Westfield

Macaroni Kid		 Macaroni Kid

  advertisement

National > Westfield Home
Subscribe to newsletter
advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Published on
February 26, 2010

Travel

Your Safety

Weather

Movies

My Macaroni

Forum

Jennifer's Blog

Archive

Snow Day!!!

top image

When snow days hit, my son likes to make snow angels on the grass,  toss soft snowballs, jump in the snow, make a snowman, play with his younger brother all while the sounds of excited phrases such as  "Where did it go?" "Did I eat it?" "Make another!" are in the air.

When I was little, I loved snow days because it meant we didn't have to go to school. Now that I'm a parent, I love them because it means ordinary life is suspended. All the chores and obligations that seemed so important and felt so heavy, it turns out, aren't. They aren't as important as staying safe and warm. They aren't as important as playing outside and reveling in a world that's gone from green to white. They aren't as important as cocoa and cookies and the warmth those things represent.

So, I'm grateful for the fantastic inconvenience of a snow day, where all is calm and everything else can wait for another day.

Enjoy the snow!

Jennifer


Back To Top

Weekend Snow Day Fun!

Take the kids Snow tubing this weekend

Mountain Creek
200 Route 94, Vernon NJ, 973-827-2000
VERNON NJ - Less than two hours from most of NJ
Coca Cola Tube Park in Mountain Creek offers snow tubing from mid December through mid March. To make reservations please call 973-827-2000. We accept large groups of 30 or more persons and reservations must be made at 973-864-8100. Operating hours for the 2010 season will be determined in the late fall of 2009. Please call 973-827-2000 for pricing and operational hours.
2 hour sessions are $16 on Weekdays and $22 on Weekends
   

Campgaw Mountain - 800 foot snowtubing runs!
200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ 201-327-7800
MAHWAH NJ - Less than 1 hour from most of NJ
6 jaw dropping 800 foot runs with lifts. Unlimited runs & tube rental per two hour session. Tubes are provided and a surface lift is available for you to ride up the hill. Choose between different runs with varied levels of rollers and pitch. No experience or special equipment is needed. Just hop in your tube and enjoy the ride. This is the closest place for everyone in the Tri-state area located right in North-Central Jersey. Weekday/Non-Holiday: $16.00 - Weekend/Holidays: $22.00. Open everyday! Tubing sessions are often sold out, please check their Hours and purchase tickets ahead of time.

Back To Top

Kids Stuff Consignment Sale

SAVE THE DATE

The Mothers Center of Central New Jersey will hold its semi-annual kids stuff consignment sale on Friday, March 19th from 7:30-9pm and Saturday March 20th from 9am-12pm followed by a half-price sale on Saturday from 1-3pm. The sale features gently used spring and summer clothing in sizes from newborn to children's 12. Other merchandise will include children's toys, videos and books, sports equipment and bikes, and strollers and other baby equipment.

If you are interested in consigning your unwanted children's clothes or toys, visit website or leave a detailed message at 908-561-1751. Proceeds of the sale benefit the Mother's Center of Central New Jersey, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization providing friendship, education, outreach, and support for all parents across central New Jersey. Cash only, no strollers admitted.


Back To Top

Read Across America

top image

Read Across America is March 2nd this year. Each year on or near Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss)’s birthday, the National Education Association sponsors this event in the hopes of allowing every child to be read to by a caring adult. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, community centers, and more participate by bringing together kids and books, and you can too.

Why celebrate Dr. Seuss?

Dr. Seuss epitomizes a love of children and learning. Also, his use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful. When we celebrate Dr. Seuss and reading, we send a clear message to America's children that reading is fun and important.

For more information on Read Across America, please visit the NEA's Web site at www.nea.org/readacross.

Back To Top

This Week's Calendar:

February 19th through March 6th

Friday, February 19 through Friday, March 19 - Storytime at Creative Kids-Fall Schedule

Join us for our Friday morning storytime!  Cuddle up and enjoy interactive storytime with “Stories in Motion.”  Please note: FREE Storytime EVERY FRIDAY! Dates: January 8th - March 19th
Where: Creative Kids (1008 South Ave W. Westfield, NJ)
When: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: ages 6 mos - 5 years
How: RSVP to 908-232-4949 or info@creativekidsnj.com.
Cost of event: free
For more info: For more info visit online at www.creativekidsnj.com
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Tuesday, February 23 through Tuesday, April 13 - Preschool Storytime

Listen to stories and do an activity.  Dates:Tuesdays, 1:30-2 p.m., January 12 through March 2.
Where: Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street Westfield, NJ
When: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: ages: 3 1/2 - 5
How: show up
Cost of event: free
For more info: Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only.
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, April 14 - Toddler Time

Stories, songs, finger plays and movement activities.   Dates: Wednesdays, January 13 through March 3. 
Where: Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street Westfield, NJ
When: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Who: For babies and toddlers up to age 3. Parent or caregiver attends with child.
How: show up
Cost of event: free
For more info: Children must have their own full-service Westfield Library card.
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Thursday, February 25 through Thursday, April 15 - Tots' Storytime

Stories for children. Dates: Thursdays, January 14 through March 4.
Where: Westfield Memorial Library  550 East Broad Street Westfield, NJ
When: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Who: between the ages of 2½ and 3½. Parent or caregiver attends with child.
How: show up
Cost of event: free
For more info: Child must have own full-service library card.
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Friday, February 26 through Saturday, March 6 - Spelling Bee

Kean University Department of Theatre and Institute for Adults Living with Communication Disabilities present a benefit performance of the Tony Award winning musical, Spelling Bee.
Where: Wilkins Theatre 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ
When: n/a
Who: 14 & older
How: Call 908-737-SHOW (7469) OR online: www.keanstage.com
Cost of event: $15 Public $12 Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Senior, $10 Student, Child
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Friday, February 26 - Kids Cards Nite & Topps ATTAX Tournament

Attack of the Baseball Cards, Union's nationally award winning sports card store, will be holding an evening of contests and sports card games for children.
Where: 60 Milltown Rd, Union, NJ
When: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Who:
How: call: 908-687-8107 weekday's between Noon-7pm.
Cost of event: $20/child
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Saturday, February 27 - Cirkus by Tuckers' Tales Puppet Theatre

Cirkus combines a lively puppet variety show format with lovable circus characters.
Where: Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street Westfield
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: 4 & older
How: Pre-registration required.
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Saturday, February 27 - Circus Science

Kids can discover the science that makes circus performers famous during hands-on activities. Includes balancing clowns, balloon art, face painting, plate spinning, juggling, a treasure hunt, and more.
Where: Newark Museum 49 Washington St. Newark, NJ
When: 10:30 AM
Who: all ages
How: show up
Cost of event: museum admission
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Saturday, February 27 - Ghost Night for Children

Museum of early tavern life and stagecoach transportation
Where: The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum 1632 St. Georges Ave. Rahway
When: 6:00 PM ( 7pm OR 8pm )
Who:
How: registration required.
Cost of event: $5.00 children; $7.00 adults
For more info: 732-381-0441
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Monday, March 1 - Storytime Tuesday Mornings

Barnes and Noble is a tried and true hangout for toddlers and this event seems to have been designed for this purpose.  The kids area is large, has a stage area, seating and a train set for kids to play.  Even better a cafe for snack attacks and a plethora of books and magazines. Two stories will be read to your child and afterwards they are given a coloring sheet that is related to the story.
Where: Barnes & Noble (1180 Raritan Road Clark, NJ 07066) 732-574-1818
When:  10:00 am - 10:30 am
Who: up to 4 years
How: show up to event
Cost of event: free
For more info: visit their website: www.bn.com or call (732) 574-1818
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Tuesday, March 2 - Read Across America

Join us as we celebrate Dr. Seuss and Read Across America. We will have storytime and activities.
Where: Barnes & Noble 1180 Raritan Road, Clark, NJ
When: 4:30 PM
Who: up to 4 yrs
How: show up
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Wednesday, March 3 through Sunday, March 7 - Barnum's Funundrum!

The new Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey circus comes to town.Come one hour early to meet the animals and performers at the all access pre-show, included free with ticket.
Where: Prudential Center, Newark NJ
When: n/a
Who: all ages
How: Buy tickets online, at ticketmaster retail locations, arena box office or call 800-745-3000.  
Cost of event: ticket prices start at $15
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Wednesday, March 3 through Thursday, March 4 - Lost in Yonkers

Neil Simon's "Lost in Yonkers" is a funny and touching portrayal of acceptance, survival, and family dynamics.
Where: Paper Mill Playhouse 22 Brookside Dr. Millburn, NJ
When: 7:30 PM
Who: Junior High School students  
How: Call the Box Office (973) 376-4343
Cost of event:
For more info: (973)379-4343
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Friday, March 5 - Romeo & Juliet

Shakespeare's timeless tale of youthful love and ancient hatred in an exciting new adaptation by The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's acclaimed Shakespeare LIVE! touring company.
Where: The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 36 Madison Ave Madison
When: 7:00 PM
Who: 11 and up.
How:
Cost of event: Buy one $12 adult ticket, get one child free (17 and under)
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Saturday, March 6 - A Midsummer's Night Dream

A riotous Shakespearean roller-coaster ride for young and old alike, given a fresh spin by The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's acclaimed Shakespeare LIVE! touring company.
Where: The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 36 Madison Ave. Madison NJ
When: 12:00 PM
Who: 8 & up
How:
Cost of event: Buy one $12 adult ticket, get one child free (17 and under)
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Teen Scene:

Sunday, February 28 - Teen Writers

Take part in some fun activities and writing exercises to improve your writing technique. Jonathan Dickstein is the instructor. Materials will be provided and refreshments will be served.
Where: Westfield Memorial Library, 550 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ (Meeting Room)
When: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: students in grades 9-12.
How: show up
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Plan Ahead:

February 1st through March 16th

Monday, February 1 through Monday, March 22 - Winter One Day Workshops

Hedgehog & Feather Theatre Co., based in Westfield, has begun registration for seven exciting one-day theatre workshops.  Workshops in Puppetry, Mask Making, Theatre Games, Prop Play, Stage Combat, Hat making and Duct Tape Costume Accessories.  All workshops are an hour and a half and run Mondays in February and March.  (Feb 1st - Mar 22nd)
Where: 414 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ 07090 (St. Paul's Parish Hall)
When: n/a
Who: Grades 1-3 have the 4:00pm - 5:30pm  slot and grades 4-6 attend from 5:30pm-7:00pm
How: Visit Website: http://www.hedgehogandfeather.org OR call  (908) 578-0756
Cost of event: $30 or $35 per class
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Saturday, March 13 - Frindle

Based on the award-winning, best-selling book by Andrew Clements, this quirky, imaginative tale explores the nature of words, and the pure power of great teaching
Where: NJPAC One Center Street Newark NJ
When: n/a
Who: 9 & up
How: purchase online www.njpac.org
Cost of event:
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Saturday, March 13 - Union County's St. Patrick's Parade

The Marching units gather at Morris Avenue and along Commerce and Jeanette Avenues, the parade route proceeds east along Morris Avenue to a turn at the Main Reviewing Stand and ends at Roosevelt Avenue.
Where: Morris Ave. Union NJ
When: 1:00 PM
Who: all ages
How:
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Sunday, March 14 - Kids Fun Fest

Join this fun filled family event!
Where: JCC of Central NJ
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM ( Snow date: March 21 )
Who: ages 2-11
How: ticket and info: www.jccnj.org
Cost of event: $25 per child
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Sunday, March 14 - Alice in Wonderland

Step through the looking glass and enter an enchanting world where excitement and fun go hand in hand in this musical based on Lewis Carroll’s classic that features larger-than-life puppets.
Where: Mayo Center for the Performing Arts 100 South St Morristown NJ
When: 4:00 PM
Who: elementary school age
How:
Cost of event: One free child with each adult ticket purchased. Limit 4 ticket max. Promo code 10FAMILY
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Tuesday, March 16 - Alive at 25 Parent Program

The “Alive at 25® Parent Program” urges parents to sit down with their teen and draw up a contract to drive responsibly as well as assume a greater role in seeing their children are safe on the road. It also encourages parents to take a look at their own driving behavior and how they can be better role models on the road.
Where: Cranford Community Center
When: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: For new or soon to be new teen drivers.
How:  Call 908-272-2222
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Back To Top

Cool Website Alert

top image

So recently I had the opportunity to organize my son's artwork since day one. I find it hard to decide which artwork I want to keep and how to organize it.   Now the binder that I place my son's artwork is in dire need of another binder.  But, I did some research online and I encountered this great website called Artimus Art.  Just like photos,it preserves and compresses your child’s artwork into a hardcover book and web gallery  Simply choose your package, return the artwork in the collection box they send, and Artimus scans, corrects, and transforms the art for you.

Check out the website: www.artimusart.com


Back To Top

Recipe: Celebrate National Pound Cake Day

Pound Cake Cupcakes

top image

When is National Poundcake Day? March 4th

Poundcakes are traditional cakes in the way of "Bake a pound Give a pound" which means usually when someone bakes a pound cake they bake two and give one of them away to a neighbor, church friend or buddy. On National Poundcake Day this is a very common thing to do. A traditional poundcake recipe will make enough mix for 1 large cake that's made of 1 pound of every ingredient (hence the name poundcake). An average size cake is 1/2 the size so splitting the recipes and giving one of them away is common. In the southern United States it is traditional to cook many poundcakes during the Christmas season and give them away. Everybody loves poundcake!

Here's a Poundcake Recipe you and your kids can make together:

* 1 1/2 cups flour
 * 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
 * 1/4 teaspoon salt
 * 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
 * 1 cup sugar
 * 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
 * 4 eggs, at room temperature

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 12 cupcake tins with paper liners.
Stir together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
With an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy, about 4 minutes.
Add the sugar, and beat for about another 4 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl from time to time.
Beat in the vanilla.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition.
Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, beating on low speed just until smooth.
Spoon the batter into the cupcakes, and bake for about 22-27 minutes. Cakes should be golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean.
Let cool in pan on a rack for 5 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a rack.


Back To Top

What to do? Snow Crafts & Activities

top image

Activity #1: Snowboot Two Step

A version of follow the leader.  The leader makes a path in freshly fallen snow.  The object of the game is to make it seem as if only one person has takedn a walk through the snow. 

Snow Craft #2: Snow Snake

Rather than making a snowman, try making a snow snake.  Make the snowsnake using as many basketball size snow balls you can make.  Once you lined your snow snakes balls, carve out a pointed head and tail at either end of the snake.  Use buttons or raisins for the eyes.

Snow Craft #3: Rainbow designs in the Snow

Gather some empty spray bottles, food coloring and water.  Add a tablespoon of food coloring to each bottle and shake well.  Make at least 4 or 5 colors.  Let the fun begin! Spray arches of each color to form your rainbow.  

Snow Craft #4: Winter Snowstorm Art

Materials needed: Contruction paper, makers or crayons, glue, paint brush and uncooked rice.

Once the kid are done having their fun outdoors, have them draw a picture of a winter scene or how much they had fun in the snow.  When they are done drawing, brush a small amount of glue over their picture and then have your kids sprinkle the rice which will appear as snow.  Shake off the excess and discard the rice.


Back To Top

Macaroni Cares

We need to move it, move it!

top image

Michelle Obama admits that like most of us she loves burgers and fries and ice cream and cake. However, this latest generation of kids may be loving these not-the-best-for-you treats more than ever and with computers and video games continuing to be their preferred choice of entertainment, our youngsters are amongst a growing number of children today who are considered obese.

Realizing this threat to our kids health, the First Lady recently introduced a new initiative, Let's Move!, which is supported by the newly created Partnership for a Healthier America. Their ultimate (and ambitious) goal?  Wiping out childhood obesity in one generation.
One third of American children are currently obese or overweight, and we spend $150 billion dollars a year on concerns related to obesity. For the first time in history, American children may not even live as long as their parents, and that's scary enough to make me drop my remote control and start lacing up my sneakers for a trip to the playground with my son.
The Let's Move program includes support for parents, healthier foods in schools, and programs to help our kids become more physically active. The initiative is also supported by our allies at Slow Food USA, who are doing their part by making it easy to write your representatives to tell them to support helping schools serve real food.
So what can you do to help combat child obesity? Visit the Let's Move website for ideas at home and for the greater good. And then get your kids moving.
Also, be sure to forward this newsletter to all your family and friends who have kids and tell them to subscribe. The events listed here are a great way to let you know first hand all the activities going on in your community that you can participate in with your children helping them to get up and MOVE!   This article in on loan to us from our very own PM Jennifer in Rego Park!
   

Back To Top

No-Sew Bandana Pillow

top image
 

No sewing! Just cut and tie together two bandanas to make a cute pillow for your room.

 

You Need:

• Two 22" Bandanas

• 12" Pillow Form

• Fabric Scissors

 

Instructions:

Lay out two bandanas, wrong sides together on your work surface. Use a fabric scissors to cut slits 3" deep all around the bandana every 3/4". You will be cutting out the corners and discarding these small squares of fabric. Lay the pillow form between the two bandanas lining up the cut slits. Beginning at one of the corners, take one of the fringes from the top and one from the bottom and tie them together in a double knot. Tie one on each corner to center the pillow form. Continue tying all around, working out from the corners

 

This craft was given to us by Allison our Hillsborough PM!


Back To Top

Camp Tip #4

Preparation

left image



 

Whether it be one week or two months, it is important to prepare you child for the camp experience.

 

-if possible, visit the camp and meet the director

 

-see if you can speak with campers who have been to this camp

 

-review the daily schedule with your child in order to familiarize him or her with it

 

-suggest that your child spend the weekend with a friend and no contact with you.  After, you should talk about how they felt the second night and third morning.

 

-teach your child how to put away laundry, set a table, make a bed and clothing selection.

 

-practice walking around outside in the dark with a flashlight

-go over your "what if" situations.  What if you don't get along with another camper?  What if you feel ill?  What if you loose your glasses?  Speaking of different situations and helping them work through a dilemma from beginning to end, will make it less stressful if the issue may arise.

-send letters before your child leaves for camp so they will have one when they arrive.

-try and speak openly about being home sick and let them know you will be having the same feelings but that they will have a wonderful summer full of fun, activities and new friends.

Back To Top

Advertising Opportunities with Macaroni Kid

top image
Macaroni Kid offers several ways to reach your target audience.  Visitors to my site consist of parents and family members looking for children's services and events and as a result, you know that your ad will reach an already captive audience.

Events-  If you have an event that you would like to announce, please include the following:


  * Name, date, hours and location of the event
  * Brief description of event
  * Contact information (phone, email address, webpage)

For more information, contact Jennifer @ jenniferp@macaronikid.com

And please make sure to check out all of the advertisers on the right hand side of the newsletter.

Back To Top
Subscribe to newsletter