Santa's coming to town! He'll be visiting the business district (Orange Rd and Cedar Ave) in grand style on an MFD fire truck Saturday, Dec 5, bearing gifts and candy for all youngsters. Here's his schedule for the day:
* 11:00 AM - South End Business District (Orange Rd & Cedar Ave.)
* 11:30 AM - Walnut Street Lot
* 12:00 PM - Watchung Plaza
* 12:30 PM - St. James Church (Bellevue Ave & Valley Road)
Some families in Montclair sat down to an extra special Thanksgiving feast last Thursday, with young international guests - their au pairs - many of whom experienced the holiday for the first time.
The au pairs, who can often be graduates, teachers or college students doing a year out, are part of a unique cultural exchange program and live with local families, helping to care for their children, as Kristen has reported recently.
Carolina, 20, from Mexico, joined her host family who live in Glen Ridge, for Thanksgiving lunch at a clubhouse.
"It's a really nice holiday and the whole family gets together and has a chance to talk and thank each other," said Carolina, who later that evening celebrated an all-American Thanksgiving at a girlfriend's house with several other friends.
Continue reading "Au Pairs Enjoy Feast of Thanks, Far From Home" »
Thomas and Friends would have been envious - it was all aboard the mini trains at the Grand Central Terminal on Saturday. No confusion or delay at this annual Holiday Train Show organized by the NY Transit Museum. Kids and adults alike were mesmerized by the two-level layout of railtrack, measuring 34 feet long, through a miniature Manhattan and all the way to the North Pole.
Continue reading "Train Show at Grand Central a Hoot For One and All" »
Congratulations to dkollet, a Bloomfield mom of two girls! She won 4 tickets to see the LUMA lightshow on Saturday, December 5. Enjoy!
You have until tomorrow to win 4 tickets to this cool light show by LUMA at NJPAC. Tell us why you want them here.
Today officially starts the holiday shopping season--Black Friday. Baristaville stores are offering some great deals and discounts. Here are the deals offered from our local children's stores:
Minnow
208 Glenridge Ave
Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 783-0035
Get 20% off all holiday dresses today.
Just Kidding Around
507 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ, 07042
(973) 233-9444
Will stay open until 8 p.m. and offer 15% off storewide.
Little Shoebox
602 Valley Road
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 744-3007
Get 25%-50% off select styles and the Soles 4 Souls event - take 10% off your purchase with the donation of gently worn shoes through December 31.
Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats
12 North Willow Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 783-6100
Will stay open until 8 p.m. and Barista Kids readers get 20% off one item that day. Just mention BK! Can not be combined with any other offer.
Lili, Meili and Beau
33 Watchung Plaza
Montclair, NJ, 07042
(973) 746-0089
Will stay open until 7 p.m. and offer 10% off all holiday wear.
Barista Kids wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy this Thanksgiving classic and tell us what you are thankful for in comments.
Some of my best memories of childhood were going to see Broadway shows. We didn't have much money, but it's the one thing my dad splurged on for me. I couldn't get enough of musicals and seeing them on Broadway was magical for me.
You don't have to splurge to take your kid to Broadway if you take advantage of this offer. Kids' Night on Broadway 2010 is coming to NYC in February and you can get your tickets now. Children ages 6 to 18 will get a FREE ticket with every adult ticket purchased. That's not the only deal. Many restaurants will offer kids a meal when you purchase an adult meal and participating parking garges are offering discounted parking.
Order your tickets and get more info on the next page....
It's a holiday weekend, but there are still some fun things to do around town. Check our calendar often for all local happenings and make sure you sign up for our newsletter to get Baristaville's best deals. Here are this week's highlights:
Attend a Family Festival
November 27
Newark Museum throws a Thanksgiving Family Festival today.
Get Some Culture
November 28
The Montclair Art Museum holds a special Saturday Park Bench today and it's all about Cezanne.
Get Crafty
December 2
Make a craft at The Montclair Public Library after school today.
Continue reading "This Week's Highlights: November 25 - December 2" »
What are you doing for Thanksgiving? We're not doing anything. I don't even know what we're eating. We're almost out of milk.
A low-key Thanksgiving is a break from our usual frenzy of cooking and entertaining half of Sweden on my husband's side and all of Kentucky on my side. Sweden and Kentucky visited us recently. My best friend and her family drove off to Block Island this week. So it's just us--six people plus two critters.
Maybe we'll go to Sylvia's in Harlem. It's less lonely in New York City.
Here is what Montclair mom Jen Chaky of Go Lightly said:
"I am very excited about this Thanksgiving. After 20 years of eating a plant-based diet, and having my own separate dishes for my daughter and myself, I convinced my mother, who hosts the holiday, to do all the side-dishes vegan! I don't think she's ready to forgo the turkey yet (although...maybe next year) but everything else can easily be made vegan. This is not only good for the animals, but with my uncle having just had a heart attack and my dad having type II diabetes, this will be way healthier for them and the rest of us!"
My other friend, Dionne Ford, told me:
"I love your quiet Thanksgiving idea. I am actually going to visit my big, noisy family like I do every year. I'm one of five kids (and my husband is one of seven), but we decided long ago that we would share Thanksgiving with my side, the Fords. My parents always have Thanksgiving at their house in Morristown. My-93-year old grandma will be there as well, so that will be a treat. The one little thing I'm doing different this year is that I'm bringing a pecan pie baked from Stuart pecans, named after my third great grandfather. Hope you enjoy your solitude with your family whatever you do!"
How do you plan to celebrate? Send us any great turkey photos. And let me know if you have a brilliant idea for our no-plans day of thanks.
Yesterday, the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services suspended the law that requires children ages 6 months to just under 5 years old to get vaccinated by December 1 if they plan to attend preschool or day care. The decision was made because of the short supply of the seasonal flu vaccine, which is due to manufacturers putting it aside to keep up the demand of H1N1 vaccines.
New Jersey is the only state that requires all children entering preschool and day care to get a seasonal flu shot. However, the law had to be suspended, because it's nearly impossible to find a pediatrician with the vaccines. The Department still, "strongly recommends that all children six months through 59 months of age attending any child-care center or preschool facility receive at least one dose of influenza vaccine contingent on vaccine availability".
My own pediatrician has been waiting for the vaccines for months. I call weekly and the response is always, "we haven't received it yet, but we expect it soon." So I'm pretty happy about this supension, because my 2-year-old was close to getting kicked out of preschool.
Have your children received the seasonal flu vaccine or were you worried about making the deadline?
Photo by samantha celera
Congratulations to rubynyc from Bloomfield. She is the winner of the Smokin' Rob's BBQ turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!
December is major bake sale, cookie swap and holiday entertaining season, so I'll share a super quick and easy recipe that's sure to please. You can whip these toffee bars up in 30 minutes using ingredients most of us already have on hand. Bring them in a pinch to any get-together--even Thanksgiving dinner.
I also use these treats to lure people to my house for playdates and meetings in the winter time so I don't have to pack all my kids in the car in the snow and go to them. Okay, now you know my secret!
Continue reading "Take Back the Kitchen: Toffee Bars With Toppings" »
LUMA, a Hawaiian light show/theater company was started by Michael Marlin, a former Las Vegas juggler who moved to Hawaii to form a juggling collective on
The Big Island. It was there, while looking at the night sky's stars and the glowing volcanoes on the horizon, that he created an awesome light show.
On it's website, LUMA is described:
LUMA elevates the child-like pleasure of playing with lights in the dark (think glowsticks and sparklers) into a dazzling, high-tech, one-of-a-kind theatrical spectacle fun for children and parents alike. Using darkness as a canvasand light as a brush, LUMA paints dancing images that tell stories, conjure surreal worlds, and spin a visual magic.
We're excited to announce this giveaway: One lucky person will win 4 tickets to see the LUMA light show at NJPAC on Saturday, December 5, or Sunday, December 6.
To enter the contest, keep reading..
Continue reading "Giveaway: 4 Tickets to see LUMA at NJPAC" »
This just in from a helpful reader (thank you!).
"There is an H1N1 public flu clinic today in Dover, NJ starting at 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. The vaccination will be available for the high risk groups only. But they will have the shot for children under the age of four, which many clinics, and local pediatricians, do not yet have.
My son is 2 1/2 and considered high risk due to a previous lung condition and therefore needs the shot (and not the flumist). I confirmed with both the state and the township of Dover that they will have shots available for his age group. The clinic will be first come, first serve."
More info at the jump...
I was up late last night when I heard about the biggest crib recall in history. I almost woke up my 2-year-old to see if she was sleeping in one of these Stork Craft cribs. Last night, Stork Craft Manufacturing, recalled 2.1 million drop-side cribs in the United States and Canada made from 1993 to October 2009. The baby beds may have problems with their hardware, which can break, deform or become missing after years. Four children have died from suffocation as a result of the problem, according to The Today Show this morning.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports 110 incidents where the drop-side has detached from the crib.
The commission recommends parents to stop using the cribs until receiving a free repair kit from Stork Craft. The kit will convert the drop-side into a fixed side.
If you have a Stork Craft drop-side crib, the manufacture date, model number, crib name, country of origin, and the firm's name, address and contact information are located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The insignia "storkcraft baby" or "storkling" is inscribed on the drop-side teething rail of some cribs.
You can contact the company to order the free repair kit by calling (877) 274-0277, or on their website.
It's now early in the morning, and she is still sleeping in the drop-side crib that we bought for her sister six years ago. I have no idea what brand it is, but this recall may be just the push I need to buy her a bed.
Wait, didn't we just have a Maclaran stroller recall? Do you think the media overreacts or does faulty baby stuff worry you to death, too?
Earlier today, my 2-year-old was psyched for his swimming class at The Little Y. He and his au pair arrived suited up, but the class was canceled due to Thanksgiving week. So I picked up the phone and asked, "Why would you break his little tadpole heart?"
The woman on the phone explained that a lot of people go out of town on Thanksgiving week, so they don't schedule classes. She reminded me that I didn't pay for this week, nor did the calendar didn't include this week.
Oh yeah.
But they've still got my 2-year-old's back. If you're in town--like us--The Little Y is hosting a free family day tomorrow. Just call right away and register. It's open to members and non-members. See details on the next page....
At least five local moms have asked if we've experienced side effects from the swine flu shots we got four weeks ago. Apparently, my friends aren't the only worry warts--Montclair State University Students are skeptical of the shot too, read more on the big B. FoxNews reported last week that 40 percent of Americans are still uncertain about the vaccine's safety despite the lines at clinics.
As far as side effects, I would say ours are negligible. The 2-year-old started refusing to use the potty, and the 4-year-old put black Play-do in her ear. Meanwhile, my Achilles tendonitis started nagging me--but that could be from too many hip hop classes.
My point is this: We've had no side effects from the H1N1 vaccine. None that we know of anyway. We're healthy and way vibrant. There's been nary a sniffle as a result of that mist and shot.
If you're still on the fence, read our story where Dr. Elizabeth Baorto assures us that the vaccine is safe. Or just check out these tips for natural swine flu fighters.
And here are two H1N1 vaccine clinics coming up. If you hear of others, email us so we can post them.
Holy Family Gymnasium, Tucker Street, Florham Park, NJ
Thursday, December 3, 3-6 p.m. (free, open to all, mist and injectible)
Passaic Valley High School, 100 East Main Street, Little Falls
Wednesday, December 16, 4-7 p.m.
Friday, January 15, 4-7 p.m.
A handful of popular children's toys have high levels of lead--like a Dora the Explorer Activity Tote from a chain retailer--according to a recent story on wCBStv.com. Think safety this coming Black Friday and shop locally. The story reports that Just Kidding Around in Montclair sells safer wooden options. Many Montclair moms were interviewed for their story. Watch it by clicking on the photo below or clicking here.
You still have time to try to win a Smokin' Rob's BBQ turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner. Tell us your favorite thing to eat on Thanksgiving here to enter.
Did you read Three Cups of Tea? It's so good that I bought the kids' companion version called Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea. This Sunday, the kids' book co-author and artist, Susan L. Roth, is reading at the Bnai Keshet Festival & Gift Fair. Afterward, get your book signed and hear about the synagogue's Pennies for Peace initiative.
Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats is also hosting a fun free reading, Run, Run Turkey, in her back room. RSVPs are recommended. See details on the next page.
Continue reading "Free Readings Sunday: Three Cups of Tea for Kids" »
Just when we all thought yard sale season was over, I received tidbit from the Montclair Parents of Multiples message boards:
"I am having a yard sale on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with two other families. There will be lots of great deals including strollers, booster seats, bikes, toys, books and household items. Go to Stonebridge Court in Montclair which is a cul-de-sac off of Stonebridge Road. Please come by! --Pam Moed"
Local dad and blogger, who goes by the name, Natty T. Bumpercar has been blogging for about three years. He and his wife welcomed a baby in September, named J. Emerson, and are excited to share their announcement:
1 Month Later from natty bumpercar on Vimeo.
A few years back, my family attended Art in the Park, the annual fundrasier and art show put together by The Montclair Cooperative School. The musical performance was by a family led by Elizabeth Mitchell.
Elizabeth, her husband Daniel Littleton and their daughter Storey perform lovely renditons of Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, The Velvet Underground, and much more. One of my favorite covers is of Ladybug Picnic from Sesame Street. They also perform original music, which can hold its own beside the covers.
We were enjoying the concert when my daughter, who was three-years-old at the time, was so moved by the music that she made her way up on stage. I rushed to get her down, but Elizabeth just helped her up, handed her a tambourine and let her perform with the band. It was beautiful--a true moment. See her in the picture at left making her stage debut. (She's the little one at center stage.) We became fans immediately.
We would catch the band every time they came around and Elizabeth always remembers my daughter and asks her up to perform a few songs. A couple of days ago, I received an email from Elizabeth telling me they would be performing at the 92Y in Tribeca on Sunday, and if my daughter would like to perform with them. Would she? She is practicing her songs as I write.
You can see the show too, and catch my daughter singing Peace Like a River with the band. Or there's another concert to remember this Sunday: Montclair's own Mama Doni is having her CD release party Sunday--win free tickets here.
See details on the next page...
Continue reading "Elizabeth Mitchell Concert on Sunday in NYC" »
Last month, we reported that Baristaville did not make the cut in Children's Health magazine as one of the top 100 places to raise a family. Well, Business Week has shown Bloomfield some love.
It wasn't the winner, but ranked as a runner-up. The best place to raise your kids in NJ according to Business Week?--Edison. New Brunswick and Bloomfield came next.
Congratulations Bloomfield!
Bloomfield parents of three, Shantale and Rob Pipkins own Smokin' Rob's BBQ. After years of friends and family telling Rob that his BBQ was delicious, they decided to use his skills and start a business last spring.
Working out of a commercial kitchen in Montclair, they offer BBQ meat of all kinds, as well as sweet potato pies to finish the meal off. During spring and summer, they work at food concession stands at fairs and festivals. You might have seen their stand at the Montclair Co-op's Art in the Park and Bloomfield's Harvest Festival. They offer catering for all your special events during fall and winter months.
Shantale told me more about their preparation:
Our meats are hand selected for the finest cuts. We trim, marinade in a flavor enhancing brine solution, rub with the finest herbs and spices, slow smoke and then slow cook and bbq our meats. This gives the meat its tender juicy fall off the bone quality.We're excited to announce this giveaway just in time for Thanksgiving. One lucky reader will win a slow cooked, gourmet BBQ turkey for Thanksgiving. Think about how easy Thanksgiving dinner will be without having to make the turkey!
To enter the contest, keep reading..
Continue reading "Giveaway: Smokin' Rob's BBQ Turkey for Thanksgiving" »
We're told tickets are selling quickly for The Gas Lamp Players' musical production of Beauty and the Beast. Opening night is this Friday and there will be 3 more shows throughout the weekend.
Beauty and the Beast
Who: All ages.
What: Gas Lamp Players' musical production of Beauty and the Beast.
Where: Ridgewood Avenue School Auditorium, 235 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ.
When: Friday, November 20 at 8 p.m. / Saturday, November 21 at 2 p.m. or 8 p.m. / Sunday, November 22 at 2 p.m.
Cost: Tickets: $15 for adults and $8 for students and children Advance tickets are available online here.
Continue reading "Beauty & the Beast in Glen Ridge this Weekend" »
Our own Montclair mom of two, Doni Zasloff Thomas is a kids' rock star. Also known as Mama Doni, she is celebrating her latest CD release, Chanukah Fever, this Sunday at 1 p.m. in NYC. Why? So children and parents can get their Chanukah on. Just check out her video from last year, The Funky Gold Menorah, below.
She'd love to celebrate her new songs with all of us locals--at a posh shin dig. Lucky winners can win 2 free tickets, see the next page. Her concerts are open to everyone from babies to bubbies. At her party, there will be free dreidels, gelt, bracelets as well as dancing and singing. Keep reading...
Continue reading "Win Tickets to Mama Doni's CD Release Party" »
If your kids go to Glen Ridge Public Schools, don't rush to get them there this morning. Due to a power outage, there will be a 90-minute delayed opening
Our Upcoming Events calendar has plenty to keep you entertained this week. The holidays are fast approaching and the fun, family events are filling our calendar. Check it often for all local happenings. Here are this week's highlights:
Get a Golden Ticket
November 19
See the Children's Production Company perform an adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
See Beauty and her Beast
November 20
Enjoy The Gas Lamp Player's musical production of Beauty and the Beast.
Visit Santa
November 21
Santa pays Baristaville a visit at Van Vleck House & Gardens.
Continue reading "This Week's Highlights: November 18 - 24" »
On Saturday, December 5, The Montclair Multiracial Adoptive Families group will present a Multicultural Winter Festival for all to enjoy.
There will be music performances, delicious food from local restaurants, a bunch of children's activities, a Barefoot Books Montclair booth, fair trade vendors, a professional photographer offering family portraits and so much more. In addition to offering Baristaville a wonderfully fun afternoon, the festival's real mission is to benefit The Heart Gallery of New Jersey, a non-profit organization that helps raise awareness about foster children awaiting permanent homes. The First Congregational Church of Montclair is generously offering the space for the festival, the musicians are performing for free and the food vendors are donating food or giving a percentage to this cause.
You don't have to wait until the festival to help. Go to Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats before December 5, and purchase a holiday gift for a foster child. Leave your gift at the store and all the gifts will be given out to the children for the holidays. In addition, Aunt Jean's will generously donate 10% of all foster children gifts to The Heart Gallery of NJ.
Continue reading "Multicultural Winter Festival Helps Foster Children" »
Although the Montclair Board of Education assured parents that no decision has been made on the plan for the Washington Street school, the rumor is that it will become a K-8 school bringing both Rand and Renaissance Schools together.
Monday night, none of the approximately 80 parents in attendance showed support for this plan, as Baristanet reported yesterday. Barista Kids wants to know how you feel.
Antigone, the classic Greek tragedy, is on again, this time on Bloomfield High School starting on Thursday. After these latest elections, a play about blind patriotism and civil disobedience is welcome.
In the photo, left, see Kate Sugarman as Antigone and Christian Stewart as Creon. Get the details on the next page.
Hanging out together to write can actually be cool. At least it is to the 10 preteens I visited last night at the Literary Salon, called the LS. Just don't tell anyone at school. One boy said, "I'm glad I have the LS because telling my lunchtime friends I write poetry would be social suicide."
The LS--a committed gathering at a mom's house--invites authors to come speak, and I was lucky enough to be their guest. We talked about how to complete a story, get unstuck and how to put out fires--but fires are really another article.
We talked fiction, and then I thought it was time for some journalism. They helped me write this piece about them:
Who: "They're all in middle school, Carter's the oldest. We've been meeting for three years," says host mom Linda Federico-Omurchu. She was also a volunteer at the old Writers Rooms at Montclair High School.
What: "This is a safe haven for us to write and eat Cheez Balls," explains Paolo Federico-Omurchu, 12, a seventh grader at Glenfield.
Where: At the Federico-Omurchu house
When: About every other Monday from 4 to 6:30ish p.m.
Why: "In school, they're not really creative. They don't allow you to do things. Here you can write and have fun," Celine Prell, 12, a seventh grader at Renaissance.
One boy, Carter Jackson, 13, an eighth grader at Renaissance added, "My parents are all for me having a hobby, and I didn't have enough time to write for myself. I really like writing."
They're interested in everything from vampires to evil villains to dark poetry about misery and death. Three teen mentors even come to help. When I arrived, they were dipping apples into caramel for the hungry younger kids. Noah Westreich, 17, from Montclair High School, said, "It's so important to have a space where they feel comfortable. I do it to give back--we've been through it, and we're still going through it."
But there's more: The group also visited The New York Times and MSNBC.com offices. They even go to poetry slams in the city. And then they write about it if they want to.
See some of the members in the photo at left, click to the next page for all of their names...
Here is a report from a concerned local doula, Jill Wodnick, see left:
"When I received an email that St. John's Episcopal Church was organizing emergency supplies for mothers and infants in need, I quickly forwarded the request to everyone I know in Montclair.
The organization called The North Porch Women's and Infants' Centers provides emergency 7-day supplies of formula, baby food, diapers, clothing, bed linens and other supplies for mothers and infants in the areas of Newark, Paterson, Dover and Clifton. North Porch serves nearly 1,100 mothers and their babies each year.
Their urgent needs right now are:
Formula, Similac Advance (blue label), 1-quart liquid or 12-ounce powder, in date
Baby food, stages 1-3, and cereal in date
Disposable diapers, especially sizes 3 to 4
Baby wipes and toiletries
To make any donations to North Porch, drop them off on my porch. I'll get them to to St. John's in Montclair when they accept donations next Sunday, Nov. 22. Or you can email North Porch directly."
There was no big wait at Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls where H1N1 shots were available for anyone on the priority list: pregnant women, youth up to 24 years, those with underlying conditions. It wasn't busy, just a steady trickle of mostly parents with school-age children and an unusual number of cops to be spotted outside of a police station. Fair enough, as it seemed a good time for medical and emergency personnel to come up to date on their shots. A shot-administrator remarked on how not-busy it was because 800 shots were given out the last time the school had held an H1N1 clinic. Here's my 7-year-old, who was worried about the mist. Children under 10 will have to go back after a month for a booster shot. I'm just relieved it's done; I have been making calls for weeks!
They're doing another clinic for eligible people ages 6 months to 64 tomorrow, get details on the next page.
Note from Kristen: I was talking to a pediatrician from Summit Medical at the gym. She told me that the recommendation for the 4-week follow-up H1N1 booster might be nixed by the CDC. The World Health Organization only recommends one dose of the vaccine, and due to supply issues, the U.S. may have to adopt the same policy. We'll keep you posted.
Get a babysitter for Wednesday night and enjoy a pint (or two) at Fitzgerald's 1928 in Glen Ridge. A portion of money from all drinks ordered from 7 - 9 p.m. will go to Watchung Cooperative School in Montclair. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Cheers!
Watchung Co-op's Parent Social
Who: Adults.
What: Fundrasier to beenfit The Watchung Cooperative School. A portion of money from all drinks ordered will go to the school.
Where: Fitzgerald's 1928, 13 Herman Street, Glen Ridge, NJ.
When: Wednesday, November 18 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: Depends on how much you drink.
When tragedy struck, local parents banded together to do what they could.
They cooked--and cooked.
Montclair mom of 3, Jennifer Herzig-Deribin at left, died suddenly on October 18. Her three kids, husband, friends and family were stunned.
One of those friends, Jen Chalky, had known Jennifer since kindergarten. She and another mom, Stephanie Sheerin, started organizing a meal drive for the Herzig-Deribin family. "Jenn was a nurturing soul her whole life, and I think it is her spirit that is guiding us to help take care of her family," Jen said. She is the owner of Go Lightly.
They've created a nightly dinner schedule and folks are providing meals through December. Jen is still taking donations for upcoming months that are sure to be difficult for the grieving kids and father.
Alison Bermack from Cooking with Friends is also cooking with her friend, J.S., who prefers not to be named. "The family's intimate, quiet moments will belong to only them, but for basic needs, they need to eat, and we need to feed them," J.S. says. "Back in the old days, people left food on the steps for anyone who had a new life in the house or a new death. It's the easiest thing in the world to do, and I'll do it again and again."
If you'd like to pitch in with a meal, email Jen Chalky directly who is keeping the schedule.
The Montclair H1N1 vaccine clinic starts this morning, as you may know. Read more about it here--you had to call in advance for an appointment. If you make it there today, tell us how it's going or send a photo from your camera phone.
But here's our tip of the day: Baron's Drug Store in Hoboken has the vax in stock for ages 5 to 49 only. They will be giving it between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. today. You must call ahead: (201) 659-8484. (That store's awesome, BTW, I know it well from my Hoboken days.)
As for the latest news on swine flu vaccines in New Jersey, it ain't good. According to NJ.com, our state received 1 million doses, but that's far short of demand. The H1N1 Hotline is getting 800 calls per day. Wanna give them 801 calls? For NJ swine flu questions, call (866) 321-9571.
Photo by Larry Zou
Nancy Breslin has been cleaning house, and here are the bargain baby items someone else might need.
First Years Crib CD Player, $20
Fisher Price Jumperoo, $30
babystyle Bumper and Crib Skirt, $40
Tiny Love Mobile, $30
Migi Bumpers, set of 2, $40
Email Nancy for more information.
Find health and nutrition information plus free kid-friendly food at the Fit-n-Fun program tonight at 5 p.m. at the YMCA. The Clara Maass Medical Center's Pediatrics Services will come to play games, cook and do demonstrations and tasting. Parents and kids of all ages are invited.
Later, it's free Family Night for all YMCA members with an open gym and swim. See the details on the next page....
The weather last weekend was beautiful, so when friends asked if we wanted to go with them to the New York Botanical Gardens, we jumped on it.
Located in the Bronx, it takes about 40 minutes from Baristaville. The place is huge, 250 acres huge, so don't expect to see it all in one day, especially with children. There is a tram available that also gives a narrated tour.
We decided to visit two spots: the Conservatory and The Children's Garden. The Conservatory is a Victorian-style glasshouse filled with 11 habitats of plants. You walk through a rain forest, deserts, aquatic and carniverous plants. The kids loved the Venus Fly Traps. The Children's Garden is a must-see for young kids. Filled with mazes, hands-on activities, large caterpiller topiaries and an indoor laboratory, you could spend the entire day here and the kids would be happy.
We got hooked, and definitely plan to go back next month for the Holiday Train Show and Gingerbread Adventures.
Continue reading "Day Trip: The New York Botanical Gardens" »
I hate malls. The crowds, the noise, the lines....I avoid them whenever possible. I do most of my holiday shopping around Baristaville or online. This year, there's some great shopping to be done at holiday fairs around town. These fairs offer much more than shopping too. There will be children's activities, raffles, music and great food.
Avoid the lines and shop local:
Continue reading "Start Your Holiday Shopping at These Local Fairs" »
You have until midnight tonight to enter to win 4 tickets to see The Great Mummy Adventure! Enter here.
Tomorrow night, The Upper Montclair Women's Club will transform into New Orleans. Cajun music from Big Mamou, dancing, southern food and lots of Hurricane cocktails will make this benefit auction night fun.
Let the Good Times Roll is the theme of the Montclair Cooperative School's annual auction. In addition to the New Orleans partying, there will be over 200 amazing items to bid on: Knicks/Nets Tickets, vacation homes, dinners, services, tickets to Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman, The View, The US Open, and more.
Here's how to get your tickets to Bourbon Street in Montclair:
The national media has taken notice of Montclair's $65,000 D West motivational program--and commenters' online opinions about it. According to msnbc, $2.23 million in federal stimulus funding poured into the coffers of the Montclair School District and bloggers (I guess that means me) are cranky about $65,000 of it going to athletes. The story also references the Montclair Times' coverage here, where some commenters criticized the use of the funds for the program.
To get the other side of the story, I called officials at Montclair Board of Education, D West, D West's company Pro Athletes and an MHS football coach. One person called me back, head football coach Ed Lebida.
Here's what he had to say:
I had met D West on one or two occasions. He also brings in other athletes [every two weeks or so] that may have struggled academically and socially because of their environments and what they've had to overcome in their lives. At lot of our kids' parents are working two jobs; parents aren't asking to see their homework... I've been here 40 years, and I can say this: Anytime there's grant money out there, we're trying to get it... We're not satisfied with a 2.0; we want them to strive for at least 3.0.When we look at our educational profession, the most important thing we can put our money into is our youth, our teachers, our schools. I don't look at the dollar value. The money is well spent if there is a positive outcome....This program grew from 25 to 45 like that.
The program is open to all athletes, not just the football players. We tried to solicit some more female athletes. There are more and more students who'd like to be a part of it. It's really kind of cool that they want to be a part of this program. Whoever really wants to take part, we'll be more than happy. We may have to cut it off and limit it at some point--there's an at-home follow up component, and we want to make sure we can follow up with all the students.
Lebida told me there are motivational programs every year, but this one is special because D has charisma and connects to the kids right away. D, as I wrote earlier, will be coming throughout the school year until the spring, and he and his team will visit the middle schools as well. He overcame a hard childhood himself in Irvington--and I've been a fan of his from daytime talk shows. I don't think Baristanet has ever questioned his credentials. That's not the issue.
Here was what some readers took issue with, as quoted in the msnbc story, by one commenter, Annette: "Holy crap. That's $104.17 a minute. Sick!" (So meta, I know.)
In the big picture of $2.23M, is it really? I don't know. And I haven't been able to reach the right people to find out.
How many of us admit to making separate dishes for our family members because some won't eat what others like? This simple recipe, with almost all the ingredients coming from the pantry, can make two dishes from one without all the extra work. The pumpkin is delicious but barely detectable to finicky palates and adds a lot of nutrients.
If the kids won't touch the pumpkin shells--don't fret--just eating something new and interesting in front of the kids will hopefully plant a seed for them to try it when it is served in the future.
Continue reading "Take Back the Kitchen: Pumpkin (and plain) Stuffed Shells" »
These are the exact words that my 5-year-old said the other night. We always joked that she is afraid of her own shadow, and now she has admitted that she literally is.
I shouldn't be surprised. Concerned, I was telling my mom what she said, and after a laugh, she reminded me that I, too, was scared of my own shadow. I was and still am. I never went on rides, always followed rules, won't watch horror films--I'm still traumatized from watching The Shining as a teen. I also don't have an adventurous bone in my body. I guess that is my concern. I don't want my daughter to be afraid to do things in life.
Want something fun to do with the family this weekend? The Paper Bag Players are a group of adults who create and perform original musical theater for kids. They will be performing their new show The Great Mummy Adventure at NJPAC on Saturday, November 14.
The Great Mummy Adventure is perfect for kids ages 4 - 9 and will," ...take an expedition to the land of the pharaohs in search of that mysterious Mummy by the name of Shirley. This "Bagstravaganza" has everything: a Mummy, a camel, a desert, crooks, a treasure map, a tomb--and you! You become the extras in our "movie." You get to be a crowd at an airport, a flock of birds and even the voice of a Pharaoh's curse, all from your seats."
One lucky person will win 4 tickets to see The Great Mummy Adventure on Saturday, November 14 at 2 p.m.
To enter the contest, keep reading..
Continue reading "Giveaway: 4 Tickets to See The Great Mummy Adventure" »
My family purchased our first home last month. We were so tired of renting and my kids jumping, running and screaming were making the other tenants crazy--they never complained, but I'm sure they didn't like it.
Other than the first night, when my 2-year-old woke up crying from 2 - 4 a.m., and woke everyone else up too, we all transitioned smoothly. My 5-year-old is a little scared about going to another floor all by herself, but she was so used to apartment living, it's understandable.
Go over to Baristanet's Real Estate page to read all about our first-time home buyer experience.
And I want to say thanks to all the great people who helped us move and made our house look pretty:
D&J Moving
Gerard Tretola Painters
Nancy Breslin Interior Design
Jack's Handyman Services
Our Upcoming Events calendar has plenty to keep you entertained this week. Check it often for all local happenings and make sure you sign up for our newsletter to get great deals. Here are this week's highlights:
Enjoy Nature
November 11
Van Vleck House and Garden's Pre-K Discovery program will teach your kids about seeds on the move today.
Get Healthy
November 12
Attend the It's All About You health fair at Montclair High School for fun fitness activites, education about staying healthy and an awesome Double-Dutch demonstration.
Attend a Concert
November 14
Catch Girl Authority at Bergen PAC today. They have been described as a G-rated Spice Girls.
Continue reading "This Week's Highlights: November 11 - 17" »
Today is Veterans Day, a celebration first commemorating the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when an armistice brought an end to World War I, I just read on NJ.com.
My father was a Navy man and served in the Bay of Pigs in 1961. My kids and I have already discussed what the word veteran means. Plus, we like to talk to that nice old serviceman at Willowbrook Mall who collects money for veterans returning from overseas.
In other armed services news, the USS New York, see left, was commissioned on Saturday, and it leaves our harbor tomorrow. So last Friday, we decided to beat the crowds and visited the new ship and the jazzed up Intrepid the day before, see left.
I like Veteran's Day because it transcends whatever opinions the nation has about current conflicts. It's all about honoring people who served, including family and friends.
As we reported yesterday, Montclair will be giving out H1N1 vaccine injections next Monday by appointment only--read the story for more. I also received a list of area clinics, see the next page.
But I must correct a few details from my story. Erica Abbruzzese, Health Educator from The Montclair Health Department let me know yesterday that the Montclair Board of Education has decided not offer H1N1 immunization during the school day as previously suggested.
However, the Health Department will be providing H1N1 vaccine to all students who wish to be vaccinated once they receive their shipment. Clinics for students will be held after school hours or on a Saturday. Preschoolers and children in private programs are welcomed to attend any clinics they provide.
From Abbruzzese, "We, like numerous other departments, are waiting for our ordered vaccine to arrive so we can begin our immunization campaign. Once we receive the vaccine, we will schedule clinics and publicize. Notice will be sent home to parents via the schools, in all the local weekly newspapers, municipal websites and local cable access.
Continue reading "No Vax at Montclair Schools: Check Other Clinics" »
We love craft day--the second Wednesday of the month--so much that we got a family membership to the Montclair Art Museum. Anyone can attend, though, with one adult paid admission.
It's called the MAM Park Bench. The snacks are free and delicious, too. Here's more info:
A program that introduces children to the Museum and provides them with an artistic social outing. Get acquainted with other parents and young children, work on fun art projects, and experience a guided tour of the Museum. Storytelling in the galleries is provided courtesy of the Children's Services Department of the Montclair Public Library. Local native Spanish educator Nieves Cespedes will conduct storytelling in Spanish.
Check it out today from 9:30 a.m. to 11. And see my Soren, left, having fun last month.
Congratulations to harmoniya! She is the winner of 4 tickets to see the Nunnbetter Theatre's performance of The Nutcracker at Montclair State University. Her favorite carol is Silver bells. Enjoy!
My hip hop buddy Dionne Ford, also a Nishuane mom, got an itch to perform. (Blame it on our dance instructor, the awesome Angel Williams at New York Sports.)
So Dionne and her friends auditioned and got into the ensemble cast for last weekend's performance of Uncivil Wars: Moving with Brecht & Eisler, a musical at MSU.
You go girls. See them left. Back row: Elizabeth Mozer, Renate Boue, Grace Chow Grund, Dionne Ford Kurtti. Front row: Ann Maiara, Laura Marchese, Charmaine Warren.
Photo by Tony Turner
After I wrote about Bloomfield's H1N1 vaccine clinic yesterday, many Barista Kids readers got their appointments. Now that clinic is officially filled.
But just in time, Montclair has announced it's own H1N1 clinic by appointment only next week--see all the details on the next page. But this one is only for pregnant women and caregivers.
Swine flu is now considered widespread in New Jersey, our state health commissioner said last week, according to New Jersey Newsroom.com. The first shipments are supposed to go to those most vulnerable to the flu--pregnant women, infant caregivers, people ages 6 months to 24, and people with health conditions. The state hopes to have vaccines for everyone who wants one as the winter continues. It sounds like Montclair so far has only received the injectable kind--so that's why this clinic is geared to adults. Call their number on the next page with questions.
Meanwhile, I've had countless emails from mom friends this week asking if my kids had side effects from their inoculations two weeks ago. They haven't. They've asked if I'm worried at all about the vaccine. I'm not. But don't just listen to me, there was a popular New York Times Health piece on this very issue yesterday: Fearing a Flu Vaccine, and Wanting More of It. Read it. It's fascinating.
Now for more on the Montclair Swine Flu Clinic...
Continue reading "Montclair Announces H1N1 Vaccine Clinic" »
Forty years ago today, Sesame Street premiered and became a favorite show for millions of children and their parents. It has become the longest running children's program on US television.
I grew up on Sesame Street. It was my favorite show and I couldn't get enough of Grover, that adorable fuzzy blue monster. Elmo may be the most popular with kids today, but Grover still makes an appearance every now and then, and I suspect it's for the 30 to 40 year-olds who fell in love with him as kids.
Watch PBS today at 9 a.m. and see a special appearance by the First Lady, Michelle Obama. This season's theme will be "My World is Green & Growing" and Mrs. Obama will teach Sesame Street about the benefits of planting a garden and healthy eating.
But first, for the original Sesame Street fans, here is one of my favorite clips of Grover:
Update: This clinic is completely booked--we'll post other clinics as they come our way.
In my attempt to help vaccinate the world, I want to share this info, just in. Also note, this clinic is free.
The Bloomfield Health Department has received a very limited quantity of H1N1 vaccine. As per CDC guidelines, the vaccine will be administered to those in the target groups only. They are:Pregnant women
Any person caring for an infant less than 6 months of age
Those ages 6 months through 24 years
Those age 25 years through 64 years with an underlying medical condition
Health care workers and EMS personnel.
Keep reading for how to get the free vaccine this Thursday--it is only available by appointment. You don't have to live in Bloomfield to get your swine flu antidote.
I experienced drama at Newark Airport this weekend that I might write a book about one day. Meanwhile, see what our Baristanet video correspondent Lauren Mattia had to deal with when she showed up at Newark Liberty International with--gasp--a 6-month-old and a pair of baby shoes.
Mommy friends from Kentucky, Manhattan, Weehawken and all the way up to our own Valley Road are emailing this morning about the Maclaren stroller recall.
Thank goodness I don't have one of these rolling torture devices; apparently a badly designed hinge can cut off Mini Me's fingertip.
The company will make an official announcement tomorrow morning. But the ethers and even the major morning shows are already lighting up on this issue.
All Maclaren strollers sold since 1999--that's 1 million--will be included in the recall. They company is planning to send owners protective covers for the dangerous hinges, reports the New York Daily News.
I am a recovered stroller addict--I've had 10 in the last four years. I don't remember having any trouble with my old Maclaren double. Maybe my kids' fingertips just got lucky.
Whatever you do, please don't miss author Peter Brown, reading from and talking about his enchanting new children's book, The Curious Garden.
Brown will be at Watchung Booksellers Saturday morning, November 7, from 11:00 a.m. to noon.
The Curious Garden tells the story of a young boy named Liam. He discovers a struggling garden and in taking care of it, he finds that the garden starts to transform an entire city. This story was inspired by the High Line, an abandoned railway track in New York City. The High Line has been converted into a delightful and surprising city garden. It is this magic that Brown has attempted to convey in his new story. This is a wonderful treat for the whole family.
Continue reading "The Curious Garden Comes To Watchung Booksellers" »
Local artist and puppeteer, Jennifer Levine , will have her paintings on exhibit at The Block Gallery in Montclair for the entire month of November. The opening reception will be tomorrow, November 7.
It's art for the entire family to enjoy. The London Food Company will be on hand giving out cookies and tea and Jennifer will give out a copy of A Whale's Tooth in Ms. E's Class to the first 10 kids in the door that mention Barista Kids! The nicest part about the event, besides seeing the wonderful art? The show is part of Levine's social action mission- The Pen and Pudding Project. 20% of every sold art work goes to the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair.
Continue reading "Jennifer Levine's Art Opening at The Block Gallery" »
Congratulations to Kristin and Wally Acuña! Their short film detailing their infertility struggles won last night at the In The Know short film series. Check out the winning film here.
How many loads of laundry does it take to keep a family of five smelling April-fresh? I do 14 loads each week, always on Thursdays.
I long for my days in New York City when I brought one sane-sized laundry bag downstairs to the wash-n-fold. Clothes would arrive at my doorstep the next day, perfectly folded. All for $25, tip included.
Laundry doesn't rule my life, though it tries everything in it's stain-prone power to tie me down. How many hours do you spend with the washing machine every week? How many loads? And lastly, does anyone with kids do local wash-n-fold?
The ticker tape parade to celebrate the Yankees win goes up the Canyon of Heroes today at 11 a.m. Kids are home for teacher's convention, so you won't have to take them out of school to experience the exciting event. But is it a place for young kids? The massive crowds and rowdy fans aren't very kid-friendly.
After reading this comment on Baristanet: "Sorry folks, but ticker tape parades suck. Several people were injured at this one when some scaffolding collapsed. Yeah, good fun for one and all!!!" We decided to ask a few parents if they plan on taking their kids today:
"Thought about bringing the boy since he is off school tomorrow. He's not that into baseball, but he might enjoy the confetti. But there will probably be a lot of drunk idiots at 11 a.m."
"Yes! Although it will be an inconvenience and a hassle, it will be an experience I want my daughter to have."
"I debated all day about bringing Eli who is a baseball and Yankee nut, but 3 million people + not enough bathrooms + no interest in going 5 hours early to get a good viewing spot = misery!"
What will you do?
Continue reading "Are You Taking Your Kids to The Ticker Tape Parade?" »
Are French fries what you crave? These fried potatoes taste so much like Raymond's you'll forget all about those ones that come frozen in a bag. Alma Schneider from Take Back the Kitchen shows you how below. Click to the next page for the recipe.
Continue reading "Take Back the Kitchen: Raymond's Potatoes--at Home" »
Even though Halloween was last week and Thanksgiving isn't for a few weeks, the stores have all their Christmas decorations out. I love the holiday season, but hate when retailers start pushing it over a month early. It makes me feel all Scrooge-like--Bah Humbug!
But when this giveaway offer came in, my Christmas spirit arrived early.
One lucky person will win 4 tickets to see The Nunnbetter Dance Theatre's production of Tchaikovsky's Christmas classic, The Nutcracker at Montclair State University on December 12 or 13. Now in its eleventh year, Nunnbetter's The Nutcracker, has outgrown its previous theater in Rutherford and is moving to the larger MSU Memorial Auditorium. Complete with a growing Christmas tree, Snow Flurries and The Sugar Plum Fairy, this production will be a family favorite.
To enter the contest, keep reading..
Continue reading "Giveaway: 4 Tickets to See The Nutcracker " »
Before I had my first daughter, I was a teacher. When those two days in November rolled around for Teacher's Convention, I was thrilled. It meant two days off. In all my years of teaching, I only went to the convention in Atlantic City once, and that was because a colleague won an award and we all went down to show our support. The night before, we celebrated hard and at the convention the next morning, we were a bunch of hungover teachers.
Now that I'm a parent, I don't look forward to the Teacher's Convention. It means that my 5-year-old is home today and tomorrow. Thankfully, my 2-year-old's preschool, Park Street Academy is open. I only have one kid to entertain while I'm working, unpacking from our recent move, and running errands.
When her kids were young, Debbie didn't like Teacher's Convention either. Read about her complaint on Baristanet.
If you're scrambling for things to do with the kids today and tomorrow, check out our list, and if it's too late to register for some of the programs here are some other options:
It's November already--how did that happen? Halloween is over and Christmas decorations are filling the aisles in stores. Time seems to be flying, but these events will fill your days with fun. Here are this week's highlights:
Catch a Foreign Film
November 5
Montclair Art Museum offers a showing of the French film, Le Ballon Rouge. The first 100 audience members get their own red balloon.
Wear Your Glass Slippers
November 7
See The Westminster Arts Center's production of Cinderella.
Learn Some Spanish
November 10
Enjoy Professor Toto's Spanish Culture Time at The Language Workshop for Children.
Continue reading "This Week's Highlights: November 4 - 10" »
Clifton parents Wally and Kristin Acuña have a 5-year-old son and 2-year-old triplets. Conceiving after their first child wasn't so easy and after a year of struggling, they decided to try in vitro fertilization (IVF). Anyone who has dealt with infertility issues knows how difficult it can be. There are the numerous pregnancy tests taken every month that come out negative; there's the emotional stress of not being able to conceive; then there are the tests to find out the problem. Forget about how much this all costs.
Two organizations are trying to offer education, resources and emotional support for couples experiencing infertility: Fertility LifeLines™ and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. They have joined together to create the In The Know Short Film Series, a collection of short films submitted by people who share their experience with infertility.
The Acuñas are now finalists in the competition. The Film Festival takes place tomorrow, November 5, in New York City, where the winners will be announced.
I spoke to Kristin about the competition:
Continue reading "Local Family's IVF Film Could Win Competition" »
Baristanet reported at 9:14 p.m. last night that the votes were in and 57.66% voted No on changing the Board of Education to an elected one. This means that the current system, in which the school board is appointed by the Mayor, will remain.
Do you have children in Montclair schools? How do you feel about the outcome?
I'll admit it, I have been to two bake sales today. This morning, I bought cheese puffs from the Hillside PTA. They are selling goods while the polls are open. Then I passed Montclair Community Pre-K parents Nancy and Kim at left on Church Street. They had a cart full of homemade treats to raise money for students. Their cupcakes, cookies, brownies and cider will be on sale all day today back at the school.
I'm not against sweet goodness. I just don't like all that cheap candy. I prefer homemade yumminess in moderation--and I like it even better when it's for a good cause.
Pancakes went green two Saturdays ago at Nishuane's 26th Annual Pancake Breakfast. See parent Marjorie Fuchs with Nishuane principal Gail Clarke holding organic butter and syrup donated by Whole Foods at top left. The second photo is of Grayson Hensley, Ruthie Laurence, Ilah Saltzman and Skylar Hensley.
My neighbor Jillian DiGiacomo has organized the breakfast for the last four years along with parent Karen Sacks. Jillian tells me the pancakes weren't green green. But they were green, as in they had low environmental impact and organic ingredients. In addition to Whole Foods' donations, Terra helped provide organic, fair-trade coffee and bio-degradable cups.
The event was a great fundraiser for the school. 500 people attended and 50 volunteers flipped the pancakes, served and bussed tables.
Yum... Now I have a great idea for breakfast tomorrow morning.
Thanks to PTA mom Lisa Passmore for the photos.
When we showed up at Hillside Elementary School at 8:30 a.m., my kids were annoyed. They though we were going to the boat. "We're going to vote," I said for the sixty-seventh time.
It was their first election, definitely not their last. I let them come into the booth, and then I told them to get their hands off those buttons. After all, they still hadn't done their research on the school board issue.
Selma Avdicevic and her husband also take their kids to the polls. She said, "We immigrated in the 1990s, refugees from a country where many of our friends and family gave their lives to have a voice. Our children will learn to appreciate these freedoms very early." She lives in Montclair.
Shari Ornstein of Glen Ridge is also taking her toddler today. "We think it's important for him to understand his civic duties."
Finally, Laurie Orosz (see left) took her little one to vote for an elected school board because she feels that there is no accountability, and she is unhappy with some of the decisions the current school board has made."
My kids did get on some voters' nerves this morning. Heck, they got on my nerves too--especially when my son ate the tape and signs. But the election officials were so nice to us, and they helped me out by explaining that there would be no boat.
Meanwhile, did you vote yes or no on the school board? Or did you skip the election all together? Click to the next page for a poll...
Continue reading "Kids at the Polls & the School Board Issue" »
Reminder: New Jersey schools will be closed on Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6 for the NJEA Teacher's Convention. Need childcare or activities to fill the day? Here are your options:
Little Live Y'ers Vacation Camp
Who: Kids in Pre-K and Kindergarten who have parents scrambling for childcare.
What: A day filled with fun activities: swimming, gym, arts and crafts and more!
Where:The Helen and Bill Geyer YMCA Family Center, 159 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07042.
When: thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6. Kids can be dropped off as early at 7:30 a.m. and picked up as late as 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Members - $42 a day / Non-members - $53 a day. In order to reserve a space for your child, payment and a registration form must be completed for
each date attending. You must register within 3 business days prior to the program date.
Download your registration form here.
Live Y'ers Vacation Camp
Who: Kids in grades 1 - 8 who have parents scrambling for childcare.
What: A day filled with fun activities.
Where: Hillside School, 54 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ, 07042.
When: Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6. Kids can be dropped off as early at 7:30 a.m. and picked up as late as 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Members - $42 a day / Non-members - $53 a day. In order to reserve a space for your child, payment and a registration form must be completed for
each date attending. You must register within 3 business days prior to the program date.
Contact Dierdre at (973) 415-6123 for more information.
Ashley's Sports Domain
Who: Ages 3 - 5 (9am - 10.30am) and ages 6 - 13 (9am - 12pm)
What: Soccer camps and games.
Where: 14 Depot Square, Montclair, NJ, 07042.
When: Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6 (see times for each age group above)
Cost: $35 per day (3-5 year olds $25 per day)
$60 for two days (3-5 year olds $40 for two days)
Click to the next page for more listings.
I was just about to chuck a huge bag of leftover candy while the kids were at preschool. Then I found this website: Halloween Candy Buy Back.
I found four local dentists (see next page) who will take my evil candy, pay me $1 per pound for it, and send it to troops overseas. Those troops eat it plus give it to the kids they meet. But I wonder if Iraqi and Afghan mothers hate Halloween candy as much as I do.
First, my children's Halloween candy makes me fat. Don't ask me how, but it does. Second, the sweet stuff makes my kids act like flesh-eating zombies--they can't stop whining and crying no matter how much I give or don't give them. Third, oh yeah, Halloween candy is unhealthy--you know, like, cavities and high fructose corn syrup and crap.
Feeling a little guilty about throwing our stuff into the trash or sending it to kids who may not need these sweet treats either, I asked a few local parents what they plan to do with their leftover Halloween candy, keep reading...
Continue reading "Leftover Halloween Candy: Chuck It, Love It or Donate It" »
Trick or treating is scary. Something about it is antiquated, sinister. I didn't let my kids do it this year; and I don't like strangers walking up to my house asking for stuff. My father-in-law kindly gave out candy for me. And he told me stories, like of a little baby's young mother who kept raising her candy bag for more at 8:30 p.m.
Now I hear of this innocent 9-year-old girl who died trick or treating in Nutley. She was hit by an SUV, and a 3-year-old was also injured. Her East Orange family must be devastated.
Trick or treating was special when I was a child--but it was a different time with far less traffic and fanfare. Back then, we didn't have parties and events and parades and all kinds of other Halloween stuff for kids to attend.
D West is from Irvington, NJ, and overcame poverty and obstacles to get his psych degree from Rutgers. He's made it big--and now has his own show that tapes at the Prudential Center in Newark. His programs and speaking engagements are probably worth a chunk of change.
But the question is, should Montclair High School be paying such pretty pennies? As I reported Friday, D West and his D Team are getting $65,000 in stimulus money to pump up the football team's 2.0 grade point averages. They'll also stop by Mt. Hebron and Glen Field middle schools. West and Co. will come every two weeks for six months armed with their motivational program. Note: On D's website, he regularly offers 30-minute to full-day public school programs.
I called D West for an interview, so I'll let you know what he has to say if his peeps get back to me. In the meantime, here is what one local resident, Christopher Swenson, owner of The Tutoring Club in Montclair, had to say. He thinks there might be better ways to spend $65K:
The rain didn't stop Halloween in these parts. Check out how cute Baristaville's kids (and their parents) looked in their costumes.
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