Fayetteville Public Library Children’s Library: Weekly free programs that inspire students to continue reading during the summer revolve around the theme ‘Be Creative @ Your Library.’ To sign up for the program or to see a full schedule of events, call 856.7170 or  visit the Children’s Desk or  www.faylib.org. 

Teen Summer Reading Club Continues

Fayetteville Public Library: Free weekly programs for 6th through 12th grade students encourage students to continue reading; programs revolve around the theme ‘Express Yourself @ Your Library.’ To sign up for the program or to see a full schedule of events, call 856.7170 or  visit the Children’s Desk or  www.faylib.org.
 

Teen Thursday Flicks: Free @ 3

Thursdays through July 23, 3 pm, Fayetteville Public Library Walker Community Room:

• July 16: The Simpsons Movie
• July 23: Step Up 2 the Streets

For teens. For a complete list of movies, visit www.faylib.org.
 

Friday Morning Movies at FPL

Fridays through July 31, 10 am, Fayetteville Public Library Walker Community Room:

• July 17: Pagemaster
• July 24: The Borrowers
• July 31: Sound of Music

For children and families. For a complete list of films, visit www.faylib.org. For more information, call the Children’s Library at 856.7170.
 

Knit-a-Critter for Teens

Tuesday, July 14, 3 pm, Library’s Arsaga’s Café: Teens will learn to knit an animal, called an animaguri, for a local child in need. The library will supply the materials. No experience is necessary, but experienced crocheters and knitters are welcome to join. For more information, visit www.faylib.org or call 856.7170.
 

Parents Choice Award Winner Leonard Biciunas

Wednesday, July 15, 1 & 2 pm, Walker Community Room: Parents Choice Award winner Leonardo Biciunas hosts an interactive musical performance for children. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.faylib.org or call 856.7170.
 

Texas Musician Laura Freeman Performs

Tuesday, July 21 at 10:30 am, 3 pm & 6:30 pm; Wednesday, July 22 at 1 & 2, Library’s Walker Community Room: Texas musician Laura Freeman performs for all ages. Her first performance on Tuesday, July 21 will be for children and families. The 3 pm concert will be for teens, followed by a 6:30 pm performance for families. The following day, she will perform for elementary-age students at 1 & 2 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.faylib.org or call 856.7170.
 

Hip Hop Workshop

Thursday, July 23, 5 pm, Library’s Walker Community Room: Robin Hagan with Team Dance USA will teach teens the latest dance moves followed by a dance off with prizes awarded to the best dancers. For more information, visit www.faylib.org or call 856.7170.

leonardo Biciunas

Parent’s Choice Award winner Leonardo Biciunas will perform on Wednesday, July 15 at 1 & 2 p.m. as part of the library’s Summer Reading Club activities.

Biciunas’ interactive musical performance is for elementary-age students and will be in the library’s Walker Community Room.
Students can sign up for the Summer Reading Club at the Children’s Desk or at www.faylib.org.

For more information, call the Children’s Desk at 856.7170.

You can find Boston Mountain Baby food in the freezer sections of Ozark Natural Foods in Fayetteville and Pinnacle Station in Rogers. You may also order directly from Boston Mountain Baby by emailing angie@bostonmountainbaby.com.

Giveaway details at the end of this post, but first: Are you looking for ways to sneak veggies into your toddler or older child’s diet? Try these recipes from Boston Mountain Baby:

Sweet ‘n Creamy Pasta

• 1 box of your favorite whole wheat pasta (ours is rotini)
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• ½ cup Italian blend shredded cheese
• 4 cubes Boston Mountain Baby So Sweet Potatoes OR Bunny’s Banquet
• ½ cup frozen green peas
• Salt & pepper to taste

1. Cook pasta according to box directions. Drain and return to pot.
2. Add butter and Boston Mountain Baby cubes and cook on low heat until cubes are thoroughly defrosted. Stir frequently for even distribution.
   
3. Remove from heat and add shredded cheese and peas. Toss to mix.
   
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Serve, enjoy, and have peace of mind knowing you are giving your family extra nutrition it needs and deserves!!!
   

Super Strawberry Smoothie

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries *
  
• ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries*
  

  *if using frozen, it is best to defrost the berries until they are ALMOST thawed. A little bit frozen makes for an even better smoothie

• 1 banana
  
• 1 cup fruit juice
  
• 2 thawed cubes Boston Mountain Baby Spinach Patch (or any other green cubes)
  
• 2 thawed cubes Boston Mountain Baby Bunny’s Banquet (or any other yellow or orange cubes)
  
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey or agave nectar (optional)
  

1. Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on low for about 10-20 seconds, then on high for 30-60 seconds.
   
2. Pour into chilled glasses, enjoy, and have peace of mind knowing you are giving your family extra nutrition it needs and deserves!!!

Giveaway Details

Want to try before you buy? I have Boston Mountain Baby sampler packs to give away to two lucky Life+Kids readers. To enter the drawing for the sampler packs, email terri@lifepluskids.com. As always, you can increase your chances of winning by forwarding this post to your friends and copying terri@lifepluskids.com on the email. The deadline for entry is noon on Monday, July 13, 2009.

We are proud to have Boston Mountain Baby as a sponsor of Life+Kids!

For more information, go to www.artbybethonline.com.

If you know a young student who likes Nate the Great, we still have room for campers who are 4 years -entering Kindergarten and those entering 1st-2nd grades. Campers will join Kris, Jason and Nate the Great Super Sleuth to solve mysteries through drama, art and movement.  Camps are next week, July 13-17, at Trike Theatre in downtown Bentonville.  HURRY!  Space is limited to 12 campers!  Register online at www.triketheatre.org or call 866.331.3681.  The price is $125 + $10 2009/10 Trikester fee.   

We also have room for students entering 3rd-8th grades in both Broadway Musical Theatre Camps.   The camps will be held at Arend Arts Center at Bentonville High School on July 13-17 and July 20-24.  Jenny is busy picking songs for campers to perform during pizza dinner theatre performances on the 17th and 24th.  Trikesters from 2008/09 and students from this summer pay only $150/camp.  Students new to Trike pay $250 + $10 Trikester fee for one camp, and only $150 for the second.  Learn more and register at www.triketheatre.org. 

Lastly, we have space in our Greek Myths Performance Camp July 20-31.  Campers will use traditional Greek myths to adapt and create their own stories and characters and perform scenes on the last day of camp.

Bring a friend to our camp for 3rd-8th graders and receive $100 off your tuition.  Or take both the morning and afternoon sessions and save $100.   Learn more and register at www.triketheatre.org

Little Sprouts activities are included in the regular price of admission/free to BGSO members

The cost is $12; race day registration will not be available. 

Contact the Parks and Rec offices to register.  (479) 524-5779; Parks@siloamsprings.com.

I know many of you are planning summer birthday parties, so I convinced founders Camilla Williamson and Jennifer Enlow to give Life+Kids readers a sneak peak at a few of their kids party invitations.

If you would like to order any of the invitations below, call Jennifer Enlow at 479.200.9785. Or, call Jennifer and tell her your party theme. She will email you her picks of invitations perfect for your theme. Pricing ranges from $29 for 10 printed invitations, $48 for 20, and $66 for 30. You can also purchase the invitations blank. Ask Jennifer for details when you call.

Be sure to tell Jennifer you saw the invites on Life+Kids. If you do, you will receive a FREE bag tag!

We are proud to have Art Ink as a sponsor of Life+Kids!

Thanks to all of you who entered, and congratulations to Lenda!

Tell a Friend about Life+Kids!

Stop by Walton Arts Center this Saturday for the Summer Broadway Subscription Sale! Get up to 50% off select 2009-2010 Broadway subscriptions.

Yes, you read that correctly, up to 50% off Broadway subscriptions during this one-day only sale. You could get 6 great shows for less than $100!* Plus we’ll have prizes, refreshments and best of all – air conditioning!

The Summer Broadway Sale is one day only – and these deals are only available IN PERSON on Saturday from 9am to 4pm at Walton Arts Center, 495 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville.

Discounts not available by phone or internet.
*Available for select dates and seating sections only. For more information, call 479-443-5600.

Shows in the 09/10 P&G Broadway Series include:
Riverdance: The Farewell Performances – Oct. 20-25
The Rat Pack is Back for the Holidays – Dec. 8-13
Little House on the Prairie – Jan. 5-10, 2009
Roger’s and Hammerstein’s South Pacific – Mar. 30 – Apr 4, 2010
Grease – May 4-9, 2010

Legally Blonde follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn’t take “no” for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style!

Performance times are Tuesday July7 at 7 p.m., Wednesday July 8 at 7 p.m., Thursday July 9 at 7 p.m., Friday July 10 at 8 p.m. Saturday July 11 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday July 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Walton Arts Center Box Office at 479.443.5600 or by visiting online at www.waltonartscenter.org.

The wonderful folks at the Walton Arts Center are giving away 2 tickets to one lucky Life+Kids reader for the Tuesday, July 7 show. Entering the drawing for the tickets is easy. Just click here to enter, or email your entry to terri@lifepluskids.com. As always, you can increase your chances of winning by forwarding this post to your friends and copying terri@lifepluskids.com. Your name will be entered an additional time for each friend on your email. The deadline for entry is noon on Saturday, June 27, 2009. The winner will be drawn and notified later that day. Good luck, and enjoy the giveaway!

By the way, the Fayetteville Flyer and NWA Motherlode are offering ticket giveaways to the show as well, so enter there as well!

SCIENCE FICTION TEEN BOOK CLUB July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Teens will meet in the Teen Zone every Wednesday @ 5 pm to discuss their reading selections.
 
THE KINDERS Thursday July 2 @ 2pm
Join the Kinders as they combine guitar playing talent and whimsical songs to amuse and entertain children of all ages in a rollicking, good time music show of original songs.
 
MOVIE MATINEES– Movie Matinees are shown every Monday at 1:00 p.m. in the Wal-Mart Community Room of the Bentonville Public Library. Movie presentations are free to the public.

•  7/6       Dr. Doolittle-Million Dollar Mutts   Rated PG       
• 7/13      Princess Protection Program Rated TV-G  
• 7/20     We’re Back! A Dinosaur Story Rated G 
• 7/27     Coraline  Rated PG        

READ AND RESPOND TEEN SUMMER BOOK GROUP July 6, July 13, July 20 & July 27 @ 5 pm
Bentonville Public Library and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art invite teens to participate in an eight week discussion of Letters to a Young Artist, penned by Anna Deavere Smith.   This book is a call to action to make “art that is meaningful.” Meetings will include lively discussions and the creation of an artist’s book.  The meetings are Mondays at 5:00 p.m. in the Teen Zone of the Bentonville Public Library. At summers end, the artist’s books will be exhibited at the library.
 
TEEN KNITTING CLUB July 8 and July 22 @ 1 pm
Join Linda Chick from Crafty Cottage for the very first meeting of our teen knitting club. All levels of knitters from beginning to advanced welcome.
 
MARTY THE BALLOON MAN Thursday, July 9 @ 2 pm
Come welcome the Balloon Man, Marty Boone, for a fun filled program featuring music, magic, & balloons.
 
READ WITH JESSE Saturday, July 11 @ 10 am
The Bentonville Public Library invites all animal lovers to an encore presentation of Read with Jesse, a Therapy Dog on Saturday, July 11 in the Bogle Family Children’s Library. Back by popular demand are Jesse, a yellow lab and her owner, Teresa Robinson. Together they are a registered Therapy Dog Team and active members of Helping Paws of Northwest Arkansas. Reading with a dog is fun and reading aloud to a dog can help children increase enthusiasm for reading, develop reading skills, and gain confidence in interacting with animals.

MY BIG WORLD STORYTIME Saturday, July 11 @ 2 pm
Explore the world through books with Miss Kayla! 

DA GIRLS BOOKWORM GROUP Monday, July 13 @ 5 pm
Girls in grades 3rd to 4th are invited to discuss this month’s selection, The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes, and pick up next months book.  
 
CRYSTAL BRIDGES—LET’S READ A PICTURE Thursday, July 16 @ 2 pm
Join Crystal Bridges at the library for a great family art appreciation experience; this program is best for children ages 5 to 12 years of age and their adult partners. 

GOURD DESIGNS: GOURD MASKS Tuesday, July 21 @ 2 pm
Tweens in grades 5 to 7 are invited to join artist Melissa Barclay to get creative with gourds. Registration is required and limited. 

DAVID T., MAGIC Thursday, July 23 @ 2 pm
Join David T. as he presents “We’re Makin’ Magic” his fun, mysterious, and wacky program.
 
DAVID T., MAGIC WORKSHOP Thursday, July 23 @ 4 pm
David T. magician of Castlewood Entertainment will present a workshop for teens 13 to 18 years old.
 
SUGAR FREE ALLSTARS Thursday, July 30 @ 2 pm
Come celebrate the end of summer reading with a high energy music concert for the whole family!

First thing on the schedule is the heart-pounding, show-stopping, flag-waving extravaganza of Celebrate America on Sunday, June 28th at 7:00 pm. Produced by the First Baptist Church of Bentonville, this event has free food, a military flyover, special guests Twila Paris and Clebe McClary and a lot more.

If that’s not enough, Downtown Bentonville, Inc. will be hosting the First Friday: Mom, Baseball and Apple Pie event on July 3rd from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm. From the Ozark Barbershop Chorus and Picking on the Square bluegrass performances to several contests, including watermelon seed spitting, apple pie and hot dog eating, hula hoop spinning and wiener dog costumes. They’re celebrating downtown style!

But wait…there’s more! On July 4th is a Kids 4th of July Parade Around the Square at 10:00 am during the Farmers Market. Be at the Square by 9:30 am for line-up. Jazz up bikes, trikes, kids, dogs, cats, carts and wagons with streamers, balloons and anything else red, white and blue that screams “Look at me!” No sign up necessary, just head to the Bentonville Square and join in the fun.

…and don’t forget to stick around town on July 4th, because the fireworks are back in Bentonville! Hosted by the City of Bentonville, the show will begin the evening of July 4th in Memorial Park.

Come downtown for the parade, grab some lunch and then head over to Memorial Park and get a prime seat for the fireworks.

It’s a great resource for those new to the area, and I’m willing to bet that you old-timers will learn something new as well…the new guide is the best one yet!

To get back on track, here’s a list of tips from Life+Kids readers.  Read carefully.  There are lots of gems in here!

• The You and Me Soccer Program is a fun indoor exercise program at the All Star Sports Arena in Springdale for parents and preschool children (2 – 5 years old). The program includes activities that both parents and children can do — many of which will be done with a soccer ball.  You and your child will experience physical activity that develops fitness and coordination. The class is offered on Thursdays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Classes are $5/day and registration is not required. Bring your own soccer ball. For more information, contact Nancy O’Brien at 445-7100 or allstarsoccer@cox.net. 
• NWA Circle of Friends, the fundraising organization for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, is having a “Friendraiser” event on Saturday June 27, 2009 at George’s Majestic Lounge. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by contacting razzberryink@gmail.com.
• The Rolling Hills Baptist Church is offering a summer tutoring programfor kids ages K through 3rd grades on Monday and Wednesday evenings. The program focuses on reading, writing and math skills and only costs $5 per child FOR THE WHOLE PROGRAM plus a food donation which will go to needy families in the Arkansas delta region or to Fayetteville’s Cooperative Emergency Outreach program. Monday sessions are one hour.  Wednesdays are from 5:30 to 8:30 and include dinner and supervised playtime.  The program runs for 4 more weeks starting Monday, with a break for the week of July 6 for VBS (also interdenominational, open to the public, with dinner included for the kids). For more information, contact Rolling Hills Baptist Church at 521-2660.
• The Arkansas Institute of Developmental Science is looking for a few more girls age 8-17 to participate in a research study. If your daughter may be interested, here’s a pdf version of the research study flyer (link).
• Ozark Regional Transit is once again running their “Kids Ride Free” promotion from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  Kids, ages 7 to 17, may ride all Fixed Routes in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville for free.  Many popular destinations are available including libraries, community pools, Bernice Jones Center, Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club and the NWA Mall.  Plus service is available to Owl Creek Elementary where free lunches are served daily for kids.  Visit www.ozark.org for information on bus routes and times.
• Art By Beth is offering summer watercolor and photography classes for kids age 11-16.  For more information, go to www.artbybethonline.com. 
• First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville will be holding Camp E.D.G.E. Vacation Bible School on July 13-17 from 9 am to 12:15 pm.  Program is free.  To register, visit www.cokesburyvbs.com/fpcbentonville/ce or call the church at 273-5450. 
• Kids Eat Free at Ron’s Hamburger’s & Chili in Bentonville and Lowell on Tuesday & Saturday 4pm-close.
• Kids eat free Sunday through Thursday after 4pm during June at the Marketplace Grill in Springdale and the Marketplace Express in Rogers and Fayetteville (but not the Mall location).  Up to two free kid’s meals with the purchase of at least one adult entree of $6.99 or more.
• $2 Movies at Malco Kids Summer Film Fest – 10am, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through July 29; visit www.malco.com for a list of locations and shows.
• The Fayetteville Visitors Center has 6 bikes available for rent Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.  The bikes can be rented for $2 for a lunch hour, $5 for half day and $10 for a full day.
• A new website has been launched, www.nwata.com (Northwest Arkansas Theatre Association), for all of those passionate and curious about the theatre in Northwest Arkansas.  Sponsored by Arts Live Theatre, Northwest Arkansas’ only dedicated children’s and youth theatre company, and Ceramic Cow Productions, a professional fringe theatre company based in Fayetteville, www.nwata.com provides theatre information with a click!
• Kids Eat Free at the Venesian Inn in Tontitown on Tuesday nights.
• First School in Fayetteville is introducing a Kindergarten program designed for children that will be affected by the change of the kindergarten start date, or children that could use another year of development and enrichment.  Offers a small class size of 10 students and the attention of a licensed teacher and full-time aid.   Spots are limited, call 571-4516.

Whew! I’m down to only 42 emails — and have some great giveaways lined up for you, so stay tuned!

SpikeFest is the largest amateur volleyball festival style series in the USA with tournament divisions for all ages and abilities including juniors divisions and adult divisions.  Formats open for the Bentonville Event include 2on2 Sand Doubles, 3on3 Grass, and 5on5 Grass. 

For more information or to register for the tournament go to www.spikefest.com.

Click on the links for more information about each event.

What have we missed? Leave your suggestions in the comments or email terri@lifepluskids.com. Enjoy!

Mondays

• Rogers Farmer’s Market at Frisco Park– 4-7pm (through August 31)

Tuesdays

• Fayetteville Farmer’s Market on the Square – 7am-1pm (through November 21)
• Springdale Farmer’s Market at the Jones Center – 7am-1pm (through October)

Wednesdays

• Rogers Farmer’s Market at Frisco Park– 7am-1pm (through October)

Thursdays

• Gulley Park Summer Concert Series in Fayetteville (June 18, July 9, July 23, August 6)
• Fayetteville Farmer’s Market – 7am-1pm on the Square and 4-7pm at the Mill District (through November 21)
• Springdale Farmer’s Market at the Jones Center – 7am-1pm (through October)
• Frisco Family Film Night at Frisco Park in Rogers (through July 28)

Fridays

• Free Dive In Movies at Wilson Park Pool in Fayetteville – begins at dark (June 24, July 10, July 24)
• Free Friday Night Movie at Lewis Soccer Field in Fayetteville – begins at dark (August 28)
• First Friday Celebration on the Bentonville Square – 5-8pm (the 1^st Friday of each month through November)

Saturdays

• Fayetteville Farmer’s Market – 7am-1pm (through November 21)
• Rogers Farmer’s Market – 7am-1pm (through October)
• Bentonville Farmer’s Market – 7am-1pm (through October)
• Springdale Farmer’s Market at the Jones Center – 7am-1pm (through October)
• Summer Reading Club Family Events at the Fayetteville Public Library – 10:30am except July 25 (through August 8 – except no event on the 4^th of July)
• Pickin’ in the Park at Frisco Park in Rogers – 6pm (through October 24)

Sundays

• Farmer’s Market at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks – 9am-1pm (through September 13)
• Mountain Street Music Series at the Fayetteville Public Library – 2pm (during the month of June)

Organized by Haley Duke and the BGO, the Firefly Festival features music, jugglers, fire spinners, and fairies, and artist Jo Ann Kaminsky and friends will present a puppet play.

Musical performers include David’s Pegasus, Mountain Sprout, Hosta, Devil’s Promenade, and Justches.

The Children’s Museum of NWA will provide hands-on exploration in each of the many gardens. People of all ages may make masks and wands and participate in a procession of giant puppets.

Art bicycles will parade around the grounds while Night Blossom will perform a firefly themed fire performance.

Justchess will present a interactive video installation where audience members actually mix video of themselves!

Fairies, jugglers, unicyclists will grace the park with a carnival-like whimsy.

What a wonderful way to celebrate Father’s Day!

“It’s a fun and eclectic mix,” said Haley Duke, an artist who organized entertainment for the event. “People of all ages who love gardens, art and music will have a great time at the Firefly Festival.”

Costumes, masks and picnicking are encouraged! Arsaga’s, Yancey’s, and Petra will sell refreshments and cold drinks.

Admission, payable at door, is $6 per person or $20 per family.

For more information visit http://fireflyfestival.org.

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks celebrates the spirit of the Ozarks in beautiful themed gardens and the unique timber-framed Totemeier Horticulture Center. Located at 4703 N. Crossover Road in Fayetteville, the Garden is open to visitors from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information and a map to the garden visit www.bgozarks.org.

Just upload your photos, pick a song, and Animoto will take care of the rest, creating a one-of-a-kind video with the visual energy of a music video and the emotional impact of a movie trailer. 

Now, you can even add personal messages in text (captions, messages, dates, etc.) or give your video a professional-quality effect with stock images.

Not only is an Animoto video far more personal than anything you could find in a store, but the price is unbeatable. 30-second videos are free, $3 for full length videos, and $30 for a year long subscription for unlimited full length videos. 

Here is a sample video you can make for dad: http://animoto.com/play/CWej3mOdsXUS8bFLyD5ABg/?ref=iyjdvulf

He also maintains a blog with creative exercises that are simple and fun for kids…all ages really — here’s the link.

June 20 (saturday)
Springdale Public Library 
10am (6-9 year olds)
11 am (10-12 year olds)

June 22 (monday)
Farmington Public Library
10 am
West Fork Public Library
1 pm

June 23 (tuesday)
Siloam Springs Public Library
2pm

June 24 (wednesday)
Fayetteville Public Library
1pm

July 14 (tuesday)
Elkins Public Library
10 am
Greenland Public Library
1 pm

July 15 (wednesday)
Lincoln Public Library
10am
Prairie Grove Public Library
1 pm

Tell a Friend about Life+Kids!