Mini Reading Camp

During the past 18 months I've been able to share my experiences with you about my program, my business, called Story Time Adventures. What started out as a small experiment to see if anyone would be interested in listening to me read children's books, has grown into a wonderful and exhilarating part time career.

I am still visiting schools, libraries, and other venues to present my story time program. This past November and December, 2011, I appeared as Mrs. Claus in a number of places, including the Northern Nevada Children's Museum in Carson City, Nevada; with the Watsonville Community Band in Northern California, reading 'The Night Before Christmas,' and at the California Welcome Center in Salinas, California.

It is now February 2012 and I have new plans on the horizon. I am working on putting together a Mini Reading Camp for April 9-11 while my son and I are on Spring Break. It's called 'Rescue Me From Boredom--Read a Good Book!' This will focus on police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics. I will be reading stories about these different people, and we will be visitng a fire station, and have visits from a police officer and an ambulance driver. The cost is $20 per child with a $7 materials fee. It's designed for children in grades K-2, but if those who are a little older, or a little younger, want to participate, then that's okay with me! Moms/dads or a responsible adult must stay with the child at all times.

If you want more information, email me at Jengelha@aol.com. This is in Hollister, California. I will also be offering Skype story times for schools throughout the country. I hope to hear from you! Julie Engelhardt, Story Time Adventures

Now for the Fall and Winter

Story Time Adventures has taken somewhat of a hiatus during the summer, although I did do some programs at Linden Tree Book Store in Los Altos, California, and at Santana Row in San Jose, California. I am very thankful that my friend Valerie, took one of the days while I was in Southern California getting my older son prepared for college. She did a fantastic job.

Now that the fall will soon be here, and Thanksgiving, and the Christmas holidays, I'm gearing up for my favorite time of year when it comes to story telling. Last year I purchased a scarecrow costume for Halloween, a Mrs. Claus outfit, and this year, a good friend, Kim, found a Native American costume at a local thrift store. Kudos to you, Kim! Now I can do story time programs for all three holidays. I'm still pondering what I can do for the Native American story time. I know that there is much discussion about the Thanksgiving Holiday, so I need to be sensitive to this issue.

I'm also very excited because I may also lead a group of elementary school children in a Readers Theater program. Our elementary school has enrichment classes where the students can do anything from art to learning a foreign language. I've always wanted to do a Readers Theater, but I think this will be a good time to do that.

Keep your kids reading, all year long!

Best--Julie Engelhardt
Story Time Adventures
www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com

Story Time Programs for May

There are many things in my life that I am thankful for, and one of them is that there are 'holidays' and observances that I can use to create programs for Story Time Adventures.

The month of May comes with two observances: Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day. Because of these two holidays, a birthday, and a standing gig with Santana Row Mall in San Jose, I have 7 performances occurring within 8 days. I have three with the YMCA in San Benito County, one at the San Juan Bautista Library, one at Linden Tree Book Store in Los Altos, a birthday party in Hollister, and story time at Santana Row which will be about Cat in the Hat.

I started thinking about May story time program ideas last month and knew that I could score a couple with Mother's Day, which I did, but then someone suggested Cinco de Mayo. That's how I scored three more programs for the week, with the YMCA. I'm very fortunate that they have liked my programs, and I think they want to try to incorporate something 'cultural' into their after school program. Again, my main thing is I like to wear costumes of some sort while I do my program, so I was able to purchase two straw sombreros from a local thrift store, and a friend was able to lend me a sarape that she said I could use.

I also received some exciting news that our local library wants me to do a story time program June 30. This year's summer reading theme has to do with world travel, and my program is "Around the World in 60 Minutes!" During my program I will don four or five different costumes and read books that relate to that costume. So far I have the costume for Mexico, one for the Pacific Islands/Polynesia, and one for Asia.

I'm hoping that I can book several programs for the summer to help supplement my income while school's out (I'm a substitute teacher.) If you know of any groups that would like a story teller, you can contact me via my site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com. Thank you! Julie Engelhardt

Still Keeping Busy with Story Time Adventures.

This has been a good, busy week for me and my 'business.' On Wednesday, April 13, I appeared at Westgate Mall in San Jose. They have a monthly Mommy and Me program, which is spectacular. Before I went on, there was a very energetic singer/guitar player who had the little ones pumped up big time! I performed on a stage, but sat on the edge so the kids could get up close to the books. I'm used to being in a more intimate setting, but it was a good experience. Then on Thursday, the next day, I did four assemblies at a local elementary school. As the saying goes, all good things come to those who wait. I've been courting the school for some time, and I finally got the green light to do my program. It was for K-3rd graders, with a performance for each individual grade. I did my Wild For Animals! for the K and 1st, then one on food and cooking for the 2nd and 3rd graders. On Saturday, April 16, I'm doing a program at a private home, on Monday, the 18th I'm at Mars Hill Coffeehouse at 11 for a free program, then Wednesday I begin my work at the San Juan Bautista Library for story time, then finally, on the 23rd, I'll be at BookSmart book store in Morgan Hill doing Hop into Spring story time. Phew! Then, after that, I'm doing a Mother's Day program in Los Altos at Linden Tree book store. Hm.. I guess I am keeping pretty busy, huh? Thanks for your support, and happy reading! Julie Engelhardt www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com

San Juan Bautista and Story Time Adventures

Yesterday, Friday, March 25, I had the pleasure of reading to children at the YMCA after school program in the town of San Juan Bautista, California. The town's about 10-15 minutes from where I live, in Hollister, but it feels worlds different at times because there is so much history there. Not only is there the Mission, but there are other historic buildings throughout town that are quite interesting to visit.

There's one school in town, San Juan School, and that's where I did my program. I'd been contacted by the YMCA to do this program, so I dressed in my pirate costume and read pirate books, such as Bubble Bath Pirates and Pirate ABC.

Some of the books were kind of young for the audience, but the one thing I could tell is that these kids are craving programs such as these. One girl asked when I'd be back, then said,"We're here all the time." Of course, it's up to the YMCA as to when I do more of these programs. I've also appeared at the YMCA programs in Hollister for Gabilan Hills and Sunny Slope schools.

I'm also looking forward to hopefully becoming the newest Story Time Lady for the San Juan Bautista City Library. I believe they had a woman named Adele who did a fabulous job with story time programs, but I'm not quite certain what the situation is and why she is no longer doing them. I know that she is beloved by the people of SJB, and in no way am I trying to take her place. I hope that we can offer a great deal to the children of San Juan Bautista.

If you have comments or questions, please email me at Jengelha@aol.com. My site is www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

Mrs. Claus in Hollister

Hello, my friends. Yes, it's me, Mrs. Claus! Again, I'm ready, ready, ready to visit your home this holiday season. I'm located in Hollister, CA, but I will travel to Gilroy, Morgan Hill, south San Jose, Monterey, Prunedale, Watsonville, Aromas.. you name it! I can't wait to visit all of my friends.

Christmas time is such a wonderful season. So many people concentrate on the presents, but the most important thing is to concentrate on the goodwill that we can spread. In fact, we need to spread that all year long. Try to instill in your children the act of kindness, and doing a good turn daily. That's what the young man in this picture has been learning in Cub Scouts.

Remember, if you'd like to book a visit to your home, school, or party, or would like a letter for your children from Santa, email my friend Julie at Jengelha@aol.com.

Love,

Mrs. Claus!

Story Time Adventures Continues

I am ashamed to say it's been too long since I've posted! I need to rectify that asap.

I did my first paid assembly yesterday at Ladd Lane Elementary School in Hollister, California. I did three different programs, one for Kindergarten, one for 1st grade, and one for 2nd grade. It was interesting, because I learned that I need to find books that are a bit more advanced for the 2nd graders. As I was reading what I have, which are all adorable books, I started to lose my 2nd grade audience. Back to the drawing board, as they say.

I had a great time interacting with the children, and I'm looking forward to doing more story time presentations.

This weekend, October 16 and 17, and next weekend, October 23 and 24, I will be appearing as Sadie the Scarecrow at Uesgui Farms Pumpkin Patch in Morgan Hill, CA. Sadie appeared at the San Benito County Fair a couple of weeks ago, and it was a great experience.

I finally received my Mrs. Claus outfit (so cute!) so I'm gearing up to have her do story time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, and at local schools and events. If you, or somone you know, is interested in hiring Mrs. Claus, call me at 831 245 8462!

Julie

More Story Time Adventures

Ahhh.. October. I love this time of year because there are so many exciting things happening. My Story Time Adventures is doing quite well. Here I am as 'Sadie the Scarecrow' which is so much fun. I did a stint at the San Benito County Fair on October 1, and I'm back today, October 2, for three hours, from noon til 3. It was great fun yesterday interacting with the young children who were visiting with their schools. I may break out my spoons today and start playing a few songs for the kids.

This month I'm also appearing at Ladd Lane Elementary School for story time, Rutgers Elementary in Gilroy, and at Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Patch in Morgan Hill.

I'm especially excited because I'm working on a Mrs. Claus program for the Holiday Season, trying to put together a Mrs. Claus Tea & Story Time at San Juan Oaks Country Club and Golf Course. I hope you'll all come!

Thanks to all who have supported me during this adventure. I'd like to see more moms from Hollister and surrounding cities come visit me. I even had a mom from Salinas show up for the last story time, our Pajama-rama Party!

If you have any questions, would like to book me for a party or assembly, call 831 635 9674.

Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

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

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

Free Story Time in Hollister, California

Well, it's only a week until I do my first story time here in Hollister, Ca. It will be held at Mars Hill Cofeehouse located at 610 San Benito Street. I certainly hope we have a good turn out that morning--11 am to noon. This will be a pirate theme, so I've been purchasing pirate books and thinking up things to do that are related to pirates.

I'm doing this on a volunteer basis. My inspiration comes from an 'old' friend, John Zickefoose, who I met about, wow, 13 years ago in Corona, California. John is such a great presenter, but I found out that he did not learn how to read until he was 35. Can you imagine that? He said he even graduated from high school, but he wasn't able to read the words on his diploma. He learned how to read after suffering a back injury which prevented him from continuing the type of work he was doing. It's amazing how life works.

But, John's message to kids and adults was to keep reading, reading, reading. I really want to pass that message along to the people here in Hollister. I'm a volunteer, I'm not making any money from this. I also want to give something to the community--to the people who are looking for things they can do with their children, for free!

My hope is to continue doing this for the rest of the summer, and possibly during the holidays. My next thought is to do a Hawaiian Beach Party reading event. Or, take a holiday from video games.. something along those lines. I'm looking for hula dancers who will perform for free.

Thanks for reading my blog! Hope to see you at Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister on July 14, 11 am, 610 San Benito Street.

Julie

Julie Engelhardt--story time

Ah.. it's been quite some time since I've posted to my blog. Things have been a bit slow regarding writing, but I'm not giving up! I have a new project in the works.

I've always been intrigued by reading to children, it's something I love to do. So, on Wednesday, July 14, from 11 am to noon, I'm going to be offering a free story time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hollister-CA/Mars-Hill-Coffeehouse/79929789196 in Hollister, CA. It's going to be a pirate theme.. Buccaneer Bay. I've found some really cute books that I'm going to read, such as "That's Not My Pirate," by Fiona Watts, http://www.amazon.com/Thats-Pirate-Usborne-Touchy-Feely/dp/0794517021/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278280502&sr=8-1, and "Bubble Bath Pirates," by Jarrett J. Krosoczka http://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Bath-Pirates-Jarrett-Krosoczka/dp/0670035998/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278280540&sr=8-1, and others. This is absolutely free for everyone.

My intent is two-fold. First, I really want to offer something to the families in Hollister. It's a lovely little town, but it is so devoid of anything that is family friendly. Sure, we have our regular fast food restaurants with their play structures, but that tends to get tiresome, especially when your kids get too old to climb through the structures, and when the smell of burgers and french fries get to be too much. We had two great places in town: Jump-2-It and The Players Edge, but they closed down, so we really have nothing for the kids to do. There are seasonal sports, but the summer tends to drag on. Plus, some of these activities are pricey! So, that's why this is free.

Second, I want to share my love for books, especially children's books. I came up with this idea a few weeks ago, and I was really quite surprised that Mars Hill gave me the green light. I even have sponsors for this.. Hollister Center for Cosmetic Dentistry--Dr. Mark Darnell; http://www.cartoonthunder.com/; and http://www.safehouseweb.com/. Yay! Their sponsorships are helping me to aquire items I can give to the kids, like coloring sheets and other goodies.

I am also planning on dressing, as best as possible, as a pirate for the day, and telling pirate jokes and songs. For example, how much does it cost a pirate to buy earrings? Answer: 'A buccaneer!" Get it.. a buck an ear! And what is a pirate's favorite kind of food? Barrr-b-que! Okay.. goofy at best, but I'm hoping the kids will enjoy it.

I'd also like to take this and expand, and hopefully perform at elementary schools and other venues in central coastal California.

So, swing by and see us at Mars Hill Coffeehouse on Wednesday, July 14, at 11 am. It starts then! No stragglers, or ye'll be walkin' the plank, matey! Arghhhh. The coffee house is at 610 San Benito Street. For info call 831 245 8462.

Please feel free to post this and pass this along. Pirates, pirates, pirates!