Make art in the park

Enjoy free craft projects at the park this summer with the Allied Arts Summer ArtsVan. From June 14 to July 30, the van visits two locations each weekday, inviting children to stop by and make some art. This summer’s theme is “I Heart Art,” emphasizing healthy bodies and feelings.

STAR-STRUCK ART In addition to daytime park stops, ArtsVan Family Nights will be held July 7 through Aug. 12. Kids are invited to make “Planet Art” projects Wednesday evenings in downtown Tieton or Thursdays at Yakima’s Franklin Park while listening to the Summer Sunset Concerts.

Daytime ArtsVan weekly themes:

• Stained Glass Hearts, June 14-18
• Healthy Heart Art, June 21-25
• Beating Heart Drum, June 28-July 2
• My Book of Feelings, July 5-9
• Slot Sculptures, July 12-16
• Animal Hearts, July 19-23
• Healthy Heart Mobile, July 26-30

Mondays
10 a.m. to noon: Franklin Park, 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: Miller Park, N. Fourth and “E” streets, Yakima.

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to noon: Randall Park, between 44th and 48th avenues south of Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: Southeast Community Center, S. Eighth and E. Arlington streets, Yakima.

Wednesdays
10 a.m. to noon: Kissel Park, S. 32nd and Mead avenues, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: West Valley Community Park, 323 S. 80th Ave., south of Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima.
Family Night (July 7-Aug. 11): 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Tieton Park, Tieton Avenue and Elm Street, Tieton.

Thursdays
10 a.m. to noon: Chesterly Park, N. 40th Avenue and River Road, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: Milroy Park, corner of N. 16th and Lincoln avenues, Yakima.
Family Night (July 8-Aug.12): 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Franklin Park, 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive, Yakima.

Fridays
10 a.m. to noon: Buena, call 966-0930 for location.
10 a.m. to noon: Toppenish, locations vary. Railroad Park, July 2 and 30; Olney Park, July 9; Lincoln Park, July 16; Pioneer Park, July 23 and Aug. 6.
1-3 p.m.: Wapato Library, 119 E. Third St., Wapato.

Cinema Circle will show ‘Shrek’

“Shrek Forever After” will be the final film of the 2009-10 season for Cinema Circle, a program that allows young children and their caregivers to have a special day at the movies.

The show begins at 11 a.m. June 10 at Yakima Cinema, 1305 N. 16th Ave. The movie is rated PG and will not be shown in 3-D.

Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-6. One child age 3 and younger is free with each paying adult. Children over age 6 are asked to attend a regular matinee. For more information about the program, call 509-965-7100.

UK International Soccer Camps

The Yakima Youth Soccer Association and UK International Soccer Camps will offer several Yakima day camps in August.

Half-day and full-day camps will each be offered for two sessions: Aug. 2-6 and Aug. 16-20. Register at least 10 days prior to camp.

UK Classic Camp will meet from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to players ages 4-14. Cost is $100.

UK Classic Camp Full Day will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2-6. Open to players ages 8-14. Cost is $150.

All camps will meet at the Perry Soccer Complex, 2011 W. Washington Ave., Yakima.

To register, or for more information, visit www.uksocca.com.

Scott Klepach Joins Playdate Magazine!

We are pleased to announce that writer (and dad!) Scott Klepach will join the ranks at Playdate magazine as its new coordinator June 21. Scott is well versed in the media industry, having served as the Yakima Herald-Republic’s first student editor of the “Unleashed” section back in 2000.

Now, with Bachelors and Masters degrees under his belt, and substantial writing and teaching experience, Klepach says he’s ready to take on new challenges with Playdate and the Herald-Republic’s other niche products.

“I’m elated,” said Klepach, referring to his new position with the Herald-Republic. “I think it’s going to be an awesome opportunity.”

Readers can turn to the current issue of Playdate for a sample of Klepach’s writing: he had recently begun a new column in the magazine called “Dad’s Pad,” which are musings on the struggles and rewards of parenting young children. He said he’d like to incorporate readers’ suggestions into the magazine as well. “I’m excited for the challenge,” he said.  We’re excited too!

You can contact Scott, starting June 21, by calling (509) 577-7641 or emailing him at sklepach@yakimaherald.com. You can contact Playdate magazine anytime by emailing talkback@playdateyakima.com or calling (509) 577-7731.

Drop-in Photo Playdate

Mom-photographer Kelly Allan believes the best pictures of children are when they’re having fun, not posing in a studio. To catch kids with candid smiles, the owner of Seven Safaris Photography is hosting three playtime photo sessions this spring at Yakima parks.

For $40 per child, families can drop in to play and hire Allan to capture the moment. Allan will focus on one child at a time on a first-come, first-served basis. Within a week of the photo session, she’ll mail parents a disk of at least 10 images.

The following sessions are scheduled:

• 10 a.m. to noon March 30 at Franklin Park
• 9:30-11:30 a.m. May 13 at Randall Park
• 9-11 a.m. June 15 at Sarg Hubbard Park

To sign up, call Allan at 509-949-7606 or e-mail kellyallan@msn.com.

MOMS Club Park Days

Thought about joining MOMS Club, but haven’t done much about it?  The MOMS Club of Yakima allows anyone to attend two park days before joining.  They have three park days scheduled for the summer:   June 18 @ Randall Park, July 9 @  Wixon Park in Selah, and Aug. 13 @ Franklin Park.  All park days run from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Email Kristi for more information: momsclubofyakima@gmail.com.