Tot Rock & Bouncing Experience at BounceU - Register Now!

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Are bringing you the Ultimate

TOT ROCK & BOUNCING EXPERIENCE

June 5^th 2012

10:00-11:00am

Ages 1-5

FREE - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

BounceU of Horsham: 420 Babylon Rd, Horsham

Tot Rock is a unique music experience for kids ages 0-5. It's our spin on a fun approach to enriching your child's life through singing, dancing, and playing a variety of different instruments.  It's a great way to help your child burn off some of that energy, while giving them a solid music foundation that can last a lifetime! We are adding in Bounce time to secure your afternoon NAP!



FREE - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Call 215-674-8644

Learn to Take Better Photos of Your Kids From a Local Pro

Ever wish the photos you took of your kids looked, well, you know... a little better? 

Local mom and professional photographer, Caitlin Domanico, is holding a private session for women on June 10th that can help you learn the techniques you need to effectively capture your wiggly, giggly, sometimes temperamental, and always-entertaining little subjects.

Here's the scoop:

To register, visit http://www.caitlindomanico.com/snapshops. Also, Save the Date for "SnapHappy Minis - Mini Photography Sessions for Charity" on July 15th AND "Unleash Your Inner Momtographer: Photography 102" on September 30th.

Photos & Impressions of North Penn K-12 Art Show... Wow!

A small, unremarkable flyer came home with my first-grader last week stating that a piece of art he had created at school would be exhibited at the K-12 Art Show at North Penn High School on May 23rd and 24th. "What K-12 art show?" was my first thought.

The kids, my husband, my parents who were in town for the day, and I all set out this evening to check it out. We thought it would be a cute little event with some pretty good drawings and paintings. Boy were we wrong.

As we entered through the main doors of NPHS, we joined the crowds of people as they mingled about some very impressive photographs and drawings done by older NPSD students. Digitally alerted photographs, detailed self-portraits, photo collages, snapshots of the ordinary and extraordinary filled the main hall. But what really amazed us was what we saw in the gym.

The gymnasium housed the works from our district's elementary and middle school students. Immediately upon seeing the works of these children, I was entranced...and feeling utterly talent-less. Okay, maybe not completely without talent, but wow. It is just incredible what the kids in our area are capable of! And there are clearly some incredible art teachers in our neck of the woods. Don't believe me? Take a look at some of the photos I snapped tonight...

A personal fave. :)

Amazing middle school work.

This piece won 3rd place in the state in a recent contest!

Middle School piece.

Buy a shirt and tie-dye it on the spot. Brilliant!



Take some unique art home with you & support NPSD arts education, too!

Save the Date for the 35th Annual Lansdale Day!

Don't miss the 35th Annual Lansdale Day! This flyer says it all. Well, all except that North Penn Under Ten will have a table there! Hope to see you there (and the night before at First Friday)!

Give Your Old Bike New Life Overseas - Tomorrow!

I only wish I had seen this sooner, but check out this great collection effort happening tomorrow! The following is re-posted with permission from Franconia Mennonite Church:

Franconia Mennonite Church senior high youth will be collecting used bikes this Saturday, May 19, from 9am to noon at the church on Harleysville Pike in Telford, Pa. These bikes will be repaired and distributed through Pedals for Progress, an organization that collects over 5000 bicycles a year to redistribute in countries in the global south and Eastern Europe.

The bike drive seemed like a perfect project for the active youth group at Franconia, according to drive organizer Bekah Ford.  “Our youth group is interested in sports and being active,” said Ford, a sophomore at Souderton High School.  “We realize that we’re blessed with the tools to do this, including bicycles. The fact that our outgrown and unused bikes could be put to use in countries of need is exciting!”

In addition to bikes, the Franconia youth are collecting sewing machines. Photo provided.

In addition to collecting bikes, the youth group hopes that this event will raise awareness of living conditions around the world.  In comparison, many people in our church community have been blessed with a magnitude of resources, said Ford.  “We believe these [resources] have been given to us so that we may be equipped to bless others in the name of Jesus Christ.”

The Franconia youth group has a big dream: to collect over 181 bikes so that they break Pedals for Progress’ one day collection record this year.  They also are looking for donations of working portable sewing machines, bike wrenches, and funds to cover the cost of processing, shipping, rebuilding, and distributing each bike.  All cash and material donations are fully tax deductible and a receipt will be available at the church.

The collected bikes are transported overseas where they are reconditioned and distributed. Photo provided.

To date, Pedals for Progress has shipped more than 133,500 bikes to developing countries in Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.  In these countries the bikes are reconditioned by partner agencies and distributed at low cost to low-income working adults.  These bikes provide them with reliable transportation for commuting to work, transporting produce to market, or accessing health care and other services.  Steady employment for these adults is vital to the development and success of these countries’ economies.

It’s a simple premise with far-reaching effects, said Ford.  “We hope to inspire generosity and meet new people in the community through this event.”

For more information on the Franconia bike drive, call (215) 815-1672 or email Mike.  For detailed information about overseas projects and a current schedule of bicycle collections, visit www.p4p.org.

Broad Street ReRun Recap with Photos

What a great time we had last Saturday at the Broad Street ReRun! Were you there? Event organizer, Christine Rowe, told me they had the largest turnout of children for the kids' run...ever!

Those hoards of kids (and adults) were there with good reason! In addition to helping the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation raise money to support their work in helping people affected by hemophilia and von Willebrand Disease, the event offered delicious munchies, great music, and beautiful weather, too!

Below are a few photos I snapped during the day and a fun video from our friends at Zeigler's. (Check out the cool dance moves from Zig and the Phanatic and a brief glimpse of the blue North Penn Under Ten tent in the far left at 1:06.)

Many more local races that feature kid's runs or family walks are coming up. Keep checking on the NPUT Programs page to find out how to register for all sorts of local spring and summer fun! More events are being added almost daily!

Couponing For Community Final Results

The results are in... despite a dip in the nationwide collection totals, our own North Penn area collection was up! Way up, in fact! Earlier this week, Devon of MamaCheaps.com and I were stunned by the generous donations made by all of you!

Last year's donations - one BURSTING trunk full.

We divided and conquered, each of us gathering the non-perishable foods, personal care items and paper products from Harleysville Books, the Lansdale Library, the Lansdale Branch of the North Penn Y, Milestones in Music, and Jumpin' Jack's and when we met up at Community Housing Services of Lansdale this past rainy Tuesday morning, we found that this year, we had not one bursting trunk full of goods, but two bursting trunks full of goods for those in need!

This year's donations...

TWO trunks full!

Are you ready for the total? Last year, we collected 365 items. 

This year... 547 needs have been met!!

From cereal to toilet paper to baby food and much more, we were able to deliver 547 items to Community Housing Services who was, once again, so grateful... and also amazed by the generosity of you all. GREAT JOB!!

To everyone who donated and to all of the local collection sites, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for letting us know that Couponing for Community is a worthwhile endeavor and thank you for helping to make the North Penn community stronger and happier for so many people!!

Now, its time to start your stockpile for next May! ;-)

Join The Mud Shack...at BounceU!

North Wales paint-your-own-pottery studio The Mud Shack and BounceU of Horsham are teaming up for a crafty, bouncy time that will be fun for all...and may even solve your "What should we give Dad for Father's Day this year?" dilemma! Register now for this one!

Next week, three different craft times will be available for you to create a personalized, hand-painted mug for someone special...at BounceU! The Mud Shack will provide all the supplies you need and guidance to help create a personal masterpiece.

The event times are as follows:

Wednesday, May 23rd at 9:30-11:30am
Thursday, May 24th at 12:30-2:30pm
Cost is $8.95 per bouncer & $12.00 per mug.

Wednesday, May 23rd at 5:00-8:00pm (Family Bounce)
Painting will be from 5:00-6:15
Cost is $10.95 per bouncer & $12.00 per mug

Price includes a mug, paint and glaze.

Mugs will be available for pick up at BounceU on June 13th. Just in time for Father’s Day! Make Your Reservation today by calling 215-674-8644.

Lansdale Farmers' Market Opens This Saturday!

Opening Day is almost here! It has been a long wait and we know you are as excited as we are about the return of the Lansdale Farmers' Market this Saturday May 19th! Please join us to welcome back our returning vendors and meet some new faces. It's early in the season and produce is just starting to become available, so come early! Our vendors will be stocked with local meats, cheese, baked goods, crafts, jewelry, specialty goods, plants and more! 9 am - 1 pm         Railroad Avenue at Main Street         Rain or Shine Every Saturday through November 3rd We are pleased to host again this season our monthly Kid's Storytime and Craft. As the market enters its fourth season we will be exploring the four seasons of the year through craft and story. Join us this week with your little ones to create seasonal tree paintings. 10:30 am - 11:30 am Every the third Saturday of the month   Joining us for a special treat this Opening Day Chippy the Clown Featuring face painting for kids of all ages! 10 am - 12 pm                                         A full list of the 2012 Lansdale Farmers' Market Vendors: Stay tuned to weekly emails for details about each vendor's attendance Blooming Fields Ken and Matt Ruch Hatfield, PA Jett’s Produce [website] Thad Jett Telford, PA Jus Kiddin Around Farm [website] Linda & Pete Koss Germansville, PA Lund Brothers Nursery [website] Jeff & April Clarke Hatfield, PA M & B Farveiw Farm [website] Bart Hill Hamburg, PA Orchard Hill Farms William Weller Bloomsburg, PA Overbrook Herb Farm Paul Tsakos Lansdale, PA Windy Springs Farm [website] Matt Mood Quakertown, PA Alice Bakery [website] Dennis Darr North Wales, PA Anita's Guacamole  Maricio Mendez Philadelphia, PA Bella’s Homemade Soap [website] Lisa Bruecks Lansdale, PA Boyd’s Cardinal Hollow Winery [website] Chris Boyd North Wales, PA C & L Trinkets and Treasures [website] Helen Case Harleysville, PA El Mariachi Restaurant Horacio Barroso Plumsteadville, PA Green Street Luxuries [website] Freddie & Candy Pack Lansdale, PA Happy Daisy Mae [website] Leslie Neer Lansdale, PA Marcy's Granola [website] Marcy Shenkle Collegeville, PA Mainly Mushrooms Chris Darrah Doylestown, PA The Nut Hut Caleb Mangum Souderton, PA Nutmeg Designs [website] Margaret Almon Lansdale, PA Philly Bill's Dills [website] Tyler Fitzgibbons Doylestown, PA Ristorante Toscano [website] Carl Bruno Lansdale, PA Rocky Ridge Maple [website] Josh Bronson Middlebury Center, PA The Rosie Collection RoseAnne Scanlin North Wales, PA Steve's Pound Cakes [website] Steve Aquilino Chalfont, PA Tabora Farm and Orchard [website] Caleb Torrice Chalfont, PA Walking on Sunshine Alpaca Farm Deborah Bortz Lansdale, PA

Why Should I Join a Moms Group? My Own Story.

I work part-time. 

My kids are already in school a couple of mornings per week.

My child is just a baby.

I work full-time. 

I only have one child. 

I'm not due for two more months.

I can't afford dues or activities.

What if we have nothing in common?

Think parents' groups aren't for you? Do yourself (and your kids) a favor and really think about that again.

My Own Story
I worked full-time right up until the day before my first child was born. I enjoyed it and I debated returning full-time. After my paid leave was up, my husband and I agreed that I would stay home full-time to raise our son. I was overjoyed, yet completely unprepared for what stay-at-home motherhood would be like. (Who isn't?) I was the youngest in my family. I never babysat. Thanks to the heaven-sent nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (my son had a slight breathing issue that quickly resolved its own), I never even changed a diaper until my son was two days old. Talk about clueless.

Those first few months were long. It was winter. Though perfectly healthy, he was a fussy little guy and I didn't know any better than to constantly hold, rock and walk him. In hindsight, who knows, maybe it was reflux or colic. All I knew was I was zapped! I wasn't miserable, but boy was I tired. And restless. And frequently wondering whether I was doing anything right at all.

Early Hope
When my son was four months old, I took my older sister's advice and contacted my local MOMS Club.  The first meeting was great. The president was super upbeat and outgoing and actually hugged me when I arrived. I'm not a particularly touchy-feely person, but I felt so welcomed and chatting with a room full of strangers came incredibly easily. Why? Because were were all Moms. After these last several years, it still amazes me a bit that total strangers can have so much to talk about once they learn that they're both moms.

My moms group offered a slew of activities and get-togethers and I attended quite a lot of them. At first the friendships I made felt a lot like the ones you have with co-workers. We might not have had much in common, except our daily work, but after a while, stronger, more intimate friendships developed. It was such a relief and a joy to have other new moms to talk with and so incredibly helpful to have veteran moms to give advice, as well. As a matter of fact, I found our pediatrician, pediatric dentist, preschool, and countless other resources through the other moms in my moms group.

Today
The baby I brought to those first meetings is now seven and a half and has two younger siblings. Over these past several years, my employment situation has changed, too. I've been a full-time stay-at-home-mom, a part-time contracted employee working from home with occasional out-of-state travel (say that five times fast!). I've worked at home with children under my feet and at home with a babysitter on hand (much easier!).

There were years when I attended almost every single meeting, book club discussion, factory tour, and playdate on the MOMS Club calendar. And years when I only made it to half of the meetings and half of the Mom's Nights Out. But, one thing has remained the same. I've had a few dozen (and growing!) fellow moms who have been at the other end of the phone or a chat box away on Facebook for 3am feedings, bullies, mystery illnesses, prenatal appointments, relationship hurdles, and celebrations of firsts.

A very dear friend of mine who I met through MOMS Club moved out of the area last spring. It was hard for me to see her go and, surely, hard for her to begin a new life in their new town. Yesterday afternoon (honestly!), I received an email from her that she was just elected president of her local MOMS Club. I realize it may sound corny. But, now I know she's happy and thriving and that her family is, too. You know that old saying "If Mama ain't happy...ain't nobody happy"? I think we all know the truth in that!

Motherhood can be brutal. You may have all the patience in the world. You may have as much energy as your kids and then some. You may have a spouse nicknamed Super Dad. But, there are days when being a mom is just plain hard. No matter what.

Whether you work full or part time. Whether your children are old are young. Whether you like running, reading, photography, couponing, swimming, shopping, or your favorite hobby is napping (I have honestly listed that under "Hobbies" on forms before...). There are other moms like you in North Penn.

There is a whole list of parents' groups on the Resources page of the NPUT site. Did you catch that just then where I said "parents"? In most cases, dads are welcome to join "moms" clubs, too! I know the MOMS Club I have been a member of has seen some over the years as has one of the Meetup groups I belong to. We all have some commonalities whether we're male parents or female parents. So, dads, don't be afraid to ask to join in, too!

While we're on the subject, the MOMS Club of North Wales is having an Open House TODAY, Wednesday, May 16th at 10am at Oxford Park, One Cambridge Drive, North Wales. Why not check it out? It doesn't get any more low-pressure than an open-house at a local park! They are also entering all visitors into a raffle for a Wawa giftcard. So nice! [UPDATE: Please note, today's meeting has been postponed and will be rescheduled. The new date will be posted on the NPUT Facebook page and listed on the Calendar.]

If you can't make it to the open house today, take a look at the Resources page. Currently there are fourteen parents' groups listed there. Fourteen! Surely there is one or more for you. Motherhood can be scary. Don't go it alone. ;-)

New Special Needs Accessible Playground In the Works

Have you heard about the Chestnut Street Playground Fundraising Project?

Some dedicated Montgomery County residents have banded together to renovate and revolutionize an aging playground at Chestnut Street and Wile Avenue in Souderton. The playground, which has long been and continues to be a gathering place for area children and families, is in desperate need of repair. But, rather than simply replace a few existing structures with new ones, the group has set a goal to raise enough funds to reinvent the play area to make it more accessible for children (and adults!) with special needs. This unique new playground will be a wonderful gift not only for the community of Souderton, but to families across the greater Bucks-Mont region.

A fundraising campaign is underway with a goal to raise $65,000 before breaking ground early this Summer, which would mean the playground will be ready for families this Fall! Several fundraising events have been planned including a recent one at Jumpin' Jack's Inflatable Playland and an upcoming Block Party on June 23rd. The Chestnut Street Playground Community Cares fund is also something that both businesses and individuals can support through tax-deductible cash donations or by volunteering to help support the campaign hands-on.

 A video of the playground plans can be viewed here. Some highlights include:

• Adaptive Seats with Belts,
• 5 ft. wide black-top pathways for wheelchair and walker accessibility,
• Pour and Play Matting,
• Music Maker with drums, rattles, wheels and more encourage learning and intellectual growth,
• Play-set including brail for the blind.

Anyone wishing to be a part of this exciting project can visit www.ChestnutStreetPlayground.org for more information.

Be sure to join us at the Block Party on June 23rd to celebrate alongside the many commnity supporters of this wonderful project!

Just a reminder that Couponing for Community starts this Sunday!

Drop into any of the following locations this coming week to drop off your non-perishable food, toiletry, household, diaper or paper product donations:

Harleysville Books
Jumpin' Jack's Inflatable Playland and Party Center
Lansdale Public Library
Milestones in Music
North Penn YMCA - Lansdale Branch

Here's how much we collected in 2011.
Can we out-do ourselves in 2012??

Need a little extra "push" to bring this to the top of your To Do list? When you donate an item at Harleysville Books, you'll receive a FREE book! When you donate an item to Jumpin' Jack's, you'll receive $1 off admission! (Please see stores for details.)


Also, consider joining MamaCheaps and North Penn Under Ten next Friday the 11th at Jumpin' Jack's from 5:00 to 8:00PM as we celebrate a successful Couponing for Community 2012!

Latest First Friday, Chalk Walk Details and Map!

Today is the day! Can you feel the excitement in the air?? That's not fog; its antici...pation!!

The Lansdale Patch posted a great re-cap of the details here.

Don't forget to come down early, at 5:00PM to be exact, for the Chalk Walk. Look for Lansdale Business Association volunteers near the Kugel Ball. They will supply you and the kids with chalk so you can help decorate for tonight's First Friday party! They'll also have coupons for the kids to turn in for a FREE smoothie from Arnold's Way! YUM.

Then, stay for more food and FUN as the inaugural First Friday of the 2012 season begins at 6:00!!

See you tonight!!

Head to Jumpin' Jack's For Mother's Day!

Looking for a fun place to spend some time with your kids on Mother's Day? OR...looking for someplace for Dad, your sitter, or the grandparents to take your kids so you can have some "me" time instead? Look no further than Hatfield's own inflatable playland, Jumpin' Jack's!

Enjoy $1 off per child on Mother's Day (no coupon required) AND take $20 off when you book a party for a future date. Both offers are valid on Mother's Day only.

First Friday Lansdale Returns This Week!

Have you heard??

Lansdale First Fridays are returning!!

The first First Friday of 2012 will be THIS Friday!

(Say that five times fast!) The fun starts at 6:00PM!

 

All of your favorite fun will be back! The beloved moonbounce, live music, food vendors...PLUS face painting, games, giveaways, and more! 

Also...this just in...due to the forecasted rain, the Chalk Walk will be held on Friday, too! So, come down a little early (5:00 to be exact), help decorate for the party on the sidewalks of Lansdale, grab your FREE smoothie and stay for even more fun because...

The new Family Corner is a specially-designated area along Madison Street (behind the strip of stores containing Molly Maguire's and Wilson's Hardware). This area will be closed to traffic (Yay!). In fact, Madison Street, North Richardson Avenue, and South Wood Street will be closed to traffic from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The Madison Street parking lot will remain open and may be accessed from North Wood Street, Mill Street or 2ndAvenue. (Did I lose you? See the map below.) :-)

Volunteers wearing green t-shirts will be available to help direct you to specific events and toward parking areas.

To kick off First Friday at 6:00 PM the band The Mighty Manatees will begin performing at the Railroad Plaza/Kugel Ball area and the band Nicos Gun will begin performing on the stage at North Richardson Street.

The Inglewood Elementary Jump Rope Team will perform at the Main Street parking lot at Susquehanna Avenue and Main Street intersection from approximately 6:45 PM until 7:05 PM. (These kids are great and so cute!)

Portable toilets will be located at the end of Railroad Plaza and in the parking lot of the Lansdale District Court near North Richardson Street.

So come on out and see all your friends and neighbors and... fun local children's centers like: Action Karate, Clown Alley, Jumpin Jacks, Milestones In Music, New York Life-Brian Kuhns, North Penn Pediatric Dental, North Penn Under Ten!, Party Bounce Rentals, and The Tutoring Center!

The Lansdale Chalk Walk: Let's Doodle FRIDAY!

PLEASE NOTE: THE CHALK WALK HAS BEEN MOVED TO FRIDAY DUE TO EXPECTED RAIN. So, come on down on Friday at 5:00, and stay for First Friday!!

***

Do your kids like doodling on your sidewalk, driveway, deck or porch with chalk? Have they ever dared to doodle somewhere they shouldn't??

Well, the incredibly-cool folks at the Lansdale Business Association (MUCH cooler than these Australian folks!) have arranged for kids big and small to be allowed to chalk their hearts out...all over Railroad Plaza this Friday at 5:00PM!

Photo I snapped while accompanying a recent
first-grade field trip to the Crayola Factory.

Chalk will be provided. Volunteers will be on hand to offer guidance to children and their parents and stencils will be available for anyone who wishes to use them.

The art will be on display to the whole town as Lansdale First Friday returns Friday night at 6:00!!

It gets better...all participating children will be given a coupon for a FREE SMOOTHIE from Arnold's Way Cafe, conveniently located just a few doors down from Railroad Plaza on Main Street!

So, what do you think your kids might draw?