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April 30, 2007
Sad news for Capitol Hill... & a chance to show your support
If you haven't already heard the sad news...The historic Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, which has been in continuous use since the nineteenth century, suffered major damage in an overnight fire. A huge loss for neighborhood families, the vendors and small farms who make their living at the Market, and for nearby businesses including our fave Dawn Price Baby boutique.
Eastern Market is featured in my book as one of the best family outings in the city. I hope that in time and with the community's support, they will be able to repair/rebuilt/reopen. I really appreciated Mark Fisher's column in today's Washington Post.
In the meantime, you can show your support for the neighborhood by attending the 44th Annual Friendship House Market Day Festival this Sunday, May 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on 7th St. from South Carolina Ave. SE to North Carolina Ave. SE. (Eastern Market is one of the main sponsors of this family-friendly event.)
The pedestrian-oriented street festival will have food, children's games and rides, live music, arts and crafts, health screenings, and community organizations' booths. It benefits the Friendship House Association, a Capitol Hill organization that has provided services to children, youth, and families for over 100 years.
It's heartbreaking that the social hub of the neighborhood, the Market, will be quiet and empty during the Festival... but all the more reason to turn out and show Capitol Hill you care!
For more info about the Festival, contact Freda White at awhite (at) friendshiphouse (dot) net.
Posted by Sarah at 11:19 AM
April 26, 2007
Get yer Guppy Gala tix while they last!
Tix are on sale now for the annual Guppy Gala at the National Zoo! This year's Gala is set for Friday, May 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The event is geared toward ages 2-12, and tickets are required for all adults and children age 2+. (Infants and toddlers who haven't yet celebrated their second birthday get in free.)
This annual fundraiser for the zoo has live music and children's entertainment, food, mounbounces and mazes, costumed characters, jugglers and gymnasts, and, of course "animal encounters."
Under one of the entertainment tents, our friend Tracey Kretzer (and staff) from Parent Child U. will be doing Kindermusik, Signing Smart, and "playground diplomacy" demos - as well as raffling off several items. Be sure to stop by and say hello.
Posted by Sarah at 11:02 AM
April 25, 2007
Prenatal fitness classes in Cleveland Park
A new session of the Hot Mama Prenatal Fitness class taught by Vionna Jones is soon to begin in the District, and she has added a new evening option for those who can't make it to a lunchtime class.
The Tuesday-Thursday class meets at 12 noon and begins May 1, running for 10 sessions. It meets at City Fitness Gym in Cleveland Park, NW DC (3525 Connecticut Ave.) To register, call City Fitness Gym directly: 202.537.0539.
The new evening class meets Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m., starting May 1 and continuing for nine weeks. It meets at The Cleveland Park Club (3433 33rd Place NW).
For more info, contact Vionna at: vionna (at) fitindc (dot) com or 202.423.7445.
Posted by Sarah at 10:58 AM
April 24, 2007
"Siblings Without Rivalry" workshops in Friendship Heights
A professionally-facilitated parenting workshop, "Siblings Without Rivalry," based on the book by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, begins Thursday, May 3 from 10 to 11 a.m. in Friendship Heights.
The group meets for six weekly sessions and is led by Jennifer Kogan, LICSW, LCSW-C. The workshops will cover:
* Helping Siblings Deal with Their Feelings About Each Other
* Keeping Children Separate and Unequal
* Siblings in Roles
* When the Kids Fight
* Problem Solving
The group meets at 5247 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite #2.
For more info or to register, contact her at jenniferkogan (at) verizon (dot) net or 202.215.2790.
Posted by Sarah at 10:08 AM
Weekend Watch: Baby Fair in Gaithersburg
We're on our way to NYC this morning (I'll give you the Amtrak-with-a-kid report on my return). But for those who will be around this weekend...On Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Great Beginnings boutique in Gaithersburg, MD will host a Baby Fair featuring best-selling co-author Alan Fields, a la the popular Baby Bargains series of books.
The first 300 attendees at Alan's book signing (11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.) will get a free, autographed copy of the latest book. Also throughout the day: free info and services from La Leche League, American Red Cross, Stroller Strides, a personal concierge company, prenatal yoga and fitness instructors, infant massage instructors, Safe Start Baby, childbirth educators, doulas, etc.
Raffle prizes to be given away include a $100 gift certificate to Great Beginnings, prenatal massage, infant massage products, and savings on cord blood banking programs. They will also feature a one-day-only sale in the store - and free Brewster's Ice Cream for the kids.
Great Beginnings is located on N. Frederick Ave. For more info, call the store at 301.417.9702.
Posted by Sarah at 7:39 AM
April 23, 2007
Long-anticipated playscape opens at Ft. Bayard Park
Just in time for the warmer weather, a new playground has opened in NW DC:
The Ft. Bayard Park Playscape, located at the corner of Western Ave. and River Rd., officially welcomed the public over the weekend. It promises to be a great new spot for families who live in the Chevy Chase/Friendship Heights/Tenleytown neighborhoods.
Apparently the National Park Service and area residents have been planning and developing this site for years. And at long last, it's finished. Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 11:02 AM
April 20, 2007
Weekend Watch: Family-friendly Earth Day fun
At long last, looks like we're set for our first weekend of real springtime weather - just in time for the (very child-friendly) Earth Day celebrations in Alexandria and DC.
On Saturday at Ben Brenman Park (off Duke St., near the Cameron Station community and the city's main public library), it's Earth Day Alexandria. The highlight for young children will probably be the 10 a.m. show by Blue Sky Puppet Theatre and the live music/dance party from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
Then on Sunday morning in DC, it's Earth Day at the National Zoo from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Be sure to arrive at the crack of dawn (practically) if you want a guaranteed parking space - otherwise, take metro to Cleveland Park or Woodley Park/Zoo.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Posted by Sarah at 8:14 AM
April 19, 2007
The Family Room on Capitol Hill
The new indoor playspace on Capitol Hill is now open! Long overdue, and it's getting a thumbs-up review from at least one of my readers, Jennifer G., who just held her daughter's second birthday party there.
The Family Room, founded by two local mamas and located just around the corner from the Eastern Market metro station, officially opened a few weeks ago - and they have already been featured in an article in the Hill Rag.
Currently they are offering early childhood language classes for ages 1-5 and music classes for ages 1-3, in addition to hosting daily open play, playgroups, birthday parties, storytimes, special children's concerts and other events. Their number: 202.640.1865.
Posted by Sarah at 1:49 PM
April 18, 2007
Summer fun for local mamas & kids
Thanks to reader Lainie for sharing this announcement about an outdoor-fun opportunity for mamas and kids to enjoy together:
Adventures in Good Company, a Maryland-based firm that specializes in "adventure travel" for women, is offering some unique summer vacation opportunities with school-age children. Here's the scoop:
For kids age 8-12 (boys & girls)
July 24-26: Shenandoah Adventure. Three days of canoeing, tubing, rafting, and appreciating the Shenandoah River.
For teens age 12-15 (girls only)
August 6- 10; Relative Fun in Harpers Ferry. Spend the week hiking, canoeing, biking, and bonding. Stay at the Harpers Ferry Hostel.
For teens 16-17 (girls only)
June 1- 3: Introduction to Backpacking. Learn the basic skills you both need to know to go on your own adventures.
June 22-24: Pocomoke Pedal and Paddle: There is way more to the Eastern Shore than Ocean City!
August 17-19: Shenandoah Canoe, Bike, and Hike. A "mini vacation" of play in the great outdoors.
For details on any of these trips or to register, call their Baltimore office at 410.435.1965 or toll-free at 877.439.4047. Also check out their website: www.adventuresingoodcompany.com.
ALSO: If you're just starting to research local options for summer camp programs - preschool through teens, both day and away - be sure to check out the excellent guide published by Our Kids!
Posted by Sarah at 8:37 AM
April 17, 2007
Spring clearance at Kid's Closet, Downtown DC
Thanks to reader Malia for tipping us off: Fabulous boutique Kid's Closet in downtown DC (1226 Connecticut Ave. @ Jefferson Place NW) is holding its Spring Clearance Sale this week!
For 15+ years, Kid's Closet has offered some of the best local sales on beautiful, quality (some of it designer) baby and children's clothes before they go out of season. And since spring hasn't truly even sprung yet in Washington, an in-season sale is an extra-juicy find.
I must say, Kid's Closet is THE place to shop downtown for babies and children. The store is metro-accessible from either Dupont Circle or Farragut North.
Posted by Sarah at 10:34 AM
April 16, 2007
Indoor play on bad-weather days: Check your neighborhood Y.
It's another icky, cold, windy day in DC. (What happened to our beautiful Washington spring this year??) If you're looking for an indoor play space for bad weather days, don't forget about your local YMCA.
For example, my neighborhood Y. hosts Little Tots Gym Time Monday through Friday mornings, 10 to 11 a.m., March through early June. It's free to YMCA members and a flat $5 fee for non-members. A good, safe place for the little ones to run around and get the ya-yas out.
Schedules for these early childhood gym times vary by location - Some YMCA branches offer them seasonally, some year-round. Give them a call to get the details. If you don't know where your nearest YMCA is located, here's the complete list:
DC:
YMCA National Capital (Rhode Island Ave. NW)
YMCA Anthony Bowen (W St. NW)
YMCA Capital View (Ridgecrest Ct. SE)
YMCA Calomiris (Allison St. NE)
Suburban Maryland:
YMCA Ayrlawn (Oakmont Ave., Bethesda)
YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase (Old Georgetown Rd.)
YMCA Silver Spring (Hastings Dr.)
YMCA Upper Montgomery County (Montgomery Village)
YMCA PG County (Bowie)
YMCA Potomac Overlook (Ft. Washington)
NoVa:
YMCA Arlington (N. 13th St.)
YMCA Woodmont-Arlington (Fillmore St.)
YMCA Alexandria (in Del Ray, Monroe Ave.)
YMCA Fairfax County-Reston (Sunset Hills Rd.)
YMCA Loudon County (Fairfax St. SE)
Another great thing about the YMCA: Members get an hour of free childcare on-site while you work out or take a fitness class (available at most, if not all, branch locations).
Posted by Sarah at 10:56 AM
April 13, 2007
Weekend Watch: Cherry Blossom Parade - Plus, playscape debut at Landmark Mall
Looks like the rain/snow will hold off until Sunday, so you don't have to cancel plans to attend the National Cherry Blossom Parade tomorrow morning (10 a.m. to noon along Constituttion Ave., between 7th and 17th Sts. NW). You can also catch the live broadcast on local ABC 7 and News Channel 8. At the head of the parade will be Grand Marshalls Mickey & Minnie Mouse, decked out in traditional Japanese costumes.
Also this weekend, it's good news for NoVa parents, with the long-anticipated opening of the new indoor soft playscape at Landmark Mall in Alexandria (Duke St. at 395), located in the courtyard adjacent to Lord & Taylor. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. they are unveiling the playscape with free events for young children:
11 a.m. Susan Wall's Carousel Puppets
11:45 a.m. Presentation by the West Alexandria Mom's Club
12 noon Storytime with a local twist: "Doggie Tails with Alex and Andria" (followed by book signing with Pat Palermino at Waldenbooks on the upper level)
12:15 p.m. Free postpartum fitness demo class by Stroller Strides
12:45 p.m. Free demo class by Kindermusik
1:15 p.m. Free baby sign language class by Tiny Fingers
There will also be a "roaming balloon artist" on hand. Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 11:30 AM
April 11, 2007
Heads Up, Gaithersburg: Apple Seed is on the way
The fabulous Apple Seed maternity and baby boutique in Old Town is expanding! Owners Dina and Elleni just announced that they will be opening a second location in the Kentlands in Gaithersburg, MD this summer - The anticipated grand opening is July.
Their Old Town location has also extended its hours for spring and summer: They're now open until 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Apple Seed carries really beautiful, unique, upscale clothing and accessories - Just walking past their window makes me feel good. Enjoy the new shopping, Gaithersburg!
Posted by Sarah at 11:36 AM
April 10, 2007
Morning kids' concerts at Cameron Perks in Alexandria
Alexandria mamas looking for Tuesday and Wednesday morning outings? Children's musicians "Mr. Skip" (a recent transplant from North Carolina) and "Mr. Nate" are doing shows at Cameron Perks coffee shop in Cameron Station (just off Duke St., near the city's main public library).
Plenty of space to dance and play, big comfy chairs and couches, and Cameron Perks has a family restroom complete with a changing table. There's even a "toy corner" for little ones. Ava and I did Music Together at Cameron Perks when she was younger, and I really appreciated the family-friendliness. An added plus: Cameron Perks is adjacent to Bob Brennan park, which doesn't yet have a playscape but DOES offer big open spaces to run or picnic, and a nice little lake and fountain to stroll around.
The next "Mr. Skip" show is tomorrow, Wednesday the 11th, at 11 a.m. The next "Mr. Nate" is Tuesday, April 17 at 11 a.m. Suggested donation is $5 for one child or $7 for two children.
Posted by Sarah at 2:04 PM
April 9, 2007
Last chance to RSVP for April 25 luncheon lecture at The Dana Center
On Wednesday, April 25 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Dana Center in NW DC will host a lecture with complimentary lunch: "A Good Start in Life: Understanding Your Child's Brain and Behavior from Birth to Age Six."
Seating is limited, and you need to RSVP by the end of the day TODAY, April 9, if you'd like to attend - Send email to childdev (at) dana (dot) org or call the Center at 202.408.8800.
Guest speakers will be Dr. Norbert Herschkowitz and Elinore Chapman Herschkowitz. Dr. Herschkowitz is a pediatrician, neuroscientist, and professor emeritus at the University of Bern in Switzerland. A longtime collaborator with Jerome Kagan, Harvard University's leading researcher in the study of temperment, Dr. Herschkowitz is an advisor to the Swiss Federal Health Department on child development, with a special interest factors that protect against risky and antisocial behavior. His wife, Elinore Chapman Herschkowitz, is an American-born educator.
The Dana Center is at 900 15th St. NW (across from the McPherson Square metro station's Vermont Ave. exit). The international Dana Foundation and Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, with additional offices in London and New York, work to promote brain research, immunology and education. They also host a blog, "First Words," on the development of babies and young children, whose current entry covers the upcoming DC luncheon lecture.
Posted by Sarah at 10:24 AM
April 6, 2007
Weekend Watch: Get in line! It's the White House Easter Egg Roll.
The Annual White House Easter Egg Roll is this Monday, April 9, with timed tickets being honored between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Here's the catch - The tickets are free but highly, highly competitve (this is DC, after all). If you want a shot, you need to line up by 7:30 a.m. SATURDAY morning, April 7, at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion near the White House (southwest corner of 15th and E Sts.). First come, first served on the limited number of tickets. A very small number of last-minute tix will also be distributed from the same spot at 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning.
There are limits on how many tickets each person in line can get, and also on how many adults can accompany a group of children onto the White House lawn for the Roll - Check the official site for details.
A very happy holiday weekend to you and yours, despite the snow in the forecast!
And on an unrelated note... To those of you who missed the April 1 DCB newsletter in your email inbox and have written to inquire... Unfortunately I'm not able to to reply to all of you individually, but just wanted to let you know that a delayed edition of the newsletter will be out around April 15. Why the holdup? My family and I moved to a new house last weekend, with all the usual hassles that entails. My home office computer was traumatized and has gone to the "tech hospital," and Verizon (curses be upon them) still hasn't made our Internet service functional. I have only my laptop and by-the-hour WiFi access at Starbucks! To ice the cake, I've been knocked flat with a nasty flu for the past two days. So bear with me...and thanks for your patience!
Posted by Sarah at 10:58 AM
April 4, 2007
Fame & fortune for your children's decor?
Thanks to reader and DC mama Janie Sheng Lee, a blog editor for Apartment Therapy: The Nursery, for sharing this opportunity with us:
The blog focuses on interior design/decor for babies and kids' spaces - And you have until April 16 to register for their "Smallest, Coolest Nursery" Contest featuring innovative urban spaces for families. The rules require that the apartment/condo/house be 1,000 sq. ft. or less, and prizes are tres generous (first place is a $2,000 store credit!).
For the rules or to enter, click here. Let's get some great entries from Washingtonians!
Also, Janie says she's always looking to feature beautiful, well-designed nurseries and playrooms (of ANY size/sq. footage), so check out the blog and give her a shout if you've got a stellar space to recommend: janie (at) apartmenttherapy (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 11:07 AM
April 3, 2007
Heads up for The Great Moms' Walk & Carnival in Springfield, VA
Thanks to local mama Michelle for passing this along:
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), a nonprofit organization designed to meet the needs of mothers with young children, is hosting The
Great Moms' Walk & Carnival on Saturday, April 28 at 10 a.m. at Immanuel Bible Church (6911 Braddock Rd.) Springfield, VA.
Proceeds will benefit Springfield Challenger Baseball, a Little League baseball program for special-needs children.
The family event includes a 1.5 mile walk (to allow all fitness levels to walk) - strollers, tricycles, strollers, and wagons are all welcome - and a young children's carnival with face-painting, moon bounce, ball toss, etc.
This is a fundraiser, so donations are welcome and are 100 percent tax deductible.
For more information and registration, send email to mops (at) immanuelbible (dot) net or visit www.springfieldchallenger.org.
There are loads of MOPS chapters throughout the DC metro area - find your local chapter and get more info at www.mops.org.
Posted by Sarah at 11:34 AM