What's Going On This Weekend?

Hopefully none of us will have a moment without a beer and/or hotdog in our hand, but just in case...here's a few alternative options for this weekend.

May 22 - Waterbury
Junie B. Jones. Palace Theater, 100 East Main St. Outspoken and loveable Junie B. Jones stars in a colorful, funny musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, kickball tournaments and other various first grade angst ridden situations. Admission: $8.00 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. (203) 755-4700

May 23 - Chester
Town-Wide Tag Sale. Town Center, Main St. Private homes and merchants all over town participate, maps to all sale locations and may be purchased at the town center for $1. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. www.visit-chester.com (860) 526-9924

May 23 – Middletown
Celebrate Spring Arts & Crafts Fair. 190 Court St. First Annual Fair exhibiting and selling handmade items. 9:30 – 3:30 Free admission. (860) 346-6657

Baby Picture... Hallelujah!

This might be the best idea...well...ever.

Bring your baby to the movies! The movie volume is lower, theater lights are kept dim, there’s changing pads at the front, and since everyone there has their baby too, no one minds the noise.

Can I get an AMEN?!

Connecticut Post 14 Cinema de Lux
Film: GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST
Rating: PG-13
Price: $5.25
Date: 5/21/2009
Time: 12:00 (noon)

Update: Weekend Toddler Tunes

There will be no Toddler Tunes this Sunday due to an event at the church, but please join us on Wednesday at 11:15!

Reminder: Leila Day Fair Tomorrow!

This is another tag sale and fair that we never miss!

The Leila Day Nursery School Spring Fair
May 16 – New Haven

Looking for fun for the whole family? Head over to Leila Day Nursery School’s annual Spring Fair complete with pony rides, a zip line, Toddler Tunes musician Robert Messore, tons of arts & crafts, fun games, a kids toys & gear tag sale, and lots of great food, baked goods & refreshments. All proceeds help the school to provide tuition assistance to families with different economic needs. All ages. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16 (rain date May 17) at Leila Day Nursery School, 100 Cold Spring St., New Haven. Free admission (tickets cost 50 cents to play games, do activities and purchase food). For more information, please call 203-624-1374 or visit www.leiladay.com.

What's Going On This Weekend?

May 12 -17 – Norwalk
Celebrate Children’s Book Week. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue, Norwalk CT 06850.
Activities and free books. Books courtesy of Scholastic while supplies last. General admission is $9 and children under 1 are free. To learn more visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org or call 203 899 0606.

And also at Stepping Stones:

May 15-16
Family Fun Nights with Curious George. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Mathews Park, 303 West Ave. Evening includes pizza, hands-on activities, story time and the children can get their picture taken with Curious George. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Admission: $12.00 www.steppingstonesmuseum.org (203) 899-0606

May 16 - New Haven
Leila Day Nursery School Spring Fair, 100 Cold Spring Street, New Haven (across from East Rock Park) The oldest pre-school in Connecticut, Leila Day hosts its annual Spring Fair complete with musicians, pony rides, zip line, arts & crafts, games, tag sale, food and refreshments. All proceeds allow the school to provide tuition assistance to families with different economic needs. (Rain date: May 17) 10:00 AM FREE Admission (tickets for games, activities, food 50 cents) www.leiladay.com 203-624-1374

May 16-17 – East Haven
Olde Tyme Fun Days Car Show. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St. Ride an antique trolley to a display of vintage and classic automobiles. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $8, seniors $6, children (2-15) $4. (203) 467-6927

May 16-17 – Essex
Book Sale, Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Used books in very good condition for children, adults, collectors, and dealers. Free. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (860) 767-1560

May 17 – Guilford
Guilford Savings Bank Run, Jacobs Beach. Four-mile foot race and .5-mile Kids Run. 9 a.m.(203) 481-5933

RWW Playgroup

Tomorrow's playgroup will meet in the church basement on the corner of Livingston and Edwards in New Haven from 9:30-11:30. Feel free to join us!

RWW Playgroup

Sorry for the last minute post, but I want to be sure you all know that the RWW playgroup is meeting in East Rock Park today on the playground.

On dry, warm days, we will meet outside. When it rains, we'll be in the church where we met all winter. I will post the location on Thursday evenings from now on.

Reminder: Bethesda Spring Fair and Tag Sale THIS SATURDAY

SPRING FAIR AND TAG SALE. Bethesda Nursery School will hold its annual spring fair and tag sale on Saturday, May 9, from 10 am – 2 pm (rain or shine). The tag sale begins at 9 am. The tag sale will include toys, furniture, household goods, children’s clothing, and many other treasures. In addition, this fantastic family event provides entertainment including magician, music, games, moon bounce, plant sale, bake sale, and refreshments. Admission is free. Tickets must be purchased for activities. All proceeds benefit the Bethesda Nursery School scholarship fund. Join the fun at the Bethesda Nursery School playground, 305 St. Ronan Street, New Haven. Parking is also available at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 450 Whitney Avenue, between Canner Street and Edwards Street.

ArtWalk 2009

May 8th and 9th in New Haven's Westville Village. This weekend-long event is not to be missed! Click here for more details!

What's Going On This Weekend?

In addition to the special events posted above, here's what else is going on this weekend:

May 7-10, 2009 – Waterbury
Greek Festival. Holy Trinity Church, 937 Chase Pkwy. Festival featuring world-renowned cuisine and music, along with Greek Youth dancers, lectures, church tours, plants and vegetables, pastries, boutique. Thu. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (203) 754-5189

May 8-10 - Naugatuck
Children of Eden. St. Michael’s Church, 210 Church St. Act One is about Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel. Act Two is about Noah’s Ark. Experience their challenges and their generational legacies. May 1, 7 p.m. May 2, 8 & 9, 8 p.m. May 3 & 10, 2 p.m. Opening night $25, all other performances $15. (203) 729-8249

May 8 and 9 - Clinton
Peter Pan! Andrews Memorial Town Hall, East Main Street. Kidz Konnection, a non-profit youth theatre company presents Peter Pan. Tickets $8 for adults, $5 for kids, children under 3 free. 7:30 p.m. For more information call 860-227-2363 or email llwa@yahoo.com


May 9 - Branford
Shoreline Walkathon to support the Community Dining Room 40 Owenego Beach Club, 40 Linden Ave. This is s a fun, family with music, magic, and fresh air. Celebrate Mothers Day Weekend with a walk or run along the shoreline while helping the Community Dining Room serve feed local families in need. 9:30 A.M. $20 suggested donation. 203 488-9750

May 9 – Branford
Branford Folk Music Society. First Congregational Church, 1009 Main St. An evening with Bill Staines performing traditional folk music. 8 p.m. Admission: $15.00 (203) 488-7715

May 9 – Essex
May Market. Town Park, Main St. Perennials, annuals, fresh potted herbs, gourmet jams, vinegars, famous garlic salt, garden design booths. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (860) 388-4256

May 9 - New Haven
Foster/Adoption Multi-Agency Open House. New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm Street. Learn about foster care/adoption opportunities from Boys & Girls Village, Casey Family Services, Children’s Community Programs of CT., Community Residences Inc, CT Dept. of Children and Families, Jewish Family Service, and NAFI CT. RSVP/request more information, call 203.583.9302. 2 - 5pm. Free. 203.583.9302

May 9-10 – Milford
Meet the Artists & Artisans. Milford Green, Broad St. Juried arts and handcrafts show with 200 nationally acclaimed exhibitors from coast to coast. Exhibitors display, demonstrate and discuss their original work. Rated by the Fine Art Show in the U.S. as one of the top 100 best shows. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Free. www.meettheartistsandartisans.com (203) 874-5672


May 9 - 10 - Milford & North Haven
National Amusements Presents Kidtoons Featuring:Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery playing on May 9th & 10th at Noon time. In Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery young engineers will meet a new engine named Stanley and follow Thomas on his greatest adventure yet, as the #1 engine puffs into new and uncharted territory. Additionally, THOMAS AND FRIENDS: THE GREAT DISCOVERY introduces five new original songs, including the new sing-along video “Thomas You’re the Leader,” and features Pierce Brosnan as the narrator. Thomas & Friends the Great Discovery will be shown at participating National Amusements locations. For tickets and theatres log on to www.nationalamusements.com. All tickets are only $3.50.

May 10 – East Haven
Mother’s Day on the Trolley. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St.Moms are the honored guests and rides for free on the trolley with her family. Adults $8, seniors $6, children (2-15) $4. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (203) 467-6927

May 10 – Hamden
Early Bird Watchers’ Hike. Sleeping Giant State Park off Rte. 10. Wear comfortable shoes, bring snacks and water. 8 a.m. Free. (203) 272-7841

May 10 – Middlebury
Mother’s Day. Quassy Amusement Park, Rte. 64. Free all-day wristband and dinner for moms (must be accompanied by a child). Admission. Parking $5. Noon-6 p.m www.quassy.com (800) FOR-PARK

Yale Child Study Center Social Engagement Study

New Haven - Yale University School of Medicine

Looking for something fun to do with your child?

We are currently enrolling children for a study on social development.
The study involves watching pictures of people, objects, and brief movies as well as playing with toys. The study does not involve any medical procedures and has been approved by the Yale University School of Medicine Human Investigation Committee (#0707002885). Children usually love it and parents find it informative. As a token of our appreciation, we offer gift certificates. Visit our lab to see state-of-the-art technology in infancy research! If you are interested and your child is between 10-24 months, please call (203) 764-5948 for more information or see our website: http://childstudycenter.yale.edu/autism/socialengagement.html.


The Simons Baby-Sibs Project of Social Neuroscience in Infancy
(known as “Baby-Sibs”) at the Yale Child Study Center
Are you currently pregnant or the mother of a newborn baby under 6 months of age?
The “Baby-Sibs” study is enrolling participants for a study that is investigating new methods of early diagnosis of developmental disabilities and ASD (autism spectrum disorder) in infants and toddlers.
Eligibility
Babies who have an older sibling diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a developmental disability.
Babies with typically developing older sibling(s) or first babies.

Study Information:
Your baby's development will be tracked from birth through 24 months of age using play and language assessments, parent questionnaires, short video and audio observations.
The study site is located at: 40 Temple Street, New Haven, CT.
This research will help to develop new ways to diagnose developmental disabilities and ASD in infants and toddlers, and aid in methods of early intervention and treatment for those children in need.

If you choose to participate, you will be paid a small incentive for completing the study.

For more information, please call Amy Margolis at (203)785-6237.

Visit http://childstudycenter.yale.edu/autism/sibs.html for additional details.

Bookstores Galore!

A giant thank you to New Haven native, bookstore maven and supermom, Eva, for this excellent information! If any of you readers out there are knowledgable in a particular area, like Eva, please send us an email (newhavenkids@gmail.com). We'd love to post more things like this!

Thank you again, Eva!

Eva writes...

Cool places to find children's books, new and used -- places you know about but wouldn't expect to find kid's books at, or places you just might not know about:

Labyrinth Books, 290 York St., New Haven
Known for its serious fiction section, and academic stock, it also has a small but seriously good children's section which is overseen by some of the best kids' book people I've ever met (Maya Dissanayake and Kate Hay). Between them I think Kate and Maya know EVERYTHING. It's incredible. A lot of the Labyrinth stock in this category is remaindered which means you can get really good stuff for really cheap.

One of my favorites from Labyrinth -- I don't know if they still have it in stock -- was "Benny's Had Enough," which made me laugh out loud on page one. A rare feat. I bought three copies.

There's the old standby Atticus (1082 Chapel Street, New Haven), which post-renovation still has a very nice children's book section. They have a lot of YA, too, which is nice; it's hard to find a good YA section.


In Connecticut: the Book Barn in Niantic. Many buildings. More used books than you can imagine unless you're someone who used to hang out at Powell's in Portland Oregon. However, Powell's doesn't have so many friendly cats and dogs roaming about, and they don't have goats on-site. Visit the main site, which is just outside of downtown ("downtown") Niantic, but be aware that they have an annex site in the middle of town, too, which is where all the cookbooks are... But for kids stuff, go to the farm.


Out of town, places that stand out in my mind include:
On Cape Cod, where a lot of people go over the summer -- Eight Cousins, on the main drag in Falmouth. Just wonderful. Truly wonderful. Knowledgeable staff, excellent selection, and the customers are cool too. Here I snagged my copies of I am a Bunny; Cookie's Week; Red is Best; and the Hondo and Fabian books. If you don't know Hondo and Fabian, by the way, you're really missing out.

In East Sandwich, MA, also on the Cape, there's a little place called Titcomb's which is part new books and part used and rare and all of it is A+ fun. I cannot tell you how many hours I've spent here over the years. It's just great. The kid's section is clearly the heart of the place; part of what's so cool about Titcomb's is that they have new kids books and used ones, so you can get recently published stuff as well as gems you remember from your childhood that are out of print. Very neat.

In the Berkshires:
The Bookstore in Lenox. Owned by Matt Tannenbaum, a friendly guy who knows his books. Discovered this place when we were in Lenox for a wedding and we had a goooood time. Also recommended because there's a place around there that makes these homemade doughnuts which are extraordinary. Homer's. Plain donuts. They ask, "Do you want sugar on that?" You say, "Yes, thank you."

Stockbridge Booksellers. Just go.

Big Sale At REI! BOB Strollers + Keen Shoes

REI is having a huge sale until May 10th and BOB strollers are even marked down! That never happens. Check out their website for details--and remember! If you become a member, you get an additional 20% off!

Also, we went to the store yesterday and got my son some Keen hybrids for summer. They were marked down to $32 (from $45). With our $15 credit (REI members are credited a percentage of what they spend every year) we got them for $17. For those of you who have kids with perfectly square, extra wide feet like mine, Keens are a great summer shoe. And with this sale, you don't have to spend $50 on sandals at Stride Rite.

Music Together

I must admit that one of the best parts of having this blog is that I can let other parents know about my favorite "mom things"--and this is definitely one of my favorites.

The Music Together class was recommended to me by another NHK blogger mom who took her 3 year old daughter before she began preschool. I began taking my son when he was about 18 months, which I secretly felt was too young for music class...but it was December, and the thought of being stuck inside all winter inspired me to try the class--just for one session. After my son started singing the words to the songs (which developed into his first sentences) and tapping out the *correct* rhythm, I quickly realized that he was the perfect age to be in music class. In fact, I wish I'd put him in sooner. Our escape from the winter months has turned into a regular activity for us. My son has learned so much, there is no way I could take him out now.

Here's some more info on the Music Together classes in our area. If you are outside of CT (believe it or not, some of our readers are!), please visit musictogether.com to find a class near you.

Musical Folk - www.MusicalFolk.com Tel: 203-621-9759
Offering Music Together - A fun creative Music & Movement program for toddlers (newborns through 5 years old) and the ones who love them! Come sing, dance & play instruments in an informal fun setting.

Classes and demo classes are ongoing throughout the year. Classes are held at the First Presbyterian Church - 704 Whitney Ave, New Haven, and in Westville at the Revive Wellness Studio - 867 Whalley Ave, New Haven.

Research has shown that children who have had exposure to making music at a very young age can achieve music competence earlier than those who have not had a rich musical environment. Increasing their vocabulary and early language skills as a result, building their confidence, and creativeness, as well as giving them the foundation they need when it comes time to begin formal instrument lessons. The participation and musical role model of the parent or the caregiver makes this program so special, and successful, building an emotional bond and a love of music that lasts a lifetime.

Another Dance Party

May 2nd- New Haven

Dance to Disco, R&B, Jazz, Oldies, Rock, New Wave, Techno, House, Latin, Chill, Country, and Pop music in a comfortable, smoke/alcohol/drug-free space.

205 Edwards Street, New Haven (corner of Livingston).
7:30-10:30 pm

Adults- $10
Teens- $5
Children 12 and under- FREE

For more info, visit: www.you-groove.blogspot.com