Entertaining idea: Birthday parties for a good cause

Today we are going to take a bit of a break from bizarre food and cover some ground on a story of real importance that I posted earlier today on my Examiner.com page. Please share this with as many folks that you know. It's for a very good cause.

The distinguished and celebrated actor, James Cromwell once said, “Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.”

This same philosophy has been demonstrated day-after-day by a unique animal shelter known as Second Chance, located in the small and tranquil community of East Brookfield, Massachusetts, whose reach is nationwide.

Second Chance, with a grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, has instituted a notable program, Party for Pets, which has been designed to not only help animals, but provide birthday fun for children along with a good lesson in the grace of charitable giving.

Second Chance Animal Shelter is a rare breed of shelter, in that it is known as a “no-kill facility,” which means instead of an animal being euthanized if not claimed, Second Chance provides medical care, food, shelter and socialization training if necessary for animals until a new “forever-family” can be properly matched to adopt them.

Over the years, this 1200 square foot facility has done the impossible, and given thousands of dogs, cats and assorted creatures a “second chance” at life after being surrendered or abandoned by their caretakers.

In 2008, the shelter rose to national prominence as one of the top 20 facilities in the United States from over 1,000 shelters nationwide and was feted by the Zoo-Too Corporation, the Humane Society of the United States, the Shelter Planners of America, and the Pedigree Adoption Drive Foundation for the important work they do in creating loving homes for adoptable pets while promoting proper pet care with vaccination and spay/neuter programs

Now, more than ever, with the extended recession and unemployment decimating numerous household budgets, Second Chance has risen to the call and taken in an ever-increasing number of pets as families struggle to keep a roof over their head and food on their table.

If your child, or a child you know, has a birthday coming up, the Party for Pets program will provide a special party package for kids who are having a birthday and who are willing to ask their party guests to provide gifts for the shelter pets instead of themselves – it can be pet food or pet toys; designated shelter supplies or monetary donations; whatever is easiest to mail or ship back to Second Chance.

The child’s party package will arrive prior to their birthday and includes various party favors for their guests along with a special t-shirt for the birthday girl or boy.

In addition, if you live within driving distance, kids can bring the pet gifts to the shelter after their party and they will get a personal tour of the facility.

Whether you ship the gifts or bring them in, all children are encouraged to provide pictures with their written reflections on why they chose to have a "Party for Pets," and they will be featured on the “Star Supporters” web page of Second Chance.

To register for this important program simply follow this link.

As the child in your life celebrates his or her birthday, it will be an opportunity for them to reflect on the importance of their good deed and generosity, which helps to provide a re-birth or second chance for a homeless pet.

Internet art with your youngster: Wrapping artistic genius in tissue paper

How do you get the little children in your life interested in reading and art at the same time?

It’s been 40 years since Eric Carle, the beloved children’s book illustrator and author created one of the most time-honored children’s classics, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” and Carle’s instructive web site is an ideal starting point for garnering pint-sized interest, and sparking creative exploration along with a trip to your local library or bookseller.

This year marks a milestone of sorts for the evergreen story - it has been translated into 47 languages and has sold over 29 million copies worldwide.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” actually began as “A Week with Willi the Worm,” and fortunate for Carle that he took his editor’s suggestion to heart (to transform a plump, green Willi into a multi- color-splashed caterpillar) because it was the caterpillar that has become his most famous work, even though to date he has illustrated or authored a combined total of 70 other books.

Carle, a grandfatherly image, says about his littlest fans, “Growing up can be very difficult – I like to help children along.” And, that he does, as he shares his techniques in a step-by-step fashion that can be mimicked by moms, dads, extended family or caretakers, (who incidentally will probably have just as much fun as the youngsters) painting colorful tissue papers and assembling your very own collage.

This year Carle celebrates another milestone – his 80th birthday. He keeps engaged and active - commuting between two households; the museum of picture book art that bears his name in Western Massachusetts; a host of book signings and even writing his own blog.

How many of you have treasured memories of being read Carle’s wonderful tale?