Devonshire's Gingerbread Event

There is something about gingerbread. Whether it's gingerbread cookies, gingerbread people or houses, it all smells delicious, is fun to create and looks bright and Christmasy when done.

In the spirit of the season (and whether you celebrate Christmas or not), Devonshire public school holds a fantastic annual Gingerbread House Making event that will allow you to explore both your creativity and your sweet tooth The details are below. Enjoy!

Devonshire School Council is pleased to present its Annual Gingerbread House Decorating event on Saturday, December 8th! The school is located at 100 Breezehill Avenue North which is just west of the O-train tracks and just south of Somerset St. West.

Each house costs $20 or you can purchase 2 houses for $35.  Refreshments will also be available for purchase.  Proceeds go to support the school.

If you plan to attend, please register. You can download the registration form directly from the school's website at: http://devonshireparents.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/its-gingerbread-house-building-time/

Have fun!!

Woodroffe Ski, Skate (and more) Sale

Woodroffe Avenue Public School (across from the Carlingwood Library) is holding its annual ski and skate sale on Thursday, November 15 from 6:00­-7:30pm.
This community event is open to everyone and you can buy kids skis, skates, snowboards, hockey gear, soccer cleats, roller blades, bikes, other equipment, sports & winter clothing, Halloween costumes, etc. !!

You can also sell your own things that your kids have outgrown, clearing out and making way for new equipment! You can even sell gently used Halloween costumes! You receive 80% of the proceeds and 20% will go directly to support the school. Tell your ‘sporty’ friends and neighbours. Start digging out those old items and get ready to buy this season's equipment at great prices - all for a great cause!

Please, no adult equipment or street clothing.

To sell your equipment

• E-mail: wapscouncil.skiskate@gmail.com and they’ll send you a kit, or
• Drop off your equipment on Monday, November 12 between 3:30 to 5 pm or Tuesday, November 13 between 7 to 8 pm.

Note: The school office does not provide kits for sellers.

The school does also need volunteers!  Can you lend at hand? Please email wapscouncil.skiskate@gmail.com and let them know what you’d like to do!

Do-si-do....Family Dances!

Family Dances in your Neighbourhood

Do-si-do and around you go... All take hands and circle to the left....

Into the middle and clap!

 

Sound like fun? Do you know children who love to dance? This year Ottawa’s Contra Dance community will be hosting three family dances. Family dances are fun, easy-to-learn and for people of all ages. They include simple formations such as circles, lines and bridges. Children love them, and so do adults.

 

Family dances include a live band and caller. The caller walks everyone through the formations of the dance before the music starts. Then the real dancing begins with lots of laughing, hopping, and sometimes singing. Family dances are a great way to connect with your children, friends, neighbours and people of all ages. Recommended for ages 3 and up, though smaller children can also hop along, and really young ones can dance in a backpack or sling.

 

Ottawa’s first family dance of the season is Saturday, Oct 20th at the Churchill Recreation CEntre, 345 Richmond Road, between Churchill and Roosevelt. Check out the Ottawa Contra Dance webpage for more information: www.ottawacontra.ca

 

We’re also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/192055800928606/

 

Details:

Oct 20, 330-5pm

Churchill Recreation Centre, 345 Richmond Road

$10 per adult, children are free!

This is a FAMILY DANCE for kids and their parents - happening on Saturday, October 20th from 3:30-5:00pm!

Come on out to a fun family dance with live music (fiddle and guitar). All dances are taught by an experienced family dance leader.

 

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!! Family dances are for all ages - recommended for 3+ but younger can definitely participate (plus wee wee ones can participate in backpacks and slings).

Kids are free, $10 for adults.

 

PS - please bring indoor shoes to protect the city's wood floor!

 

For last year's post on the dances, please see http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.ca/2012/04/family-dance-this-saturday.html

Elmdale School's Fabulous Fall Sale

Looking for quality, gently used items for your child at fantastic prices?

Elmdale Public School invites you to its annual Fall Sale of Clothing,
Toys, and Equipment on Saturday, October 13th from 9 a.m. to 12
p.m. (cash only) in the school gym, 49 Iona Street (access from Java
Street).

 

This sale includes gently used children's clothes, shoes, hats,
outerwear, puzzles, games, winter sports gear, Halloween costumes,
baby gear, and more.

 

You can be a vendor without even attending!
Drop off tagged items pre-sale and pick-up unsold items after the
sale. Contact us for more details and to obtain a vendor number
at elmdalesale@gmail.com.

 

Sale proceeds are shared 50:50 between the
vendors and School Council to support extracurricular programs.

 

Two additional tips (from me, not the school) - go early. This sale is so good there is often a line-up! And if you're taking a small child, use a child carrier and not a stroller as the gym is just too busy to navigate with wheels.  Enjoy the bargains!

Fabulous Family-Friendly Bike Activities

The below list of bike activities which will keep you and your children pedaling through the summer.

1. Sunday Bike Days run every Sunday from 9 - 12 on the Ottawa River Parkway. I like to take one or both of the older boys. Sometimes, I admit we do a ride and then head up to the Harvest Loaf on Wellington for a croissant and coffee (well, coffee for me, anyway).  This weekend we plan to bike down to the Ottawa Children's Festival at Lebreton Flats.

2. Capital Velofest
All the details can be found at http://www.capitalvelofest.ca/ but essentially it's two days of bike rodeo featuring games, product demos, bike safety and fun! On Saturday it will be held at City Hall from 11 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 10-1 at Brantwood Park and at 6:00 in Kitchissippi (see item 3, below).  There is also a Tour de Nuit on Saturday from 5-11 pm. Your bicycle must have both a bell and a light to participate in Tour de Nuit.

3. Kitchissippi Rides to the Inukshuks at Remic Rapids, Sunday June 3, 6 p.m.
In connection with Capital VeloFest, the Cycling Champions are hosting a community biking event. We are encouraging riders of all abilities to bike to the Inukshuks at Remic Rapids. Feel free to bring your own nut-free picnic. John Ceprano, stone sculptor extraordinaire, will host a stone balance workshop for all interested participants. This is organized by Hintonburg Bike Champion Kathleen Wilker who you should read or follow for all neighbourhood things that are bike related. She can be found on twitter at @kathleenwilker and also writes a family blogpost at Momentum Magazine. Her many blog posts about family biking can be found at: http://momentummag.com/topics/kathleen_wilker

4. Broadview Bike Rodeo - June 15, 4-7 pm, rain or shine

The first edition of this bike rodeo was held last year and featured sessions on helmet fitting, bike care and rules of the road. It also allowed participants to test their bike handling skills on a number of challenges. The kids loved it. This year the events may expand to include things such as skills demonstrations / competitions, a 'bike gallery', bike decorating and/or a parade.  No promises though - this is still in the development stage!

Concepts to be taught at the bike rodeo will be taken from http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/cycling/young-cyclist-guide/index.shtml.

Doors Open Ottawa - Kitchissippi Style (with Kids of Course!)

If you’re doing Doors Open Ottawa with kids (which I highly recommend!) remember that their attention spans are shorter than yours (likely, anyway!), that they may be in-and-out of buildings quickly, that they may be surprisingly interested in things you did not expect and that they need playtime in between.

The locations below are all in the Kitchissippi neighbourhood, listed roughly from west to east and are a great opportunity to check out our neighbourhood. Locations are open on Saturday, June 2md and Sunday July 3rd between 10am and 4pm unless otherwise indicated.

We have a great neighbourhood with lots of history – have a good time learning about it and sharing it with your children!

The Keg Manor - Thompson House and Maplelawn Gardens- 529 Richmond Road (building open Sunday only) listed separately in the guide but you won’t do one without the other. It's a lovely example of Georgian architecture and the garden (now in full bloom!) is one of the very few walled gardens remaining in the City.  A little further west on Richmond there is another 1840's stone building (now condominiums) that is worth looking at though it's not part of Doors Open.

Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave., corner of Byron - (open both days but only from 2-4). There's a banquet hall on the main floor and then a more formal room upstairs for meetings of the Masons. If your kids need a play, drop into the Churchill School playground nextdoor. 



The Ottawa Mosque - 251 Northwestern Avenue off Scott Street - We've found the tour here really interesting. Neither I nor the kids had ever been in a mosque. It was informal (there were lots of kids around - both Mosque members and visitors - and the hosts served coffee and Timbits!) and it felt completely appropriate for slightly older children (mine were 7 and 9 at the time). The dome and minaret, which is used to call practising Muslims to prayer, are defining features of the building.

The Protection of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church - 99 Stonehurst Avenue, also off Scott Street and just a little further east than the Mosque (open Saturday only) - This church has beautiful golden onion domes and was built with funds from Russian Orthodox congregations around the world.  It is next door to Laroche Park which has a Splash Pad (!) - and don’t be discouraged - the splash pad is on - you just have to hit the sensors in the right way!

The Parkdale Food Centre, 89 Stonehurst Avenue, (open Saturday only) right beside the Russian Orthodox Church (between it and Laroche Park)  (though google maps seems to suggest it's around the corner near where Stonehurst meets Carruthers). - This Food Bank is celebrating it's 25th anniversary so drop in and wish them a year of success in their endeavours to keep people in the neighbourhood well fed. The Food Bank serves people between Bayswater and Island Park and between Carling and the Ottawa River.  Continue to think of it for donations when you have a little extra on hand to spare. (Note : this photo courtesy of the City of Ottawa).

St. Francois D’Assise Church 20 Fairmont Avenue, corner of Wellington in Hintonburg - we visited this Hintonburg landmark two year's ago and the absolute hi-lite was that they let us play, and then they played for us (beautifully, I might add), the pipe organ. See this blog post for photos! http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.com/2010/06/and-operating-pipe-organ-at-st-francois.html.  If you and your kids need a run-around check out Hintonburg Park behind the Hintonburg Community Centre. Like Laroche Park it has a splash pad!

Enriched Bread Artists; the Standard Bread Building, 949, 951 Gladstone Avenue - again these have two separate listings but are in the same building. They are the home of the Standard Bread Company, initially run by Cecil G. Morrison, also known as the Happy Baker. The horses and buggies that delivered the bread throughout Ottawa were stabled in the rear and it was the first place with an automatic bread slicer in Ottawa. The building now houses various artists studios so have a look at the Gladstone Clayworks and the Artistic Bread Artists and what they have to show.

Traffic Operations - Public Works - 175 Loretta Avenue North - (this is virtually right across from the Standard Bread Building) and is the nerve centre for traffic control in much of Ottawa.  This is the only other one that I haven't visited before but I am hoping to get there this year. I think the boys will find it cool! (Note: this photo courtesy of the City of Ottawa).

Need a play structure at some point for a break? Pay a quick visit to Devonshire Public School at 100 Breezehill Avenue just a block west of Loretta and a block north of Gladstone.

A list of "kid-friendly" Door Open locations throughout Ottawa is available at: http://ottawa.ca/en/rec_culture/museum_heritage/celebrations/doors_open/kids/index.html  but use your judgment as I’ve certainly found others to be kid-friendly as well.

Ottawa to Halifax..with kids...in a van

For the past 11 years we have been driving to Halifax at various times with kid (and then kids) in tow.  While we sometimes fly more often we choose the more economical mode of travel.  We have three boys - now 10, eight and two, and as you can imagine entertainment and physical activity en route is critical to each trip's success. 

A few days ago, I scrawled out a quick list for a colleague embarking on his first Ottawa-Halifax drive this summer. I've done that countless times before. So this time I thought I would write them here.  I'm not going to elaborate to much on the various stops but if you have questions feel free to ask!

In order, west to east:

• Montreal's Biodome or Botanical Gardens http://www.biodome.qc.ca/; http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/menu.htm. Both of these are excellent. If you want to be outside, try the botanical gardens - the Chinese and Japanese gardens are particularly beautiful in my view. On a rainy day, or if your kids love unique animals, definitely choose the Biodome. Make sure you (and the kids) don't get too tired before you reach the penquins at the end as they are super cute.
• Old Quebec City
• Quebec City Aquarium; http://www.sepaq.com/ct/paq/index.dot?language_id=1
• La Pocatiere rest stop - this is just a rest stop, but more than a rest stop. It has an absolutely beautiful view of the Lower Saint Lawrence river. There is a Tim Horton's on the other side of the highway so you can grab a lunch and have it outside. If the tide is out your kids may want to walk closer to the water - just be careful as puddles can be much deeper (and muddier!) than they look. In case of an "incident" the visitor centre keeps an outdoor hose on hand that you can use to wash yourselves down before getting back in the car.
• New Brunswick Botanical Gardens (with camping and a pool nextdoor); http://jardinbotaniquenb.com/en/index.php. Beautiful and includes a butterfly room. Great way for kids to run around and be outside in the fresh air.
• King's Landing http://kingslanding.nb.ca - A historical village. If it's very hot I don't recommend it as there is a fair bit of walking between buildings but if it's cooler it's nice.
• Covered Bridge Chip Factory http://coveredbridgechips.com - this I have always wanted to do but never have. Let me know if you go there!
• Fredericton - downtown park with awesome huge wading pool that is always open and lots of play structures. As a treat, I also recommend staying at the Delta Fredericton as it is right on the river, has an indoor and outdoor pool and outdoor restaurant. The boy got their first taste of poolside service there last year and were quite impressed that someone would bring them chicken finger while they swam! 'tis a good life. They will also tend to have popsicles available at their outdoor bar/patio.
• Moncton - Crystal Palace indoor amusement park http://crystalpalace.ca. Sometimes you may need this to get your kids through the drive.
• Shubenacadie Wildlife Park (off the highway between Truro and Halifax) http://wildlifepark.gov.ns.ca/. My kids love this place as there are LOTS of animals to see. Try to go when it's not too hot so the animals are livelier. They sell corn there to feed the ducks/deer etc.

Always travel with a bucket, some clean-up cloths, and water just in case (we also use gravol but our kids are prone to car sickness).

Virtually every town has a school and virtually every school has a play structure when you really need to get those sillies out.

Choose the time of day you travel - what's best for adults may not work with kids. We, for example, do not drive in the morning. We find all the "puppies" need to be exercised before they go in a car : )

Don't always listen to what the kids want to do.  My older boys complained about the botanical gardens and then loved both (there were frogs in the NB one!).

Elmdale School - May 12th - 3 in 1 Spring Event

Elmdale Public School invites you to its exciting new 3-in-1 spring event, Saturday, May 13^th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (cash only) in the school gym, 49 Iona Street (Use Java Street entrance).

1. Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale: From sunhats to strollers, jeans to tricycles… This sale includes quality, gently-used children's clothes, shoes, outerwear, puzzles, games, strollers, bikes, baby gear, and more. Contact us for more details and to find out about being a vendor at elmdalesale@gmail.com.

2. Plant Sale:Just in time for Mother’s Day, pick up a beautiful hanging basket from Richmond Nurseries, plus EcoClub seedlings and cuttings grown by Elmdale students.

3. Electronics Recycling: Bring in your old unwanted electronic equipment (TVs, laptops, printers, phones, stereos, etc.) for recycling. Check the website for items accepted: http://www.recycleyourelectronics.ca/Electronics/WhatWeRecycle.aspx

Walk so Kids can Talk: A (passionate) word about Kids Help Phone

One of my ten year old son's parents has a passionate dedication to Kids Help Phone and I want to pass on her message below. If you can support in any way, please do so!
________________

The Walk So Kids Can Talk event for Kids Help Phone is taking place May 6th. Mike, Tyler, Evan and I will be participating for the fourth year. This is a cause very close to my heart. I started volunteering for Kids Help Phone after the 15 year old nephew of a friend, committed suicide.


640 kids a day contact Kids Help Phone either by phone or online. That's 2.5 million kids per year (and 100,000 from our community alone!). Shouldn't we make sure that they can get the help they need if they are BRAVE enough to ask for it? Kids Help Phone can not keep up with the demand and may have to shut down the phone lines during peak crisis hours.

A $50 donation will help give two children an online counselling response. A $100 donation will help give one depressed child an hour with a counsellor. A $250 donation will help 6 homeless youths be connected with support services in their own community to begin a new chapter in life. A $500 donation will send awareness materials to 100 Canadian schools.

100% of donations made go to pay professional counsellors for their services to help kids.

I would hope that if my sons had a problem they would come to my husband or me.  BUT, realistically, I know that it doesn't matter how great your relationship with your kids is, there will be issues that they would not be comfortable discussing with their parents. I know I didn't always talk to my parents. Did you? I am so thankful that Kids Help Phone is available for my boys - someone who can help if they feel they don't have another choice.

If you would like to help the 2.5 million kids contacting Kids Help Phone 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, please click on the link below. It may be one of your own kids.Online pledges can be made securely with VISA, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal by clicking on the link below. An electronic tax receipt will be emailed to you within 24 hours.




http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3325579&langPref=en-CA



Why not join us on Sunday, May 6? Online registration is free and only takes a few minutes. Visit http://www.walksokidscantalk.ca for more information.

Thank you for your generosity,
Suzie

Baobab Tree Family Workshop

I see Baobab Tree as one of the gems of this neighbourhood. A little bit hidden away, not known to everyone, but doing amazing things both in Ottawa and in Africa!

This Saturday, April 28, there will be a family workshop in the studio (the Treehouse) from 10-11am.  The Treehouse is located at 415C Piccadilly Avenue, between Wellington and Byron and just east of Island Park Drive. The cost is $5 per person and pre-registration is required. To register, you can call or e-mail Hailey de Bie at 613-725-6994 or info@baobabtree.org.

The picture to the right is of Baobab Youth performers at the NAC (yes, they are that good!). The picture below is of a collection of northern drums.

For more information about the group generally, workshops, classes and performances, see http://www.baobabtree.org/.

Weekend To-Do List

Face it, the weekend weather is not looking that great so why not get some chores done so you're ready to enjoy the good weather when it comes. And you'll benefit some great neighbourhood schools at the same time.

Recycle your electronics at Broadview School

Drop off on Friday, April 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m and on Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school parking lot at 590 Broadview Avenue.  All funds raised will support the Yard Renewal project. You can find a list of acceptable items at http://www.broadviewparents.org.recycle/.

If you are unable to drop off items yourself, register online to have your items picked up.

Buy Soil!

At St. Francois D'Assise elementary school at 35 Melrose Avenue in Hintonburg. They are selling ORGANIC soil in the school parking lot from 10 until 1 on Saturday, April 21.

Sort out your books for Book Bonanza

Broadview School's 37th Annual Book Bonanza will run from May 10 - 12th.  You can drop off gently used books at the school starting May 3.  The school accepts adult and children’s books but no Harlequins, magazines, textbooks, encyclopedia,or Reader’s Digest condensed books. If you would prefer to have your books picked up, please contact Leslie McLean at lester70@hotmail.com or 728.3582

The sale, which is frankly one of the best in the City and which is a fantastic (but frugal) shopping adventure for kids, runs from May 10th 4pm - 9p.m., May 11th 9am - 9p.m. and May 12th 9a.m. -12p.m.

Sort out Kids' Toys, Clothing and Equipment for Elmdale Sale

Elmdale's annual spring sale will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12th. You want to be ready!

Watch for Food Bank Boxes

The Parkdale Food Bank has been running low on many products of late. Please consider

Eat a Burger, Buy a Book

Did you know that The Hintonburger at 991 Wellington will donate 50 cents from the sale of each burger-of-the-month to the Devonshire playground fund'  The Hintonburger's burgers are made with hormone-free local beef and are delicious!

Likewise, did you know that Collected Works, at 1242 Wellington, will donate 10% of each in-store or online purchase by Devonshire families to our playground project. Identify yourself as a Devonshire supporter and spread the word!

While Devonshire successfully raised funds to replace its play structure last year, there are still items on its wishlist for which it continues to fundraise.

Vote For Hilson School Outdoor Classroom

Hilson Avenue Public School is one of ten national finalists in the 2012 “Majesta Trees of Knowledge” Outdoor Classroom Competition! It is the only Ottawa area school in the running to win $20,000.00 from Majesta Canada to implement our outdoor classroom plan as part of our school yard greening project ~

it needs your votes to win - one per day until May 11. Please sign up and vote at http://www.majesta.com/.

Family Dance this Saturday!!

I admit to having never heard of Contra Dancing. Perhaps you're more in the know than me. What I can tell you is that it's happening this weekend in your neighbourhood, it sounds like a lot of fun and a great way for families to share and encourage a love of music....and just try something new and get those wiggles out!

Contra dancing is social dancing with live music and callers or teachers. This weekend's Contra Dance is brought to you by http://www.ottawacontra.ca/ and will be held at the Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre at 345 Richmond Road on Saturday, April 21st from 3:30-5:30pm!

This is first and foremost a FAMILY DANCE for kids and their parents.  There will be live music by the Three Dollar Bills (fiddle, irish flute, & guitar) and callers who call (or teach) basic kid-friendly dances.  The callers are Catherine Burns and Liz Benjamin (who I know from past Music Together classes).

There is NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!! Family dances are for all ages - recommended for 5+ but younger can definitely participate (plus wee wee ones can participate in backpacks or slings).

Kids are free, $5 for adults.

For more information on the dance and on contra dancing generally, please visit http://www.ottawacontra.ca/

And for a general website on What is Contra Dancing, see http://www.sbcds.org/contradance/whatis/  As the author says "Although it's fun beyond words, we explain it ad nauseum anyway."

Letter from the Broadview School Council Chairs

I'm posting the below just in case you have not seen it elsewhere.  Important issues are being raised about Broadview school and the state of the City's schools generally.  The issues are important for both present and future Broadview parents but also for all other OCDSB schools, students and parents as well as the community at large.
___________________

Dear Broadview Community,

Many of you have probably seen the recent media coverage of the campaign to rebuild Broadview. This is a result of the OCDSB’s Business Services Committee meeting from March 28 where Jennifer McKenzie requested an amendment to move us from our current position on the capital priority list as a $4 million renovation to a rebuild. After a lengthy debate of more than four hours, 7 of the 12 Trustees voted in favor of a rebuild for Broadview, giving us a majority vote. Unfortunately, the meeting was adjourned before the vote was ratified. Trustee Donna Blackburn in particular has been criticized for her support of the Broadview rebuild.

The critical state at Broadview remains unchanged. Feedback from the community has consistently been in favor of a rebuild. The facts are:

The OCDSB identified in their own reports a need for repairs in the amount of $7.5 million.

To accommodate full day kindergarten, a seventh addition onto our school at a cost of $1.5 million is being proposed by the Board.

$4 million proposed in repair funds for Broadview would still leave the school, by the Board’s own assessment, in a “critical” state.

It’s an 85-year old building that has been neglected for years.

The Broadview School Council and the Build a Better Broadview subcommittee will continue to work closely with MPP Yasir Naqvi and Trustee Jennifer McKenzie in the best interests of our students and teachers. We look forward to creating a long-term vision for Broadview that supports the needs of our growing community.

How You Can Help!

The next OCDSB meeting is Monday, April 30 in the Trustees Committee Room, 133 Greenbank Rd. The vote to move Broadview to the capital priority list for a rebuild will take place at this time. Please make time to attend this meeting and support our school!

Full-Day Kindergarten

Full day kindergarten remains scheduled for Broadview for 2013. The current OCDSB plan is to invest $1.5 million to add on a seventh addition to the school. While no plans have been finalized with regards to how full day kindergarten will be implemented in 2013, the School Council feels that the full day kindergarten plan should be part of a long term vision for Broadview. A community meeting will be scheduled in May looking for your feedback. Please attend and help us create a long term vision for Broadview.

We are continuing to update the Build a Better Broadview website with new information. However, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or to get involved.

Thank you for your continued support.


Liz Burgess and Claire Todd
Co-Chairs, Broadview School Council

Build a Better Broadview website: http://broadviewparents.org/rebuildbroadview
follow our group on Facebook (Build a Better Broadview) and Twitter @Build_Broadview

Baobab Tree Drumming Classes Start This Week

One of the hidden gems of our neighbourhood is Baobab Tree. If you don't exactly know who or what Baobab Tree Drumming is all about, you should know that:

• they are located in "the Tree House" right her in our neighbourhood on Picadilly Avenue, near St. Francois D'Assis school
• they provided west african drumming instruction to children and adults
• they regularly travel to west africa where they find their inspiration
• their students and instructors are incredibly talented
• you can see performances at the Treehouse, at the NAC, at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield and other locales (just check their website at http://www.baobabtree.org/
• they provide your children with both musical and international awareness
• their music has GREAT rhythm!

Registration is now open for their spring classes which start the first week in April.  The classes are:

• Roots Ages 7-10 years, Tuesdays 5:30 - 6:15 pm, April 3 - May 22
• Roots Ages 11-13 years, Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm, April 4 - May 23

There is also a Family Workshops for all ages coming up on Saturday, April 28.  These are great if you just want to see what it's all about before registering for a class.

CFR Little League - Registration Ongoing

Batter up! Summer without baseball (or T-Ball for the younger crew) is almost unthinkable. The crack of the bat on the ball, the sand, the slide....you know what I mean.

Registration is taking place at Notre Dame High School, Saturday, March 31, between 2 and 5 pm. Another registration session will be held at the Frank Ryan Clubhouse on Monday, April 2 from 6-8 pm. For detailed information see http://www.cfrllott.ca/

The Carlingwood-Frank Ryan Little League Baseball Association has been active since 1957.  It's catchment area includes all of the Kitchissippi neighbourhoods though most games are played at Frank Ryan Park.  It is a two-night per week sport so there is a certain amount of commitment required particularly if you plan to enroll more than one child. That being said, Frank Ryan Park, where most games are played, is lovely and has very nice play structures if you're bringing siblings along to the practices.  The league is both affordable and fun. Two big plusses in my book.

The Divisions

T-Ball (4-6)  - Frank Ryan Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Rookie (7-8) - Frank Ryan Park on Mondays and Wednesdays
Junior (9-10) - Frank Ryan Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays with possible Sunday games as well.
Major (11-12) - Ainsley Park, Mondays through Thursdays
Junior (13-14) - Hanlon Park, Sunday through Friday
Senior (15-16) - Britannia Park, Sunday through Friday

The Seasons
The CFR season is relatively short and has a different set-up then some of the other sports such as soccer and ball hockey. 

• Spring - the house league - runs for approximately two months, from the beginning of May until the end of June, so once school's out, your child has also finished baseball.
• Summer - the competitive division - runs throughout July and August with evaluations at the end of June.  Children must have played spring ball in order to sign up for summer ball. 
• Winter - there is also an indoor winter baseball conditioning session that runs from January through April.

My 8 year old played with the League last year and it was HIS sport.  He liked the independence of it, the fact that he knew what he was supposed to do and where he was supposed to be at any given time during the game.  It was a team sport but more structured than some others. He's strong and he could show that with a good, solid hit. He's also a hockey goalie and, in a similar vein, took to being back catcher.  He also had a fantastic coach - Randy Baker (to name names!) who took the game seriously, really emphasized skills development and was totally enthusiastic about the game and the kids.

This year is an especially big year for the CFR little league.as it will be hosting the Provincial Major Championships for 11-12 year olds from July 22-29 at the Britannia Diamond.  It's a particuarly good year for both you and your kids to be involved.

Little League Trivia:

Okay, so I like to know a little bit about what's what.  I'm making this something of an addendum to the main post in case you don't want to read it, but here, below, is the historical significance of Little League.

• The first Little League was founded in 1939 by Carl Stotz in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
• It grew into Little League Baseball Incorporated and all Little Leagues (including CFR) are members.
• There is an annual Little League Baseball World Series
• Girls have participated in the league since 1974 
• Over 2.5 million children participate in Little League every year

Full Day Kindergarten In Our Neighbourhood

In our neighbourhood the following OCDSB schools will have full-day kindergarten in 2012, as indicated by their webpage at http://www.ocdsb.ca/programs/ki/Pages/EarlyLearProg.aspx:

• Churchill Alternative School
• Connaught Public School
• Hilson Avenue Public School

In 2013:

• Broadview Public School

In 2014:

• Bayview Public School
• Devonshire Community Public School
• Elmdale Public School
• Woodroffe Public School

Bicycle Disposal

That title sounds dreadfully clinical.  What this is really about is recycling kids bicycles, because if you're like us, the garage tends to pile up "a little".

We have 3 boys. The older two are too close in size and age to allow for hand-me-downs. The youngest is 6 years younger. Storing 12 bike years (6 years x 2 boys = 12) worth of bicycles seems unfathonomable.  And at least a couple of the bikes are a little, well, worn....the boys have not always been easy on their bicycles and some have been handy-me downs themselves.

So what are the options:

(1) there is almost always a younger child down the street or around the corner who would love a new-to-him-or-her bicycle. What goes around comes around.  Pass it on and someone, somewhere, will give you something, however remotely, in return. And you'll make someone happy while saving a bike from landfill. It's all good.

(2) if your children are riding adult bicycles there are two other main options for donating:

• Bicycles for Humanity http://www.b4hottawa.org/
• Re Cycles http://www.re-cycles.ca/

(3) Neither B4H or Recycle take children's bikes, so....consider either of these three options:

• Boomerang Kids Consignment Store will take childrens' bikes though not helmets. Call ahead at (613) 722-6671 - the Westboro store - to be sure you know what they are accepting; http://www.boomerangkids.ca/
• Recyclore http://recyclore.org/
• Bike Dump http://www.bikedump.com/

This is a very quick post, but hey, maybe if you're cleaning out your garage this weekend it will help!

Cheers.

Go Wild - An Animal Inspired Spring Break

If you're not going south or going skiing for March break, and if you happen to have little ones who LOVE animals, below are some suggestions for animal-inspired activities either within the City, within day or 2-day trip distance.  For Quebec City you might well want to add a second night and visit the fabulous ice hotel just west of the City on your way home.

Canada Agriculture Museum - you've probably been there lots of times but remember this is the season when new babies start to be born; it's also the beginning of the Museum's new season and they have lots going on for their March Barnyard Break.  There are calves to be named, rabbits to be cared for and much more.  If you like to cook they are also teaching about cooking with maple syrup (yum!) and making butter.Check out all the details of their Barnyard Break activities here: http://www.agriculture.technomuses.ca/english/indexhpnagr.cfm

Wild Bird Care Centre - We first heard about the wild bird care centre after my son found a bird in the middle of the road with a broken wing.  Searching the internet we realized this was the place to go. And it's quite an amazing little place just outside Ottawa. It's open to visitors daily from noon until 3:00.  It's located next to the Stoney Swamp Conservation Area parking lots and there are lots of hiking/skiing trails that surround the centre though I would definately take your rubber boots (a good suggestion for almost anything at this time of year!) For more information about the centre and to see some pictures of what to expect, visit their website at http://www.wildbirdcarecentre.org/.

Mud Lake - OK, I love Mud Lake and you are sure to see lots of birds at this time of year. It is a place that makes you fully appreciate how full of life the land around us is. It is truly lovely and the trail down to the river can be particularly beautiful at this time of year because of the melting ice and snow (just HOLD ON to your kids!). Check out this past post for more details (and it also links you to another post by Andrea of Quietfish) .http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.com/2011/03/mud-lake-area-in-spring.html

Bearbrook Farms - At this farm just east of Ottawa (5396 Dunning Road, 1 km. south of Russell Road)
you can walk or drive around the property to see elk, deer, buffalo, llama, peacocks and chickens.  The farm is open to visitors on Tuesdays through Sundays from 2-5 pm.    http://www.bearbrookfarm.com/animals.html.  The farm does produce and sell a variety of wild game food products.
 

Parc Omega - I did a separate blog post about Parc Omega last year and have to say, again, that this is one of the best times of year to go. Fewer cars, excellent visibility because the leaves aren't out yet, and animals that actually WANT your carrots because they've been on a sparser diet throughout the winter.  See this post for details and pictures: http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.com/2011/03/take-your-rubber-boots-parc-omega.html

Montreal Biodome - The Biodome is an old favorite and shouldn't be too busy given that Quebec's March Break already took place last week. You'll experience 4 diverse climates: the tropical rainforest, the Laurentian Maple Forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Labrador Coast / sub-Antarctic Islands.  The penguins are actually my favorites so try not to get too tired out before you get to the end.  Or walk all the way through and work your way backwards! http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/site/site.php?langue=en

There is also an excellent "Insider Guide", published earlier this month by Where Canada, at http://www.where.ca/?s=biodome&filter=1

Montreal Insectarium - You may more likely frequent the insectarium in the summer months when the botanical gardens are also open, but if you are in Montreal over March Break, consider dropping by.. It's open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 to 5. It is very close to the Biodome (see above).

Granby Zoo - This is my favorite summertime zoo (for families it's much more accessible than the Toronto Zoo).  It started opening in the winter last year and even though it's hours are limited (for Ontario March Break it's only open on March 17 and 18, the 2nd weekend), I suspect it's still worth a visit.  Ideally, I'd probably combine it with a days skiing at nearby Bromont (which yes, is currently open, but check the ski conditions before you go). http://www.zoodegranby.com/

Riverview Park and Zoo. Peterborough -  I've had a hankering to go to Peterborough since last summer when I realized that it had a zoo. Although I have not yet ever been, I can tell you that the zoo is open from 8:30 am until dusk and there is an otter feeding demonstration daily at 1:00 pm.  The sledding hill would be open except that I suspect the snow is gone by now. For details about the zoo see the website http://www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo.htm

When you're finished with the zoo take a bit of time to explore historic Peterborough before heading back to Ottawa.  Include in this a visit to Hutchison House, a living history museum featuring life of the 1800's.  For details of it and its march break activities (which include paper making and native story telling) see http://www.hutchisonhouse.ca/.  Keep in mind that the programs are for children aged 6-12, they take places on Tuesday through Friday mornings, and they may require pre-registration.

Quebec City Aquarium - We often drive to Halifax and sometimes we're doing it in the winter or spring. Regardless of weather we are always looking for a place where the boys can get out and run around. Many people don't know of the Quebec City Aquarium as one of it's key attractions (it's not necessarily part of everyone's romantic get-away!) but when you're travelling with kids it's great. In winter, it may be cold but the advantage is that you get to see many of the outdoor animals (because it's not all fish!) in any more natural climate. Outside there are polar bears, walruses, otters, seals and many others. Whereas in the summer you may be vying with crowds hoping to see the feedings and shows, in the winter, you may in fact be the only people at a particular feeding or show! The advantage? Great sight lines and lots of time to talk with the feeders and trainers who, at least our experience, have been more than willing to answer all of our many questions. You will not get that in the summer. When you need to warm up just head inside but don't forget to take in the amazing view of the St. Lawrence River first! http://www.sepaq.com/ct/paq/

Viva Loca Coffee Time for Parents, Babies and Toddlers

So I received a super nice e-mail today from the owner and operator of Viva Loca cafe which is located inside the Great Canadian Theater Company (GCTC) building at the corner of Holland and Wellington, 1233 Wellington Street West.

She is extending an invitation to the many parents and babies in the area to meet and socialize at her cafe on Wednesdays from 2-4.  It's a pleasant setting with excellent wholesome food (and coffee!) available and what could be better than knowing that you're truly welcome with your little ones in tow and that you're likely to meet some other neighbourhood parents as well? 

Once inside the doors of the building there is plenty of space to park strollers and an area for toddlers to play. Viva Loca will offer parents a beverage discount and (in my view) you also might want to consider taking advantage of a late lunch - may I say yummy panini sandwiches : ).  And if you're lucky your toddler might even want to peak at the art work displayed throughout the theatre (so grown-up!).

For more information about the enterprise (they also sell a wide variety of locally produced yummy foods) as well as a photo of the space, see http://www.viva-loca.com/

Sounds lovely.

Flashback: Take Your Rubber Boots (Parc Omega)

Originally posted on March 31, 2011.

It's not everyday you get pulled over by a Wapiti. 

And it wasn't for speeding either - it was for carrots.

Want to see animals up close and personal?  Take a trek to Parc Omega.  It's a great time of year for a visit.

Why?

• It's not crowded;
• The weather's pleasant again and we all need to get outside (yes, there are walks), or at least outside the City;
• There are deer roaming around freely in the woods surrounding the walking trail found at the half-way point of the drive;

• There are BABIES.  Ever see a baby wild boar?  Adorable!  And yes they change to not-so-adorable later in life, so you do want to have a look in the springtime.
• Black Bears are out of hibernation - we must have seen a total of about 20; clearly they wanted to be out of their caves and in the sunshine as much as we do!  And yes, the bears are behind a fence and you stay in your car;
• The habitats are open and natural;

(This is the Mother!)

• There's a Sugarbush (new this year) complete with maple syrup hardened to a toffee consistency and pans of waiting snow; Incredibly sweet.

Key Facts: 

• It's about a 1 hour drive from Ottawa; see http://www.parc-omega.com/ for directions; 80 km but smaller roads;
• If you go on the Ontario side you can add in a ferry ride from Cumberland to Masson-Angers for added excitement;
• Entrance fees at this time of year are $14 for adults, $10 for 6-15 year olds and $2 for 2-5 year olds;
• You cannot take the family dog (or other pet);
• You need to take lots of carrots!  We took 3 bags per child.  Two probably would have done it but one would have been completely inadequate.  You can also buy them there;
• Although the route through the Park is only about 10 km you do need a few hours for the SLOW drive;  Lots of stopping and feeding.
• Driving a standard that slow for a long time can be tedious
• The roads aren't paved, and they are muddy and have ruts - if you have an "older" car, take it