Ribbon Cutting at the Lake Fayetteville Trail

August 31, 2007 | Leave a Comment

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The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a ribbon cutting for the recent 1.2 mile extension of the Lake Fayetteville Trail on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 6pm. 

Bring your bikes (or check one out on site) and experience the trail.  Water and hot dogs will be served. 

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Past Events 

Reader Question Regarding Bilingual Preschools in Northwest Arkansas

August 31, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I received this reader question today:
I work in Bentonville and am in the process of adopting two baby boys from Guatemala, both a little over 1 year old.  I would really like for them to maintain their Spanish language and also learn English.  Do you know of any daycare/preschools in the Bentonville area that teaches the children in both Spanish and English?
Here’s my response. 
What a wonderful question!  I have a friend who is taking Spanish classes at NWACC for that reason.  I have also told her about the bilingual story times at the libraries in Fayetteville and Springdale.
As to your question, I am not aware of a bilingual preschool.  Many of the schools include Spanish in their curriculum, but not to the extent you are seeking. 
However, I do know Larson’s Language Center in Rogers advertises Spanish immersion programs and classes for children ages 2-12.  Here’s the current class schedule.  It looks like they have an immersion class for children ages 2-5 on Mondays from 8:30-2. 
I’ll post your question on my site to see if anyone knows of a bilingual preschool and keep my eye out for one.
Does anyone have other suggestions?  Leave them in the comments or email me directly.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Reader Questions 

Free Infant Massage Class in Rogers

August 29, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Last year I hosted a spa party at my house for all the female attorneys in my law firm.  We had a wonderful time indulging in massages, facials, manicures and pedicures provided by I.M. Spa.  I highly recommend such a party for the ultimate girls’ night in.

I just learned that I.M. Spa is offering a free infant massage class.  In this class you learn the basics of infant massage from a licensed massage therapist and mother of four. You will also receive information about infant products.  Find out what products  to watch out for, and learn about some of the best things you can use on your baby’s  skin. 

Free Infant Massage Class

October 6, 2007
9a.m. to 11a.m.
Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce
317 W. Walnut St.
Rogers, AR

  • This class is recommended for infants aged 18 months and younger
  • FREE with $5 materials fee (List Price: $50)
  • Make sure you register in advance (I.M. Office: 479-251-7422; Cell: 479-466-8294)
  • This class is limited to 6 families

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Past Events 

Friendship Family Program

August 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Friendship Family program, sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars at the University of Arkansas, is a great way to expose your family to a different culture without making the commitment of hosting an exchange student.

The program works like this:  Your family is matched with an international student at the University and you commit to interacting with the student once a month during the school year.  You can have them over for dinner, take them out to eat or just hang out — the idea is to let them see how Americans really live.  You are also exposed to other exchange students and cultural events hosted by the international student association, including an international dinner that is very kid friendly with food and traditional entertainment from around the world. 

The program has placed 52 students with host families, but still has a few students from countries such as South Korea, China, Bahamas, Austria, Japan, Indonesia and India who still need families.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, contact   

Cynthia Smith & Matthew Sokoloski
Friendship Family Program
Office of International Students and Scholars
Email:frndfam@uark.edu 
Phone 575-5003 Message 575-6665

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups 

Reader Question

August 27, 2007 | 1 Comment

I received this question over the weekend:
I am a single parent who works PRN so my schedule is always different.  My sitter has become unreliable and I have had to turn work down way too much due to this.  Do you know where I may be able to find a sitter who is available at all hours??  Also, I am looking for a Play Group to take my son too preferably on weekends.
Here’s my reply.
I would contact Rhonda Duckett with Life Made Simple (www.lifemadesimple.net).  She has a great list of sitters.  Talk to her and tell her your situation.  She will work with you to find a solution within your budget.  You might also try Sitter City (there is an ad for them on the left side of my webpage).  Although it is a national service, last time I checked there were lots of local sitters listed.
As to the playgroup, try www.moms.meetup.com and search for playgroups in northwest Arkansas.  I know the NWA Playgroup has lots of members and is led by another All Sides of Life reader, Katie Zweig.  I’m not sure if there are any that meet on the weekends. 
If you cannot find a formal playgroup that meets on the weekend, try your local library.  The storytimes and other family events can be a great way to meet other moms and give you son an opportunity to interact with other children.
Any other suggestions?  Leave them in the comments or email me directly at allsidesoflife@gmail.com

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Reader Questions 

Kathy Thompson’s Student Art Classes

August 24, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Kathy Thompson is teaching Art Classes at Studio 3 in Fayetteville.  The classes run from October 2007 through May 2008.  I have heard she is a wonderful teacher. 

Here’s the schedule:

  • Grades 1-4  Mondays 3-5pm
  • Grades 5-8 Tuesdays 3:30-5:30pm
  • Grades 9-12 Wednesdays 3:30-5:30pm

Cost:  $140 per month, includes art supplies, studio fee and snacks

Contact:  Kathy Thompson, Studio 3; 479.521.1502; 3 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, AR  72701

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Classes 

Does Your Daughter Love American Girl Dolls?

August 23, 2007 | 1 Comment

If so, she will love the Girls and Dolls Historical Society for 3rd-5th graders at the Fayetteville Public Library.  The Society’s first meeting is Saturday, Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m. and it will continue to meet on the third Saturday of each month in the library’s Wal-Mart Storytime Room.

Loosely based on the American Girls series, the Girls and Dolls Historical Society will allow girls to read and discuss a book at each meeting then enjoy crafts and refreshments.

She can even bring her favorite doll to the meetings!

Sign up at the Children’s Desk.  For more information call 571.2222 x 4370.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Indoor Activities 

Springdale Public Library Fall Programs Begin September 3, 2007

August 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment

PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME

Pre-Schoolers ages 3 to 5 are invited to join Miss Judy at the Springdale Public Library for “Wildlife Detectives”, Tuesdays at 9:30 am,11:00 am and 4:00 pm, and Wednesdays at 9:30 am and 11:00 a.m.

On Tuesday, September 4, and Wednesday, September 5, children will discover Garden Creatures.  Miss Judy will read the books Whose Garden Is It? by Mary Anne Hobreman and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.   A craft project follows story time when children will make a pipe cleaner spider with googly eyes!

SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAM

School-age children, ages 6 to 9, are invited to for “Adventure Around the World” fall programs on Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:00 pm. 

On Tuesday, September 4, school-age kids will begin their “Adventure Around the World” in the United States.  Kids will build a tepee, play a “Know Your States” game, and read the books Coyote and the Laughing Butterflies by Harriet Peck Taylor and Red, White and Good-bye by Sarah Tomp.  The program will end with a log cabin craft.

BILINGUAL FAMILY PROGRAM

Children and their families are invited to Spanish Family Story Time at the Springdale Public Library on a new day, at new times — Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  This bilingual program is great for Spanish speaking families as well as families wanting to increase their Spanish-speaking skills.

On Thursday, September 6, families will learn about Días de escuala/School Days.  Ms. Ana will read Si Ilevas a un ratón a la escuela/If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff and Señor Felipe’s Alphabet Adventure/El Alfabeto en Espanol by Sharon Varo Hawkins.  Children will make a pom-pom pencil friend to take home.

LAP SIT / TODDLER TIME

Lap Sit at the Springdale Public Library, a program designed for babies who are not yet walking and their caregivers, held on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. 

Toddler Time, for children who are walking through age 3, is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. 

Both programs include action rhymes, stories, and songs.

NOTE:  Unless otherwise stated, programs at the Library are free and do not require registration.   For more information, contact the Library at 479-750-8180 or visit the Library’s website at www.springdalelibrary.org

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Reoccuring Events 

We Have a Winner!

August 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Elizabeth Dietz  –  She is the winner of two tickets to the Itty Biddies mommy and me performance at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville!

Even if you didn’t win, you can still see the show.  Buy your tickets online now.  It’s going to be lots of fun!

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Giveaways 

The Power Rangers are Coming to Northwest Arkansas

August 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Power Rangers are coming to Northwest Arkansas as part of their 15th Anniversary Celebration Tour.  The free event includes:

  • photos and autographs with the real-life Power Rangers
  • morphin’ obstacle course
  • prize chamber where kids can grab Power Rangers prizes in a wind tunnel
  • official training stage where fans can see and learn Power Rangers moves to defeat the evil space aliens
  • Power Rangers video game demos
  • free giveaways

Friday Sept. 28, 2007 from 3-6pm at the Walmart on S Walton Blvd. between SW 1st and 2nd Streets in Bentonville, AR

Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007 from 3-6pm at the Walmart on West Walnut (at S 21st Street) in Rogers, AR

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Past Events 

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