  Make an edible ornament for the squirrels.  1-3 p.m. Sat. Dec. 12 and Sunday Dec. 13th.  Eastman Nature Center, Elm Creek Park.  763-559-6700  www.threeriversparkdistrict.org

Folkways of the Holidays - discover the holiday traditions of the 19th century!  Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. December 13th.  The Landing in Shakopee.  www.threeriversparkdistrict.org

Winter skate Ice Skating Rink - Rice Park St. Paul - Free.  651-266-6400

Interested in a little holiday dinner theater - try the Season’s Restaurant at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Blaine. This year’s holiday production is “Lets Scrap Christmas” - This is a dinner theater so dinner is included in the price of the ticket.  Visit http://www.theseasonsatbunkerhills.com/dinner-theater/purchase-tickets for more information and to order tickets.

Check back often for more additions to the list!

Welcome to Cultural Care!

Posted by: tkapaun on July 11, 2009

The following businesses have recently joined my efforts to recruit new host families in our area.  Please visit their stores or use their services!  You will find links to their websites in the links list to the right.

Edelweiss Baby Clothing store - Maple Grove

Stroller Strides - Maple Grove

Before and After Baby Planning Service - metro wide

Kids Rack (2nd hand clothes at an afforable price) - Champlin

Father Hennepin Parade - Host Family and Au Pair Event

Posted by: tkapaun on June 10, 2009

Father Hennepin Parade!

Thanks to all you wonderful au pairs, host kid, and host mom Tracy for a all those great smiles at the parade!  We went through a ton of candy, 500 stickers, tattoos and 300 fliers!

If you are looking for somthing to do this weekend the Father Hennepin Festival runs all weekend and you can enjoy carnival rides, live music, and more!  Visit the website for a schedule of events: http://www.fatherhennepinfestival.com/Home_Page.php

When: Friday evening June 12th through Sunday June 14th.

Visit Stroller Strides in Maple Grove - Grand Opening

Posted by: tkapaun on May 6, 2009

Grand Opening of Stroller Strides in Maple Grove Saturday May 9th at 9:00 a.m.!

Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for new moms that they can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller. Classes are taught by specially trained instructors.

I will be there to represent Cultural Care Au Pair for new parents looking for child care options.

Take a moment to check them out at:  http://classes.strollerstrides.net/jnjfitness/location/index.aspx

Happy Mother’s Day to All Those Wonderful Host Moms!

Posted by: tkapaun on May 6, 2009

Happy Mother’s Day

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day to host mom’s everywhere.  Not only are you awesome moms to your own kids but you also play an important role as a host mom to your au pair.  I have gotten a lot of wonderful comments from au pairs on their terrific host moms and wanted to tell you that I appreciate each and every one of you!  Have a great Day - You deserve it!