Westchester Rivertowns

Macaroni Kid
Macaroni Kid

 

The Beautiful Spring


A Poem for Children!

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"I was here first," said the snowdrop: "look!"

"Not before me!" sang the silver brook.

"Why," cried the grass, "I've been here a week!"

"So have I, dear," sighed a violet meek.

"Well," piped a bluebird, "don't leave me out!  I saw the snow that lay round about."

"Yes," chirped a snowbird, "that may be true; but I've seen it all the bleak winter through."

"I came betimes," sang the southwind, "I!"

"After me, love!" spake the deep blue sky.

"Who is it cares?" chimed the crickets gay: "Now you are here, let us hope you'll stay."

Whispered the sun, "Lo! the winter's past:  What does it matter who's first or last? Sky, brooks, and flowers, and birdies that sing, All help to make up the beautiful spring."

by George Cooper


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Family Fun Day!


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On Saturday, March 20th from 10am to 2pm, at my son Ethan's school, The Christian Pre-School (located in Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church, 43 Ashford Avenue) the gym will be filled with the sounds of families at Family Fun Day! The gym will contain games, crafts, a photo place, face painting, cookie decorating, a tattoo and nail salon, a place for doodling and drawing, a play area, and much more!  There will be food and drink available for purchase and a special music show for children at 1 pm by Java John.  "Cookie Kutz" will be there to do "hair trims" on adults and children for only $10.  Families can participate in the activities as many times as they would like and are welcome to stay as long as they like.  A "Passport to Fun" can be purchased at the door for $15 per child (adults are free) and it includes all of the activities and the music show.  There are also many great raffle items available such as gift cards to Oasis Day Spa, New York Sports Club, Doubleday's, LIFE...the place to be, Linton Dance, Riviera Bakehouse, Red Hat, Lemon Tree, The Cookery, Sam's, Sunny Nails, NY Islanders tickets, and other items such as wine from Rochambeau Wines 7 Liquors, perfume sets from Elizabeth Arden, toys from Unique Toys and Chelsea's Closet, a portable dvd player, toys from the World Wrestling Entertainment, a gift package from Channel 13, and more coming in each day!  Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5....can be purchased anytime...and you don't have to be there to win! It will be a great day for families from all over the Rivertowns!  Join us! 

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This Week's Picks:


March 11th through March 18th

Thursday, March 11 through Friday, March 12 - High School Musical Jr.

Join Ardsley Middle School's cast of actors as they bring the story and music of Troy, Gabriella, and the gang to life! Tickets for High School Musical Jr., are now available for purchase online. 
Where: Ardsley Middle School  
When: 7:00 PM
Who: all ages
How: Order tickets online
Cost of event: adults $9, children $7
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Saturday, March 13 through Sunday, March 14 - Cinderella by the New York Theatre Ballet

New York Theatre Ballet’s one-hour Cinderella is an ideal way to introduce children to ballet.  Cinderella is a perennial favorite of NYTB fans in New York City and across America, who also love the bright, opulent costumes created by Metropolitan Opera costume designer Sylvia Taalsohn Nolan; the whimsical sets -- including the lovable four-legged dancing clock -- and the antics of the two wacky stepsisters.
Where: Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street, NY, NY
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ( Additional shows at 1:00 and 3:30 PM )
Who: All Ages
How: http://www.nytb.org
Cost of event: $25 for children (plus $1) $30 for adults (plus $1)
For more info: 212-679-0401 or Email: info@nytb.org
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Saturday, March 13 - St. Patrick's Day Parade

The parade will include over 20 bands and many community marching groups as well as five floats. After the parade there will be an Irish Cultural Tour featuring Irish music, bagpipers, dance, bar sports and food at ten local downtown pubs.  Free transportation will be provided along the Cultural Tour route by White Plains Bus Company.
Where: Mamaroneck Avenue
When: 12:00 PM
Who: all ages
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: (914) 686-0239
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Thursday, March 18 - Brett Band Concert & St. Patrick's Day Activities

Join Citibabes for St. Patrick's Day themed arts and crafts and a live concert with the Brett Band in their playground. Brett and his full band will put on a lively concert and songs from his Parents Choice Award winning album, "Brett Band for Kids!" He'll have the whole family rockin'!
Where: Citibabes, 7 Popham Road, Scarsdale
When: 3:45 PM
Who: Ages 1-5
How: Please RSVP to scarsdale@citibabes.com.
Cost of event: The cost is free for members and $10 for non-members. 
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This Week's Calendar:


March 12th through March 21st

Friday, March 12 - Book Groups @Ardsley Library

Cookies & Critics: Eat great cookies and talk about great books!  grades 3 & 4  4:00 p.m:  4/5 & 5/3
Reading Rox (and Pizza Too!) Drop in for a delicious pizza snack, a cold drink and great book discussion.  grades 5 and 6. 4:00 p.m:  4/9 & 5/7
Critic's Corner Discuss engaging books while munching on something good to eat! grades 7 and up. 6:00 p.m: 4/8 & 5/13
Where: Ardsley Public Library
When: n/a
Who: grades 3 and up
How: registration required
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: (914) 693-6636
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Saturday, March 13 - Hastings Winter Farmers Market

Indoor Winter Market at James Harmon Community Center. The Market moves Outside on April 10, May 8 & June 5 to its usual home in The Hastings Library Parking Lot. Please park in the Commuter Lot.
Where: James Harmon Community Center, Hastings
When: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: Pay for what you buy
For more info: Hastings Winter Farmers Market [link] 
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Saturday, March 13 - Trees: Heroes of our Planet

Come see our exhibit and learn the anatomy of a tree, the role trees play in a healthy ecosystem, and the many threats that they face from the people they serve so well.  The exhibit includes pictures, charts, hands-on displays and more.
Where: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale
When: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM ( Through Oct. 3, 2010. No Fridays - Center closed )
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: Included with museum admission.
For more info: 914-723-3470 or http://www.greenburghnaturecenter.org
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Saturday, March 13 - Free Crafts for Kids

The Lakeshore Learning Store  in Scarsdale has free crafts for kids every Saturday! This Saturday's project is called "Pot 'o Gold Bank!"
Where: Lakeshore Learning Store, Midway Shopping Center, 969A Central Park Ave., Scarsdale, NY 10583
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Ages 3 and Up
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: 914-472-1820 or www.lakeshorelearning.com
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Saturday, March 13 - Family Art Project at Wave Hill

This Weekend:  Flutter, Spin and Glide. Play in the winds of March with fun, easy-to-make streamers, pinwheels, spinners and wind socks. Free with admission to the grounds.
Where: The Sally and Gilbert Kerlin Learning Center, Wave Hill, Riverdale NY
When: 1:00 PM ( Another session at 2:30 PM )
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up! 
Cost of event: FREE with grounds admission:  Free to Members and children under 6.  Saturday: Free 9am to noon year-round
$6 Adults, $3 Students and Seniors 65+, $2 Children 6+
For more info: Parking is $8.00 per vehicle on-site but offsite parking is available  http://www.wavehill.org/visit/
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Saturday, March 13 through Sunday, March 14 - You Can't Take It With You

A stage adaptation of the Pulitzer and Oscar-winning comedy with the underlying lesson to find the courage to do what you really want to in your life.  Presented by Clocktower Players Adult Troupe
Where: Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington
When: 7:30 PM ( 2PM on Sunday and again next weekend )
Who: Ages 13 and up
How: Call 914-591-6602
Cost of event: $28 for adults and $20 for students
For more info: http://www.irvingtontheater.com
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Sunday, March 14 - Indoor Farmers Market at the Westchester County Center

Fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, maple syrup, honey & jams, meats, wines, dairy products. All products grown and produced by New York State farmers and vendors. Live entertainment. 

Where: Westchester County Center White Plains
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM ( Sunday 3/14 )
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up
Cost of event: Free admission. Parking $4.
For more info: (914) 995-4050 or www.countycenter.biz
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Sunday, March 14 - A New Suburban Lifestyle - Tips to Settle

Please join babybites Westchester and Citibabes for an educational, practical and energizing class to help you make the most of your new status as a “Mom in the ‘Burbs”.
The class is led by life coach Laurie Jane Wolk and founder of busybusyhappy and the school of suburban happyness.
Laurie will help you identify that "storybook home" inside your head and uncover that which you truly enjoy. With that knowledge, you will go further and build for a successful transition. From there, Well, happyness happens. PLUS One lucky mom will win the Ultimate Stepford Mom Package...! ... A cupcake courier for those mom bake sales, gloveable funky dishwashing gloves for the stylish "neatnik" mom in all of us, and more.
Where: Citibabes, 7 Popham Road, Scarsdale
When: 10:00 AM
Who: ALL moms welcome to attend - stay at home moms, working moms, part time working moms, work from home moms.  Babies are welcome too, but why not see if you can sneak away for a couple hours and leave Daddy in charge? 
How: Space is limited to 12 moms.  Please RSVP to http://westchester@babybites.com
Cost of event: $25.00
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Sunday, March 14 - Pizza at Frankie and Fanucci's

The Rivertown Play Group is Making Pizza at Frankie and Fanucci's!  Make your own pizza and decorate pizza boxes while you wait!
Where: Frankie and Fanucci's, 202 E. Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale
When: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Ages 1+
How: RSVP at http://www.therivertownplaygroup.com
Cost of event: $10.00 per child
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Sunday, March 14 - Maple Sugaring Party

Family fun to celebrate the end of winter and the peak of the maple sugaring season, when the warming daytime temperatures encourage the sap to flow. Featured events include depictions of Native American and Colonial style sugaring sites, candy and ice cream making, and live music.
Where: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Ages 2 and up.
How: For discounted rate, register and pre-pay by Thursday, March 11.
Cost of event: Early registration rates: Members-$4, Non-members-$8. Day of event rates: Members-$6, Non-members $10 per person.
For more info: http://www.greenburghnaturecenter.org
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Sunday, March 14 - Hands On on the Farm at Stone Barns

  Pitch in with hands-on farm activities every Sunday this winter, and see how farm life changes with the seasons! You may collect eggs from the Center’s hardworking hens or lend a hand in the Greenhouse.  
Where: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Road , Pocantico Hills, NY 10591 (Tarrytown on GPS)
When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: ages 2-14
How: please enroll by calling: 914-366-6200 x151
Cost of event: Registration fee of $10.00 is for children and youth ages 2 — 14. Adults may accompany free of charge.
For more info: http://www.stonebarnscenter.org
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Sunday, March 14 - St. Patrick's Parade - Tarrytown

Join Grand marshal Tom Kennedy for this annual celebration.

Where: Route 9 and Main Street, Tarrytown
When: 1:30 PM
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: 914-909-6519 
or 
www.tarrytowngov.com
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Monday, March 15 through Wednesday, May 26 - Children's Storytimes @Ardsley Library

Preschool Storytime  Go upstairs as a group, without caregivers, and are treated to stories, songs, flannel board stories and puppets. Wednesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. 1/20 -5/19. no sessions on 2/17 & 3/31 
Two's Company With caregivers. Hear stories and rhymes, sing songs and join in with the Ardsley Toddler Marching Band! Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. no sessions on 2/17 & 3/31 
Bouncing Babies Join Nora Maher and introduce babies to stories, rhymes, songs, musical instruments and other bouncing baby treats. Every Friday at 10:30 a.m. 1/15 -5/14. no sessions on 2/19 & 4/2.
Where: Ardsley Public Library
When: n/a
Who: preschool 3.5-5 years, toddlers 2-3.5 years, babies 6 months - 2yrs
How: registration required
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: 914-693-6636
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Monday, March 15 - Nature Bugs

Each Monday at GNC, explore nature on the lawn and in the woods, meet a museum animal, and do a craft or nature game!
Where: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale
When: 1:30 PM
Who: For Toddlers
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: $9.00, children $7.00
For more info: 914-723-3470 or http://www.greenburghnaturecenter.org
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Tuesday, March 16 - The Rivertown Play Group's Monthly Play at Citibabes

Meet old friends and make new ones with The Rivertown Play Group at one of Lower Westchester's premiere indoor playgrounds.  Afterwards, take your toddler to snack or dinner at Citibabes' fabulous cafe!
Where: Citibabes, 7 Popham Road, Scarsdale
When: 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Who: Ages 0-3
How: RSVP at http://www.therivertownplaygroup.com
Cost of event: $10.00 per child
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Tuesday, March 16 - The Rivertown Play Group's Pilates Party

Enjoy a free half-hour class, stay and mingle and enjoy some after-workout snacks!
Where: Center for Movement, 846 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale
When: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Parents/Adults
How: RSVP at http://www.therivertownplaygroup.com
Cost of event: FREE
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Wednesday, March 17 - Critters, Crafts and Kids

At the Greenburgh Nature Center, children and parents or caregivers come for an hour of nature fun.  Enjoy wonderful winter days at the Center with walks, live animals and stories.
Where: The Center is located at 99 Dromore Road, off Central Park Avenue, in Scarsdale
When: Wednesdays 10 - 11 AM
Who: Ages 18 months - 5 Years
How: Just show up - this is a drop-in class!
Cost of event: Tuition per class: Members: $5 adult; $4 child.  Non-members: $8 adult; $7 child
For more info: (914) 723-3470 or visit www.greenburghnaturecenter.org.
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Wednesday, March 17 - Salsa Babies

Learn basic steps to Latin dances with your baby in tow!
Where: Groove Performing Arts, 157 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont
When: 12:30 PM
Who: Toddlers and their caregivers!
How: Call 914-834-3383
Cost of event: $20.00
For more info: http://www.findgroove.com
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Thursday, March 18 - Celebrate Dr. Seuss's Birthday at GNC

Come celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday at the Greenburgh Nature Center. Children will watch Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax Movie and be able to see and touch LIVE animals. Supervision will be provided by GNC staff members.Meanwhile parents can share their ideas for our Future Playground, learn about our Core Master Plan and become involved in our growth. Snacks will be provided.
Where: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale
When: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM ( Same time again on 3/18 )
Who: Ages 2-8
How: Pre-Registration is suggested http://www.greenburghnaturecenter.org
Cost of event: FREE but The Lorax hard cover books and stuffed animals will each be available for a $10 donation.  Proceeds will be used for the GNC Playground.
For more info:  Parking is free, and handicapped parking is available. 
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Friday, March 19 - TRPG and Kids Unplugged's Baby/Toddler Hike

Join the gang for an outdoor hike.  (Dress warm!) Backpacks and jogging strollers welcome for non-walkers.
Where: Halsey Pond between Dobbs Ferry and Irvington.
When: 11:00 AM
Who: All Ages
How: RSVP at http://www.therivertownplaygroup.com
Cost of event: $8.00 donation requested
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Friday, March 19 through Saturday, March 20 - Family Fun Night

A Family Fun Night at Stepping Stones Museum, with Curious George includes a light dinner, hands-on activities, storytime and a photo with George himself!
Where: Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Norwalk, CT  
When: 6:00 PM - 8:30 AM
Who: all ages
How: reservations required
Cost of event: $12/person, free for children under 1
For more info: www.steppingstonesmuseum.org ,203-899-0606
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Saturday, March 20 - Greenburgh Police Child Passenger Safety Seat Event

Have your child's car seat inspected for recalls and make sure it's installed properly.  Certified technicians will also verify that your child is in a proper child passenger safety restraint.
Where: Big Dee Volvo/Jaguar Service Center, 499 Old Tarrytown Road, White Plains
When: 11:00 AM
Who: All ages.
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.police.greenburgh.com
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Saturday, March 20 - The Beauty of Ugly

Take a look at some unusual animals and learn about what makes them so special and their unique abilities to survive in the wild.
Where: Lenoir Nature Preserve
When: 2:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: http://westchestergov.com/parks
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Saturday, March 20 - Singing Harp's "The Frog Prince"

The classic Grimm's tale about transformation through perseverance, courage, and faith is illuminated with dance and live harp music.
Where: Warner Library, 121 North Broadway, Tarrytown
When: 3:30 PM
Who: All ages.
How: Reservations are suggested.  Call 914-232-1233
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: http://www.warnerlibrary.org
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Sunday, March 21 - TADA at Barnes & Noble

Spring Barnes & Noble Bookfair Performance & Event! PERFORMANCE IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

TADA!'s Resident Youth Ensemble will be performing songs from original TADA! musicals
Shop with the TADA! voucher # 10156305 all day long on Sunday, March 21, and 10% of your purchases supports TADA!'s programs for kids! Voucher can be used for both in-store and online purchases.
Where: Barnes & Noble
Upper East Side
150 East 86th Street
When: 3:00 PM
Who: all ages!
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: Online fundraiser: March 21-26 at www.bn.com/bookfairs
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Plan Ahead:


March 21st through March 29th

Sunday, March 21 - UJA "Hop, Skip and Jump into Spring" Fundraiser

UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester and Citibabes invite you to skip, hop, and jump into Spring! Join other Westchester Jewish families for a morning of fun including a music concert with the Bandmates, Mitzvah projects, open play space and indoor playground, arts & crafts, and more!
Where: CITIBABES, 7 POPHAM ROAD, SCARSDALE
When: 9:30 AM
Who: THE WHOLE FAMILY
How: For advance tickets contact Rachel Cyrulnik at 914.761.5100 ext. 128 or Tammy Brass at 914.761.5100 ext. 133.
Cost of event: he cost is $36 per family in advance and $45 at the door.
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Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 - Spring Break Jams at Groove!

JAMS at Groove are the ultimate interactive musical experience for the whole family and are offered on Saturdays, holidays and vacation weeks to give working parents and families new to Aardvarks the opportunity to check out all that Groove has to offer. Each JAM is led by 2 talented musician/educators who really know how to play!
Where: Groove 157a Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont, NY
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: 6mos - 5 years
How: Registration required at http://www.findgroove.com.
Cost of event: $15/first child, $10/siblings
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Macaroni Music


I'm a Rock Star!

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The most recent CD “I’m a Rock Star” by Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights is energetic, comforting, and musically diverse. Her insightful and thoughtful lyrics will open the door to talk about real life situations with your children and her warm voice makes the entire CD enjoyable to sing along to, dance to, or just listen to on your next errand.You can purchase this great CD at www.citykidmusic.com   By Katherine Howard - Katherine is a cultural anthropologist with an amazing kid-connection, Katherine has spent her life surrounded by music of all kinds and brings a sophisticated perspective to the sometimes silly world of children’s music and entertainment!  katherineH@macaronikid.com

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Macaroni Safety


Buckle Up!

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On November 24th, 2009 NYS law changed making it mandatory for children under eight to be in a proper child safety restraint system, although it is recommended that any child under 4 feet 9 inches tall be using a belt positioning booster of some sort.  Most parents believe that installing a car seat is simple, but there are far more things to think to about than just making sure the latch belt is tight. It is estimated that 75% of all child car seats are installed incorrectly or used improperly. Here are a few important things to think about when installing your child’s restraint.
The child seat should not move more than 1” side to side at the base, the area where the seat bottom meets the seat back. Using the latch system and seat belt does not provide extra protection. Studies show that one or the other is sufficient.  Utilizing a device such as the Mightytite® may make your car seat snug, but it actually stretches the seat belt and studies have been shown these to cause seat belts to break in an accident making your car seat, and child, a projectile.
It is also important to keep your child rear facing as long as you can. While having the ability to see your child may put you and your child's mind at ease, rear facing seats provide much more head and back support than front facing. To get more information on child passenger safety, or to have your child’s seat inspected, you can contact a local CPST. Visit www.safekids.org to find the nearest CPST in your area.  - Chris Dimon, owner of Safe Hampton (www.safehampton.com) and Child Safety Professional

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Winter Sun Catcher!


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Add a little color to this dull grey winter!
Make color ice cubes by adding 1-2 drops of food coloring to the water in each section of a ice cube tray.  The colors will run together in the pan later so use complimentary colors.  Freeze the ice cubes completely.
Fill a round cake pound about 2/3 full with water.  To make a hole for a ribbon, set a plastic cup full of water in the pan.  Place the pan in the freezer for about an hour.  Put the colored ice cubes in the pan and let all the liquid freeze completely.  Remove the plastic cup, flip the frozen sun catcher out of the pan and hang from a tree branch with a ribbon.
I can't wait to try it!

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