North Penn Under Ten Blog

3rd Annual "Bounce for Joy" Fundraiser

2012-02-23T11:55:00.000-05:00

Looking for something exciting and worthwhile to do this Friday night? Bounce U of Horsham is putting the "fun" in "fundraiser" this weekend with the return of the annual "Bounce for Joy" event. 100% of the proceeds will go to Adelaide's Angels, the sibling care program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), which offers support for families with a child in the Intensive Care Unit. The event runs from 5:00 to 7:30pm. Admission fee of $15 per bouncer includes a piece of pizza, drink, birthday cake and a raffle ticket.

So, bring your kids out for an evening of bouncing and fun while supporting a GREAT cause! Please contact Tricia at 267-263-4737 to register as space is limited.

Further details can be found on the North Penn Under Ten calendar or on the North Penn Under Ten Facebook page.

Pinewood Derby Car Show at Lowe's

2012-02-22T17:27:00.000-05:00

Both the Hatfield and Montgomeryville Lowe's stores are currently running a Pinewood Derby Car Show contest for all ages. Cars needed to be turned in by this past Sunday. But don't worry, we've been told this is an annual event.

Stop in and vote for your favorite between now and Saturday. The owner of the car with the most votes will win a Dremel tool!

Here are a few photos from the Hatfield display:

Lansdale Borough Photo Contest!

2012-02-21T17:44:00.000-05:00

Calling All Shutterbugs!

Do you have a great photo of Lansdale? Do you want to share what makes our community classic? If so, the Classic Towns Program and DVPRC have just the contest for you!

The "I Love Classic Towns" photo contest invites amateur and professional photographers alike to submit their best images in one of seven categories: community, local history, Main Street, parks & recreation, people, residential and seasonal. Monetary prizes will be awarded in each category and winners will become part of the Classic Towns traveling exhibit.

Deadline for submission is April 14, 2012. Visit contest website for complete rules and regulations.

Reminder

The community-wide survey for Borough branding will run until February 29. If you haven't done so, please fill out the survey to help shape the Borough brand.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Forget About Phil... Consignment Season is Coming!

2012-02-02T15:21:00.000-05:00

Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil has to say, Spring is coming soon. How do we know? Because the North Penn Under Ten calendar is filling up with consignment sales!

Here are some of the sales we've posted recently. More are sure to come!

Saturday, March 3rd:

The North Wales Elementary School Select Choir will be hosting a Mommy Market, and you should be there! Table rental is $15.00. Empty space rental is $10.00. Admission (for shoppers, not sellers) is $1.00. The North Wales Elementary School Select Choir benefits from table rentals and admission. Sellers benefit from money earned, and get first dibs on the merchandise during our Pre-Market Sale from 8:30 – 9:00, not to mention clean attics! Contact Tracy Calvaresi at North Wales Elementary School e-mail: calvarta@npenn.org phone: 215-699-4471 Please register early, as tables go quickly!

Saturday, March 17th:

Bridle Path Home and School Association: Better-than-Consignment Prices on Gently-used Baby, Toddler, Children & Teens’ Clothing, Toys, Books, Games, DVDs, Equipment & other Child-related Items! Admission only $1.00 Proceeds benefit Bridle Path Home & School Association. Seller tables & spaces still available! For more information, contact Ida Walsh at BPMommyMarket@gmail.com.
Upper Gwynedd Volunteer Fire Department Indoor Mommy Market 9 – 12pm. Spaces are $15 each or 2 for $25. They are 6X8 feet. We usually get about 50+ vendors. $1 donation at the door for shoppers. No strollers at this event. For more information, visit our site and look under files for flyer and registration form or call 215-699-5454.

Saturday, March 24th:

Mom2Mom Consignment Sale sponsored by BranchCreek MOPS at BranchCreek Community Church. $10 per table or space. $1 admission for shoppers. Great gently-used gear at fantastic prices! Don't miss it! For additional details or to reserve a table, contact BranchCreekMOPS@comcast.net.
Buttons and Bows Spring Consignment Sale at the Towamencin Fire Hall.Open to the public from 9am – 12:30pm and ½ price sale from 1-2:00pm. If you would like to participate as a consignor in this sale, please let us know as soon as possible. Consignors receive a pass to shop early. For more info: Susan, Buttons and Bows Consignment Sales buttonsandbows.susan@gmail.com (Please note our new email address)

How To Celebrate Valentine's Day... With Kids.

2012-01-27T16:28:00.000-05:00

Hey moms and dads! What does your ideal Valentine's Day look like? A candlelit dinner for two? One-on-one time with a certain special little person? Here are three fun, love-filled celebrations in our area that are coming up. One of them is guaranteed to bring some joy into your Valentine's Day!

GYMBOREE:

Join us for our SWEETHEART PARTY! Bring your funny little Valentine to play, sing, and run at our LOVEliest party of the year! Members $19, non-members $20. Games, Songs, Snacks, Bubbles and Gymboree fun for everyone! All children must bring an adult to play with them. Friday, February 10th from 6:00 - 7:30PM. Reservations are required. Call today to reserve your space: 215-412-5257. Gymboree of Montgomeryville is located at 515 Stump Road, North Wales, PA 19454.

ANNUAL CUMC SPAGHETTI DINNER:

Back by popular demand, on Saturday, February 11th, join us for an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner Featuring spaghetti with homemade meatballs & sauce, salad, rolls, beverage & homemade desserts. Tickets are: $12 for Adults; $10 for Seniors and Youth ages 9-12; $7 for Kids ages 4-8; and FREE for Kids 3 & under. Free Babysitting and Take-Out meals available! (Read last year's post here: "Delicious Meal with Free Babysitting?!") Proceeds benefit the Youth Group's summer mission trips to New Hampshire & Reading, PA. Reservations are recommended, but tickets will also be available at the door. Christ United Methodist Church is located at 1020 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale. Call 215-855-1643 for tickets or visit cumclansdale.org for more information.

GIRL SCOUTS HE & ME CANDYLAND DANCE:

Join us in Candyland with your favorite guy for the 4th Annual Indian Valley Service Unit He & Me Dance on Saturday, February 11th from 6:00 - 8:00PM. Girl Scouts of all ages are welcome to attend with their special guy! (ie. dad, uncle, older brother, grandpa, etc) Cost is only $16 per couple. Held at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Telford. Non-girl scouts are welcome with an additional registration fee. See pictures from past dances here. Contact Joni Brennan for more information. Pre-registration recommended.

New Sponsors Offer Fun, Games & Live Performances!

2012-01-26T15:42:00.000-05:00

North Penn Under Ten and Milestones in Music are pleased to announce that Spirit Gymnastics, New York Life Insurance, and Tiny Tennis Center will be the Platinum Sponsors of the 2012 North Penn Summer Fun Fair! Also, we are pleased to welcome Motivation Music Center as a Gold Sponsor and The Malvern School joins us as a Silver Sponsor.

I had the pleasure of visiting Spirit Gymnastics this morning with my two-year-old and five-year-old and they were eager to join in on the fun happening over there at their facility in North Wales! We look forward to learning more about their programs for ages 18 months through 14 years and possibly even seeing an on-stage demo at the Fair!

We are excited to have the support of New York Life Insurance and local agent Brian Kuhns who graciously created free custom child identity kits for families at the Preschool Expo earlier this month. We look forward to the opportunity for this extra bit of reassurance to be made available once again at the Fair.

It is wonderful to welcome the Tiny Tennis Center to the Summer Fun Fair. If you attended the Preschool Expo earlier this month, you had a chance to meet some of their instructors and play some fun games with them. I am told to expect more fun games and some giveaways at the Fair, too!

So, "What is Motivation Music Center?" you ask? Gold Sponsor, Motivation Music Center, is a brand-new school for aspiring musicians ages five and up opening right in downtown Lansdale this week! Look for more info to come in the next few weeks about their Grand Opening and Open House...

Adding a great big element of fun to the day, many of these sponsors are planning a special performance or sample class to happen during the Fair! A schedule of performances and classes will be made available in the coming weeks.

So, if you haven't already, be sure to save the date! Representatives from more than two dozen children's centers and camps will be available to meet with you, answer questions, and provide take-home information to help make identifying and selecting summer break activities easier! We will also have information from local boroughs and townships on their recreation programs, as well.

To stay updated, visit the Summer Fun Fair page of the North Penn Under Ten website, visit North Penn Under Ten on Facebook, or feel free to Contact Us!

Stepping Stones Nursery School Update & Benefit Info

2012-01-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

Several people have emailed us to inquire how they might be able to help Stepping Stones Nursery School as they recover from the recent fire that severely damaged Grace Lutheran Church. We received a message from the director of Stepping Stones over the weekend thanking you, the North Penn Under Ten readers who donated so many useful goods to the school earlier this month at the Preschool Expo, for your kindness.

Thanks to your donations, as well as those from a number of local churches, organizations and individuals, many of their needs have been met! At this time, there are a few other items that would be of help to the children and teachers at the school.

If you are interested in helping the school by donating items or gift cards, here is the most current list of needs:

wooden trains,
educational toys,

puzzles,
music CD's including some for naptime (sleepy music!),
play food,
play tools,
manipulatives,
and, of course, gift cards to places like Wal-Mart and U. S. Toy Company would also be helpful.

Additionally, Cub Scout Pack 510 of Hatfield will be holding a benefit for Grace Lutheran Church & Stepping Stones Nursery School and Daycare at Jumpin' Jack's Inflatable Playland and Party Center on Sunday, February 5th from 1:00 to 4:00PM. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 each and 50% of all entry fees will be donated to the church and school. No, that is not a typo! Half of all entry fees will go directly to the church and school!

You may bring your donations of goods to the benefit at Jumpin' Jack's on the 5th or drop them off anytime between 9:00AM and Noon, Monday through Friday at Grace Lutheran Church.

Love Children and Books? Looking for Part-Time Work?

2012-01-23T15:07:00.000-05:00

Re-Posting for our favorite local bookstore:

If you are available nights and weekends and like to work with kids, this job might be for you!

Because any employment decision is a very important one, I'd like to give you some basic information about working here that might influence your decision to apply.

I am seeking employees who are book lovers and customer-oriented. This is a detailed and sometimes physically demanding job. You will spend long hours on your feet. We hire part-time employees. Because of our extensive training, all new employees are asked to make a one-year commitment to Harleysville Books. I need colleagues who are available to work some evenings and weekends on a regular, not rotating, basis. I need all employees to help customers with book and gift purchases, to work as cashiers, and to help logistically for in-store and offsite events. I need employees that like to work with children, are creative and self-motivating.

Bringing books and people together is personally rewarding, yet working in a bookstore is not for everyone. You can expect to move into other areas of operation as opportunities present themselves and your interests and expertise develop. I see teamwork, book knowledge, computer knowlege, flexibility and, above all, customer service as critical elements to the success of this store.

There are benefits to offset the hard work. Employees become part of the community by working at their independent community bookstore. Renowned speakers come through the store. Employees receive advanced copies of books. Employees receive discounts on books and gifts.

If you feel that you can fulfill the requirements above, please apply for a position. Should a position be immediately available that combines your interest and qualifications with our needs, I will contact you. Thanks again for your interest in seeking employment at my bookstore.

You may download an application and return it to the store. Please make sure your information is legible and correct: Join our Team!

Milestones in Music to Co-Sponsor Summer Fun Fair!

2012-01-23T11:35:00.000-05:00

North Penn Under Ten is pleased to announce that Milestones in Music, LLC will be co-sponsoring the 2012 North Penn Summer Fun Fair!

Milestones In Music has been sharing the joy of music with North Penn area children since 2003. Music and movement programs, vocal and instrumental lessons, autism movement therapy, as well as speech and language therapy lessons are offered in their brand-new studio which opened on Broad Street in Lansdale last Spring. In addition to top-notch studio programs, Milestones in Music also provides skilled music and movement training to over 1,400 young children each week at numerous local daycare facilities.

It is both a thrill and an honor to have the support of such an outstanding local children's center for this unique and long-awaited event!

The 2012 North Penn Summer Fun Fair will enable North Penn and Bucks-Mont area parents to learn what our area has to offer kids in the Summer... and beyond! Representatives from more than two dozen children's centers and camps will be available to meet with parents, answer questions, and provide take-home information to help make identifying and selecting summer break activities easier for today's busy parent.

Additional centers offering recreational, educational and other programs and activities in the Bucks-Mont region are invited to join us for this unique and long-awaited event! For more information, please visit the Summer Fun Fair page of the North Penn Under Ten website or feel free to Contact Us!

Outdoor Ice Rink to Open in Souderton

2012-01-19T16:45:00.000-05:00

Souderton township has announced the creation of a 75 by 120 foot outdoor ice skating rink at Souderton Community Park to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the borough.

Montgomerynews.com reports “The plan is to open the rink to the public for free daily ice skating for five weeks, culminating with a special Souderton 125th Anniversary skating event, scheduled for Feb. 4.” Weather permitting, the rink may remain open until February 13th.

The tentative ice skating schedule is as follows:

Free Skate (including ice hockey): afternoons & evenings Monday thru Thursday, Friday afternoons, and 6-9PM on Sundays

Family Skate (no ice hockey): 6-9PM on Fridays & Saturdays, Sunday afternoon until 5PM.

For further details, visit the Souderton Independent newspaper online.

Announcing... The 2012 NPUT Summer Fun Fair!

2012-01-19T14:44:00.000-05:00

What will your kids be doing this summer?

Climbing your walls?

Experiencing dreaded "summer brain drain"?

Pestering you with "Moooooom, I'm so booooooooored!"

Save the date for the North Penn Under Ten Summer Fun Fair and find out what this area has to offer kids in the Summer (and beyond)!

Meet with representatives and gather information from numerous local SUMMER CAMPS and other children's LEARNING and RECREATION centers all at one time

AND...

Collect info on local POOLS, PARKS, LIBRARIES, Vacation Bible Schools, and MORE!

FREE Admission! Door & Raffle Prizes! Freebies! Live Entertainment! Much More!

WHEN: Saturday, March 10th, 2012, 10AM - 1PM

WHERE: Towamencin Volunteer Fire Department, 1590 Bustard Road, Lansdale (Kulpsville)

You know this will surely be on the North Penn Under Ten Calendar and you can keep up with the latest Summer Fun Fair news at the Summer Fun Fair page of the NPUT site!

Questions, or suggestions? Contact us!

Quilt Raffle to Raise Funds for North Wales Library

2012-01-17T23:34:00.000-05:00

This full size, hand made quilt has been donated to the Library to be raffled off as a fund-raiser.
It is machine pieced, hand quilted, about 70" X 100", and exquisite in every way. Stop by the Library to view it (near the Swartley St. entrance) and BUY YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS NOW.
The drawing will be held on January 21.

RAFFLE TICKET PRICES:

1 ticket - $2

3 tickets - $5

12 tickets - $10

A Jumpin' Jack's Benefit for Stepping Stones

2012-01-17T22:53:00.000-05:00

A wonderful opportunity to help Stepping Stones Nursery School while having lots of fun at Jumpin' Jack's!

No School?... Make Monday a Fun Day (and Tuesday, too)!

2012-01-13T16:23:00.000-05:00

Just as we were getting back into the weekday routine, its time for a four-day weekend! Looking for ideas to entertain the kids? North Penn Under Ten to the rescue!

Monday:

Hop on over to Jumpin' Jack's for a day full of fun. Let them burn off all that energy in a safe place from 10AM to 5PM, for just $10 per child. You can even head home for nap time and return the same day for free! The concession stand offers a variety of choices for snack time and lunch. No reservations needed.

Or, if you're looking for a full or half-day camp for your child, check out Briar Bush Nature Center or CAL Sports Academy.

The Greater Plymouth Community Center is holding a Day of Service on Monday. Kids will make pillow cases and quilts for children at local area hospitals. To get involved, contact Shawn Mazei at 610.277.4312.

Register now through Monday for the next session of awesome programs at the Indian Valley Public Library. For infants on up, there is a great assortment of classes and social clubs now forming. Many of those classes and clubs meet on Monday including the "Babies Boogie" classes and the Chess Club for early elementary children. Tuesday will bring "Music and Motion", "Circle Time", and the "Fours and Fives" story times.

Tuesday:

School may be out, but its a great day for literacy in North Penn. Check out the second hand book sale at the Indian Valley YMCA or one of five different story time events across town.

If you haven't checked out "Play Pals" at BucksMont Indoor Sports Center yet, this Tuesday would be a great time to do so! For just $5 each, kids ages 6 and under can have free reign over a variety of toys, books, blocks, and sports equipment while the adults relax. Refreshments are available for purchase.

There are also seven different "Kids' Night" events happening at local restaurants over the two day period.

For more information, check out the North Penn Under Ten Calendar.

CAL Sports Offers MLK Jr. Day Basketball Camp

2012-01-13T14:07:00.003-05:00

If you're still looking for something fun for your child age 7 through 14 to do on Monday, I think I've just stumbled across a winner. This looks great!

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY BASKETBALL CAMP:

Montgomery County Performance Center, 110 Christopher Lane, Harleysville, Pa 19438
Dates: January 16th, 2012
Full Day 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (6 hours) - $42
Half Day 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (3 hours) - $25
Extended Care available at $10 per hour (8:00a to 9:00a or 3:00p to 4:00p)

What is a CAL SPORTS ACADEMY BASKETBALL CAMP?
CAL Sports Academy Basketball Camp is perfect for players to develop or enhance their basketball skills – shooting, passing dribbling, rebounding and defense etc... Camp is available in Full and Half Day Sessions and is conducted by our professional, experienced and fully trained staff.

Why You'll Love CAL Sports Academy Basketball Camp...
• Improve your overall game
• Gain self-confidence through basketball success
• Meet new friends
• Lots of Competitive Games
• Gift giveaways
• Great Memories!!!

Various Basketball Drills Taught at CAL Sports Academy:
Ball Handling: Learn to protect the ball and dribble with both hands.
Passing: Learn the basic passes as well how they should be used during games.
Offense: Learn how to drive pass your defender and get in triple threat position.
Shooting: Learn the fundamentals (B.E.E.F) of shooting (off the pass and off the dribble), and how to make a lay-up with either hand.
Rebounding: Learn how to box your man out and attack the offensive boards.
Defense: Learn a proper defensive stance, how to move your feet and stay with your man.

CAL Sports Academy is proud to offer Montgomery County's best Basketball Camps in the area's newest and most modern sports facility Montgomery County Sports Performance Center.

LUNCH: All full-day campers should bring a pack lunch. And half-day campers should bring a snack. Any Food allergies please let CAL Sports Academy know.
Refund Policy: There is absolutely no refund on sessions, camps, clinics, leagues or lessons purchased. You can’t make up classes if you miss a session. Register online now or contact Corey Lord at 215-896-0810 or Corey@calsportsacademy.com.

Plains Mennonite Church Running Art Contest

2012-01-11T11:42:00.000-05:00

North Penn Under Ten Preschool Expo Is A Success!

2012-01-09T16:39:00.000-05:00

A steady parade of families made their way through the first North Penn Under Ten Preschool Expo on Saturday, gathering information on a variety of educational, musical, movement and athletic programs for their children as they went. If you're already a fan on Facebook, then you may have seen some of the many photos we took that day. (If you're not, take a quick second to remedy that right now! You'll get info on last-minute closings, re-scheduled event details, and sneak peeks at things like photos and event announcements... hint, hint!)

As they entered, families were given their goody bags. (Thank you to Gymboree Play & Music of Montgomeryville for providing the useful and colorful bags!) Those bags had quite a lot inside them, too! Thanks to North Penn Pediatric Dental Associates for providing dental hygenine packs to the first fifty children! North Penn Under Ten also stuffed at random several goody bags with a gift card or another fun prize. We hope all of the recipients enjoy them!

In the main hall, exhibiting schools distributed equal parts information and fun! From cute little stuffed bears to fresh Philly pretzels, there was something for everyone to appreciate. In the middle of the hall, the Music Training Center entertained and engaged the group with lively vocal and acoustic guitar performances while Smiley the Clown happily fulfilled balloon art requests. The balloon sword seemed to be a very popular one!

As families made thier way back out into the entry hall, they were invited to take sample bottles of Zeigler's Apple Cider with them - YUM! Thank you to Amy Purcell and the Zeigler's team for this delicious addition to the day!

New York Life Insurance representative, Brian Kuhns, told me they created three dozen free child ID kits in those three hours! The Child IDs include the child's photo, digitally-scanned fingerprints, and emergency contact information. The ID is designed to be distributed to members of the family and placed in your wallet and in an easy-to-find place in your home in the event that your child were to go missing. The families of thirty-six North Penn children are now better prepared for the unthinkable. This wonderful service will be provided again at the next North Penn Under Ten event...which will be announced this week! (Although, anyone who attended the expo may have already noticed a little green spoiler flyer in their goody bag!)

The Little Gym and Milestones in Music kept children entertained with music and fun while they waited for their free child ID kits to be completed. Judy Jones of Milestones in Music shared a new album produced by a colleague of hers, providing a cheerful musical backdrop to the entry hall and, to quote one parent, The Little Gym brought "the A Team", Miss Gretchen and Miss Jen, who enjoyed visiting with current and former students alike.

No visit was complete without a stop at the Gymboree Play and Music table for a cheerful greeting from Miss Barb and sticker featuring the first clown my own children ever knew and loved, Gymbo!

About halfway through the expo, visitors and exhibitors alike were treated to a special, unplanned show from Hatfield Volunteer Fire Department when the station received a call! A crowd gathered to watch two large engines pull away. Thankfully, they returned safely just a short time later.

By 1:00, ninety-five goody bags had been handed out to North Penn families, and our donation bins for Stepping Stones Nursery School and the Stories for Seniors program had overflowed beyond our wildest imaginations. That photo to the left shows only half of the stuffed toys donated for "Stories for Seniors"!

Stepping Stones Donations

"Stories for Seniors" Donations

The day ended with lots of smiles. Parents appreciated how easy it was to learn about so many programs for their children all at once, schools appreciated the chance to share information with so many families all at once, and most of the children had so much fun, they didn't want to leave!

Thank you so much to all those who donated goods to these two wonderful causes, to all of the schools and centers without whose support this event never would have taken place, and thank you so much to all of the families that came to the expo! I hope you all had as much fun as I did!

Be sure to save the date for Saturday, January 12th for the 2nd Annual North Penn Under Ten Preschool Expo! :)

Even MORE Free Goodies at Tomorrow's Expo!

2012-01-06T15:02:00.000-05:00

Well...tomorrow is the big day!

TWENTY-ONE local schools and specialty centers will be exhibiting at the Expo this Saturday!

Make sure you stop by and say "Hello!" and scoop up some goodies! In addition to everything listed below, Tiny Tennis Center and Milestones in Music have both just announced that they will be giving away special gift packs, too! Also, North Penn Pediatric Dental Associates has provided us with a gift bag for every child containing a child-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and more!

The place is going to be oozing with goodies!!

FREE apple cider samples from Zeigler's!
FREE balloon animals & good cheer from Smiley The Clown!
FREE games & fun from The Little Gym and Tiny Tennis Center!
FREE child ID kits from New York Life!
FREE goody bags that have been stuffed at random with: a Spa Gift Pack for Mom, a Home Fragrance Kit, a FREE books offer for the kids, and several Target gift cards ranging in value from $5 to $25! Plus, every goody bag will contain coupons and special offers such as a 10% off your entire purchase coupon for The Little People's Shoppe, free shipping from Thirty-One Gifts, and more!

So get out, enjoy the milder weather, and come see us at the North Penn Preschool Expo!!

Here's a reminder of who you'll meet there:

Bright Horizons
Castle Academy
Childworks
Congregation Beth Or
Christ United Methodist Church Preschool & Playtime Express
Gymboree Play & Music of Montgomeryville - Gold Sponsor
Happy Days Preschool
KinderCare Learning Center of Lansdale
Kinder Works of Montgomeryville
The Little Gym of Hatfield - Gold Sponsor
The Malvern School of Montgomeryville
Milestones in Music - Gold Sponsor
Music Training Center
North Penn YMCA
Pennview Christian School
Play and Learn of Lansdale
Saint Stanislaus Parish School
Tiny Tennis Center
The Tutoring Center of Lansdale - Gold Sponsor
Twin Spring Farm Educational Impressions
Twin Spring Farm Day School

Remember you are welcome to bring new and gently-used stuffed toys for donation to the Stories for Seniors project and Stepping Stones Nursery School.

Hope to see you there!! Be sure to share this post with your friends!

WHAT: 2012 North Penn Area Preschool Expo

WHEN: TOMORROW Saturday, January 7th, 2012, 10AM - 1PM

WHERE: Hatfield Volunteer Fire Company, 75 North Market Street, Hatfield

Of course, this is also on the North Penn Under Ten calendar! ;-)

Opportunity to Help Stepping Stones Nursery School

2012-01-04T18:01:00.000-05:00

You may have read about the fire that struck Grace Lutheran Church in Hatfield on New Year's Eve.

With the upcoming North Penn Preschool Expo being held in just a few days at Hatfield Fire Company, which is mere blocks away from Grace Lutheran and its Nursery School, it seems only natural to organize a drive to support this well-loved school as it works to rebuild.

Therefore, collection bins will be set up right inside the front door of the North Penn Preschool Expo this Saturday morning at Hatfield Fire Company. All are invited to drop off items from the list below. If you plan to stay and pass through the Expo, we welcome you to do so. If you would simply like to drop off a quick donation as you carry on with your Saturday morning errands, we hope to make it easy for you to do so.

To avoid overwhelming Stepping Stones with more that they can find storage for at this point, North Penn Under Ten, in conjunction with Christ United Methodist Church in Lansdale, has agreed to store these items for the time being, so please give freely. We understand that the need for toys and books will be greater in a few weeks and are prepared to hold onto these items until that time.

The items that will be of greatest help at this time are:

WALMART GIFTS CARDS
US TOY GIFT CARDS*
*Gift cards enable the staff to fill in the gaps and also purchase what they need when they are in a new facility.

Crayons
Markers
Paint
Paintbrushes
Paper
Totes
Tissues
Paper Plates
Small Cups
Snacks
Office Supplies - Post its, pens, legal pads, calculator
Elmer's Glue
Glue Sticks
Scissors
Plastic Silverware
Storage Totes
Sharpies
Watercolors
Bleach
Industrial Size Spray Bottles
Rubber Gloves
Lysol Spray
Lysol Wipes

Thank you for your dedication to the North Penn community. Now, let's see what we can accomplish when we all pull together as a team!

More Schools Announced for This Saturday's Expo!

2012-01-04T11:21:00.000-05:00

THE 2012 NORTH PENN AREA PRESCHOOL EXPO is coming in just THREE DAYS!

TWENTY-ONE local schools and specialty centers will be exhibiting at the Expo this Saturday! Now...how long do you think it would it take you, children in tow, to visit twenty-one schools? Would they enjoy that experience?? Forget about it!! See what new programs are being offered for children in North Penn in one easy trip! Your kids will actually enjoy it, too!

FREE apple cider samples from Zeigler's!
FREE balloon animals from Smiley The Clown!
FREE games & fun from The Little Gym and Tiny Tennis Center!
FREE child ID kits from New York Life!
FREE goody bags that have been stuffed at random with: a Spa Gift Pack for Mom, a Home Fragrance Kit, a FREE books offer for the kids, and several Target gift cards ranging in value from $5 to $25! Plus, every goody bag will contain coupons and special offers such as a 10% off your entire purchase coupon for The Little People's Shoppe, free shipping from Thirty-One Gifts, and more!

And...admission is...you guessed it...FREE!

So get out, enjoy the warm weather we've been promised for Saturday, and come see us at the North Penn Preschool Expo!!

Here's who you'll meet there:

Bright Horizons

Castle Academy

Childworks

Congregation Beth Or

Christ United Methodist Church Preschool & Playtime Express

JUST ADDED!  Gymboree Play & Music of Montgomeryville - Gold Sponsor

Happy Days Preschool

KinderCare Learning Center of Lansdale

Kinder Works of Montgomeryville

The Little Gym of Hatfield - Gold Sponsor

The Malvern School of Montgomeryville

Milestones in Music - Gold Sponsor

JUST ADDED!  Music Training Center

North Penn YMCA

JUST ADDED!  Pennview Christian School

Play and Learn of Lansdale

Saint Stanislaus Parish School

JUST ADDED! Tiny Tennis Center

The Tutoring Center of Lansdale - Gold Sponsor

Twin Spring Farm Educational Impressions

Twin Spring Farm Day School

Remember you are welcome to bring new and gently-used stuffed toys for donation to the Stories for Seniors project.

Hope to see you there!! Be sure to share this post with your friends!

WHAT: 2012 North Penn Area Preschool Expo

WHEN: THIS Saturday, January 7th, 2012, 10AM - 1PM

WHERE: Hatfield Volunteer Fire Company, 75 North Market Street, Hatfield

Of course, this will also be on the North Penn Under Ten calendar! ;-)

New Special Library Events for January

2012-01-01T19:11:00.000-05:00

Worried about cabin fever? No need! Here in North Penn, we are so fortunate to have three outstanding local libraries within a short distance and, this month, there are some awesome offerings on the calendar!

Here's what they have to report...

Lansdale Public Library:

Cavalcade of Magic - Saturday, Jan. 21 @ 10:30 a.m. Come watch several magicians perform their special magic tricks.
Toot! Toot! Train Display - Friday, Jan. 27 @ 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 28 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The North Penn S Gaugers will bring their model train layout to the library for all to enjoy.
Free Tutoring by Youth Lit - The American Youth Literacy Foundation is offering tutoring to children in grades 1 - 5 who need help with reading. Tutoring is provided by trained volunteers. Tutors will work with your child after school for 30 minutes per week, usually Friday afternoons between 4 and 5:30. Other times may be available. Please sign up using the form available at the library. More information is available at www.youthlit.org

North Wales Area Library:

NEW! Special Needs Story Time - Children with special needs (all ages) and siblings are invited to story time the second Tuesday of each month at 10 AM in the Library Community Rooms. Stories and music will be geared toward ages 2-6, and the environment will be sensory friendly. January 10 is the kickoff date for this new program.
NEW! Who Let the Dogs In??!! - As a fun way to encourage reading, children are invited to read to trained therapy dogs on Saturdays from 10:30-11 AM in the Library. Sign-up is required. Program begins January 14.

Indian Valley Public Library: Winter/Spring Children's Session 1 Programs run January 16th to February 24th. Registration begins January 2. Weekly classes include: Baby and Me (0-24mos.), Babies Boogie (0-2 years old), Circle Time (2-3 years old), Music and Motion (3-5 years old), and Fours and Fives, as well as classes for school age children (grades k-5): Chess Club and a Lego Workshop series.

Other special programs which require advance registration include a Snow Dreams Story Hour, and a Sign Language Workshop for children in K-5th grade.

All of these special programs and classes (and much more!) are listed on the North Penn Under Ten calendar. Know anyone with kids who isn't aware of North Penn Under Ten yet? Please share this!

Don't Throw out Those Holiday Cards!

2011-12-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

This is such a neat program. This timely article is a re-post from MamaCheaps.com (run by a talented, nationally-recognized blogger who happens to be local to our area!).

Are you looking for a small way to make a big difference for some very special children? You are probably familiar with St. Jude’s Hospital. St. Jude’s is a pediatric research hospital that provides treatment to children- regardless of whether the family is able to pay for services or not. No one is denied service and everyone who walks through the doors receives cutting edge treatment.

The St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is another amazing facility for kids in need.“For more than 40 years, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children has provided a safe, nurturing home and therapeutic residential treatment services to more than 1,000 children in Nevada and Texas. St. Jude’s Ranch is making a difference by creating new lives with new skills for abused, abandoned and neglected children of all races and faiths.”

Recycled Card Program
Send your used cards (Christmas, birthday, any type!) to the children at St. Jude’s Ranch. The kids there will cut the fronts off of the old cards and affix new backs, creating new cards! The cards can be purchased on their website.

Who does this program benefit? It benefits all of US by encouraging us to “go green” and recycle. It benefits the children at St. Jude’s Ranch by teaching them about recycling and earning some spending money!

St. Jude’s Ranch is accepting used, all-occasion cards YEAR ROUND!

You can mail your donations to:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude’s Street – Boulder City, NV 89005
877-977-SJRC (7572)

Some card donating tips:

All types of greeting cards, including Christmas are used.
Only the card front can be used (please check to be sure the back side is clear of any writing, etc.)
They can not accept Hallmark, Disney or American Greeting cards.
5″ x 7″ size or smaller is preferred.

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children: Recycled Card Program (Send Your Old Christmas Cards Today!) is a post by MamaCheaps.com.

Register Now: Several New Kids' Programs Announced!

2011-12-27T17:22:00.000-05:00

The New Year is just around the corner and you know what that means... lots of registrations to remember!

Here is a sampling of some of the many children's programs that are now open for registration, or will be in the coming month:

Too Important Not to Mention:

North Penn School District Kindergarten Registration
FREE Car Seat checks at Montgomery Twp Fire Dept. and Grandview Hospital

Special Events:

Pre-New Year's Eve Party at Gymboree 12/30, 6-7:30pm. Ages 0-5.
Montgomery Township 300th Anniversary Celebration Logo and Slogan Contest, Entries Due 1/2.
Family Fun Night - PJ Party at Harleysville Books, 1/13.
Veggie Tales Live Show, 3/10, Branch Creek Community Church. Tix on sale now.
Children's Dental Sealants Program, 3/29. Free exam & sealants for ages 6-14.

Recreation Programs:

Hatfield Twp Parks & Rec: Music for 4 & under & Fencing for 8 & up
Montgomery Twp Parks & Rec: Lego Robotics, Chess, Art & Music Classes for ages 6 mos & up!
North Penn YMCA Winter Session (1/2 - 2/26)

Sports:

Hatfield and Nor-Gwyn T-Ball, Baseball & Softball
North Penn Small Sided Soccer
NP Squires Football & Cheerleading

Full details on these any other programs and events are available on the the Register Now page.

Preschool Expo Deadlines Extended

2011-12-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

THE 2012 NORTH PENN AREA PRESCHOOL EXPO is coming soon!

As of this post, seventeen local preschools and other educational centers have registered...is your school on this list?

Bright Horizons (North Wales)
Castle Academy (Skippack)
Childworks (Kulpsville)
Christ United Methodist Church Preschool & Playtime Express
Congregation Beth Or
Happy Days Preschool at Central Schwenkfelder Church
Kindercare (Lansdale/ North Wales)
Kinder Works
The Little Gym (Hatfield)
The Malvern School (Glen Mills)
Milestones in Music - SILVER SPONSOR
North Penn YMCA
Play & Learn (Lansdale) - SILVER SPONSOR
St. Stanislaus Parish School
The Tutoring Center (Lansdale) - SILVER SPONSOR
Twin Spring Farm Educational Impressions
Twin Spring Farm Day School (Ambler)

The registration deadline has been extended, but you must notify North Penn Under Ten of your intent to participate by this Friday, December 30th! Spaces are now limited and remaining tables are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment must be received by January 3, 2012.

For more information, contact us or visit the North Penn Preschool Expo page. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the first North Penn Preschool Expo (and save a place in your budget for the next one in January 2013!)!

WHAT: 2012 North Penn Area Preschool Expo

WHEN: Saturday, January 7th, 2012, 10AM - 1PM

WHERE: Hatfield Volunteer Fire Company, 75 North Market Street, Hatfield

Of course, this will also be on the North Penn Under Ten calendar!

Winter Break Events at Lansdale Library

2011-12-26T11:32:00.000-05:00

School’s out, but the learning continues at the library!

On Wednesday, December 28th at 10:30AM, therapy dog, Onya, will be visiting the library for children to practice their reading skills. Onya is a Siberian Husky who loves to listen to stories about snow.

Then, join us as we Ring in the New Year at Noon again this year on Friday, December 30. The party starts at 11 a.m. with a holiday movie. Then socialize for a few minutes until the countdown begins. Snacks and noisemakers will be provided. This is a great alternative to staying up until midnight!

For more information, visit the Lansdale Public Library on-line or the North Penn Under Ten calendar.