Monday, November 30, 2009

Holiday Family Fun and Book Fair!

UNITED COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL'S
19th Annual Holiday
FAMILY FUN & BOOK FAIR
Saturday, Dec 5th
10:00am - 2:30pm

GIANT SILENT AUCTION
HUGE SCHOLASTIC BOOK SALE

ENTERTAINMENT
includes:
Lonesome Sparrows w/ James velvet and Johnny Memphis (folk/roots)
Dean Falcone from the Shellye Valuskas Experience (pop/rock)
Chris Arnott & Friends (comedy and ukulele)
The Mangold Heisers (music and dance)
Roxi Fox Holiday Puppet Show
Tyler Trudeau (pop/rock)
The Wayfarers (folk)

Craftmaking for kids, lunch, bake sale, and more!

323 Temple Street
$4 admission ages 2 and up - covers all entertainment and craftmaking

All proceeds benefit the non-profit children's programs at United Community Nursery School

Sandbox Threads Week Long Sale!

For those of you who don't know, Sandbox Threads is a fantastic online store, started by a stay-at-home dad who was tired of searching high and low for cool clothes for his son. We are big, big fans!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

City of New Haven Tree Lighting!

After posting about the Upper State Street Tree Lighting, I thought I'd better find out when New Haven is having their annual tree lighting. It's a good thing I did, because it is this week!

The City of New Haven will present its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on the historic Green Thursday, December 3. The free family-fun event kicks off downtown’s holiday season at 5:30pm with live performances by Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School, Fair Haven School and Unity Boys Choir. The program will be co-hosted by WTNH News Channel 8/MyTV 9’s own Gil Simmons and Desiree Fontaine. Santa, Ronald McDonald and other special guests will lend a hand to illuminate the tree.

From 4-8pm there will be a host of free activities for children to enjoy– carousel rides, tug & train rides, letter writing to Santa with an express mail box for deliveries to the North Pole and the opportunity to be part of the “Alpine Safari” by riding on one of four mechanical animals, free of charge. There will also be holiday crafts, popcorn and free hayrides around the Green for all to enjoy. After the tree is lit, children can visit and take photos with Santa until 7:30PM.

For more information, click here.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Tree Lighting!

Upper State Street-New Haven is hosting a tree lighting festival You're invited! It's the 2nd Annual Upper State Street Tree Lighting! Join us Wed, Dec.2@5:30~State and East St by Chestnut Fine Foods~for holiday cheer! Come, come one and all!

Santa will be joining us to light the TREE (rumor has it the reindeer have been replaced and he'll be riding in on a firetruck!)...plus enjoy live holiday music and plenty of holiday sweet treats, compliments of Chestnut Fine Foods.

And help others in our community while you're celebrating!
Donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated and will be collected at the tree lighting. OR drop off your donations at L'Orcio restaurant during business hours. (203) 777-6670 All donations will support the Community Soup Kitchen.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

What's Going On This Thanksgiving Weekend?

Just in case any of you can peel your bodies off the sofa after stuffing yourselves silly...

November 27-January 9 - New Haven
The Eli Whitney Museum's annual hands on exhibition of American Flyer Trains opens Friday November 27th at noon. Classic toy trains produced by New Haven's A.C. Gilbert Company that still run beautifully after 50 years. Admission: Free Wooden trains to contruct: $9 American Flyer Curator: Walter Zawalich Principal Artist: Hunter Nesbitt Spence Principal Model Maker: Mike Dunn A.C. Gilbert purchased, redesigned and produced American Flyer trains relatively late in his career. It was also relatively late in the history of American railroads. Airports and highways were reshaping American geography. Gilbert’s trains recollected past power and glory of rail. Gilbert's trains recollected the power and glory of his life. Our Holiday Train Exhibit will follow that journey.

November 7-December 24 – New Haven
Celebration of American Crafts Holiday Exhibition. Creative Arts Workshop, 80 Audubon St. Holiday exhibition and sale of fine contemporary crafts by more than 300 artists from across the America. Features glass, pottery, jewelry, fibers, wood furnishings and more. Mon.-Sat. 11 AM-6 PM, Thu. 11 AM- 8 PM, Sun. 1-5 PM, Dec. 24 11 AM-2 PM. Free. 203-562-4927

November 19-December 31 – New Haven
Fantasy of Lights, Lighthouse Park, Lighthouse Rd. Drive through an enchanting land of sparkling lights and spectacular holiday light displays. Delights children and adults of all ages. Admission: Vehicles $10; mini-bus $25, bus $50. Sun.-Thu. 5-9 PM., Fri. and Sat. 5-10 PM. 203-777-2000

November 20-February 14 - Essex
Holiday Train Show Exhibit. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St. Features an operating model railroad that is bigger and better than ever and promises to bring out the child in everyone. Admission: Adults $8, seniors $7, children (6-12) $5, under 6 free. Tue.-Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM. www.ctrivermuseum.org 860-767-8269

November 21-January 10 – Old Lyme
The Magic of Christmas: A Holiday Celebration. Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme St. Miss Florence Artist Trees decorated with the work of more than 100 artists from across the country, themed Fantasy Trees, and the historic house decorated for a 1910 Christmas. Admission: Adults $9, seniors $8, students $7, children (12 and under) free. Tue.-Sat. 10 AM-5 PM, Sun. 1 PM-5 PM www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org 860- 434-5542

November 26 - Branford
Rotary Y Run & Walk 5K at Walsh Intermediate School, Damascus Road. Flat course with picturesque views of a golf course and town park. Starts at 8:30 AM. 203-481-5933

November 27-December 12 - Middletown
Wesleyan Potters Exhibit & Sale, 350 South Main St. One of the oldest juried craft show in the country, highlighting work by its members plus more than 200 talented American artisans in every craft field. Daily 10 AM-5 PM, Thu. & Fri. 10 AM-8 PM. Free. www.wesleyanpotters.com 860-347-5925

November 27-28 - Mystic
Field Days at Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave. (Rte. 27). Participate in 19th-century games, make crafts in the Children's Museum and explore the autumn sky under the planetarium dome. 10 AM-4 PM. Museum admission. 888-973-2767

November 27-December 31 - Oakdale
The 12 Dinosaurs of Christmas at The Dinosaur Place, 1650 Hartford New London Tpke (Rte. 85). View dinosaurs in ways unlike any other and spend quality time with the family during the holiday season. 11 AM - 4 PM, weekends only Nov. 27-Dec. 20, daily Dec. 26-31. www.thedinosaurplace.com 860-443-4367

November 28-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 – East Haven
Holiday Lights on the Trolley. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St. Enjoy the holiday lights display while riding a cozy, heated trolley. Adults $8, seniors $6, children (2-15) $4. 6 PM-9 PM. 203-467-6927

November 29 - Essex
Trees in the Rigging. Town Hall & Connecticut River Museum, Main St. Event includes traditional lantern-lit stroll down Main Street joined by a parade of antique cards and the Sailing Master of 1812 Fife and Drum Corps. Followed by a lighted boat parade and a visit from Santa. 4:30 PM. Free. www.ctrivermuseum.org 860-767-8269

November 29 – Orange
Wagon Rides with Santa at Maple View Farm, 603 Orange Center Rd. Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride with Santa at this historic farm along with hot chocolate and cookies. 10 AM-4 PM. $5. 203-799-6495

Monday, November 23, 2009

Family Day At Yale!

YALE UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUMS HOST A SPECIAL DAY FOR FAMILIES
Two Museums, Twice the Fun

WHAT
The Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art invites the public to a special Family Day

WHEN
Sunday, December 6, 1:00-3:30 PM

WHERE
Yale University Art Gallery
1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511
203.432.0600
Artgallery.yale.edu

And

Yale Center for British Art
1080 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06511
203.432.2800
Ycba.yale.edu

DESCRIPTION
The Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art invites families to a special day to participate in art-making activities, storytelling, and tours for children ages 4-10. Light refreshments will be served.

WHO
Everyone is invited; activities are aimed toward young children and families. FREE

Calling All Parents!

I've recently come across a number of restaurants in the area who offer one of the most magical, magnificent menu possibilities ever: Kids Eat Free. It has occurred to me that there are probably several places that offer this special treat to families, which is why I've decided to put together a list to post on NHK blog.

If you know of any CT restaurants where Kids Eat Free, please leave a comment or send us an email at newhavenkids@gmail.com and we'll add it to the list. Thank you!

ps
Please include all restaurants--anything and everything from fancy schmancy to Boston Market (which is on the list, by the way).

The Bowen’s 1887 Christmas Celebration

Woodstock, Connecticut - Roseland Cottage conducts its eighth annual holiday tour of the museum on Sunday, December 6, 12:00-4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are welcomed.

This special tour highlights the traditions, food and festivities that were a part of the Bowen family holiday celebration. During this once-a-year program, costumed interpreters lead visitors through the first-floor of the museum, decorated with the finest Victorian trimmings, and share holiday stories from the written accounts of the Bowen family Christmas of 1887. In the adjacent Carriage Barn, the Roseland Cottage gift shop is open, and refreshments and readings from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol are available.

Appointments for group tours (10 or more people) of the holiday-decorated museum can made through January 10 for a fee of $5 per person. Call 860-928-4074 for more information.

New this year – The Woodstock Academy’s Project Graduation Committee holds a holiday sale in the Roseland Cottage carriage barn. Wreaths, holiday treats and baked good are available. All proceeds from the sale support the Woodstock Academy’s 2010 “Class Night" celebration, an all night, chaperoned, substance-free celebration for the graduating seniors.

Roseland Cottage, located at 556 Route 169 in Woodstock, Connecticut, is one of thirty-six properties owned and operated by Historic New England. For more information visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org or call Roseland Cottage at 860-928-4074.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Last Minute Addition To Weekend Plans!

2009 UBS Parade Spectacular!
Presented by Stamford Town Center and The Advocate
November 22, 2009, 12 noon in Stamford Downtown

From what I hear, this is a giant balloon parade, not unlike those in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Last year, there was an enormous turnout (around 100,000 people) so you might want to get there early!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Free Thursday Evening At Stepping Stones!

Thursday, November 19th
Get Into It! FREE -- The Road to Healthyville!
Children learn how food gives their bodies energy to be active and grow strong. Through hands-on interactive games, children will learn about the different food groups and building a healthy meal. Activities include Growing up Fit and Healthy story time, playing the Fruits and Vegetables Matching Game and building a skeleton. Sponsored by GE Capital Real Estate. Enjoy FREE admission to Stepping Stones Museum from 5:00-8:00.

What's Going On This Weekend?

November 19-December 31 – New Haven
Fantasy of Lights, Lighthouse Park, Lighthouse Rd. Drive through an enchanting land of sparkling lights and spectacular holiday light displays. Delights children and adults of all ages. Admission: Vehicles $10; mini-bus $25, bus $50. Sun.-Thu. 5-9 PM., Fri. and Sat. 5-10 PM. 203-777-2000

November 20-February 14 - Essex
Holiday Train Show Exhibit. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St. Features an operating model railroad that is bigger and better than ever and promises to bring out the child in everyone. Admission: Adults $8, seniors $7, children (6-12) $5, under 6 free. Tue.-Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM. www.ctrivermuseum.org 860-767-8269

November 21 - New Haven
The CT Children's Museum presents Saturdays at 2. This week's book is "Stone Soup" by Marcia Brown, and read by Max Malmquist, Teacher.

November 21 - Norwalk
Stepping Stones Museum presents: Tellebration! Join Ann Shapiro and Marcia Hupp from the Connecticut Storytelling Center as they share stories about Australia. This program is part of Tellebration!, a statewide event celebrating the joy of story. 2:30-3:15 pm.

November 21-22 - Branford/Guilford/Madison
Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studio Weekend. 40 artists open their studios to display their work. Maps available at each studio and each town library, the Guilford Arts Center. Free. 10 AM-4 PM. 203-481-3505

November 21- Meriden
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main St. Enjoy an artistic extravaganza of arts, crafts and baked goods all for sale. Free. 10 AM-9 PM. 203-639-2856

November 21-January 10 – Old Lyme
The Magic of Christmas: A Holiday Celebration. Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme St. Miss Florence Artist Trees decorated with the work of more than 100 artists from across the country, themed Fantasy Trees, and the historic house decorated for a 1910 Christmas. Admission: Adults $9, seniors $8, students $7, children (12 and under) free. Tue.-Sat. 10 AM-5 PM, Sun. 1 PM-5 PM www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org 860- 434-5542

November 21 - Waterbury
Mini Holiday Greek Food Festival, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 937 Chase Pkwy. Greek food, pastries and music. Free. 11 AM- 7 PM. 203-754-5189

November 22 - Guilford
Art Together Family Workshop: Pinch Pot Favors. Guilford Art Center, Route 77. Spend time with family & friends one Sunday per month & discover your creative side together. We provide the materials, you decide what to create and bring your art home. This week, decorate your Thanksgiving table with candy-filled clay place markers. 1-2:30 PM. $8 per person; registration required. 203-453-5947

November 22 – Waterbury
"Ode to Joy". Fine Arts Center at Naugatuck Valley Community College, 750 Chase Pkwy. The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven's Symphony #9, composed by the great master near the end of his career. 3 PM. Admission: $5-$40. www.waterburysymphony.org 203-574-4283

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

What's Going On This Weekend?

November 13 - Norwalk
Family Fun Night with Winnie the Pooh! Join us for an evening of fun for the whole family with Winnie the Pooh. Evening includes dinner, hands-on activities, storytime and a photo with Winnie the Pooh. Members $10/person. Non-members $12/person. Children under one are free. Call 203.899.0606, ext. 247 or go to steppingstonesmuseum.org for reservations. 6:00-8:30 pm.

November 14 – New Haven
Imagination Movers. Shubert Theatre, 247 College Street. Live From The Idea Warehouse Tour. With a hit Disney Channel series geared towards preschoolers and a newly released Walt Disney Records CD under their belt, the wildly popular kid-pop quartet Imagination Movers will launch “Live From The Idea Warehouse Tour,” their first-ever U.S. concert theater tour! This all-new stage show is based on the hit "Imagination Movers" TV show which airs on Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney. 203-562-5666

November 14 - New Haven
The CT Children's Museum presents Saturdays at 2. This week's book is "I Know an Old Lady who Swallowed a Pie" by Alison Jackson and performed by George Melillo, Musician.

November 14-Brooklyn, CT
Turkey Time at Creamery Brook Bison, 19 Purvis Rd. Take a wagon ride to the bison. Warm up after with hot cider and cookies (children get to decorate them). Complete the day with a turkey demonstration project for children 12 years and under. Admission: $9. www.creamerybrookbison.net 860-779-0837

November 14 - Fairfield
Holiday Train Show Model Building. Hobby Town USA, 847 Post Rd. Build and paint a wooden model train building which will be displayed in Christmas Town as part of the Fairfield Museum's Holiday Express Train Show. 10 AM-2 PM. Admission: $15. 203-259-1598

November 14 and 15 - Essex
Day out with Thomas! 9 am - 4 pm. Take a 25 minute ride on a full sized Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy storytelling, live music and much more! Tickets $18 for ages 2 and up.

November 14 - Norwalk
Special storytimes with Winnie the Pooh at Stepping Stones Museum. 11:30-12:00 and 2:30-3:00.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Maclaren Stroller Recall

Apparently 1 million Maclaren strollers were recalled today for a faulty hinge that actually lopped off tiny kid fingers. Comforting, huh? If you are wondering what you should do if you have one of the recalled models (Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller), Maclaren is telling people to immediately stop using the product and contact them to obtain a kit which includes hinge covers.

To read more about the recall, visit the Maclaren website. There you will find the contact info to obtain your kit.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

For Your Budding Astronauts

I found this cool website that tells you when you can watch the space shuttle fly by. Click Here and select your city. Once you do that, you'll find a list of dates and the times when you'll be able to see the shuttle. It even gives you the coordinates and the duration of time it will be visible. Here is New Haven's Schedule.

FYI: From what I hear, you should try to find a date and time with a longer duration, because it can be difficult to spot. It has been described as a bright horizontal line that looks larger than a plane and moves quickly and steadily.

Pretty cool, huh? Anyone know if the Yale telescopes might be open to the public so we can get an even better view?

UPDATE!

Thanks so much to NHK reader sbj for this tip:

Yale Observatory is open every Tuesday night, with viewings through telescope, weather permitting. See: http://www.astro.yale.edu/observatory/welcome

That would mean the next date would be Nov 17 when shuttle visible


And just to clarify, you don't need a telescope to see the shuttle, but it is sure to give you a better view!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

What's Going On This Weekend?

November 6-8 - Madison
4th Annual Fair Earth Bazaar at the Mercy Center at Madison, 167 Neck Road. New England's largest Fair Trade marketplace, offering thousands of unique, beautiful and reasonably priced items--jewelry, accessories, baskets, clothing, home goods, food and much more. Handcrafted by artisans in dozens of developing nations in Africa, the Pacific Rim, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, all items will be Fair Trade, ensuring that workers enjoy fair wages and fair working conditions. Come and shop the world at Mercy Center. Friday, 4-8 PM, Saturday 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday 11 AM-3 PM. Admission $5.00. www.mercybythesea.org 203-245-0401

Novermber 7 - New Haven
The CT Children's Museum presents Saturdays at 2. This week's book is "The Doorbell Rang" by Pat Hutchins, and performed by Children’s Theater Stage & Story Troupe.

November 7 - Branford
Holiday Fair and Silent Auction 2009. The United Methodist Church, 811 East Main Street. SILENT AUCTION, BRAND NEW Kids’ Corner, Everyone’s Favorite Granny’s Cellar/Treasures and Bake shoppe. Branford Police “Smoke Trailer” & Police Officer Ron Washington with “Kid Care ID” umcbranford@snet.net WWW.GBGM-UMC.ORG/UMCBRANFORD 8am to 2pm Free or 203-488-0549
November 7-December 24 – New Haven
Celebration of American Crafts Holiday Exhibition. Creative Arts Workshop, 80 Audubon St. Holiday exhibition and sale of fine contemporary crafts by more than 300 artists from across the America. Features glass, pottery, jewelry, fibers, wood furnishings and more. Mon.-Sat. 11 AM-6 PM, Thu. 11 AM- 8 PM, Sun. 1-5 PM, Dec. 24 11 AM-2 PM. Free. 203-562-4927

November 7 – Oxford
Arts & Crafts Show. Oxford Center School, Rte. 67. Juried show featuring all original and handmade, refreshments. Free. 10 AM -4 PM. 203- 888-0363

November 7 - Norwalk
Stepping Stones Museum presents Creative Kids.Learn about the Aboriginal people from Australia through their distinctive art style. 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

November 8 - Norwalk
Help us grow! Join us for the first Stepping Stones Step & Stroll-a-Thon to raise funds and show your support for the museum’s Growing Together Community Campaign. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

November 8 – Hamden
Fall Hikers’ Hike at Sleeping Giant State Park off Rte. 10. A strenuous hike over rough terrain, suggested for experience hikers only. 10 AM. Free. 203-272-7841

November 8 - Madison
Open House. The Country School, 341 Opening Hill Rd. The Country School is a coeducational independent school for Preschool children to Grade 8. See for yourself how our exceptional and dedicated faculty give our students an education that lasts a lifetime! Free 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
www.thecountryschool.org admission@thecountryschool.org 203-421-3113

November 8 - Windsor Locks
Women Take Flight. New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Rd. (Rte. 75). Meet women in all fields of aviation. Presentations, short films and spend time talking with women who work in the aviation industry. Food vendors on site all day. 10 AM-5 PM. Adults $10, seniors $9, children (4-11) $5, 3 and under free. www.neam.org 860- 623-3305