May 8, 2008
May 19: "Keeping Kids Safe" seminar in Arlington
An important event for all of us who are concerned about the safety of our little ones: On Monday, May 19 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool will host a seminar open to the public. This child safety educational event will be led by Lt. Brett Butler of the Arlington County Police Department Special Victims Unit and Graciela Cerda, director of the Arlington County Child Advocacy Center.
The evening promises to be both informative and thought-provoking, with professional guidance of the discussion on how to keep our kids safe in an unsafe world. Topics will include teaching your children about strangers, protecting your child from sexual abuse and abduction, Internet safe practices, and any related topics participants bring to the table.
Cost is $15 per person or $25 per family. Payment at the door on the night of the seminar, but please direct your questions and RSVPs to: eileen.piper-at-verizon-dot-net.
The event will be held in the lower level of the church in the preschool activity room. Arlington Unitarian is located at 4444 Arlington Blvd., on the southwest corner of Rt. 50 and George Mason Dr.
Thanks to DCB reader Eileen Piper for sharing this announcement. Eileen is an inspiration and a great resource on this tough but vital subject. She's a local mother of two, a former prosecutor in the District of Columbia, a survivor of child sexual abuse, and married to a forensic scientist who processes evidence from crimes in which children are victimized. She's also a parent at the hosting preschool, and a strong advocate for DC-area families.
Posted by Sarah at 10:26 AM
May 7, 2008
McLean MOMS Club wants YOU!
Thanks to reader Julie Brown for sharing this announcement: The MOMS Club of McLean, VA is in the midst of a membership drive, and they invite you to join.
This support group for professional and stay-at-home mothers and their children is for residents of McLean, Great Falls, and Dunn Loring (zip codes 22101, 22102, 22066, and 22027). Julie says,
"We are a relatively new branch of the nonprofit MOMs Club International, with a growing membership...a combination of both working and stay-at-home mothers. We're extremely diverse in interests, children's ages and activities. We try to have about one event a week if not more, which can range from a general meeting at a library, a playgroup at the park, a tea at someone's home or a free afternoon of music at a local coffeehouse. If you are interested in joining our chapter, have any questions, or would like to see a sample calendar, please email mcleanmomsclub-at-yahoo-dot-com. We encourage prospective members to attend two public events to get a sense of who we are before joining. We welcome you! By the way, all activities are voluntary: You attend what you can, when you'd like to. We have an annual dues of $25, which goes toward newsletter mailings, supplies, special events, guest speakers, etc., but we can accommodate a member who wishes to participate with special financial needs."
Posted by Sarah at 11:38 AM
May 6, 2008
New Takoma Park children's shop celebrates Mother's Day
Did you know? There's a new (and utterly adorable) children's boutique in Takoma Park! The Pajama Squid, located near the Takoma metro station on the red line (7320 Carroll Ave.), will celebrate Mother's Day with a FREE event this Friday, May 9.
DC-area writer Lorraine Gordon will speak and sign copies of her book, Dancing with Momspirations, from 6 to 7 p.m. Stop by to meet Lorraine, check out the store, and enjoy some light refreshments. (I understand those luscious mini-cupcakes from Cake Love will be on hand.)
FYI, The Pajama Squid sells both from their Takoma Park storefront and their virtual store online. And they were featured this week by CoolMomPicks, offering a special discount through June 4 and the chance to win a giveaway prize.
Congrats to owner Tiffany King for bringing new children's retail to the neighborhood! To learn more, give them a ring at 301.560.7956.
Posted by Sarah at 10:21 AM
May 5, 2008
FREE "baby spa" opportunity
Here's a fun chance to pamper your baby (ages four weeks to pre-crawling) at Hela @ The Collection in Chevy Chase - for free! Tomorrow and Wednesday, May 6-7 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, participants are invited to an infant massage instruction session.
In partnership with Infant Massage USA, Hela Spa is expanding its baby spa services, encouraging families to check out the benefits of practices like therapeutic touch. It's true: The research suggests that babies who are massaged tend to sleep longer and more deeply, spend more time active and alert for learning, have fewer problems with gassiness or constipation, and benefit from the bonding experience with their caregiver.
The Collection spa is located at 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Level 2. No charge, but class size is limited. Call 301.613.9828 to reserve your space.
p.s. I'm a firm believer in spa days for MOMS, too. Aside from feeling good, it's the best preventive medicine for a tired, busy body. And Hela Spa's Georgetown location is offering Mother's Day specials - including a "mom-to-be" package that sounds divine. Be sure to forward this link to your partner, if he needs a little nudge in the gift-giving direction!
Posted by Sarah at 11:52 AM
May 1, 2008
Weekend Watch: The Sippy Cups, live in DC
There's big buzz for The Sippy Cups, performing two shows live at DC's National Geographic Grosvenor Auditorium this Saturday at 12 noon and 3 p.m.
Tix are $16 for adults and $12 for kids age 10 and under. To get yours, call 202.857.7700 or click here.
Described by the San Francisco Chronicle as "every parent's favorite kid rock band and quite possibly the illegitimate offspring of The Cat in the Hat and Joey Ramone," the Bay area-based band "blends imaginative originals, cult-rock favorites from groups like the early Pink Floyd, exciting visuals, puppets, aerial feats, and juggling into an unforgettable whirlwind of a show that appeals to everyone."
The Cups have appeared on ABC's Nightline and have gotten air-time on XM Kids Radio and Sirius Radio's "Kids Stuff." Their debut CD is Electric Storyland.
Posted by Sarah at 7:45 AM
April 30, 2008
The Banjo Man at Tree Top Kids stores
One of our favorite local children's entertainers, The Banjo Man, will be making the rounds doing FREE musical performances at DC-area Tree Top Kids locations throughout the month of May. Here's the lineup:
Saturday, May 3: 11 a.m. at Cabin John Mall in Potomac
Saturday, May 3: 1 p.m. at Wildwood Shopping Center in Bethesda
Saturday, May 10: 11 a.m. at Bee Bop/Park Plaza in Severna Park
Saturday, May 10: 1 p.m. at Bee Bop on Forest Dr. in Annapolis
Saturday, May 31: Time TBA, at Fairfax Corner Center in Fairfax
Frank Cassel, aka The Banjo Man, is recommended in both editions of my book as a fun performer for kids' parties and special events. He also regularly brings his bluegrass-influenced children's music to the Takoma Park Farmer's Market, the Silver Diner in Rockville (Tuesday kids' nights), and Jammin' Java in Vienna. Check him out!
Posted by Sarah at 12:52 PM
April 29, 2008
May 10: Mom's Day Out in Arlington
The fabulous Jennifer Moore is offering her annual Mom's Day Out workshop for mothers on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in Arlington.
I was able to attend last year, and I highly recommend it for two hours of uninterrupted self-care and replenishment! The workshop uses basic yoga postures (no experience necessary), breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation, reflexology, and massage. Cost is just $35 for pre-registrants. Just bring a yoga mat or a towel, a blanket, and two pillows. No cell phones, and no children!
Pre-registration is required, no later than Tuesday, May 6: 703.671.2435. Location is Bethel UCC (4347 Arlington Blvd.).
Posted by Sarah at 11:34 AM
April 28, 2008
Parenting workshops on the Hill: "Understanding, Preventing, & Addressing Challenging Behavior"
Not too late to participate! Therapist Amy Hunter, LICSW, is facilitating a parenting workshop beginning TONIGHT and running for five consecutive Monday evenings, 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Capitol Hill. Perfect for those of you who live and/or work in the District.
The workshop series, "Understanding, Preventing, & Addressing Your Child's Challenging Behavior," will help participants learn some new strategies and share your experiences, with an emphasis on helping your child(ren) to manage emotions, enhancing your positive relationships, and developing an individualized plan. To learn more about Amy and download a flier on this series, click here.
The series is held at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill (320 G St. NE). For more info or to register, contact Amy Hunter at 202.544.9389 (voice mail), 617.571.6390 (cell), or via email at amynhunter-at-comcast-dot-net.
Posted by Sarah at 12:22 PM
April 23, 2008
Contributors sought for "bump to baby" book
Here's a chance to share your mothering experience and see your name in print: Teia Collier of Capitol Moms and DC therapist Julie Belgard are co-editing a book of baby stories, and are collecting tales from around the nation.
Teia tells me, "Every mom has a baby story--from finding out they are pregnant to the actual birth and beyond. These are wonderful, bonding stories, both funny and dramatic, and we realized that there are very few formats in which to share them. We are working on editing a book of bump to baby stories - particularly how you found out you were pregnant, how you told your partner/family/friends/boss....and then what came next."
The editors would love to share your story alongside their own. Email your submission to: bumpstories-at-gmail-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 11:21 AM
April 22, 2008
Shopping discount to benefit Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
Mother's Day is around the corner, and personalized stationary makes a great gift. This year you can support the good work of the national nonprofit organization Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) by ordering from Amy Adele online.
You'll get a 10 percent discount, while a portion of your purchase goes to support the programs of HMHB. Just be sure to enter this code at checkout: nhmhbc.
Happy shopping!
Posted by Sarah at 10:34 AM
