Win a Family 4-Pack to Disney on Ice, Dare to Dream!!

For a chance to win a

Family 4-pack of tickets 

to 

Disney on Ice 

Dare to Dream 

at the United Center 

(Wednesday, February 1, 2012 

at 7 p.m.):

 Like us on Facebook, 

THEN, e-mail Lisa Bakewell, Managing Editor (Lisa at familytimemagazine do com) with your contact information (email, phone, and address). 

NOTES: 

•  Contestants will be given one (1) chance to win.
•  Winner will be chosen at random (www.random.com) by 12 noon (CST) on Wednesday, February 1, 2012.
•  Winner will be notified via email.
•  Winner will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the show. Location: 1901 West Madison Street  Chicago, IL 60612 (312) 455-4500

About the Show:

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream!!

Get tangled up in the newest thrilling show to hit the ice, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths!  Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss.  And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime!  Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream comes to your hometown!  Playing United Center Feb. 1-12, with ticket prices starting at just $12 on opening night.

Chicago Events: Valentine's Day Dances and Parties in the Parks

The Chicago Park District celebrates Valentine’s Day in February with numerous dances and parties throughout the city including the traditional daddy-daughter/mommy-son dances.  Most events feature recorded music, refreshments, photo opportunities, games and an arts and crafts station. 

 

Many programs are admission free or have nominal entrance fees.  Please contact each individual park for additional information.   Click here to watch a video about Valentine’s Day events. 

Following are highlights:

 

Valentine’s Day Dance

Thursday, Feb. 2, 7-8:30 p.m.

Durkin Park, 8445 S. Kolin Ave., 773-284-7316

Admission $2, ages 3-5

 

Family Valentine’s Day Dance

Friday, Feb. 3, 7-9 p.m.

Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave., 773-685-7235

Admission $5, all ages

The Horner Park Jazz Band will provide live music for this family event.

Tropical Treat Nights

Wednesdays, Feb. 8 and 15, 3-6 p.m.

Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave.,

Admission free, all ages

To honor the red-heart month, this program focuses on the “sweet plants” of the Conservatory.  Fact and flavor stations will be staffed by educators throughout the Conservatory, featuring chocolate, vanilla, banana, cinnamon, chewing gum, and more.  Come taste your way through the Conservatory’s tropical paradise.  Due to extensive hail damage, the Conservatory’s public space is limited.  Tropical Treat Nights are replacing Sweet Saturdays, a regular event which has been cancelled for 2012.

Cupid’s Corner

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m.

Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, 312-742-7726

Admission $5, all ages

 

Family Valentine’ Dance

Thursday, Feb. 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Gompers Park, 4222 W. Foster Ave., 773-685-3270

Admission $5 per couple, all ages

 

Valentine’s Day Dance

Friday, Feb. 10, 4-6 p.m.

Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., 312-328-0821

Admission $10, all ages

Daddy-Daughter/Mother Son Dance

Friday, Feb. 10, 6-8 p.m.

Smith (Joseph Higgins) Park, 2526 W. Grand Ave., 312-742-7534

Admission $5, all ages

 

Teen Valentine Dance

Friday, Feb. 10, 7-9 p.m.

Gompers Park, 4222 W. Foster Ave., 773-685-3270

Admission $5, ages 11-13

Family Valentine Dance

Friday, Feb. 10, 7-9 p.m.

Bosley Park, 3044 S. Bonfield St., 312-747-6026

Admission free, all ages

Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dance

Monday, Feb. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Skinner Park, 1331 W. Monroe St., 312-746-5560

Admission $5, ages 2-5

Valentine’s Day Dance

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Daley Bicentennial Plaza, 337 E. Randolph St., 312-742-7649

Admission $10 per family, ages 2-5

Valentine’s Day Dance

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 3 p.m.

Cole Park, 361 E. 85^th St., 312-747-6063

Admission $3, ages 9-17

Valentine’s Day Dance

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 3-6 p.m.

Kennicott Park, 4434 S. Lake Park Ave., 312-747-7138

Admission $5, ages 6-12

Valentine’s Day Party

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 4-5:30 p.m.

Cornell Square Park, 1809 W. 50^th St., 312-747-6097

Admission $1, ages 6-12

 

Family Valentine’s Dance

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6:30-8 p.m.

Eugene Field Park, 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave., 773-478-9744

Admission $4, all ages

 

Daddy-Daughter/Mother-Son Valentine Dance

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Mayfair Park, 4550 W. Sunnyside Ave., 773-685-3361

Admission $4, all ages

Nutritious School Lunches on the Horizon?

KIDS’ SAFE AND HEALTHFUL FOODS PROJECT 

 

The following is a statement from Jessica Donze Black, project director for the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project:

“We applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for issuing final guidance to help schools across the country serve healthier meals to students. The updated nutrition standards for school meals are now in line with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government's evidence-based guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and decrease the prevalence of obesity.

“This means children will see more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains on their cafeteria trays. Meals also will include more low-fat and nonfat dairy products, and less fat and sodium, and calorie levels will be appropriate for different age groups. Not only are these changes good for students, but they also give parents more assurance that schools support their efforts to provide healthy foods to their kids.

“The focus on improving school meals comes at a critical time for children’s health.  Nearly one in three adolescents in the United States today is overweight or obese, and young people increasingly suffer from diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. We know that reversing this trend will not be easy, and that action will be required on many fronts–not just in educational settings. But because many children consume more than half of their daily calories in school, making sure schools serve healthier foods is a good place to start. Healthy students also tend to do better in school, paving the way for a stronger economy through a better-prepared workforce and reduced healthcare costs.

“We look forward to seeing schools across the country prepare and serve more nutritious meals in the 2012-2013 school year. The new standards are strong, and local administrators can continue to make even more improvements on their own. Indeed, thousands of schools already are serving healthier meals and can demonstrate successful approaches. USDA’s final nutrition guidance provides a roadmap for all schools to follow in their efforts to promote a healthy learning environment.” 

The Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project provides nonpartisan analysis and evidence-based recommendations on polices that impact the safety and healthfulness of school foods. This project is a collaboration between the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Learn more at www.HealthySchoolFoodsNow.org.

Downers Grove Park District Receives Fitness Equipment Donation from Local Family

The Downers Grove Park District received a donation of outdoor fitness equipment in early January from the Vachaparambil family, area residents who frequently use McCollum Park.

Matthew Vachaparambil came to the Downers Grove Park District with the idea of the donation after some travels abroad as well as domestic where he had seen the use of outdoor fitness equipment in many parks. Outdoor fitness equipment has been trending upward recently, likely due to the economy as no gym membership fees are required to use the equipment. Matthew’s intention was to contribute to improving quality of life thereby helping people avoid injuries or sickness that could be prevented and ultimately saving on health care costs. Vachaparambil stated "Exercise, especially out in the fresh air is the best way for overcoming any kind of adversity and to increase the quality of life".

The donation is valued at nearly $40,000. Park staff was able to install eight pieces of fitness equipment within the playground area of McCollum Park on January 11^th, due to unseasonably warm weather. A poured-rubber surface was installed below two wheelchair-accessible pieces of equipment, and playground mulch surface was installed surrounding all other equipment. The outdoor fitness area is now open for use year round.

The Downers Grove Park District will recognize the Vachaparambil family for this generous donation with a bronze plaque at the site. The Park District hopes the community will take advantage of the outdoor fitness equipment at McCollum Park to improve health and wellness in 2012 and years to come. 

The Downers Grove Park District is dedicated to providing a wide variety of year-round recreation programs, facilities, parks, open space and natural areas that respond to the articulated needs and desires of residents. For more information, call (630) 963-1300, or visit www.dgparks.org .

One Place: Special Needs Events

We are pleased to announce new events at One Place for Special Needs: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Transitioning to Public Schools, Hillside, IL Ends Wednesday, February 15, 2012 Click for details Thursday, February 9, 2012 Coffee & Conversation at Aspire, Hillside, IL Click for details Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Beginning Your Journey:Navigating the Road of Having a Child with Special Needs, Northfield, IL Click for details You have requested daily event updates. You can click here to change this setting or change the items on your alert list. You can also click here to browse all of our events. Regards, One Place for Special Needs www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com

Family 4-Pack Ticket Giveaway: Disney on Ice 'Dare to Dream' at Allstate Arena!

TO WIN a 4-pack of tickets 

to Disney on Ice "Dare to Dream" at Allstate Arena (for the Wednesday, January 25th performance at 7PM), we want to hear from you!

For your chance to win…

•          Comment below (Tell us why you'd like to win these tickets);
•          Like us on Facebook ;
•          Follow us on this blog;
•          Follow us on Twitter (if you have an account); and/or
•          Tweet this post;
•          Then, e-mail Lisa Bakewell, Managing Editor  at Family Time Magazine (Lisa at familytimemagazine dot com) with your contact information (e-mail, phone, and address), and let us know if you: "Liked us on Facebook," "Followed us on Twitter,"  "Tweeted this Giveaway," "Commented on this post," and/or "Followed us on this blog." 

NOTES: 

•          Contestants will be given one (1) chance to win PER type of entry for the contest (i.e., comment, Facebook, Twitter, following the blog). Note: Comments cannot be copied and pasted. All comments must be original to count as an entry.
•          Winner will be chosen at random (www.random.com) on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 after 5 p.m. CST.
•          Winner will be notified via e-mail and must respond to e-mail on or before noon on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.
•          Winner will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the show. Location: Allstate Arena at 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018-3697. Phone: (847) 635-6601.
•          Tickets will be held in the winner’s name at will call. 

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE:

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream!

Get tangled up in the newest thrilling show to hit the ice, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths!  Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss.  And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime!  Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream comes to your hometown!  Playing Allstate Arena Jan. 25-29 and United Center Feb. 1-12, with ticket prices starting at just $12 on opening night.

Plainfield School District 202: Special Education PTA Event

The Special Education PTA will host four speakers who will share information about community resources on Thursday, January 26, 2012. The presenters will speak after the regular meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. 

Sue Parsons of The Plainfield Public Library will speak about sensory story times; Christy Woodall of Sertoma will discuss special needs hearing tests; Tara Conley of Sibs Network will talk about support for siblings of those with special needs; and Sheri Cassidy of West Side Therapy will give information about various therapies their firm offers.

The meeting will be be held at the Administration Center at 15732 Howard St. There will be time for questions and answers after the presentations. 

Events at Apple Holler!

Do you have the guts? If so, take the plunge!

Registration is now open for the Chicago Polar Plunge, taking place Sunday, March 4, 2012, at the city’s North Avenue Beach. Fearless Chicago weather warriors are invited to plunge into the chilly waters of Lake Michigan, with proceeds benefiting SCC/Special Olympics Chicago.

Plungers can register for this year’s Chicago Polar Plunge by visiting www.sochicago.org. At that website, participants will have the opportunity to create their own fundraising page to jump-start their efforts. Registrants are asked to raise a minimum of $125. Participants are welcome to fundraise and plunge with a team or individually. Complimentary bus service will be provided for teams of 20 or more people.

The Chicago Polar Plunge has quickly become known as a “must attend” event in the city, with over 1700 people taking part last year. The fun kicks off at 10 am when plungers are invited to enter the icy waters of Lake Michigan. Plungers are invited to go waist high or to take the full plunge. Once the dive is concluded, all are invited to a “Melt Down Party” which will take place inside the North Avenue Beach boathouse and in expanded heated tents from 11am-2pm. Admission is free and participants will receive free food and non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar will be available.

“The Polar Plunge is the top fundraising event of the year for Special Olympics Chicago,” said James Sheahan, President of SCC/Special Olympics Chicago. “The day is a fun and inspirational event for those attending. But more importantly, the Chicago Polar Plunge helps to change the lives of over 5,000 Chicago-area Special Olympians, by providing much of the funding necessary to provide year-round activities, programs and events for our athletes. It is tremendously important event for Special Olympics Chicago and its athletes and families.”

This year’s Chicago Polar Plunge is generously supported by Commonwealth Edison, Microsoft Store, Potash Markets, Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants and Events, the Score 670AM and WXRT-FM.

For more information on the Chicago Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Chicago, please call 312.527.3743; or email scc@sochicago.org

'Supermoms' Web Series Premieres Today on Facebook

Stars Joey Lauren Adams, Hank Baskett, Julie Warner, Lourdes Benedicto and Brennen Hesser take on Diapers, Laundry and Evil Villains in this New Online Series 

 

Today, RedLever Studios, in collaboration with Emmy Award-winning producer Jonathan Prince (American Dreams) announced the premiere of the highly anticipated web series, SUPERMOMS, presented by The Clorox Company, a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products, live today on Facebook. The episodes are also being syndicated across the Joost Media Network.

The series stars Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy, The Break-Up), Julie Warner (Nip/Tuck, Tommy Boy), Lourdes Benedicto (V, 24) and Brennan Hesser (So noTORIous) as four women who not only share the common bond of motherhood, but also the uncommon responsibility of being superheroes working together to foil their arch-enemy, Dr. Deconstructo. It also features the acting debut of football and reality star Hank Baskett (Kendra),

The show’s retro-style feel offers both live-action and animated “superhero” storylines, with the moms bouncing between their real identities and their animated alter egos. It’s a throwback to classic superhero characters and cartoons and is an excellent metaphor for the “super” in all moms!

SuperMoms everywhere can tune in for new episodes every Tuesday on Facebook.  Each of the eight episodes will also be concurrently syndicated across the Joost Media Network.

Who:               Brennan Hesser, Joey Lauren Adams, Julie Warner, Lourdes Benedicto, Tabitha Morella, Tim Rock, K Callan, Hank Baskett, Jacob Hopkins, Caitlin Carmichael, Jake Borelli, Patrick Fabian and Larry Poindexter

When:             Premieres today, January 17 with additional episodes launching every Tuesday.

 https://www.facebook.com/supermoms?sk=app_233445463400196

Scholastic: Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears

NEW RELEASE ANNOUNCMENT   JUST IN TIME FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH, SCHOLASTIC PRESENTS A COLLECTION OF THOUGHTFULLY CURATED, AWARD-WINNING TALES WHY MOSQUITOS BUZZ IN PEOPLE'’S EARS … AND MORE AFRICAN FOLKTALES Release Date Date: January 31, 2012 Retail Price: $14.95 Perfect for celebrating Black History Month and learning about stories from the African tradition, Scholastic Storybook Treasures™ presents five stories on DVD, two of which have never before been released: “Not So Fast Songololo” and “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” In the title tale “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears” -- a Caldecott Medal winner and West African origin story from author Verna Ardema and illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon -- a mosquito lies to a lizard, who puts sticks in his ears and ends up frightening another animal, which down a long line causes a panic. In the end, an owlet is killed and the owl is too sad to wake the sun until the animals hold court and find out who is responsible. The mosquito is eventually found out, but hides in order to escape punishment. So now, it constantly buzzes in people’s ears to find out if everyone is still angry at it. Other stories include “Hot Hippo” and “The Village of Round and Square Houses”, and the DVD includes Scholastic’s ever-popular read-along function. The original stories have won the prestigious Caldecott Medal Award, the Horn Book Fanfare Award, and more. Combined, the original books have sold more than 150,000 copies. The Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVDs consistently win awards from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Parents’ Choice, NAPPA and other organizations. BONUS FEATURE ·         Innovative Read Along Function PROGRAM INFORMATION Type:  DVD/Single Catalog #:  NNVG254491 Running Time: 60 minutes Genre:  Kids’/Animation Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo

Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

"Powerful: African-Americans in Energy"—Black Creativity 2012Jan. 25 - April 15, 2012

Included in general admission. Requires a free timed-entry ticket (available onsite).This year’s Black Creativity exhibit, Powerful: African-Americans in Energy, lets you explore sources of energy in a fun, hands-on way; discover the impact they have on our lives; and learn about African-American leaders in this field. To engage all ages, the exhibit will feature a unique, “energy landscape” miniature golf experience. In nine holes, learn about energy sources as you “putt” your way through different forms of energy: oil, natural gas, wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear power, just to name a few. The final hole ends with an opportunity to “putt the vote” and choose your energy future.

Learn More »

Kids Engineer Fun Over Spring Break at DuPage Children's Museum

Keep kids busy and their minds active this spring break by registering them for an engineering-themed day camp at DuPage Children's Museum. Choose from three different options for children ages 5-10, topics ranging from flight to LEGO® pieces. Two-day and five-day sessions are available in the morning or afternoon.

“Spring break camps are the perfect way to keep young minds sharp over the school break,” said Margaret Hanly, Associate Director of Programs at DuPage Children's Museum. “Hands-on fun keeps campers engaged while they learn and practice new concepts.”

Soar away with DuPage Children's Museum’s newest camp, Up, Up & Away! This camp for kids ages 7-10 explores the wonders and fascination of flight. Campers will design, build and test their own aircrafts while studying physics principles that make flight possible. Camp will run from Monday, March 26 – Tuesday, March 27, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. each day. Make sure to register early and save $10. Sign up by February 29 and camp costs $100 for members and $110 for nonmembers. After February 29, fees are $110 for members and $120 for nonmembers.

With access to over 100,000 pieces of LEGO®, Play-Well TEKnologies engineering with LEGO® camps provide children the opportunity to build what they have only dreamed about while completing real engineering challenges. Play-Well TEKnologies will run two camp sessions from Monday, March 26 – Friday, March 30. The first session, for ages 5-6, will run from 9:00 a.m. – Noon. The second session, for ages 7-10, will run from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Each session costs $167 for members and $197 for nonmembers.

Pre-registration is required for all camps. Children do not need an adult partner present to participate. An adult must drop the child off and pick the child up at the room. Registration can be completed online atwww.dupagechildrensmuseum.org  or by calling the Museum at 630-637-8000 ext. 0.

Event: Pre Valentine's Dance

We are pleased to announce new events at One Place for Special Needs: Saturday, February 4, 2012 Pre Valentine's Dance Fever, Forest Park, IL Click for details