The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in Oneonta's Neahwa Park at 4:15 pm Saturday November 29th (tomorrow)!
There will be musical performances and opportunities to give to local food banks.
Read more in the Daily Star.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Weekend
Fri and Sat Nov 28 – 29 the Farmer's Museum will have select buildings open and staffed from 10am to 4pm with reduced price admission.
Sat Nov 29 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. is the 'Spend the Day in Walton' craft show at Walton Grange #1454, 135 Stockton Ave. Info: 865-6132.
While you're there, see the The Library Club puppeteers present 'A Christmas Carol' at 1 p.m., at Walton's William B. Ogden Free Library, Gardiner Place.
Also Sat 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. is the American Legion Auxiliary 21st annual craft fair at the Stamford Veterans Club, state Route 10.
Sat 11 a.m. make bluebird and bat boxes at the Rogers Environmental Education Center, Sherburne, state Route 80. Info: 674-4017.
6:30 p.m. Sat is the Parade of Lights in West Winfield at the Mount Markham Middle School. Info: (315) 822-3051.
Sun from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. is the Holiday bazaar at the Laurens Fire Department; sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary.
Looking ahead:
Mon and Tues Dec 1 and 2: Otsego County’s third experimental bobcat season opens. Apparently the big felines are thriving in the county, with twenty or more bobcats caught during the prior two years, including males, females and cubs.
Tues Dec 2 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. the Oneonta Community Health Center at 22 Academy St. will be offering free primary health care for low-income, uninsured adults. Info, appointment: 433-0300.
Wed Dec 3 from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. is the holiday skate party at Southside Oneonta's Interskate 88; with face painting, skating santa, music,50-50 raffle and more. $5 per child benefits Toys for Tots.
Sat Nov 29 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. is the 'Spend the Day in Walton' craft show at Walton Grange #1454, 135 Stockton Ave. Info: 865-6132.
While you're there, see the The Library Club puppeteers present 'A Christmas Carol' at 1 p.m., at Walton's William B. Ogden Free Library, Gardiner Place.
Also Sat 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. is the American Legion Auxiliary 21st annual craft fair at the Stamford Veterans Club, state Route 10.
Sat 11 a.m. make bluebird and bat boxes at the Rogers Environmental Education Center, Sherburne, state Route 80. Info: 674-4017.
6:30 p.m. Sat is the Parade of Lights in West Winfield at the Mount Markham Middle School. Info: (315) 822-3051.
Sun from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. is the Holiday bazaar at the Laurens Fire Department; sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary.
Looking ahead:
Mon and Tues Dec 1 and 2: Otsego County’s third experimental bobcat season opens. Apparently the big felines are thriving in the county, with twenty or more bobcats caught during the prior two years, including males, females and cubs.
Tues Dec 2 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. the Oneonta Community Health Center at 22 Academy St. will be offering free primary health care for low-income, uninsured adults. Info, appointment: 433-0300.
Wed Dec 3 from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. is the holiday skate party at Southside Oneonta's Interskate 88; with face painting, skating santa, music,50-50 raffle and more. $5 per child benefits Toys for Tots.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Snow prints!
Last year my son, able to walk independently in the snow for the first time, declared with delight "I am making snow prints!" We made all kinds of tracks that day, even tracing out our names in the snow and making 'canyons' to walk in. This year, he's been asking who made the various footprints we find. I recommend the book 'Wild Tracks' as a kid friendly guide to what you may find (available at our own (Huntington Memorial Library).
Getting outside is tough, even for a girl like me who grew up sledding in Wyoming (you thought 15 deg F was cold). Yet it is vital, especially if your kids are in daycare or school. They aren't getting as much exercise as you may think. Getting outside as a family at the end of the day is a much better alternative to settling them down in front of the TV or even with books. According to one report, kids spend half as much time outside today compared to how much time they spent outdoors 20 years ago: No Child Left Inside.
GreenHour.org is a website encouraging everyone to give our kids one "...'Green Hour' a day -- a bit of time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world [to] ... set them on the path toward physical, mental, and emotional well-being." They offer lots of ideas to get you started and a community page where you can share what you've discovered.
What works for us: A little aquafor or petroleum jelly can protect irritated cheeks from cold and wet conditions. Knit gloves, all the same color, can be found in packs of four (no need to panic if you lose one). I cut the excursions short before the kids start to get cold and miserable. By the way, there is nothing wrong with a quick ride in the sled after dark--it can be such a memorable experience, especially if the stars are out.
Of course, sometimes it really is too cold. That's when we pull the cushions off the couch, play Sousa marches, and get jumping.
Getting outside is tough, even for a girl like me who grew up sledding in Wyoming (you thought 15 deg F was cold). Yet it is vital, especially if your kids are in daycare or school. They aren't getting as much exercise as you may think. Getting outside as a family at the end of the day is a much better alternative to settling them down in front of the TV or even with books. According to one report, kids spend half as much time outside today compared to how much time they spent outdoors 20 years ago: No Child Left Inside.
GreenHour.org is a website encouraging everyone to give our kids one "...'Green Hour' a day -- a bit of time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world [to] ... set them on the path toward physical, mental, and emotional well-being." They offer lots of ideas to get you started and a community page where you can share what you've discovered.
What works for us: A little aquafor or petroleum jelly can protect irritated cheeks from cold and wet conditions. Knit gloves, all the same color, can be found in packs of four (no need to panic if you lose one). I cut the excursions short before the kids start to get cold and miserable. By the way, there is nothing wrong with a quick ride in the sled after dark--it can be such a memorable experience, especially if the stars are out.
Of course, sometimes it really is too cold. That's when we pull the cushions off the couch, play Sousa marches, and get jumping.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thank you!!!
Oneonta World of Learning (OWL) extends a heartfelt thank you to Paintfest volunteers and sponsors along with collaborators, The Arc Otsego and Upper Catskill Community Council for the Arts. Creating an event of this scope requires a significant commitment on the part of the community as a whole. We are proud of our committed volunteers who donated personal time, energy and resources to this event.
We extend a special thank you to Oneonta Mayor, John Nader, for being a good sport and allowing us to paint him!
The Arc Otsego Oneonta Day Services was especially helpful, not only allowing the use of their facilities but for really going out of their way to make Paintfest a success.
In addition, we are grateful to:
The Turnpike and Oneonta/Cooperstown Pennysavers
Unadilla Laminated Products
The Country Club Automotive Group
Golden Artist Colors
The Daily Star
Hometown Oneonta & the Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
Stock Building Supply
L.P.Butts, Inc.
Lowe's
Wal-Mart
BJ's Wholesale Club
Southside Mall
Resident Student Organization (RSO) at SUCO
The Red Dragon Bookstore
Hartwick College Chemistry Department
Oneonta Family YMCA Jumpstart Preschool
The Oneonta Nursery School.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Fighting for play
"So what's the big deal?" you may ask. Maybe you spend your days shuttling kids from school to soccer, to art class... and it seems like they are playing all the time. Yet early childhood educators at a recent conference worried about the loss of playtime in childhood, and predicted serious repercussions for America if the trend is not reversed.
According the article, experts are saying that children today average 8 to 12 fewer hours of free play time per week than they did in the 1980s. They predict that without "ample opportunity for forms of play that foster innovation and creative thinking ... America's children will be at a disadvantage in the global economy."
Some trends: no recess at school, more emphasis on formal learning and more time spent in structured activities, such as organized sports and after school lessons.
In the early 80's, cell phones were for rich people, the internet was for college professors, and video games were almost as big as pin ball machines. There was Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and not much else on TV that was just for little kids. Times have changed, and between television, video games, text messaging, and the internet, an entire day of childhood can go by. At the same time, kids aren't allowed to run wild all over town anymore. Schools are under pressure to get their kids to pass their tests. It all adds up to less imaginative play.
Not all the change is bad: we're wearing our seat belts and bicycle helmets, quitting smoking, saving the planet... And we don't have to sit around while playtime takes a backseat either.
Opening a children's museum is a great start. Children's museums provide a place to just go play--rain or shine. A safe place to have a play date or try something new. A place to make a mess without destroying the living room carpet. Maybe not a replacement for the local sandlot--but add the kind of toys that inspire social play and creative problem solving, and you have something that meets an ancient childhood need while fitting into the world of the 21st century.
According the article, experts are saying that children today average 8 to 12 fewer hours of free play time per week than they did in the 1980s. They predict that without "ample opportunity for forms of play that foster innovation and creative thinking ... America's children will be at a disadvantage in the global economy."
Some trends: no recess at school, more emphasis on formal learning and more time spent in structured activities, such as organized sports and after school lessons.
In the early 80's, cell phones were for rich people, the internet was for college professors, and video games were almost as big as pin ball machines. There was Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and not much else on TV that was just for little kids. Times have changed, and between television, video games, text messaging, and the internet, an entire day of childhood can go by. At the same time, kids aren't allowed to run wild all over town anymore. Schools are under pressure to get their kids to pass their tests. It all adds up to less imaginative play.
Not all the change is bad: we're wearing our seat belts and bicycle helmets, quitting smoking, saving the planet... And we don't have to sit around while playtime takes a backseat either.
Opening a children's museum is a great start. Children's museums provide a place to just go play--rain or shine. A safe place to have a play date or try something new. A place to make a mess without destroying the living room carpet. Maybe not a replacement for the local sandlot--but add the kind of toys that inspire social play and creative problem solving, and you have something that meets an ancient childhood need while fitting into the world of the 21st century.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The weekend already!
Friday Nov 21st: "TALES FOR ALL, BIG & SMALL"A free family concert featuring performers from the Community Storytelling Troupe, 6:30 pm at THE HUNTING TAVERN Main St., Andes, NY. Info: 845-676-4727.
I hope you're ready for Christmas:
Sat Nov 22, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Christmas craft fair at Fox Care Center, Oneonta.
Also Sat, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. is the Cooperstown Farmers' Market holiday market kickoff, 101 Main St., off Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. Info: 547-6195.
"Horton Hears a Who" will be showing bright and early Saturday morning at the Oneonta Theater, 9 am, letting out in time for the parade, of course.
Sat at 11 a.m. is Oneonta's Santa Parade on Main Street, with Santa's meeting with children at Santa's house following the parade, in Muller Plaza. For info: 432-4545.
Then, from 2 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., enjoy holiday stories with Mrs. Claus at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society History Center, 183 Main St.
Also Sat, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. is the annual holiday bazaar at the Treadwell United Methodist Church.
If you're not yet ready for the holidays, there is also, at 10am Sat, a 'Porcupine program' at Rogers Environmental Education Center. Info: 674-4017.
Sun Nov 23 at 2 p.m. is a Kamishibai Japanese storytelling program at the Cooperstown Village Library, 22 Main St. presented by Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School students.
I hope you're ready for Christmas:
Sat Nov 22, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Christmas craft fair at Fox Care Center, Oneonta.
Also Sat, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. is the Cooperstown Farmers' Market holiday market kickoff, 101 Main St., off Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. Info: 547-6195.
"Horton Hears a Who" will be showing bright and early Saturday morning at the Oneonta Theater, 9 am, letting out in time for the parade, of course.
Sat at 11 a.m. is Oneonta's Santa Parade on Main Street, with Santa's meeting with children at Santa's house following the parade, in Muller Plaza. For info: 432-4545.
Then, from 2 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., enjoy holiday stories with Mrs. Claus at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society History Center, 183 Main St.
Also Sat, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. is the annual holiday bazaar at the Treadwell United Methodist Church.
If you're not yet ready for the holidays, there is also, at 10am Sat, a 'Porcupine program' at Rogers Environmental Education Center. Info: 674-4017.
Sun Nov 23 at 2 p.m. is a Kamishibai Japanese storytelling program at the Cooperstown Village Library, 22 Main St. presented by Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School students.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Still smoking?
With no-smoking signs at Neahwa Park in addition to local restaurants, smokers are under siege. According to the American Cancer Society, “...each day, 4,000 teens under 18 try smoking for the first time and 1,000 become regular, daily smokers.” It is said that those who start smoking before they turn 18 are the least likely to quit later in life. A parent’s good example is one of the best ways to keep kids smoke free.
Not ready to quit? Then quit or cut back for just one day—Thursday Nov 20th is the Great American Smokeout. Win a t-shirt and get more tips at ACS events.
And best wishes--it's not easy, but worth it!
Not ready to quit? Then quit or cut back for just one day—Thursday Nov 20th is the Great American Smokeout. Win a t-shirt and get more tips at ACS events.
And best wishes--it's not easy, but worth it!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Paintfest was fun, fun, fun!
Here is some feedback from one of our participants at Paintfest last weekend:
"My husband commented to me that your event was the best-organized, most successful children's event we have ever attended in this area (and we've been here over ten years now, and have tried to take our children to almost everything that's come down the pike). He was very impressed with the variety and number of activities offered, as well as the entire organization of the day. "
Over 400 people came to Paintfest, including volunteers, parents and children! For a quick peek at the pictures visit Rafik-Shutterworks.blogspot.com. Our photographer, Raphael, has covered us for the Centennial Parade and even did a professional quality photo shoot for us, all on his own time.
"[Arc Otsego] Oneonta Day Services [where the event was held] ... deserves a standing ovation ... whenever that amount of paint is involved, it's bound to result in a big mess to be cleaned up. The fact that they allowed this event to take place in their facility is absolutely astounding, and what a true demonstration of community support it is."
"The First Annual PaintFest was a wonderful experience. It was extremely well-planned, obviously by professionals who know a lot about children and who are successful at raising support. Supplies were readily accessible and replenished frequently. The wide variety of activities were creative and well-staffed with volunteers. Having separate rooms for the different activities helped keep noise and chaos to a minimum so children weren't over-stimulated. Every last detail was thought of in advance and well-executed, from signs pointing the way to the event, to floor plans and clearly marked rooms within the building, to cleaning supplies and drying lines for the artwork, and having snacks available."
"... every child I saw was having fun. Every child's art received praise, and none of them seemed concerned with whether or not they were doing it 'right.' They all left the building with something they enjoyed making and could display proudly.My child, who has a short attention span and often wants to leave early, even asked to re-visit some of the activities he enjoyed the most. He loved being told he didn't have to worry about making a mess or getting paint on himself or his clothes, because it's hard to provide him with a space at home where he can be messy. It would be truly amazing to have a permanent place in Oneonta for children that could provide them with a similar experience any day of the year. A place for children to go explore, discover, create, have fun, and even make a mess while doing so..."
We have lots of ideas for next year! In the meantime, look for a touch of OWL at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society's upcoming railroad exhibit, and get ready for fun when OWL provides children's activities during Oneonta's New Year's festivities.
I also plan to do something new and unusual this week: get some sleep!!! But all of the extra hours have all been worth it. And if you thought Paintfest was fun, just wait until Oneonta has it's very own, permanent children's museum!
"My husband commented to me that your event was the best-organized, most successful children's event we have ever attended in this area (and we've been here over ten years now, and have tried to take our children to almost everything that's come down the pike). He was very impressed with the variety and number of activities offered, as well as the entire organization of the day. "
Over 400 people came to Paintfest, including volunteers, parents and children! For a quick peek at the pictures visit Rafik-Shutterworks.blogspot.com. Our photographer, Raphael, has covered us for the Centennial Parade and even did a professional quality photo shoot for us, all on his own time.
"[Arc Otsego] Oneonta Day Services [where the event was held] ... deserves a standing ovation ... whenever that amount of paint is involved, it's bound to result in a big mess to be cleaned up. The fact that they allowed this event to take place in their facility is absolutely astounding, and what a true demonstration of community support it is."
"The First Annual PaintFest was a wonderful experience. It was extremely well-planned, obviously by professionals who know a lot about children and who are successful at raising support. Supplies were readily accessible and replenished frequently. The wide variety of activities were creative and well-staffed with volunteers. Having separate rooms for the different activities helped keep noise and chaos to a minimum so children weren't over-stimulated. Every last detail was thought of in advance and well-executed, from signs pointing the way to the event, to floor plans and clearly marked rooms within the building, to cleaning supplies and drying lines for the artwork, and having snacks available."
"... every child I saw was having fun. Every child's art received praise, and none of them seemed concerned with whether or not they were doing it 'right.' They all left the building with something they enjoyed making and could display proudly.My child, who has a short attention span and often wants to leave early, even asked to re-visit some of the activities he enjoyed the most. He loved being told he didn't have to worry about making a mess or getting paint on himself or his clothes, because it's hard to provide him with a space at home where he can be messy. It would be truly amazing to have a permanent place in Oneonta for children that could provide them with a similar experience any day of the year. A place for children to go explore, discover, create, have fun, and even make a mess while doing so..."
We have lots of ideas for next year! In the meantime, look for a touch of OWL at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society's upcoming railroad exhibit, and get ready for fun when OWL provides children's activities during Oneonta's New Year's festivities.
I also plan to do something new and unusual this week: get some sleep!!! But all of the extra hours have all been worth it. And if you thought Paintfest was fun, just wait until Oneonta has it's very own, permanent children's museum!
Friday, November 14, 2008
The weekend already?
I apologize for not getting this out yesterday:
Holiday Bazaar, Friday 2pm-7pm, Sat 10am-2pm, Sun 12pm-4pm, Oneonta First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St.
Friday Nov 14, 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Doubleday Dancers harvest dance and pie night at Cooperstown Elementary School, Walnut Street. For info: 264-8128 or 547-8665.
I know everyone will be at Paintfest Saturday from 10am-2pm (bring a friend!). There will be TONs of painting activities for children of all ages, plus workshops for kids 3 and up. The location is the Arc Otsego Day Services site, 63 LOWER River Street, (follow Paintfest signs from Onieda St). Dress for a mess! It's also not too late to get into a Magic Paintbrush workshop, if you have a family member with an IEP, IFSP, Care Plan or 504 designation in place. Details: OneontaWorldOfLearning.org
Also on Saturday Nov 15 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Coffee House with Heartsong at Oneonta's Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St.
Also Sat at 11 a.m. Zydeco music workshop at Walton's William B. Ogden Library, 42 Gardiner Place.
Sat 10 a.m. make art with gourds at the Rogers Environmental Education Center, state Highway 80, Sherburne; for children ages 7 and older. For info, registration: 674-4017.
Sat from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Gilbertsville: Christmas bazaar at The Major's Inn. For info: 783-2393 or 783-2967.
And Sat 10:30 a.m. Jigsaw puzzle holiday wreath craft project at the Schoharie Free Library. For info, registration: (518) 295-7127.
Sat 9 a.m. Farm toy show and Chinese auction at the Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School auditorium. For info; 264-3712, 264-3015 or 264-3318.
Looking ahead:
Wed Nov 19 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. enjoy Morning Out at the Morris Morris Village Library; hosted by the Butternut Valley Play-Group.
Holiday Bazaar, Friday 2pm-7pm, Sat 10am-2pm, Sun 12pm-4pm, Oneonta First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St.
Friday Nov 14, 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Doubleday Dancers harvest dance and pie night at Cooperstown Elementary School, Walnut Street. For info: 264-8128 or 547-8665.
I know everyone will be at Paintfest Saturday from 10am-2pm (bring a friend!). There will be TONs of painting activities for children of all ages, plus workshops for kids 3 and up. The location is the Arc Otsego Day Services site, 63 LOWER River Street, (follow Paintfest signs from Onieda St). Dress for a mess! It's also not too late to get into a Magic Paintbrush workshop, if you have a family member with an IEP, IFSP, Care Plan or 504 designation in place. Details: OneontaWorldOfLearning.org
Also on Saturday Nov 15 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Coffee House with Heartsong at Oneonta's Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St.
Also Sat at 11 a.m. Zydeco music workshop at Walton's William B. Ogden Library, 42 Gardiner Place.
Sat 10 a.m. make art with gourds at the Rogers Environmental Education Center, state Highway 80, Sherburne; for children ages 7 and older. For info, registration: 674-4017.
Sat from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Gilbertsville: Christmas bazaar at The Major's Inn. For info: 783-2393 or 783-2967.
And Sat 10:30 a.m. Jigsaw puzzle holiday wreath craft project at the Schoharie Free Library. For info, registration: (518) 295-7127.
Sat 9 a.m. Farm toy show and Chinese auction at the Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School auditorium. For info; 264-3712, 264-3015 or 264-3318.
Looking ahead:
Wed Nov 19 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. enjoy Morning Out at the Morris Morris Village Library; hosted by the Butternut Valley Play-Group.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Workshops are filling up!
Paintfest is this Saturday from 10am-2pm!!!
The workshops are filling up, so if you have your heart send on something, send an email today: WorldOfLearning@live.com. As of today, watercolor painting at 11:30 (for 6-9 yr olds) and felt stamping at 10:30 (for 6-9 yr olds) are both full.
There will be lots of other great fun, even if you don't get into the workshop you want. I only signed my kids up for one workshop, because between the bubble painting, marble painting, string painting, ornament painting, cookie painting, pottery painting, painting to music, straw painting, and pop art painting--they will have a full day, even if they don't help Paint the Mayor (literally). All the details are at Oneonta World Of Learning.
If a family member has an IEP, IFSP, Care Plan or 504 designation, please consider signing up for Magic Paintbrush. Magic Paintbrush is a home-grown non-profit out of Binghamton that does one-of-a-kind workshops with special needs individuals and their families. Their motto: Life is Washable.
The workshops are filling up, so if you have your heart send on something, send an email today: WorldOfLearning@live.com. As of today, watercolor painting at 11:30 (for 6-9 yr olds) and felt stamping at 10:30 (for 6-9 yr olds) are both full.
There will be lots of other great fun, even if you don't get into the workshop you want. I only signed my kids up for one workshop, because between the bubble painting, marble painting, string painting, ornament painting, cookie painting, pottery painting, painting to music, straw painting, and pop art painting--they will have a full day, even if they don't help Paint the Mayor (literally). All the details are at Oneonta World Of Learning.
If a family member has an IEP, IFSP, Care Plan or 504 designation, please consider signing up for Magic Paintbrush. Magic Paintbrush is a home-grown non-profit out of Binghamton that does one-of-a-kind workshops with special needs individuals and their families. Their motto: Life is Washable.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Paint the Mayor (!)
Yes, Oneonta Mayor John Nader will be making a guest appearance at Paintfest and participating in our first Paint the Mayor project.
Paintfest is Nov 15th from 10am-2pm at 63 LOWER River St (follow the Paintfest signs from Country Club Road). You can still sign up for workshops (email WorldOfLearning@live.com ), and there will be tons of other things to do. Visit OneontaWorldOfLearning.org for all the juicy details.
There are lots of spaces open for the Magic Paintbrush events as well. Magic Paintbrush is a non-profit out of Binghamton which does phenomenal workshops with special needs individuals and their families--check it out at magicpaintbrushproject.org and spread the word.
Paintfest is Nov 15th from 10am-2pm at 63 LOWER River St (follow the Paintfest signs from Country Club Road). You can still sign up for workshops (email WorldOfLearning@live.com ), and there will be tons of other things to do. Visit OneontaWorldOfLearning.org for all the juicy details.
There are lots of spaces open for the Magic Paintbrush events as well. Magic Paintbrush is a non-profit out of Binghamton which does phenomenal workshops with special needs individuals and their families--check it out at magicpaintbrushproject.org and spread the word.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The weekend--
Friday Nov 7, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sat Nov 8, 9a.m.-12p.m is a 'Celebrate the Season' bazaar in Sidney at the United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty St., lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Also Friday, 8pm at the First United Methodist Church, Oneonta: America's Dream Chamber Artists (Free with subscription, $20 adults, $6 students) presents chamber music master works, more info at WSKG website.
And "Where in the World is Rick Marlowe? " is at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium, New Berlin, more info
Saturday Nov 8 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. is an Old-fashioned Christmas program at the Delhi Historical Society, 47 Main St., Delhi, info: 746-2570.
Also Sat, at 10 a.m. is Movie Time USA at the Masonville Branch Library--free and open to the public.
Do something active! The Rogers Environmental Center is having Trail Trekking Sat, at 11:00 AM. "We will be searching for animal signs and keeping a careful eye out for other interesting sightings along the way." More info
Looking ahead:
Next Wed, Nov 12 at 10 a.m. is the La Leche League breast-feeding information group, at the First United Methodist Church, corner of Chestnut and Church streets in Oneonta, info 432-5984.
Also Friday, 8pm at the First United Methodist Church, Oneonta: America's Dream Chamber Artists (Free with subscription, $20 adults, $6 students) presents chamber music master works, more info at WSKG website.
And "Where in the World is Rick Marlowe? " is at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium, New Berlin, more info
Saturday Nov 8 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. is an Old-fashioned Christmas program at the Delhi Historical Society, 47 Main St., Delhi, info: 746-2570.
Also Sat, at 10 a.m. is Movie Time USA at the Masonville Branch Library--free and open to the public.
Do something active! The Rogers Environmental Center is having Trail Trekking Sat, at 11:00 AM. "We will be searching for animal signs and keeping a careful eye out for other interesting sightings along the way." More info
Looking ahead:
Next Wed, Nov 12 at 10 a.m. is the La Leche League breast-feeding information group, at the First United Methodist Church, corner of Chestnut and Church streets in Oneonta, info 432-5984.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
“Mommy, the voting is not today!”
...said my three year old this morning, with tears in his eyes. I guess he’s tired of watching election news! To him, the best part about voting is getting a sticker.
Maybe you were at the Autumn Cafe last night, breathlessly watching the big screen, or biting your nails at home. Whoever you voted for, it’s time now to get the country working together again—a sentiment expressed by both candidates last night.
The Oneonta World of Learning (OWL) planning meeting went great, by the way. Don’t wait—sign your kids up for the Paint Fest workshops right away. There will also be plenty of things to do instead of the workshops.
Our next meeting will be the first Tuesday in December, where we will be finalizing plans for children’s activities for Oneonta’s New Year’s celebration.
Maybe you were at the Autumn Cafe last night, breathlessly watching the big screen, or biting your nails at home. Whoever you voted for, it’s time now to get the country working together again—a sentiment expressed by both candidates last night.
The Oneonta World of Learning (OWL) planning meeting went great, by the way. Don’t wait—sign your kids up for the Paint Fest workshops right away. There will also be plenty of things to do instead of the workshops.
Our next meeting will be the first Tuesday in December, where we will be finalizing plans for children’s activities for Oneonta’s New Year’s celebration.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Star watch for November
The moon is dangling beneath an absolutely brilliant star tonight--not a star, actually, but Jupiter. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids, Venus will approach Jupiter, eventually floating below it on the 29th and 30th. On the last day of the month, the crescent Moon will hang below both of them in the twilight.
Getting up early? Mercury is low in the east just before dawn (my house is surrounded by hills, so I won't be seeing it). At mid month, look for Saturn in the southeast, reaching halfway to the zenith at dawn.
Too easy star craft: go outside in the early evening and look for the moon and Jupiter (hard to miss this month). Before everybody gets cold, go back inside and color the night sky on black construction paper, using pastels (or chalk). The buttery yellow color works great. More advanced star-gazers can look for Orion or make up their own constellations.
The Cassini-Huygens Saturn Mission website features an entire section aimed at kids (although pictures of Saturn in a bath tub are hard to explain to a planet-crazed three-year-old).
The SUCO observatory's Fall 2008 Public Observing Series continues Wednesday, November 5, beginning with a film at 8:00 p.m. Observatory at the college camp info
Getting up early? Mercury is low in the east just before dawn (my house is surrounded by hills, so I won't be seeing it). At mid month, look for Saturn in the southeast, reaching halfway to the zenith at dawn.
Too easy star craft: go outside in the early evening and look for the moon and Jupiter (hard to miss this month). Before everybody gets cold, go back inside and color the night sky on black construction paper, using pastels (or chalk). The buttery yellow color works great. More advanced star-gazers can look for Orion or make up their own constellations.
The Cassini-Huygens Saturn Mission website features an entire section aimed at kids (although pictures of Saturn in a bath tub are hard to explain to a planet-crazed three-year-old).
The SUCO observatory's Fall 2008 Public Observing Series continues Wednesday, November 5, beginning with a film at 8:00 p.m. Observatory at the college camp info
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Paint Fest Schedule of Events!
I know you've marked your calendars for November 15th (10am-2pm)!!! Some of you are even meeting us Tuesday at 7pm (after you vote) for the planning meeting. But I think when you read this list of activities, you will really start to get excited:
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS for Paint Fest:
Open activities (Available while supplies last):
Bubble Painting
Marble painting
String Painting
Painting holiday ornaments
Painting cookies with edible paint
Painting pottery
Painting to music
Straw painting
Pop Art activity with Andrea House
Workshops (Space is limited to 10 kids in each of the workshops):
Water color painting with Doug Jamieson:
10:30 ages 10 and up
11:30 ages 6-9
12:30 ages 3-5
Felting with Lisa Marian
10:30- ages 3-5
11:30 ages 10 and up
12:30 ages 6-9
Felt stamping with Theresa O'Brien
10:30 ages 6-9
11:30 ages 3-5
12:30 ages 10 and up
The Magic Paintbrush Project
For Magic Paintbrush workshops, families must demonstrate a need to participate based on having an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP), Care Plan or by having a 504 designation in place.
We will be offering workshops at 10:30. 11:30 and 12:30.
Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Contact Rachel at 432-3528 for more information.
You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience: Magic Paintbrush Website
All the details are now posted at http://www.oneontaworldoflearning.org/, along with directions to Paint Fest and links to the Paint Fest poster. Print one out and post it at your church or local gathering place.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS for Paint Fest:
Open activities (Available while supplies last):
Bubble Painting
Marble painting
String Painting
Painting holiday ornaments
Painting cookies with edible paint
Painting pottery
Painting to music
Straw painting
Pop Art activity with Andrea House
Workshops (Space is limited to 10 kids in each of the workshops):
Water color painting with Doug Jamieson:
10:30 ages 10 and up
11:30 ages 6-9
12:30 ages 3-5
Felting with Lisa Marian
10:30- ages 3-5
11:30 ages 10 and up
12:30 ages 6-9
Felt stamping with Theresa O'Brien
10:30 ages 6-9
11:30 ages 3-5
12:30 ages 10 and up
The Magic Paintbrush Project
For Magic Paintbrush workshops, families must demonstrate a need to participate based on having an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP), Care Plan or by having a 504 designation in place.
We will be offering workshops at 10:30. 11:30 and 12:30.
Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Contact Rachel at 432-3528 for more information.
You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience: Magic Paintbrush Website
All the details are now posted at http://www.oneontaworldoflearning.org/, along with directions to Paint Fest and links to the Paint Fest poster. Print one out and post it at your church or local gathering place.
Forecast for a mild winter
Now that I've read the Old Farmer's Almanac For Kids, I wish I had taken a better look at the woolly bear caterpillars that were all over our yard this fall. As I recall, they had wide brown stripes in the center with slim black stripes on the ends. That would be good news, since a wide brown stripe in the center indicates a mild winter. If the front black stripe were wide, winter would start with weeks of cold weather. It would end with weeks of cold weather if the rear black stripe were wide.
The woolly bear caterpillars will winter under bark or inside logs. In spring, they will form cocoons and later emerge as Isabella tiger moths. There are some great pictures at cirrusimage.com.
The 2009 version of the Old Farmer's Almanac promises to be a lot of fun. Their website
has some intriguing weather related information about Stonehenge, Chichen-Itza, and Chaco Canyon, with links to more detailed info.
The woolly bear caterpillars will winter under bark or inside logs. In spring, they will form cocoons and later emerge as Isabella tiger moths. There are some great pictures at cirrusimage.com.
The 2009 version of the Old Farmer's Almanac promises to be a lot of fun. Their website
has some intriguing weather related information about Stonehenge, Chichen-Itza, and Chaco Canyon, with links to more detailed info.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)