BaristaKids

Art of Sport Workshop

2010-02-08T18:00:00Z

This is a really cool way to spend the day off from school for an aspiring artist and sports fan. There will be a drawing clinic held at the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center hosted by Tony Capparelli, sports artist and educator.

If you're a sports fan, you know Tony Capparelli's art. From his piece Big Blue Afternoon, which celebrated the final season of Giants Stadium to his most recent Super Bowl XLIV portrait, Capparelli has captured the art of American sports.

Kids who attend the clinic will get art lessons from Capparelli as they create a portrait of the NJ Devils mascot. Sorry grown-ups, this clinic is just for kids.

Tony Capparelli's Art of Sport Workshop
Who: Aspiring sports artists ages 5-13
What: Fun drawing clinic conducted by award-winning illustrator, Tony Capparelli. Special appearance by the NJ Devils mascot. Refreshments and materials included.
Where: Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, Campus of MSU, 8 Quarry Road, Little Falls, NJ.
When: Monday, February 15 from 11 am - 2 pm.
Cost: $10 per child. To RSVP call 973.655.6891.

Kids Create: Valentine's Day Cards

2010-02-08T16:00:00Z

Story by Nancy Breslin, CohabiTOT -living stylishly with children.

Valentine's Day is serious business in our house this year. My 4-year-old son told me that you have to make cards for all the people you love. To him that's at least 60 people! And we have to make an extra special one for his new friend whom he thinks is the prettiest girl in all of Glen Ridge.

I don't think we will be making 60 cards, but we have created our own little printing shop in our house.

Taking inspiration from the simplest of printmaking forms called collographs here's how we did it:

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Materials

1. Cardboard
2. White glue
3. Found objects such as yarn, leaves, burlap, or other textured materials.
4. Paint
5. Brushes
6. Rolling Pin
7. Card stock or construction paper

Directions

1. Cut out heart out of cardboard (cereal boxes work well). We made the heart about 3" high
2. Glue anything with texture to the heart and let dry for a couple hours. Make sure you keep the textures no more than 1/8" high. We thought Cheerios were fun!
3. Paint the cardboard evenly with a brush making sure the paint doesn't puddle too much. You choose: one color, multiple colors.
4. Lay paper over top of heart. We offset the paper so the heart would be on the bottom half. With even pressure, roll the rolling pin over the backside of the paper. One or two passes is sufficient otherwise the design will turn muddy.
5. Once dry we folded the paper to make stationary.
6. Lastly my son did his favorite part; learning how to write -"I love you"

The best part about this is no two cards are alike!

Along with cards which we will give to his classmates, we will celebrate at home with a little party. I am thinking heart shaped pancakes, or baking one of these treats. We love a good excuse to celebrate.

Giveaway: 4 Tickets to Baby Loves Disco's Valentine's Day Ball

2010-02-08T14:00:00Z

Want to spend Valentine's Day at a cool NYC club having a couple drinks and dancing with the one you love? You can at Le Poisson Rouge and the crowd will be young--really young. Baby Loves Disco is throwing a Valentine's Day Ball and Barista Kids is giving 4 tickets to one lucky reader.

Baby Loves Disco is a monthly afternoon dance party for families. Think baby-proofed nightclub. There's music, bubbles, food, drinks for the parents and a chill-out room when the little ones need to hang out on a lounge chair and relax. Because it will be Valentine's Day, expect fun crafts, decorations and a Daddy-daughter dance.

In addition to all that fun, they will be holding a dance-party contest called "So You Think You Can Llama Dance?". Llama is performed by Patrick and Eugene, a kooky UK band with a sound comprised of banjos, ukuleles, and happy, catchy vocals. The kid with the best dance to Llama will win 4 tickets to the Children's Museum of Manhattan, a five-floor interactive museum for kids, which offers wonderful exhibits, workshops and shows. It's one of my family's favorite places.

Chek out Llama on the next page...

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Want to win tickets to Baby Loves Disco's Valentine's Day Ball? Simply tell us what song gets you or your kid to bust a move to in the comment section. One person who replies to this post by 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 will be chosen at random to receive 4 tickets Baby Loves Disco's Valentine's Day Ball this Sunday at 12 pm at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC. Please post only once.

No purchase necessary. Starts Monday, February 8, 2010, 9:00 a.m. EST and ends Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at 11:59 p.m.

Open to U.S. residents ages 16 years and older. Void where prohibited.

Super Bowl Lingo for Moms

2010-02-07T16:00:00Z

I know there are some moms who love football and are excited to watch the Super Bowl today, but let's be honest--many moms, like myself, are really not into the big game.

Joel Schwartzberg, Montclair dad and writer, has come up with a funny twist on the meaning of football terms for moms. My favorite is First Down! : a parental exclamation after the younger of two siblings goes to sleep.

For a good laugh, read all of his Super Bowl lingo for moms.

Local Author and Illustrator Win Award for Kids' Book

2010-02-07T14:00:00Z

I Met a Moose in Maine One Day, a book written by Ed Shankman of Verona and illustrated by Dave O'Neill of Montclair, has been awarded a Gold Seal for being one of the best family-friendly media, products and services by the Mom's Choice Awards® program. Shankman and O'Neill are the same team that created The Boston Balloonies and The Cods of Cape Cod.

]]> Parents, educators, librarians and retailers refer to the MCA awards program's evaluations when selecting materials for children and families.

Since its July, 2008 launch, I Met a Moose in Maine One Day, which merges rhyme with whimsical illustrations, has been reprinted 7 times and is the top-selling book for Commonwealth Editions, the New England Booksellers Association's 2006 Publisher of the year.

The book tells the story of a young boy who awakens one day to find a friendly moose has come to visit. Boy and moose embark on a whirlwind adventure through the towns and landscapes of Maine, during which they become fast friends.

Seen Around Town

2010-02-06T14:00:00Z

Seen in front of the New Age store on Church Street last week: Psychic School for kids. I would love to talk to a kid who took the class. Did they offer Crystal Ball 101?

See any interesting and/or fun things around town relating to kids and their parents? Send the pictures here.

Thanks to Pam Satran for the photo.

Celebrate Chinese New Year This Weekend

2010-02-05T18:00:00Z

This Sunday, the Montclair Public Library will hold a big celebration for Chinese New Year, which officially begins on Sunday, February 14.

Sponsored by Montclair's Mandarin Program at Nishuane Elementary School, the festivities will include traditional music, Tai Chi demontrations, Dragon and Lion dances, crafts, calligraphy workshops and more. You can also see the Mandarin students' artwork on display in the 3rd floor Exploratorium space.

Chinese New Year Celebration
Who: All ages.
What: Celebrate Chinese New Year with demonstrations of Tai Chi and Yoyo, traditional music, Dragon dance and Lion dance, crafts and much more. Offered by Nishuane's Mandarin program. Mandarin students' projects will be on display on the 3rd floor of the Montclair Public Library.
When: Sunday, February 7 from 2 - 4 pm.
Where: Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Street, Montclair, NJ, 07042.
Cost: Free.

Nishuane's Mandarin program recently won the elementary school catagory in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Student Podcast contest. My daughter is in the program and I'm amazed at how well she is speaking Mandarin already. Congratulations Nishuane!

Take the Family Roller Skating

2010-02-05T16:00:00Z

Story by Stacey Gill Dastis...

Calling all children of the 80's and anyone who missed that generation but would appreciate 80's era fun. I think that includes just about everyone. At least it includes me, and I think I can speak for everyone.

The 80's are alive and well and tucked away in a little haven of nostalgia in Florham Park. You could pass by the squat, white cement box of a building if you're not looking for it, but you shouldn't. Inside is a relic preserved, undisturbed, straight out of 1980. When I opened the glass front door and pushed through the metal turnstile after sliding my $6.50 under the plexi-glass window of the admission booth, I walked right back into 8th grade. There before me was the painted-over cinderblock walls of my youth and within them the flashing multi-colored lights, sparkling disco ball, and oval roller rink of the darkened room. I was in heaven.

I sat on the circa 1970's orange laminate bench the same color as the rubber wheels of my brown rental skates and started to lace up. My 8-year-old daughter needed help pulling on her skates, but I was too busy. "Evacuate the Dance Floor" was playing, and I had to get out there.

]]> I jerked and skidded for a moment or two and then I was off. I felt the cool air breeze across my sweaty face as I zipped around and around the rink, attempting to break the roller skating speed limit. Not breaking my stride, I tore off my bulky cardigan and tied it around my waist. My daughter, sprawled on the rink floor, called to me, but I couldn't stop. I was lost in the glory of roller skating.

The only detraction (a minor one) was the absence of 80's music. I did not hear "Pac Man Fever," "Mickey," or "8675309" blasting from the speakers as I sped past, but Lady Gaga filled the void and was equally apropos of the venue and situation.

Life was good.

You can experience the 80's with your kids too:

Roller Skating
Who: All ages.
What: Public skating.
Where: Florham Park Roller Rink, 192 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park, NJ. 973-377-0465
When: See here.
Cost: Morning and Afternoon sessions: $6.50. Evening sessions: $7.50. Skate rental: $3.50
for either old-school skates or in-line skates. Or bring your own skates (and save $3.50).

Photo by cwwycoff1.

Move Over SAT, Meet the ACT

2010-02-05T14:00:00Z

NEWS: If your child was scheduled to take the ACT at Montclair High School tomorrow, February 6, it has been canceled due to the forecast of snow.

Guest entry by Rhonda Rivera

If you are the parent of a high school aged child, college entrance exams are probably looming on the horizon. You may have only one thought: start practicing for the SAT! That's a great thought, but here's another: take the ACT. Never heard of the ACT? Well, read on!

The ACT (American College Testing) tests scholastic achievement and it was designed based upon the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The ACT is three hours and twenty-five minutes long, has 215 questions and tests math, English, reading, science and writing. The perfect score is a 36. Approximately 1.48 million students took the ACT in 2009.

]]> On the other hand, the SAT (formally, the SAT Reasoning Test) is designed to test a student's test taking skills and innate ability, as it was designed based upon the IQ test. It runs three hours and forty-five minutes, has 140 questions and tests critical reading, writing and math. Since you were in school, the SAT added an essay section, worth another 800 points, so a perfect score is now 2400. Approximately 1.53 million students took the SAT in 2009.

Both the SAT and the ACT are accepted at virtually every college. Starting with the class of 2010, the SAT joins the ACT in allowing you to select which scores (entire test) to send to the colleges. Many students find the ACT to be a fairer indicator of what they have actually learned in high school and score higher on it, although timing can be a factor. Many college prep advisors recommend that students take practice exams for both exams to determine which test they are most comfortable. Then, study for that one and get the best score possible.

Rhonda Rivera is co-founder of Top-Tier Tutoring, which offers standardized test prep, college couseling and tutoring. Hear their podcast for more on Sat versus ACT here.

Take Back the Kitchen: Taco Night

2010-02-04T18:00:00Z

Who knew that Taco night would be such a smashing success with my kids and their playdates? There is something about this colorful family-style buffet dinner that just seems to excite kids. Even the pickiest of eaters seem to want to fill that taco shell up with as many of the ingredients available to them, no matter what items are presented. I like to throw in a few odd treats like Veggie Booty and cashews to have some fun with it. Below are some suggestions but feel free to create your own concoctions.

Taco Night

1 lb ground turkey, cooked with 2 TBS ketchup in a medium sized saute pan until no longer pink. Serve in a large bowl
12 corn tortilla taco shells-they have organic ones at Whole Foods
small bowls of grated cheese, about 3 oz. each, of cheddar and Monterey jack
1 bowl each of the following:
2 handfuls shredded lettuce
1 large shredded carrot
1/4-1/2 cup green or black olives
2 chopped, seeded tomatoes-
cooked black or pinto beans
1/3 cup salsa
few TBS sour cream
(Optional: nuts, veggie booty or anything else your kids like)

Let each kid fill up their taco shell and eat up!

Serves 6 kids and one adult who is picking at their food.....

Post by Alma Schneider. Take Back the Kitchen provides individual, hands-on sessions and group workshops.

Don't Know Much About Finance...

2010-02-04T16:00:00Z

I'm ashamed to admit that I really don't understand economics and finance. I mean REALLY understand it. Dow Jones, indexes, bonds..it's another language to me. They didn't offer economics in high school and I stayed clear of it in college. Sad, but true. A local teen wants to help his peers so they don't grow up like me.

Lance Barnard (that's him on the left) started a website called Teens Guide to Money where he teaches teens (and adults) all about finance basics, with a large focus on saving. This kid would make Alex P. Keaton proud.

I asked Lance how a junior in high school knew so much about money and wanted to educate others:

]]> My grandfather introduced me to the stock markets when I was 11, setting up a virtual stock market, which introduced me to researching and investing. You can't invest without money, so since I was about 11, I have had various jobs: a mother's helper, shoveling snow, yard work and helping clean out houses and moving. Recently my jobs have focused around computers: building and selling them, and repairing them.

I was motivated to create the website when I realized high school was not providing financial education to students. Since I enjoy following and investing in the market, I would try to talk to my friends about it. Although some knew what I was talking about many did not. My school, Montclair Kimberley Academy, offers a brief introduction to finances in the fourth grade and a optional course in economics as a senior, but no mandatory financial education for all students. Students are leaving school unprepared to become fiscally responsible adults. Even adults have asked me about finances leading me to realize the lack of basic financial knowledge in the general population here in US.

Much of the current financial crises goes back to the lack of financial literacy of our population. People don't know how to save and invest their money. They purchased items, especially cars and homes, that they couldn't afford. Yes, the banks too were also responsible, giving loans, to people who they knew would not be able to make their payments. A little less greed, more financial knowledge and responsibility would go long way to help our current financial crises.

Pretty impressive right? Have your teens check out Lance's website and read it yourself too.

Giveaway: Family 4-Pack of Tickets To The Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck Concert

2010-02-04T14:00:00Z

Congratulations to LookyDaddy. He is the winner in our giveaway and will enjoy a rockin' Rebecca Frezza concert tomorrow!

Yes, Sunday is the Super Bowl, but before the big game and parties begin you can take your kids over to Temple Ner Tamid to see Montclair's own Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck.

Big Truck will be performing from their latest album, Rockin', Rollin' and Ridin' , which features songs such as Robot Dance, Superman and 4 other new songs, as well as remixed favorites. Hopefully, your kids will dance and get all their energy out at the concert, and let you relax and watch the game later.

Rebecca Frezza has generously offered up 4 tickets to one lucky Barista Kids reader. To enter the contest keep reading...

]]> Simply tell us why you want to attend the concert in the comment section. One person who replies to this post by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, February 5, 2010 will be chosen at random to each receive 4 tickets to see Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck this Sunday at 1:30 pm at Temple Ner Tamid. Please post only once.

No purchase necessary. Starts Thursday, February 4, 2010, 9:00 a.m. EST and ends Friday, February 5, 2010, at 11:59 p.m.

Open to U.S. residents ages 16 years and older. Void where prohibited.

This Week's Highlights: February 3 - 9

2010-02-03T19:00:00Z

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 the great deals. Here are this week's highlights:

Get Crafty
February 4
Head over to the Montclair Library after school for drop-in craft time.

Play With Tools
February 6
Make a display for all your Matchbox cars at Home Depot's Kids' Workshop.

See a Fairy Godmother
February 7
Check out the JCC MetroWest's adaptation of Cinderella.

]]> Thursday, February 4

Drop-In Crafts
Who: Ages 4 and up.
What: Create a fun, easy-to-make craft to take home.
Where: Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair NJ, 07042
When: Thursdays, February 4 and 18 at 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free. No registration required.

Saturday, February 6

Kids Workshop: Car Display
Who: Young carpenters ages 5 - 12.
What:The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Where: Your local Home Depot: 60 Orange Street, Bloomfield, NJ or 955 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton, NJ. 1 (800) 553-3199.
When: Saturday, February 6 from 9 a.m. - noon.
Cost: Free.

Sunday, February 7

Cinderella at the JCC MetroWest
Who: Fairy tale fans of all ages.
What: The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. This production, adapted for the stage with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, will still make the hearts of children and adults alike soar when the slipper fits. This enchanted edition is based on the 1997 teleplay, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother.
Where: Maurice Levin Theatre at the Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ.
When: Sunday, February 7 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, February 13 thru Monday, February, 15. For times click here.
Cost: Tickets: $25. Seniors, Students, and Members: $22. Click here to buy tickets or call 800-494-8497.

Local Library Raises Funds to Build Libraries in Central Asia

2010-02-03T18:00:00Z

Glen Ridge Public Library will be collecting pennies through February for the Pennies for Peace drive to help build school libraries in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Since the first Pennies for Peace drive in a Wisconsin elementary school in 1996, over 16 million pennies ($160,000) have been raised by over 700 schools in all 50 states.

The penny donations are collected on behalf of the Central Asia Institute, a non-profit organization which supports community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The organization is co-founded by Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace, One School at a Time. Glen Ridge Library has copies of this NYT bestseller, as well as the young adult version, Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Journey to Change the World, One Child at a Time, and the children's Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and the Three Cups of Tea.

]]> For more information, go to the Central Asia Institute's website.

What your penny contributions, added up, can do:
$20 = One student's school supplies for one year
$100 = Maternal health care supplies for one year
$300 = One student's school tuition for one year

Visit the library to add your pennies to the Pennies for Peace donation barrel. For details, contact Glen Ridge Library at 973.748.5482 or check out its website.

Young Entrepreneurs in Glen Ridge

2010-02-03T16:00:00Z

Kids at Ridgewood Avenue school have been learning to be mini-entrepreneurs with the TREP$ program. The award-winning program teaches kids in grades 4- 8 the basics of business ownership.

After doing the workshops, students have a chance to sell their products. Tomorrow night, they will open the doors to The Marketplace and sell everything from handmade jewelry to Super Slime Kits. Check out their advertisements here to see all they will offer.

Show the kids support by stopping by The Marketplace:

TREP$ Marketplace
Who: All ages.
What: Education program, TREP$, is being offered this year at Ridgewood Avenue school in Glen Ridge. Students are learning the fundamentals of starting a business. Marketplace will have students selling their products and services.
Where: Ridgewood Avenue School, 235 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ.
When: Thursday, February 4 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
Cost: Free to attend.

Photo by AMagill.