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August 25, 2011
News & Events
- Local Things to Do with Kids, Teens, and Families
- School Lunch Ideas--What to Pack for Kids
- Boring School Lunch? Nope! Packing Fun Lunches
- Ideas for Toddler and Preschooler Tooth-brushing
- Allergies in August--Allergies and Kids
- Back-to-School Check List
- Tax Free Week in Connecticut 2011--August 21-27
- Macaroni Kid is also on Facebook and Twitter!
- Region 12, Region 14, Region 15, Oxford
- Emergency Preparedness for Parents
- Macaroni Kid is also on Facebook and Twitter!
- Pink Eye
- This Week's Picks
- This Week's Calendar
- Teen Scene
- Plan Ahead
- Highwire Deer and Animal Farm in Woodbury, CT
Local Things to Do with Kids, Teens, and Families
Macaroni Kid is also on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Facebook is a great way to find out about last minute additions to the kid-friendly calendar. I post fun finds for local Connecticut info and kids crafts and more on Pinterest.
School Lunch Ideas--What to Pack for Kids
Lunches seem to be one of the things that us parents fret about over and over again. Between trying to include healthy foods, and picky eaters, sometimes we're at our wits end.
I have one child who eats peanut butter and jelly or hard-boiled eggs. I have another who takes something from the freezer to microwave at school (usually things that are about the same quality as the cafeteria food) or turkey wraps. My littlest also enjoys the same food day after day: slices of deli meat, a slice ...
Boring School Lunch? Nope! Packing Fun Lunches
Bento Lunches--Fun to Eat
As the school year approaches, I know I am going to be packing a lot of lunches! My kids get tired of the same old things each day, so I've decided to get creative. I discovered the art of packing Bento lunches and thought it looked like so much fun.
However, my kids are picky. There is no way they'd eat any of the traditional Japanese foods--not even the rice. But I loved the concept of packing lunches in reusable containers- no plastic bags to throw away, no ...
Ideas for Toddler and Preschooler Tooth-brushing
Tooth-brushing Tricks for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Turn nighttime fights into nighttime fun (usually)
Pajamas, potty, brush teeth, bed, story, and songs. That's our nighttime routine (now that my little is potty trained anyway). It seems simple, but it is rarely so.
Although I let them brush their own teeth as soon as they can, it is important for mommy or daddy to get a turn to make sure their teeth are well-cleaned. This is true for a long while--until the age of 5 or so depending on the child.
I have never been sure why ...
Allergies in August--Allergies and Kids
Allergies can affect school performance but you can help!
- A Ragweed plant produces one billion pollen grains per season
- Grains can travel up to ...
Back-to-School Check List
Make sure you've got everything your child needs
No matter where you live, if you have kids in the public school, and most private schools, they are going back to school next week.
Time is short. Most of you have probably accomplished the majority of the back-to-school preparations. If, like me, you still have a few things you've been waiting to finish, here is a bit of a master-list to check against.
Schoolwork in Summer?
- Check the school-recommended summer reading list and make sure your child read at least one of them.
- Finish any outstanding summer assignments ...
Tax Free Week in Connecticut 2011--August 21-27
Now that all clothing is taxed at the 6.35% sales tax (that was a change in the tax bill passed by Governer Malloy and the legislature--clothing items and shoes under $50 used to be exempt from sales tax), a tax-free week for clothes shopping can put a little money back in your pocket.
The tax-free clothing week in Connecticut lasts from today, Sunday, August 21st, through Saturday, August 27th. Almost all clothes and shoes under $300 will be exempt from sales tax for this week only.
Combine that with ...
Region 12, Region 14, Region 15, Oxford
Here are some important links for public school students.
For Region 12 students of Bridgewater, Roxbury, and Washington:
- Bus Routes
- School Calendar
- First day of school for Region 12 is August 31st.
For Region 14 students of Woodbury and Bethlehem:
- Bus Routes
- School Calendar
- First day of school for Region 14 is September 1st.
For Region 15 students of Middlebury and Southbury:
- Bus Routes--only available in the Voice News Back to School insert. I hope you saved yours! If you are not sure about bussing, call your local school.
- School ...
Emergency Preparedness for Parents
Some special things to consider as parents in an emergency
I have detailed some things my family is doing to prepare for Hurricane Irene.
Check if any of those are a good idea for you, too. It's more detailed than the generic ideas that have been populating news reports.
Macaroni Kid is your resource for things to do with kids and teens! Keep up with great local happenings by subscribing to our weekly newsletter of events for kids and teens. The calendar is full of nearby activities for families, kids, and teens.
Macaroni Kid is also on Facebook, Twitter ...
Pink Eye
September is Children's Eye Health Month
According to the American Journal of Infection Control, more than 164 million school days are missed annually in U.S. public schools due to the spread of infectious diseases. An astonishing 3 million of those school days are lost as a result of acute conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye.”
In recognition of September’s “Children’s Eye Health Month,” the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to teach parents and educators how to prevent the spread of pink eye in the classroom.
“Pink eye is all too common amongst children ...
Thursday, August 25 through Thursday, August 25 - Rainforest Reptiles at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT
Where: Beardsley Zoo 1875 Noble Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06610When: 11:00 AM - 11:45 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: EveryoneHow: Head to the zoo!Cost: Free with paid admission to the zoo (or check out the Zoo museum pass from your library, if available, for free admission).
Saturday, August 27 through Saturday, August 27 - Lakeshore Learning Store Free Craft for Kids in Hamden, CT
Where: 2335 Dixwell AvenueHamden, CT 06514203-287-0900When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PMWho: For kids ages 3 and upHow: Just drop in!Cost: Free
Saturday, August 27 through Saturday, August 27 - POSTPONED! Meet Nathan Kress and Watch a Back-to-School Fashion Show at the Westfield Trumbull Mall in Trumbull, CT
Don't miss a special appearance by Nathan Kress — "Freddie" from Nickelodeon's iCarly.
Saturday August 27th11amLord & Taylor Court
After the show, meet Nathan and grab an autograph at our fan Meet & Greet 11:30am-3pm.
Where: The Lord & Taylor Court Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall 5065 Main St Trumbull, CT 06611When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Fashion show at 11 AM, Meet & Greet with Nathan Kress from 11:30 AM to 3 PM)Who: School-aged kids interested in fashion and/or love iCarlyHow: Just show up!Cost: Free
Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, August 30 - Astronomy Class in Southbury, CT
Where: 1611 Georges Hill Rd. Southbury, CTWhen: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM (End time can vary depending on observation conditions)Who: For children (and their parents!) aged 8 through high school.How: E-mail [email protected] to registerCost: $150 for all 20 weeks or pay $40 a month. That's $2.50 an hour!
Thursday, August 25 through Thursday, August 25 - Musical Tranformers: Household Objects at Instruments at the Oxford Library
Where: Oxford Public Library 468 Oxford Road Oxford, CT 06478When: 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: Children 3-8How: Call (203) 888-6944 to register. Registration is required.Cost: Free
Thursday, August 25 through Thursday, August 25 - The Kenny Lee Band--Free Summer Concert on the Southbury Green
Where: The Southbury Green on Main St. In front of Shoprite and Gap KidsWhen: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMWho: EveryoneHow: Just show upCost: Free
Friday, August 26 through Thursday, September 1 - Super 8 at Edmond Town Hall Theater in Newtown, CT
Running Time: 1:52
Starring: Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, Zach Mills, Noah Emmerich, Amanda Michalka
FRI. AUG. 26 thru THURS. SEPT. 1Fri. thru Thurs. 7:00 & 9:00pmMatinees: Fri. thru Mon. 1:00 & 4:00 pmTuesday 1:00pm
Where: Edmond Town Hall Theater 45 Main Street Newtown, CT 06470 Film Info 426-2475 (for movie recording)When: n/aWho: The film is rated PG-13 and would be most appropriate for older kids.How: Just go to the theater. Park on the street in delineater parking spots or pull behind the town hall. Show up early because the movies get crowded!Cost: $2 per ticket.
Friday, August 26 through Friday, August 26 - Monroe Farmer's Market has Live Entertainment along with Fresh Food
Where: 7 Fan Hill Rd. Monroe, CTWhen: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PMWho: EveryoneHow: Free off-street parkingCost: freeFor more info: All of the products are produced in Connecticut by people who care deeply about the land and make thoughtful, conscientious choices for its stewardship. Our mission is to support local farmers and to provide the community access to locally sourced, healthy food that is grown and sold with integrity, heart and soul. The market is a community gathering place where the simple pleasures in life are abundant.
Friday, August 26 through Friday, August 26 - 50-Cent Fabulous Fridays at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT
Where: Quassy Amusement Park 2132 Middlebury Road Middlebury, CTWhen: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMWho: Everyone--Quassy has rides even for toddlers.How: Call 203-758-2913 for more informationCost: $0.50 for each
Friday, August 26 through Saturday, August 27 - Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours of the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT
Where: Mark Twain House Hartford, CTWhen: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (There are tours every hour at 6, 7, 8, and 9 PM)Who: Children 10 and over.How: Reservations required: 860-280-3130.Cost: Admission $18 (members $15); children under 16, $13. Tours are not recommended for children under 10 years of age.
Friday, August 26 through Friday, August 26 - Spirits at Stowe at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Hartford, CT
Stowe’s interest in spiritualism helped to ease the pain of losing four of seven children during her lifetime. The paranormal occasionally showed up in her writing as well; she included a ghost story in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, her most famous work written in 1852.
More at the website.
Where: Harriet Beecher Stowe House Hartford, CTWhen: 7:30 PM - 8:15 PMWho: Tour is recommended for ages 12 and up.How: Reservations are strongly suggested. Find out more calling 860.522.9258x317.Cost: Cost is $15 per personFor more info:
Friday, August 26 through Saturday, August 27 - Wicked at the Bushnell in Hartford, CT
Where: The Bushnell 166 Capitol Avenue Hartford CT 06106 Administration Offices 860-987-6000 Toll-free 888-824-2874When: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: Most appropriate for older children, ages 8 and up are likely to enjoy.How: Call or order tickets on-line.Cost: Tickets vary from $33 to $150 depending on seat, show date & time.
Saturday, August 27 through Saturday, August 27 - Wicked at the Bushnell in Hartford, CT
Where: The Bushnell 166 Capitol Avenue Hartford CT 06106 Administration Offices 860-987-6000 Toll-free 888-824-2874When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: Most appropriate for older children, ages 8 and up are likely to enjoy.How: Call or order tickets on-line.Cost: Tickets vary from $33 to $150 depending on seat, show date & time.
Saturday, August 27 through Saturday, August 27 - A Midsummer Night's Dream-a Vintage Shakesperience Performance at McLaughlin Vineyard in Newtown, CT
Where: McLaughlin Vineyard14 Alberts Hill RoadSandy Hook, CT 06482When: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: The whole familyHow: Call (203) 754-2531 for more information.Cost: Adults $12Kids Under Twelve $6Family of 4 $30
Monday, August 29 through Monday, August 29 - Lullabies and Bedtime Stories at the Oxford Library
Where: Oxford Public Library 468 Oxford Road Oxford, CT 06478When: 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: EveryoneHow: Call (203) 888-6944 for more information. No registration necessary.Cost: Free
Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, August 30 - All Ages Storytime at the Oxford Library
Where: Oxford Public Library 468 Oxford Road Oxford, CT 06478When: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: EveryoneHow: Call (203) 888-6944 for more information. No registration necessary.Cost: Free
Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, August 30 - Outdoor Concert at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury, CT
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Pomperaug Woods will have complimentary hot dogs, chips and soda for sale, or concert-goers can bring their own picnic dinner. Each concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Gazebo at Pomperaug Woods 80 Heritage Rd. Southbury, CT 06488When: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: The concerts are offered to the public at no charge and your friends are welcome.How: If you would like to learn more about the concert series, call (203) 262-6555, ext. 111.Cost: The Outdoor Concert Series is a fundraiser for the Southbury Food Bank. Guests are invited to bring a non-perishable food item or tax-deductible donation.
Thursday, August 25 through Thursday, August 25 - Teen Craft: Ice Cream Earrings at the Woodbury Library
Where: Woodbury Public LibraryWhen: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: TeensHow: Register at the desk or by calling (203) 263-3502Cost: Free
Friday, August 26 through Friday, August 26 - Write On! at the Southbury Library
Where: Southbury Library 100 Poverty Rd. Southbury, CTWhen: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PMWho: Grades 6 and upHow: Registration is required.Cost: Free
Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, August 30 - Teen Advisory Board at the Southbury Library
Where: Southbury Library 100 Poverty Rd. Southbury, CTWhen: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PMWho: Teens in grades 6 and upHow: Registration is required.Cost: Free
Wednesday, August 31 through Wednesday, August 31 - Region 12 First Day of School!
Where: .When: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PMWho: Region 12 public school studentsHow: .Cost: .
Thursday, September 1 through Thursday, September 1 - Southbury Farmer's Market at Town Hall Green
Where: Town Hall Green 501 Main St. S. Southbury, CTWhen: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PMWho: AnyoneHow: Come between 2 PM and 6 PMCost: Free to attend
Thursday, September 1 through Thursday, September 1 - Junior Friends of the Library: Animals for Life Drive at the Southbury Library
Where: Southbury Library 100 Poverty Rd. Southbury, CTWhen: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PMWho: Grades 4 and upHow: Registration Required to join Junior Friends of the LibraryCost: Free
Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5 - $35 Carload Weekend at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT
Where: Quassy Amusement Park 2132 Middlebury Road Middlebury, CTWhen: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Open until 11 pm on Friday night)Who: Everyone--Quassy has rides even for toddlers.How: Call 203-758-2913 for more informationCost: $35 for everyone in the car
Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5 - Finish up the Quassy Ready to Read Program with a Visit from the Very Hungry Caterpillar at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT
Where: Quassy Amusement Park Lake Quassapaug Rt. 64 (2132 Middlebury Road) Middlebury, CT 06762When: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM (End time is approximate.)Who: EveryoneHow: For more information, call 203-758-2913Cost: Admission to the park
Saturday, September 3 through Saturday, September 3 - Astronomy Class on Saturday Evenings in Southbury, CT
Where: 1611 Georges Hill Rd. Southbury, CTWhen: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM (End time can vary depending on observation conditions)Who: For children (and their parents!) aged 8 through high school.How: E-mail [email protected] to registerCost: $200 for all 20 weeks only payable in advance. That's $2.50 an hour!
Monday, September 5 through Monday, September 5 - POSTPONED!! to 10/9/2011--Newtown Labor Day Parade 2011
Where: The parade marches down Rte 25 in Newtown.When: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AMWho: AnyoneHow: Get into town before the roads are closed at 9:15 AM.Cost: FreeFor more info: Parking is available at Hawley School, Caraluzzi/Ace Hardware, Big Y, St Rose School and Lexington Gardens. The local roads will be closed by the police at 9:15 am and will stay closed until after the parade, approximately 12 noon. The parade will begin at 10:00 am with the Escort Division led by the Newtown Police. It is recommended that spectators find their seats by 9am.
Monday, September 5 through Monday, September 5 - St. Jude Parish Church Family Labor Day Concert in Derby
Where: St Jude Parish Church 71 Pleasant View Road Derby, CTWhen: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PMWho: EveryoneHow: Call 203-735-8725 for additional informationCost: Free for admission and free parking
Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, September 6 - Oxford First Day of School!
Where: .When: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PMWho: Oxford public school studentsHow: .Cost: .
Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, September 6 - Region 14 First Day of School!
Where: .When: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PMWho: Region 14 public school studentsHow: .Cost: .
Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, September 6 - Region 15 First Day of School!
Where: .When: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PMWho: Region 15 public school studentsHow: .Cost: .
Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, September 6 - Story Time Sign Up Begins at the Middlebury Library
Where: Middlebury Library 30 Crest Rd. Middlebury, CT 06762When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMWho: EveryoneHow: Call 203-758-2634 for more information.Cost: Free
Highwire Deer and Animal Farm in Woodbury, CT
I've never been myself, but just off of Woodbury's Main Street is a zoo. I've often driven by it because it is such a curiosity. I never seem to know when it's open. Thanks to Voices, which just reported the hours.
Highwire Animal Farm in Woodbury, CT Hours
August: Thursday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM
September: Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM
You can stop by and visit with some unusual animals in your backyard.
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