KidZense - Stuff to Do with Kids in New Jersey

The Nature Program Cooperative

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:34:00 +0000

The Nature Program Cooperative
Click here for the NPC website.

Did you know there are over a dozen places and organizations in Bergen County alone that provide quality nature programs? Recently, they created the NPC – a pooling of knowledge and resources designed to offer the people of our region greater opportunities to explore and enjoy the County’s natural side.

Current Nature Program Cooperative partners include:

Bergen County Audubon Society
Bergen SWAN
Closter Nature Association
Demarest Nature Center
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center
The Fyke Nature Association
Greenbrook Sanctuary
Hackensack Riverkeeper

Lorrimer Sanctuary (NJ Audubon)
Meadowlands Environment Center (NJMC)
Palisades Interstate Park Commission
Teaneck Creek Conservancy
Tenafly Nature Center
Watershed Ambassadors (NJDEP)
Weis Ecology Center (NJ Audubon)

Throughout the year, different partners of the Co-op will host an outdoor activity or indoor educational program at a nature center or other appropriate location to which all group members are invited. When applicable, member discounts will apply to all Co-op partner members and supporters. For example, when Tenafly Nature Center hosts an event, members of all other groups pay the TNC member rate. Non-members are also welcome to attend. All events will be advertised in each group’s newsletter.

Upcoming NPC programs: click here for more information.

Birding for Beginners Class
Hosted by Bergen County Audubon in partnership with the NJ Meadowlands Commission
March 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 am - 12 pm

Stream Invertebrates in Greenbrook Sanctuary Hosted by Greenbrook Sanctuary  March 28

Sky Creatures: Stories in the Sky
Hosted by Meadowlands Environment Center
Friday, April 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 9 pm
Survival in the Wild
Hosted/Presented by Flat Rock Brook Nature Center
Sunday, April 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30–3:30 pm.
Guided Paddle Through the Sawmill Marsh
Hosted by Hackensack Riverkeeper
Saturday, April 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am
“Shad Bake” at Mrs. Kearney’s tavern
Hosted/Presented by Palisades Interstate Park
Saturday, May 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 am – 3 pm
Marsh Meander
Hosted by Meadowlands Environment Center
Saturday, May 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2:30 pm

The Princess and the Frog from Leapfrog

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:04:00 +0000

My family is a big fan of Leapfrog products we currently have the Click-start, Leapster2, and Tag systems. So I was a little disappointed with a recent purchase we made of Disney's Princess and the Frog for the Leapster.

I had reviewed the online trailer and thought it would be a good addition with both math and spelling games.

The game has the characters and sounds from The Princess and the Frog. But it lacks originality and seems like a recycled version of other Leapster games. One big detractor is that the sound clips are often repeated back to back. It seems as though Leapfrog rushed to get this product out in time for Mardi Gras and ride the wave of the movies popularity.
In doing so they created a product that is similar to other Disney games and left this consumer feeling a little ripped off. As a parent I have come to expect games from leapfrog that help my child to master concepts in a fun, novel way. This one misses the mark.

The Magic of a Snow Day

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:10:00 +0000

The Magic of a Snow Day

This past week we received our first major snowfall of the winter.
Schools and many workplaces were closed.

Ah! The snow day, even as an adult I can remember the feeling of anticipation that school might be closed. A feeling eclipsed only by that of Christmas or a birthday.
So It was truly a gift to be able to experience my daughters first snow day. As she woke I gently whispered schools closed. Her thin slits for eyes grew wide and a smile spread across her face. Then she dashed to the window to look outside. The pool is buried, she said. The snow had drifted up to the wall that surrounds the pool in our building's courtyard.

We had pancakes for breakfast (something usually reserved for Sundays.) And watched the weather report. During the morning I had some conference calls and work to complete. (courtesy of technology, many parents don't get snow days anymore)

Venture Out
After a late lunch enough was enough, it was time to get outside and enjoy the magic of the snow.

Our Courtyard and parking lot had been transformed into a white windswept tundra. We trudged along to our car stopping along the way to make some snowballs and snow angels.

The car was also transformed as well. The snow covered windows blocked out most of the light. Once the heat got kicking it was a warm and cozy snow cave.

Onto the sledding

We drove up to a park along Husdon Terrace. This is a local favorite spot for sledding. The bowel shaped park offers a wide variety of sledding profiles from short and steep to long gradual slopes to everything in between. The perimeter of the hills were dotted with snowman and other snow sculptures.

We made a number of runs down each of the hills, had a snowball fight, and then proceeded to make a snow fort and then some more sledding.

One of my favorite memories that day was when we lied on our backs looking up at the falling snow. We followed the flakes from as high as we could see all the way down to the ground. And on a few occasions, right onto our faces. There is something about falling snow that quiets everything down, including the soul. It is a peacefulness that I have only experienced while it is snowing.
I am grateful that I was able to share this day with the best person I could imagine. While the snow transformed our town into a winter wonderland, for a few hours it transformed this 40 year old back into a kid.

Get ready to Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:07:00 +0000

It seems like every Little girl wants to be a ballerina or dancer at some time in their life. Maybe it was the 1st time they experienced The Nutcracker, or saw The Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Show, or watched Angelina Ballerina. Whatever the reason is, if your child has a desire to dance The Edgewater Community center is providing you with a great opportunity to cultivate that desire.

Local Dance Instructor Maureen Strab will be holding classes for kids starting as young as three.
Classes begin Tuesday January 26th. The Edgewater Community Center is at 1167 River Road in Edgewater NJ. (Other days are available at other North Jersey Locations - you may contact Maureen for more information)

The Cost for the classes are as follows:

$120 for 10 week session Edgewater Residents

$140 for 10 week session Non Residents

The end of the session will culminate in a final performance providing an opportunity for your child to showcase what they have learned.

The following classes and times are available

2:00 - Creative Movement age 3

3:00 - Pre-Ballet age 4

4:00 - Dance Combo: ages 5 & 6 Ballet, tap, and jazz

5:00 - Dance and Drama: ages 7 & 8 Ballet, jazz, funk, theatre dance, acting

6:00 - Dance and Drama: ages 9-12 Ballet, jazz, funk, theatre dance, acting

Dance offers more benefits than just providing an outlet for burning off some extra energy.

It encourages the student to use their imagination and creativity through expressive movement. Broadens your child's knowledge of the arts.

Hones motor skills, balance, flexibility, and coordination.

Is a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time.

Provides a venue for your child and you to make new friends with shared interests.

Here is a some information about Maureen

Maureen Straub is a performer, teacher, and choreographer in the tri-state area. She graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in 2001.

She has performed professionally in NYC, national and international tours, regional theatres, Children's DVDs, and even a documentary.

Her choreography has been featured at many venues including the world famous Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and the Bergen PAC.

Currently Maureen is working on a documentary, called ICONS, in which she plays Judy Garland and is also the choreographer. She has performed with legends Ben Vereen and Ann Reinking.

Maureen loves everything about the world of the arts. She enjoys passing on her knowledge and passion to the next generation.

Massive Product Recall by J&J

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:40:00 +0000

Johnson & Johnson issued a massive recall Friday of over-the-counter drugs including Tylenol, Motrin and St. Joseph's aspirin because of a moldy smell that has made people sick.

For full product recall information :

http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/

What was recalled?

The recall includes some batches of regular and extra-strength Tylenol, children's Tylenol, eight-hour Tylenol, Tylenol arthritis, Tylenol PM, children's Motrin, Motrin IB, Benadryl Rolaids, Simply Sleep, and St. Joseph's aspirin.

What was wrong?

The FDA said about 70 people have been either sickened by the odor - including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea - or noticed it.

The smell is caused by small amounts of a chemical associated with the treatment of wooden pallets, Johnson & Johnson said. The FDA said the chemical can leach into the air, and traced it to a facility in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico.

The New Brunswick, N.J., company said it is investigating the issue and will stop shipping products with the same materials on wooden pallets. It has asked suppliers to do so as well.

Why now?

It was the second such recall in less than a month because of the smell, which regulators said was first reported to Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare Products division in 2008. Federal regulators criticized the company, saying it didn't respond to the complaints quickly enough, wasn't thorough in how it handled the problem and didn't inform the Food and Drug Administration quickly.

The FDA said McNeil knew of the problem in early 2008 but made only a limited investigation.

"McNeil should have acted faster," said Deborah Autor, the director of the FDA's Office of Compliance of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "When something smells bad, literally or figuratively, companies must aggressively investigate and take all necessary action to solve the problem."

What do I do if I have recalled products?

You should stop using the product and contact McNeil Consumer Healthcare for instructions on a refund or replacement, the company said.

For these instructions or information regarding how to return or dispose of the product, go to www.mcneilproductrecall.com or call 1-888-222-6036 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Don't get Scrooged this Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:34:00 +0000

Charles Dickens Classic Story of a mean who finds the meaning of Christmas through a series of visits from the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

Scrooge is a miserable Curmudgeon but somehow Dickens character is also someone worthy of being saved. By the end of the story you right there with Scrooge happy that the spirits were able to complete their work in one night and filled with the Christmas Spirit.

This is a timeless story and has been retold numerous times in different forms and adaptations.

The most recent remake of the story is now on the big screen in 3D in Disney's version of

A Christmas Carol

This is not Disney's first attempt at telling the Dickens Classic in 1983 they released Mickey's Christmas Carol

In 1962 Mr. Magoo took a turn at playing Ebenezer Scrooge in Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol

While the Animated versions are entertaining. A Christmas Carol can be seen live onstage at a number of Playhouses and Performing Arts Centers.

One of my earliest memories is see A Christmas Carol at the Papermill Playhouse on a 2nd grade class trip. It was a surprise trip and I wasn't sure what to expect but after a few minutes I was lost in the magic of live theater. The Papermill production will always hold a special place in my holiday memories.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Event Date: Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 10:00 am

Facility: Paper Mill Playhouse in Milburn NJ

Take Route 80 East to Route 280 East, to Exit 7 for Pleasant Valley Way.

Turn left onto Pleasant Valley Way. After five miles, the road turns into Brookside Drive and

the Paper Mill Playhouse is on the left.

Bergen Performing Art Center

Sat Dec 19 at 1:00 PM

Sat Dec 19 at 4:00 PM

$28, $22, $15, $10, $10

A powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of selfless giving.

Performed by TheatreworksUSA.

Christmas Carol in Hackensack
Original Story by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Marianne DiMaria and Nick Piccialo
Directed by Greg Liosi
Musically Directed by Michael Wada
Choreographed by Jacki Herzog

The Hackensack Cultural Arts Center
39 Broadway Hackensack, NJ 07601
For Tickets call (201) 646-8042

Showtimes
December 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th & 12th at 7:30pm,
December 12th at 2pm

*a special fundraiser performance on December 6th at 3pm*
$13 for seniors & students / $16 general admission / $11 groups of 10 or more
*All Tickets For December 6th Performance $13*

Holiday Celebrations in and around New Jersey

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:04:00 +0000

Northern New Jersey

East Rutherford Recreation will hold its 2009 holiday celebration on Friday, Dec. 4, in the Borough Hall park.

The tree lighting will be held at 7 p.m.

The event will include hot chocolate, music, hot pretzels, candy canes and a visit with Santa.

Holiday Lights Spectacular atTurtle Back Zoo

560 Northfield Avenue West Orange, NJ

973-731-5800

Experience Turtle Back Zoo in the winter as 100,000 bulbs and 50 lit displays illuminate the zoo this holiday season! Regular admission: $7 Adults $3 Children

Beginning Friday, November 27, 28, 29 2009 and then nightly during December until January 2, 2010 (except December 24 & 25th)

Time: 5-9pm

Candlelight Christmas Tour

Friday, December 18 , 2009 6pm-9pm

Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn

194 Main Street Flemington, NJ
908-782-4928

The Inn’s public space will be decorated with fresh greens, twinkling lights and two fresh evergreen trees.

Snowbabies, antique angels and of course, Santa Clauses will grace the dining room.

Merrymakers are invited to visit the grand Manor which will be elaborately festooned for the best of the Holidays.

Hot cider, cheese & crackers along with holiday cookies will be offered to all who come for the tour.

A donation of $5.00 per person is rerquested to supportthe non profit K-9 Soldiers which is a grassroots organization which supports the K9’s & handlers of military working dogs of all four branches of the service, presently serving our Country in Iraq & Afghanistan

Ringwood

Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. Please be prompt!

Call the recreation office on Sunday, Dec. 6 after 11 a.m. for recorded message on possible postponement of Santa’s arrival and/or the tree lighting ceremony due to weather.

Residents are invited to the community sign on Skyline Drive for the lighting of the tree to usher in the holiday season. Refreshments will be served.

Iron Mountain Stage Company and the Lakeland High School Band Ensemble will make appearances.

Ringwood Manor
Victorian Christmas
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 5 & 6; Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 12 & 13
11am-5pm

$7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for children

Tour the Manor, decorated in authentic 19th century holiday decor, with guides in period costumes leading you from room to room. Craft vendors will have hand-made items available- get that perfect last-minute gift!
*please contact Carol Henkel at 973-853-7258 if you are interested in bringing a senior group or other group on Wednesday, December 9th.

Dover

Annual tree-lighting ceremony

on Thursday, Dec. 3, at JFK Commons Park (across from the Dover Library) at 6 p.m.

Rain date is Monday, Dec. 7. Share in the holiday caroling by school choral groups.

Hot chocolate will be served, compliments of the Dover Fire Dept.

Children can visit with Santa and receive a treat.

Montclair

Annual Tree Lighting Event and a Visit With Santa

Montclair Township invites you to the annual holiday tree lighting to take place Friday, December 4, 6:00 p.m., in Church Street Plaza. Listen to music by the Montclair Community Band and enjoy an evening of fun winter entertainment in downtown Montclair. Have a picture taken with Santa Claus - $3.00 with a frame. Please Note: Church Street will be closed to vehicular traffic at 5:00 PM.

Santa Comes to Town

Saturday, December 5, Santa will visit the Business Districts on an MFD fire truck and will have gifts for all youngsters.

11:00 AM - South End Business District (Orange Rd. & Cedar Ave.)

11:30 AM - Walnut Street Lot

12:00 PM - Watchung Plaza

12:30 PM - St. James Church (Bllevue Ave. & Valley Road)

The Montclair Community Band will play at each location, and Santa will have candy and gifts for all youngsters.

Santa's Mailbox

Kids can mail a letter to Santa and will receive a personalized letter in return!

Letters can be mailed to:

SANTA CLAUS

205 Claremont Avenue

Montclair, NJ 07042

Letters may also be dropped off at the Montclair Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

Please remember to include a return address No letters after December 15, 2009.

South Jersey

Red Bank New Jersey

Red Bank is alive with exciting activities this holiday season. There is something to help everyone get in the holiday spirit!

The season kicks off on Thanksgiving Day weekend with the annual holiday tree lighting in downtown Red Bank. The Victorian Courtyard on Monmouth Street, with its cobblestone streets and old world charm, is home to the holiday tree, and there couldn’t be a better place. The annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on November 27th. The streets fill with holiday music sung by carolers and the popular holiday group known as Holiday Express. The whole town is lit up with lights and music—what better way to get in the spirit of the holidays!

Staring on Saturday, November 28th, the Red Bank business district is filled with the sounds of live music. From 12 noon until 3pm, shoppers can enjoy the music of traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, rock and roll, folk, jazz and blues. All these great musicians bring their talent and excitement of the holiday season to the sidewalks of Red Bank in celebration of the holiday season. The music is every Saturday from November 28th to December 19th from 12 noon until 3pm.

If you think the holiday music revved up your holiday spirit, wait until you experience the traditional horse and carriage rides that take place every Saturday in the Red Bank business district. A holiday classic, the horse and carriage rides are a favorite way in Red Bank to enjoy the sights and the sounds of the holiday season. Horse and carriage rides are free and they are available every Saturday from 1pm-5pm beginning on Saturday, November 28th and going through Saturday, December 19th. There are two locations to be picked up—on Bridge Ave, across from the Galleria and in front of Murphy Style Grill at 26 Broad St.

Santa Claus loves spending time in Red Bank during the holidays. On Saturdays and Sundays he spends his time at the Galleria taking pictures with enthusiastic children of all ages! “Pictures with Santa” takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in the Galleria from 12 noon until 4pm staring on November 28th and going through December 20th.

Another fun way to celebrate the season is to take part in the Red Bank Gingerbread Walk. The Gingerbread Walk is new to Red Bank this year. There are 14 participating businesses in downtown Red Bank. Each participating business has professionally decorated gingerbread creations on display for everyone to enjoy. There is also the Red Bank Raffle taking place at stores that are participating in the Gingerbread Walk. People can enter to win an overnight hotel stay at the Oyster Point Hotel, tickets to the Count Basie Theatre, and a Red Bank Gift Cheque Shopping Spree. The more participating stores that you visit, the more chances you have to win, so be sure to check out the gingerbread creations in all 14 participating stores! The participating stores are: Better Housekeeping, Front Street Trattoria, Monmouth Street Emporium, Murphy Style Grill, Pierre Deux, Ricky’s of Red Bank, Riverbank Antiques, Sassy Chic, Selve, SurrayLuggage, Tiffany & Co, Ten Thousand Villages, Vizzini and Company, and White Butterfly at Red Bank.

The Westside Community Group Tree Lighting will be taking place on December 5th at WestsidePark, Drs. James Parker Boulevard & Shrewsbury Avenue.

Red Bank has celebrations for Hanukkah, too! Menorah lighting will take place at the Red Bank Train Station on Sunday,

December 13th at 6pm. Come celebrate the start of the Hanukkah season in downtown Red Bank.

PNC Arts Center Holiday Light Spectacular

PNC Arts Center

Holmdel, NJ

732-203-2500

The Light Spectacular usually runs from the end of November through January 2. It is open 5:00pm - 9:00pm 7 days a week.

Each weekend, Red Bank comes alive with holiday spirit. With so many different events and stores to choose from,

there are many reasons to come back every weekend and celebrate the holiday season.

this is one of the most extravagant drive through light displays in the tri - state area.

The spectacular is a 2.5-mile drive through a forest of lights.

Over 5 million lights were used over 225 displays.The display is set up in the parking lot around the Arts Center

on a specially prepared road for the display.

In the premises of the light spectacular, there is a radio station that plays Christmas Carols.

New York City

The 2009 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is going to be Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Location:

Rockefeller Center is located in the center of the complex of buildings between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues.

The 77th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 2, 2009 from 7-9 p.m.

The annual event is televised and features musical performances from a variety of popular artists.

Typically, the Radio City Rockettes perform and there are also ice skaters performing in the Rockefeller Ice Rink.

Special for Disney on Ice Today Only Buy one Get One Free

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:19:00 +0000

ONE DAY ONLY - 2 Tickets For The Price Of 1!

Hurry! Offer ends at 11:59 PM on Mon. NOV. 30!

Use Customer Code CYBER

New York Metro Area Performances

Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

(Uniondale, NY) - Thu. JAN. 7 - Sun. JAN. 10

Prudential Center

(Newark, NJ) - Thu. JAN. 14 - Mon. JAN. 18

IZOD Center

(East Rutherford, NJ) - Thu. JAN. 21 - Sun. JAN. 24

Santa Claus is Coming to a town in New Jersey

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Santa Claus will be in Leonia today between 12:30 and 2:30 at Dante's Place an Italian restaurant located at 373 Broad Ave.
Come in for Lunch and get a picture with Santa.
You are welcome to bring your own camera.

for more information about Dante's Place visit: dantesplace.com
Dante's Place 373 Broad Ave Leonia, NJ

(201) 592-9071

Rutherford

The Rutherford Holiday Festival is a joyous kick off to the winter holiday season.

The Holiday Festival begins at 9:00 Am and runs throughout the day.

There will be a tree lighting at the library and Story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus (Twas the night before Christmas) The program will be held in the library auditorium at 4:30 pm.

Activities in the downtown area include:

*Caroling at the Williams Plaza;

*Lighting of the Children's Tree at the Williams Plaza;

*The Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade

*The Children's Village with crafts;

*Entertainment and rides at Lincoln Park;

*A craft sale at the Presbyterian Church;

*Photo's with Santa;

*Horse & carriage rides throughout the downtown;

*A Victorian Tea;

*Lighting of the creche at the Presbyterian Church;

*The Lighting of the Tree at the Library;

* The Night Before Christmas reading by Santa at the Rutherford Public Library.

Pictures from the Holiday Festival

Video of the Community Band performing Christmas Carols

The Santa Train

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:24:00 +0000

It's the Holidays! And one of the things I have done the last few years is ride the Santa train. It always seems like a great idea. Ride the rails along the snowy countryside, everyone is filled with holiday cheer. You sing Christmas Carols together and then Santa comes through and greets all the happy boys and girls. Afterwards you snuggle with you little one sipping Hot Chocolate and eating a cookie as the clack-clack of the trail lulls them off to sleep. Sounds great! right? Unfortunately this has not been the case. It usually goes something like this. We get in the car and drive to some out of the way place park the car and rush to the train. Get on the train and sit our butts on some cold fiberglass seats. (Other Parents must have had similar experiences because there do not seem to be too many smiling faces.)
However there are children being threatened that if they don't sit down right now "Santa is not going to bring them anything for Christmas".
The track starts down the track and we get to see some countryside but it is not covered with a blanket of snow. The Christmas carols are sung by the Santa's elves and a few passengers join in myself included but only at a volume that my daughter and I can hear. Then Santa comes out or at least someone dressed as Santa because inevitably some child will call out that's not the real Santa his beard is fake. Some of the younger children start to cry because they are frightened by the man in red.
After Santa leaves our car we make our trek to the food car to get some snacks, of course that takes us through the gift car. We purchase a train whistle get our snacks and go back to seat. We drink down our Hot Chocolate and Plastic wrapped cookies but instead of relaxing to the clack-clack of the rails I am treated the cacophony of toy train whistles and the voices of sugar charged kids.

At the End of our trip it is not quite the Hallmark holiday special I had planned but I did get a few good pictures to remember the day and my daughter had fun. This year I am determined to get a little closer to the idea.

So here is my checklist to make the day more enjoyable

Have good directions and a map of where I am going

Book a train ride late enough in the day so that I can get there relaxed

Camera with Charged Battery and available Space on memory card

Thermos with Hot Chocolate (and a baggie of mini-marshmallows)

Some Snacks (must have Oatmeal raisin or Chocolate Chip cookies)

Warm Clothes (To make Standing around waiting to get on the train or walking around afterwards more enjoyable)

A Small Blanket for Snuggling up especially if the cars aren't too heated.

Some Tips to make the Santa Train Ride picture perfect.

Pick a good place to go. While there are many Santa trains I find that a ride on a old fashioned steam train can be a better choice for creating that memorable moment than getting on a NJ Transit commuter train, also the old steam trains make that Whoo-Whoo whistle sound.

What route will the train take - Is is Scenic country side or an Urban graffiti strewn route.

Go with friends and family - The more the merrier as long as everyone gets along and is in the holiday spirit. It takes only one Scrooge to ruin the day.

Keep positive, hope for a coating of Snow and enjoy the day.

Here are some Santa Train Rides and Other Holiday Rail Events.

Strasburg, PA - A little far but a nice weekend trip if you can find the time.
The holiday celebration begins on the platform of the East Strasburg Station as the sounds of the season fill the air and the platform sparkles with lights. Passengers relax as an authentic vintage steam train, warmed by a potbelly stove, travels on a 45-minute journey, past more than 1,000 acres of picturesque farmland on the way to Paradise, PA. As the train chugs down the track, Santa and musicians stroll from car-to-car.StrasburgRailRoad.com

Wayne NJ I did this one last year and while the scenery and Train decor was so-so Santa was a hit and the trip was fun
During the approximately 90 minute ride the Santa Claus will Ho Ho Ho his way through the train and visit each child giving them a special gift from his bag. In addition each child can have their picture taken with Santa Claus so they can always remember their ride, so bring your cameras. On board will be Mrs. Claus and several other surprise cartoon characters sure to entertain the kids and make for a great day out for all on board.
For more Info Click Here

Phillipsburg, NJ Did this one a few years back it was okay bit of a car ride for average experience
Santa Train Ride departs weekends in December from Lehigh Junction located in the Historic Main Street area of Phillipsburg New Jersey. This ride features a visit from Santa on the train Website: 877trainride.com or call 1-877-train-ride.

Other Santa Train ride in and around NJ can be found at santatrain

East Windsor Connecticut I have never been on this but always wanted to try it

Winterfest has been a tradition in East Windsor for many years and a favorite of museum visitors of all ages. Some visitors return every year from all over the area to see the museum all decked out with holiday spirit.

Ride through the Tunnel of Lights on the electric sleigh, or choose an enclosed heated trolley. Don’t forget to visit Santa in the Visitor Center, where he’ll be holding court among the exciting model railroad displays.

Runs weekend evenings from 5-9 PM plus other select Weekdays

See Connecticut Trolley for more information

The 2009 Macy's Day Parade in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:07:00 +0000

2009 will be the 83rd year of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the celebration is all set to be on a grand scale, one that is certainly going to surpass all the parades that have been held over the years.

The Macy's Thanksgiving parade is counted to be among one of the biggest on-street parties to be held in New York.

The parade will feature 1,500 dancers, cheerleaders, singers and performers; 15 giant character balloons; 800 clowns; 35 novelty or ornament balloons, balloonheads and balloonicles; 24 floats; 10 marching bands; and a slew of celebrity performers.

Parade Route
The Parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West, marching south on Central Park West. It will then turn east onto Central Park South, instead of going down Broadway.
When the Parade reaches 7th Avenue the procession will turn south at the corner of Central Park South and march to 42nd Street.
It will then travel east along 42nd Street from 7th to 6th Avenues. At 6th (Avenue of the the Americas), the parade will veer south and march to 34th Street.

At 34th Street the procession will head west to Herald Square, ending at 34th Street and 7th Avenue.

The best Place to view the Parade is the are between 61st and 72nd Streets on Central Park West

New Balloons this Year are the Pilsbury Dough Boy, a Skating Ronald McDonald and a New Sleigh for the Santa Float

If you are planning to Eat along the route, during or after the parade reservations are suggested. You can use opentable.com

The Parade starts at 9:00 but spectators start showing up around 6:30 AM

Local Holiday fun for the Family

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Wayne - Wayne’s major holiday parade this year — and every year for the past 52 — will take place Saturday, Nov. 21, starting at 9:30 a.m., in Preakness Shopping Center, Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne.

The parade will feature the marching bands of both Wayne high schools, clowns, antique cars, Wayne’s fire and emergency apparatus, the Passaic County mounted deputies and other musical attractions.

After welcoming Santa on the Saturday after Thanksgiving 49 times, the 2006 parade began a new tradition by welcoming him to Preakness Shopping Center on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Clearview Cinema gets into the holiday spirit by offering a free showing of the 2008 children’s film "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." It will be shown once, at 10:30 a.m. on parade day; children will be admitted first-come, first-served. Attendance is limited to the capacity of the theatre. An adult must accompany very young children. A Wayne police escort leads the parade into the shopping center. Mayor Chris Vergano will serve as grand marshal, riding in an open antique car. Other antique cars on display, driven by members of the North Jersey chapter of the Horseless Carriage Club of America, date back to the early years of the 20th century.

Marching bands of Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley high schools will be the centerpieces of the parade. Shriners from the Salaam Masonic Temple in Livingston will provide entertainment. The temple’s string band, similar to the mummers’ bands that are featured in many parades in Philadelphia, will be playing traditional holiday music as the parade completes two circles around the parking lot.

Accompanying the paraders and then mingling with the parade watchers will be young Wayne residents dressed as popular fairy tale characters or cartoon figures. They will distribute candy to children.

Chiqui de Clown will provide pre-march entertainment and then create animal balloons for the children in Clearview’s lobby after the parade.

Another decades-long tradition at Preakness is an opportunity for youngsters to present their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus. At the conclusion of the parade, Santa will be in the lobby of the Clearview Cinema, where children take turns delivering their gift wish list and have a picture taken with him. The free digital print will be immediately available.

The shopping center’s Merchants’ Association and Hekemian & Co., the corporate landlord, sponsor this free service as well as the parade itself. For further details, call toll free 1-800-785-5710.

The shopping center, with more than 40 shops is located at the intersection of Hamburg Turnpike, Berdan Avenue and Alps Road in Wayne. Macy’s, the anchor department store, occupies more than 81,000 square feet. A Super Stop & Shop supermarket occupies in excess of 61,000 square feet.

Stroller Recall

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:08:00 +0000

Maclaren USA Recalls to Repair Strollers Following Fingertip Amputations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Maclaren Strollers

Units: About one million

Distributor: Maclaren USA, Inc., of South Norwalk, Conn.

Hazard: The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the stroller’s hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States.

Description: This recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers. The word “Maclaren” is printed on the stroller. The affected models included Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.

Sold at: Babies“R”Us, Target and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled strollers and contact Maclaren USA to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Maclaren USA toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.maclaren.us/recall

5 Tips for making a difference this Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Halloween is right around the corner. To get you in the "spirit" with a Kindness-inspired twist, here are five ways to make a difference this Halloween.......Read More

Rainy Day thing to do this weekend 10/24-25

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:17:00 +0000

This Saturday is Raining but fortunately there are some fun things to do that will keep you out of the rain
Paramus: New Jersey Children's Museum
New Jersey Children's Museum 11th Annual Spooktacular! The whole museum will be transformed for Halloween! Parents never fear they will not scare the little ones! Be sure to wear your costumes and join in our trick-or-treating throughout the museum. Decorate your very own pumpkin to take home! Halloween Stories, hand & face painting and much more hours have been extended on weekends to 10am-7pm during this Halloween event! The admission price is $14.00 per child and $10.00 per adult. Your admission includes unlimited and extended playtime, candy*, crafts, story time, and your own pumpkin to take home! *not a peanut free event

Monster Golf in Fairfield NJ
A Frightfully fun Mini golf and arcade.

Mini golf takes a spooky turn as you walk through a monster filled cemetery that glows in the dark. (not too scary though)
Directions: Take 46 West until you get to Gately Overpass. This overpass will bring you over 46. At the end of the ramp make a right. Make your first right in to the rear parking lot. There is a sign for Monster Mini Golf and The American Business School at the drive way, They are located on the first floor around the front of the building.

Hoboken:
Hoboken's Clearview Cinemas opens on 14th Street between Adams and Grand streets.

To kick things off On Sunday, Oct. 25th (Changed from Saturday), the two-story, five-screen theater will host an "Ultrasonic Super Fantastic Family Day" from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The day will feature an all-day festival with crafts, games and entertainment ranging from a petting zoo to bingo.

Tenafly Street Fair and Farmers Market
On Sunday the sun returns providing an opportunity to enjoy the day outside.

What: 3rd Annual Tenafly Street Fair.

When:10/24-25 11am-5pm
Details: The Fair Consists of 150 Artists, Crafters, Vendors.Live Music, Rides, Games, Family Fun.
Where: Downtown Tenafly, NJ (County Road by the Train station)
Free Admission, & Free Parking
for additional Information 908-654-1400

Before the Fair check out the Tenafly Farmers Market which runs from 9-2 on Sundays through Nov 22 It is held on the Corner of Washington Street and Tenafly Road for more information visit tenaflyfarmersmarket online.

Fwd: Discount Offer for Halloween Spooktackular at The Children's Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Discount Coupon for Halloween Spooktacular at the New Jersey Children's Museum


Welcome to our 11th Annual Halloween Spooktacular! Saturday October 17-Saturday October 31st. It is that time of year again! We have made it to our 11th Annual Spooktacular! The whole museum will be transformed for Halloween! Parents never fear we will not scare the little ones! Be sure to wear your costumes and join in our trick-or-treating throughout the museum. Decorate your very own pumpkin to take home! Halloween Stories, hand & face painting and much more It's a great time for a Halloween Birthday Party! We have extended hours on weekends 10am-7pm during this Halloween event! The admission price is $14.00 per child and $10.00 per adult. Your admission includes unlimited and extended playtime, candy, crafts, story time, and your own pumpkin to take home! We are sorry but coupons and special offers cannot be used for this event. This is a perfect field trip for preschoolers, special rate! Call for details! A great after school costumed birthday party too! This is not a peanut free event. The New Jersey Children's Museum, 599 Valley Health Plaza , Paramus, NJ 07652 No pre-registration for activities. Groups must register for this Halloween event. For additional information call (201)262-5151,or e-mail NJCMinfo@aol.com Visit our website @ www.njcm.com. Please note we will be CLOSED: Friday, October 16th for set-up.

Please visit us at www.njcm.com

Witches and Pirates and Ghosts Oh My!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:05:00 +0000

One of the things that makes Halloween so much fun is being scared. Not Night of the Living Dead or the 6th Sense scary, more Like Scooby Doo Spooky. Nothing conjures up spooky images like Ghosts, Witches, and Vampires. These are classic spooky icons put them within a historical backdrop and you have the ultimate spooky setting.

With this in mind my daughter a I took the four hour drive up to Salem as part of our Halloween Celebrations.
Salem is a quaint New England waterfront village steeped in history. A history with witches and pirates. While Some of the towns famous "haunts" are said to be haunted among them the Hawthorne hotel (As seen back in 2007 on Ghost hunters.

Our trip consisted of visiting a few of the many museums and exhibits that are open year round. Including the Witch Museum, Witch History Museum, the Witch Dungeon, and the Pirate Museum (A nice way to break up the All things Witchy)

We also enjoyed a tour of Salem on one of the Red Trolleys. Our guides were fun, informative, and entertaining. The great thing about the Trolley tours is that you can buy a ticket for the day. This allows you can get on or off at any of the 13 stops points in Salem throughout the day. If you have small children (who may not have the attention span for a 45 minute trolley tour) You can use the trolley to get from place to place and learn about Salem while you ride in smaller 5-15 minute segments.

We had Lunch at Fountain Place on both days of our stay The waitress was really nice, the food was good, it was priced reasonably (12.00 for 1 adult and 1 child) and restaurant was decorated for Halloween. Fountain Place is directly across from where the 1st Salem Church was and the "Fountain" which is the site of a spring that dates back to the 1600's

The museums are probably too scary for really young children but my brave 5 year old seemed fine with everything and had a great time.
In general the museums are there to provide facts about the history of Salem and the 13 months of hysteria during which time the witch hunts that took place in New England in 1692.

The Witch History Museum – Starts with a brief history of the Events that took place in 1692. Q&A with the presenter followed by a walking tour through Exhibits narrative presentation in the basement of the museum. This was the least scary of the Exhibits but walk through is dark.

The Witch Dungeon - Begins with a presentation which talks about the conditions and treatment of those accused of being a witch followed by a re-enactment of the one of the trials, followed by a walk through of a re-created dungeon.This Exhibit is a bit more scary than the the witch History Museum.

Pirate Museum - Great tour (We showed up early and had a private tour so it was edited a bit for my 5 year old)
This tour tells the story of New England's many pirates including Notorious pirate captains, such as; Kidd, Blackbeard, Bellamy and Quelch Pirates make up a large part of Salem's colorful past. Many were said to have buried there treasure in the nearby Lynn Woods. And a ship carrying millions in Spanish gold was found of the coast in about twenty feet of water. Our guide was up to the part and relayed his script with both charisma and some humor.

Salem Witch Museum - The tour begins with a recorded presentation told in an ominous voice with erie music, lighting and sound effects.So this is definitely not for the easily scared. After the Presentation you are taken on a guided tour with both a live presenter and pre-recorded segments.The guided tour is not scary at all and dispels some misconceptions about witches ending with a segment on current day wiccans.The tour also points out other times in American history where fear has lead to persecution of it's citizens such as the McCarthy Hearings of the 1950's.

Old Burying Point Cemetery - The oldest cemetery in Salem, and the second oldest known cemetery in the country, started in 1637. It is located on Charter St. next to the Witch Trials Memorial and contains many famous individuals such as Jonathan Corwin and John Hawthorne, who were Judges in the Salem Witch Trials, Samuel Bradstreet who was a Governor of Massachusetts and many more interesting historical figures. There are currently 347 entries for this cemetery.

There are many places to shop and browse in the town center there are shops where you can purchase candles, incense, crystals, and herbs to perform your own spells.
If your not too magickal but a magician in the Kitchen stop in at Pamplemousse which is located on the pedestrian mall. Pamplemousse has latest kitchen gadgets, specialty gourmet foods, fine boutique wines and local and European craft beer.

During the Halloween season there are many activities, performances and Attractions to experience. Visit haunted happenings for a complete schedule.

Bed and Breakfasts
Amelia Payson House16 Winter Street, (978) 744-8304
Built in 1845 for Amelia and Edward Payson, 16 Winter Street is one of Salem's finest examples of Greek Revival Architecture. Elegantly restored and beautifully decorated, each room is furnished with period antiques and warmed by a personal touch. A continental breakfast consisting of fresh fruit and home baked breads is served family style over friendly conversation, and provides your hosts the opportunity to share with their guests much information about their historic city and all its Witchcraft mystique.

Other Sites to visit:

The House of the Seven Gables (1668) is a Colonial mansion in Salem, Massachusetts, as well as the title of a novel written in 1851 by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The house is now a non-profit museum, with an admission fee charged for tours.

Pickering Wharf - A harbor side Village with Shops, Restaurants, Attractions, and Events.

More Pictures

10 Tips for Safe Trick or Treating

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:45:00 +0000

1. Be sure older children TAKE FRIENDS and younger children are

accompanied by a TRUSTED ADULT when “Trick or Treating.”

2. Accompany younger children to the door of every home they approach

and make sure parents and guardians are familiar with every home and

all people from which the children receive treats.

3. Teach children to NEVER enter a home without prior permission from their parents or guardians.

4. Teach children to NEVER approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by

a parent or guardian.

5. Make sure all children wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick when out at dusk and

at night.

6. Make sure children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.

7. Teach children to NEVER approach a home that is not well lit both inside and outside.

8. Teach children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents,

guardians, and/or the proper authority.

9. Teach children if anyone tries to grab them to make a scene; loudly yell this person is

not my father/mother/guardian; and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming,

and resisting.

10. Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a

good alternative to “Trick or Treating.”

CyberChase Day at Central Park in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:25:00 +0000

On Columbus Day weekend, Cyberchase, the daily animated math series on PBS Kids Go!, and the Central Park Zoo team up for a special event in the heart of Manhattan.
Cyberchase stars Harry and Digit will be on hand to greet fans and infuse wacky and fun math moments all around the zoo. This all-day event is free and open to the public with regular paid admission.

Arrive early for giveaways, and get ready for a zoo day filled with fun math adventures, Cyberchase-style.

Special Activities

Catch Harry hosting the sea lion feedings at 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Snap a photo with the stars during meet-and-greets at noon and 2:30 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween at the NYC Zoos

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:16:00 +0000

October 10–12, 17–18, 24–25 & Oct 31–Nov 1
Celebrate a New York Halloween tradition! October weekends are packed with activities, including wildlife magic shows, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and haunted hayrides. Join us for the first ever Haunted Safari and be part of the journey to Save the Species. Best of all, come visit with our bats, cats, and creepiest critters.

Activities

Haunted Safari
Embark on an adventure to help locate a lost species. Your journey takes you through a bat cave, the belly of a snake, and a rainforest swamp.
Time: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Musical Performances
Join Annie and the Natural Wonder band for animal-themed tunes!
Time: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., & 3:00 p.m.

Wildlife Theater:
It’s A Wonderful Niche
Join the Wildlife Theater Players for puppetry, song, and interactive fun. Our story follows a young bat on his journey to discover his value and importance. (Note: no live animals in these shows.)
Times: 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Hay Maze
Let yourself get lost at the zoo!
Time: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Treat Stations
Special locations around the park will help sweeten your visit today.
Time: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Scarecrow Adventure Hayride
Load up for a spook-tacular ride! Join us for an exclusive animated tour full of family-friendly surprises. Tour starts at Fountain Circle.
Time: 11:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Fee: $3 per person

Pumpkin-carving Demonstrations
Watch an expert carve amazing animal shapes!
Time: 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Animal-themed Magic Shows
Enjoy a Boo at the Zoo family tradition.
Time: Noon, 2:00, & 4:00 p.m.

Scrap Kins Recycled Mask-making
Turn trash into treasure! Scrap Kins artists will help you build a one-of-a-kind wildlife mask from recycled materials.
Times: 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., & 3:45 p.m.
Special Animal Enrichment Activities
11:15 a.m.: Birds of Prey Aviary
2:00 p.m.: World of Reptiles
2:15 p.m.: Carter Giraffe Bldg
3:30 p.m.: Monkey House

Safety Tips & Giveaways
On October 25, FedEx and Safe Kids USA remind families how to keep kids safe on Halloween. FedEx and Safe Kids USA will provide reflective giveaways and safety tips for parents and drivers. For more information on child pedestrian safety, please visit safekids.org

Special Offer: A child age 3-12 wearing a wildlife costume will receive a free General Admission ticket when accompanied by an adult purchasing any full-priced adult admission ticket. Limit one free child per paying adult.

Central Park Zoo
It’s all treats and no tricks as our polar bears and other animals wolf down their yummy Halloween snacks at this spooktacular event. There are plenty of goodies in store for visitors, too, including a wildlife witch, face painting, crafts stations, and more.
Do you love bats, cats, and slithery snakes? Celebrate Halloween all month long at Boo at the Bronx Zoo. Enjoy wildlife magic shows, pumpkin carving demonstrations, hay mazes, and the first ever Haunted Safari.
Schedule of Events
Animal Trick-Or-Treat
Watch polar bears, snow monkeys, and Rainforest and Children's Zoo resident dig into pumpkins that are filled with goodies like corn on the cob,bamboo, and fish.
Wildlife Witch
Learn about all things creepy and crawly when our wildlife witch presents a spooky show in a haunted habitat.
Time: Noon, 1:30 and 2:15 p.m.
Scavenger Hunt
Search the zoo for colorful replicas of extinct animals using our special word jumble. Successful explorers receive a special treat.
Face Painting
Transform yourself into a pumpkin, a ghost, a bat, or a spider!
Crafts
Design a creepy headband featuring a bat, spider, or snake design to enhance your costume.
Bat Chats
Fly by the Zoo’s bat exhibit to chat about bats.
Times: Noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
NYC Aquarium
Dress up the family and join the NYC Aquarium in Brooklyn for their annual Halloween celebration, occurring over two special weekends. Learn all about monsters of the deep while you enjoy games, prizes, and arts and crafts. Beginning October 10, experience the Haunted Sea-fari Perils of the Sea.

Special Offer: A child age 3-12 wearing a wildlife costume will receive a free General Admission ticket when accompanied by an adult purchasing any full-priced adult admission ticket. Limit one free child per paying adult.

Activities take place noon–4:00 p.m.

A-Scarium Activities
Haunted Sea-fari Perils of the Sea
Visit the haunted house for a unique Halloween experience. Travel through murky waters and pass by extinct sea life tombs, jellyfish tentacles, and other creatures of the deep as you make your way to dry land. At the end of your journey, you’ll have a better understanding of the threats facing the ocean’s extraordinary animals.
Schedule: Weekends beginning October 10
Location: Above Ocean View area

Storytelling
Join LuAnn Adams for stories about the sea!
Dates: 10/24–25, 10/31 and 11/1

Music
Dance to kid-friendly, marine and Halloween-themed tunes by DJ Dave.
Pumpkin-carving Demonstrations
Watch an expert carve amazing animal shapes!
Dates: 10/24–25, 10/31 and 11/1

Crafts
Make a sea creature costume or a mask out of recycled materials.
Treat Stations
Trick or treat at our holiday treat stations.

New 4-D Movie!
The Curse of Skull Rock is a swashbuckling animated adventure that pits plucky cabin girl Jill Hopkins against the tyrannical Captain Scabb in pursuit of the lost treasure of Skull Rock. This family-friendly 4-D adventure with special effects brings the on-screen action to life.
Schedule: Airs in the 4-D Theater from Oct. 3–Nov 1

Halloween Spooktacular at the New Jersey Children's Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:02:00 +0000

The 11th Annual Halloween Spooktacular!
Saturday October 17-Saturday October 31st.

The 11th Annual Spooktacular! at the New Jersey Children's Museum in Paramus The whole museum will be transformed for Halloween! Parents never fear we will not scare the little ones! Be sure to wear your costumes and join in our trick-or-treating throughout the museum. Decorate your very own pumpkin to take home! Halloween Stories, hand & face painting and much more. The Children's museum will have extended hours on weekends 10am-7pm during this Halloween event! The admission price is $14.00 per child and $10.00 per adult. Your admission includes unlimited and extended playtime, candy*, crafts, story time, and your own pumpkin to take home!

* This is not a peanut free event.

The New Jersey Children’s Museum, 599 Valley Health Plaza , Paramus, NJ 07652
No pre-registration for activities. Groups must register for this Halloween event. For additional information call (201)262-5151,or e-mail NJCMinfo@aol.com

Please note the Children's Museum will be CLOSED: Friday, October 16th for set-up.

NJCM Website www.njcm.com

Afraid of missing out on any great Halloween Events in the Area why not subscribe to Kidzense.

Subscribe to Kidzense Feed

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Back To School Tips
Submitted by Juanita Keys
For those of you who have young children returning to school and those whose kids are going to school for the first time, make sure the school year starts off right with these back to school tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site (http://www.aap.org).
MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER
-- Remind your child that he/she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
-- Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. He or she will see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh his/her positive memories about previous years, when he/she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because he/she had a good time.
-- Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
-- If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with him/her) to school and pick him/her up on the first day.
BACKPACK SAFETY
-- Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
-- Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child's body weight.
-- Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
-- Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.
TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Review the basic rules with your youngster:
School Bus
-- If your child’s school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus. If your child’s school bus does not have lap/shoulder belts, encourage the school to buy or lease buses with lap/shoulder belts.
-- Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
-- Do not move around on the bus.
-- Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing.
-- Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.
-- Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building.
Car
-- All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.
-- Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat.
-- Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age). This means that the child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat; the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, and not the stomach.
-- All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can fit in the rear seat (when carpooling, for example), move the front-seat passenger’s seat as far back as possible and have the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit properly without it.
-- Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You should require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations or texing to prevent driver distraction; and limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your teen's graduated drive license law and consider the use of a parent-teen driver agreement to facilitate the early driving learning process.
Walking to School
-- Make sure your child's walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
-- Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.
-- If your child is young or is walking to a new school, walk with them the first week to make sure they know the route and can do it safely.
-- Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.
-- In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider starting a "walking school bus", in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.
EATING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
-- Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home. With this advance information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat.
-- Try to get your child's school to stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice in the vending machines.
-- Each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60%. Restrict your child's soft drink consumption.
BULLYING
Bullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or over the Internet.
When Your Child Is Bullied
-- Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to:
1. Look the bully in the eye.
2. Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation.
3. Walk away.
-- Teach your child how to say in a firm voice.
1. "I don't like what you are doing."
2. "Please do NOT talk to me like that."
3. "Why would you say that?"
-- Teach your child when and how to ask for help.
-- Encourage your child to make friends with other children.
-- Support activities that interest your child.
-- Alert school officials to the problems and work with them on solutions.
-- Make sure an adult who knows about the bullying can watch out for your child's safety and well-being when you cannot be there.
When Your Child Is the Bully
-- Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK.
-- Set firm and consistent limits on your child's aggressive behavior.
-- Be a positive role mode. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening or hurting someone.
-- Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.
-- Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, counselors, and parents of the children your child has bullied.
When Your Child Is a Bystander
-- Tell your child not to cheer on or even quietly watch bullying.
-- Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying.
-- Help your child support other children who may be bullied. Encourage your child to include these children in activities.
-- Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE
-- During middle childhood, youngsters need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and watch over them after school until you return home from work.
-- Children approaching adolescence (11- and 12-year-olds) should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age.
-- If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone.
-- If you choose a commercial after-school program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe.
DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS
-- Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
-- Set aside ample time for homework.
-- Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
-- Supervise computer and Internet use.
-- Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.
-- Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
-- If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first.

Children's and Infants TYLENOL Recalled

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Children's and Infants TYLENOL News

September 24, 2009

You may have heard that McNeil Consumer Healthcare (the makers of TYLENOL®) is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products that were manufactured between April, 2008 and June, 2008. All products manufactured met internal specifications. However, the company is implementing this recall because during this period, an unused portion of one inactive ingredient did not meet all quality standards. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, it was decided to recall all Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products listed below, which were made during this time.

Parents and caregivers who have questions or concerns should contact their child's health care provider or our consumer call center at 1-800-962-5357 (available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time). Consumers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the liquid product and also on the sticker that surrounds the product bottle. The lot numbers of the affected products are listed below.

These actions do not apply to Children's TYLENOL® Meltaways and Junior Strength TYLENOL® Meltaways. The voluntary recall applies only to select lots of Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products.

Recalled Products - Full List

Lot # Product Description

SBM041, SBM067, SCM037, SDM027, SEM109 Children's Tylenol Plus Cold MS Suspension 4 oz. Grape

SBM042, SCM015, SCM036, SDM034 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Grape

SBM043, SBM044, SCM029 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Bubble Gum

SBM045, SCM011, SCM030, SDM035 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Strawberry

SBM064, SCM033, SDM020 Infant’s Tylenol Grape Suspension Drops 1/4oz.

SBM065, SCM005, SCM006, SDM032 Infant's Tylenol Suspension 1/2oz. Cherry

SBM066, SCM068 Children's Dye Free Suspension 4oz. Cherry

SBM068, SCM035, SCM070, SCM080, SDM005 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Cherry

SBM069, SBM070, SCM081, SDM006 Children's Tylenol Plus Cough & Runny Nose 4oz. Cherry

SCM012, SCM067, SDM007, SDM068 Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1/2oz. Grape

SCM013, SCM014, SCM069 Children's Tylenol Plus Flu 4oz. Bubble Gum

SCM016, SFM024 Children's Tylenol Plus Cold Suspension 4oz. Grape

SCM017 Children's Tylenol Plus Cough/ST Suspension 4oz. Cherry

SCM082, SDM039, SDM040 Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1oz. Grape

SCM083, SCM084, SDM008 Infant's Tylenol Dye Free Suspension 1oz. Cherry

SDM064 Children’s Tylenol Pediatric Suspension 1oz. Cherry

SDM038, SDM009 Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1oz. Cherry

SDM033 Children's Tylenol Plus Cold/Allergy 4oz. Bubble Gum

SDM078 Infant's Tylenol Drops 1oz. Grape

SCM034 Infant’s Tylenol Grape Suspension Drops H/G 1/2oz.

SDM028 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Cherry, Hospital Govt.

http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subpchildinfantnews.inc

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:03:00 +0000

Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs is sure to put a smile on your face and have your belly rumbling for the concession stand

The 3D movie based on the Books by Judi and Ron Barrett Tells the story of Flint Lockwood an aspiring inventor who since childhood has seen all his inventions end in failure. But all that changes when he creates an invention that can covert water into food. Will he be able to save the bankrupt town of Swallow Falls, Will the Mayor ever stop eating will Brent be able to transcend his former childhood stardom, Will Flint find someone to believe in him win his fathers love, will Steve ever string together more than 3 words. Find the answers to these questions and more

The 3D effects fall short in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs . Although on par with many of it's three dimensional peers, I thought this movie had potential to really exploit the abilities of 3D film technology (you know raining burgers and flying spaghetti - just think of the pastabilities). But I never felt like I was in the the movie.

BottomLine

Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs is a Chuckle in your seat funny movie for the whole family with a great story and and a like able cast of characters that you will be rooting for making this a must see in the theatre.

Spend a Day Under the Big Top

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:34:00 +0000

The Zerbini Circus on Sunday, Sept. 20, at McBride Field on Franklin Lake Road. (Across the street from the Market Basket)
Show times are 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
Ticket prices are $9 in advance and $11 the day of the circus. Children under 3 are free.
Advanced tickets can be purchased at Cartridge World in the Franklin Crossing Shopping Center, and TD Bank in the Urban Farms Shopping Center.

The circus will be held rain or shine under a big-top tent. This year’s show includes clowns, acrobats, aerialists, trapeze artists, dogs and a buffalo. There will also be food, pony and camel rides, and a ship slide. For more information, call 201-891-3431.

Zerbini Family Circus - Sunday, October 4, 2009

Show times: 1:00-2:30 PM & 3:30-5:00 PM

There will be activities all day long. Children will enjoy face painting, the moon bounce, titanic slide,pony & camel rides.

Rides and food available at an additional cost.

Advanced Tickets: Adults: $10.00

Children: $8.00~3-12 yrs. of age

Day of Show: Adults: $15.00

Children: $10.00 *Children under 2 yr. free

Advanced tickets will be sold at the Community Center on River Road beginning Monday, September 21, 2009.

Tickets will only be sold on Monday, Wednesday, & Fridays

8 AM-2 PM & 5 PM-9 PM.

For any further information please contact the Recreation Dept. at
(201) 943-1700 ext. 6000 & 6002

Sponsored by the Edgewater Recreation Dept.

Add to your child's circus experience with some circus themed food that you can make together

Check out Big top recipies for little people

Here are some great books about the circus with familiar favorite characters like Curious George, Clifford, and more.