Aren't these scarecrows wonderful?

These adorable scarecrows are
Dee and Kim from Hollister. This will be my next outfit.. and I'll be wearing it for Aromas Day Celebration on August 29.
Or, if you need a scarecrow to come read to your class or at your fall festival, please let me know!

Onward towards more 'Adventures'

I am still on a 'high' from Story Time on August 4. As mentioned, it was Let's Go! And we incorporated a transportation theme. Finding themes that will click with children can often be the challenge. They have so much in their lives grabbing for their attention. Thankfully, I work in the schools as a substitute teacher, so I am aware of what kids tend to like.

I came up with the transportation theme because of something that happened one day in a Kindergarten class.

The children were given free time/free choice and could play with blocks and other toys, but one of the most popular items was a bag filled with toy cars. The little boys were beside themselves trying to get the 'best' car. I suppose that day stuck with me and made me realize how much kids love trucks, cars, trains, etc.

We had a good turn out. I was concerned because I'd switched the time from 11 am to 1:30 pm. As the hour drew near, the coffeehouse looked a bit bare, but thank goodness for a local day care facility, because they arrived just in time! I wasn't able to do a count. My 'wingman' Scott Kindred, who has been SO beneficial in helping me with story time, was away visiting his mom in Oregon, so no one was there to do the count. But Tom (whose last name I do not know) did a fantastic job as my sound man, and Raquel, who works at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, also did a great job helping me out. Another young woman, Kitra, was helpful, too!

But, on to my next 'Adventure.' A small town not too far from where I live is having a celebration day. The town is Aromas and the unique thing about this city is that it's actually in three different counties: San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. But.. they're bringing me in to read stories and such. I'm hoping it will lead to some paying jobs.

If you want to get in touch with me directly, please email me at Jengelha@aol.com.

Thank you!

Story Time Today, August 4, 2010

The day is finally here! Let's GO! Cars, Planes, Trucks and Trains. I'm very excited about this story time. I know it will be a lot of fun, and I hope the children enjoy the model trains that will be there.

Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito Street, Hollister, 1:30. Get there early to get a good seat.

I have my street signs donated by Drive Rite School, and my husband brought home orange caution cones to use as decor. Hope to see you there!

Next stop--August 29 in the city of Aromas. I've never been there, but they have an annual Aromas Day Celebration. I'll be there in my new scarecrow costume designed by friend Dee Montalbo. It's so adorable. I can't wait to wear it! Aromas Day goes from nine until four. Rides, games, and all types of great fun happening. Come see me for Story Time Adventures. The stories and songs will all have a farm theme to them!

Thank you for your great support!

Julie Engelhardt

A mom's dream come true

A quick entry before I sign off...

This has always been a dream of mine.. to run my own business, but to also make a difference. Story Time Adventures by Julie Engelhardt is something I've been working towards for many, many years. Now it's happening. Moms.. if you have a dream, a desire, a goal towards putting together your own business.. it will happen! Thank you again to those who have put their faith into me and their support. You rock!

Julie Engelhardt

Story time preparation

Preparing for Story Time Adventures is somewhat like putting a puzzle together. You want to find the right kind of books and pair them with appropriate songs and fingerplays.

This week's story time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister, CA, is about Transportation. I came up with this idea primarily because I have sons, and when they were younger, they liked playing with toy cars and other vehicles. Funny thing, my younger son, who's 8, acted as if he'd sworn off playing with cars until I started to prepare for this story time, and he suddenly became quite interested in the toy cars I am giving out to the attendees.

This week's story time is Let's GO! Cars, planes, trucks and trains. I figure that I have to catch someone's attention with that. Both of my boys had train sets when they were younger, and so many moms have already told me that their children have the wooden train sets at home. I also have a local model train enthusiast, Bob Peck, who's bringing in model trains.

Bob's been great. After doing a bunch of calling and digging and looking for someone who'd be willing to work with me and bring in a train set, I 'found' Bob. We met up at Mars Hill one day to discuss our options, and he couldn't have been any nicer. When I called one day to check up, I apologized for all of the pre-production, but he said he was having a great time getting his trains together. Thank you, Bob!

So many people have been great about helping me with the program. I am extremely grateful to those who have extended a helping hand.

I hope to see everyone at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito Street, Hollister, at 1:30 pm. Get there early so you can grab some refreshments and get a good seat. All Aboard!

Fall Story Time Adventures

And.. why is it you aren't attending story time at Mars Hill? Putting the word out again today that you will have a great time if you join us!!

This next one will be August 4 at 1:30 at Mars Hill, 610 San Benito Street.

But thinking towards more this fall. Planning a PJ story time for September, and most definitely two for October. One will be for the Renaissance Faire time--Story Faire--where you can dress up like your favorite knight, princess, nobleman, or dragon! Countess Julie will be on hand to share her favorite fairytale stories. Huzzah! Three cheers!

But, I love Halloween, and we will do it up right at Mars Hill. I've already put in an order for my costume.. an absolutely adorable scarecrow costume made by friend Dee. Dee did her own last year and it was more than adorable! Thank goodness I have friends who are so darn creative!

Thinking of holding this one on Oct. 30 which will be a Saturday. Need to find some groovy Halloween music so the kids can rock out, then we'll pull out our not-too-scary books and listen to some great Halloween tales.

Again, a big THANK YOU

Up, Up, And AWAY~ Let's GO!

Looking for some high-flying adventure? Then visit me, Julie Engelhardt, on August 4, 1:30 at Mars Hill Coffeehouse for our next summer story time. It will be great fun.

Parents.. bring your children. It's free, it's fun, and they'll be learning something (even though the don't know they are!)

Email me if you'd like me to come to your school or event to present my story time adventures!

Happy Reading!

Julie Engelhardt
Jengelha@aol.com

August 4 Story Time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse

Hello, reading fans.

I just love this photo because it was taken at the first Story Time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister. These are two young fans who came dressed up for our Buccaneer Bay-Pirates theme on July 14.

The next story time is Let's GO! Cars, Planes, Trucks and Trains. We'll be talking about everything that moves, floats, flies--you name it. There will also be some great giveaways.. like toy Hot Wheel cars and some passes to Casa de Fruta for their cool mini train ride. Go to http://www.casadefruta.com/ to learn more about this great spot in Hollister, and to find out about Casa de Choo-Choo.

I'm also pleased because we will have Hollister resident Bob Peck on hand sharing his model trains, and Drive Rite Driving School is lending some street signs for us to use as props.

A wonderful woman, Renea Magnani, a consultant with Usborne Books & More has donated two very sweet books, "That's Not My Car," and "That's Not My Tractor." If you want to check out these books, or order from her, her URL is www.ubah.com/x1994.

But remember.. the reading is the best part! We will be there August 4 at 1:30, but get there early, or stay late, to take a look at the model trains and talk with Bob about becoming a model train enthusiast!

Part of my plan is to continue doing story time programs throughout the year, but most likely on the weekend.

If you have questions, or would like to have me perform at your event or venue, please send me an email to Jengelha@aol.com.

Happy Reading!

Julie Engelhardt

PS.. a very nice article appeared in our local paper, the Free Lance, which I just have to share. Thank you, Melissa Flores: http://www.pinnaclenews.com/news/contentview.asp?c=272585

Story time again!

Why are these animals just sitting around?
Because they were waiting for Story Time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister.

The second story time was WILD for Animals!

We had 72 children there--not sure how many adults, but it was fantastic.

I read books such as If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Harry the Dirty Dog, and Piggy's Belly Button. They were all very well received by the children.


Reading to the children has been a great joy.
I have two people in my life who have been inspirational

One is John Zickefoose who works at the
Corona Public Library.
John grew up functionally illiterate, and did not learn how to read until he was 35. I met John while he was doing story time presentations, and his love for reading inspired me to do the same.
Another friend is Peter Small who is
terrific historic presenter. Peter dresses up as Washington, Jefferson, Truman--even Edison, and takes his program to schools, libraries, senior homes.. so many places. Peter has even been to Hollister twice to do his programs.

My hope is to make this a full-time career eventually.
As for now, this is all on a volunteer basis, but I know that it will grow and that I will be able to do this regularly.

There are so many options when it comes to creating a story time. First it was pirates, then animals, next transportation. The possibilities are limitless.

I'm also doing this to show women who have stayed at home
for any length of time that it is possible to get out there
and start a new career.
The world is your oyster, ladies!
Thank you!
Email me if you have any questions or thoughts:
Jengelha@aol.com.

--Julie

More on Story Time Adventures

All Aboard!!

On Wednesday, August 4, I will hold the last Story Time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse at 1:30 PM. I'm very excited about this story time, which is titled, "Let's GO! Cars, Planes, Trucks and Trains." It's all about different types of transportation.

I came up with this idea because I know how much little children like to play with toy vehicles, so I thought I'd try to bring them to life.

Two of the books I'll be reading are 'Fast Food,' by Saxton Freymann and Joost Eiffers, and 'Freight Train,' by Donald Crews.

I'm very excited because I've been able to partner with local businesses and individuals.

Casa de Fruta in Hollister has graciously provided me with passes for their train ride to use as prizes, and Tiffany Ford in Hollister, celebrating 100 years, provided me with more than 65 Hot Wheels cars to give out. Drive Rite School in Hollister is lending some of their large street signs to use as props, and local model train enthusiast, Bob Peck, is bringing in model trains to share.

Mars Hill Coffeehouse is located at 610 San Benito Street at the cross of 6th Street, on the west side of San Benito. You can't miss it. There are lavender awnings over the windows. If you are a fan of the "Friends" series, Mars Hill reminds me a bit of the Central Perk local, but unfortunately, you won't find Chandler, Monica, Joey, Ross, Phoebe and Rachel--or Gunther, hanging out. I guess they have better things to do.... :-)

Hope to see you on August 4th!

Julie Engelhardt

Story time presenter..