Foster your child’s love of art, knowledge, and ability with our Homeschool Art Program! We are offering in-person classes for children in elementary and secondary school levels this year. Per semester fee is $285 (12 dates). We will offer one free make-up class per semester. If joining late the cost will be prorated.

Fridays:

10:00–11:00 am Elementary School

11:30–12:30 pm Middle and High School

Here is our fall semester overview:

FALL 2021

September (9/10, 9/17, 9/24): Drawing Skills     

October (10/8, 10/15, 10/22): Painting Skills

November (11/5, 11/12, 11/19): Sculpture Skills

December (12/3, 12/10, 12/17): Media Variety: Comics, Collage, Printmaking

Fall Semester Make-Up Class is Monday, 12/20/21: both age groups from 10–11:30am.

Tentative Schedule for Spring 2022: There will be a separate registration for the Spring Semester.

(dates TBA)

January: Illustration

February: Landscape Painting

March: Multimedia Inspiration

April: Sculpture

Join our vibrant community! 

Register now for Boogaloo Academy’s 2021-2022 season. 

Did you love being pregnant? Interested in helping others achieve their dreams of becoming a family? Surrogacy is the answer for so many families that are struggling to get pregnant, whether it's a women with cancer, gay men who can't have children or infertility issues, you may be able to change a family's life and earn money to help your family at the same time. Surrogacy packages start at $55,000 for first-time surrogates. Is this the right step for your family? Explore the process below to find out more...

Learn How To Become a Surrogate

Our job is to help you realize your dream of how to become a surrogate with expert guidance, from learning about the surrogate process all the way to your fourth trimester care. Our proven process makes your dream of helping another family a reality. We are all-in as your guide for a healthy and successful surrogacy journey.

• 78% of our surrogates want to recommend another woman to be a ConceiveAbilities surrogate
• 56% of our surrogates want to do another surrogacy journey with us

Timing

We customize our qualification process to work at your pace, with no timing pressure, What timing works for you? Some potential GCs are motivated to move through the process quickly. Some potential GCs need time to process and learn. We are on your timeline.

Matching

Our proprietary matching process pairs you with the family you were meant to help who have shared values and expectations. Matching Matters^® has a 97% success rate at first introduction, expediting your journey.

Compensation

We prioritize your custom financial package so you have no bumps in the road that take you away from your dream of helping another family. Because we value your labor of love and because you are needed, ConceiveAbilities is proud to offer our first-of-its-kind All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Program. Our pay package for you is the highest of any surrogacy agency. Period. Talk to us and we’ll make sure it is so.

• Expert Guidance from application through fourth trimester postpartum care on how to become a surrogate
• Top Pay through a simple, easy package that is custom-built for you
• Monthly Care packages, with goodies that are chosen based on your priorities

Use our compensation calculator to find out your personalized base pay.

We tailor what you will earn according to where you live, your current salary, and whether you have prior experience as a surrogate. All put together into one easy and simple package of payments with no receipt tracking.

Surrogate Mother Requirements

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a modern and growing means of bringing new life into the world, where a woman carries a baby for another person or a couple. The intended parents undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), meaning fertilization outside of the body, to transfer an embryo into the surrogate mother’s uterus. In our work at ConceiveAbilities, surrogates are not genetically or legally related to the baby and are compensated for their time and service by the intended parents. In 2018, more than 10,000 births took place by surrogate in the United States, and the market is steadily growing at 15% per year based on data from the Centers for Disease Control. And, in the past ten years, the percentage of all IVF transfers that took place with a gestational carrier grew from just over 1% to 4.8%.

What Are Surrogate Requirements?

In order to ensure that surrogacy can be a healthy and successful experience for you, the basic requirements include your age, your experience with prior deliveries, and your medical history.

The basic requirements include

• Have you given birth before?
• A history of at least one full-term, health and uncomplicated pregnancy is essential to ensuring your surrogacy journey is healthy and successful.

• How old are you?
• At the time you are matched with intended parents, you should be between 21 and 40 years of age.

• Where do you live?
• Compensated surrogacy is legal in most, but not all states. And, certain locations are highly valued by intended parents and you can earn higher compensation.

• Are you a long-term US resident?
• The surrogacy journey is lengthy and is accomplished only by working with a US-based IVF clinic.

• Are you physically healthy?
• You must have an uncomplicated medical history, not be over- or under-weight, not currently smoke, and be free of certain chronic conditions.

• Are you emotionally healthy?
• Your surrogacy journey is demanding and requires a stable foundation in your life without undue stress.

Apply Now: ConceiveAbilities Application

Our in-person Sparta, NJ Meditation Group classes are back. However, we are continuing to offer live stream guided meditation classes for the Sparta, NJ Area.

Beginner friendly meditation classes include guided meditation and practical wisdom on how to maintain the experience of the inner peace in daily life. Connect with an experience of inner peace and develop practical tools to maintain a positive mind.

Online Live ZOOM Modern Buddhism guided meditation classes, no experience needed.
$10 per class | pre-registration required
845-856-9000 www.KadampaNewYork.org

Upcoming Meditation Class topics

April 12, 2021 : Overcoming scattered thoughts
April 19, 2012 : How to cultivate mindfulness
April 26, 2021 : Developing concentration

Buddha taught meditation and special ways of thinking that allow us to keep peace of mind and be of real help to others regardless of what is happening in our lives and the world.

Free online Meditation and Buddhism Books and Resources:
MEDITATION - "Getting Started or Back to Basics" FREE online Meditation Audio and Resource Page:
1) Buddhist Podcasts Free - No subscription, No Sign-up, No ads
2) Free Online Meditation Audio - Learn how to meditate. Includes guided meditation for beginners. No subscription, No signup, No ads.
3) Free Meditation Book "How to Transform Your Life" and Modern Buddhism eBook download. No subscription, No ads

Best Guided Meditations youtube - How to Meditate and Introduction to Buddhist Meditation includes: Guided Meditations for Beginners, Meditation on Karma, Meditations on Overcoming Anger and more,
NO ADS.

Kadampa Meditation Center New York World Peace Temple in Sullivan County Catskills in Upstate NY is open, Free to the Public. Tour the Buddhist World Peace Temple, Hike, Walk Nature Trails, Buddhist Book Store, Gift Shop and Outdoor Cafe Coffee shop, Tea, Snacks and locally homemade baked goods. Families & Pets on a leash welcome.

Registration is now open for Fall classes and performance opportunities at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown.

Fall 2021 at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown holds an array of programs for students ages 3-20. Programs will run from September 20 - December 9th. Our in-person, socially distanced, covid-safe programs feature crafts, circus arts, dance, theater, acting, juggling, acrofit, contortion, and a mainstage performance! All classes will be held in the Oddfellows Playhouse theater. For details, and more information, go to www.oddfellows.org, call (860) 347-6143, or email info@oddfellows.org.

 All classes will have tuition of 200$ unless otherwise noted and all classes Monday-Thursday have the option to add on our Oddbridge after school program for 50$.

CIRCUS SATURDAYS

The fun starts on Saturday Sept 18th with “Welcome to Circus” for ages 3-5 and “Circus 1” for ages 6-8. Both classes will be led by Maegan Fuller. 

“Circrobatics I” offers participants the chance to have a blast tumbling and playing with scarves, ribbons, and other fun pieces of circus equipment for an exciting introduction to circus. These classes will run every Saturday from 10-10:45am. Tuition is $200. 

“Circrobatics II” gives participants the chance to have fun discovering their inner clown while learning how to manipulate different pieces of circus equipment including; flower sticks, diabolo, juggling, poi, and more! Classes run on Saturdays from 11am-12pm. Tuition is $200. 

AGES 6-8

Musical Mentoring

A partnership between Oddfellows and Wesleyan University’s student-run Cardinal Kids, this class provides individual music mentoring with a Wesleyan music student. The lessons are tailored to fit the individual needs of different learners, and the mentors will work closely with their students to develop their musical skills and stimulate interest. Available topics include voice, keyboard, guitar and violin. Class time: Mondays 430-530 beginning 9/20/21

Hip Hop Dance

Class time: Mondays 430-530 beginning 9/20/21

Circus I

Juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping and more! Class time: Tuesdays 430-530 beginning 9/21/21

Fairy Tale Theater

A theatrical exploration of the Fairy Tale world, featuring characters and stories from your favorite fairy tales.  Class time: Wednesdays 430-530 beginning 9/22/21

Story Theater from Around the World

Students will use theater games and skills to explore tales and fables from different parts of the world. We can discover how people from all over the world answered questions like: How did birds get their colorful wings? Or, Why do turtles have shells? And many more! Class time: Thursdays 430-530 beginning 9/23/21

AGES 9-11

Circus II

Juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping and more! Mondays 430-530 beginning 9/20/21

Tom Sawyer Mini-Production

Students will explore the classic story “Tom Sawyer” and put an original spin on this age old “getting in and MOSTLY out of trouble” tale. Through theater games and character work we will use our own creativity along with scripts to create a unique re-telling of Mark Twain’s well-known coming of age story.
Tuesdays 430-545 beginning 9/21/21

Musical Mentoring

A partnership between Oddfellows and Wesleyan University’s student-run Cardinal Kids, this class provides individual music mentoring with a Wesleyan music student. The lessons are tailored to fit the individual needs of different learners, and the mentors will work closely with their students to develop their musical skills and stimulate interest. Available topics include voice, keyboard, guitar and violin. Wednesdays 430-530 beginning 9/22/21

Theater Improv

Learn the art of play in the world of theatre through improvisation - making it up as you go along! Enhance your listening, communication skills and confidence while giving your imagination a supportive space to thrive in as you make new friends and have fun.
Wednesdays 430-530 beginning 9/22/21

Hip Hop Dance

Thursdays 430-530 beginning 9/23/21 *Ages 9-14*

AGES 11-20

Acting and Scene Study

Develop skills and techniques that will enhance your creativity, strengthen your communication skills and foster new friendships. Nurture and magnify your inner gifts and natural talents by working with partners on scenes from classic and contemporary theater.
Mondays 4:30-6pm beginning 9/20/21

Circophony Teen Circus

Students are invited to join one or both days where they will practice and learn both solo skills and build a repertoire as an ensemble. Monday with Allison McDermott will focus on Tumbling, Mini-trampoline and Equilibristics (Unicycles, rolling globe, rola bola, spools, trick bikes).

Tuesday with Naja Muller and Allison McDermott will focus on Partner Acrobatics, Contortion, Juggling and Prop Manipulation. Fall Training is a great way to prepare for Circophony's Winter Main Stage show.

Get a second day of Circophony for a discounted rate. Simply "add on" in registration! (Additional day only 150$!)

Mondays & Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm beginning 9/20/21
*Ages 12-20*

The Art of Being an Artist

Creating a piece of art is one thing. What to do with it next is another. Come learn what it’s like to live the life of a visual artist from beginning to end in this mixed media art class for 7th & 8th grade students. The sole requirement for this class is that you must have a passion for creating art. Students will be exposed to various types of mediums and techniques including painting, mask making, weaving, beading, stenciling and more. They will also learn how to prepare their work for exhibition and how to market oneself as an artist. Class will conclude with an exhibition of student work.
Tuesdays 4:30-5:45pm beginning 9/21/21

Introduction to Shakespeare

An introduction to the characters, stories and language of Shakespeare's plays, culminating in short scene performances.
Wednesdays 4:30-6pm beginning 9/22/21

Hip Hop Dance

Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm beginning 9/23/21
*Ages 9 - 14*

TEEN REP

The Teen Repertory Company is Oddfellows' senior performance ensemble, open to all young people ages 14 - 20. The Teen Rep generally stages two main stage productions every year (one in the fall, one in the spring) and focuses on classes, special projects and a New Plays Festival during the winter. The Teen Rep Company provides adventurous teens with performance opportunities not always available in the public schools - original work, ensemble-created projects, classics from various cultures, and theater for social justice. All teens are invited to audition, and everyone who commits to the rehearsal and production schedule is cast. There is a tuition charge to join the Teen Repertory Company, but financial aid is available for all families who need it.

Young people ages 13 - 20 can audition for our Teen Repertory Company on September 15 & 16, 6:30-9pm. Tuition is 300$

Rehearsals will be two evenings per week beginning the week of September 20 and our mainstage performances will be on November 11 - 13 & 19 - 20. Anyone interested in auditioning, or wanting more information, should contact the Playhouse at info@oddfellows.org or call (860) 347-6143

For more information, or to register for any of the above classes, auditions or events, go to www.oddfellows.org, email info@oddfellows.org, or call (860) 347-6143. Financial aid is available for all tuition-based programs; it is Playhouse policy never to turn anyone away because of inability to pay.

Oddfellows Playhouse productions, classes and special events are made possible with the generous support of the Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD; Middletown Commission on the Arts; The Fund for Greater Hartford; American Savings Foundation; State of Connecticut Judicial Branch (Youth Violence Prevention); Middletown Youth Services Bureau; Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund; Middlesex United Way; CHEFA Cultural Relief Grant; New England Foundation for the Arts New England Arts Resilience Fund; Community Foundation of Middlesex County; Stare Family Fund; Evan Boyd Knoll Memorial Circus Fund; Community Development Block Grant; and many generous individual donors.

Spring classes and performance opportunities for kids range from circus, play writing and acting for teens to classes and performances for younger kids. Go to www.oddfellows.org for more info.

Ocean Heroes is an after school science program designed for children ages 8-12. Children are engaged in marine science and conservation topics, hands-on activities, games, crafts and optional offsite stewardship projects (if allowed due to COVID precautions). Over the course of eight different sessions, children learn about a diversity of marine mammals, their adaptations, and what life is like living under the sea. This program has a total of 8 sessions consisting of two different themes, the first 4 sessions is coastal creatures and the last 4 sessions is endangered species; all 8 sessions are included in program price. This program will once a month from October to May.

Cost per participant: $250.00; Full payment at registration is required to hold a spot for your child.

Number of sessions per program: 8

Session length: 2 hours

Time: 4-6 pm (PST) one day per month.

Dates: The second Friday of every month- Oct. 8th, Nov. 12th, Dec. 10th, Jan. 14th, Feb. 11th, Mar. 11th, Apr. 8th, May 13th

·       Optional Whale Watching Trip on May 20th (additional charge)

Ages: 8 to 12

Class size: limited to 12 participants per program

Refunds: Are only provided for medical emergencies verified by a doctor. Reimbursement is not given for any missed days or cancellations. All proceeds from Ocean Explorers go to the medical care and treatment of our seal and sea lion patients.

Coastal Creatures

Discover your favorite marine mammals that call the coast their home! Whether you are near or far from the coastal shores, join us online to explore the rocky shores, shallow waters and thriving life that the coast has to offer. Explorers will investigate sea turtle habitats, recognize the calls of Spotted dolphins, uncover the diets of Stellar sea lions, and the behaviors of spinner dolphins all while learning how we can protect our coastal creatures!

Session I: Sea Turtles- Follow these ancient creatures through their life from hatchlings to adults! Explorers will learn about the 7 different species of sea turtles, their adaptations and habitat, as well as actions that can protect them. In this session, explorers will get crafty by creating their own turtle and habitat.

Session II: Spinner Dolphins- Spinner dolphins are known for their aerial displays and catching the waves from surrounding boats, but did you know their behaviors change during the night to feed? Explore the life of Spinner dolphins and create a PSA to encourage others to protect this species!

Session III: Stellar Sea Lions- Discover amazing facts about the largest of the sea lion species and how researchers are studying these animals and the food they eat! Explorers will investigate and document their findings, just like a marine mammal scientist.

Session IV: Spotted Dolphins- Can you identify a Spotted dolphin by its vocalizations? Listen closely as you learn about the clicks and buzzes of cetaceans. Spotted dolphins are social mammals, learning from others and traveling in pods by the hundreds. Explorers will etch a dolphin and race against the clock in a game of ‘Spot the Difference’!

Endangered Species

Join us in becoming an Ocean Steward and investigate the wonderful world of marine mammals! Explorers will craft sea lions, puzzle through activities, navigate as a Right Whale, and lead their Vaquita to victory in a game verse the teachers! With these animals threatened to near extinction, what can YOU do to help?

Session I: New Zealand Sea Lions- Discover the most “rare” sea lion in the world and how humans are helping to boost their population! Explorers will learn about the tale of “Mum” and how she brought sea lions back to the main islands! Explorers will get crafty and make a sea lion face and mane!

Session II: Vaquitas- With only 10 suspected individuals left in the world, learn about the smallest cetacean on the planet, how they became critically endangered and lessons learned in the effort to save them! Can you determine the difference between a porpoise and a dolphin, become an expert and help us ID these animals in the wild. Explorers will challenge our teachers as they lead their Vaquita to victory by making its way through obstacles at sea!

Session III: North Atlantic Right Whales- These massive whales weigh in at 140,000 pounds and are the world’s most endangered large whale species! In this session, explorers will learn about the threats to these animals and how they can help. Can you help Riley the Right Whale navigate her way through the ocean? Try your flipper at helping her get past natural and unnatural threats through an adventure game!

Session IV: Guadalupe Fur Seals- Did you know that PMMC rescues Guadalupe fur seals? Learn more about previous patients we have helped and their stories! Explorers will get crafty as they puzzle through piecing together what makes a fur seal and an eared seal!

OUR PATENTED RESULTS-DRIVEN PROGRAMS COMBINE ONE-ON-ONE LESSONS WITH GROUP BAND PRACTICES, MAKING SCHOOL OF ROCK THE ULTIMATE MUSIC SCHOOL FOR KIDS AND ADULTS

The Science Museum offers enrichment workshops for children on weekdays and during school vacations. We invite teachers and community leaders to learn about our field trips, as well as programs we can bring to your site. With many schools transitioning to a hybrid model of instruction (a combination of onsite instruction and remote instruction) SMLI is here to help you with that transition. Send your child to SMLI’s study hall on the days they will be learning from school remotely. 

Creative Writing Workshops offer children of all ages avenues towards understanding and experiencing the creative writing processes. Personal essays, journaling, and storytelling compel students to take a chance and compose pieces that are salient to their perspective. Through prompts, the students write beyond the facts and chronicle events to create essays and storylines that are fun to write and a joy to read. The workshops include the editing and researching processes and review the value of kind critiques.  School author visits and professional development workshops are available live or through a virtual platform. 

 Four  Stories Served Around The Table Creative Writing Workshops are available NOW:

1. Becoming Daily Bread is an author presentation and reading of how Daily Bread came to be. Listening to stories and understanding the backdrop of place and time are key to weaving a compelling tale. Students are encouraged to participate and brainstorm stories.   
2. Journal On! A Writer’s Daily Workshop presents the value of daily journal practice for both students and teachers. Journal writing is a creative outlet. With practice, the written words paint the pictures and feel the emotions of the moments. Memories stir. Reflection reveals paths, solutions, and gratitude. Storytelling is born. Students are guided with prompts and strategies to create a means to fit journal writing into their day.
3. Writers Write Workshop presents the core of written storytelling. Compelling personal experience stories, tales told around the dinner table or in the cafeteria, and reminiscences of people who touched our lives all have a voice that draws a reader into the journey. Students have the opportunity to interview, write short narratives, employ editing tactics, and participate in a kind critiquing session.
4. Creative Writing With History Workshop takes students through the research process of writing historical fiction. Every major event has had a ripple effect on ordinary people and their stories. Finding and reading through interviews, articles, photographs, and maps are part of the process (and the fun). The styles of dress and hair and what people ate during a specific period provide the details that make a fictional story, in a period of time, believable. Students will brainstorm a premise during an era they are currently studying and use a template to guide their research.