Special fair pass for sale in February
January 31, 2009 by Sara Bristol
After the success of last year’s Leap Year promotional pass for the Central Washington State Fair — a little more than 1,000 people took advantage of the offer — frequent and frugal fair-goers can once again purchase a season pass to the fair, which this year runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 4.
Good for admission to all 10 days of the fair, the pass costs $35 but is only available to purchase, in person, during February at the State Fair Park Ticket Office, 1301 S. Fair Ave. (No phone calls, please, asks the ticket office.) The cost applies to all age brackets and this year adult admission goes up to $12. Admission for seniors (65 and older) and ages 6-12 is usually slightly less, and kids 5 and younger are free.
Out-of-towners who want to buy a pass can print an order form from www.fairfun.com. An additional $3 is added to mail or fax orders.
Those who buy a pass will receive a voucher which can be redeemed the week of September 21 for a photo ID, which means the pass is non-transferable. It’s also not valid for carnival rides.
The State Fair ticket office is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
— By Kim Nowacki, ON Magazine
One mama shares why she loves Montessori
January 30, 2009 by Sara Bristol
By Debbie Vuillemot
We are the parents of 4 children: Orion,7; Anais, 5; Elias, 3; and Akira, 1.
When Orion was 3, we were overwhelmed with how many choices there were for preschool. We started off in a twice-weekly church preschool and quickly realized he needed more stimulation. One of my co-workers told me about Montessori School of Yakima (MSY) where her child attended.
The focus is hands-on, concrete learning by the child and child-driven choices from activities made available by the teacher. Teachers are trained to observe the child and provide what the child needs at any given time, changing as the child changes. This education technique was developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, who became interested in the plight of children and changed her career focus to understanding the true nature of the child. She was also active in the women’s rights movement in the early 1900s and was an advocate for peace.
The classes are set up in three-year age spans (3-6 yrs and 6-9yrs) so children can learn from each other as well as from an adult. The adult serves as a guide to help children learn to do tasks by themselves. In preschool and kindergarten, lessons are given individually to the child and then the child can choose which “work” to engage with during the day. There is also music, circle time (or triangle or square time), books and games. In the elementary class, the children learn in a more social setting and lessons are usually in small groups. The child self directs but does have requirements in standard academic areas.
The great thing about the Montessori way is the spill over to our home. We hear the way the older children teach the younger ones when we listen to their play. In recent conversations between our 5 year old and 3 year old: “Let’s count our fruit snacks. Now eat one and let’s count again.” “I say a word, now you rhyme it.” “Elias, did you have a lesson today?”
The other thing we love is community. We’ve developed friendships with other families and their children who are all learning in the same way.
MSY is non-profit and has been in operation for more than 40 years. All of the teachers are Montessori certified — and wonderful! Before- and after-school care is available. There are four preschool/K classrooms and one first-through-third grade classroom. Parents are part of the board. Visitors are always welcome by appointment. Call 966-0680. We’re located in Englewood Christian Church at 511 N 44th Ave in Yakima. Website: www.msofy.org
Debbie Vuillemot is a mother of four, professional midwife and serves on the board of the Montessori School of Yakima.
Thomas Live! coming to Yakima
January 30, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Our favorite train from the Island of Sodor will be visiting Yakima’s Capitol Theatre for a musical stage show in February.
Thomas will prove he’s a really useful engine in Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage: “A Circus Comes To Town,” an all-new stage show featuring Percy, James, Gordon and Sir Topham Hatt. The show promises audience singalongs, high-energy dancing and “thrilling adventures.”
The 90-minute musical will take off at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Tickets are $20-$25 for adults and $10-$20 for children 12 and younger. Purchase tickets at the Capitol box office or any TicketsWest outlet.
Design a children’s garden
January 30, 2009 by Sara Bristol
The Yakima Area Arboretum is offering a March workshop that will help parents and grandparents design special gardens for children. Presented by Master Gardener Diana Pieti and the Arboretum’s Co-director Colleen Adams-Schuppe, the workshop will provide kid-friendly ideas and detailed instructions for growing a scent garden, building child-sized secret hiding places and how to create a math-enrichment garden.
The class will meet from 7-9 p.m. March 19 at the Arboretum, located across from Kmart at E. Nob Hill Boulevard and I-82 in Yakima. Reservations are required; call 248-7337. Cost is $7.
White Pass Kids’ Clinic
January 29, 2009 by Sara Bristol
WHITE PASS KIDS’ CLINIC | Boys and girls, ages 5-12. Participants in this weekend program spend the day learning to ski or snowboard with specialized children’s instructors. Cost is $85 per day or $120 per weekend; lunch, snacks and lift tickets included. Offered Feb. 7-8, Feb. 21-22, March 7-8, March 21-22. White Pass Learning Center: 509-672-3101. On the Web: skiwhitepass.com.
I’m late!
January 29, 2009 by Sara Bristol
But I’m not pregnant! I’m just running behind getting everything loaded onto the Internet. But it’s coming soon — I promise!
In the meantime, while I’m running around here like a chicken with its head cut off, perhaps you’d like to wander about town and pick up a copy of the latest issue of Playdate. It came out yesterday. Lots of sports in this issue! And, did you know Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to the Capitol Theatre? Well, now you do.
Help the medicine go down
January 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Many children balk at swallowing pills or dislike the taste of liquid medicines. If that sounds like your kid, the pharmacists at Yakima’s Apothecary Compounding Solutions have a few tricks that might be able to help.
Compounding pharmacists Bob Murdock, R.Ph., and Marc Murdock, D.Ph., specialize in working with doctors and patients to customize medications. For kids, that can mean medicated lollipops, gummies, topical creams or a special medication-dosing baby bottle.
For folks with allergies or other special needs, the apothecaries can avoid dyes, fillers and preservatives found in traditional prescription medicines. Their shop, located in the Creekside Business Park at 40th and Washington avenues, also stocks a limited line of over-the-counter drugs as well as children’s vitamins that aren’t loaded with aspartame or high-fructose corn syrup.
For more information, call the pharmacy at 248-9065 or visit apothecarycs.com.
Ike Theatre to host ugly duckling musical
January 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Local teen actors will perform “Honk!,” the musical retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson tale “The Ugly Duckling,” over two February weekends at Eisenhower High School’s Little Theatre.
The Tony Award-winning musical presented by the Ike Players promises upbeat songs, high-energy dances and a message of tolerance.
The show features a cast of barnyard characters including a wisecracking bullfrog, a drake who ducks his fatherly responsibilities and, of course, an ugly duckling who discovers his inner beauty when he becomes a swan.
Show times are 7 p.m. Feb. 18-21 and 25-28, with matinees at 1 p.m. Feb. 21 and March 1. The Little Theatre is located at 702 S. 40th Ave., Yakima.
General admission is $7. The school’s performances typically sell out, so advance purchase is recommended. Tickets are available through the ASB office, 573-2616.
Indoor Tiny Tykes Soccer
January 27, 2009 by Sara Bristol
INDOOR TINY TYKES SOCCER | Boys and girls, ages 4-5. Learn the basics in a comfortable indoor environment. Teamwork and good sportsmanship are emphasized. Meets from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 25-March 18, at Whitney Elementary School in Yakima. Cost is $28-$34, depending on residency; includes a T-shirt. Yakima Parks: 575-6020.
Girls Fastpitch Softball
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
GIRLS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL | Girls, ages 8-14. Teams can register with the Greater Yakima Girls Softball Association at a coaches meeting, 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at Best Western Ahtanum Inn, 2408 Rudkin Road, Yakima. League play begins in May. Interested players looking for a team can e-mail Todd Fletcher at tournaments@gygsa.org. For more information, call Greg Cuillier at 457-1070.
Mini Hoops Basketball
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
MINI HOOPS BASKETBALL | Boys and girls, ages 5-7. First three weeks focus on basic skills, followed by three weeks of games. Meets from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 23-March 23, at Whitney Elementary School in Yakima. Cost is $35-$42, depending on residency; includes a T-shirt. Yakima Parks: 575-6020.
Upward Soccer
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
UPWARD SOCCER | Boys and girls, age 4 through grade 6. Equal playing time and recognition awards after every game. Cost is $75, includes shorts, jersey, water bottle, car magnet and award; deadline is Feb. 10. Season runs March 9-May 17. Register and play at West Valley Church, 7109 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 966-1550.
YMCA Swim Lessons
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
YMCA SWIM LESSONS | Ages 6 months to adult. Parent/child classes are offered for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Kids ages 3 and up swim solo in classes appropriate to their skills and age. Cost is $25-$48, depending on YMCA membership level; membership is not required. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 248-1202.
Lions Pool Swim Lessons
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
LIONS POOL SWIM LESSONS | Ages 6 months to adult. Parent/child classes are offered for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Kids ages 3 and older swim solo in classes appropriate to their skills and age. Four-week sessions meet Monday and Wednesday evenings; new sessions begin Feb. 9, March 9, April 6 and May 4. Call for times. Cost is $30-$37, depending on residency. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 575-6046.
Baby & Me Swim -March
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| March 2, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | ||
| March 4, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | ||
| March 9, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | ||
| March 11, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | ||
| March 16, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | ||
| March 18, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | ||
| March 23, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | ||
| March 25, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | ||
| March 30, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm |
BABY AND ME SWIM. Lions Pool hosts a drop-in water playtime for parents and tots (ages 6 months to 3 years) from 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Cost is $3.75 for adults; kids 3 and under are free. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 575-6046.
Baby & Me Swim – Feb.
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| January 28, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| February 2, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| February 4, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| February 9, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| February 11, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| February 18, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| February 23, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| February 25, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
BABY AND ME SWIM. Lions Pool hosts a drop-in water playtime for parents and tots (ages 6 months to 3 years) from 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The pool will be closed Feb. 16. Cost is $3.75 for adults; kids 3 and under are free. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 575-6046.
DivorceCare for Kids adds second group
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
The support group DivorceCare for Kids is adding a second group that will meet a new location. DivorceCare is a support group especially for children ages 5-12 whose parents are divorced, separated or reconciling.
The group meets weekly for 14-week sessions; kids can join the group anytime. Each week, the group will discuss a new topic, including anger, forgiveness and money smarts.
One group will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays through April at West Valley Church, 7109 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima.
The second group will meet from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 11-May 13, at Roosevelt Elementary, corner of 16th and Summitview avenues in Yakima.
For more information, call Pastor Mary at 966-1550, ext. 23, or visit yakimadivorcecare.net.
Get artsy at Allied Arts
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Papier-mâché, Ceramics for Kids and a watercolor class are among the current class lineup at Allied Arts of Yakima Valley. To register, call Allied Arts (966-0930; 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima) at least one week in advance.
WATERCOLOR | Open to teens and adults, this landscape-themed class is designed for beginners and intermediate students. Learn fundamentals of drawing and watercolor techniques. Led by Carmen Petersen. Meets from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 21-March 28. Fee is $90. Recommended supply kits are $100; order by Feb. 9.
BASIC CERAMICS 2 FOR KIDS | Eunsil Kim will lead two sessions of ceramics classes for kids ages 10-17 who have had a basic ceramics class and want to develop advanced skills, including wheel throwing and glazing. Fee is $100.
Session 1: 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 3-24.
Session 2: 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays, March 3-24
PAPIER-MÂCHÉ | All ages are invited to make and paint papier-mâché masks in these two-part workshops led by Eunsil Kim. Papier-mâché will be made out of organic flour and salt; all materials are safe for all ages. Fee is $30.
Session 1: 4-5:30 p.m. Feb. 4 and 11.
Session 2: 4-5:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and 25.
Session 3: 4-5:30 p.m. March 4 and 11.
Session 4: 4-5:30 p.m. March 18 and 25.
Learn Chinese at Allied Arts
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Allied Arts of Yakima Valley this spring is offering classes in Conversational Chinese and Chinese Caligraphy that might be fun for older kids — and parents, too. To register, call Allied Arts (966-0930; 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima) at least one week in advance.
CONVERSATIONAL CHINESE MANDARIN | Students ages 10 and older can learn conversational Chinese in this class led by Lili Gaudet. Learn to introduce yourself and talk about your family in Mandarin, the main language of government, media and education in China and Taiwan. Fee is $75; bring a pencil, eraser and a notebook.
Session 1: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 7-28
Session 2: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, March 7-28
CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY | Students ages 10 and older will learn basic brush strokes in these four-week classes led by Lili Gaudet. By the end of the course, students should be able to recognize and write some Chinese characters, proverbs and poetry. Fee is $75; bring Chinese brushes, ink stick or Chinese calligraphy ink, grinding stone or ink vessel, newspaper and rice paper.
Session 1: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Saturdays, Feb. 7-28.
Session 2: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Saturdays, March 7-28.
New MOPS group in Selah
January 26, 2009 by Sara Bristol
There’s a new chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) meeting at the Christian Church of Selah, 112 N. Wenas Road. The group, which has about 10 members, meets from 9-11:30 a.m. the first and third Monday of each month, through May.
“We’re very, very laid-back,” says coordinator Erin Lantrip. Meetings include discussion groups, breakfast and crafts. Child care is provided. Attendance is free with an optional $3 craft fee. For more information, call Lantrip at 594-1198.
MOPS is an international faith-based support group for mothers of infants through kindergartners. For more information, visit mops.org.
