Our House for Girls participate in, How To Be Your Best, Young Ladies etiquette program

Our House for Girls summer program, Confident and Competent, focuses on personal growth and development.  We spent a great deal of time trying to find a social skills curriculum designed to teach social skills to at risk youth.  We wanted a program that could engage the girls, teach appropriate skills, and be fun in the process.  What we found, was a curriculum designed to teach young people confidence and being at ease in various social situations.  Armida Geiger from the Adelie School of Protocol offered a five session course that included topics such as:

Introduction to Basic Etiquette

Famous Females

Presenting Yourself in a Variety of Social Situations

Facial Expressions

Qualities of Poise

Award Recognition Protocol

Appetizer Social and Thank You Notes

The course culminated in a dining tutorial at Acorn’s restaurant in Durham and was a great success. 

Mrs. Geiger is a strong and competent role model.  With the use of gentle cues and prompts, she assured that all girls used appropriate language and demonstrated respect for one another.  Her natural energy and enthusiasm was contagious and the girls were thoroughly engaged throughout each session.  In addition, the lessons were interactive and the methods of instruction catered to a variety of learning styles. The girls were taught the reasons behind the behaviors that they were taught.  They learned to think in social situations.  They internalized the messages and four months later, the girls can still be heard asking, “What would Mrs. Geiger do?” 

When I asked the girls for feedback on Mrs. Geiger’s “How to Be Your Best” class, they shared the following: 

 “Mrs. Geiger was really nice.  She treated us like we were adults (well, young adults) but still; she wasn’t condescending if we didn’t know something.”  – 17 year old participant 

“I was kind of scared at first because I never learned about stuff like that before.  My family didn’t even have a table.  But she was real nice and I liked when we went to dinner and tried lots of new things.  She always made me feel like I was okay.  Even when I ate the garnish.”  – 13 year old participant  

“She was very professional and always had a good attitude.  I still remember what she taught us (even if I don’t always sit up straight).  I think it was a good class and she should come back when we get a new group.”  – 15 year old participant

NH Teens enjoy 5 course dinner while learning table etiquette

Eight teens dressed to the nines, escorted by Mimi Bergere, director of The Quantum Program in Dover, New Hampshire http://www.dhasocc.org  spent the evening at Acorn’s Restaurant on the campus of the University of New Hampshire http://www.unh.edu  The “menu” consisted of introductions, place setting identification, how to be seated, restaurant protocol and table manners.

With a bit of nervousness, the teens were ready and up for the challenge. Armida Geiger, Adelie School of Protocol, director comments, “It is always a pleasure to witness the change in teens; from anxiety and nervousness to feeling relaxed and confident at the conclusion of the 2 1/2 hour class. Once teens know the proper way to hold their silverware, pass food counter-clockwise, and talk with food in their mouth, they can approach any dining situation and feel confident. The confidence comes from knowledge of the dining protocol and finese at the table comes from practice.” Often there is confusion over which bread plate is yours, one on the left or the right? How soon should you start to eat and what should I do with my spoon when I am finished? Armida Geiger, director of Adelie School of Protocol http://www.adeliesop.wordpress.com has a passion for teaching manners. She enjoys watching the transformation of individuals from uncomfortable to confident. Practice is key to refining your good manners. Don’t wait for a special occasion to polish up on your manners. Practice every time you eat. Soon you will notice that your acquired dining skill takes no effort at all!

Contact Armida Geiger 603-868-7156 , adelieschoolofprotocol@comcast.net

NH Mens Group Learn How To Be Gentlemen at Community Partners

Read the comments from the staff at Community Partners. I recently had the opportunity to work with 37 men at Community Partners www.dssc9.org The sessions focused on How to Be Gentlemen.  Simple table manners, choosing appropriate clothing for going out in public, dating do’s and don’ts, confidence at a dance, and simple dance instructions.  These sessions were to prepare the men for the upcoming Dance Social.

Comments from staff director:

Great session last night. As you noted the guys have been very attentive which bodes well with their retaining the lessons from your presentation. The techniques you use that are very effective with this group certainly start with,

1. Your enthusiasm and high energy – its contagious with this group and is essential for holding their attentions
2. Humor – making light of situations and every day occurrences (“what a gas!”) almost everyone in this group can relate to and have fun with, while driving home the important points.
3. Interactive – getting members involved such as having volunteers come up to practice appropriate boundaries while dancing.
4. Making it relevant to specific events/situations that many of the participants will find themselves in such as the upcoming dance.

Submitted by Community Partners New Hampshire

Good Manners on Display at Community Partners Dover NH

Good manners on display at Community Partners

By Kristen Welch Grant writer and development coordinator, Community Partners

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Caption should read: Armida Geiger of Adelie School of Protocol demonstrates table etiquette for Alison Ketcham (left) and Megan Miller (right) as part of the “Everyday Manners” class sponsored by Community Partners.

Most of us think we have good manners.

We put our napkins on our laps, say please and thank you, and speak kindly to others.

But we may not know as much as we think we do.

Over the past few weeks, a group of women from Community Partners have discovered that there is much to learn about social etiquette. Led by Armida Geiger of the Adelie School of Protocol, LLC, Community Partners recently sponsored a series of etiquette classes for adult women.

All the participants choose to attend because they have personal goals regarding social skills and the understanding of behavior consequences. The classes were a wonderful introduction to the basics of manners and created a lasting impression on the participants.

The “Everyday Manners” classes covered a variety of topics, including introductions, listening, telephone and cell phone usage, the protocol to follow when waiting for rides, gossip and dating and romance. Geiger used skits, role playing and examples to make abstract concepts concrete.

The participants learned that there is meaning behind social etiquette that extends beyond “we just don’t do that” without an explanation of why.

Examples that illustrate the right and wrong way to approach a situation were particularly useful to the participants.

“It was presented in a fun way that captured their attention,” said Nancy A. Morse, Community Partners community support services coordinator. “They kept asking questions even when the class had ended. The classes were a great learning experience for everybody.”

For the students, having an outside teacher for the class has been tremendously helpful. They are finding that explanations from another voice are objective, and they tend to listen more closely and take the class more seriously. In the fall, Community Partners plans to work with the Adelie School of Protocol to teach a class for adult men, and will follow up with a combined female and male class.

“It was great,” said Sarah Buckovitch, one of the participants, a sentiment other attendees echoed. “I felt better so that I could stand up for myself.”

Geiger said described the class as “an enriching adventure” for her.

“This class is about being the best you can be as an individual,” she said. “There is always room for improvement. Society is changing constantly, and we have to keep up.”

The Adelie School of Protocol, LLC offers a variety of after-school programs and etiquette classes for children and adults. Visit adeliesop.wordpress.com or call 868-7156 for more information.

The state has designated Community Partners as the community mental health center and area agency for developmental services. A nonprofit, Community Partners serves more than 3,500 individuals and families annually. For more information, visit www.communitypartnersnh.org or call 516-9300.

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October 10/18 – 4:30-7:00 pm at Acorn’s Restaurant in Durham, New Hampshire – 11/3 5-7:30 pm at Sheraton Harborside – Portsmouth – Register for the Dining Etiquette Class for Kids

Pass the Peas, Please

Dining Etiquette Class for ages 7-13

 

Contact adelieschoolofprotocol@comcast.net for a registration form.

 

“Can I come to this class again?” This a common question asked by kids who attend a table manners class!   Having fun is what learning manners is all about.  While still young, children are very receptive to learning manners from anyone but their parents.  Adelie School of Protocol, LLC in Durham, New Hampshire has a proven track record having instructed over 500 students.  Small groups are very effective with hands-on instruction while dining over a multi-course meal. Shirt and tie, nice dress and big appetite is all that’s needed to attend a table manners class.  Looking for an opportunity for your son/daughter to feel extra special and gain confidence?  Just let them have a few hours alone with their peers in a fancy restaurant and when you pick them up, be ready for them to chew your ear off! Table conversation and questions abound from “What if I don’t like salad?” to “Do I have to hold my fork in my right hand, if I’m left handed?” You think it, they ask it.    Once they attend a table etiquette class, they’ll be ready to “show-off” their newly acquired manners. 

 

Please go to, CLASSES for current dates and locations.  Various fine-dining restaurants and inns throughout the Seacoast host Adelie School of Protocol, LLC.  Favorite locations have been: Acorn’s Restaurant at the New England Center – Durham, www.newenglandcenter.com The Governor’s Inn – Rochester, www.governorsinn.com   Sheraton Harborside Hotel – Portsmouth, www.sheratonportsmouth.com  The Common Man Restaurant – Concord,  www.thecman.com  C.R. Sparks – Bedford, www.crspark.com  Keep a watch for a location near you.

 

 

 

Questions – Comments – Get on the mailing list: 

Email: adelieschoolofprotocol@comcast.net

Phone: 603-868-7156

Mailing Address:

Adélie School of Protocol

13 Davis Avenue

Durham, New Hampshire 03824

Lessons on Play-dates put kids and parents at ease

How to handle a play-date.

With a little advance plannning, play-dates can go smoothly by following these simple guidelines.  The next time your child is invited to a play-date, they will be more comfortable when using their social manners because they have practiced them at home when they hosted a friend.

First, talk about wanting to have a friend over and see how mom/dad feel about it.  In order to avoid any embarrassment to the child and friend, this conversation should take place privately, not in front of the friend.  Settle on a day and time and remember to inquire if he/she has food or pet allergies.

Next, talk about what activities you can plan. Will the activity take place outside or in? Might it be baking cookies, creating with Legos, biking, crafts, a movie, making music with instruments or playing basketball? Once you start thinking of ideas the list could be endless. Settle on several ideas that you can offer and then gather the necessary materials in a convenient location.

Snack time.  Make sure you have a few snack and beverage choices.  First offer the friend a choice of  snack and beverage.  It is easier on your guest to be offered a choice of a drink. You can ask “Would you like chocolate milk or apple juice?” This approach is polite and is so much nicer than saying “What would you like to drink?”  Always let your friend have their choice of cookies first.  Remember not to eat or drink before first offering food to your friend.  When finished, put your dishes in the sink and push in the chairs or bar stools.

On the day of the play-date greet your friend at the door.  Once your friend arrives, answer the door and invite your friend and their parent inside.  Introduce your friend to your mom and dad.  Show the friend where they can put their shoes, coat and backpack.

Remember to ask if they are OK with your pet dog or cat.  If they are somewhat afraid or allergic, ask the friend to wait for a moment while you put the pet away.  Once you return, show the friend where the bathroom is.

When you are the guest in a friend’s home, remember to help pick up and put away toys and materials at the end of the play-date.  Always thank the parent, “Thank you Mrs. Smith for letting me play.”

Good Manners are about making others comfortable. 

  Armida Geiger, Owner of Adelie School of Protocol is a  certified etiquette instructor from the International School of Protocol in Baltimore, Maryland.  Offering a variety of Dining Etiquette and Social Manners Classes throughout the Seacoast and surrounding New Hampshire area.  Located in Durham, New Hampshire. 603-868-7156. www.adeliesop.wordpress.com 

 

 

Have fun while learning Table Etiquette and Restaurant Protocol

Good job tearing the bread!

Adelie School of Protocol offers several classes for children ages 7-13 throughout the Seacoast.  “Pass the Peas, Please” is held at the Sheraton in Portsmouth, www.sheratonportsmouth.com  The Governor’s Inn in Rochester, www.governorsinn.com and Acorn’s Restaurant in Durham, www.newenglandcenter.com   It is all about having good manners and making others feel comfortable.  The children enjoy the evening in a fine restaurant and feel very important being without their parents, but with their peers.    Girls think it is great to be seated by the boys and the boys rise to the occasion to role-play the “gentlemen”.   napkin protocol, waiting for the host to begin the meal, counter-clock wise passing of the food and learning to cheek-tuck your food while talking are just some of the points that are covered during the 2.5 hour class.  Included in the investment cost, every student receives a Table Etiquette Handbook, multi-course gourment dinner and hands-on instruction. 

Reservations are requested two weeks prior to the class date. Call 603-868-7156 or email: adelieschoolofprotocol@comcast.net to receive a registration form.

We sure had fun learning table manners!

Manners on the Go – Homeschool Group has Breakfast Etiquette

Manners on the Go - Homeschoolers  learn table manners

Mary L.  Caulfield and Armida A. Geiger, certified etiquette instructors from the Adelie School of Protocol in Durham, New Hampshire take their table manners class on the road to Milton, New Hampshire.   A wonderful group of home-school children doned their finest and each student toted a complete china place setting including utensils, beverage glasses and linen napkin.  The two hour class was a combination  of  table etiquette and everyday social manners for children ages 6-12.  Parents stepped right up and volunteered to cook and serve the brunch menu. Wearing white shirts and black slacks, they played the part of server and everyone had a great time.  Eggs strata, french toast and fresh fruit cups were  some of the 5-course menu items. 

children partake in Good Manners Program

Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, homeschool groups, choirs,  youth groups or birthday parties can enjoy a manners class by incorporating everyday manners and  table etiquette into a  fun- filled event.

Contact via email: adelieschoolofprotocol@comcast.net or call 603-868-7156

Caulfield & Geiger bring youth dining class to Concord, New Hampshire

An exciting evening was had at the Common Man Restaurant in Concord, New Hampshire where 14 youngsters from second-grade to eighth-grade attended a dining etiquette class, donning their finest attire!

For many parents and grandparents this is the first time their children and grandchildren would attend a class that teaches the finer points of dining as well as restaurant protocol, proper introductions &  proper seating.

To read more please visit the Concord Monitor at  www.concordmonitor.com

Or you can go directly to the article from the Adelie website by clicking on READ ABOUT US IN THE NEWS, located in the box on the right hand side of the website.

 

To contact Adelie School of Protocol please email: adelieschoolofprotocol@comcast.net

Phone Number 603-868-7156.

Proud Grandparent Shares Granddaughter’s Dining Etiquette Class

To the Editor: Armida A. Geiger shares  letter received after a table etiquette class, “Pass the Peas, Please”  held  at the Governor’s Inn.

It is written by Sue Murphy of Rochester, a grandmother of a student of Adelie School of Protocol. Murphy writes, “I wanted to share the dinner experience I had with my granddaughter on  Wednesday night after her table etiquette class at The Governor’s Inn in Rochester, New Hampshire.

“She comes to my house every Wednesday for dinner, so that particular night I suggested we eat in my dining room with candles, good silver, place mats, China, etc. Oh, and wine glasses … mine for wine and hers for milk. She was very explicit about how to set the table and the order to eat the ‘two’ courses. (I am not The Governor’s Inn!) Salad first … and the salad plate had to be on a dinner plate.

“I was instructed how to properly open my napkin ‘under the table’ and that I was not to start until she, the hostess, started to eat. And I could not have a sip of my wine until she took a sip of her milk. Oh, and I was reminded that I could only have refills on the water, not the wine. (That must have been because they could only have one glass of soda?) Once we finished our salad she immediately asked me if I had any sorbet. I did not … but she reminded me that we had chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer and we could use that to ‘cleanse our pallets.’ (We did not …)

“During the main course she told me how if one didn’t care for the meal to occasionally stir and poke the food a little so the hostess would not feel bad that you might not like her meal. Good idea! When my granddaughter finished eating or she had decided she didn’t want to finish, she announced that I had to stop eating because she, the hostess, was finished. ‘When the hostess is finished, everyone else has to stop eating even if they are still hungry.’ (Not sure about that one!)

“When we rose to leave the dinner table she showed me how to crumple my napkin a little and leave it next to the dinner plate. If you are at a restaurant, leave the napkin on your seat if you have to leave to go the bathroom so the waiter knows you will be back, she informed me. “It was a memorable evening for me and I think your school of etiquette is a wonderful idea! I will continue to have our Wednesday night meals in the dining room and practice the good manners she learned. Thank you!”