Going out to a New Year's Eve Party? Need Child Care? Tips to Remember

Caregiver Tips...

Parents often rely on a babysitter's services to help manage busy social schedules.

To ensure our children's safety, it's our responsibility to not only find a capable and responsible caregiver, but also provide them with the information needed to handle the job.

The following are several tips to consider:

Selecting a sitter

• Ask for sitter referrals from family, friends and neighbors.


• Interview several candidates and do a criminal background check, ask for and cross check references before making your decision.


• Make sure the sitter is at least 13 years old and understands what to do in an emergency. Confirm that they have had training in first aid and know infant and child CPR. Ask for references and follow-up on them.


• Before babysitting alone, ask the sitter to spend time with your children and learn their routines. Communicating pertinent information


• Provide a tour of your house. Point out safety devices such as baby gates, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Show how to work the door and window locks and how to turn on outside lights. Make sure the sitter knows planned fire escape routes (including any problem areas) and understands where emergency supplies are located including a first aid chart, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.


• Instruct the sitter to never open the door for strangers or identify him/herself (on the phone or in person) as a caregiver. Ask that all doors be locked and outside lights remain on.


• Write down and discuss pertinent information about you, your children, and the situation, including:
  
  o Your name, home address, and phone number.
  
  o Where you are, when you will return, and how to reach you.
  
  o Emergency telephone numbers including police, fire/rescue, poison control center, hospital, doctor, and contact person if you can't be reached. Post at every phone.
  
  o Complete details about each child (i.e., full name, age, height, weight, nap/bedtime, allergies and special instructions for medications including doses, instructions, and schedule)
  
  
• Identify the location of each phone and talk about your usage policy.


• Discuss house rules and routines, including bedtime practices, discipline philosophy, and acceptable and unacceptable TV programs and foods. Identify which rooms are off limits to children. Give instructions regarding play areas and use of protective gear for bikes, skateboards, inline skates, etc.


• Stress the importance of constant supervision.


• Upon your return, ask for details regarding the time you were away, including any problems or issues.
  
  Tips adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics and National SAFE Kids Campaign
  
  

Happy New Years

Just a reminder the office will be closed on Friday December 31st for New Years Eve. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

Indiana Food Protection Training

Save the date for a unique training opportunity sponsored by Indiana Food Protection

FD 112 Food Code, will be held in Indianapolis May 10, 11, and 12, 2011.

This introductory course will consist of training on the Food Code and the public health rationale for Code provisions to prepare regulators for application of the Food Code to “retail” food establishments. Topics include management’s duties and responsibilities, employee health, food equipment, water, plumbing, waste, physical facilities, poisonous/toxic material compliance and enforcement.

FDA courses, taught by FDA trainers, are tuition free and are open on a national basis. Indiana’s course will be open to Industry, Regulatory, and Academia. This course awards 2 CEU’s and attendees will be awarded a certificate for completion of the course. Attendees must attend the entire course, participate in all class activities, and complete the assessments tool(s) (exercises) that measure the participant’s attainment of course objectives.

Registration information will come from Indiana Food Protection in March.


Judy Blythe
Indiana State Department of Health
Food Protection Program Secretary
jblythe@isdh.in.gov

Cherish the Children: Prevent Child Abuse

As important as the human side of child sexual abuse is, the impact it has on society as a whole is critical.

Each and every one of us feel the economic impact of child sexual abuse. Even if you were not sexually abused as a child, even if no one in your family was sexually abused, child sexual abuse impacts your life. The immediate and tangible costs of intervention and treatment for a single incident of substantiated child sexual abuse are $14,345. These expenses are largely paid for by the public sector – the taxpayer. In fact, the U.S. spends $3.4 billion annually for the immediate costs of child sexual abuse. Long-term expenses and losses attributable to child sexual abuse add $35 billion annually. In Indiana, the direct and immediate costs of child sexual abuse are nearly $48 million dollars annually. The long-term costs and losses caused by child sexual abuse in Indiana are over $500 million dollars annually. Add to this the fact that child sexual abuse is a root cause of many other devastating and expensive societal problems. For instance, 60% of first teen pregnancies are preceded by an incident of child sexual abuse. Young girls who are sexually abused are three times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders and/or substance abuse problems in adulthood than girls who are not sexually abused. Male survivors of child sexual abuse are 70% more likely to seek psychological treatment for issues such as substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide.

Except for murder, child sexual abuse is the most expensive victim crime in the U.S. WHO PAYS? YOU DO. It only costs $10.53 to train an adult to improve their child-protective behaviors. Research suggests that the average trained adult will better protect at least ten children from sexual abuse in the years after training. That’s only $1.05 to better protect a child. The money saved by preventing just one substantiated case of child sexual abuse would pay for prevention training for 1,362 adults. That training would result in 13,620 children better protected from abuse. You do the math. Prevention is the answer.
~~~Darkness to Light~~~

Count Down...
16 weeks until Child Care Answers 2nd Annual Cherish the Children Conference- Saturday, April 16, 2011- Don't Miss It!

Child Care Answers Offers Free Services for Local Businesses to Help Employees

Press Release
Contact: Child Care Answers
Child Care Resource and Referral Agency
Web: www.childcareanswers.com
Phone: 317-631-4643 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date/Time: December 23, 2010


Child Care Answers Offers Free Services for Local Businesses to Help Employees

Higher quality child care benefits not only the child by providing a safe learning environment, but it also gives parents a peace of mind knowing their child is being properly cared for during their work day. When a company offers their employees services through Child Care Answers they are giving them a tool needed to be more productive at work and worry less about their children.

Corporate Child Care Answers was established to provide support to Central Indiana’s business community by offering specialized services to meet the concerns of their workforce. Corporate Child Care Answers provides multiple services to local businesses. Many of these services are completely free. Included in the services are referrals to child care programs that can be obtained through a “free child care” search button placed on the business website, or through a phone consultation with a child care search specialist, training on the components of quality child care, and individualized consultation.

When an employee clicks on the Free Child Care Search button they will be asked to enter their zip code and then they can complete a search for child care based on their individual needs along with educational information to help them make an informed decision about their child care preferences.

Another free service that Corporate Child Care Answers can offer is training to employees. Topics offered include: information on how to navigate and use Paths to QUALITY - the state’s quality rating system; Questions to ask a child care provider; Nutritional Meal planning for a busy family; Math at home; Positive Discipline; and Kindergarten Readiness.

To find out how Corporate Child Care Answers can help your business contact Mindy Bennett at 317-631-4643 x 224 or mindyb@childcareanswers.com.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

From your Friends at Child Care Answers

Our holiday hours

Dec. 20th-22nd~ open 8-5; Dec. 23rd~ open 8-2; closed Dec. 24th

Dec 27th -29th ~open 8-5; Dec. 30th~open 8-7; closed Dec. 31st

The Mothers in Transition Project

A Community Needs Assessment:

The Indiana Commission for Women will be conducting a comprehensive research project titled Mothers in Transition. This research project is a state-wide community needs assessment focusing on women living the transition into single-motherhood whether that is by divorce, domestic violence, separation, or any other circumstance. Participants will be interviewed or participate in focus groups with the aim of discussing the lived experiences of single-motherhood in three areas: 1) Economic Development; 2) Physical Health; and 3) Psychological Wellness. Research findings are scheduled to be released August 2011. All information collected and will be kept strictly anonymous. The identities of participants will be protected under a confidentiality agreement.

Participant Requirements
I am seeking participants who meet all the following criteria:
• Women transitioning into single-motherhood from divorce, separation, death of spouse, pregnancy, or any other circumstance
• Within 18-70 years of age
• Within 10 years of the event of transition
• Custodial parent or primary caregiver of at least one child under the age of 18

Our mission at the Indiana Commission for Women is to understand the needs of Indiana women and their families and work strategically to help bring about positive solutions. The results of this project with elucidate those needs, help inform policy, and open a productive dialogue to address the relevant concerns and challenges. Only from knowing what is needed can steps be taken toward progress.

If you would like to be a voice in this research and meet all the aforementioned criteria, I invite you to join the conversation. I am looking for women of diverse cultural, social, economic, and regional backgrounds to provide their stories. Interviews and focus groups will be scheduled in the months of November 2010 – March 2011. If you would like to participate or would like more information, please contact the principal investigator via email at STran@dwd.in.gov or call (317) 234-3376. I appreciate your interest in this project and hope that you can somehow contribute.

Sincerely,
Stella Tran Research Coordinator VISTA

Website: www.in.gov/icw · Email: STran@dwd.in.gov · Direct Line: 317.234.3376
Government Center South · 402 West Washington St. Room W252, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Be Safe This Christmas

Christmas trees that glitter with lights and tinsel symbolize the joyous spirit of the holiday season. The American Red Cross urges Americans to remember that the trees also symbolize the potential fire hazards that can be a tragic part of this time of celebration.
About 600 fires a year are started by ignition of Christmas trees. The months of December, January and February are bad months for house fires, including those associated with holiday celebrations. More than 40 percent of home fires occur during this three-month period, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The 1.2 million volunteers in the American Red Cross’ 921 chapters respond to 67,000 disasters a year – one disaster every 8 minutes. Major disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and floods get the headlines but every single holiday fire comes down to a single, terrible moment for the victims.
During December, January and February, the majority of the responses by the Red Cross are for fires. Red Cross volunteers help victims of these fires find temporary shelter, provide them with vouchers for food and clothing and provide other needed assistance.
The American Red Cross cautions people to be extra careful during the holidays when it comes to fire prevention. Decorating trees and homes and cooking holiday meals can be happy and joyous times if a few common-sense precautions are taken:

1. Decorate Christmas trees only with laboratory-approved lights.
2. Unplug Christmas tree lights when leaving home or going to bed.
3. Do not decorate metal trees with lights.
4. Do not decorate trees with candles.
5. Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible material.
6. Place trees away from heat sources and exits.
7. Water trees daily.
8. Make sure chimneys are inspected before the holidays and cleaned if necessary.
9. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from bedding, clothing, furniture, drapes and anything else combustible.Use equipment that is approved for indoor use. Turn space heaters off if you are not available to monitor this equipment. Remember at all times children anywhere near space heaters
must be supervised at all times.
10. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing when cooking to avoid ignition by stove burners.

Santa Comes to Town

Today at the State Fair Grounds Toyota Pavilion, is Santa Comes to Town! There will be giveaways for children and information about local service agencies. The event is free and runs from 11am - 6pm. Stop in and check out our booth!

Holiday Hours

Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

From your Friends at Child Care Answers

Our holiday hours

Dec. 20th-22nd~ open 8-5; Dec. 23rd~ open 8-2; closed Dec. 24th

Dec 27th -29th ~open 8-5; Dec. 30th~open 8-7; closed Dec. 31st

Call Your Senators TODAY to Support Increased Funding for Child Care!!!

Child Care Spending Needs to Be Increased to Ensure the Safety of Our Children

Today could be the day the Senate takes up a year-long funding bill (referred to as the omnibus funding bill). Funding for all federal programs is at stake. The House of Representatives passed a year-long funding measure with a $400 million increase in child care funding for next year. The Senate bill includes $2.8 billion for child care – an increase of about $700 million! Let your Senators know that getting the economy back on track hinges on parents being able to afford child care. The Senate vote could be today!

What happens next? Senators need to adopt the omnibus bill. The House needs to either pass the omnibus bill or negotiate the differences between the two bills in a conference committee. The federal government is currently operating under a continuing resolution (CR) until Saturday. Call your Senators TODAY -- especially if you are from the states of AK, CO, FL, IN, ME, MN, MO, MS, OH, and WV -- to tell him/her to support the omnibus appropriations bill with $2.8 billion for child care. Every call counts! We are counting on you to weigh in – every Senator needs to know that the omnibus bill is important and child care funding is critical to working parents.



Take Action! TODAY!



1.The toll-free number to call is 1-877-227-3801. This will connect you to the U.S. Senate Operator.



2.The first person to answer will be an operator who will ask how you want to be connected. Tell the operator the name of your Senator. If you’re not sure, [click here] to find out.



3.Once you are connected to the office of your Senator, a staff person will answer the phone. Please say:



·My name is (name) and I’m calling from (city, state).



·“I’m calling to urge your support for the omnibus appropriations bill, which includes $2.8 billion for child care.



·Working parents need child care. Make child care a priority to help people get and keep a job!”



4. After your call please forward this notice on to all of your friends and/or coworkers to also have them make a call. We must continue to let Congress know that it is critical to invest in early childhood funding. AFTER YOUR CALL, follow-up with an email to your Senator by clicking here.

NACCRRA urges all to Take Action Now!

**BREAKING NEWS**ALERT: CALLS STILL NEEDED! Take Action!


Call Your Senators TODAY to Support Increased Funding for Child Care!!!

Child Care Spending Needs to Be Increased to Ensure the Safety of Our Children

Today could be the day the Senate takes up a year-long funding bill (referred to as the omnibus funding bill). Funding for all federal programs is at stake. The House of Representatives passed a year-long funding measure with a $400 million increase in child care funding for next year. The Senate bill includes $2.8 billion for child care – an increase of about $700 million! Let your Senators know that getting the economy back on track hinges on parents being able to afford child care. The Senate vote could be today!

What happens next? Senators need to adopt the omnibus bill. The House needs to either pass the omnibus bill or negotiate the differences between the two bills in a conference committee. The federal government is currently operating under a continuing resolution (CR) until Saturday. Call your Senators TODAY -- especially if you are from the states of AK, CO, FL, IN, ME, MN, MO, MS, OH, and WV -- to tell him/her to support the omnibus appropriations bill with $2.8 billion for child care. Every call counts! We are counting on you to weigh in – every Senator needs to know that the omnibus bill is important and child care funding is critical to working parents.

Take Action! TODAY!

1. The toll-free number to call is 1-877-227-3801. This will connect you to the U.S. Senate Operator.

2. The first person to answer will be an operator who will ask how you want to be connected. Tell the operator the name of your Senator. If you’re not sure, [click here] to find out.

3. Once you are connected to the office of your Senator, a staff person will answer the phone. Please say:

· My name is (name) and I’m calling from (city, state).

· “I’m calling to urge your support for the omnibus appropriations bill, which includes $2.8 billion for child care.

· Working parents need child care. Make child care a priority to help people get and keep a job!”

4. After your call please forward this notice on to all of your friends and/or coworkers to also have them make a call. We must continue to let Congress know that it is critical to invest in early childhood funding. AFTER YOUR CALL, follow-up with an email to your Senator by clicking here.

New Preschool-Based Curriculum for Jumping and Jump Roping Skills Available

The brand new Jump Start! Preschool-Based curriculum is now available under "Resources" as a free download from the Jump Kids Jump Movement website, www.jumpkidsjump.org. This new curriculum, available for free, meets Indiana Academic Standards for Kindergarten and Foundations: Indiana Academic Standards for Young Children from Birth to Age 5.

Also found under "Resources" is the Jump Start! video that is now available as a free complement to the curriculum. The video illustrates some of the jumping activities preschoolers can engage in to develop skills for jumping rope and can be downloaded and burned to a DVD.

To access these free resources, all you need to do is register on the www.jumpkidsjump.org web site.

Says Pattie Ryan, Deputy Director for the Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral (IACCRR), "Our state's preschoolers can benefit considerably from Jump Start! as a way to help them develop and practice jumping skills as an essential first step before learning to jump rope. Jumping rope is a fun physical fitness activity they can do all their lives." The curriculum, a ready-to-go resource for anyone working with preschoolers, contains lessons, activities, and resources to help introduce preschoolers to jumping and jumping rope. With Indiana's children among the most obese in the nation, "early intervention with a curriculum and DVD like Jump Start! is a hands-on way to help our preschoolers develop a fitness life skill that can help prevent them from ever becoming overweight and from battling health problems now and in the future," states Dr. Jeff Sperring, Riley Hospital's Chief Medical Officer.

Ideas for Christmas Break

Most school-aged children are on vacation for two weeks and the budget’s blown on holiday gifts…What’s a parent to do? Listed below are several ideas to keep the kids busy without spending a fortune.

Active
◦Bundle up and take a walk around The Canal and White River State Park or Monument Circle admiring the Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 (until Jan. 8) – FREE.
◦Go swimming at the Natatorium on the campus of IUPUI.
◦Go duckpin bowling at Action Duckpin Bowl or Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square.
◦Take a twirl around the ice skating rink at the Indiana/World Academy Skating Academy in Pan Am Plaza.
◦Test your skills at the Amazing Games arcade at Jillian's or try cosmic bowling in the Retro Hi Life lanes. Grab a bite to eat in the Video Café.

Educational
◦Take a guided memorial tour and visit the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, located in the basement of the Indiana Soldiers & Sailors Monument (open Wednesday through Sunday) – FREE.
◦Take a tour through the Indianapolis Museum of Art or check out Christmas at the Lilly House through Jan 2. – FREE (parking included.) ◦Kids will love the hands-on approach at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where kids of all ages are encouraged to touch and let their imaginations take over! Don’t miss The Children’s Museum Jolly Days Winter Wonderland through Jan. 9. This event features a Snow Castle, Yule Slide and photos with Santa. Polar Bears to Penguins exhibit is also on display through Jan. 2.
◦Visit the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing through Dec. 31 and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition through Jan. 16.
◦View the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art’s new exhibit, Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, on display through Jan. 9. (IUPUI students and staff and kids under 4 get in FREE.)
◦Visit holidays past at the beautifully decorated Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, dressed up in all the trappings of holidays past at the White House. He was the first president to decorate a tree in the White House.
◦Visit the past at the Morris Butler House Museum and the James Whitcomb Riley Home.
◦It’s tea time! Take the family to the Indianapolis Propylaeum’s Holiday Children’s Tea "Peter Pan and the Pirates" Dec. 29, complete with scones, tea sandwiches, sweets and flavored teas.

Entertainment
◦The Indiana Historical Society hosts Winterfest Dec. 27 -30. Engage your creative spirit and roll up your sleeves for family-friendly, hands-on activities and more!
◦Visit the Indianapolis Zoo for Christmas at the Zoo & White River Gardens' Woodland Wonderland presented by Wells Fargo Advisors until Dec. 30. Stroll through the Zoo covered in lights to see animals, indoor exhibits, the holiday dolphin show, Santa’s Village presented by Community Health Network, carolers, Santa’s Sweet Shop, the All A-Glow Light Show presented by Macy’s and more!
◦Don’t miss Christmas at the Puppet Studio! This Downtown tradition takes place Dec. 10 - 27 at Peewinkle's Puppet Studio.◦Follow the yellow brick road to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Lilly Theatre for “Dorothy Returns” holiday production Dec. 18 - 19, 21 – 24, 28 - 31 and Jan. 1 – 2.◦Have “Tea with Mrs. Claus” Dec. 19 & 26 in the Indiana State Museum’s L.S. Ayres Tea Room. Mrs. Claus and Raggedy Ann greet guests as they enjoy dainty sandwiches, scones, pastries and tea.
◦Take in the spectacular Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Yuletide Celebration through Dec. 23.

Seeking Hamilton County Child Care Providers!

The Prevent Child Abuse Council is seeking the involvement of child care providers in Hamilton county. The council meets from 8am to 9am on the third Friday of every month at the Hamilton County DCS office.

If you are interested or would like additional information you may contact Tory at (317) 636-5727 ext. 245 or email torym@childcareanswers.com

Early Childhood Investigations Webinar Series

FREE webinars to continue your professional development journey...

Robert-Leslie Publishing is not just another publishing company, they are members of your early childhood education community. They believe it is their responsibility to actively participate in the community by making important information accessible and available to administrators, teachers, parents, and other early education professionals. They sponsor Early Childhood Investigations, a free webinar series that makes it easy for early childhood professionals to hear from and engage with leaders in the field.

The 2011 Early Childhood Investigations Webinar Presenters:

Dr. Becky Bailey
Vicki Ehlers
Beth Engelhardt
Susan Gunnewig
Ana Lomba
Karen Nemeth
Debra Pierce
Dr. Timothy Shanahan
Bob Siegel
Sarah Sprinkel
Wendy Young


Check it out...
http://www.investigatorclub.com/AbouttheProgram/Webinars/tabid/263/Default.aspx#webinar1

Clergy for Child Care

You are invited to the first meeting of "Clergy for Childcare".

A gathering of religious leaders who provide or promote quality early care
and education through their places of worship or outreach ministries.

Thursday, December 9th, 2010 8am - 10 am.
North United Methodist Church
3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
(Northwest corner of 38th and Meridian)

Speakers will include:
Dr. Eugene White, Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools
Ellen K. Annala, President and CEO, United Way of Central Indiana
Panel of local clergy discussing opportunities and challenges of child care ministries

Opportunities will include:
Networking with local clergy who provide or promote quality child care
Helpful ideas from education, nonprofit and religious leaders
Resources to take back to your ministry, children and families
A continental breakfast will be served.

Please R.S.V.P. to Melissa Jackson at United Way of Central Indiana
at 317.921.1335 or melissa.jackson@uwci.org.

St. Mary's Child Center Winter Seminar

St. Mary's Child Center Educational Outreach Program will hold it Winter 2011 Seminar Series in February. The seminar will focus on exploring and interpreting the Work of the Schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy at St. Mary's Child Center.

The seminar is ideal for those educators who would like to know more about St. Mary's Child Center's exploration and interpretation of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and how to bring it to their classrooms. It will look at the classroom environment, interactions with children and families, and the documentation of the children's project work and investigations.

Seminar Dates:
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 (Part 1)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 (Part 2)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 (Part 3)
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
(A light dinner will be served)

St. Mary's Child Center, Gilliatte Building (Ft. Benjamin Harrison)
9230 Hawkins Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 42616

Seminar Fees: $40 per seminar or $100 for all 3 seminars
Scholarships are available for educators serving children impacted by poverty, violence, and trauma.

Please contact Sharon at (317) 361-4893 or outreach@stmaryschildcarenter.org for more information or to register.

Call the White House on Tuesday, November 30

Call the White House on Tuesday, November 30
NAEYC Children’s Champions Alert

The funding bills are still under negotiation between the White House and Congress. On Tuesday, November 30, advocates from across the country will contact the White House to ask them to remind Congress not to drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start, and to support the Early Learning Challenge Fund.

The President and his important staff are key players in these funding decisions and we need to continue to let them know that young children and families should not lose out on the early care and education they need during these difficult times.

How to Call or Email the White House on November 30

Leave a message for President Obama on the White House Comments line:
To call the comments line dial 202-456-1111. (You may need to call more than once if you get a busy signal.)

Here is a sample voicemail message:

My name is ________ and I'm from (City), (State). Please urge Congress not to drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start. Make sure that continued funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start is NOT REDUCED in the appropriations bill and that the Early Learning Challenge Fund is included. Thank you.

Send President Obama an e-mail in support of early childhood education programs.

To e-mail the President, go to www.whitehouse.gov/contact.

Use the web form to send the White House an email. Here is a sample message you can type into the form:

Dear President Obama,
Please urge Congress not to drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start. Make sure that continued funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start is NOT REDUCED in the FY 2011 appropriations bill and that the Early Learning Challenge Fund is included. These programs help children learn and develop skills they need to succeed in school and in life. They also help families get ahead by giving parents the support they need to be productive at work. Thank you.


Sincerely, (Insert Your Name)

Holiday Hours

Child Care Answers will be closed November 24th, 25th and 26th to observe the Thanksgiving holidy. We wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. The office will reopen on Monday November 29th.