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May 16, 2012
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Summer Plans (plus find out who won our giveaway!)

Letter from the Editor

Many of our children are busy wrapping up the school year.  With no snow days to make up for, summer vacation is starting earlier than ever.  Lucky for us, the summer-like weather has arrived early too!  I am just as excited as the kids are for summer break to start.

Every year since becoming a mom I have watched the days of summer come to an end wishing we had done more together as a family: taken one more trip, had time for one more picnic, and visited the pool ...


Kids Grow at Summer Camp

Unplug the television. Pause the gaming systems. Turn off the computer.

In today’s society, we have more conveniences, but seemingly less time. Technology has allowed us to be more connected than ever, but it’s also caused us to lose sight of some of the more important things in life – physical and cognitive exercise.

With summer upon us, it’s time to make sure our kids are going to have the best summer possible. When the school year ends, so does kids’ exposure to activities that are sure to ...


Food Allergy Awareness Week

Facts EVERY Parent Should Know

Do you read every label, on every package of food, every week at the grocery store?  Have you ever feared for your child’s life as you took them to a friend’s birthday party or school celebration?  Do you bake most things from scratch so you can control the ingredients?  Chances are no, unless you have a child or family member with a life-threatening food allergy.

It is estimated that 15 million Americans have food allergies and there has been a dramatic increase in the last few years by ...


Macaroni Moms

No Plans for a Baby in Your Near Future? Think about an IUD!

Are you not planning a pregnancy for at least a year? Consider an IUD (Intrauterine Device)! IUDs are T shaped devices that are placed to fit in your uterus.  Aside from being an extremely effective form of contraception (birth control), IUDs offer many benefits. They are long acting (last 5-10 years depending on the type), do not need a daily or weekly reminder as with the pill or patch, have few side effects, are rapidly reversible, have many other health benefits (such as decreasing the risk of endometrial cancer), do ...

Need a Referral? Check Out Our Biz Directory!

Have you checked out our Biz Directory?  Bloomington-Normal Macaroni Kid is excited to keep adding more and more local businesses to our Biz Directory.  All are family friendly and Macaroni Kid approved!  Just click on the Biz Directory tab at the top of the website or click HERE to find just what you are looking for!

If you have a family-friendly business and would like to be listed in our directory, please email Melissa Alcorn at MelissaA@MacaroniKid.com. 


This Week's Picks:

May 18th through May 19th

Friday, May 18 - Kids Run for Fun!

Everyone's a winner when "Kids Run for Fun!" Every Friday evening from May 18th-August 3 (with no run on July 13 and 20) kids are invited to run in this non-competitive event, intended to help kids learn that exercising is fun! Kids are grouped according to age with the youngest starting first. All participants get a race number, ribbon, and drinks each week. Every child receives a trophy on the last night!
Where: Illinois Wesleyan University Track
When: 5:30 PM (Registration at 5:30PM, run starts at 6PM)
Who: All kids through age 12
How: Mail in your registration form, register early at Often Running, or register the first night you attend!
Cost: Registration Options:
$10/unlimited weekly running and T-Shirt, $5/unlimited weekly running and NO T-Shirt, or
$1/weekly pay and NO T-shirt
For more info: For more information click here!
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Saturday, May 19 - Family Fitness

This free event will get the whole family moving! Put down the remote control and join us for an afternoon of games, fitness activities, music, clowns, crafts and much more! Some of our local businesses & organizations will join us in providing information and activities to further encourage an active, healthy lifestyle. There will be games, prizes, demonstrations and activities for all ages. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to come out and learn more about the fun programs offered through Bloomington Parks & Recreation and our community. It's sure to be a day of fun, fitness and family time!
Where: White Oak Park
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
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This Week's Calendar:

May 17th through May 23rd

Thursday, May 17 through Friday, May 18 - Playful Learners II: Marvelous Moms

Each one hour class begins with group time where children and adult partners play and interact with each other, sing and dance to music and listen to a story or participate in finger plays.  From there, the class will break up for center time.  Children will develop fine motor skills for detailed exploration, and activities for gross motor skills will focus on movement.  Class will be offered on 5/17 from 6-7pm, 5/18 from 9-10am or 10:30-11:30am.
Where: Children's Discovery Museum, 101 E. Beaufort, Normal, IL
When: See description for days/times
Who: Ages 24-36 months
How: Advanced registration is required.  To register call 309-433-3444.
Cost: $7 museum members/$11 non-members (Additional adult $4)
For more info: Click here for more information on the Playful Learners at the Children's Discovery Museum.
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Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, May 20 - Heyworth Heydays!

Come join the fun at Heyworth's 26th annual celebration complete with carnival rides, games, town wide garage sales, a 5k run, local entertainment, and lots more!
Where: Heyworth, IL
When: Times will vary
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Prices of events varies, see website for more information
For more info: Click here and here for more information and specific times of events
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Thursday, May 17 - Storytime at Barnes & Noble

Head on over to Barnes & Noble for storytime!  Enjoy a fun activity too!
Where: Barnes & Noble, 1701 E. Empire, Bloomington
When: 10:00 AM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
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Saturday, May 19 - Mr. Stamps Club

Children interested in stamp collecting are invited to attend and learn more about this fascinating hobby in the Library's Story Room.
Where: Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., Bloomington, IL
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: School-aged children
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
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Saturday, May 19 - Open Cockpit Day and Cruise In

Please join the Prairie Aviation Museum for a family-friendly day at the airport!  Enjoy all of the exhibits inside and in the airpark.  Sit in the cockpit of the airplanes and visit with members of PAM that flew the airplanes.  Drinks and chips will be available. *Cruise in theme is "Celebrating Convertibles"
Where: Prairie Aviation Museum, 2929 E. Empire St., Bloomington, IL
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Adults $5, Children 6-11 $5, and donations accepted for children 5 and under
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Saturday, May 19 - Early Explorers: What Makes a Rainbow?

Be a big kid and get ready to explore and discover! This is a drop off program that features a story and related hands-on activities that range from arts and crafts, science experiments, movement, activities, songs, and games! What colors make up a rainbow? Come and explore all of the colors of the rainbow with a rainbow craft and many color mixing activities!
Where: Children's Discovery Museum, 101 E. Beaufort, Normal, IL
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 4-5 years old
How: Registration is required!  Call 309-433-3444 to register over the phone with a credit card.
Cost: $9 for museum members, $13 non-members
For more info: Click here to for more information.
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Saturday, May 19 - Flip-Flop Shop

Flip-Flop Shops are held on the 1st and 3rd Satruday of each month and are perfect for introducing the Flip-Flop (Back Handspring) to children at any skill level. The earlier you begin developing the Back Handspring, the better!
Where: Rising Stars Academy, 2902 Gill St, Bloomington
When: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Who: Ages 6 and up
How: Sign up in advance by calling 309-662-3330 or email courtney@risingstarsacademy.com
Cost: $10/Child for Members and Non-Members
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Saturday, May 19 - School-Age Open Gym at Rising Stars

School age children are invited to open gym at Rising Stars! Come explore the facility and equipment!
Where: Rising Stars Academy, 2902 Gill St, Bloomington, IL
When: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Children ages 6-14 yrs
How: Just show up
Cost: $5/child (Members) $7/child (Non-members)
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Saturday, May 19 - Pizza & Fun Night

School's Out! Come to Rising Stars Academy for group games, relay races, obstacle course, open gym time, pizza and MORE!! Don't forget to bring a friend!
Where: Rising Stars Academy, 2902 Gill St, Bloomington
When: 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Who: Ages 5-13
How: Sign up in advance at the front desk, call 309-662-3330 or email courtney@risingstarsacademy.com
Cost: $25/1st Child, $20/2nd Child, $15/3rd Child
*Discount applies to siblings from the same household as well as one friend per sibling.
For more info: A current Open Gym/Special Event Release Form must be filled out or on file to participate. You can print one off at www.risingstarsacademy.com
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Tuesday, May 22 through Wednesday, May 23 - The Miracle Worker

The Mclean County Diversity Project presents The Miracle Worker by William Gibson. Come and watch this inspiring true story of young Helen Keller, blind, deaf, and unable to communicate, and her courageous teacher Annie Sullivan, who through unyielding tenacity and determination, gave Helen the will and desire to learn, to speak, and to succeed. Their friendship, formed in Helen's childhood, lasted the whole of their lives, and continues to tough lives and inspire miracles today.
Where: Bloomington Center for The Performing Arts, 600 N. East St, Bloomington
When: 7:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Tickets available at the BCPA Box Office
Cost: General Admission- $7, Seniors/Students- $5, Bundles of 6- $5 each
*Any adult, with purchase of $7 ticket, may bring 3 students at no additional cost
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Wednesday, May 23 - Parent/Tot Open Gym at Rising Stars Academy

Rising Stars Academy invites you to Parent/Tot Open Gym! You and your child can explore the facility and equipment on your own. Staff will be on hand to help out and give you ideas for activities. Mon/Wed/Fri 11am-noon, Tues/Thurs/Sat 1:30pm-2:30pm. 
Where: Rising Stars Academy, 2902 Gill St. Bloomington, IL
When: Sessions available Monday through Saturday. See description.
Who: Ages "walking" to 5 years
How: Just show up
Cost: $5 per walking child
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Wednesday, May 23 - Nearly New Movie Series

On Wednesday nights at 6:30pm, the Bloomington Public Library will be showing the newest and hottest DVD movie which was released just the day before.  Every showing is free and so is the popcorn.  Titles will be determined as movie release dates are made available.  Meet in the Community Room.
Where: Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., Bloomington, IL
When: 6:30 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
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Teen Scene:

Tuesday, May 22 - Anime Now

Anime Now meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. If you're a fan of Japanese animation or find yourself reading all the latest manga, you'll want to join us in the Community room to watch and talk about anime.
Where: Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., Bloomington
When: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
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Plan Ahead:

Saturday, June 9 - The Zoo Lady and Her Zoo Crew's 10th Anniversary Party

Come and celebrate the Zoo Lady and her Zoo Crew's 10th Anniversary along with Miller Park Zoo's 121st birthday celebration!  Join us for aprty fun with your paid zoo admission.  The Zoo Lady and her Zoo Crew will be providing FREE face painting and Zoo Lady Cake!
Where: Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free with paid Zoo admission of $3.95 per person ages 3-12 and senior citizens, $5.95 per person ages 13-59. Free for children under 2.
For more info: Visit the Zoo Lady and her Zoo Crew on Facebook! 
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Make Your Own Moon Dough

Macaroni Made

Moon Dough is really easy to make and both of my kids had a ball playing in the stuff. This could also be a great activity one day on Summer Break!
 
What you need:

8-16 cups of flour
1-2 cups of baby oil
plastic bin
toys!
 
What you do:

1. Dump the flour in your plastic bin. I used 16 cups for my 2 little ones and it was the perfect amount for two kids.  You could double that or triple that based on how many kids you are entertaining ...


Kids Eat Free or Cheap!

By request, here is our Kids Eat Free or Cheap listing!  If you know of any restaurants that should be added to this list, please email me at melissaa@macaronikid.com.

Sunday

Alexander's Steakhouse: free kids meals from 4pm-8pm with adult entree purchase

Hooter's: free kids meal with adult entree purchase

Carlos 'O Kellys: $2.50 off one child's meal per adult entree purchase

Q'Doba: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree (limit 1 child per adult)

Steak-n-Shake: Kids eat free on weekends ...


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Welcome to Bloomington-Normal Macaroni Kid!  Here's some information to help you get the most from our site!
 
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With your free subscription to Bloomington-Normal Macaroni Kid you will receive a weekly email with all the family-friendly events and activities happening in our community from me, the publisher of Bloomington-Normal Macaroni Kid.  The email will be sent from MelissaA@macaronikid.com (to ensure you receive our newsletter please add this address to your address book). 
 
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