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Farm Friends Event in Fayetteville

April 21, 2008 | 1 Comment

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This is one of those little known, but fun family events:

The Washington County Farm Bureau is hosting Farm Friends this Thursday, April 24, 2008 at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center in Fayetteville. The Center will be full of all kinds of farm animals, so children can touch and learn about their farm friends. 

Various school groups attend during the day (preschool through 2nd grade), but from 5-7pm is the Farm Friends Dinner.  This is the perfect time for families.  It is not as crowded, and they serve an old fashioned beans and corn bread dinner. 

Best of all — everything (including dinner) is FREE!

The Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center is located in Fayetteville just to the south of I-540 on HWY 112 (also known as Garland). Click here for a map.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog 

Are You Looking for a Housecleaner?

April 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I am often asked whether I know of a good house cleaner in Northwest Arkansas.  I have been using Zecena cleaning service, owned by Diana Zecena, for close to a year now.  They do an excellent job for competitive rates. 

I especially like the fact that she has a three person crew, so they are in and out of my house quickly.  Also, they provide their own cleaning products (even eco-friendly ones upon request).

If you are looking for someone to clean your house (weekly, bi-weekly or periodic deep cleaning) try Zecena Cleaning Service — (479)616-0541.  They are located in Rogers, but service the entire NWA area.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, House Cleaners 

Imaginary Fundraiser for the Community Imagination Studio

April 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Community Imagination Studio in Fayetteville is hosting my kind of fundraiser — you buy your $10 ticket and stay home, enjoying time with your family while knowing that your contribution is supporting quality arts education in Fayetteville.

Here’s your video invitation (if you cannot see it, click here).  I hope you join me at this imaginary event!

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog 

EAS Razorfest on the University of Arkansas Campus

April 16, 2008 | 2 Comments

Razorfest is a huge free fan appreciation event on the University of Arkansas campus (in and around the football stadium).  The festivities start at noon on Saturday, April 26, 2008 and last into the evening.  Click here to see a detail of all the Razorfest activities.

  • Pep Rally — Noon
  • Free Family Activities — Noon-5:30pm
  • UA Alumni 7on7 Football — 1-4pm
  • 7on7 Championship game — 4pm
  • Spring Red/White Football Game — 6pm

Go Hogs!

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog 

Touch a Truck Local Blogger Giveaway

April 15, 2008 | 1 Comment

If you have a local blog (even a personal one), mention the upcoming Touch-a-Truck Family Festival on your NWA blog to win FREE ADMISSION to the event! 

Just plug Touch-a-Truck anytime from April 14-24, and link back to this post on After the Bubbly.  Let Lela know about your post in the comments on After the Bubbly and on Friday, April 25, 2008 she’ll choose a blogger at random to receive a family pass at the gate!

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog 

Family Work Policies in Northwest Arkansas Panel

April 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

“Family Work Policies in NW Arkansas” (a panel discussion sponsored by the League of Women Voters), is being held at 6pm on Wednesday, April 16 at the Fayetteville Public Library.

Those who have children often face questions about balancing the demands of home life with those of a career. Some of these questions hinge on workplace policies that deserve a closer examination.  This program will include an overview of national and international family work policies as well as a panel discussion among representatives from local employers who represent government, large business and small business sectors. Panelists will share the formal and informal family policies and programs used by their organizations, and discuss challenges involved in providing innovative options for working parents.

Panel facilitator:
       Janine Parry, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Arkansas
Panelists include:
       Missy Leflar, City of Fayetteville Human Resources Division Manager
       Bernice Hembre, Owner of Terra Tots Natural Parenting
       Cindy Paladino, J.B. Hunt Corporate Human Resources Manager

Refreshments will be provided.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog 

Summer Camp Options for the Two Income Family

April 14, 2008 | 1 Comment

Most summer day camps are half day programs geared toward families with a stay at home mom (or dad) or some type of supplemental childcare.  What if you both work and need childcare until 5:30 or so?  You will be glad to know that there are several options for full time summer care:

  • Camp Central at the Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.  Central runs a highly respected daycare program that includes a summer program for K-6th graders (M-F 7:15am-5:30pm)
  • Camp Get Away has been held at Happy Hollow Elementary in Fayetteville in the past, but this year will be at the Ridge View Baptist Church.  This camp is unique in that it is taught by certified educators.  I have heard good things about this program.  Click here for an application with more information.  June 19 through August 1, 2008 for K-6th graders (M-F 7:30am-5:30pm)
  • The New School in Fayetteville offers full day summer camps for K-7th graders.  The New School has an excellent reputation both for its school program and summer camp.
  • The Montessori School in Fayetteville opens up its summer program to non-students to the extent space is available.  I am rather biased toward Montessori, as my children have attended that school (and its summer program) for the past several years.  Call for more information (479)442-2904.
  • The Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club offers lots of summer options, including an extension of its SKC afterschool program which will be held at the Owl Creek School, Vandergriff Elementary, and Prairie Grove School gyms for K-6th graders (M-F 7:30am-5:30pm).

These programs are all Fayetteville based.  If you are aware of options in other Northwest Arkansas cities (or ones I have missed in Fayetteville), add them in the comments or email me directly at terri@lifepluskids.com.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Summer Camps 

Puppets in the Park at Wilson Park

April 10, 2008 | 1 Comment

The 2nd Annual “Puppets in the Park” Festival will be held Sunday, April 27th from 1-6pm in Wilson Park. Celebrating the National Day of Puppetry! Puppet Shows for all ages, a Puppet Parade, and Workshops, with Music and Masks and Monsters - oh my!

Featuring: Toucan Jam, Animo, Walnut Farm Montessori Students, Captain Bubbles, Mary and Lolly, Haley Duke, Valley Productions, and Special International Guests.

Bring chairs or a blanket. Vendors will be on site with food, drinks, and puppet merchandise. Don’t miss this festive event for the whole family celebrating the art of the puppet! Sunday, April 27th from 1-6pm in Wilson Park! FREE!

For info:
The Art Experience
442-0557

via Street Jazz.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Upcoming Events and Deadlines 

Car Seat Inspection Station Locator

April 8, 2008 | 2 Comments

Life+Kids reader Michelle pointed me to this helpful site — the Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator.  The site is maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and provides a list of Child Safety Seat Inspection Stations by zip code and state. 

Surely others of you have wondered whether or not you actually installed a car seat correctly –I know I have!  Now you can know (and fix it if you didn’t).

Here are the local inspection stations:

Benton County Sheriff
1300 S.W. 14th Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
Located in Benton county serving Benton, Washington counties
phone: 479-271-1008  

Fayetteville Police Department
100 A West Rock Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Located in Washington county serving Benton, Madison,Carrol counties
phone: 479- 587-3580
Shannon Gabbard

Springdale Police Department
201 North Spring Street
Springdale, AR 72764
Located in Washington county serving Washington counties
phone: 479-756-8200
Danny Cox

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog 

I am Building the Life+Kids Birthday Party Planner

April 7, 2008 | 6 Comments

So, please recommend your favorites! Here are the initial categories:

  1. venues
  2. entertainment (inflatables, face painters, ponies, magicians)
  3. shops for supplies and decorations
  4. bakeries
  5. shops for gifts

Email me at terri@lifepluskids.com with your recommendations or add them to the comments.  As always, thanks for your help!

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Administrative Matters, Blog 

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