What To Do This Weekend... If You Are Stuck in Town, I mean :-)

For those of you who follow SJM on Facebook, you know that I have had some trouble with my blogger account and calendar the last couple of weeks... hopefully it is fixed now! Sorry for any inconvenience!

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Alright Folks, it is one rainy, dreary day out there.... and the weekend's forecast isn't much better :-(

Really, though... what were you expecting? .... It IS May 24 in Newfoundland! ;-) And, you're all anxious to get out in the trailer/tent/cabin anyways, so I am certain a bit of RDF will not dampen your spirits!

If you are in town, there is still FUN to be had.... here are some suggestions:

• Head over to Axtion (8 Trout Place, off Topsail Rd. in Mt. Pearl) for some indoor fun including rock climbing, slides, a giant spider web, rope climbing and more!

Axtion (source)

• Learn about planets, geology and the Titanic, then enjoy a 3D movie at the GEO Centre (see movie schedule here)
• Step back in time at The Commissariat House, open 7 days/week now for the summer Season! (BTW: You can purchase a Season pass to ALL of the Provincial Historic sites for only $10! Talk about a bargain! Visit their site here and click on the guide for more information)
• Partake in the Kids' Club Program at the Fluvarium. May's theme is May Flowers
• Stroll through MUN Botanical Garden and feed the ducks - they'd love to see you, even in the rain ;-)
• Visit the petting farm at Lester's Farm, Brookfield Rd. 

Baby Goat! (source)

•  You know Thomas Amusements is in town, right? (See post here)

Have a great weekend!

Here is a snapshot of the week ahead.... details as always in the calendar, here. 

Sat May 18

• Alive Adventures Drumming Circle 
• Fluvarium Kid's Club: May Flowers 
• Butterflies storytime at The Mount Pearl Public Library

Sun May 19

• Sundays at the Garden  
• St. John's Kid Hava Java Playdates - Hava Java  
• Children's Read-Along - The Rocket 
• CLB Sunday Market - CLB Armoury, Harvey Road 
• Fluvarium Kid's Club: May Flowers 
• Clovelly Stables Rides by appt 
• Flea market @ Jack Byrne Arena 

Mon May 20

• Victoria Day

Tue May 21

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - Family Childcare Connections 50 Pippy place, St. Johns 
• Active Start program at the NL Sports Plex (Crosbie Rd) 
• Big Fun for Little People at The Rooms 
• Little Toot Tuesdays 

Wed May 22

• Baby Steps 
• International Day for Biological Diversity @ MUN Bot. Garden
• Free Admission @ The Rooms - The Rooms 

Thu May 23

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - FCC - 50 Pippy Place 

Thomas Amusements 2013 Calendar & Locations

Hello folks - the following is from www.thomasamusements.ca!

Thomas Amusements Calendar 2013

as of May 17th, 2013. Click here for updates. 

• Town
• Location
• Start Date
• End Date

Kelligrews	ROBERT FRENCH ARENA	May 16, 2013	May 20, 2013
TORBAY	JACK BYRNE ARENA	May 23, 2013	June 02, 2013
GOULDS	GOULDS RACE TRACK	June 05, 2013	June 09, 2013
WHITBOURNE	WHITBOURNE ARENA	June 13, 2013	June 16, 2013
MARYSTOWN	PENINSULA MALL	June 19, 2013	June 23, 2013
PARADISE	PARADISE COMMUNITY CENTRE	June 26, 2013	July 01, 2013
BONAVISTA	CABOT STADIUM	July 04, 2013	July 07, 2013
GRAND FALLS	DUUGAN STREET	July 10, 2013	July 14, 2013
CLARENVILLE	CLARENVILLE EVENTS CENTRE	July 17, 2013	July 21, 2013
BAY ROBERTS	BAY ARENA	July 24, 2013	July 28, 2013
GANDER	COMMUNITY CENTRE	July 31, 2013	August 05, 2013
CORNERBROOK	PEPSI CENTRE	August 09, 2013	August 18, 2013
STEPHENVILLE	KINCOURT	August 21, 2013	August 25, 2013
DEER LAKE	POWER SPORTS FIELD	August 28, 2013	August 29, 2013
SPRINGDALE	INDIAN RIVER HIGH SCHOOL	September 01, 2013	September 02, 2013
BAIE VERTE	TOMMY RICKETTS ARENA	September 05, 2013	September 07, 2013
TO BE DETERMINED	T.B.D	September 11, 2013	September 15, 2013
TO BE DETERMINED	T.B.D	September 18, 2013	September 21, 2013
HARBOUR GRACE	S.W. MOORES ARENA	September 24, 2013	September 29, 2013

Recalls - Safety 1st Style Right wood swing gate model AND the Safety 1st Style Right wood pop-in security gate

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources

Health Canada reports of a recall involving Safety 1st Style Right wood swing gate model and the Safety 1st Style Right wood pop-in security gate. Health Canada's sampling and evaluation program has determined that the products identified do not currently meet the requirements for Expansion Gates under Canadian law. The wooden slats on the gate can detach, posing a fall hazard to infants and toddlers.

See HSW Products tab for specifics on the affected items (including additional photos).
▲Health Canada and Dorel Distribution Canada have received 4 reports of incidents, including one minor injury.

Sold at Walmart, Sears, Costco and other retailers in Canada from June 2012 through April 2013.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled gates and contact Dorel to obtain a free replacement product.
For more information, consumers may contact Dorel toll-free at 1-877-672-2355, from Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or by email.

Recall - Fill Your Own Panda Play stainless steel food container - excess lead

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources Health Canada reports of a recall involving Fill Your Own Panda Play stainless steel food container. Health Canada’s sampling and evaluation program has revealed that these containers contain lead in excess of the allowable limit. Children can ingest harmful amounts of lead when they chew, suck or swallow items containing lead. See HSW Products tab for specifics on the affected items.  Lead is highly toxic and can enter the body through the digestive system or the lungs. See Hazard tab for more information. The recalled stainless steel food containers were sold across Canada from July 1, 2010 to April 25, 2013. Corrective Action:Consumers should stop using the recalled Fill Your Own Panda Play stainless steel food containers immediately. Consumers should dispose of the product or request a replacement unpainted stainless steel lid. For more information, consumers may contact Fill Your Own by email or visit the firm's website.

Recall - iCandy Cherry model strollers

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources

Health Canada reports of a recall involving iCandy brand Cherry model strollers. The opening between the bumper bar and the seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant's body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children when a child is not harnessed.

See HSW Products tab for specifics on the affected items (including additional photos).
Sold through various retailers in Canada from August 2009 to December 2012.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately remove the bumper bar from the strollers and contact iCandy America Inc. to receive a free replacement bumper bar.
Consumers can continue to use the strollers while awaiting the replacement bumper bar.
Consumers can contact iCandy America toll-free at 1-877-484-4179, email or visit the firm's website and click "Important Safety Information – iCandy Cherry".

What To Do This Weekend - Free Comic Book Day and Composting at MUN Botanical Garden!

Well folks, the first weekend in May, and ya know what that brings?

Come on, now, two majorly fun things....

That's RIGHT! 

Free Comic Book Day is here! 

source

AND....

MUN Botanical Garden has opened again for the Season!

source

Happy Dance!

So, here's a plan for this weekend folks:

• On Saturday, take a morning jaunt to your favourite participating comic book store (find them here). Marvel at all the reading material you can get for FREE for your kids (yes, stuff even the most finicky reader will read ;-) Squeeze in the Kids Craft at Michael's Craft Store on the way home...
• Then, on Sunday, start off with the Children's Read-Along in the AM at The Rocket and then head over to MUN Botanical Garden, to wander the paths, say hello to the ducks in the pond, see if you can spot a squirrel or a rabbit.... and don't forget to pop into the Three Cheers for Composting Family Fun Program while you are there. If you still have time, swing by the Reid Centre in Mt. Pearl for the Crime Prevention Family Fun Day!
• Don't forget to have Mexican for supper on Sunday as it is Cinco de Mayo!

In the week ahead, there are a few items worthy of note as well:

• there is an online auction in support of Brooke Gidge (7 yr old with Leukemia who hopes to raise $10K for The Janeway!) - bidding has already begin and is open until early evening May 7th. Find it as Brooke's Buddies Silent Auction on Facebook. 
• and a couple of presentations of interest to parents: 
• on Monday- "Kids Have Stress Too"
• on Wednesday- how children acquire narrative language skills and the role parents play

Here is the short & sweet list. Details as always are in the calendar.

Have an amazing weekend!

Fri May 3

• Active Start program at the NL Sports Plex (Crosbie Rd) 
• Brooke's Buddies Silent Auction

Sat May 4

• Free Comic Book Day (First Saturday in May) - Comic Book stores: http://www.freecomicbookday.com/StoreLocator
• Thanks for Helping Me Grow Clay Pot @ Michael's
• Kiwanis One Day
• Fluvarium Kids' Club: May Flowers
• Alive Adventures Drumming Circle 
• Brooke's Buddies Silent Auction

Sun May 5

source

• Cinco de Mayo!
• Sundays at the Garden  
• St. John's Kid Hava Java Playdates - Hava Java  
• Children's Read-Along - The Rocket 
• THREE CHEERS FOR COMPOSTING FAMILY PROGRAM @ MUN Botanical Garden
• Fluvarium Kids' Club: May Flowers
• CLB Sunday Market - CLB Armoury, Harvey Road 
• Family Fun at the Rooms - Letters & Art 
• Clovelly Stables Rides by appt 
• Mount Pearl Citizen's Crime Prevention Committee Family Fun Day @ Reid Centre
• Flea market @ Jack Byrne Arena 
• Brooke's Buddies Silent Auction

Mon May 6

• Kids Have Stress Too
• Brooke's Buddies Silent Auction

Tue May 7

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - Family Childcare Connections 50 Pippy place, St. Johns 
• Active Start program at the NL Sports Plex (Crosbie Rd) 
• Big Fun for Little People at The Rooms 
• Little Toot Tuesdays 
• Celebrate Canadian Children's Book Week at the A.C. Hunter Children's Library
• Brooke's Buddies Silent Auction (BIDDING ENDS)

Wed May 8

• Baby Steps 
• Presentation: how children acquire narrative language skills and the role that parents play
• Free Admission @ The Rooms - The Rooms 

Thu May 9

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - FCC - 50 Pippy Place 

Recall - Remote-controlled Banshee Helicopter with Lights

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources

Health Canada reports of a recall involving Remote-controlled Banshee Helicopter with Lights. The rechargeable battery inside the helicopters can overheat and ignite the helicopter, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers or nearby items.

See HSW Products tab for specifics on the affected items (including additional photos).

Midwest Trading Group, Inc. in the United States has received one report of a helicopter overheating with flames coming from the helicopter and one report of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Sold at various retailers in Canada from October 2011 to December 2011.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Tech Electronic Services for a full credit or replacement.
For more information, consumers may contact Tech Electronic Services toll-free at 1-888-883-2704 from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. For service in French, please email the company.

Bullying Resources from Healthy Canadians

As for most parents, Bullying at school, on the bus or at the playground is a concern of mine. I am not always 100% sure how to best help my children, so I was thrilled to find some great resources on Healthy Canadians pertaining to this issue. The best thing - actual "things to say"... because we know what we want them to understand, just not always how to say it best. Here are the tips for dealing with Bullying issues among 4-11 yr. old children... more details and parent information available on Healthy Canadians here.

Bullying (Ages 4-11)

When the cycle starts

The cycle of bullying often begins between the ages of four and 11 when children are forming their own social identities at school and through other activities. No matter when it starts, it's important to remember that bullying is not a normal part of growing up. It needs to be dealt with directly by adults who are willing to recognize there is a problem and take whatever steps must be taken to stop it.

The different kinds of bullying

Physical

• Hitting
• Kicking
• Punching
• Pushing/Shoving
• Stealing

Psychological - Verbal

• Insults
• Name-calling
• Threats
• Comments about how someone looks or talks
• Comments about someone's ethnicity (culture, colour, religion)

Psychological - Social

• Gossiping
• Rumours
• Ignoring
• Not including someone in group activities

Results

• Can hurt a child's body, damage belongings (clothes, toys, etc) or make a child feel badly about himself or herself.
• Can make a child feel badly about himself or herself.
• Can make a child feel alone and not part of the group.

How to help

If a child comes to you for help with a bullying situation, he or she may need reassurance as well as practical advice. Use your judgment about the circumstances and get as many details as you can. Here are some things you can say:

If the child is being bullied

• "Stay calm, try to show you won't get upset. Anger can make things worse."
• "As soon as you get bullied, find an adult you trust and tell the adult what happened. It is your right to be safe."
• "If you are afraid to tell an adult, ask a friend to go with you."
• "Stay close to friends or children you know will stick up for you."
• "Stay away from places you know bullying happens."
• "If bullying continues, walk away and join other children or ask someone for help."

If the child sees someone else being bullied

• "Speak out, you can help by telling the bully to stop - nobody deserves to be bullied."
• "If you are afraid to speak out alone, ask a friend or many friends to do it with you."
• "Comfort the person who was hurt, tell them they don't deserve what happened."
• "If you are afraid or telling them doesn't work, find an adult you trust to help you."
• "Help children who are bullied. Invite them to participate in your school activities - this will help them not feel like they are alone."

Assurances you can give children:

• "Despite how it seems, it is not a hopeless situation. Something will be done to stop the bullying, I will help you."
• "There is always someone who you can talk to about bullying, whether it's me or another adult/teacher at school."
• "Remember, if you walk away and get help, you are part of the solution. If you stay and watch, you are part of the problem."

Keeping Kids Safe - Tips From Toronto Police

This was posted on the 42 Division - Toronto Police Service page on Facebook... Great tips for ALL parents on keeping our kids safe :-)


A missing child is a parents' greatest nightmare. In order to keep our children safe, here are some tips to consider:

Tips for Parents 

• Do not dress your child with hats and T-shirts with their name on them. It’s easy to convince a child ...that the adult knows them by using the child’s name. Put labels on the inside of clothes, out of sight, but where they can be found if needed
• Reinforce that strangers come in all shapes and sizes - including people who act friendly. For younger children who may not easily grasp the concept of a stranger, teach them who is not a stranger first, and then explain that everyone else is.

Teach your children:

• To know their full name, age, telephone number, area code, city and province.
• How to phone long distance in an emergency, by dialing direct or with the operator’s assistance.
• How to contact you, or another close relative in an emergency. How to contact a trusted neighbor, police, fire or ambulance services and when to make these calls.
• When children are home alone they should tell phone callers that you are there, but you are busy and cannot come to the phone. The phoning party can call back later. Teach your child to cut short any phone calls with strangers and hang up the telephone if a stranger continues to talk.
• When children are home alone, find out the identity of the person who comes to the door, without opening the door. If a stranger is at the door, teach your children to tell the stranger that your are busy, and he/she should go away and come back later. Teach your child not to engage in conversation with the visitor. If the child feels threatened, teach him to phone an emergency number. Emergency numbers could be your telephone number at work, that of the police or a trusted neighbor who will be home.
• Where possible, your children should play and walk with other children.
• Your children should always ask your permission before accepting gifts from strangers.
• To avoid situations where strangers may approach your child alone, such as an unsupervised play area, empty lots, abandoned buildings, bushy area of parks, creeks and riverbeds.
• To run home or to the nearest public place, or a neighbour’s home, if someone is following or frightening your child.
• If someone follows your child in a car , on foot or frightens them , they should turn around and get away. Run home, to a neighbour’s or to a the nearest public place such as a school, store, or office. Your child should also try to remember what the driver and car looked like or its licence number.
• (I love this one!) Adults Should Seek Help From Other Adults NOT from Children - If you are asked for help, tell the adult you will help, by getting your teacher, or parent or some other adult to help them. Explain to your child that both men and women are strangers.
• If your child becomes separated from you in a store or shopping mall, to go directly to a store employee or cashier for help.
• That police officers who wear uniforms are their friends and that they can be trusted if your child is in trouble. It is for this reason that you should never use the police as a threat to your child. This will confuse their image of the police.

source

Recall - Sweet Peanut Sleepwear

The following recall notice is from HSW: 

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources

Health Canada reports of a recall involving Sweet Peanut Sleepwear. Health Canada's sampling and evaluation program has determined that these products do not meet the flammability requirements for children's sleepwear under Canadian law.Loose-fitting children's sleepwear can contact ignition sources such as stove elements, candles, and matches more readily than tight-fitting sleepwear, and once ignited will burn rapidly, potentially resulting in severe burns to large areas of the child's body. For this reason, cotton is not permitted in loose fitting sleepwear.

See HSW Products tab for specifics on the affected items (including additional photos).

Sold in Canada from February 1 to April 2, 2013.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to where they were purchased.
For additional information, consumers may contact Sweet Peanut by email or by phone at 1-866-617-4465.