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May 31, 2007

Weekend Watch: Outdoor Family Festivals & Free Pregnancy Massage

Summertime has arrived - And I know that because I'm receiving more and more email about community fairs, festivals, etc. Everyone has big plans for being outdoors with their neighbors!

My picks are: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the FREE Imagination Bethesda children's street festival downtown. I've been in years past, and it's wonderful! Also, today through Sunday, the FREE Annual Herndon Festival, with plenty of live music, children's entertainment, games, fireworks, dog shows, carnival rides... you name it.

Last but not least, for the pregnant gals among us: the Potomac Massage Training Institute is offering a FREE Pregnancy Massage Workshop this weekend. And as of Thursday night they were still looking for about five more expectant moms. If you are in your second or third trimester with an uncomplicated pregnancy and would like to participate, you'll get a free massage from the certified massage therapists: Saturday, June 2, from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. To get more info or RSVP, contact Cathy at the school: 202.686.7046.

Posted by Sarah at 8:06 PM

Summer options for early childhood & parenting programs

Summer schedules are out for DC-area early childhood enrichment and parenting programs, and there's a lot to choose from!

While I can't possibly cover every great local program, here are a few recommendations for programs that offer an eclectic, diverse lineup - including summer day camps, playgroups, "mommy & me" classes that integrate movmement/music/language/pretend play, parenting workshops and seminars. Check their websites for summer offerings and registration details:

Parenting Playgroups in Alexandria, VA
Jonah's Treehouse in Glover Park, NW DC
Parent Child University in DC & NoVa
The Family Room on Capitol Hill
musiKids in Bethesda & Rockville, MD and Chevy Chase, NW DC

Other spots to find diverse programming this summer include your local Parks & Rec departments, local YMCA branches, and the DC-area Jewish Community Centers.

Posted by Sarah at 10:04 AM

May 30, 2007

Lineup announced for Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods

I just received the calendar in the mail - the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in NoVa has announced its lineup for the 2007 Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods, which runs June through August. Tix are on sale now, and they go quickly!

Although the program is targeted to kindergarten through school-age kids, some of this summer's performances would also be great for preschoolers and toddlers. Here are my picks for the under-age-four set:

July 10-14 (Tues-Sat): Children's musician Robbie Schaefer at 11:15 a.m.
July 24-28 (Tues-Sat): Steve Rosleneck, a.k.a. "Steve Songs," & his band at 10 a.m.
August 7-11 (Tues-Sat): Rocknocerus children's band at 10 a.m.

Little ones under age three get in free. For children age three+ and adults, tix are $5. Group discounts if you have a gang of 20+ adults and kids attending together (moms' clubs or playgroups?). Call Wolf Trap at 703.255.1868.

Posted by Sarah at 11:43 AM

May 29, 2007

Sounds in the Square

A FREE, fun, family-friendly outing in downtown DC: The Sounds in the Square Concert Series has begun and runs every Thursday through August 9, 5 to 7 p.m. at Farragut Square Park (Connecticut Ave. at K St. NW).

As an extra perk, attendees get an "all access" wristband good for discounts at restaurants and other businesses in the so-called Golden Triangle of Farragut Square, sponsored by the National Park Service, Washington Metro Transit Authority and News Channel 8.

Upcoming Thursdays will feature:

THIS WEEK - May 31 - Jazz
June 7 - R&B, Blues
June 14 - Jazz guitarist
June 21 - Country & Southern Rock
June 28 - Country
July 12 - Jazz saxophone
July 19 - Jazz harmonica
July 26 - Jazz keyboard
August 2 - Blues
August 9 - World Pop & Jazz

Posted by Sarah at 1:04 PM

May 25, 2007

Weekend Watch: Memorial Day goings-on

For most of you it's a long weekend, thanks to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday.

The FREE Memorial Day Concert televised on PBS will be held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol SUNDAY night at 8 p.m. (Gates open at 5 p.m.) - and Wolf Trap out in NoVa launches its summer season at the same time Sunday night, with the FREE Marine Corps Band concert and fireworks. (They will close the gates when the crowd reaches capacity, so arrive early!)

The National Memorial Day Parade starts Monday at 2 p.m. along Constitution Ave. near the Mall. And Rockville, MD celebrates the holiday weekend with its family-oriented street festival, Hometown Holidays, which includes children's activities, live music, and a parade.

Enjoy!

Posted by Sarah at 1:29 PM

May 24, 2007

Pat-a-Cakes discount for DCB readers

Many thanks to local mompreneur Gayle Moseley for offering this perk to my readers: Mention "DC Baby" when you place an order with Pat-a-Cakes and receive 10 percent off!

Pat-a-Cakes specializes in custom handprint/footprint keepsakes - Which make great gifts for Father's Day, parent and grandparent birthdays, as well as nursery decor.

Happy shopping!

Posted by Sarah at 2:56 PM

May 23, 2007

RFK steps up to the plate

Want to catch Nationals games and other events at RFK Stadium, but don't have a babysitter? You may have read my review of RFK (in the first edition of the DC Baby book), in which I was less than impressed with the venue's accommodations for families with young children. But there's good news on this front, from one of my readers, Orna, who writes:

"Just wanted to let you know there have been a few changes. Yesterday, my husband and I took our 9-month-old to the Nats game at RFK. We were able to bring our stroller, and checked it with Guest Services. (Apparently you can also bring it to the stands if it can fit under the seats, but we didn't want it all gooped up with spilt beer and peanut shells.)

We also learned that there are a few select restrooms (both men's and women's) that have baby changing stations. When you check your stroller at Guest Services, you may want to ask which restrooms on your level have the tables, to avoid shlepping all over the place in a seemingly fruitless search.

Looking forward to the new stadium opening next year!"

Posted by Sarah at 9:00 AM

May 22, 2007

Monthly "Baby Club" at The Washington Home in Tenleytown

Here's a great opportunity for NW DC mamas (or dads) who are home with a young child on Fridays - And an inspiration for those of you who are in a position to start a similar program in your own neighborhood:

One of my fabulous readers, Jennifer Gajdosik, has organized a monthly outing in Tenleytown that gives elderly folks some welcome visitors, while also providing a fun outing for parents and little ones.

Jennifer writes:

"One thing I've been trying to figure out as a parent is how to incorporate the volunteering I used to do before my daughter arrived. Volunteering at a variety of service organizations was a regular part of my pre-baby life, but I've been challenged to figure out how to continue volunteering without paying a babysitter or cutting too much into family time.

One opportunity that seems like a win/win is the "Baby Club" at The Washington Home, a long-term care facility in Tenleytown. On the second Friday of each month, a few moms and our children visit with the elderly residents.

The residents, who are generally set up in a circle in a common room, love to simply see the children playing in the middle. They remark, 'Look at that one eating a cracker!' or 'Wow, she can really throw a ball!' We usually sing songs that the residents and the children both like. It's very informal.

The visit with the residents is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Then we do a brown-bag lunch with just the parents and kids afterwards so we can have a chance to visit with each other.

The Washington Home is located at 3720 Upton St, NW. There's parking in the lot and the street is two-hour zoned."

The next gathering of the "Baby Club" is Friday, June 8. To RSVP or get more info, please contact Jennifer directly: jgajdosik (at) hotmail (dot) com.

Posted by Sarah at 11:54 AM

May 20, 2007

Tim Carmen dishes on eating out with DC kiddies

Over the weekend, WAMU's "Metro Connection" aired a good story on dining out with young children in the DC area. The guest was Tim Carmen, food writer for the City Paper - who, in a cruel twist of irony, has no kids. However, he did his research, talking to local parents and visiting restaurants looking for the criteria they said were most important.

The focus of the piece was on non-chain restaurants where adults can get a decent (if not haute) meal in a relatively pleasant environment where children are welcomed, where there are high chairs/booster seats, and where there is either a kids' menu available or items on the menu that are kid-approved. Carmen's right on when he says, "You're not gonna go to Citronelle and bring the kids, because it IS this exclusive, expensive place where you can hear a pin drop...and where there are certain expectations."

In the end, he recommended some of the very same restaurants I highlighted in the first edition of my book. These are all keepers:

Two Amys, Cathedral area off Wisconsin Ave. in DC (with one caveat - Be prepared to wait 20-30 minutes for a table!)
Chef Geoff's, AU Park neighborhood, DC
Nam Viet in Cleveland Park, DC - also Alexandria & Arlington, VA (Not-too-spicy Vietnamese, with a couple of simple, standard dishes that kids love)
Urban Burger Co., Aspen Hill neighborhood of Rockville, MD (some of the best gourmet-style burgers around, with a separate dining room just for families, featuring a play area and a TV with cartoons)
Coastal Flats, Tyson's Corner, VA
Merkado, Logan Circle, DC (they provide sippy cups)

To listen to the audio of the story, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 10:09 PM

May 16, 2007

Weekend Watch: Saturday kids' concert at DC's Freedom Plaza

This installment of Weekend Watch is coming to your inbox a bit early, because my fam and I are heading "home" to Austin for a visit. But for those of you who are sticking closer to the Beltway this weekend, I recommend the child-oriented Traveling Roadshow Concert at Freedom Plaza in downtown DC (14th St. at Penn Ave. NW) on Saturday, May 19 from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

The concert and live simulcast on XM's kids' channel (XMKiDS 116) marks the last event in a 30-day national tour to benefit the nonprofit organization Children's Miracle Network, which funds access to medical care at hospitals around the country, including Children's National Medical Center in DC.

Performances by local kids' bands Rocknocerus, Milkshake, and Hot Peas & Butter...plus on-air personalities Kenny Curtis, Jinx, Robbie Schaefer and "Absolutely Mindy."

The location is metro-accessible from Federal Triangle on the blue and orange lines or Metro Center on the red, blue, and orange lines.

At this FREE event, you'll be able to purchase a paper Miracle Balloon to go to the local Children's Miracle Network site, Children's National Medical Center in the District.

Posted by Sarah at 7:05 PM

This Weekend: Local casting call for ABC's "Supernanny"

How cool is this? I was contacted by a producer of the ABC reality show Supernanny (featuring the fabulous, miracle-working Jo Frost), who gave me this lowdown: They will be in the DC area this weekend, doing an open casting call for families to be featured on the show!

Casting producers will be at Parenting magazine's "Feelin' Fab in 5" events this Saturday, May 19 at the Fair Lakes Center in Fairfax, VA, and on Sunday, May 20 at Springfield Plaza in Springfield, VA to meet interested families and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you have kids whose shenanigans are driving you nuts - if your family has gotten into some ruts with behavioral issues and bad habits at home, and you could use a little help getting back on track - you would be a great candidate for Jo Frost's magical powers.

I love that the show has featured so many different types of families with young children - including those from all economic backgrounds, moms who stay home full-time as well as those who work outside the home, stay-at-home dads, single-parent families, blended families, families with a special-needs child...

If you're interested - even if you can't make it to this weekend's casting call - contact casting producer Craig Ekedahl at: cekedahl (at) ricochettelevision (dot) com or 323.904.4680. Craig grew up in Bethesda, so he's hoping getting a local, DC-area family on Supernanny!

Posted by Sarah at 8:43 AM

May 15, 2007

"Ladies' Night Out" in Herndon to benefit a good cause

Heads up: NoVa mama and exec director of WAHMFest (Work-at-Home-Moms Expo) Marybeth Henry is hosting a Ladies' Night Out" event to benefit VisionWalk this Friday, May 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hiddenbrook Clubhouse.

Facials, makeovers, massages, desserts, shopping, raflfes, door prizes... and 100 percent of all ticket and raffle sales go to VisionWalk 2007. Tix are $10 each or a book of 10 for $90. Everyone who attends will get a goody bag and changes to win door prizes.

To register, go to www.wahmfest.org/charityday.

For more about VisionWalk, a walk-a-thon fundraiser for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 10:24 AM

May 14, 2007

Low-cost legal info & advice for local mamas

This announcement is open to all local women, but may be especially important to single moms, entrepreneurial moms, and those considering parenting-related legal issues. It's a great opportunity to get low-cost, authoritative information and advice:

The offices of the Montgomery County Commission for Women and the Montgomery County Chapter of the Women's Bar Association of Maryland will co-sponsor their Women's Law Day this Thursday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Rockville office (401 N. Washington St., Suite 100). Cost is just $20.

You should attend if you're in need of info about legal issues, if you're looking for local legal resources, or if you have questions you've been wanting to ask an attorney. Workshops will provide an overview of these specific topics:
* Child custody & child support
* Employment law
* Estate planning
* Mediation
* Separation & divorce
* Small business law
* Immigration law
* Bankruptcy
* Landlord/tenant law

You can also register in advance for a 20-minute confidential legal consultation (not legal representation - just legal advice).

To sign up for Women's Law Day online, click here. To register by phone or get more info, call 240.777.8300.

Posted by Sarah at 11:02 AM

May 12, 2007

2 thumbs up: Moore Than Yoga for moms, kids, & pregnancy

After attending the "Mom's Day Out" yoga and pampering workshop today in Arlington, I have to once again recommend instructor Jennifer Moore. - Today was wonderful, made extra-special by Jennifer's thoughtfulness - and because I got the opportunity to meet a few of you fabulous readers in person.

Jennifer teaches (highly-acclaimed) prenatal and postpartum yoga classes, as well as Little Tots yoga, children's yoga, family sessions, special workshops, and a beginner-to-intermediate Hatha class for adults. Also infant massage classes! All of these meet in a big space (with natural light) at the Bethel UCC Church on Arlington Blvd.

Jennifer is also very skilled with reflexology therapy and Reiki. I love her perfect blend of humor, gentleness, spunkiness, and calm balance. I soooo recommend trying out a class!

Posted by Sarah at 3:14 PM

May 11, 2007

Weekend Watch: Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day weekend really should be all about the mamas. So whatever makes YOU feel good is what I recommend for the weekend!

If you're in need of ideas... I learned from this week's fabulous Our Kids newsletter that there's a free Mother's Day Concert on the banks of the Potomac River in Alexandria. It's Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at River Farm (which is the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society). Sounds lovely!

There's also the free-admission Hawaiian Festival in DC, Saturday and Sunday at the National Museum of the American Indian on the Mall. I HIGHLY recommend a meal in the museum's cafe - We had a fabulous lunch there with my visiting mother-in-law just last weekend! There are plentiful highchairs, a "chicken fingers" meal option for finicky kids who won't touch the more delectable items, and even when it's crowded the lines move efficiently. Try to sit on the right-hand side of the cafe, next to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the rocks and waterfalls. Little ones will be riveted!

Also this weekend, for politically-active mamas: The grassroots mothers' movement that started in Old Town in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy is spreading - A group of Bethesda/Chevy Chase/NW DC moms, dads, and concerned citizens will stage another "Protest Easy Guns" demonstration on Sunday at 12 noon, in front of the Barnes & Noble in downtown Bethesda. Among the participants: A mother and her Virginia Tech student daughter.

Then there's the feisty CODE PINK, which holds its Mother's Day Peace Event and "Mother of a March" in DC, with famous participants including (my hero for all time) Gloria Steinem - and live music, children's booths, etc.

Heading it off at the pass: If you like easy access to guns, if you like the war in Iraq, or if you just don't care for my (very rare) mention of anything reflecting my personal politcs, please do not waste your energy sending me nasty email. I wish you no ill will, but this is MY blog. It's free for the public to use, but it requires a good deal of my time and effort. Occasionally it reflects my politics, when relevant to local children or mothering. If you don't like what I write, just don't read.

Posted by Sarah at 10:47 AM

May 10, 2007

After Georgetown Library fire, Jonah's Treehouse hosts free storytimes

It's still hard to believe that within a matter of hours, both Eastern Market and the beloved Georgetown Public Library were destroyed by fires last week. Because so many Georgetown and Glover Park children attended storytime at the library, Jonah's Treehouse has stepped up to fill the void by offering a free community service.

Through the month of May (and perhaps beyond), Jonah's Treehouse in Glover Park is hosting 45-minute storytimes at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. JT teacher Alice Ahn will lead the storytimes, which are appropriate for ages five and under with a parent or caregiver. No cost, and all are welcome - You don't have to be registered at Jonah's Treehouse to attend.

Thanks to founder Vicki Gersten for providing this for neighborhood families who are really missing their public library!

Posted by Sarah at 11:20 AM

May 9, 2007

"Mom's Day Out" pampering this Saturday in Arlington

This Saturday, May 12, as a Mother's Day gift to yourself, consider giving up laundry, dishes, and child caregiving for 2 hours of self-nurturing. I just signed up for Moore Than Yoga's pampering "Mom's Day Out" session, and instructor Jennifer Moore tells me there are still spaces open.

The session wil include yoga, breathing, massage, reflexology and deep relaxation. No previous yoga experience is required. Bring your own mat or towel, blanket, and 2 pillows. Cost is $40, and you should contact Jennifer at 703.671.2435 or moorethanyoga (at) juno (dot) com to register.

Over the past 2 years, I've heard countless rave reviews about Jennifer's prenatal and postpartum yoga classes, in particular. And I'm excited to finally get the opportunity to try out one of her sessions for myself.

Moore Than Yoga's NEW LOCATION is at Bethel UCC in Arlington, located at the northeast corner of Arlington Blvd. and George Mason Dr. (Parking in the Red Cross lot.)

Posted by Sarah at 11:05 AM

May 8, 2007

"Music Together" concert at Glen Echo Park

Of special interest to all you current and former "Music Together" families...There will be a "Best of of Music Together" children's concert and sing-along on Sunday, June 10 at 4 p.m. at the "Cuddle Up" in Glen Echo Park, MD.

The event is organized by MT of Montgomery County, celebrating the program's 10th anniversary of early childhood programs there. The concert and sing-along will be led by Nancy Nuttle and the other MT Montgomery County teachers, performing favorite songs from the MT collections, accompanied by a trio including keyboard, bass, and drums.

If you've never taken your child to Glen Echo Park, this is a great excuse to do so. You can ride the antique carousel (recently opened for the season), romp and play, and bring a picnic.

For more info. on the MT concert/sing-along, contact Nancy at: nancynuttle (at) hers (dot) com.

Posted by Sarah at 12:00 PM

May 7, 2007

New preschool program to open in Alexandria

As many of us have discovered, finding an open preschool spot in the DC area is a maddeningly competitive process, proven to give mamas many gray hairs. Too many children, too few spaces. So whenever I hear of a new preschool program, I feel it's my civic duty to share the news:

The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Northern Virginia is opening a brand-new preschool program in Alexandria in September 2007, and they are starting the pre-enrollment process now. Children of all faiths are welcome!

The school will be located at 3830 Seminary Rd., at Beth El Temple, a reform community. Located is near the Virginia Episcopal Seminary, about halfway between 395 and Quaker Ln. on Seminary Rd.

Interested parents should contact Nicole at the JCC of NoVa: 703.537.3086.

Posted by Sarah at 10:13 AM

May 4, 2007

Weekend Watch: Flower Power at the Cathedral

It's going to be beautiful weather for this weekend's Annual Flower Mart on the grounds of the National Cathedral - today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. FREE admission.

The outdoor property surrounding the Cathedral is a great destination with a young child, since they can run wild in the many wide-open green spaces and explore the gardens. Plus, Flower Mart features the antique carousel for a spin (both days), children's games and rides, puppet shows, music and entertainment, food, and, of course... lots of pretty plants and shopping.

Shuttle buses will be running from the Tenley metro station to the Flower Mart both days.

For more info, call the Flower Mart InfoLine: 202.537.3185.

Posted by Sarah at 9:33 AM

May 3, 2007

May 10 "Nurse-In" on Capitol Hill

Heads up, nursing mamas and would-be policy advocates: It's an opportunity to make a stand.

Next Thursday, May 10, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) will host a "Nurse-In" on the Hill to re-introduce the Breastfeeding Promotion Act to Congress. All moms and babies/kids are welcome, and it's taking place from 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the Cannon Terrace, located at New Jersey and Independence Ave. SE. (Easily metro-accessible.)

The proposed legislation would protect the rights of nursing mothers who return to the workplace after having a baby, by amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with a new clause. The bill would also provide tax incentives for businesses that establish private lactation areas in the workplace, allows families to deduct all breastfeeding pumps and equipment from their taxes, and would provide a performance standard for breast pumps.

Rep. Maloney has long been an advocate for breastfeeding, child care access, and health issues directly affecting mothers, kids, and families. She keeps tirelessly championing this bill in the Congress, session after session - and maybe this year is the year it will pass? For more details on the "Nurse-In," contact her office at 202.225.7944.

Posted by Sarah at 9:39 AM