Families welcome at colorful altar exhibit

Families are invited to learn more about the “Day of the Dead” cultural celebration by visiting the Día de los Muertos Community Altar Exhibit at 319 E. Yakima Ave. (former Yakima Mall). The exhibit is open from 12-6 p.m. daily, Oct. 31-Nov. 8. Admission is free.

For the fifth year, the annual exhibit is hosted by the Yakima-Morelia Sister City Association. The altars are created by local businesses, individuals, organizations and schools. Organizers expect more than 1,000 people will visit the exhibit this year.

Día de los Muertos is a vibrant, festive traditional celebration of remembrance in the cultures of Latino people around the world. The event is a blend of Aztec traditions of remembering the dead and the Catholic celebration of All Saints Day and All Souls Day brought by the Spanish conquistadors.

This year’s exhibit is sponsored in part by the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic. For more information, visit www.yakimamorelia.org.

Families invited to Mountain Meadow Christmas Camp

Families are invited to decorate gingerbread houses, go sledding and warm up with cocoa and carols by the fire at Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp’s Mountain Meadow Christmas the weekend of Dec. 4-6, 2009.

Participants can visit for the day or enjoy up to two nights in restroom-equipped cabins, which start at $25 for a private room in a cabin with a shared bath. Buffet-style meals are served in the dining hall; kids ages 6 and younger are free.

Activities include cutting your own Christmas tree, board games, hay rides and Sunday morning worship service. Ghormley Meadow is affiliated with First Presbyterian Church of Yakima.

Prices vary depending on activities and accommodations. To register, or for more information, call Julia at 672-4311 or visit ghormleymeadow.org.

Zombie Bash for Teens

November 5, 2009

6:30 pm

ZOMBIE BASH. 6:30 p.m. Teens can party with their friends at the Moxee Library. Enjoy games, refreshments, crafts and other fun. Costumes welcome. Moxee Library, 255 W. Seattle, Moxee; 575-8854.

Yakima Library Book Sale

October 31, 2009

10:00 am

BIG BOOK SALE. 10 a.m. Yard sale prices on used books and videos for the whole family. In the garage around back at the downtown Yakima Library, 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 452-8541.

Baby Einstein not so genius

I’m guessing you’d already realized that watching videos with random images set to the tune of classical music isn’t making our babies any smarter. Doesn’t take an Einstein, right?

So, assuming you haven’t already thrown out your Baby Einstein videos with the bath water, you might be interested to know that Disney is offering a refund for any of those lame-brained baby videos you may have collecting dust on the shelf. To get your refund, the video must be purchased in the last five years and you must submit your claim before March 4, 2010. Find all the rules and whatnot here.

The refund is the result of continued pressure from the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, which in 2006 filed a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission requesting that Disney stop claiming that Baby Einstein videos were educational for infants.

If you’re interested in the politics of this topic, check out the latest scuttlebutt on the D.C.-based Web magazine Slate, http://www.slate.com/id/2233556/. (A little heads-up that the author penned this as a Bush attack, which isn’t my intent. I just like Noah’s take on the “mompreneur” who created the videos. Common knowledge seems to be that kids under the age of 2 shouldn’t be watching any TV, so the idea that somebody who markets programs especially for this age group would be held up as a hero is a little absurd.)

That said, both my kids watched TV before they were 2… and they still do. No doubt, they watch too much. But if your tots enjoy Baby Einstein and the show buys Mom a few minutes of freedom to make dinner/help with homework/paint her toenails/whatever, I’ve got no problem with it.

So, while I’m not deluded that watching TV is going to make my kids smarter, here’s one study that agrees with me that a little TV in an otherwise healthy childhood isn’t going to harm a kid either. Here’s the news release from the March issue of Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

TELEVISION AND VIDEOS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 2 MAY NOT INFLUENCE SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Exposing infants and toddlers to television does not improve their language and visual motor skills at age 3, but does not appear to harm them either. In the study, “Television Viewing in Infancy and Child Cognition at 3 Years of Age in a US Cohort,” researchers looked at the amount of time 872 children spent watching television or videos from birth to 2 years of age, then assessed their language and visual motor skills at age 3. When researchers adjusted for other factors that could influence these skills, such as maternal education and breastfeeding, the effect of television appeared neutral. Contrary to many parents’ perception that television viewing is beneficial to their children’s brain development, the researchers found no evidence of such a benefit. The authors point out that there are many potential benefits of limiting television exposure in children, including improved diet, lower risk of overweight, less exposure to violent content, and improved sleep quality.

Itty Bitty Indoor Soccer

ITTY BITTY INDOOR SOCCER | Boys and girls, ages 3-6. Six-week indoor soccer league plays at the YMCA. Meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Jan. 5-Feb. 11. Ages 3-4 play 5:30-6:30 p.m. Ages 5-6 play 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost: $35 with YMCA Family Membership, $45 YMCA member, $55 non-member; includes T-shirt, certificates and ice cream social. Registration begins Nov. 10; $10 late fee after Dec. 19. Volunteer coaches needed. Register at Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; contact Tyler Johnson, 972-5273.

Forecast: Cloudy (with a Chance of Meatballs)

Looks like it’s going to be a kind of crummy weekend, weather-wise. I just checked the forecast, which predicted daytime highs in the upper 50s and rain looming on Sunday.

To me, this sounds like a perfect excuse to go to the movies.

I’ll admit, I haven’t seen too many movies in the theater in the past six-and-a-half years (since my life “with kids” began). With no grandparents in town, paying for the babysitter (and the popcorn) turns a movie date into a plus-$50 splurge. Not too practical, you know?

My husband is still marveling at the time when, shortly after our son was born, we left the baby with grandma (we lived in Portland then) for a few hours and went downtown to see “Master and Commander” (his choice) and I fell asleep before the title credits ever ran. It’s a testimony to that new-mama exhaustion you’re probably all too familiar with. Actually, it was the best $9 nap I ever had.

Anyway, the good news about this weekend’s forecast is that a) my kids are finally old enough to go to the theater with us, and b) there are actually quite a few family movies to choose from this weekend. So, without further ado, here’s a look at this weekend’s G- and PG-rated lineup at Yakima Theatres, in alphabetical order:

ASTRO BOY (PG) | 12:45 p.m., 3:10 p.m., 6:50 p.m., 8:55 p.m. at The Majestic. Just released today, critics already are down on the animation of this anime film about a boy robot built by a government scientist (voiced by Nicholas Cage) to replace his lost son. Think Pinocchio-meets-Frankenstein with a good-natured hero? Though I suspect my son would like it, this isn’t not the kind of flick that fuels my jets. We’ll wait for the DVD.

.

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (PG) | 12:30 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 6:35 p.m., 8:35 p.m. at The Majestic. Our family enjoys the imaginative picture book (written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett) that’s the basis for this animated 3D movie, so the initial previews piqued our interest. I checked the reviews at Rotten Tomatos, which seemed so appropriate for this foodie flick, and it looks like most viewers enjoy this movie even though it deviates substantially from the book’s plot. I just might bite.

FAME (PG) | 12:30 p.m., 2:55 p.m., 6:20 p.m., 8:45 p.m. at Yakima Cinema. Based on the reviews, this remake of the Oscar-winning 1980 film is a bomb… not to be confused with “the bomb.” In case you don’t remember, it’s the story of a multi-ethnic group of teens selected for New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts who push their talents to the limit to make it big in show biz. I somewhat shamefully admit this is the kind of story I loved as a tween/teenager. Thankfully, my kids are still too young to care. For those of you with older kids, however, it should be noted that the original movie (though all around better) is probably “sexier [and] grittier than you recall.”

MORE THAN A GAME (PG) | 12:10 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 8:50 p.m. at Yakima Cinema. Most audiences are fans of this basketball documentary following the story of future NBA superstar LeBron James and his high school teammates in Akron, Ohio. The film has a positive message and should be appropriate for school-aged basketball buffs. There’s some mild language (“jerk and hell”) and a few references to drugs in the projects and “getting girls,” but clever parents should be able to spin these topics into a positive discussion with their kids.

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (PG) | 12:20 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:25 p.m., 8:30 p.m. at The Majestic. Tim Burton’s magical Halloweentown classic is being shown on the big screen in digital 3D. Although characters remove their heads and limbs, this seasonally appropriate stop-action animation pic is generally regarded as appropriate for kids age 7 and up. My 4-year-old daughter doesn’t like “bad guys,” so I suspect she wouldn’t like this movie. But for promise of popcorn and a Red Vine, she might be coerced to try…

TOY STORY & TOY STORY 2 (G) | 12 p.m., 3:35 p.m., 7:10 p.m. at The Majestic. This Disney-Pixar double feature promises to take viewers “to infinity and beyond” in digital 3D. Fun, for sure, since I enjoyed both these videos — never saw either in the theater — but haven’t seen them to the extent of, say, “Wiggly Wiggly Christmas” (my daughter’s favorite show of late). This one’s definitely a temptation (especially with the 2-for-1 pricing), but the realist in me is wondering whether my kiddos could sit through the two-hour, 53-minute presentation without visiting the Majestic’s teeny-tiny toilets in the family restroom too many times. Probably not.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (PG) | 12:10 p.m., 2:25 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:40 p.m. at The Majestic. I actually named my son after Max, king of the Wild Things (which in 20/20 hindsight maybe wasn’t the wisest thing to do), so you can bet I’m going to see this movie. I’m just hoping I’ll like it. Or, at least, that the Spike Jonze adaptation won’t somehow ruin Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book for me (I’d eat it up, I love it so).  From what I’ve read, most folks seem to like the movie (moderately) although it can be a little too dark and intense for the preschool set that’s targeted by the picture book. Still, I’m guessing my wee wild things will be able to handle this one. So, I say, “Let the wild rumpus start!”

Have a great (cloudy) weekend!

—————-

Wondering whether a movie is suitable for your family? Check out the online reviews at commonsensemedia.org. In addition to letting you know whether a film is any good, the site gives detailed recommendations for parents and lets you you know about every burp and (bleep) so you can make an informed decision.

Friday art classes for preschoolers

Two Yakima studios are offering Friday morning art workshops for preschoolers.

TINY ARTIST | This class for kids ages 2-6 will meet 3:30-4:30 p.m. each Friday through Nov. 20; register for one session or more. Taught by Jeanne Lind, the class will introduce wee ones to a variety of art mediums: collage, drawing, painting, etc. Cost: $10 for each parent/child pair. Register one week in advance. Allied Arts, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave.; 966-0930.

TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL ART STUDIO | Tots ages 5 and under can drop in for an open art studio from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays, except holidays. Cost: $5 per child. Owner Mindy Clark will set kids up with paint, collage materials or other projects at Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St.; 469-2766.

Community Halloween Party

October 31, 2009
7:00 pm	to	11:00 pm

COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN PARTY. 7-11 p.m. Oct. 31. All-ages party featuring games and treat bags for kids, a DJ, dancing and the Marines’ super-scary haunted house; no alcohol. Admission: $5; purchase tickets in advance at any Sub Shop restaurant or “at the door” in the KNDO parking lot, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to donate a new or gently used child’s coat. Sponsored by Apple Valley Kiwanis. Proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots. Marine Armory, 1702 Tahoma Ave., Yakima. Info: 453-3139.

Benjamin Franklin exhibit coming to Sunnyside Library

SUNNYSIDE — A national traveling exhibition about Benjamin Franklin will come to the Sunnyside Library starting this weekend.

“Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World,” opens Saturday and runs through Dec. 4.
The exhibit is organized by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary in Philadelphia, the American Library Association and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Sunnyside is one of only 20 libraries to host the event. It will offer free programs and activities in connection to the exhibit. An opening day celebration will run 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 and feature Colonial period refreshments as well as photo opportunities with Ben.

Other programs include lectures on Franklin as a politician and diplomat, science programs for children, movies a discussion on investing in hard times, crafts and a field trip to the Daily Sun News.

For a full schedule, visit the library Web site at www.yvl.org or call 509-837-3234.

Benjamin Franklin Exhibit Opening (Sunnyside)

October 24, 2009
2:00 pm	to	4:00 pm

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN EXHIBIT OPENING DAY. 2-4 p.m. Sunnyside Library will host a traveling exhibit through Dec. 4. Opening day celebration will feature Colonial period refreshments and photo opportunities with Ben. Sunnyside Library, 621 Grant, Sunnyside; 837-3234.

Undead Ball

October 30, 2009

6:00 pm

UNDEAD BALL. 6 p.m. Teens are invited to wear costumes and enjoy Halloween fun. Selah Library, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345.

Selah Library Teen Meeting

October 27, 2009

4:00 pm

TEEN MEETING. 4 p.m. Teens can exchange ideas and meet new people. Selah Library, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345.

Trunk or Treat

October 31, 2009
4:00 pm	to	7:00 pm

TRUNK OR TREAT. 4-7 p.m. Oct. 31. New Hope Community Church kids team, 4912 Hillcrest Drive in Terrace Heights; 452-2673. Costumes, candy, music, decorated cars and refreshments.

How do you spell b-o-l-o-g-n-a?

Hey, all you Oscar Mayer fans, this just in: The 27-foot-long Wienermobile is pulling into Yakima Thursday morning.

Yep, that’s a custom-made fiberglass hot dog resting on a lightly toasted bun… the stuff childhood dreams are made of. Visit the Wienermobile for free at various local groceries this week to play games and pick up an elusive Wiener Whistle. Hot dogs will be served at some locations.

You can ketchup (I relish a good pun) with cross-country hotdoggers Alison and Mary Kate at the following Yakima locations:

Thursday:
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Top Food and Drug, 2203 S. First St.
1-5 p.m. Safeway, 2204 W. Nob Hill Blvd. (Hot dogs will be served.)

Friday:
1-5 p.m. Safeway, 5702 Summitview Ave. (Hot dogs will be served.)

Saturday:
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rosauers, 410 S. 72nd Ave.
1-5 p.m. Albertson’s, 401 S. 40th Ave. (Hot dogs will be served.)

To read all about life inside the Wienermobile with Alison and Mary Kate, read their blog at hotdoggerblog.com.

Parents invited to ‘Focus on Parenting’ conference

Parents are invited to “Focus on Parenting” by participating in a Nov. 14 simulcast conference presented by Focus on the Family. The conference will be from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima. Cost is $30 per person or $50 per couple, which includes lunch.

Broadcast live via satellite, the Christian conference aims to help parents “instill Christ-like character in your children to know and serve God,” provide “a unique spiritual perspective you won’t find at any other parenting converence, and to offer “powerful and practical eeryday tools to help your child thrive.”

Speakers include Kevin Lehman, an internationally known Christian psychologist; Elisa Morgan, author of more than 15 books on mothering and former CEO of MOPS International; songwriter and storyteller Matthew West; Larry Fowler, an executive director of Awana; and VeggieTales filmmaker Phil Vischer.

Online registration is available at fpcyakima.com. For more information, contact First Presbyterian Church at 248-7940.

Building Confidence in Children Seminar

November 4, 2009
6:30 pm	to	8:00 pm

BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN CHILDREN SEMINAR. 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 4. Wesley Preschool will sponsor a free seminar in November that can help parents learn how to increase confidence in children. Local “edutainer” Maureen Mould will be speaker. Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima. For more information, or to arrange free child care, call the church office at 966-2370.

Seminar aims to build children’s confidence

Wesley Preschool will sponsor a free seminar in November that can help parents learn how to increase confidence in children. The seminar will be from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima.

Local “edutainer” Maureen Mould will be speaker at the event. Participants can earn 1 STARS credit for attending. For more information, or to arrange free child care, call the church office at 966-2370.

Haunted House

October 30, 2009
7:00 pm	to	11:00 pm
October 31, 2009
7:00 pm	to	11:00 pm

HAUNTED HOUSE, 911 Central Ave., Yakima; one block north of Nob Hill Boulevard at Fair Avenue. 7-11 p.m. Oct. 30-31. All ages welcome. Cost: Bring a can of non-perishable food, a child’s coat or toy to be donated to those in need. Sponsored by Iron Saints Motorcycle Club and U-Rock Radio 93.7 FM.

Borders Kids Halloween Spooktacular

October 24, 2009

2:00 pm

KIDS HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR. 2 p.m. Free. Children are invited to come in costume to celebrate Halloween with games, spooky music and crafts. Borders Books, 1700 E. Washington Ave., Union Gap. 248-4018.

Next Page »