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March 16, 2010

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$25 Build-A-Bear Workshop Gift Card

2 EASY WAYS TO WIN!

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  1. Refer your friends to subscribe and have them list your name as the reason they heard of us--you will both be entered to win a $25 Build A Bear Workshop gift card ( I have several to give away!) just in time for Easter!  SO SIMPLE!  List it on your facebook page--tell your Mom's club or PTA--friends from church or the gym!  Isn't it nice to have an email come to you each week with all the local fun and events for your kids?  You don't have to search all over the place--your friends don't want to miss out--so don't let them!
  2. If you are NOT a fan of Northwest Jersey Macaroni Kid on facebook, join us now--each new fan will be entered to win, as well!  This is so easy to do!  Just click here--

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northwest-Jersey-Macaroni-Kid/282547094192"




If You Give A Pig A Pancake & Other Stories

Kean University Theatre

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I love reading and one of my favorite things are children's books.  A very favorite of mine is the "If You Give A..." series by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond.  I don't know why, but I have to have every single one of those books!  One of those books is "If You Give A Pig A Pancake".  I am super excited to tell you that Kean University is going to be putting on "If You Give A Pig A Pancake & Other Stories"--one of their Family Time Productions this season.  You can take your kids to go see this play on April 9, 2010 at 7 p.m.at the Wilkins Theatre.  To purchase tickets and for more information go to www.keanstage.com.  Hope to see you there!


Carousel Resort at Ocean City, Maryland

Plan ahead for summer fun!

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We got to escape New Jersey this past weekend with all the flooding and head down to Ocean City, Maryland for the weekend to visit Carousel Resort.  Even though it was raining over the weekend, we had a fantastic time!  Less than a four hour drive found us at a beach retreat.  The hotel is right on the beach! 

This family-friendly resort has an indoor pool, gym, sauna, meeting rooms, restaurant, gift shop, and indoor ice skating rink! The hotel is clean, family oriented, and has incredibly friendly staff working there.  Not to mention, direct access from the main floor to the beach.  Can you imagine not having to park 3 miles away and try lugging all your stuff from the car to the beach?  There are deluxe rooms and condominiums to choose from.  We stayed in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo, which fit our family perfectly.  There was a kitchen, which is always so great when you are away from home.  Each bedroom and living area had a TV, which of course the kids loved!  Directly out the living room area was the balcony, which overlooked nothing but ocean!  What an amazing view!  Although, it was stormy while we were there, there is nothing like looking out onto the sea and the soothing sounds of waves crashing to take you away from stress and make you relax. 

This town is made for summer fun--lots of miniature golf, seafood, movie theaters, laser tag and of course swimming and lounging on the beach.  It is easy to navigate through the town , and the ocean is surrounding you.  When we weren't exploring the town or taking walks on the beach, we were having fun in the hotel ice skating, swimming, or playing in the arcade.  Even if you aren't into ice skating, this place is ideal to let your little ones learn how.  My 4 and 5 year olds had never been and used the walkers they had to get going (without my help!) and then they took off on their own, grooving to Lady Gaga.

Such a fun family destination, I would definitely recommend it and would love to come back in the summer when even more fun is offered.  They have a bounce house and captain play ship on the beach, outdoor pools, children's camps, movie nights on the beach, free ice shows, and 2 free beach chairs each day on the sand are included in your stay.  If you book now (before March 31st) you can get amazing deals starting at $69 per night! Mention Macaroni Kid to get these special prices for a fantastic family getaway! http://www.carouselhotel.com/content/docs/2010letter.pdf 

Admit it, you are tired of the snow, rain and blah weather and ready to go sit in the sand and sun! 

For more information you can go to www.carouselhotel.com

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos

11700 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

410.524.7766 or 1.800.641.0011


Don't forget to come out to see Oliver!

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You still have time to buy tickets and come support Franklin Theatre Works/Ensemble Theatre of New Jersey as they raise money for the Lambi Fund of Haiti with their production of Oliver!  Should be a fantastic show!  You can buy your tickets online and reserve your seats by visiting http://www.etnj.org/id20.htm or by calling the box office at  1- 800- 508- 9190
hours 9:00- 3:00 PM or in person at the Flower Basket in Clinton.

Showtimes March 19th & 20th 7:30pm

Clinton Township Middle School

Tickets are $10-12


This Week's Picks:

March 17th through March 26th

Wednesday, March 17 - Family Science Night

Hands on activities, demos, chemistry magic show
Where: Hunterdon Central High School 900 wing of 11/12 building adjoining the field house Junction Road Raritan Township
When: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: families
How: show up
Cost of event: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, March 17 - Musical Games Night

Limbo, Macarena, Chicken Dance, Electric Slide, Hula Hoops--kick up your shoes and jump right in to whatever suits your fancy!
Where: North County Branch Hunterdon County Library 65 Halstead Street Clinton, NJ
When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Grades 6-9
How: register by calling 908.730.6834
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.hclibrary.us  
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, March 18 - Storytime at Barnes and Noble

Storytime
All children love being read to. Every storytime, we explore a new theme. Join us for stories and activities and foster a love for reading in your little one.
Somerville
Somerset Shopping Center, 319 Route 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, 908-526-7425
Where: Somerville
Somerset Shopping Center, 319 Route 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, 908-526-7425
When: 10:30 AM (every Thursday morning)
Who: all children
How: show up
Cost of event: FREE
For more info:  908-526-7425 www.barnesandnoble.com
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Thursday, March 18 - Rock Band and Wii @ the Library

Come play Rock Band and Wii at the Flemington Library! 
Where: Hunterdon County Library Lower Level Flemington
When: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (every Thursday)
Who: Everyone, however it is library policy that anyone under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult
How: show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: http://www.hclibrary.us/events.htm
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Thursday, March 18 through Saturday, March 20 - Willy Wonka Jr

Student production
Where: Old Turnpike School 171 Old Turnpike Road Tewksbury
When: 7:00 PM (Fri-Sun 7pm, Sun 1pm)
Who: everyone
How: 908.439.2010
Cost of event: 10.00
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Friday, March 19 through Friday, March 26 - Library Babies at North County Branch

Storytimes include picture books, songs, fingerplays.  Designed to give children and their caregivers a pleasant and personal introduction to the library.  Storytime opens the door to a mutally enjoyable life-long reading habit.
Where: North County Branch Library 65 Halstead St Clinton, NJ
When: 10:00 AM (2 sessions 10-10:20 am or 11-11:20 am)
Who: for 6-24 month olds
How: Register at 908.730.6834
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.hclibrary.us  
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, March 19 - Lions and Lambs March Storytime Event at Barnes and Noble

  Participatory Storytime with special guest The Storyteller!
Where: Somerville
Somerset Shopping Center, 319 Route 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, 908-526-7425
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Show up!
Cost of event: Free
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, March 19 through Saturday, March 20 - Oliver!

FTWETNJ presents Oliver!  March 19th & 20th 7:30pm at Clinton Middle School in Clinton.  All proceeds will go to the Lambi Fund of Haiti.  Children from grades K-12 will use their talents for the people of Haiti.  Please come support this wonderful cause!
Where: Clinton Middle School Clinton, NJ
When: 7:30 PM
Who: everyone!  If you didn't know what you could do to help with this disaster, here is something easy--just come and see the show!
How: purchase tickets online at www.ftwetnj.org or at the door
Cost of event: 10.00-12.00 per ticket
For more info: www.ftwetnj.org  
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Saturday, March 20 through Saturday, March 27 - Kids Programs

Various programs for kids:   Tween Zine Program for grades 4-6 Teen Radio Theatre (at Teen Cafe) grades 609  
Where: North Community Branch Library 65 Halstead Street Clinton
When: Tween Zine April 15 (call for time) Teen Radio Theatre, 7pm on the 15th
Who: Kids (grades 4-9)
How: Reservations suggested call 730-6135
Cost of event: FREE
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Saturday, March 20 through Sunday, May 9 - Quilt competition and Display at Peddler's Village

Handmade quilts compete in seven categories: traditional, applique, creative, Amish, quilted clothing, children's and "pot luck".  All quilt entries are displayed in the Village Gazebo.  Also, come explore all 70 shops, restaurants, and Giggleberry Fair!  Fun for the whole family!
Where: Routes 202 & 263 Lahaska, PA 18931
When: n/a
Who: Everyone!
How: show up!
Cost of event: FREE for the quilting display
For more info: www.peddlersvillage.com  
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Saturday, March 20 - Breakfast with the Live Bunnies at the Center for Educational Advancement

Picture with bunnies, clowns, face painting, crafts
Where: 11 Minneakoning Road Raritan Township
When: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Everyone!
How: Call for tickets 908.782.1480
Cost of event: Ages 4 and under-FREE, ages 4-11 $5, ages 12 and up $7 Proceeds benefit training people with disabilities
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Saturday, March 20 through Saturday, March 27 - Maple Sugaring at Howell Farm

Syrup making, flour milling, butter making and pancake sampling.  Sap gathering 12:00pm-2:00pm.  All of those activities are free.  There are also crafts--maple men cookies, and maple sugar candy-11:00-3pm--Each of these activities is $2.00
Where: Howell Farm Valley Road off Route 29, 2 miles south of Lambertville.
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: show up!
Cost of event: FREE, except for crafts which are $2.00 each
For more info: call 609.737.3299 or visit www.howellfarm.org  
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Saturday, March 20 - Paws to Read

Come read to certified therapy dogs.  All ages and abilities welcome!  Drop in--no registration required!  Paws will not be held on the last Saturday of each month
Where: North County Branch 65 Halstead Street Clinton, NJ
When: 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM (Every Saturday)
Who: All ages
How: Drop In
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: call (908) 730-6135 or (908) 730-6834
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Sunday, March 21 - Children's Programs

Story Time for three-to-five year olds is held every Tuesday morning at 10:30 in the meeting room. The children, and the parents or care-givers who choose to stay, are entertained mainly by picture books, but with some poetry, scissor stories, or drawn stories mixed in. A craft related to the weekly theme completes the session, which generally runs a little longer than a half hour.
Where: meeting room of Flemington Free Library, 118 Main Street, Flemington
When: 10:30 am Tuesdays for 3-5 years, 10:30 am on Wednesdays for 2-3 years
Who: 3-5 years/2-3 years
How: Call (908) 782-5733, or visit flemingtonlibrary@gmail.com
Cost of event: free
For more info: parents or care-givers invited to stay
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Thursday, March 25 - Preschool Storytime

Come join us for stories and songs!
Where: Washington Library 20 West Carlton Avenue,
Washington, NJ 07882 (Warren County)
When: 10:30 am
Who: 3-5 year olds
How: Phone: (908) 689-0201
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: Closed over Memorial Day weekend
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Friday, March 26 - Scrunchy's Easter Party

pictures with the Easter Bunny, activities, and crafts
Where: Shop Rite in Clinton
When: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: all kids
How: show up!
Cost of event: FREE
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This Week's Calendar:

March 21st through March 25th

Sunday, March 21 through Thursday, October 14 - Bouncy Booktime

stories, songs and art for kids 4 months to 4 years
Where: Lambertville Library
When: 10 am and 11am
Who: 4 months to 4 years
How: 609-397-0275
Cost of event: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, March 22 through Monday, May 3 - BINGO!

up to $1000 in prizes awarded nightly, plus 2 50/50 cash prizes! Bring the family!!
Where: 5 Seargentsville Road (Route 523) Flemington
When: doors open at 6:15
Who: all ages
How: 782-6410
Cost of event: $10 admission
For more info: minimum game prize $25
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Wednesday, March 24 - Family Fun Night at Cheeburger Cheeburger

Entertain the kids during your meal!  Face painting, balloon animals, clowns or magicians keep the kids happy and occupied!
Where: Cheeburger Cheeburger 100 Reaville Ave Suite 250 Flemington, NJ  
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (every Wednesday night)
Who:  Families
How: come have dinner Wednesday night
Cost of event: FREE with your dinner
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Thursday, March 25 through Saturday, May 15 - Singin', Dancin', A Little Romancin'

musical comedy and yummy food fun for all ages
Where: Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Union Twp
When: lunch matinees Mon-Sat dinner performances some Sat eves and Sun afternoons Call for details
Who: all ages
How: 1-800-447-7313 http://www.hhplayhouse.com  
Cost of event: $50.50-$63.50
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Thursday, March 25 - Food Sensitivites vs Food Allergies Discussion

Discussion by Nicole Schaldone, gastroenterolgy nutrition specialist.  Sponsored by Clinton Book Shop and Hunterdon Medical Center
Where: Clinton Book Shop 33 Main St Clinton, NJ
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Parents
How: register at 735-8811
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: 908.735.8811
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Teen Scene:

March 20th through April 7th

Saturday, March 20 through Saturday, May 29 - Teen Nights!

Hey preteens & teens, need something to do on a Saturday evening? Come to our Teen Nights! Games, sports, movies, “hang out,” DDR, pizza & refreshments!  Saturdays, 7-9:30pm. $2 per person, per night. Drop in okay.

Dates:   October 10th, 17th and 24th     November 7th, 14th & 21st
                                     December 5th, 12th & 19th
Where: The Youth Center 16 Hampton Road Glen Gardner
When: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Who: Grades 6-8
How: 908-537-4594
Cost of event: $2
For more info: http://www.theyouthcenter.net
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Monday, March 22 - Teen Rock & Read

Join us for our teen reading club! It's a fun and informal program that meets the fourth Monday of every month at 6:30pm. Lasting for about an hour, we have a great time eating pizza and discussing the latest books, music, movies, and technology.
Where: Warren County Library - Northeast Branch 63 Route 46 Hackettstown, NJ 07840
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Ages 13 and up
How: Sign-ups required, either call the library at 908-813-3858 or email Kelly at kdurkin@warrenlib.org
Cost of event: FREE
For more info:  908-813-3858 or email Kelly at kdurkin@warrenlib.org
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Thursday, March 25 - Snack 'N Yak

Every 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:00 - 8:30  Join us for:
- Book Discussions
- Food
- Conversation
- ...and did we mention food?
Where: Warren County Library
When: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Anyone ages 13 - 19
How: sign up and show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: http://www.warrenlib.com/warrenlib/hq/whq.htm
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Wednesday, April 7 through Wednesday, July 7 - Writers Workshops

Discover the art of telling your own stories through different types of writing. January 27th  Writing Short Stories February 24th Writing Novels March 24th Writing Stage Plays and Screen Plays April 28th Writing Poetry
Where: North County Branch 65 Halstead St Clinton, NJ
When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Open to students grades 6-9
How: Registration is required!  Call (908) 730-6834
Cost of event: FREE
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Plan Ahead:

March 20th through April 11th

Saturday, March 20 - Free Italian Ice at Rita's

Stop by and pick up your free Italian ice!
Where: your local Rita's
When: all day
Who: Everyone
How: show up, get in line!
Cost of event: FREE for Italian Ice only
For more info: www.ritasice.com
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Saturday, March 20 - Birthday Parties for Creative Kids at Michael's

Bring the whole family to Michaels and join us at our March events.
Learn and experience what a birthday party at a Michaels store is all about. Your kids will be able to enjoy a craft project! Free fashion paint and instruction with the purchase of a $2.50* shirt.
Where: Your local Michael's (Flemington and Phillipsburg)
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: the entire family!
How: show up
Cost of event: 2.50 purchase of a shirt
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Sunday, March 21 - TADA! Performs in NYC!

TADA!'s Resident Youth Ensemble will be performing songs from original TADA! musicals
Where: Barnes and Noble--Upper East Side NYC 150 East 186th Street
When: 3:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: Shop with the TADA! voucher # 10156305 all day long on Sunday, March 21, and 10% of your purchases supports TADA!'s programs for kids!  Voucher can be used for both in-store and online purchases.  (Online fundraiser: March 21-26 at www.bn.com/bookfairs)
Cost of event: FREE!
For more info: CLICK HERE for more details!
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Wednesday, March 24 - Manners Matter Workshops

A workshop on manners will be held by the Educational Services Commission.  The two hour course introduces students to the do's and don'ts of everyday etiquette.  Telephone skills, introductions, and party manners.
Where: 3/24/10 East Amwell Township
When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Students ages 7-12
How: Register online at www.hcesc.com or call 908.788.1405
Cost of event: call
For more info: email Amee Smolinsky at mannersmatternj@gmail.com
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Thursday, March 25 through Sunday, March 28 - Beauty and the Beast

The Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast, comes to West Orange High School this spring. This Tony Award winning production, which has enchanted audiences worldwide, casts its spell on West Orange from March 25th through March 28th. "It is a tale as old as time", but is being performed at West Orange High School for the first time. Beauty and the Beast, the smash Broadway musical based on the 1991 animated film will be performed on stage at West Orange High School Thursday, March 25th, Friday, March 26th & Saturday, March 27th @7:30pm, and on Sunday afternoon March 28th @ 2:00pm.
Where: West Orange High School
When: n/a
Who: everyone
How: Call 973-669-5301 Ext. 31450 or email WOHSshowtickets@woboe.org to reserve tickets now
Cost of event: Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door
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Thursday, March 25 - Beginner Magic Workshop

A Program with Magician Brian Richards.

Where: North County Branch Library 65 Halstead St Clinton
When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: For Ages 6 and up
How: Please stop by or call
(908) 730-6834 beginning Monday, March 1st at 9:00 am.
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: 908-730-6834
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Saturday, March 27 - Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast

All you can eat pancake breakfast 9-11am, Easter Bunny will make an appearance before the Easter egg hunt starts at 11:00am
Where: The Church of the Holy Spirit 3 Haytown Road Clinton Township
When: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: families
How: show up
Cost of event: $5.00 for ages 12 and up, $10 maximum per family, also participants are urged to bring a basket of food to donate to local food pantries
For more info: Bring a basket to collect eggs and a camera to capture the fun!
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Saturday, March 27 - Build and Grow Clinic @ Lowes

Build on your kid's talent with regularly scheduled clinics designed just for children. Build and Grow Clinics will teach your kids how to safely complete a variety of projects 3/27 Kaleidoscope
Where: Your local Lowes store--check for your nearest location  https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: All Kids
How: show up or sign up online for guaranteed spots  https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/
Cost of event: FREE!
For more info: https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/
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Saturday, March 27 through Sunday, March 28 - Pequest Open House

This event is great for people of all ages and there are so many things to see and do throughout the day. This year's Open House will be March 27 and 28 from 10:00 - 4:00 daily, so plan to join us as we celebrate the beginning of trout season and spring. Bring your families, friends, scout troops, church groups, fishing clubs and anyone else for a fun time in the outdoors.
Where: N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife
Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Ed. Ctr.
605 Pequest Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07863
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info:  For further information about programs and visitation call 908-637-4125  http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/peqoh.htm
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Saturday, March 27 - Spring Egg Hunt and Wagon Parade

It's time to decorate those wagons again!  Celebrate the arrival of Spring at this festive annual event.  Prizes awarded for funniest, prettiest, and most creative decorated wagons!  Easter Bunny and egg hunt, play games and do the Bunny Hop inside the inflatable bounce!
Where: Bundt Park Clinton Township
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Clinton Township Residents
How: Show up if you live in Clinton Township!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: In case of bad weather, this event will be held inside the Clinton Township Middle School
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Saturday, March 27 - Free Family Event Spring Thing


Create spring projects with NEW Crayola® Model Magic® Presto Dots™!
While supplies last.
Where: Your local Michael's Store
When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: show up
Cost of event: FREE
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Sunday, March 28 - 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at St. Paul Lutheran Church

Crafts, games, bounce house, egg hunt and puppet show.  Also a chance to win an Easter basket.
Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church 201 Route 31, next to Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington
When: 2:00 PM
Who: Ages 12 and under
How: show up
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: Rain or Shine!  908.782.5120
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Saturday, April 3 - Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Premium Outlets

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will begin following the arrival of the Easter Bunny at 9:45am, at the center’s main entrance next to Carter’s. Hundreds of plastic eggs filled with treats and prizes for children will be hidden throughout the village. Children will receive free bunny balloons while supplies last. Take advantage of this great photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny until 11am.
Where: Liberty Premium Outlets Flemington
When: 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: everyone
How: show up!
Cost of event: FREE
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Tuesday, April 6 - LEGO Mini Model Build

One day each month you can learn how to build a cool LEGO mini model, and take it home – for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month – April's build--Lego Chick
Where: Bridgewater Commons Lego Store
When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: ages 6-14
How: show up early!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: http://stores.lego.com/en-us/StoreEvents.aspx
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Sunday, April 11 - Open House at Acorn Montessori School

Come check out all that Acorn Montessori has to offer at this open house
Where: Acorn Montessori School 1222 State Route 31
Lebanon, NJ 08833-3237
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Anyone intersted in enrolling and finding out more information
How: show up
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: (908) 730-8986 or www.acornschool.org
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Arthur's Back!

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Over the years, ARTHUR has celebrated kids with all kinds of abilities and featured many types of friendships. As part of season 13, ARTHUR welcomes back familiar faces and introduces new friends with unique stories to tell.  Five new episodes premiere Monday, April 5 on PBS KIDS GO! One very special episode is "When Carl Met George" - George discovers that Carl has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, and that Carl sees the world a bit differently than George and many kids.  Despite their differences, George and Carl become great pals - and learn a lot from each other.  The story is followed by a live-action segment featuring kids with Asperger's and autism. 

Macaroni Reads

All you have to do is read

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Reading aloud to a child is important to their language development and builds a foundation for their future success as a reader. It's a magic moment when a child catches on to the connection between what their parent is reading and the words on the page of a book.   Strong reading skills make everything easier in the education world.  And if your child becomes a strong reader it will in turn alleviate pressure when other subjects may present challenges. Children take to reading eagerly and naturally.  A little encouragement of this natural curiosity goes a long way - and the child does all the real work. 

  • Read to Your Child Everyday - it's important to be relaxed and unhurried.  If time doesn't permit, bring books along where you go.  Even if children are left to explore the books on their own, the fact that you bring books shows the child the importance of reading to you. 
  • Read and Re-Read - Be patient and read your child's favorites a few times, especially if they request them specifically.  Kids are new to stories and when something catches them they want to relive it over and over again.  
  • Read it Right - Take the time to read the story well. Children know the difference. If you read without enthusiasm your child will lose interest and probably feel like he's putting you out. If reading becomes a chore or - worse yet - a source of stress, it will have reverse the desired effect. 
  • Choosing the Right Book - Take seriously what your child tells you about the books they like. You'll catch on pretty fast to their interests and you'll be able to guide their choices while respecting their tastes. Go to the library together. Let them respond to what they see and let them have a say in the decision. 
  • Build a Home Library - Think about collecting the classics; you might even discover a forgotten yearning in yourself for a long lost favorite. Give books a place of honor in your home. Teach your children to respect them and care for them.  
  • All you have to do is read.

Macaroni Made

Rock Art!

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Saturday, March 20th is the first day of Spring!  Although the weather may be a bit too brisk to fully enjoy the season, here is a fun craft you can do in preparation for the warm weather! Collect a lot of rocks. Be sure there are different sizes and shapes. Start by choosing the rocks.  Flat ones for designs and shapely ones for a pet rock!   Paint the entire rock, top and bottom in one color.

When the first coat of paint dries, paint on the details such as a lady bug, flowers or eyes and whiskers!   

Almost any type of acrylic paint will work.  Try to find some thick paints so that the rock won't show through. 

Kids can love to be creative and your rocks can  become a door stop, book end, garden ornament, or paper weight.  They make a great gift for grandparents, too!


Music Together

New Semester!

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Looking for a fun class for your little ones? Music Together is awesome --a Macaroni Kid favorite! They are now accepting registrations for the spring semester of Music
Together classes. The spring collection is "Tambourine"
Their website is updated for the new semester.
www.musictogetherfamily.com.

There is one new class offered in Flemington: a babies only class for
infants under 8 months old. This class is great for parents getting
to know their new babies and learning about babies music
development! If you have a friend with a new baby, tell them to give
Music Together a call. They are inviting everyone to visit the first class at no
obligation. This class is going to be starting a couple weeks later
than the mixed ages class and will just be 8 weeks long and tuition
is lowered accordingly.
You can also fan them Music Together LLC on Facebook.

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