We like to present articles from our members, with a focus on personal and global parenting and community issues. Please contact our Executive Director at the PRC office with your ideas.
I remember moving from the city to Port Washington over seven years ago when my husband and I found our dream home on the Internet. Back then, we were told that we needed a kid or a dog to get to know the town and its people. What folks failed to point out was the hidden treasure of the Parent Resource Center that awaited us once we had our first born son, Jeremy.
I remember vividly, after getting over the overwhelming feeling of being a first time Mom, walking into the PRC look- ing for help and a way to connect with others and being pleasantly surprised to find out that the PRC was the lifeline of so many new parents, veteran parents, and everyone in between.
When our son was just a few months old, we signed up for our first Music Zone class and were instantly hooked on the friendly, warm, high energy atmosphere of the PRC family and friends at large. Soon thereafter, our experi- ences and friendships continued to grow. We learned about local preschools at the PreSchool Fair, engaged in commu- nity spirit at the Pride in Port Parade, pretended to be fire- men riding the Port Washington fire trucks, rode ponies on the lawn, saw and touched exotic animals, and created wonderful memories by attending summer concerts on the lawn and fall/winter festivals in the gym.
The friendships and educational experiences for all of us tripled after our twins, Faith and Hope, were born two years later. If I thought I needed help with one child before, you can only imagine the state we were in with 3 kids all 2 year old and under! The PRC extended family came to the rescue yet again. Help was pouring in from all places with friends offering to cook, stop by, pick up something, and do anything to help us get through this new transition.
Once back on our feet and out and about, we got back to our routines and our classes, but now with triple the fun and triple the expense. We quickly realized the PRC was not only fun, but more affordable than other comparable places! We continued to expand our repertoire to summer camp where we found a fun, educational, safe and afford- able class for our son.
Just when we thought we had gotten every possible expe- rience out of the PRC, it continues to grow and expand in response to the voice of its active members. Members who care to make a difference in their own personal lives, the lives of their kids, and their community have made remarkable changes. We’ve been able to network with hundreds of parents about issues relating to childcare, find out where the best French restaurant in town is, even learn where to find a good roofer!
There’s nothing like walking down Main Street or Port Washington Boulevard and getting a friendly wave or shout out from someone you know - or better yet, hearing friends say: “I’ve seen your son or daughter at the park...the library...etc... “. The sense of community and care is reminiscent of what folks called “the good old days” when people cared about their town, their kids, and looked after each other.
Not only were we blessed to be living in our dream home, near the water, but we found an excellent treasure in the PRC. Even when our kids outgrow their classes, we’ll always have a need/desire for the parental/adult education classes. More importantly we’ll have a chance to give back to all that’s been given to us through the PRC.
When people hear me talk about the PRC, they often say “how great Port is” or ‘that’s impossible’ and when invited to come and try it out, they are hooked and usually sign up for a class or town, but that’s just the start. There’s so much more than just great classes at the PRC. We’ve experienced a community that seeks the best for its people and their children!
Suzy Fahmy and her husband Emad are Lifetime members of the PRC. They just celebrated their 21st Anniversary and have 3 Jemz ( Jeremy, Faith, and Hope).