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July 26th, 2010
The Art Centre Theatre (formerly Teatro delle Muse), proudly announces its production of: Willy Wonka’s Magical Chocloate Factory
Performed by Children ranging in ages from 4-21, Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The memorable score features “The Candy Man”, “Pure Imagination”, “Oompa Loompa” and ”I Want it Now” by Academy® and Grammy® award winners Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. The play was cast, rehearsed, set built and music learned all within a two week period. Cast members met on Monday July 12 at 1:00 and have rehearsed every day since for 4 to 6 hours every day, Monday through Friday, and some weekends to get their show ready. The show has a two week run and features children from throughout the DFW area. ½ price ticket days are Wed. and Thursdays throughout the run of the show.
“This is a truly student run show,” Jamey Jamison Executive Director Art Centre Theatre, “ the kids do everything, from the lights and sound to the costumes and the set … oh and did I mention they sing and dance too?”
“This year we invited kids from the City of Plano’s “Jumpstart” to come be in the show as well . We auditioned them and picked several especially talented kids who we scholarshiped into the program,” Jamey Jamison, Executive Director of the Art Centre Theatre, “This is a very diverse cast of rugged experience and raw talent. We are very pleased.”
“I am very excited about this show,” Kathy French, Director, “ It has all the elements that good theatre has, and the music is just phenomenal, we have some really good singers in this cast – exceptional.”
“I love this part, it is one of the most fun things I have done all summer,” Taylor Timm – AKA Willy Wonka, “I am really enjoying the process of BECOMING someone else.”
Willy Wonka will open Wednesday, July 28 , 2010 and perform through Sunday Aug. 8, 2010. Performances for Willy Wonka will be Wed., Thurs., Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm, and Saturdays & Sundays at 3:00pm. For exact dates and show times please visit our web site and click on the “Productions” Tab or “Tickets” Tab. Ticket prices are $12 online or $15 at the door. Advanced online purchase (before opening) are only $10 with coupon code “Willy”. For tickets, please visit our website, www.ArtCentreTheatre.com. Online ticketing is available with NO service fees and allows patrons to select preferred seating.
The ArtCentre Theatre (formerly Teatro delle Muse), strives to offer a full range of professional theatre. Selected works will include classic, contemporary and new plays that audiences will find entertaining as well as thought provoking. Involvement from the community will cross all demographic lines to include educational programs and community service projects. The Theatre is located at 1028, 15th Place (northwest corner of Avenue K and 15th Street) in historic downtown Plano. For further information, please visit our web site www.ArtCentreTheatre.com
Tags: art center theatre, children, entertainment, family, plano, play, tickets, willy wonka
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July 20th, 2010
When I was in college, my girlfriends and I would go visit the local SPCA, just to share some love with the animals, we all loved cats and dogs. Of course, we would inevitable end of taking one home that we just couldn’t live without. Over the years, we have adopted quite a few dogs and cats from around the country at local shelters. When people ask me where to go to get a new pet, I always tell them to go to their local SPCA, the need is greatest and the pets are amazing, plus you are doing something great by adopting a homeless pet. In fact, at Easter this year, we adopted a brand new kitten, Lightning, who is living up to his name.
I as so glad to see this new partnership between Time Warner Cable and SPCA. Read all the details below. How fun to preview pets right from home!
TIME WARNER CABLE AND SPCA OF TEXAS PARTNER TO BOOST PET ADOPTIONS WITH “PAWS ON DEMAND”
Search for adoptable dogs and cats from home on TWC on Demand
(Dallas, Texas) – Time Warner Cable is ushering in the “dog days of summer” by teaming up with the SPCA of Texas to showcase adoptable dogs and cats on its newest on demand feature, PAWS on Demand.
PAWS on Demand features short video clips of dogs and cats, as well as detailed information on adopting the pet through the SPCA of Texas’ locations across the Dallas area.
Digital Cable customers can view all adoptable pets on Paws on Demand for free by selecting On Demand with their remote control, then choosing North Texas on Demand. Inside the North Texas on Demand folder, picking Local Content accesses all of the adoptable dogs and cats on Paws on Demand.
North Texas on Demand allows customers to watch local, original programming for free, 24 hours a day. Customers can rewind, fast-forward and pause, all On Demand programs.
“We’re happy to be working with the SPCA of Texas to help reduce Dallas’ homeless pet population and find loving homes for these dogs and cats,” said Gary Underwood, vice president of communications, Time Warner Cable North Texas. “TWC’s North Texas on Demand is the home of exclusive local content like PAWS on Demand, area high school football, Texas travel programs and much more.”
“We are thrilled about this wonderful partnership with Time Warner Cable and the Paws on Demand programming. Paws on Demand will give our animals a fantastic opportunity to be seen and have their voices heard in a new and exciting way,” said James Bias, president of the SPCA of Texas. “Because of Paws on Demand, people can visit our animals any time from the comfort of their homes and then come in to one of our shelters to adopt.”
About the SPCA of Texas
The SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare agency in North Texas. The non-profit organization operates two shelters and two spay/neuter clinics located in Dallas and McKinney, and maintains a team of five animal cruelty investigators to respond to thousands of calls in eight North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each others’ lives. The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other humane organization. The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. For more information, visit www.spca.org or call 214-742-SPCA (7722).
About Time Warner Cable North Texas
Time Warner Cable is bringing the best in technology, innovation and entertainment to the North Texas community. Thanks in part to a recently completed improvement project, all North Texas residential and commercial customers passed by Time Warner Cable, now have access to the latest technology delivered over a robust fiber rich network. Customers can choose to bundle Digital Home Phone, Road Runner High Speed Internet service and digital video service from one local provider. Plus, Time Warner Cable delivers full-time, local customer service and technical support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, visit www.timewarnercable.com/dallas or call 972-PICK TWC (972-742-5892).
Tags: adopt pet, animals, cats, dogs, kids, shelter, spca, time warner cable north texask, twc
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July 19th, 2010
Texas Global Education and Cultural Exchange (TGE) is looking for host families to host students beginning July 24 for one month. Read on if you are interested in learning more.
TGE provides two incredible life-changing opportunities for Texas teens and their families:
· Hosting a youth: Expand your horizons this summer by hosting a youth from Greece or Japan for a month!
· Becoming an ambassador: Explore the world next summer by being an ambassador to Australia, Costa Rica, Greece, or Japan!
We need additional families to host teens who arrive in Texas on July 24. PLEASE consider inviting a delegate to become a part of your family from July 24-August 21. The delegates are youth (ages 12-18) and adult chaperones from Japan and Greece.
Hosting a delegate from Greece or Japan:
The rewards for welcoming a student or chaperone into your home include: increased compassion for people new to a different culture; increased skills in adapting to differences in values and behavior; improved language and communication skills; new friendships.
We match students to families based on mutual interests – and the age/gender of the host “brother” or “sister.” The youngsters are responsible for their own spending money; there is not a financial burden to the host family. Your responsibility is to treat each student as a member of the family and provide meals and lodging with the host sibling.
We are looking for host families that will show these students the meaning of American culture and Texas hospitality!
If you cannot participate this summer:
· Let us know if you’d like to be included on the mailing list for next year – to host a delegate or send your teen to another country.
Outbound Opportunities for 2011:
Teen homestay in Japan, Greece, Australia or Costa Rica: Your teen (14-18 years old) can reap the rewards of being a part of another family next summer. He or she will be treated like a family member and learn about the culture, food, language from the day-to-day interactions with his “brother” or “sister” for 2-4 weeks. Host families and potential delegates are screened prior to being accepted. Orientation and fund-raising support is provided.
Chaperones: A chaperone accompanies each group of ten delegates. Chaperone candidates provide personal references with their application and must pass a background check and be interviewed prior to being accepted. Like the delegates, chaperones stay with host families. Teachers or other adults who recruit a group of 10 students can become the chaperone for those delegates.
Other Outbound Opportunities. In addition to the month-long homestays, TGE can coordinate Family Home stay in Japan as well as many other countries. We also can provide a College Student Study Abroad with our IFYE program.
Contact Linda Smittle at tge.linda@gmail.com if you’re interested in outbound opportunities.
Sponsor Organization:
The home stays are sponsored by Texas Global Education and Cultural Exchange (TGE) and their partner organizations in Australia, Costa Rica, Greece, and Japan. Information about TGE, a non-profit organization, and the opportunities available are on TGE’s web site: http://www.texasglobaleducation.org/.
Help Spread the Word:
We count on individuals like you to spread the word and let others know about TGE’s educational / exchange opportunities. Please forward the information to others and let us know how we can help you spread the word.
In you have questions or need additional information, please contact one of us.
Thank you and regards,
Susan Kilpatrick – Inbound Coordinator for Texas Host Families
tge.susan@gmail.com
(940) 241-3097
Linda Smittle – Outbound Coordinator for Texas Traveling Teen Ambassadors
tge.linda@gmail.com
(972) 562-7356
www.TexasGlobalEducation.org
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July 13th, 2010
Photo Courtesy of McKinney CVB
The feature story on Yahoo, courtesy of Money magazine, this morning was about the Best Small Towns to Live in in the United States. Two of our very own Collin County cities made the list. McKinney came in 5th and Allen 16th. I have always been proud to be a resident of Collin County and to live and work in this area. It is an easy place to raise a family and I personally love the strong focus on families and the variety of great activities for kids to be found in any one of our great cities.
McKinney was cited for a variety of reasons, jobs, affordable housing, atmosphere but one of the most important features was the fabulous downtown area. Kudos to the City of McKinney for a job well done. Once the construction on I75 is done, it will be that much better! That was the main minus on the list, traffic!
If you have not been to McKinney in a while, take a road trip! The shops, restaurants and atmosphere of downtown are charming, not to mention the great Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings. McKinney regularly hosts a variety of fun activities in their downtown square. You can find them on our calendar at http://www.northtexaskids.com.
Like McKinney, Allen has great schools and a thriving community. It is becoming a shopping mecca and even hosts a minor league hockey team. Their new convention center is gorgeous and they are home to one of the best spray grounds (Celebration Park) in the area, always a favorite on the NTK Summer Fun list.
Want to see the complete list? Click here.
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July 6th, 2010
I don’t know about you, but it’s easier to get my son to the dentist than it is to get him to sit down and read a book. I don’t care what he reads and try to help find books I know he would be interested in. Thankfully, there are some great choices out there this summer. I just got a great new sci-fi series called The Prometheus Project by Douglas E. Richards. I read it first, of course, might motivate him if he knows I read and liked it… it’s worth a shot anyway! I know I am looking forward to reading books two and three in this fun series! The cool technology in the book will appeal to any reader, boy or girl, who is a fan of sci-fi and I love the our two heroes, a brother and sister team of Reagan and Ryan.
AUTHOR/SCIENTIST DISCUSSES WHY ACTION, ADVENTURE, AND – ALIENS – ARE A MIDDLE GRADE READERS BEST FRIENDS!
– Middle-Graders and Educators Give New Science Fiction Series an A+!
In all of science, there is probably nothing more mysterious than the mind of a middle grade reader. Okay, that’s probably a stretch but bypassing the firewalls that protect a 12-year olds’ gray matter from books with boring plotlines would challenge the likes of Euclid, Newton and Einstein.
Enter Douglas E. Richards, molecular biologist and author of The Prometheus Project, a new science fiction series that has cracked the middle grade reader’s super secret ‘it-better-not-be-boring’ code. According to Richards, the formula was pretty simple.
“Action, adventure, danger, creepy creatures and crushes hide the fact that all the science in the series is real,” Richards says. “As a young reader I loved the awesome plots found in science fiction books, as well as the mind-expanding science contained in them…as long as the science didn’t get in the way of action and adventure!”
The Prometheus Project series chronicles the adventures of Regan and Ryan Resnick, who are forced to move from San Diego to the backwoods of Pennsylvania, ‘the most boring place in the world’. Boredom is soon replaced however by unmitigated amazement when the siblings discover an abandoned alien city underground –and that’s just the beginning.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way young readers are embracing the series,” says Richards, “and thanks to the science, the books are also being endorsed by educators across the country – which is a fantastic bonus…just don’t tell the kids!”
Douglas E. Richards, a frequent contributor to National Geographic KIDS magazine, received his Master’s in Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin and his MBA from the University of Chicago. The Prometheus Project series has been listed as “recommended literature” by the California Department of Education, and endorsed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and science teacher associations around the country. Richards will be a ‘special guest’ at Comic-Con in San Diego this year. To learn more visit www.douglaserichards.com. Copies of Trapped, Captured and Stranded are available at all major booksellers.
Tags: boys, douglas e. richards, prometheus project, science fiction, summer reading
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July 6th, 2010
by Stephanie Arbetter
When I think of the morning rush before work/school/gym/insert activity here, I can’t help but guiltily admitting that more often than not, breakfast becomes a measly banana at most, but many times almost nothing at all. How glorious it would be if I allowed myself that extra ten minutes to sit down and indulge myself in what should be part of the routine, but I guess you just can’t have your cereal and eat it too. When I got this email from Mom’s Best about their survey and about the upcoming Better Breakfast Month of September, I knew I had to make a change. So many Americans can’t get enough of their cereal, what with the huge variety we all have available to us at the grocery store. So - if you are like me, I encourage you to hit snooze 1,2 or 10 less times a couple mornings a week during the month of September to enjoy an American tradition. Plus, if you think you are alone, read on … people are willing to give up some serious things for cereal!
And, if my argument wasn’t strong enough, then just think of the amazing and healthy example you will be setting for your kids when you have a nutritious bowl of cereal with them at the start of the day.
How Many Americans Would Give Up Dessert for Cereal?
More Than You Think!
New Survey from Mom’s Best Naturals® Reveals Americans’ Love Affair With Cereal
MINNEAPOLIS (March 31, 2010)-What would you give up dessert for? For a surprising number of Americans, cereal would do the trick: nearly 17 percent would give up dessert for a month in exchange for eating their favorite cereal every day during that period, according to a recent survey from Mom’s Best Naturals cereal.
In fact, more than 80 percent of survey respondents would pass on more than just dessert to ensure a bowl of cereal daily, including:
- Happy hour (29 percent)
- Eating out (15 percent)
- Shopping (12 percent)
- Sex (11 percent).
These are just a few of the findings revealed in a recent survey commissioned by Mom’s Best Naturals cereal in honor of Better Breakfast Month in September. In a quest to understand American’s relationship with the most important meal of the day, this survey uncovered some of our country’s cereal habits including the fact that close to six in 10 Americans (57 percent) have at least three different kinds of cereal in their kitchen cabinets. Further, it showed that natural and organic foods are even becoming a higher priority at the breakfast table as 12 percent of those surveyed make a point to always purchase organic cereal varieties.
“Americans really love their cereal, as evidenced by the indulgences they’d be willing to go without in exchange for a daily bowl,” says Linda Fisher, consumer marketing manager for Mom’s Best Naturals. “We’re glad to provide nutritious, affordable cereals that help satisfy this craving.”
Luckily for today’s shopper, they can still get great-tasting cereal they love without sacrificing their desire to provide wholesome, budget-friendly food for their family. Each of Mom’s Best Naturals family-favorite varieties use only the highest-quality ingredients and are free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup. They’re also priced 20-50 percent less than popular national brands and other natural and organic cereals.
Visit the Mom’s Best Naturals website for additional survey results.
About Mom’s Best Naturals
Mom’s Best is a family-owned, Minnesota-based company, located in the heart of the nation’s breadbasket. The brand name honors the founder’s wife and all mothers who teach their families the importance of good food and are stewards of a healthier and more sustainable life. The company strives to make choices that benefit families, enhance communities and sustain the environment. Mom’s Best focuses on the needs of families by keeping costs as low as possible while offering high-quality, natural cereals with no artificial colors or flavors, no artificial preservatives, no hydrogenated oils and no high fructose corn syrup. The company packages all of its cereals in recycled paperboard and demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by minimizing waste and purchasing 100 percent of the electricity consumed by the production of its natural cereals from Windsource®1, a network of wind turbines that generates electricity for regional use.
1 Windsource® is the U.S. registered trademark of Xcel Energy, Inc.
About the Study
The Mom’s Best Naturals survey was conducted by Kelton Research between February 22 and March 1, 2010, using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population ages 18 and over.
Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results.
In this particular study, the changes are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.
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July 2nd, 2010
by Stephanie Arbetter
This is one of the cutest contests I have seen in a long time! Each month, Hope Cottage Pregnancy and Adoption Center hosts a baby photo contest on their Facebook page and the winner of the contest gets a prize. Based on the picture submission I just saw for July, there is some stiff competition out there! Moms, you already take lots and lots of pictures of your babies in their adorable patriotic clothing, why not post the cutest picture on Facebook for a prize? Boy would I have loved to win the “I am an adorable baby” prize back in the day. Here is the link to the Hope Cottage Facebook Page
The rules are too easy: all you have to do is post a photo of your baby/child (subject in the picture must be age 3 or under), on the Hope Cottage Pregnancy and Adoption Center Facebook page. This month’s theme is Patriotism but the theme changes every month. Post your baby’s picture following that month’s theme by 5 pm on the 10th of the month. Here are the themes for the upcoming months: (just so you can plan ahead when you’re shopping!)
July (post by 7/10) Most Patriotic Baby
August Most Summer Lovin’ Baby (baby having the most fun at a summer activity)
September Baby I’m Gonna Be…. Baby dressed as what they are going to be when they grow up
October Lil Punkin babies dressed up as pumpkins
November Lil Turkeys babies epitomizing the Thanksgiving season
December Santa Baby - babies dressed with a Santa Theme
You don’t have to be adopted from Hope Cottage to participate and, remember, the event is FREE! Just post the photos on our Facebook page. Your baby can be all grown up – they just have to be age 3 or under in the picture submitted. If anyone has any questions, please contact Leslie Clay.
Leslie Clay | Chief Development Officer | Hope Cottage
214-526-8721, ext 242 | toll free: 800-944-4460 | email: lclay@hopecottage.org | www.hopecottage.org
4209 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75205
Hope Cottage nurtures and builds families through education, counseling and adoption services.
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June 30th, 2010
 Circus Classes Offer a Unique, Creative and Fun Addition to Fitness Routines
The circus captivates the imagination of the young and the young-at-heart with everyone dreaming of running away with the circus. Now, join the circus without leaving town! Whether you are a skilled performer, a brand-new beginner, or simply looking for a fun way to get in shape, Lone Star Circus School offers year round recreational and professional circus training for children (ages 3 and older) and adults in traditional circus arts including the aerial silks/tissu, trapeze, Spanish web, aerial ring, hula hoops, contortion, acrobatics, Rolla Bola, tight rope, trampoline, and more.
Circus skills are a great form of recreation and exercise for kids and adults. It is a unique, fun and creative way to build on strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, agility and general physical conditioning. It is also a great opportunity to develop other essential life skills including teamwork, poise, responsibility, creativity and confidence.
Lone Star Circus School is located in North Dallas at The Palaestra at 4335 N. Beltwood Pkwy, Farmers Branch, Texas 75244.
Harness the magic and power of the circus by enrolling in Lone Star Circus School, the only professional circus training program in Texas. For more information on class offerings, schedules and fees, visit http://www.lonestarcircus.org or call 214/206-1449.
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June 24th, 2010
by Stephanie Arbetter
With those summer days inching along, it is easy to run out of ways to keep kids busy. If your children are tired of sidewalk chalk, then perhaps some arts and crafts projects for the 4th of July are just what they need! Below I have provided two suggestions that may be fun for the whole family. They are from Debbie Scaccio, an Arts & Crafts Specialist and the staff at Block Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Block is an educational facility in New York City dedicated to providing services to children and adults with special needs ranging from global development delays to cerebral palsy and many other conditions.
The suggestions below were specifically thought of for children with special needs, but most any child will find these crafty projects enjoyable!
Summer Fun for July 4th
Arts and Crafts Ideas for Children with Special Needs
From: Debbie Scaccio, Arts & Crafts Specialist, and the staff at Block Institute
Activity - Straw Painting
Materials:
- red, white and blue tempera paint
- large construction paper
- straws
- water
- paper towels for clean up
Directions:
- Place construction paper on ground outside
- Pour paint into small dishes
- Put end of straw into paint, then hold straw over paper and blow paint
- Allow to dry before hanging
Skills Addressed:
- Increased attention and focus to task
- Following step by step directions
- Making choices
- Color recognition and identification
- Oral motor skill development
- Perceptual motor skill development
- Increased art appreciation
- Development of positive self esteem through success of completing project.
Activity - Chalk Shadow Drawing
Materials:
- red, white and blue chalk
- Hose connected to water supply
- A sunny day
- Paper towel towels for clean up
Directions:
- Show child their shadow on the ground on a sunny day
- Have child trace outline of your shadow and fill in body spaces
- Use sprinkler or hose to wash off sidewalk when finished.
Skills Addressed:
· Increased awareness of self and body parts
· Recognition and identification of body parts
· Receptive and expressive language skill development
· Concept of shadow
· improves focus attention to task
· Sensory motor skill development
· Perceptual Motor skill development
· Eye-hand coordination
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