« January 2009 | Main | March 2009 »
February 26, 2009
Can you help? Need gently-used cribs & baby items for local families
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Have baby stuff you've outgrown? Can you give it a new home? A fabulous local nonprofit group, A Wider Circle, is in need of cribs and baby items for low-income moms and infants.
Cribs and gently-used baby items in good condition can be dropped off at their Center for Community Service in Silver Spring (9159-C Brookville Rd., 20910) - OR you can call to schedule a pick-up of items that can not be dropped off. Send email to: contact-at-awidercircle-dot-org.
Here's the scoop I received on the situation and the needs:
"Mothers having to put their babies in laundry baskets to sleep - that is what one local agency told us they have to advise these days. They and many other agencies just can not find the cribs they need. But we know there are enough gently used cribs in good condition in our homes, and I am hoping you can help us to get them in the hands of these young moms.
"We have received more than a half dozen calls in the last week from agencies that can no longer find or provide basic need/essential items for young mothers and their babies. Fortunately we have been able to respond with cribs, changing tables, strollers, etc. We will continue to respond with the grassroots, volunteer-led system we have in place for other furniture and home goods, and we are creating partnerships with some of the agencies that have called so we can work together to ensure their clients get what they need."
Hope some of you generous DCB readers might be able to help!
Posted by Sarah at 11:49 AM. Permanent link to "Can you help? Need gently-used cribs & baby items for local families." | Comments (0)
February 25, 2009
Next week: 3rd Annual Lunafest benefits Postpartum Support VA
Categories: Northern Virginia
Last year I had a great time at this event for a cause near and dear to me. So I encourage you to schedule a girls' night out with your friends, a solo evening with no kids attached, or a date night with your partner, for the 3rd Annual Lunafest, a film festival with movies about - and made by - women, which raises funds for local nonprofit organization Postpartum Support Virginia, as well as The Breast Cancer Fund.
When: Next Wednesday, March 4
7 p.m. Silent Auction
7:30 p.m. Movies begin
Where: Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
What: The movies, while munching on food & drinks you can order from the Drafthouse menu, and special giveaways and informational booths
Tix: $10 in advance, or $15 at the door
Hosted by: Stroller Strides & Luna
For more info: Call 703.243.
Postpartum Support Virginia was founded by my friend and colleague Adrienne Griffen, Arlington mama of three, survivor of severe postpartum depression, and tireless advocate for women's health. A great organization making a real difference in the lives of local moms and their families. I hope you'll turn out to support their work!
Posted by Sarah at 10:22 AM. Permanent link to "Next week: 3rd Annual Lunafest benefits Postpartum Support VA." | Comments (0)
February 23, 2009
Spring Break camps for preschoolers
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
We've compiled a few of our favorite Spring Break day-camp options for preschoolers:
Andy's Parties will offer Spring Break Camp the week of April 6-13 at their Gaithersburg and Great Falls locations. Half-day programs for ages three to six meet in the morning, while older kids, ages five to eight, have camp in the afternoon. You can participate just one day, or the entire week.
The Tiny Dancers preschool dance program offers a Bunny Hop Camp April 6-10 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with games, crafts, and treats in addition to the dancing fun.
Several of the metro-area YMCA locations are offering Spring Break Camps for preschoolers and older kids. Check with your neighborhood branch office for details.
Know of others? Please post a "comment" after this blog post to share the info with DCB readers.
Posted by Sarah at 1:05 PM. Permanent link to "Spring Break camps for preschoolers." | Comments (3)
February 20, 2009
Weekend Watch: "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" on stage
Categories: Maryland | Washington, DC
CORRECTION: Just got word that the email we received from the organizers of The Great Zucchini event had the wrong date listed for the show! It actually takes place on Saturday, MARCH 7, at 10:30 a.m. Our sincere apologies to any DCB readers who were inconvenienced by this error.
This weekend a new production of one of our favorite children's books opens in Maryland, and rock-star magician The Great Zucchini performs in Georgetown as a fundraiser to help rebuild that neighborhood's beloved public library.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie..., adapted from the popular kids' book, makes its stage debut this weekend (and runs through March 20) at the fabulous Adventure Theater in Glen Echo Park. Our advice for first-timers attending a show at Adventure Theater: Buy your tix well in advance, and get there EARLY for the best seat. The theater typically fills up rapidly as soon as the doors open, and the riser-style seating is first come, first served.
The Great Zucchini will perform a show geared toward toddlers to six-year-olds at Dumbarton United Methodist church (on Dumbarton St. just east of Wiconsin), Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Admission is $25 per family, to benefit the Georgetown Library Recover Fund and earmarked for the rebuilt library's children's room. Tix available in advance or at the door. Send email to: georgetownprojects-at-gmail-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 10:38 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" on stage." | Comments (0)
February 18, 2009
New early childhood movement classes in Foggy Bottom
Categories: Washington, DC
Kudos to DCB reader Kerri B. for sharing this news: The Sports Club/LA at the Ritz-Carlton in Foggy Bottom is launching a new gymnastics program for children ages two to six. They also offer swimming lessons for toddlers and older kids.
Membership at the club is not required to join a class, though members do receive a discounted registration fee. Management at the club says if this first gymnastics program does well, they plan to add more movement/athletic classes for young kids in the future.
I've often heard from expectant and new parents who live in Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, and surrounding neighborhoods that finding early childhood movement classes and swim lessons can be difficult. There just aren't a lot of options, though there are plenty of families with young kids living in these neighborhoods. So here's your chance to show the club at the Ritz-Carlton that you want and need this programming!
Posted by Sarah at 2:32 PM. Permanent link to "New early childhood movement classes in Foggy Bottom." | Comments (3)
February 17, 2009
Free life-coaching session for mamas
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Local professional life coach Amy Goslee recently launched her own coaching practice, focused on the needs of moms. And she's offering a FREE 30-minute sample coaching session for those of you curious about the coaching relationship and how it can help you.
Amy's work focuses on dealing with and triumphing over the common feelings of being overwhelmed, exhausted, and anxious as mothers, and addresses the overlooked personal needs that can affect all areas of mothers' lives.
The website for Amy's practice, Embracing Transformation, is under construction. You can also contact her at 703.568.1763 or by email at: agoslee-at-embracingtransformation-dot-net.
Posted by Sarah at 1:25 PM. Permanent link to "Free life-coaching session for mamas." | Comments (0)
February 13, 2009
Weekend Watch: Washington's Birthday Parade in Old Town
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
This Valentine's and Presidents Day weekend, the hot ticket for kids is George Washington's Birthday Parade on Monday the 16th in Old Town Alexandria from 1 to 3 p.m. It's the biggest parade celebrating Washington's birthday in the U.S. And, with any luck, the weather will cooperate for the parade, whose route starts at S. St. Asaph at Wilkes St. and ends at the intersection of Fairfax and Gibbons Sts.
To celebrate the holiday, historic sites in Old Town will be open and FREE of charge on Monday, including the Friendship Firehouse Museum on S. Alfred St., Gasby's Tavern Museum on N. Royal, and the Lyceum on S. Washington St. Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the History Center and Museum Store (101 N. Union St.), local children's author Cheryl Barnes will be on hand to sign copies of her books Alexander the Old Town Mouse, Woodrow the White House Mouse, Woodrow for President, and President Adams' Alligator, all of which will be available for purchase. And kids can have their picture taken with Woodrow, the White House Mouse, while they're there.
Can't make it on Monday? Mt. Vernon is hosting its own Breakfast with George and "America's Smallest Hometown Parade," complete with fife and drum and "General Washington" himself, Saturday and Sunday.
p.s. Don't forget the V-Day Gustafer Yellowgold show at the Avalon Theater. Tix are still available. And tomorrow is your LAST DAY for the 25% discount + free shipping for online orders of DC BABY, Revised Second Edition.
Posted by Sarah at 10:57 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Washington's Birthday Parade in Old Town." | Comments (0)
February 12, 2009
New: Song & activity books from Classic TNT
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Classic Tales 'n Tunes, reviewed in DC BABY as one of the best early childhood enrichment programs in the DC area, has published two new books of songs, rhymes, and activities for the whole family - a perfect antidote to the cold, cabin-fevered winter weather scheduled to return any minute now.
Both books include selected works in English with Spanish adaptations, American Sign Language (ASL) and colorful art and photographs. More than 100 photos of ASL signs are included in each book, as well as a Spanish pronunciation guide. Ideal for infants to age six. We have the first of the books at home, and have found it a fun resource for cooped-up days.
You can preview the books, read reviews, and purchase at the Classic Tales 'n Tunes site.
Posted by Sarah at 3:28 PM. Permanent link to "New: Song & activity books from Classic TNT." | Comments (0)
February 11, 2009
Boogie Babes still going strong at Sova
Categories: Washington, DC
Live in the District and haven't checked out Boogie Babes yet? Head to the fabulous Sova coffee shop on Capitol Hill to join this fun group of parents and young children next Monday the 16th at 10:30 a.m. with performer Mr. Skip, or Wednesday the 25th at 10:30 with one of our personal favorites, Oh Susannah.
Founded by two Hill moms who recognized how insane it was to have to drive out to the 'burbs to attend children's musical events, this is good family fun in the heart of the city with an early-childhood attention span: Events run 45 minutes to an hour.
Cost to participate in Boogie Babes is $5 per child. Sova's at 1359 H St. NE (between 13th and 14th Sts). And their espresso is, well, renowned.
Posted by Sarah at 4:12 PM. Permanent link to "Boogie Babes still going strong at Sova." | Comments (1)
February 9, 2009
Happy V-Day from DCB
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
We heart our readers. So, as our valentine thank-you, it's 25% off + free shipping on website orders of the paperback DC BABY, Revised Second Edition - this week only, through Saturday, February 14.
Thanks for your 3+ years of supporting a local mom-author! Your readership and friendship makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Posted by Sarah at 2:57 PM. Permanent link to "Happy V-Day from DCB." | Comments (0)
February 6, 2009
Weekend Watch: Old-fashioned lantern show & Locks of Love benefit
Categories: Maryland | Washington, DC
Saturday and Sunday, the National Gallery of Art hosts a FREE Kids' Magic-Lantern Show for ages four+ and their families. Staged by Terry Borton of the American Magic-Lantern Theater, it's an authentic late-nineteenth-century big-screen production of the type that preceded silent movies. The show includes favorite Victorian stories like Alice in Wonderland and sing-alongs including "Old MacDonald." Show time is 11:30 a.m. both days.
Also this weekend...On Saturday, Bella Bethesda salon hosts a (free) kick-off party launching their week-long benefit for the fabulous national nonprofit organization Locks of Love, which provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 with medical hair loss due to disease, burns, and cancer. Because of the great response from the community, Bella was able to donate a total of 640 inches of hair to Locks of Love, which helped more than 2,000 children across the country.
Last year there was great participation from Bethesda-area schoolchildren, and this year a number of students from an elementary in Bethesda plan to come to Bella to donate their hair. On Saturday to kick off the benefit, Bella Bethesda will offer free treatments and discount deals on hair products. And throughout next week, individuals who donate 10 or more inches of hair will receive a free haircut, blow dry and a makeover. For those interested in donating but who do not have 10 inches yet, Bella will offer a pledge board, so individuals can redeem their free makeover and donate their hair later in the year.
Posted by Sarah at 2:49 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Old-fashioned lantern show & Locks of Love benefit." | Comments (0)
February 5, 2009
New Apple Seed program: Doing great things with your used maternity & baby stuff
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
We are thrilled to share the news that one of our favorite local boutiques, Apple Seed in Old Town, has launched a new program partnering with the DC-based Mary's Center for Maternal and Child Care, channeling your gently-used maternity and baby items to families in need - and offering you an extra incentive, to boot (beyond feeling great about helping your neighbors, and clearing out your unneeded clutter).
Maternity and infant clothing and gear - from any store or retailer - may be brought to Apple Seed, who will handle transport of them to Mary's Center. AND, as a thank-you for making this tax deductible donation to benefit your neighbors, you can earn Apple Seed dollars toward any purchase in the boutique ($1 per donated item, up to $50 max).
I am personally familiar with the Mary's Center through my work in communications consulting, and I know them to be an effective, class-act community health clinic with excellent staff and programs that truly make a difference. They provide affordable, culturally competent, personalized prenatal and parental care to low-income DC-area residents, with an emphasis on immigrant and other underserved populations.
Guidelines for the Apple Seed Donation Program:
1) All items MUST be cleaned prior to donating.
2) Undergarments (including nursing wear, bras, tanks, Bella Bands, and underwear) cannot be accepted. Items with stains, holes, rips, or missing buttons also cannot be accepted.
3) All items will be examined and are subject to review by the Apple Seed staff before donations are accepted.
Questions about the program and what they can or cannot accept? Call Apple Seed at 703.535.5446, send email to: shop(at)appleseedboutique(dot)com, or stop by the shop at 115 S. Columbus St., Alexandria.
Posted by Sarah at 9:57 AM. Permanent link to "New Apple Seed program: Doing great things with your used maternity & baby stuff." | Comments (1)
February 4, 2009
Podcast: Amy Miller on Parents' Perspective radio show
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
The fabulous Amy Miller, local mama and owner of our favorite resource, Our Kids, was just on the national radio show Parents' Perspective, discussing outings and activities with and for kids of all ages. And she very kindly gave a shout-out to DC BABY as a resource for Washingtonians, as well as for tourists visiting DC! (We are very flattered.)
Amy also shared some of her favorite locally-owned and -operated websites and publications for finding activities in major cities across the country, including Boston, Chicago, NYC, Seattle, and San Francisco. And she gives some great tips on finding and enjoying age-appropriate fun, wherever you live - and how to find a healthy balance between scheduled fun vs. free play and unstructured downtime.
Lots of great insights you'll want to hear: Listen to the podcast here.
Posted by Sarah at 4:09 PM. Permanent link to "Podcast: Amy Miller on Parents' Perspective radio show." | Comments (0)
February 3, 2009
FREE baby sign language workshop to be filmed by CNN
Categories: Northern Virginia
A great opportunity for those of you interested in baby and toddler sign language: Tiny Fingers is offering a FREE workshop for parents and babies ages six to 24 months old on Monday, February 9 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. at the Parenting Playgroups office in Alexandria. And in the process, you get to be a TV star: CNN will be filming the workshop and talking with parents for a story on early childhood sign language.
You'll learn 15-20 important "first signs" for everyday use, the signs to a couple of familiar songs, and the strategies to make it all work for you and your child. Families who have already taken a Tiny Fingers class or workshop are welcome, and so are newbies. Pre-registration is required: Click here.
If you're considering taking advantage of this opportunity, or pursuing early childhood sign language classes in general, you might want to check out this ABC News videoclip, while you're at it.
Posted by Sarah at 9:43 AM. Permanent link to "FREE baby sign language workshop to be filmed by CNN." | Comments (0)