Pastorius Meeting-Monday July 11 @ 7pm

Please join us Monday night for a meeting of people hoping to create a people and dog-friendly park culture in Pastorius Park.  The story behind the meeting can be found here.  Anyone interested in brainstorming a solution where the park can be used by ALL community members is welcome to attend:

Date: Monday July 11
Time: 7pm
Place: Pastorius Park Amphitheater

And even MORE this weekend...

So we covered the kids-eye-view for the Chestnut Hill Book Festival this weekend here.  Lots of great authors, illustrators and events!

But there's more going on this weekend in Germantown and Mt. Airy...

as you wish...

Tonight one of the all-time greatest movies, The Princess Bride, plays outside at the Lovett Library Garden in Mt. Airy at 8:30pm.  While not exactly related to the Book Festival, if you go, you will hear the famous line, "That's right. When I was your age, television was called books."  So this is sort of a literary event too, in a way.  Bring your own chairs/blanket.  The Trolley Car Diner will be selling concessions, with 15% of the profits going to the library.

Johnson House back stairs
footprints of the underground RR

And this Saturday isn't just any random Saturday, it's the Second Saturday in Historic Germantown.  The Freedom's Backyard sites will have joint open hours from 1-4pm.  A great way to show the kids some of our rich local history.  Stenton, Wyck, Cliveden of the National Trust, the Germantown Mennonite Meetinghouse, the Concord School & Upper Burying Ground and Hood Cemetery are all included.  You can get a family of 4 passport for all of the sites for $25!
http://www.freedomsbackyard.com/calendar.asp

And The Cat's Pajamas kids band will be playing in the Treehouse Rocks! concert series this Saturday night.  Reservations required!
http://devel.treehouseplaycafe.com/?page_id=343

The Kids' Guide to the Chestnut Hill Book Festival

This weekend marks the 3rd annual Chestnut Hill Book Festival, and with the success of the previous two, I'm sure this event will be around for many more years.  This is a showcase event for The Hill, bringing nationally acclaimed authors and illustrators to the Avenue. These authors and illustrators are locally grown (or stationed), so it's a wonderful way to celebrate local talent.  There's a monster link with the complete run-down of the weekend's activities found here, but we thought our family-oriented readers would appreciate a kids' guide to the event:

There will be a Kids Festival at Jenks Playground (tented) on Saturday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 2pm. This event will host authors, illustrators, activities, music and more.  (Jenks is the large wooden playground you see right from the road at 8301 Germantown Avenue).

You'll find the following fabulous cast of authors under the big tent:

Ponder Goembel- is an expert animal (bugs included) illustrator with titles including Old Cricket, Sailor Moo, and Castaway Cat (all written by Lisa Wheeler).  Obviously drawn to illustrating tales with animals, she uses a wide variety of styles to capture her furry (and scaly) characters.  Saturday 11am.  

Matt Phelan- is a prolific illustrator of many children's books.  We've appreciated his racially diverse characters in books like Two of a Kind.  But he really outdid himself in his debut as  author AND illustrator in The Storm in the Barn.  These amazing comic-like illustrations tell a wonderful tale about the dust bowl of 1937.  Saturday at 1pm.

You can unleash your inner child with Jason Deeble's story of a little boy with a knight-able imagination.  Sir Ryan's Quest is beautifully illustrated and wildly creative. Saturday 2pm.

Don't be a weenie!  For the older "kids" in the crowd, David Lubar is sure to please.  Check out this edgy author/illustrator of middle school shock and awe (no easy task, right?).  His collection of Warped and Creepy Tales includes Weenie titles of the lawn, vampire, road, and hot pepper variety.  Perfect for middle school readers- especially reluctant ones.  Saturday at 12pm.  

Kathy O'Connell of WXPN Kid's Corner Fame.  

Kathy O'Connell will also be at the playground from 10am-noon to talk with local kids.  If you have XPN Kid's Corner fans in your household, here's your big chance to meet the voice behind the show!

If your little one's tummy starts rumbling, you might want to head up the Avenue a bit to Roller's Express and O'doodles Toystore.  The two business are teaming up together again this year to host the Cat in the Hat and serve up some Green Eggs and Ham.  The Cat will be traveling between the two spots, while food will be served up at Roller's Express on both Saturday and Sunday from 9-11am.

O'doddles will also be hosting local author/illustrator, John McGranahan, from 11am-1pm.  McGranahan's book, Meet the Planets is a beautifully illustrated tale of Pluto's new role in emceeing the 8 planet competition for crowd favorite.

The weather should be a bit more tolerable by Saturday, so why not bring the kids into town for a little summer enrichment?

Two great choices for tonight...

The Quakertown Band will be hitting the stage at Pastorius Park tonight at 7:30pm.  This community band has a very rich history, dating back to 1877 (with different members, of course).  Bring your picnic basket and blanket, and be prepared for overtures, Broadway and movie show tunes, big band, swing, and Dixieland music.

If for some reason, you're not up for an outdoor concert, Wednesday night is also Target First Wednesday at the Please Touch Museum.  This is a fabulous opportunity to go when the crowds are low (no school/camp groups) and save $13! on admission between 5-7pm.  Admission for tonight is just $2 per person.

The 4th of July Sparkles in Chestnut Hill

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Chestnut Hill Bocce Club, the 4th of July in Chestnut Hill was a sparkling success!  As per tradition, the day's events started out with a flag ceremony.  After the crowd pledged their allegiance, volunteers started lining up the groups for the parade and decorating contest.

the Heiress (who even wears tiaras and tutus on the 4th)
lines up with Luke for the trike and training wheel divisions.

Amidst a sea of red, white, and blue, there were separate divisions for floats, trikes, scooters, training wheels, and big bikes.  Children paraded down Hartwell Lane to the Judge's stands in front of the Water Tower Recreation Center.  The benevolent judges looked at the groupings and choose first, second, and third place winners in each category.

Mrs. Harry Potter about to win first place in the big bike competition

First place winners received $15, second place $10, and third place $5.  To say that the kids were ecstatic with these winnings is an understatement!  No entrant went home empty handed; t-shirts were given out to everyone who rode in the parade.  Julian Cheung, a multi-year champion, won his 4th first place prize in just five years with this tripped out bike:

the kid to beat, four years running
(our strategy is to try to go in a different group than he competes in!)

After the judging ended, the games, rides, and activities began.  The baseball fields were suddenly home to pony rides, bounce houses and slides, and several games.

the Heiress receives expert coaching during the candy grab

Boys and girls competed in different age groups in the candy grab, 30 yard dash, crab race, and backwards race (great practice for football).  More prize money ensued for the top thee winners in each race.

5 and 6 year old boys line up for the crab race

And while the activities were running, we learned that there is too a such a thing as a free lunch... at least on the 4th of July in Chestnut Hill.  The Bocce Club generously treated everyone to hot dogs, cold drinks and ice cream.  If you didn't make it this year, put it on your calendar now for next year!

More on the weekend... downtown edition.

Come on, you know part of the reason you decided to live in this area was its proximity to downtown.  A really great reason, but one that only works if you actually GO downtown!  Check out the listing of the remaining programs from the Welcome America! lineup:
http://www.welcomeamerica.com/category/events/

Saturday July 2

Go 4th & Learn about the Science of Fireworks at the Franklin Institute
11am-1pm.  Free event.  First 200 kids get a free book.

Chinatown Block Party
12pm-4pm. 10th and Race Sts.

Fireworks on the Delaware River
Great views from both Philly and Camden waterfronts!

Sunday July 3

All You Can Eat Ice Cream Festival

12pm-5pm. $7 admission to benefit a fund to fight against Childhood Leukemia

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops Concert
Independence Hall (bring chairs/blankets)
8pm

Sunday July 4

Independence Day Ceremony
Readings from the Declaration of Independence, songs, speeches, etc.
Independence Hall
10am

Independence Parade
Historic Philadelphia
11am

Party on the Parkway
12pm-7pm
Games, activities, entertainment, food.

Philly Jam and Fireworks
7pm
Concert followed by fireworks.
THE ROOTS!
Earth Wind & Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles, and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

How to Enjoy the Weekend- Locally

Chestnut Hill 4th of July Celebration!

This year marks the 95th annual Fourth of July parade and Celebration in Chestnut Hill.  Families gather at the intersection of Devon Street and Hartwell Lane for a recitation and flag raising at 9:00 a.m., followed by children parading down Hartwell Lane to the Water Tower Center (a nice short route for the littlest).  Participants are encouraged to arrive in costumes and on floats, decorated bicycles, tricycles and wagons. Numerous prizes will be awarded to the best decorations in a number of categories.  (I have to say, my kids were VERY impressed by the cash prizes last year!)  Following the parade, the Water Tower’s ball fields will be filled with games and contests for children (more prizes!).  Also look for pony rides, face painting, a giant moon bounce and a magician.  Lunch from 11-12:30.  Generously sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Bocce Club and free to all.  


Saturday is Out on a Limb's Second Birthday at the Morris Arboretum.  

Can you believe it?  Our netty little baby is officially a toddler!  Celebrate one of the coolest Arboretum exhibits ever with crafts, birthday cake, and a glimpse at the Garden Railway's Circus Week.

Ring In Freedom and Independence this July 4th in Historic Germantown
Five sites that were actually here in 1776 will come together for a day of activities in celebration and remembrance of our nation's independence from 11AM- 4PM:

"Activities begin at Stenton, located at 4601 North 18th Street, from 11AM-1PM. Bring a picnic lunch and meet Deborah Norris Logan, mistress of Stenton from 1784-1839, and listen to her experience of hearing the Declaration of Independence read for the first time. Other activities include making your own ice cream and a flag fan craft.

Continue your celebration with a tour of Hood Cemetery. Formerly the Lower Burying Ground, this cemetery was founded in 1692 and is the resting place of 41 Revolutionary War soldiers. The site is located at 4901 Germantown Avenue and will be open for tours from 11 AM - 1 PM.

Visitors can also explore Philadelphia's only Revolutionary War battle site, Cliveden, located at 6401 Germantown Avenue. Visit with 'Richard Allen', born enslaved to Cliveden's Chew Family, from 1 - 2 PM. Tours of the house and newly opened servant's quarters will be available from 12 - 4 PM.

At 2PM, the Concord School & Upper Burying Ground will host their 7th annual Bell Ringing Ceremony. The tradition of ringing the bell once for each year since 1776 began in the 18th century and was revived in 2005. The Concord School & Upper Burying Ground is located at 6309 Germantown Avenue and will be open for tours from 12-4PM.

Conclude your day's activities at the Johnson House Historic Site, located at 6306 Germantown Avenue. See a performance by 'Richard Allen' at 2:30 PM and tour this surviving Underground Railroad Station. Tours will be available from 12 - 4 PM.

All events are FREE and open to the public".

Speaking of the 4th.... where's the best place to watch fireworks?  I'm guessing downtown is the hottest show, but where else do GAP readers go to check out the big sparklers in the sky?

Tonight: Nice weather. Dancing music.

Looks like the perfect forecast to enjoy tonight's Pastorius Park concert!  At 7:30pm, Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Ensemble will take the stage, getting the audience up and moving with cha-cha, mambo and tango tunes.

Click for a preview:
http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_4668350

Pastorius (not to be confused with Brideshead) Revisited

not a spot on him.

Before we delve into our annual donning of all things red, white, and blue, I wanted to revisit the "dog park" issue raised here.  Many readers responded via comments and email, hoping to move forward with discussions about ways to make the park more accessible for all community members- furry AND otherwise.

If you (or your neighbors) are interested in being part of those conversations, locals interested in this issue will be meeting in the evening on Monday July 11.  Please email through this link or use the "contact us" button on the main GAP page to be included in the meeting.  I've heard from lots of people on all sides of the issue and look forward to creating a VERY pet- and people-friendly plan.

Speaking of pets, just to prove once again, that we are NOT anti-dog (or cat)... If you live in the NW, why not submit a photo to Newsworks for their "Cats and Dogs of NW Philly" slideshow:
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/neighborhoods/mt-airychestnut-hill-/item/12788-cats-a-dogs-of-nw-philly&Itemid=1

Frogs. Part Two. Expanded Cast of Characters.

I know you've all been on the edge of your seats, waiting to hear what else we found out in our frogging expeditions.  Well, hold on to your fishing hats...

gettin' our money's worth
out of those dollar store nets

We've been checking back, and it seems the teensy tiny frogs are disappearing! We've learned that that in the stage we last wrote about here in Frogs Part 1, the froglets were about 12 weeks old (we call this the teensy tiny stage).  What we are struggling to figure out is how quickly they grow from that point on, because while there are way fewer teensy tiny frogs, there are WAY more big frogs.  But we did not find many in the middle size range.  And the big frogs want to hang out by the edge of the pond, just like the little ones did.

can't you see i'm trying to sleep?

yep, i'm lookin' at YOU
and anyway, i might be a toad

Could they have grown that much that quickly?  Hopefully we have a herpetologist GAP reader who can solve that mystery for us.  As the Heiress asked, "they growed from fingernail size to as big as my hand so fast?"... umm, good question.

the princess and the frog.

But if you're looking for frog books at the CH libary, you might want to check out another branch, 'cause we pretty much checked all of them out.  One of the things we were trying to figure out is whether Pastorius is teeming in frogs or toads.  Here's Luke's five year old account of what he learned:

"Well, I know that frogs are more different than toads.  Frogs are smoother and shinier and slimier and toads are bumpier.  Frogs like to be wet and toads like to hide in the grass.  And they both are little baby tadpoles and then their front feet grow and then they are tiny little frogs or toads and then they growed real fast into big ones."

One book taught us that toads ARE frogs, just a slightly different branch of the frog family tree.  The things we learn from children's books!

But our latest expedition revealed more than just the tiny amphibians.  We also saw more big fish and two big turtles.  We lovingly named them Snapper and Boxer.  They like to hang out together and were very careful not to come anywhere near our noise.  They are also very good at camouflaging, so use your detective skills to spot them in the picture:

Boxer and Snapper

Despite all of these scientific findings, the highlight of the trip BY FAR was the dragon.  Yes, did you know Pastorius Park is home to a dragon?  Stay tuned for more on that...

This Weekend... food, with dessert. and art.

marshmallows and sprinkles and gummies, oh my!

Sniff, sniff... this Friday marks the last Decorate-a-Cupcake night at Bredenbeck's Bakery.  Unless, of course, they extend it again.  (hint, hint!) 6-8pm... free for kids.

Friday and Saturday you can feast at the Wyck Food Festival and Symposium.  Friday from 4-7pm, it's festival time, as the Wyck hosts "local and heirloom food tastings, cooking demonstrations from Slow Food Philly, historic recipes prepared today, Capogiro gelato, Whole Foods brick-oven pizza, live music from Riverside bluegrass band, children’s activities, raffle of local treats, and much more."  Saturday seems slated more for grown-ups, but if you're a foodie or a locavore (that one will freshen up your etymology skills), definitely check out the Saturday Symposium:
http://www.wyck.org/#!__programsevents

check out this beautiful creation from lil' fishy... this weekend in Manayunk

This weekend is also the Manayunk Art Festival.  Not super kid-oriented, but a feast for the eyes and plenty to keep the purse or wallet busy.  Plus, a great spot to score genuinely unique and artsy stuff for yourself or your little ones.  Lots of food, music, and well... art.  Textiles, glass, jewelry, photography, paintings, and sculptures and WAY more.  Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 11-6.  

Arts Festival Link

Cars 2 Sneak Peek Reviews!

It's almost here, the official opening of Cars 2!  This long awaited sequel (really long awaited if you're a preschooler... pretty much your entire LIFE) debuts in theaters this Friday June 23.  You can check it out locally at either the Manayunk or Plymouth Meeting Mall theaters this weekend.  But we here at GAP are so very special, we snagged some preview tickets last weekend.  Our guest reviewers had the following raves:

From "Mama B":
Full of action, comedy, and fun, this movie's theme of friendship,  believing in ones self, and being proud of who you are, while  subtle, is heartwarming. The dazzlingly colorful film features  every car model you can think of and takes you on a trip around the  "Cars" world to see the sights of Paris, Tokyo, and London.  Good friends, fancy spies, travel, a mysterious bad guy with a posse of  "lemons" (cars), and an introduction to alternative fuel ...A  delightful film that is sure to please the whole family (and keep  parents awake, maybe).

the cutest critics ever!

From Abi, age 10:
This movie was cool because the cars got to travel all around the
world. Lightning McQueen is the best race car in the world!
Francesco Bernoulli, the Italian race car, is annoying and always
brags that he's going to win every race. Mater and Lightning McQueen
stay best friends even though Mater gets on his nerves sometimes and
Mater learns to be proud of himself.


From Amaya, age 10:
Cars 2 was the best movie I have ever seen. My favorite characters
are Mater and Holley Shiftwell because they are funny and adventurous
and they like to explore. I liked lightning McQueen too because he
is cool, awesome and super fast.  The movie was entertaining for
kids and grown ups, but most of all it inspires kids to become
people who like to explore.

From MuNetri, age 6:
"That movie was soooo awesome!"

Creepy Seek and Find in Chestnut Hill: Video Clip

Ok, GAP readers, who has spied the coolest nighttime window display on the Avenue?  Here's a video clip:




Googling is CHEATING!  If you haven't already located these creepy, crawly, swimmy creatures, you have 5 more nights to find them.  I'll give you a hint... if you hit up a certain ice cream shop, you're getting awfully close, but the display is best viewed after dusk.

So... WHERE, and more importantly, WHAT are they?  Fish?  Stingrays?  Flying rats?  Eeek!  There's definitely a science lesson in there behind the scenes.

Monday Mix: Me...Jane Book Review

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell (Little, Brown, $15.99)

What an amazing and beautiful picture book written and illustrated by the creator of the Mutts comic strip Patrick McDonnell. It's a simple story about the true childhood life of Jane Goodall, a curious girl who loved nature and discovery, started a club called the Alligator Society, and decided at the age of ten that she would live in Africa and study animals. The illustrations are spare and beautiful, mixing McDonnell's drawing style with collages of stamp designs and actual childhood drawings and puzzles by Jane Goodall herself. This is a perfect introduction for the youngest of children to the life of a truly inspiring environmental activist. This is an inspiring story for adults too... everyone told Jane that her dream was impossible, but she did it. It's never too late!

-Maleka

This Weekend... jazz, juneteenth, and free cupcakes.

The West Oak Lane Jazz Festival runs from Friday through Sunday, but Saturday is the first ever Children's Day from 10-1pm.  Be sure to check out....

1. Central High's Jazz Band kicking things off for the kids at 10am on OARC stage.
2. The Persuasions making jazz out of Shirley Temple and then switching things up with a little Dylan.
3. Audience participation of the youngest sort... little ones creating their own acapella tunes.
4. Video games.  Yes, gaming and jazz = a natural marriage.  Xbox, Wii, Playstation... all your favorite hits in one buzzing arcade.
5. Times and days for some serious headliners to please the parents... Chaka Khan, Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson and more.

Picnics and coolers and strollers welcome.  Saturday looks like the best weather day too!
http://www.westoaklanefestival.com/Default.aspx

Why not plan a kids' night out on the Hill?  Check out the new barbecue dinner menu and local jazz out on the patio at the Little Treehouse Cafe.  Follow it up with FREE Decorate-a-Cupcake night at Bredenbeck's from 6-8pm.  If you can't swing Friday night, Saturday is a kids rock concert at the Treehouse with Mama Mac... reservations required!

Saturday you can celebrate one of the coolest holidays EVER.  The Johnson House (one of the coolest historical sites EVER) is hosting a Juneteenth celebration!  Juneteenth goes all the way back to 1865, marking the passage of the 13th amendment and commemorating the end of slavery.  This outdoor block party will highlight the rich history in "freedom's backyard" and include wonderful historic events, music, food and vendors.  Definitely not to be missed!  6300 block of Germantown Ave.
http://johnsonhousehistoricsite.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/juneteenth-flier.jpg

Papa GAP's Pastorius Park Concert Review

The 63^rd annual Pastorius Park summer concert series started with a twang as noted singer/songwriter Jeffrey Gaines proved that rock ‘n roll is more about soul than amplification, with his powerful solo performance. Surrounded by evergreens and 20 or so haphazardly strung lights, the Harrisburg native commented to the crowd that he was here ‘to participate in the event, not dominate it.’ Well, he did both.

Pastorius Park is an ideal spot for an outdoor concert: an intimate amphitheater, a stage fronted by a small moat, and a makeshift mosh pit for energetic toddlers. For older kids, there is a frog/fish filled pond and  several acres of open field for frisbee throwing and dog walking.  Picnics are encouraged and park bathrooms available.

I interviewed Gaines during the break, as he was re-stringing his 1982 Gibson J 2000.  Up close he resembles Elvis, with spiky hair, yellow tinted glasses and a hint of drawl.  He returned to the stage as the sun set.  As the families with young kids headed home to bed, Gaines took control, delivering the highlight of the evening, an extraordinary cover of Peter Gabriel’s ‘In Your Eyes.’

Great music, perfect weather and a reminder from tonight’s performer: ‘You have to come to Chestnut Hill, you can’t find it just by passing through.'

The concert series continues at 7:30pm every Wednesday through July, 27.

Does your kid have the Thomas bug?

Symptoms include: a passion for numbered railway cars, an affinity for names like Gordon, Henry, and Percy, and a yearning for all items in a certain hue of blue.  Whether you're trying to cure or enable this serious condition, you might want to head on over to the Morris Arboretum tonight.  Tonight is "Train Enthusiasts Night" from 5-8pm.  Train club members, artists, and manufacturers will storm the arboretum and perhaps inspire your little one to move beyond the Thomas obsession and into a more long-term one.

Jeffrey Gaines in concert tonight at Pastorius Park!

The weather will be beautiful and the music will be even better.  The Pastorius Park  2011 Concert Series kicks off tonight!  Gaines, singer-songwriter, easy on the ears and eyes, takes the stage at 7:30pm.  Grab some lawn chairs, bring a picnic, and enjoy the evening under the stars.  Kids welcome, but not required.

http://www.jeffreygaines.com/#

Summer "Bucket List"- what's on yours?

BEACH "bucket list"

This year, we made it official.  Each kid brainstormed a few places they wanted to go, things they wanted to do, and what they wanted to learn more about this summer.  They all wrote them down in a notebook, and this now officially serves as our summer "bucket list."  As in beach bucket, NOT kick the bucket.

Sporty wants to go to California.  To say that's a long shot is an understatement.  But he also wants to go to Washington D.C.  Now that, I think we can swing.  He wants to hit some amusement parks and learn more about electronics, specifically Apple computers.  Really, I think he wants to OWN Apple computers, but he's playing his hand well, pretending it's all about learning something new.

Mrs. Harry Potter wants to go to Dutch Wonderland and the beach, exercise every morning,  and learn how to babysit and draw trees.  She's also been very inspired by the American Girl Addy series, so she wants to explore local history around the Underground Railroad.  


Luke Skywalker hopes to study sharks, learn to swim (great combination, eh?) and learn how to manage his feelings (yes, HE volunteered that, not me).  He also wants to go to Chuck E. Cheese (though we have them all convinced that you can ONLY ever go there for friends' birthday parties... hopefully someone will invite us there).  


The Heiress aspires to visit the Big Apple, go on a sliding board, learn about frogs and how to write more letters.  A tall order for such a wee one, but I think we can work something out.


I have to say, as corny as it sounds, it was fun to actually sit down and ask them what they wanted to do this summer.  They definitely came up with ideas I wouldn't have considered.  It's also a pretty good start list!  

Summer Movie Review: Judy Moody

Judy Moody Movie Review

If you go to see the Judy Moody Movie you will like it a lot it is awesome and funny.  Here are some things about the movie:

They are trying to catch Big Foot.

Judy Moody is trying to have a not bummer summer, so that's the name of the movie, “Judy Moody and The Not Bummer Summer."

Their grandpa hurts his back and Judy’s parents go to Californa without Judy and Stink so, Aunt Opal comes over to baby sit them.  


My favorite character was aunt Opal. I laughed the hardest when Judy squirted the food with water because it was on fire.

8 year old girls would like it because it is hilarious!

I saw it with a 4 year old and a teenager and they both loved it too.

By Mr.s Harry Potter, age 8     

Summer Safety: Pools

A GAP reader requested that I post this story and information.  I was torn, because while I know it's vital safety information (it's summertime and drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death in children under the age of 5 and the number two cause in children under 18), it is so tragic that I find it difficult to even think about.

Warning: child death mentioned. 


Three year old Joanie Logan drowned on one of my favorite days of the year: opening day for outdoor pools.  In the 95 degree heat on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, Joanie wandered away from her parents chatting with friends and slipped into the 3-4 foot depth pool at St. Alban's Swim Club in Newtown Square.  She drowned as kids swam around her, adults sat right nearby, and a lifeguard watched the pool.  Just an unspeakable tragedy.  I have a similarly curious and brave three year old who will jump into any body of water she sees.  I can't begin to fathom the loss and pain her parents are enduring.

I was also a lifeguard for 15 years.  When I was 18 years old, I witnessed a near-drowning of a toddler at the un-guarded baby pool during a pool party while I was tasked with watching the big pool.  She ended up surviving, but the scene, the panic, and the "almost" was awful.  As a result, I have always been hyper-aware of toddlers at crowded pools and social events.  But while I knew that drowning was a huge risk for young children, I did not know that 1 in 5 or more of all drowning deaths occur in pools supervised by a lifeguard (Drowning Prevention Association).  Many sources listed the incidence as even higher.

Drowning is almost always quick and virtually silent. Preschoolers are the most likely age group to drown, and they succumb very quickly to submersion.  The doctor in the E.R. last Memorial Day weekend was overheard saying that a child Joanie's size can drown in '18 seconds.'  A young child can become unconscious and sink in the water very quickly.  Here's a very informative article on what drowning actually looks like (hint: not at ALL how it's portrayed on TV/movies).  Please check it out.  I promise you'll learn something new:

"The Instinctive Drowning Response – so named by Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., is what people do to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water. And it does not look like most people expect. There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind".
http://mariovittone.com/2010/05/154/

So yes, this is a safety post.   A reminder to watch children very carefully at pools, even when there is a lifeguard present.  A reminder to check and double check which adult is in charge of a young child at all times near pools or water.  And a plea to learn the true signs of drowning so that you can recognize when someone is in danger.

For more on the story, here's a video from Larry Mendte, local newscaster and Joanie Logan's uncle:

This Weekend... history, caring and ponies. Awww, ponies!

Sorry for the late edition, but there's some good stuff going on this weekend that I didn't want to skip!

Today is the first edition of Historic Germantown's Second Saturday!  With this month's focus on African American history, the historic sites will have common visiting hours from 1-4pm.  Visitors are encouraged to purchase a Historic Germantown Passport and see each of the sites for $1 or less. Passports are $15 for an individual and $25 for a family (2 adults and 2 children).   (You can also join FUNsavers to get discounted admission for today too)  I've only been to the Johnson House so far, but was astounded by the history and feel of the place.  We'll be exploring this rich history together as a family this summer, so this seems like a great way to begin!  Check out the Freedom's Backyard link for a list of the 15 local institutions in this consortium:
http://www.germantowncares.org/?p=283
http://www.freedomsbackyard.com/

And another first... Sunday will be the first ever Chestnut Hill Cares Day.  Local charities will be posted along the avenue to showcase their services for families and area residents.  Face-painting, carnival games, children's activities and more.  Most events free, but some may request a $1 donation.  For a list of stops, check out this link:
http://www.chestnuthillpa.com/happenings-on-the-hill/chestnut-hill-cares

And if you didn't make it out to Devon last week, a closer version is being held this weekend.  Check out the June Fete Village Fair and Horse & Pony Show in Abington this weekend.  A benefit for the Abington Health organization, the fete boasts a horse show and village fair.  I'm told the village fair is tough to beat!
http://www.junefete.org/index.html

Wyndmoor Community Carnival

It's back again!  The Wyndmoor Carnival runs through Saturday night.  We went last year and had a blast.  The one thing I would recommend is viewing the fireworks from a distance, rather than on the fairgrounds.  They were way too loud for us at the fair.

Since we're short on time and long on graduations this week, I'll offer you last year's write-up of the fair. I'm thinking not too much has changed, but I can't vouch for any of the specifics:

This year's fair has plenty of kiddie rides, including Flying Elephants, the train, a mini roller coaster, Spinning Bears, a mini ferris wheel and a merry go round.  For older kids, there are bumper cars, the Music Explorers, a wild ride called the Cliff Hanger (riders fly around on their bellies), a BIG ferris wheel, and Wipe Out.  We went with a group of kids ranging in age from 2 to 12, and all had a really good time.

The fair also has tons of carnival games, and I did see people walking around with prizes, so that's a good indication that they're winnable.  There are plenty of food stands... who knew there was such a thing as Fried Oreos?  Those got a big thumbs up from the kids.

A ride bracelet for $14 will give you unlimited rides from 6-10pm.  That definitely seemed to be the best deal, especially for older kids.  For younger kids (preschool and younger), tickets might be a better option, with $20 for 20 tickets... all the kiddie rides were 2 tickets/person.  And waiting until Saturday might be a good plan... the main event to end the carnival on Saturday night is a fireworks display!

Rides are provided by S&S Amusements:

http://www.sandsamusementspa.com/ourrides.html

Wyndmoor Hose Company:

http://www.wyndmoorfireco.com/carnival.html

Pastorius Concert Series Starts One Week from Tonight!

Tiny toads? Frogs? Yeah, frogs.

Whatever they are, they're in abundance at Pastorius Park!  (And yes, THAT park... we found that if we stay on the FAR side of the pond by the ampitheater, the off-leash dogs don't hang out there.  I'll update on the shared people/dogs park ideas I've received from readers and locals later this week).  But the kids were in the mood to "fish", so we grabbed some fishing (butterfly) nets at the dollar store (in Flourtown) and headed over to the pond.  First we got our nets ready.  Just in case you were wondering, this is what two preschoolers do with butterfly nets when left unsupervised:

caught a big one!

So we let that one go and walked around the ampitheater side of Pastorius, hoping to catch some fish.  While we saw some bright orange fairly large fish, they were wise to my noisy crew of fisherpeople and kept their distance.  

But with patience and luck, we caught some tadpoles, watched them flip around in the net for awhile, and then released them back into their murky habitat.  

That was pretty cool, but tadpoles are not all that inherently interesting.  So we were very excited/suprised when we accidentally caught a teensy baby frog/toad.  REALLY excited.  We looked at him (all frogs are boys according to my kids), watched him jump, took pictures, and quickly released him back into the pond.  YAY us!

our first frog!  cute, eh?

We felt quite victorious and outdoorsy.  And then we looked down.

yes, they're staring at you.

On the cement edge of the pond, there are a kajillion (our official count) tiny frogs. Or toads.  REALLY small and cute and frog-like.  They hang out with their friends and family on the wall right at the water's edge.  And they swim a perfect breaststroke when they need to cool off.  You can hold about 20 in your hand, even if you're only 5 years old.

not to show off, this picture only has 4.

Speaking of the preschool crowd, here is five year old "Luke Skywalker's" account of our discovery:

We were going up to see the frogs, but they were almost transformed.  When frogs are that little, it means they’re one day old.  We went up to the side of the wall of the dog park to see if we could find fish.  We brung nets.  We didn’t catch any fish. We just catched frogs 'cause frogs like a little light where it was sunny and the big frog was in the shade where it wasn’t so light.  We caught a tadpole first.  He didn’t have arms or hands... he just had a back tail and fins.  He was about an inch long.  Then we threw him back.  Then we walked some more to the far away side and we looked on the wall and we just noticed there was ten billion frogs!  They were scared outside of the water on the grass because then they couldn’t breathe very good.  They were less than an inch long and I know because I put one on the paper and I drawed how tall it was with pen.  

And I used a measure tape.  The coolest thing was that they were so small.  I never sawed frogs that small before and they’ll grow into giant frogs when we come back.

this was one of the bigger ones.

frogs, meet your mirror image.

After our trek, we took some amphibian books out of the Chestnut Hill library and learned a few things.  We're pretty convinced now that the tiny beings are frogs (not toads) since they're slimy and smooth and prefer to be in our near the water.  But we're still early in our research phase.  I'm thinking these Lilliputian creatures might be destined to prove Darwin's survival of the fittest theory, but even if a small fraction grows into frogs/toads, it will be pretty exciting to see.  If you have any expertise to share with us, we would love to hear from you.