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April 6, 2011
News & Events
- "Emotionally Attached"
- Time to Register for YEP!
- Stop and Smell the Flowers
- Wanted: Baseball-Loving Families
- This Week's Picks
- This Week's Calendar
- Teen Scene
- Plan Ahead
- Make a Bird's Nest
- Fruit Salsa
- Macaroni Date to Remember
- New Macaroni Kid Business Directory
- Kids Eat Free or Cheap!
- Contact Bloomington-Normal Macaroni Kid
"Emotionally Attached"
Letter from the Editor
A couple of weeks ago my family and I moved. Moving comes along with the task of going through everything you own and separating it into piles of "take," "donate," and "toss." Like a good gal, I brought home empty boxes and bins, labeled them properly, and took to sorting with the intent of massive downsizing. As I went through all the things my husband and I had collected during the years in our first home, I noticed that another separate pile was beginning to form. A fitting label would ...
Time to Register for YEP!
Community Education for Kids and Teens at Heartland Community College
Registration is underway for the summer Youth Enrichment Program (YEP) at Heartland Community College. The Heartland Community Education Department is excited to offer over 130 exciting learning opportunities for young people of all ages who want to explore and develop new areas of interest this summer. Students from kindergarten through high school can have fun learning new hobbies such as cooking, foreign language, theatre, computer programming, sports camps, and more and also develop their academic skills in the areas of math, writing, reading, science, and more.
Some of the exciting ...
Stop and Smell the Flowers
Try Planting a Few Too!
April is the perfect time to take walks with your children and look at the beautiful new flowers that are blooming like crocus, daffodils and tulips. It gets you out of the house and gives you and your children something fun and inexpensive to do.
Have your child draw a picture of the flower. Better yet, if the flowers are yours, have her take a petal and press it in her nature journal. Can you imagine the memories and delight 25 years later when she shows this petal and drawing ...
Wanted: Baseball-Loving Families
Normal CornBelters Looking for Training Camp Host Families
The May 27th CEFCU Opening Night for the Normal CornBelters is quickly approaching and the team is looking for more Training Camp Host Families. These are generous families who will open their home to a ball player during the Training Camp days of May 1st through May 15th. Host Families play an important role in the lives of these young players by giving them a place to call home. Baseball-loving families will enjoy this unique experience of 'adopting' a professional baseball player as he works to achieve his dream. Interested ...
Friday, April 8 - Zoot Dace Party: Summer Songs
Where: Children's Discovery Museum 101 E. Beaufort Normal, ILWhen: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PMWho: Kids in K-5th gradeHow: Registration required. Click here for the Programming Registration Form or register over the telephone with a credit card by calling 309433-3444.Cost: $10 museum memners, $14 non-membersFor more info: Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 9 - Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Expo
Where: Illinois Weslyan University, Shirk Center, 302 E. Emerson St., BloomingtonWhen: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free!For more info: Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 9 - 3rd Annual Child Safety Open House
Where: Coffrin's ATA Martial Arts, 503 N. Prospect Rd. #203, Bloomington, IL 61704When: 10:00 AM - 2:15 PM (See description for class times for various age groups)Who: All ages (younger child class takes place at 10am)How: Just show upCost: Free!For more info: For more information click here or call 309-663-KICK.
Wednesday, April 6 - Preschool Storytime
Where: Bloomington Public Library 205 E. Olive St. Bloomington, IL 61701When: 10:00 AMWho: 3 to 5 year oldsHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Wednesday, April 6 - Open Gym at Rising Stars Academy
Where: Rising Stars Academy 2902 Gill Street Bloomington, IL 61704When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (See "More Info" for Additional Days/Times)Who: Ages "walking" to 5 yearsHow: Just show up, special event release form will have to be filled out once to participate.Cost: $5 per walking childFor more info: Open gym hours: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 11am-noon. Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 1:30-2:30pm. Click here for more information and to check for cancellations.
Wednesday, April 6 - New Release Movie Nights
Where: Bloomington Public Library 205 E. Olive St. Bloomington, ILWhen: 6:30 PMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free!For more info: Please call ahead to make sure movie is young child appropriate. 309-828-6091.
Thursday, April 7 through Friday, April 8 - Earth Day Extravaganza
Where: Children's Discovery Museum 101 E. Beaufort Normal, ILWhen: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (See description for more times.)Who: Homeschooled children ages 5-8How: Advanced registration is required. Call 309-433-3444 to register.Cost: $10 members/$14 non-membersFor more info: Click here for more information on the Homeschool Programs at the Children's Discovery Museum.
Thursday, April 7 through Friday, April 8 - The Wonderful World of Bugs
Where: Children's Discovery Museum 101 E. Beaufort Normal, ILWhen: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PMWho: Homeschooled children ages 9-13How: Advanced registration is required. Call 309-433-3444 to register.Cost: $20 members/$24 non-membersFor more info: Click here for more information on the Homeschool Programs at the Children's Discovery Museum.
Thursday, April 7 - Toddler Time at the Bloomington Public Library
Where: Bloomington Public Library 205 E. Olive St. Bloomington, IL 61701When: 10:00 AMWho: Toddlers age 19 to 35 monthsHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Thursday, April 7 - Story Time - Fun Learning About Money
Where: Barnes & Noble, 1701 E. Empire St., Bloomington, ILWhen: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free!For more info: Click here for more information.
Thursday, April 7 - Lego My Library
Where: Normal Public Library Community Room 206 W. College Ave. Normal, ILWhen: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PMWho: Children ages 2 to 12. Kids under 8, please bring a grown-up along!How: Just show upCost: Free!
Thursday, April 7 - Taco Mania - Kids Can Cook!
Where: Center for Healthy Lifestyles, 2200 E. Washington St., Bloomington, ILWhen: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PMWho: Grades 2-6 and a grown-upHow: To register, call 1-888-6-ASK-OSF (1-888-627-5673)Cost: $20 per parent/child couple and payment is due 48 hours in advance. (Additional children may be added for $10 each and additional parent for $5.)
Thursday, April 7 through Friday, April 8 - Playful Learners I: Spring is Here!
Where: Children's Discovery Museum 101 E. Beaufort St. Normal, ILWhen: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Friday at 10:30am to 11:30am)Who: Ages 12-24 months and their grown-upHow: Advanced registration is required. To register call 309-433-3444.Cost: $6 museum members/$10 non-members (Additional adult $4)For more info: Click here for more information on the Playful Learners.
Thursday, April 7 - Square Dance Lessons
Where: YWCA Fitness Room 2 1201 N. Hershey Road Bloomington, IL 61704When: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PMWho: Anyone 10 years with a parent and upHow: Just show upCost: $4 per personFor more info: For more info contact Deborah Stumm at [email protected].
Thursday, April 7 - Meet Author Shirin Yim Bridges
Where: Milner Library, 201 North School St., Normal, ILWhen: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Friday, April 8 - Family Story Hour
Where: Normal Public Library Community Room 206 W. College Ave. Normal, ILWhen: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AMWho: Geared towards 3 to 5 year-olds, but everyone is welcome!How: Just show upCost: Free!
Friday, April 8 - Open Gym at Gymnastics Etc.
Where: Gymnastics Etc. 402 Olympia Drive Bloomington, IL 61704When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Also on Tuesday!)Who: Preschool aged chilldrenHow: Just show upCost: $5 per childFor more info: For more information visit http://www.gymetc.com/
Friday, April 8 - Books ALIVE
Where: Western Avenue Community Center, 600 N. Western Avenue (corner of Western and Locust), Bloomington, ILWhen: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Come anytime between 5:30pm and 7:30pm)Who: Designed for 3-8 year olds but everyone is welcomeHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Friday, April 8 through Saturday, April 9 - Follow the Drinking Gourd at the ISU Planetarium
Where: ISU Planetarium is located at the east end of Felmley Hall of Science on the corner of College Avenue and School Street in Normal.When: 7:30 PM (Saturday show is at 2pm)Who: Ages 3 and upHow: Just show upCost: Ages 3-4 $2, ages 5-12 and seniors $3, and ages 13-59 $4.For more info: Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 9 - Preschool Fair
Where: Heartland Community College Workforce Development Center, 1500 W. Raab Road, Normal, ILWhen: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Saturday, April 9 - Ye Olde $$$ Fair, Hosted by Ben Franklin
Where: Holy Trinity Church Basement, 711 Main St., Bloomington, ILWhen: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PMWho: Ages 4-10How: Just show upCost: Free!For more info: Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 9 - Lowe's Build & Grow Parent/Child Craft Building Clinic
Where: Lowe's, 2101 E. Empire St., Bloomington, ILWhen: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AMWho: All agesHow: Pre-register HERE, print waiver, and bring it with you.Cost: Free!For more info: Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 9 - The Easter Bunny Arrives at Eastland Mall
Where: Eastland Mall, 1615 East Empire St., Bloomington, ILWhen: 10:00 AMWho: Ages 3 and over with a parentHow: Just show upCost: Visiting with the Easter Bunny is Free! Photo packages start at $20.
Saturday, April 9 - Family Story Hour
Where: Normal Public Library Community Room 206 W. College Ave. Normal, ILWhen: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AMWho: Geared towards 3 to 5 year-olds, but everyone is welcome!How: Just show upCost: Free!
Saturday, April 9 - Second Saturday Family Stories
Where: Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., Bloomington, ILWhen: 11:00 AMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Saturday, April 9 - Dress Up Movie at the Normal Theatre - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Where: Historic Normal Theatre, 209 North St., Normal, ILWhen: 1:00 PMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Saturday, April 9 - Birth of Stars, Orion's Nebual: TCAA Public Viewing Session
Where: Sugar Grove Nature Center, 4532 N. 725 East Road, McLean, IL 61754When: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Monday, April 11 - Last day to register for Bunny's Pizza Dinner & Egg Hunt
Where: Event takes place at Miller Park PavillionWhen: 9:00 AMWho: All agesHow: Registration is required. Call 309-434-2260 to register.Cost: $25 for parent/child, and $10 for each additional participant
Monday, April 11 - Second Monday Story Club
Where: Bloomington Public Library Story Room, 205 E. Olive St., Bloomington, ILWhen: 6:30 PMWho: Children in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gradesHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Tuesday, April 12 - Lapsit for Infants
Where: Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., Bloomington, ILWhen: 10:00 AM (Also at 6:30pm)Who: Infants up to 18 months old and their caregiversHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Tuesday, April 12 - Tuesday Tales
Where: Normal Public Library Book Nook 206 W. College Avenue Normal, ILWhen: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AMWho: 3 to 5 year olds, but everyone is welcome.How: Just show upCost: Free!
Monday, April 11 - Teen Writers Workshop
Where: Normal Public Library 206 W. College Ave. Normal, ILWhen: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PMWho: TeensHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Monday, April 11 - Digital Photography Classes for Teens - Reception
Where: Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., Bloomington, ILWhen: 7:00 PMWho: TeensHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Tuesday, April 12 - Anime Now
Where: Bloomington Public Library Community Room 205 E. Olive St. Bloomington, ILWhen: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PMWho: Teens and adultsHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Tuesday, April 12 - Re:Verse: An Open Mic Night
Where: TheatresCool. 403 N. Main St., BloomingtonWhen: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PMWho: Teens and adultsHow: Just show upCost: $5 donations are appreciated
Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, April 17 - Going Going Gone Seasonal Consignment Sale
Where: The Ashland House (Best Western), 201 East Ashland St., Morton, IL 61550When: 9:00 AM (See Description for Days/Times)Who: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free admission and parking!For more info: Click here for more information.
Friday, April 15 - Hands are for Hoding Mini-Parade
Where: Franklin Park, 949 North Main Street in Normal (outside the pool area).When: 9:15 AM - 11:00 AMWho: All agesHow: Just show up to watch and join in the activities. To take part in the mini-parade contact Tamara Guy at 309-828-0742 or by email at [email protected] to register your float, musical, signage, or walking team by April 9th!Cost: Free!
Friday, April 15 through Saturday, April 16 - Gamma Phi Circus Spring Show
Where: Redbird Arena, Illinois State UniversityWhen: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PMWho: All agesHow: Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com or Braden Box Office (309-438-5444).Cost: Adults $12, Children 5-12 $8, Children 0-4 $1For more info: Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 16 - Wheelchair Basketball!
Where: Kingsley Junior High School, 303 Kingsley St., Normal, ILWhen: 11:00 AMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: $5 per person, children 5 and under are Free!For more info: For more information call the LIFE Center at 309-663-5433.
Saturday, April 16 - Party for the Planet
Where: Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, ILWhen: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free with paid admission of Youth (ages 3-12) and Senior Citizens $3.50, Adults (ages 13-59) $5.00, and children under 3 are free!
Saturday, April 16 - Meet Award Winning Author Candace Fleming
Where: Normal Public Library, 206 W. College Ave., Normal, ILWhen: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PMWho: All agesHow: Just show upCost: Free!
Sunday, April 17 - Family Science Day
Where: Horton Field House at Illinois State UniversityWhen: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PMWho: preK-8 students and their familiesHow: Purchase your tickets at the Redbird Arena Ticket Office, the Children's Discovery Museum, or the Challenger Learning CenterCost: $2 per person by April 1st, $3 per person after April 1st, Kids 2 and under are free!For more info: Click here for more information.
Make a Bird's Nest
Jump into spring with a craft!
This is a fun and EASY project for the kids.
Items needed:
- Brown bags
- Sticks from the yard
- Glue
- Candy Eggs
Squash down the side of the brown paper bag. Glue sticks on the bag to form the look of a bird's nest. Let the bag dry and fill with eggs. I used candy eggs, but you can also use your colored Easter Eggs.
Enjoy!
Fruit Salsa
A light snack kids will love
Choose four or five different colored fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, mandarin oranges, grapes, apples, etc.
Dice fruits very small, use a food chopper or place fruits in food processor and process briefly (do not puree). You want about one to one and a half cups of fruit.
In a small bowl, combine one tbs. lemon or lime juice, two tsp. Agave Nectar or honey, and a dash of cinnamon. Pour mixture over chopped fruit and toss to coat. Serve fruit salsa with cinnamon and sugar pita chips. I bought ...
Macaroni Date to Remember
No Housework Day - April 7th!
NO KIDDING!
Celebrate No Housework Day and relax a little - you deserve it!
Follow my lead.....Just Say NO!
New Macaroni Kid Business Directory
Family-Friendly Community Businesses
Bloomington-Normal Macaroni Kid is excited to announce the addition of a Business Directory to our website! The Business Directory link can be found on the left hand side of the website under "Connect." We will be adding many more family-friendly community businesses, so keep checking back!
Do you own a local business that you would like to see listed in our Business Directory? Click here to find out how to submit your listing. We would love to add your business to our directory!
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 [email protected].
Everyday
Cosi: Kids eat for $1 after 2pm with each adult entree purchase (limit one child per adult)
Flat Top Grill: Children 4 and under eat free everyday
Quiznos: Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree
Sunday
Alexanders: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree (limit 2 children per adult)
Carlos 'O Kellys: $2.50 ...
Contact Bloomington-Normal Macaroni Kid
Each week, I do my best to find all the great family-friendly events in the Bloomington-Normal area and I would love to hear what you think! Also, if you know of any local events that our readers would enjoy, please let me know! If you would like to advertise your business on Bloomington-Normal Macaroni Kid, contact me! And if you are as excited about our newsletter as I am, don't forget to click on "forward to a friend" so this newsletter can continue to grow!
Melissa
© 2013 Macaroni Kid, LLC



