The Portsmouth, Virginia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has generously provided the children and families of Ida Barbour Early Learning Center with an organic vegetable garden.  A groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 3, 2014. The garden, planted on the grounds of IBELC, is a valuable teaching tool as well as a source of nutrition for our children.  It will allow students to participate in activities such as planting, tilling, and watering, helping them feel more connected to their food and how it is grown.  We believe that this garden will have an overwhelmingly positive effect on IBELC and the surrounding community.

If you have not yet purchased your holiday cards this year, you’re in luck! The Board of Directors at IBELC, along with the support of some generous local merchants, will be selling cards featuring the artwork of one of our most talented students. Six-year-old Christian could not be more excited to see his drawing professionally printed on these cards, and we could not be more proud of him! The cards (with envelopes) will be sold in bundles of ten for a price of $15. All proceeds benefit IBELC.

If you are interested in purchasing holiday cards, please contact Ida Barbour Early Learning Center at (757)397-3097. The cards are also currently available for purchase at Crockin’s Furniture, Way Back Yonder Antiques, and Little Shops on High– all in Olde Towne. In addition, the Friends of the Portsmouth Library will be selling the cards at their book sale on Friday, December 5th from 12pm until 6pm and Saturday, December 6th from 10am until 4pm at the Main Library, 601 Court Street in Olde Towne.  We will keep you updated as other vendors are added. Happy Holidays!

All proceeds benefit Ida Barbour Early Learning Center.

Autumn is a fantastic time to be a student at Ida Barbour ELC!  Our teachers focus on making learning a fun and interactive while exposing our children to new people, places, and experiences.  Last week, the children visited the pumpkin patch at Hickory Ridge Farm in Chesapeake.  As you can see, everyone had a great time picking pumpkins, going on hayrides, and interacting with the farmers at Hickory Ridge Farm!

The staff and Board of Directors of Ida Barbour ELC will be participating in this year’s annual Safe Trick-or-Treat in Olde Towne, Portsmouth.  We will have plenty of candy on hand for all of the trick-or-treaters, as well as a special surprise for parents (supply will be limited, so arrive early).  Numerous teachers and Board members will also be on hand to answer any questions that you may have about our Center.  Join us from 6:00pm until 8:00pm on Saturday, October 25th for candy, entertainment, costumes, and more!  We hope to see you there!