Montessori Education Presentation

Sorry for the late notice but if you'd like to learn more about the Montessori method this event might interest you!

"The Montessori Advantage" by Dr. John Fowler
Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:00-8:00 PM
In the Fireside Room of the United Church of Christ (home of Gateway Montessori School)
1500 9th Avenue, Longmont, CO
(Please park in the parking lot to the north of the Church and enter the building through the Northwest doors.)

- Learn the major principles of a Montessori elementary education

- Understand how children can achieve greater academic success through this model

- Demonstration of hands-on Montessori "works" that provide a holistic approach for grasping and excelling in major concepts of academia at the elementary level.

John Fowler is a long-time authority on Montessori education and principles. He holds a PhD in Integral Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has served as the Upper Elementary Director and Teacher Mentor at Denison Montessori School in Denver, Colorado since 1992. John began the American Montessori Academy in 1986, and served on the Boulder Valley School District's assessment and consultant team for the Boulder Community Montessori School. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Endicott College, the Director of Research at the Houston Montessori Center, and as an Instructor at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado.

CHILDCARE AVAILABLE ($3 PER CHILD) Please R.S.V.P. to Katie Torres for child care at jkatietorres@comcast.net or 303-776-7596.

2008 Concerts in the Park

The City of Longmont hosts FREE concerts in the Roosevelt Park Pavilion at 6:30 pm on most Tuesdays during the summer! Bring a chair or blanket and come enjoy some beautiful music! Here's the schedule:

June 10th - Sh'Bang - Pop, Funk, Motown and Oldies
June 17th - The Indulgers (Celtic Music)
June 24th - Longmont Concert Band and the Longs Peak Chorus - Barbershoppers
July 1st - Mollie Weaver and Friends - Symphonic Folk Music
July 4th - Longmont Symphony Orchestra (at NOON in Thompson Park)
July 8th - Lonesome Traveler - Bluegrass band
July 15th - Deja Blu - Rock, Soul, Blues, Motown
July 22nd - Kelly J Band - Country
July 29th - Lionel Young - Violin meets the Blues

For a bit more information see http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special/concert.htm.

Art Classes at the Old Firehouse Art Center

The Old Firehouse Art Center offers two programs for kids - the Saturday Art Experience and Blue Egg Arts classes!

Saturday Art Experience
2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month
2:45 - 4 pm for 5 to 8 year olds, 4:15 - 5:30 pm for 9 to 12 year olds
Cost: Free for Old Firehouse Art Center members (memberships start at $60 annually for a family) PLUS a non-perishable food donation for the OUR Center.
Preregistration is required as classes are limited to 12 students
Kids will have fun and explore their creativity while developing hand-eye coordination and learning new techniques.
To register, contact the Old Firehouse Art Center at 303-651-2787 or email contact@firehouseart.org.

Blue Eggs Art Classes
Niwot-based Blue Egg Arts hosts art classes for kids age 6 and up on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 pm.
Cost: $18 for the first child, $15 for siblings - a 6 week commitment is requested
To register for these classes, contact Kim Browne at 303-652-3383 or email her at
Kim_Browne@msn.com.

For more information on both types of classes or even classes for adults, visit http://www.firehouseart.org/OFAC/classes.html.

Father's Day freebies

I know it's super late notice but in case you want to treat your Dad to something free tomorrow here are a couple ideas!

TCBY is offering a free cup or cone for Dad's just like they did on Mother's Day! There are two TCBY locations in Longmont - in the mall or on the northwest corner of 17th and Hover.

Also, TGI Fridays is offering a free order of onion rings for Dad with this coupon!

Don't forget to say an extra special thank you to the Dad, Husband, Grandpa, Step-Dad, etc in your life! :)

Winners!

Congratulations to the following Longmont Moms who won prizes just for reading this blog and either leaving a comment or sending an email! What could be easier? :)

Bouncetown Punch Pass - Kerrie

Starbucks Gift Card - JoAnn

Jamba Juice Gift Card - Stephanie

Crackpots Studio Fees - Elisa

Congratulations ladies! By the way, two more local businesses contacted me this week wanting to offer discounts or freebies so I'll post them as soon as the details are nailed down! Thanks for reading!

Gift #4 - Saving the best for last?

Today is my official one year blogiversary! 184 posts and three blog redesigns later here we are! :) This week of giveaways was fun but sadly all good things must come to an end. This last gift is great too so make sure you enter to win it! Ready?

Crackpots has generously donated a package of four free studio fees! This gift will be awarded to one person but the winner can use the four studio fees themselves or bring along three friends for a fun day out! You'll have to buy your own ceramic pieces but the free studio fees will save you $32! What a deal!

Remember, leave a comment on this post or send me an email by midnight tonight to enter! Winners will be announced tomorrow (likely after the Pet and Doll parade)!

Bike to Work Day

Ok so this isn't directly kid related but it's good for you and good for the environment which means you're being a great example for your kids....right? :) Anyway, Bike to Work Day is June 25th and it's a great day to dust off that old Schwinn and put it to good use! On your way to work you can also get some free breakfast and more! Stop by one of these locations between 6:30 and 9 am:

City of Longmont - 350 Kimbark Street
Deja Brew Coffee Shop - 600 S Airport Road
Java Stop - 301 Main Street
Great Harvest Bread Co. - 1100 Ken Pratt Blvd.
St. Vrain Valley Credit Union - 775 Coffman (at the Roosevelt Park n Ride)
YMCA - 950 Lashley Street
Panera Bread - 425 Ken Pratt Blvd

There will also be bike tune-ups available at the City of Longmont (sponsored by High Gear Cyclery) and YMCA (sponsored by Bike-n-Hike) locations.

After work, swing by Lefthand Brewery or the Pumphouse Brewery and show your helmet to receive happy hour discounts! Just remember not to drink and ride :)

Rhythm on the River

I keep forgetting to post about this even though it's one of my family's favorite things to do in Longmont!

This year's Rhythm on the River will be held July 11th from 5 to 9 pm and July 12th from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm. It's held at Roger's Grove and free transportation is provided from the Boulder County Fairgrounds parking lot. There is so much to do! Great food, great music, art projects for kids to make, bounce houses, children's fishing tank, information booths from local business, government and non-profit entities, city trucks to climb all over, a bike obstacle course for the kids and so much more!!! See this page for more details: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rotr/activities.htm.

Also, don't forget about the Roger's River Run 5K that starts at 7:30 am on Saturday, July 12th. Register by July 9th at this site - http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rotr/run_reg.htm! And after all that running you need some fluffy pancakes and juice, right? There's a pancake breakfast provided by the Egg & I from 7 am to 10 am which is free to runners or $3 (cash only) for non-runners.

There's also a fun duck race! There's an article about it here: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rotr/run_reg.htm and you can buy your ducks now at the Times Call or through any St. Vrain Rotary member or at the festival! If you buy a lucky duck you could win one of several prizes including a cruise and hot air balloon ride!

The best part is that it's a Zero Waste event meaning that everything (or I guess nearly everything) is recycled! They provide recycling containers at many areas in Roger's Grove and also lots of information on reducing your waste at home too.

We love Rhythm on the River and hope to see you there!

Gift #3 - Juice it up

Thanks for all the comments and emails with nice things to say about the blog! I really appreciate it! Did you think we were stopping with two gifts to celebrate my blogiversary? No way! There are still two more! :) Here is today's....

A $10 gift card to Jamba Juice! Mmm Razzmatazz.... :) And you can use it at the (relatively new) store at Harvest Junction or at one of the three Boulder locations. Yum!

Remember, enter by leaving a comment here or by sending me an email by Friday at midnight! Winners for all prizes this week will be announced on Saturday! Isn't it fun to win stuff just for surfing the web? What did we do before? :) Oh, right, interacted with our kids and bought our own overpriced coffee and smoothies.... LOL

Did someone say ZIP LINE?

Just got this in an email from Bren at Sunflower Farms:

Something new at Sunflower Farm: A 100 ft Zipline!!

WHAT: Kid's Farmfest
WHEN: Saturday, June 14
TIME: 10-3:00
COST: $6 Per person; under 12 months free

Mention this zipline email and the driver of your car gets a free hot dog!! June 14 only.

Sunflower Farm is located at
11150 Prospect Rd.
Longmont, CO 80504
303-774-8001
http://www.sunflowerfarminfo.com

Gift #2 - Mmmm Coffee

I wasn't a big fan of coffee until I had kids and now I see it as luxurious and warm me-time in a cup. And since most of the moms I know enjoy it too, what better to give away than a Starbucks gift card? Yep, enter here by leaving a comment or send me an email (by midnight on Friday!) to win a $15 Starbucks gift card! It might buy you a couple double tall arabian mocha java lattes - half soy milk, half cream with a shot of french roast espresso, with foam, cinnamon and whipped cream upside down double blended, with a dash chocolate and caramel syrup on top. Don't worry, that's not really what I order.... :)

Don't forget to check back each day this week for something new for you to enter and win to celebrate my one year blogiversary!

Gift #1 - Who doesn't love to bounce?

It's hard to believe I've been maintaining this blog for an entire year! I hope you've found it a useful place to find kid related activities and events in Longmont! Or, if this is your first time here because you heard I was hosting a giveaway this week, welcome! Ready for the first gift?

Bouncetown has generously donated a 5 punch pass! It can be used during Open Bounce hours which are 10 am to 2 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or 10 am to 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and doesn't expire until June 30th, 2009. My kids LOVE Bouncetown and have been there many times. They have great party packages as well as Summer Camp and punch pass discounts! In June they have a special deal - a 10 punch pass for $50 (a savings of $30 for 10 visits)!

So, how do you win?? Leave a comment on this post OR send me an email! New to blogs and don't know how to leave a comment? Click on the "# comments" link just below this post. A smaller window will pop up where you can type your comment. Then choose an identity (use your Google/Blogger account if you have one, just your name, anonymous, etc). Whichever you choose be sure that I can contact you some way - either through your own blog or website or leave your email address in the comment so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner! Click the "Publish Your Comment" button and you're done. Please only enter once for each gift!

The winner will be chosen on Saturday, June 14th, and will be announced here and notified by email. Don't worry - it'll be a random draw so if you know me or even bribe me you unfortunately have no advantage :)

Barenaked Ladies KIDS concert

I know I promised a giveaway today and it's still coming but I just couldn't wait to post this! I'm too excited!!! I love the Barenaked Ladies and was excited to see that they released a kids album. You can get a free download of one of the songs on their site: http://www.bnlmusic.com/snacktime. The exciting part, though, is that they'll be at Barnes & Noble in Boulder this Saturday, June 14th, for a free concert! You can get a wristband (which doesn't guarantee you a spot but increases your chances) by buying their Snacktime kids CD at the Barnes & Noble store at 2915 Pearl Street in Boulder. You could also check out the Daily Camera article about it too! There's just nothing better than kids music that Mommy likes too! :)

This week: Super big exciting news (for me) and FREE STUFF (for you)!

This Friday is Friday the 13th (eek!) but more importantly it is the one year anniversary of the Longmont Mom blog!! Anniversaries in blog-land are known as "blogisversaries" so wish me a Happy Blogiversary already! :) Just kidding! To celebrate I begged a couple local businesses to donate fun gifts for my loyal readers and they came through with great stuff! Trust me on this, you'll want to check back often this week for your chance to win one of a few things that I think any mom in Longmont would love to have. Ok, no, it's not free gas or prepaid college tuition but I'd be happy to receive and use them! So if you haven't done so already, subscribe to this site (look in the right hand column), bookmark it or add me to your favorite feed reader! No matter how you do it check back in the next couple days for details on my blogiversary gifts to you! :)

2008 Longmont Outdoor Cinema

The Longmont Film Society's annual outdoor cinema (which is also sponsored by the City of Longmont's Recreation Services and Crackpots) has changed locations this year to Thompson Park! They're showing three movies this year for FREE (yes, really!). The movies start at dusk and concessions will be available. No pets, glass or alcohol please! So, what movies are they showing? Here you go....

Saturday, July 19th - Grease

Saturday, July 26th - Alvin and the Chipmunks

Saturday, August 2nd - E.T.

For more information visit http://www.longmontfilm.org. We'll see you at Thompson Park! :)

Makeover for St Vrain Youth Soccer Association

The St. Vrain Youth Soccer Association is now known as the St. Vrain Football Club and they have a new logo and website to go along with the name change! Check out http://www.stvrainfc.com where you can register online now for Fall youth soccer (age 3 1/2 and above!).

Kids Worm Composting Workshop

I know this is in Boulder but it sounds like it's worth the trip for raising your kids' environmental awareness!

Wednesday, June 11
Kids Worm Composting Workshop
Boulder County Recycling Center
1901 63rd St., Boulder
10:30 - Noon
Please RSVP to 720-564-2242

Explore the wonders of red wiggler worms and how ‘worms can eat our garbage’. Participants will learn how to make a comfortable house for red wigglers, what to feed them and how they make castings that can be used on house plants, flowers and in the garden! Have fun during this hands-on workshop.

All ages welcome with adult.

Directions: At the intersection of 63rd St. and Arapahoe Rd. in Boulder, head north on 63rd St. for ¼ mile to the Boulder County Recycling Center. Turn left into facility and follow signs for Visitors to administration building at the back of the property.

More info on the Silver Creek Soccer Summer Camp

I guess that would be SCSSC? :)

The coach emailed me a pdf and I can't figure out how to upload it here (anyone? :) ) so I'll just give you the important info:

The camp is designed for children ages 3 to 6 who are just learning to play soccer. Coaches Merv Johnson and Harry Corvese along with soccer players from area high schools will work with your kids on passing, trapping, and shooting all in a fun atmosphere with lots of feedback for the kids. Merv Johnson is the head coach for the Silver Creek Lady Raptors' soccer team and Harry Corvese is the assistant coach. The camp will be held on Wednesdays (July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6 and 13) from 5:30 to 6:30 at Silver Creek High School which is at 4901 Nelson Road. The cost is $60 per child and thereis a 10% discount for siblings. Kids need shin guards, soccer shoes, water, sunscreen and insect repellant. Request a registration form from Merv by emailing mervj66@yahoo.com or call 303-772-4681. Have fun!

Soccer Summer Camp

This was on the BoulderLongmontMoms Yahoo Group today:

"A friend of mine's husband is the girls soccer coach for Silver Creek High School. A group of the girls from the team, along with the coaches, are putting on summer soccer camps at the high school. They are doing one for kids ages 3-6 on Wed evenings from 5:30- 6:30. The camp runs July 9 - Aug 13 and costs $60. They are for all levels of players. They also are running camps for elementary, middle and high school age kids. I signed my son up, and told them I would pass the info along. For more info, just email mervj66@yahoo.com and they can send you registration info."

I emailed and requested more info and will let you know when I hear back!

Music with Madelyn summer concerts

Madelyn and Ernie of Music with Madelyn are playing two summer concerts in Longmont! The first is this Saturday, June 7th, at noon at Sunflower Farms. This one costs $6 per person (under 12 months free) but that admission also gets you access to all the farm fun - lots of animals to see and play with, treehouses, the sand box, tire swings and lots of room to run around! The second is Monday, June 23rd at 1 pm at the Longmont Public Library. This event is free but arrive early to get a ticket and get in line.

If you haven't seen Madelyn and Ernie perform, be sure to catch these or one or her other area concerts! They sing fun, lively, engaging kids songs geared toward the preschool crowd that get everyone up on their feet dancing, jumping and making animal sounds. She also teaches excellent kids classes as well as intro to guitar for parents (which includes tips on how to play while your kids strum!). We still sing songs we learned in her class years ago :) We'll definitely be at one or both of these concerts!

4th of July fireworks

Only one month until the 4th of July! Did summer just sneak up on you like it did me? Anyway, here's some info on the all important fireworks show from the June City Line newsletter:

Annual Firework Show Begins at 9:30 p.m.
The City of Longmont presents its annual FREE fireworks display at the Boulder County Fairgrounds on July 4, 9:30 p.m. Remember that you can be fi ned up to $500 for illegal fireworks use. All fireworks (including sparklers) are illegal on city streets, parks, golf courses, and other public areas. However, legal fireworks may be used with caution on your private property. Illegal fireworks explode or leave the ground. Fireworks stands and stores in Longmont sell only legal fireworks and it is illegal to bring fireworks across the state line. For more information call the Longmont Fire Department at 303-651-8437.

2008 Pet and Doll Parade

The 78th annual Pet and Doll parade will be held Saturday, June 14th, 2008 from 9:30 to noon at Roosevelt Park. The theme is Red, White and Blue (fitting, since it's Flag Day and all). There will be a Critter Costume contest judged by Petco so dress yourself, your dolls and your animals up in crazy outfits and come walk around the park! For more information, see this site.