Here are your search results, please choose a result below to visit that blog/post
Recent Posts
Humpback Whales in Concert
03/11/2010From the haunting, eerie sounds of the humpback whale to the majesty and power of a 50-piece orchestra portraying a violent storm at seas, join the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) and Music Director William Boughton for Big Blue Marble, Sunday, April 11, 2010, 2:00pm at Woolsey Hall, New Haven for this 50-minute musical discovery of the seas and its inhabitants. Big Blue Marble, part of the NHSO’s Family Concerts Series, introduces classical music to children of all ages through song and interactive exploration. Hosted by Steven J. Pynn, Principal of The Sound School, Big Blue Marble, features stories and songs about the sea featuring the most unusual soloists ever to appear in Woolsey Hall, a family of humpback whales! On the program: Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides, Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from the opera Peter Grimes, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, and Hovhaness’ And God Created Great Whales. Concert attendees young and old are invited to our Instrument Discovery Zone, a free and interactive instrumental petting zoo from 1:30-2:00pm in the rotunda of Woolsey Hall. The NHSO encourages all patrons to bring a donation of a new or gently used children’s book to help Read to Grow build literacy for youngsters across the state. Tickets to this exciting event are $15 (adults), $12 (seniors) and $5 (children). To purchase tickets contact the NHSO Box Office at (203) 865-0831, ext. 10 or visit newhavensymphony.org.
It's Here! Book Giveaway Week
03/10/2010
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="On sale now!"]
[/caption]
I'm SUPER excited to share the news that "Best Family Adventures: SANTA BARBARA County" is FINALLY HERE! After printing delays and a snow delay and finally a WIND delay, the truck delivered more than a ton of these books Tuesday morning! I'm particularly excited to share it after the success of "Best Family Adventures: SAN LUIS OBISPO County" which has sold more than 3,000 copies to date.
Read on to find out how YOU can get a free copy THIS WEEK!
Of course, you can pick up as many copies as you like in a growing number of stores throughout the Central Coast. Marc at Toy Zoo & Anything Educational (next door to Michael's on South Broadway in Santa Maria) grabbed a bunch Tuesday afternoon. The Book Loft in Solvang will have it on shelves midday Thursday, and my distributors will start getting it in other stores later this week and in coming weeks. If you'd like a copy, pick one up from Toy Zoo, order it through me directly, or contact YOUR local bookseller and ask them to order you a copy through the distributors (Central Coast Books in SLO County or Pacific Books in Santa Barbara County).
Have an idea where I should put it on sale? Know someone who might want to carry it, or use it for a fundraiser? Drop me a note, please!
Now... for the next five days, I'll give away one copy of the book to the first person who correctly answers the question of the day. Even if you have my phone number or know my e-mail address, you must post your answer to this blog in order for your entry to be included in the contest.
So, what's the big question, you ask? Let's start with an easy one:
Where is the newest paved bike path in Orcutt, how long is it, and what is it called?
Good Luck!
Composer and Music Writer for the children's hit show Yo Gabba Gabba to DJ Beehive Family Expo & Fair
03/10/2010
Aaron Watene, composer & music writer for the hit children’s TV show Yo Gabba Gabba, just signed on to DJ/MC & entertain the crowd at the nationally acclaimed Beehive Family Expo & Fair as it buzzes into Orange County’s Great Park in Irvine, CA. The two day charity event is FREE to all attendees, with the donation of two cans of non-perishable food to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank, and promises Family Fun for Everyone!
Brought to you by Orange County Parent.com, the Beehive Family Expo & Fair is the largest event of its kind in Southern California. On the weekend of March 13 & 14, 2010 this one-of-a-kind family festival is set to include: Carnival Rides, Bounce Houses, Games & Prizes, Drawings & Giveaways, Photo Contests, Hands-On Arts & Crafts Projects, Local Youth Performances, and amazing Live Entertainment – including OC’s #1 rated girl’s band, The Raymies, and the Downtown Disney Group Kid’s Imagine Nation - performing Live on the Main Stage all weekend. All visitors to The Beehive Family Expo & Fair will automatically receive FREE paintball passes to any one of six Southern California Paintball Parks upon entry, courtesy of Hollywood Sports.
In addition to the carnival festivities, the weekend will also be host to over 200 vendors from across Orange County, featuring the latest products for Moms, Dads, Children and Infants. Row upon row of exhibits, offering “Show Specials” will be broken up into eight themed areas, including: The Women’s Section – Queen Bee, The Men’s Section – Worker Bee, The Children’s Section ¬– Busy Bee’s, The Infant Section – BaBee, The Expectant Mother’s Section – Mommy 2 Bee, The Home Section – The Hive, The Gourmet Food Section – The Honey Pot, The Personal Planning & Security Section – The Beekeeper, and last but not least…the newest products on the market in the section entitled, The Buzz!
Not only is The Beehive Family Expo & Fair FREE to all attendees who donate two cans of food to the Second Harvest Food Bank, but patrons who visit the two day family festival will also be able to participate in a number of additional FREE activities and given a number of FREE prizes as well, including:
• FREE Hand-on Art Projects
• FREE Laser Tag Course
• FREE Photo Contest & Prizes
• FREE Opportunity Drawings
• FREE $25 Paintball Park Ticket @ any Hollywood Sports
It’s ALL THE BUZZ! Don’t miss the nationally acclaimed Beehive Family Expo & Fair, coming to Orange County’s Great Park in Irvine – Saturday March 13th from 10:00am-6:00pm and Sunday March 14th from 10:00am-5:00pm. Visit the website @ www.beehivefamilyexpo.com or call the show office @ (714)241-9055 for further information.
Girls Inc. One Hundred Committee Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Scholarship Luncheon
03/10/2010Contact: Amy Mayfield 805-570-4415 Mayfield20@cox.net
Girls Inc. One Hundred Committee Celebrates
25th Anniversary of the Scholarship Luncheon
Honoring 25 Scholarship Recipients at Lotusland on April 29th
SANTA BARBARA, CA – Girls Incorporated of Greater Santa Barbara is pleased to announce the celebration of 25 years of the One Hundred Committee Scholarship Luncheon. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 29th, 2010, from 11:30am-2:00pm, and we will honor 25 scholarship recipients including well-known local KEYT News Correspondent Paula Lopez among others. This year’s luncheon will be co-chaired by Anne Luther and Caroline Thompson and the event will be held at Lotusland, a unique 37-acre estate and botanic garden in Montecito. The One Hundred Committee was formed in 1985 by local women, Perri Harcourt, Joanne Holderman and Jeri Rovsek along with other Girls Inc. supporters. Their original goal was to have 100 women contribute 100 dollars each to attend a luncheon at Perri’s home and to hear a distinguished speaker. Monies raised would provide scholarship support for girls to attend programs at Girls Inc. Committee members cooked the food and the girls served the dessert. This year in honor of the silver anniversary, these ladies will also be recognized for their dedication to the scholarship programs of Girls Inc. “It is an honor to be involved in an organization dedicated to the growth and development of young women.”, describes Anne Luther, event co-chair. “And it truly is rewarding to see these 25 scholarship recipients and know the impact Girls Inc. has made on their lives. How gratifying to see their accomplishments and watch them become mentors of a new generation,” adds Caroline Thompson, event co-chair. This silver anniversary deserves a very special celebration and the landmark event location of Lotusland creates the ideal setting. Girls Inc. will be the first-ever non-profit in Santa Barbara, besides Lotusland itself, to host an event on their soil. Following the luncheon, all the guests will be invited to stroll through the gardens on a self guided tour and enjoy the beauty of these spectacular grounds. The One Hundred Committee Scholarship Luncheon has grown to become the major source of funding for the scholarship programs of Girls Inc. Over 70% of the girls participating in these award-winning programs are on scholarship. Without this financial aid the girls would not have the means to participate in the after school and summer programs offered by Girls Inc. The committee is comprised of an exceptional group of women, considered to be a premier fund-raising group within Montecito/Santa Barbara community. This hands-on group of women’s tireless efforts over the past 25 years has been instrumental in raising over 3.5 million dollars of scholarship funds for girls age four and a half to eighteen in our community. The committee of 67 ladies is totally responsible for all aspects of running the event. Tickets to attend the luncheon are available beginning March 22nd and are $175 for general admission, $1,500 for godparent tickets and $5,000 for patron tables. New this year, the Godparent Reception will be held in the evening of April 28th in the Pavillion at Lotusland. The Pavillion, Madame Ganna Walska’s home, will be fully appointed by Cabana Home. Raffle tickets to help support the fundraiser are available for $25 a ticket or four for $75. A sampling of items includes a balloon ride in Santa Ynez with celebrity pilot Julian Nott followed by a champagne breakfast, a beautiful masterpiece from Silverhorn Jewelers, an Ojai Valley Inn & Spa get-away, Northern Trust Open 2011 golf package, Hotel Cheval and Cass Winery weekend in Paso Robles, Pierre LaFond silk and cashmere throw, Polo Club membership and a shopping extravaganza from South Coast Plaza. Girls Incorporated of Greater Santa Barbara is a local non-profit organization that serves 1,200 girls each year through year-round after-school and summer programs at its Santa Barbara and Goleta Valley program centers, as well as through many outreach and collaborative programs at various sites throughout the community. Through educational, innovative, research-based, award-winning programs, activities, and advocacy, Girls Inc. encourages girls and young women to take risks; master physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges; and prepares them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. Girls Inc.’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. For more information about this event, please contact Zohe Felici at Girls Incorporated of Greater Santa Barbara, 805-963-4757, ext. 16.
‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Reaches Goal
03/09/2010
A conference for people who work with kids with special needs
03/09/2010I spent the weekend at the California Association for the Gifted Conference in Sacramento. This isn't a conference for people who doubt what "gifted" means, though I would guess that most people at the conference dislike the term as much as I do because of its implication of a value judgment. The conference focuses on the needs -- psychological, educational, social -- of kids that present a large number of common characteristics. [See the NAGC's FAQ page for specifics.] Let's call them accelerated learners. It's clear to anyone who has worked with them that such learners have special needs. I remember when my four-year-old daughter's therapist recommended, "You should refer to her at her school as a child with special needs." I was initially shocked -- that term is most commonly applied to kids on the other end of the learning spectrum. But these days I totally get what she means. And so did pretty much everyone at the conference. Whether they were parents of these kids, teachers of these kids, or therapists of these kids, they could see the group as clearly as special education teachers see kids with Down Syndrome. The aspect of this group of kids that interests many of the people at the conference is not the fact that they can learn quickly. That's like saying that those who care for and educate kids with Down Syndrome are focused on their slower learning pace. Their learning rate is part of the whole package. What many people who are working with these kids are interested in is the fact that not all these kids are doing well. Yes, there are kids like that straight-A student, captain of the football team, president of the student council. But most kids who present the characteristics of this group have unrecognized problems. Many of them are unlikely to be designed "gifted" in school -- not a small percentage of them are put into remedial learning. Many of them are not socially adept and end up lonely and confused. Estimates of how many of them drop out of high school range from 10 to 20 percent. So although there were some talks aimed at what these kids can do, most of what I heard was about what we need to change to help these kids negotiate the minefield they were born into. I went there determined to wear my reporter hat and go to lots of "schooly" talks about GATE funding and the differentiated classroom. However, I found myself drawn again and again to the psychologists who are learning why these kids are like they are, how they can reach their potential, how we can keep them from falling into those negative statistics quoted above. [I did go to some "schooly" talks and will be writing about those soon.] The various developmental theories that are being developed attempt to explain why a child who learns to read at 3 can't seem to get along in a social environment till she's 8. Or why a child who can do math in his head just can't seem to get himself to write it down. Why some children start out fast and then slow way, way down. Why accelerated learners can present symptoms of ADHD, bipolar, dysgraphia, sensory integration disorder, etc. [See Hughes.] No matter what approach they take, psychologists see an usual progression of development in the brain. These kids seem to be getting more signals into the lower brain -- there were many knowing chuckles in the audience when one presenter mentioned the kids who are annoyed by their socks, the sound of the lights, a smell no one else notices. It's also clear that they seem to be developing the frontal lobes (the reasoning area) long before they are developing the parts of their brains that usually develop first, such as emotional and social skills. [See NIH News.] So what you end up with is kids who present differently but are treated similarly. The kid who presents ADHD excels in a faster, hands-on learning environment. The kid who can't get along with other four-year-olds gets along just fine with older kids with a higher academic level. The kid who hates school and gets awful grades loves her "gifted" program and does even more work than is assigned. [See Grobman.] This is hard for other parents to understand sometimes, and can lead to conflict. Many kids would do better in a GATE program than they do in our test-obsessed, repetition-heavy classrooms. But not all kids would. The average kid designated "gifted" needs around 2 repetitions to learn a skill. The average kid needs 8-10. So in the perfect world, each student would get what she needs in any classroom, and none of them would be bored. But in our world of finite resources and test-obsessed administrations, we're having to choose who gets which services and which learning environments. What's clear to me is that the "they don't need any help" attitude is not serving these kids at all. Sure, some of them excel, but the CAG Conference was full of people working with and studying even more kids who don't. They do have special needs. Yes, all children have gifts, but accelerated learners need the disabilities that can accompany their gift to be acknowledged and understood in order for them to live successful, fulfilling lives.
What's happening at LICM this month?
03/09/2010
The Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) in Garden City is a favorite among Long Island families. As always, the LICM is chock full of fantastic programs and exhibits this month!
March is Circus Month at LICM! You can join the circus and you don't even have to leave home! Join LICM for a variety of circus themed workshops and theater performances throughout the month. You can find more information about the circus programs including dates, times and admission on LIParentSource's Events Calendar.
Stop by the LICM during the entire month of March and view original mixed medial artwork created by students from the Lawrence Public School District. Congratulations to all of our local budding artists!
Come and explore sculptor Meryl Taradash's new exhibit, KaleidoZone - Light, Wind and The Art of Meryl Taradash. Through May 2, visitors can learn Meryl's process to create Wind Dancing, the sculpture located at LICM. You'll also get the change to see other works she has created.
Also through May 2, learn and explore the Wonderful Wizard of Oz! LICM visitors will receive a visual reminder of the fact as you step into a larger than life, popup book that dazzles the eye and stimulates the mind. LICM is the first museum to play host to this brand new traveling exhibit based upon the original book by L. Frank Baum, that has enchanted both children and aduts for generations. Families will experience science, art and history through the magic of this timeless story. Each exhibit section features an oversized three-dimensional book opened to a page of the classic story. Children will have the opportunity to role play in Dorothy’s house, see the power of tornados as they crank up their own storm, solve brain teasers alongside the Scarecrow, learn heart facts with the Tin Man and crawl through a cave to test their courage. During their exhibit visit, guests can expect to run into munchkins, flying monkeys, the wicked witch and of course, the Wizard of Oz, himself!
The exhibition was produced and developed by Great Explorations Children’s Museum of St. Petersburg, Florida; designed and fabricated by Bruce Barry’s Wacky World Studios of Oldsmar, Florida; with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The exhibition has been endorsed by The International Wizard of Oz Club and The L. Frank Baum Family Trust produced with assistance from scholars, collectors and enthusiasts who advised on its development.
Visit the LICM at your next opportunity - and don't forget that you can find information about their many activities, performances and classes on our Events Calendar. LICM is located at 11 Davis Avenue in Garden City and can be reached by phone at 516.224.5800.
SB Charter School Takes Action To Protect Whales
03/09/2010Santa Barbara Charter School Takes Action To Protect Whales
Beach Clean Up and Donation to Local Environmental Group
GOLETA, CA- On Wed., March 10th,, second and third grade students at Santa Barbara Charter School will join forces with the Santa Barbara Environmental Defense Center to pick up trash from Goleta Beach. This project is a unique opportunity for students to provide service to a cause they believe in, while using our community’s rich resources and beautiful outdoor classroom. This event will allow our budding philanthropists to take action in protecting our local ocean habitat, while bringing their classroom ocean science studies to life. With grant money from the Santa Barbara County Education Office, the students will donate close to $400 towards EDC’s fight to protect blue whales. Students will come together with teachers, EDC staffers, and parent volunteers to clean the beach and gain experience in activism. This event will include a ceremony with student and adult speakers after the beach clean up. What: Beach Clean Up and Donation Ceremony When: Wed., March 10th. -9:30-10:30 Beach Clean Up - 10:30-11:00 Press Conference and Donation Presentations Where: Goleta Beach- Area B (if sunny) Area A (if rainy) Who: Students, teachers, volunteers, and EDC. Media welcome for photo opportunities and interviews. Santa Barbara Charter School is a staff-parent cooperative whose mission is to cultivate learning in the areas of arts, academics, and relationships. The Environmental Defense Center is a non-profit organization that protects and enhances the local environment through education, advocacy, and legal action.For more information about this event, please contact Laura Donner: Mrs. Laura Donner SB Charter School, 967-6522 laurasbcharter@yahoo.com
Wildflowers & Mountain Men
03/08/2010The wildflowers are going like gangbusters on the Central Coast this week. These on-again, off-again rains parted by wonderfully sunny skies have made for spectacular blooms. Don't THINK about it...just DO it - get out and explore the Central Coast while the gettin's green! If heading into the wilds of the Central Coast doesn't particularly appeal to you, maybe learning about how the mountain men managed it might. This Saturday, March 13, the Mountain Men will be on hand at La Purisima Mission to talk about how they survived the wilderness in days of yore. No fancy gloves or high-tech gadgetry. We're talkin' brain-tanned hides and hand-sharpened Bowie knives, survival skills and basic eats. The mountain men are typically happy to answer questions (from adults and children, too), and usually incorporate volunteers in their projects. It's 6 bucks per CARLOAD to enter the park and take part in the day, so carpool for the biggest bang (and to share a memorable day). We'll see you there!
From hip to humiliating
03/05/2010By Starshine Roshell
They said it would come, but I didn't believe them. They told me that one day my children would find me uncool. And worse than uncool: an utter, ego-shrinking embarrassment.
Me. The mom with the killer iPod song list. The mom who considers french fries a vegetable. Embarrassing? It didn't seem likely.
Then we attended a school concert last week, and when I erupted in my trademark rock-show howl of "oowwwww!", followed by a passionate shriek of "woo woo!", I glanced over at my 11-year old son. And there it was.
The Eye Roll.
It wasn't a subtle eye roll, either. In fact, it was so exaggerated I thought he might tear an ocular tendon and have to spend the rest of his life staring at the back of his own skull. But then, perhaps this was his goal. At least he wouldn't have to see his newly ridiculous mother rocking out.
Fortunately, he needn't wallow solo in such shame. Seems the sentiment strikes all adolescents.
"My son's greatest mortification comes from when I try out the latest teen speak," a friend of mine confessed. "He once told me, 'Moms who drive Volvos are not allowed to say, 'Fo' shizzle!' "
I admit that I don't spend a lot of time worrying about how my behavior will reflect on my children. I sing and dance in supermarkets when the muzak moves me. I wear more leopard print and sequins than a woman who doesn't live in Miami really should. And there is the small matter of chronicling my kids' every developmental misstep in print.
But
"Unfortunately, it just gets worse with age," says another mom I know. "My 14-year-old can barely stand me asking her a question and is mortified when I dare to speak to one of her friends."
"Yeah," echoes the mother of a junior-high girl. "My daughter asked me not to talk to her friends. Like, I am driving them some place in a car and I am NOT to indicate in any way that I can hear what they are talking about."
The mother of a high-schooler told me she's not even "allowed" to get out of the car when she picks up her son from school. Once, when he was late getting to the parking lot, she wandered around campus looking for him. When he saw her, his shame was so exquisite you'd have thought she cartwheeled naked through the quad.
Another friend tells me her son won't stand within 10 feet of her in public. "He speeds up to gain that distance when he and I are walking, and if I rush to keep up, he walks off in a different direction."
At restaurants, he would rather sit at a table by himself than with his parents. "I know that he's trying to show his peers that he's independent," she says, "but it still makes me mad."
But a guy I know, a practical father of teens, says we sensitive moms should stop lamenting this behavior and start using it to our advantage.
"I tell my kids all the time that embarrassing them is an important part of the parent job description," he says. "It's one of the last tools a parent has to get teens to change their behavior."
Acting up? Mouthing off? Refusing to pick up their clothes? A well-placed threat works wonders. He warns his kids that he'll reveal their personal grooming habits, or worse — hang out in the same room with their friends — if they don't cooperate.
Hold up. You mean there's pure, pitiless power in my ability to humiliate? Oowww! Woo woo!!
Starshine Roshell is the author of "Keep Your Skirt On."
