Where can you find an authentic looking italian bistro...that's run by kids?

At the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor.

That's where Joy Hollowell met up with this week's Thursday's Child.
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"'OOOO, you know what that is?

Lobster, yeah.

Is lobster your favorite food?

Yeah.

Yeah, mine too!"

12-year old Harriet discovered that the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor is a great way to feed the imagination. She found lobster and many other of her favorite foods at Pasta Presto!

"do you bake cookies or cakes or anything?
Yep."

Harriet is a sweet girl, with a smile that is truly genuine. This fifth grader does require some special support at school and at home. She is currently in therapy to work on her speech.

"what kind of music do you like?

Hannah Montana."

Do you like the Jonas Brothers too?

Yeah

Whose your favorite Jonas brother?

Nick."

Harriet also tells me she's a good dancer and singer. Harriet also enjoys fishing, and running- she was on the cross country team at her school this year.

And as i discovered during our day at the Discovery Museum, Harriet also has a great sense of humor.

"should we call it refridgerator pizza, 'cause it's everything out of the refridgerator?

OK
(laughs)"
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Harriet is 12 years old and in the fifth grade. She enjoys school and spending time with her family. Harriet has a big smile, is affectionate and enjoys many different things. She requires extra support both at home and in school due to her special needs.

Harriet enjoys both indoor and outdoor activities. She does like to go out on her foster families boat and enjoys fishing. In the past she has enjoyed playing basketball and being part of a team. Though she can be scared of the ball, it is really the interaction with others that she enjoys. Harriet also enjoys running and has participated in activities with the Rec. Department. She ran cross country this year at her school. Harriet has shared that kickball is her favorite activity at recess. Indoor activities Harriet enjoys are playing dolls, arts and crafts and going to the library.

Harriet enjoys school but does require special support. She has a one on one aide for her entire day and is in the special ed. classroom for Math and Reading. Harriet has been held back on two separate occasions. School can be a struggle and she has a lot of special needs. She is currently in speech therapy.

A good home for Harriet would be with two parents and either a stay at home mom or one who works part time. It is very important for her future family to have an understanding of special needs and be able to communicate comfortably and frequently with school, doctors, etc. Harriet does well with children her age or younger. She does very well with animals and currently lives in a home where there are both cats and dogs that she enjoys.

Harriet has been in her current foster home for over two years where they find her a joy and easy to love. Harriet does have visits with her biological family monthly and it would be important for these to continue.

If you're interested in being an adoptive or foster parent, please contact A Family for Me at 1-877-505-0545 or log onto www.afamilyforme.org

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