Did you know you have a local parks and rec department?  Some of them go by other names, like community ed, or continuing education.  The beauty of these places is that they offer quality programs for great prices...for all ages.

What I didn't realize until after I had lived in Grand Rapids for four years is that you can take classes from a neighboring community Parks and Rec Department, usually for an extra $10 or so.

Where do you find the names and locations of the communities surrounding you?  At grkids.com, of course!  Visit the Classes page a scroll down for a comprehensive list of community programs ready to serve you!  Many of these are enrolling right now for the fall, so don't delay!

Also, if you've participated in a program at a Parks and Rec department, would you leave a comment telling others what your program was, where it was through, and how you liked it?  You'd really be helping other parents out!

Thanks!

Here's an event you'll want to pencil in ahead of time. 

Jeff Kagan (who used to live in EGR) is returning home to put on a concert featuring his environment-oriented music for kids ages 3-9.  The FREE concert is on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at Collins Park  in EGR, at 2 pm.  If the weather doesn't cooperate, the concert will be moved into the EGR library next door.

From Stacy at Great Start Parent Coalition:

The Great Start Parent Coalition decided to do a service project this summer, a project where "parents could help other parents".  We did  some research and found that parents are not give assistance with diapers as they are with food, diapers can cost a family up to $100 a month, and 1 in 5 children born in Kent county are born into poverty. 

There are some families who have to choose whether to purchase diapers for their children or to pay bills and this is a choice NO parent should have to make.  We talked with ACCESS food pantries and they shared some really heart breaking stories with us.  Here is an example, a family came into a pantry asking for diapers but the pantry didn't have any diapers to give to them.  The pantry did have some adult diapers so the family asked if they could have the adult diapers and they would use duct tape to make the diapers "fit" the baby.  Hearing these stories and reading the statistics we decided it was a "no brainer" we needed to do a diaper drive for Kent County.

More info...

The Great Start Parent Coalition has teamed up with ACCESS Food Pantries to have a county wide diaper drive.  Our goal is to collect 25,000 diapers by September 12, 2009!

There are a number of places where you can find a donation box to drop off diapers for the Diaper Drive.  They are:

Fifth Third Banks

YMCA - David D. Hunting and Visser Family

Grand Rapids Public Library branches

Kent District Library branches - Cascade, East GR, Gaines Township, Grandville, Kentwood, Plainfield and Wyoming

Creative Learning Toys

Gymco

Tutor Time Learning Center

Great Clips at Waterford Center, Woodpointe Crossing, and Knapp's Corner Meijer

United Way

Thanks for spreading kindness all over the place!  I know that grkids.com families are the best!

3rd Annual Meijer Grand Cycling Classic Features

Amway One by One Kids Race for Children 9 & Under

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 21, 2009 – Registration is open for the 2009 Amway One by One Kids Race, part of the 3rd annual Meijer Grand Cycling Classic on Sat., August 8 in downtown Grand Rapids. Parents may register children 9 years old and under at www.GRCyclingClassic.com. Registration is free.

Helmets are required to participate. Free helmets are available to the first 150 registrants courtesy of the Grand Rapids Griffins’ “Put A Lid On It” program and Safe Kids Greater Grand Rapids.

“The kid’s race has become a community favorite,” said race director Rob Laybourn. “Last year, 250 kids hit the bricks with everything from training wheels to BMX bikes. It’s a lot of fun for families to come down, have lunch, participate with their kids, and catch some of the exciting pro-am events.”

The Amway One by One Kids Race starts at approximately 3:45 p.m., immediately preceding the Meijer Grand Cycling Classic Men’s Elite race. It follows the same course as the pro-am events. Four Kids Race heats match riders’ ages and abilities:

Heat 1 (one lap, ages 7-9)

Heat 2 (one lap, ages 6-7)

Heat 3 (one lap, ages 4-6)

Heat 4 (100 yards, ages 4 and under)

The course map and registration information is available at www.GRCyclingClassic.com. Parents are encouraged to register online in advance. On-site registration and check-in runs 12:00 noon – 3:30 p.m. and is located at the corner of Ionia and Weston, near the start/finish line. All registration materials will also be available on site on race day.

Bicycle racks, provided courtesy of CycleSafe, will be available for spectators and families who ride bikes down to the event. Racks will be located in City of Grand Rapids Parking Area 2 off of Oakes directly behind the Van Andel Arena.

Other Meijer Grand Cycling Classic sponsors include BISSELL®, which also sponsors the BISSELL® Pro Cycling Team, Herman Miller, Advantage Benefits, Amway Hotel Corporation, the West Michigan Sports Commission and The B.O.B.

For more information on the Amway One by One Kids Race and the Meijer Grand Cycling Classic, please visit www.GRCyclingClassic.com. For information on Meijer Grand Cycling Classic volunteer opportunities, please contact WMSC events manager Eric Engelbarts at (616) 233-3563 or visit www.westmichigansportscommission.com.

# # #

About the West Michigan Sports Commission

The West Michigan Sports Commission, a non-profit 501 (c) (3), works to identify, secure and host a diverse level of youth and amateur sporting events to make a positive impact on the economy and quality of life in the region.

About Arlington Sports, Inc.

Arlington Sports, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, dedicated to the promotion and development of professional and amateur bike racing. For additional information on Arlington Sports events, including the Air Force Cycling Classic, please visit www.arlingtonsports.org.

The Grand Rapids Children's Museum is serious about one thing: PLAY! 

We are blessed beyond measure to have such a gem in our midst!  As soon as kids can reach and grab they are thrilled with the museum.  Amazingly, the museum captures the hearts and minds of older kids, too!  So it is with great pleasure that I open up the newest Great GiveAway Contest for a Family Membership to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum!

To enter the contest, click on over to the grkids.com blog and make a comment.  Easy as play!

To enter, please leave your email address and do the following...

Write a comment that includes the words: PLAY and CHILDRENS MUSEUM. 

The winning comment will be chosen on Monday, August 3rd.

In my neighborhood there are two very resourceful teenagers (I think they're 14 or 15) that got stuck babysitting little sister one time to much.  What did they do?  They decided if they had to watch one kid, they might as well watch a bunch...and have a blast doing it. 

Thus, Kid's Camp was born.  Kid's Camp is offered by these girls on select afternoons throughout the summer for potty-trained kids ages 4-8.  They have themes for each day and plan games, activities, crafts, and snacks for each day.  Navy SEALS and pirates are some of the great themes they have done this summer.  $9 buys one child two hours of fun and mom some much needed relief...and the kids come home totally ready to rest.  Another bonus is that it lets my son meet some neighborhood kids before he goes off to school in the fall.

I tell you all of this so that you might get a Kid's Camp going in your own neighborhood.  Did I mention that there is always an adult lingering in the background?  Good for peace of mind when there are this many kids involved.

If you know some teens (14 is a great age!) that love kids, don't have much to do this summer, and would like to make some extra cash, suggest a Kid's Camp to them.  It makes winners all around!

The following was sent in an email by the Grand Rapids Public Library:

Park & Read Program Offers Free Park Passes for Michigan Readers

GRAND RAPIDS (July 17, 2009) Looking for ways to save some “green” while being “green?” Then visit your local Grand Rapids Public Library this summer. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the Library of Michigan, Macy’s and the Hammock Company to announce the “Park & Read” program.

Park & Read allows Grand Rapids Public Library cardholders to “check out” a one-day pass into any Michigan state park or recreation area in lieu of the resident daily motor vehicle permit. This is a $6 savings and provides free access to the more than 500 events taking place in local parks this summer.

Many parks will have a hammock available for Park & Read participants to borrow while onsite for the day so they can fully enjoy a great book in Michigan’s great outdoors. Passes are valid for seven days from check out and can be used for one day at any one of Michigan’s state parks. Hammocks are subject to availability. The program runs through September 25.

Park & Read is the latest addition to the Grand Rapids Public Library’s “Check It Out: Circulating Membership Program.” This program allows Grand Rapids Public Library cardholders to check out a pass to area museums, zoos, and botanical gardens. Patrons can also check out tickets to sporting events and performing arts productions. Passes are good for 6 days from check out and admits up to 6 family members. Tickets are checked out in pairs.  Once a patron checks out a pass or tickets, they are not eligible to check out the same pass for one year.

Participating organizations include: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Public Museum of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, John Ball Zoo, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Ballet, Opera Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Griffins, West Michigan Whitecaps and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.

For more information on Park & Read and the Check It Out: Circulating Membership Program visit www.grpl.org or call 988-5400. The Grand Rapids Public Library connects people to the transforming power of knowledge.

I know, it's hard to believe your baby is ready to go off to preschool...time flies!  But you already knew that.  What you're wondering is, where should I send my kiddo, who will take good care of my precious one?  Check out the preschools page for links to these schools. 

A good number of you have responded with your favorite preschools... here's what you said:

-We love Noah's Ark preschool at Dutton Christian School! 

-I'm sending my son to Immanuel Saint James Preschool this coming year and am super excited.  The teacher is wonderful and I have several friends who have sent their children there and recommend it.  They are also one of the lowest-priced preschools in the area for a parochial school. -Michelle

- Enchanted Forest: It is 3yr old pre-k program that allows kids to wear pull-ups.    The ladies there are amazing, like dropping your kids off at grandmas!    They also have play groups & drop-in day care.   We love them!

-St. Mark Lutheran School & Preschool: They have a 3yr, 4yr & young 5’s program.   The staff is also amazing.

-Oakdale Christian School has an AMAZING preschool program taught by certified Christian teachers. They offer a ton of different options - all day every day, half days, full days but just a few days a week, etc. They have WONDERFUL teachers who implement best practices in early childhood education and do wonderful projects and field trips with the kids! -Liz

-I would recommend John Knox preschool for people to check out.  Besides 3 and 4 year old programs they also have a 2 year old program. -Lori

- I wanted to let you know about Kentwood head start as well as Townline elementry in Kentwood. These are both nice schools. -Valencia

- Hey there - have a great preschool I'd like to recommend:Children's Workshop in Grand Rapids SE area. -Sarah

-My son goes to the Canterbury Creek Farm School in Ada and loves it.  It also is one of those sign up in January deals or get on a waiting list which I too was surprised to find out.  They also do day camps during the summer.

- I know people that go to and like Ada Christian Preschool, Ada Village and St. Mark's Lutheran Preschool (Kentwood).

-St. Paul Lutheran Preschool in Caledonia is amazing!  The director is Julie Rop and I highly recommend it!-Laura

- I always recommend this little known 3 year old preschool, Enchanted Forest, to all parents.  I came across this little gem one day driving by the Spectrum Health South location, at 68th and Division.  They have a suite located on the main floor.  First of all, you may also want to include it on your site as a licensed drop in daycare spot.  They are available for you to use them for a few hours if you have a Dr appt (on, or off site), and sometimes other small errands if they aren’t busy.  Because they are licensed for that, they have the facility to change diapers.  So they offer 3 year old preschool also (kids don’t need to be potty trained to attend) that offers your regular 3 yr old curriculum and basic social skills.  They even have an outdoor, fenced playground area.  They have the most nuturing, loving staff of women (whom are all Grandmas themselves).  My oldest 2 boys have both attended and we have used the drop in care also.  I highly recommend, and will plan on sending my 3rd son there when the time comes. 

-I also Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center in Caledonia, we have only used for 4 yr old preschool per above but both boy have attended here as well. - Donna

Some days we get bright ideas.  This happened to us on a recent Sunday when we had nothing planned.  "Let's go rollerblading." "Okay, hon."  "Let's put the kids in the Burley."  "If we do that we can't go in our neighborhood, it's too hilly."  "What about the White Pine Trail by Rockford?  It used to be a railroad track so it shouldn't be too hilly."  "I think you can get on that in Comstock Park."  "Oh, so we could start in Comstock Park, rollerblade up to Rockford, get ice cream, let the kids play, and rollerblade back."  "Sounds good, let's go."  15 minutes later we were loaded up and on our way to Comstock Park.  We parked by Dwight Lydell Park and found the White Pine trail nearby.  After we were moving down the trail a few minutes I asked Derek how far he thought the trip was.  "It's 6 miles from highway exit to exit..."  Okay, I thought, I've done 12 miles before.  No problem.  But what I didn't think through was the kids in the Burley.  That was awkward and slowing and took extra effort.  Luckily Derek was great at pushing them most of the way.

The trail, by the way, was beautiful and in good condition.  It is tree-lined in many places, making it shady even in the middle of the day.

We were a bit dismayed to find a sign telling us our Comstock Park-Rockford trip was actually 8 miles one way...

However, when we landed in Rockford, we had a great time eating at Sam's Joint (we actually got the food to go and took it over by the dam) and having ice cream at Custard by the Dam.  We visited Aunt Candy's Toy Store (bigger than it looks!)  and played on a nearby playground.

Thankfully, the trip back home felt more downhill and seemed to go faster.  By the time we peeled the wheels off of our feet and plopped in the van, we were happily exhausted.

Action meets Art! The Kent District Library has got a great program going this summer, and it may be coming to a library near you. 

I visited the Alto branch library today with my two kids...here's how we fared:

I tied plastic aprons onto the kids and we got started.  Our first stop was the painting station.  What made this painting experience unique was the music kids were painting to.  Sandy, the branch manager, directed the kids to paint like the music made them feel.  What color is the music?  How does it make you feel?  What a creative approach to painting.  And I appreciated that she was not stressed out about a 2 year-old wielding paintbrushes in her carpeted back room!

Collage was another station.  Cutting old wall paper scraps and gluing them to construction paper was another great diversion.  We followed that up with "Make Your Own Jewelry."  Different types of string, pipe cleaner, and beads invited the imagination to go wild.  My son made a necklance.  Norah made a pipe cleaner bracelet.  An older girl at the table made a belt, and I made a princess halo for good measure.

We still weren't ready to leave, so we visited the clay sculpture table.  The "clay" was actually made by Sandy...she told us it had cool-aid in it...it did smell pretty good for play dough!

After an hour and a half of free fun, my kids were tired and ready to go home.  But I can't say enough about the  quality of the programs you find from our libraries.  Hats off to the workers, and be sure to thank them when you visit.  (And it doesn't hurt to mention grkids.com while you're there, either:)

Here are some places Art Attack will be visiting soon (for kids of all ages):

Date:Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Time:10:00 AM
Library:KENTWOOD BRANCH

Date:Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Time:6:00 PM
Library:ALPINE BRANCH

EGR - PARKAPALOOZA: ART ATTACK
Date:Thursday, July 16, 2009
Time:2:00 PM
Library:EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH
 Park Party will be held in John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Dr SE, East Grand Rapids.

Date:Thursday, July 30, 2009
Time:2:00 PM
Library:CALEDONIA BRANCH

Date:Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Time:5:30 PM
Library:PLAINFIELD BRANCH
Registration Required:YES

Date:Thursday, August 06, 2009
Time:6:00 PM
Library:WYOMING BRANCH

Date:Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Time:4:30 PM
Library:SPENCER TOWNSHIP BRANCH