HRM Parent Blog

Today we headed down to the Spring Garden Road Library with friends to enjoy the library's "Games on the Library Lawn" program. Thankfully the weather was beautiful, and other than minor issues with the giant inflatable dice blowing away, was great fun. The kids played while I munched on fries from Bud the Spud. Success.

Such concentration on their faces! Being a games piece is hard work, you know.

We even managed to pop into the library to borrow some actual books. These librarians are a clever sort - suck you into coming down on a sunny day for some outdoor fun, and you end up with yet more books to collect fines on. Still, heaps cheaper than buying them, that's for sure. I figure it's all good.

Here's a fun idea for Natal Day weekend, happening at Sullivan's Pond in Dartmouth on Monday from noon to 4pm:

"Where do you like to read? How do you like to play? What kinds of activities or furniture would you like to see in a big new central library? Using a variety of craft supplies make your own addition to our three dimensional library model. Add play dough chairs, decorative reading nooks, sailboats you can sit in for story times or slides from the rooftop. We’ll provide the structure and the supplies - you supply the imagination!"

Public consultations for the Central Library continue in August and September - get your two cents in before it's too late. Check out the Central Library's website for more details.

For other Natal Day events, check out the Alexander Keith's Natal Day Festival website.

 

 

Just a quick note to let you all know about a focus group coming up for parents and caregivers to give your input on the new central Library:

 

Now that the Central Library has been approved by HRM and the architects have been hired, the project is very much a reality. The next step in the process is the designing of the library. The Central Library will be a true community gathering place — a learning space where everyone belongs. To make it great, we need to hear from you.

Library staff will be holding a storytime program at the same time for children ages 3+.

Please call 490-5707 to register.

 

Time/Date: 10:30-11:30am, Friday June 11

Location: Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library, 5381 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

Tomorrow marks the beginning of HRM Bike Week, running from May 29 to June 6 this year. My little guy is obsessed with two wheels at the moment - either his bike or his scooter, so I guess we better try to make it to some of the fun!

Here's what's happening that looks especially good for families, but there's also other events not specifically for families happening - check them out here. 

Bike Week Kick Off: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure
Ferry Terminal Park, Alderney Landing, Dartmouth
Friday May 28, 7:30pm (film begins at dusk +/- 8:30pm)
Rain date: May 29

In partnership with the Atlantic Film Festival Association, there will be an outdoor "bike-in" screening of the cult classic Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985, Tim Burton) on the AFFA's 28'X30' inflatable screen. Still as entertaining as it was upon its release 25 years ago, Pee Wee Herman sets off on a cross-country journey, determined to recover his stolen bicycle. Ferry Terminal Park is located just south of the Alderney Ferry Terminal. Free (donations welcome!).

For more information - and to check on weather cancellations, please contact 422-3456 and www.atlanticfilm.com.

Halifax Bicycle Families’ Family Picnic
Halifax Common Playground
Saturday May 29, 12noon- 2pm

Bring your own picnic and meet us at the monkeybars! Come and meet other people dedicated to cycling as a family; discuss safety, proper equipment and how we can make Halifax better for family cycling. Peter Rogers 404-5466 peterandjessica@eastlink.ca

Bike Again 10th Anniversary Celebration
Bloomfield Centre Parking Lot
2786 Agricola Street Halifax
Saturday May 29, 3:30pm to 8pm

Bike Again is a volunteer run, not for profit organization supported by the Ecology Action Centre. Bike Again receives, repairs, and re-donates used bicycles. More than 2000 people visited Bike Again last year, and over a hundred bicycles were recycled through Bike Again's donation program! It is time to celebrate our 10th Anniversary!

This all ages event will include activities like “Superfly Your Bike” (make your bike look really cool!); a bucket pannier making workshop; and a pig roast in the evening accompanied by music and a unique Bicycle Dance Performance.

Bicycles Plus Commons Criterium Bike Race AND Halifax Cycling Coalition Open Street Party
Location: Streets Around the Halifax North Common
Sun May 30, 9am to 5pm

Criterium Bicycle Racing is a fast paced and exciting event to watch. Following the thrilling races, the streets around the Halifax North Common will remain closed to traffic for three hours to allow families, skateboarders, rollerbladers, joggers and all non-motorized forms of movement time to enjoy car-free streets. Also, community booths, music, kids' corner, HRM police Bike Rodeo and MUCH MORE! Family and earth friendly fun.
7:30 - 10:00 am     Criterium Race Registration for athletes*
9:00 - 1:00 pm     Bicycle Plus Criterium Races**
9:00 - 9:30 am     Category D Race (30 minutes + 2 laps)
9:50 - 10:30 am     Category C and F races (40 minutes + 2 laps)
10:50 - 11:40 am     Category B Race (50 minutes + 2 laps)
12:00 - 1:10 pm     Category A Race (70 minutes + 2 laps)
12:00 - 1:30 pm     Race Registration for Single Speed and Kids' Races*
1:30 - 1:50 pm     Single Speed Race (5 laps)
2:00 - 2:10 pm     Kids' Race for Ages 9-12 (2 laps)
2:20 - 2:30 pm     Kids' Race for Ages 5-8 (1 lap)
2:30 - 5:00 pm     Halifax Cycling Coalition Open Street Party

*Registration is at The Pavilion (5816 Cogswell Street)

**Awards for Category A, B, C, D and F Races in The Pavilion (2:30 - 3:30pm)

For further information about Criterium Races contact Ghislain Desainde at gdesainde@hotmail.com or visit www.bicyclesplus.ca.

For further information on the Open Street Party contact opentstreetparty@gmail.com or visit www.cyclehalifax.ca.

MEC School Bike Day

Wenesday, June 2. All HRM schools are invited to promote cycling as a form of active transportation by holding a school wide event today. All students who take part in an event will get a chance to win one of twenty $25 gift certificates from Mountain Equipment Co-op! Options for events that can be held are:

• Encourage students to Bike to School*
• Offer a Bike Rodeo at the school
• Invite guest speakers or demonstrations of Bicycle Safety
• Hold a bike ride at the school

*The school with the highest percentage of students who ride their bikes to school will be awarded a new bike rack!

To register your school, you can find the registration form online at www.halifax.ca/bikeweek/BikeSchoolDay.html, Gerard Bray 464-2000 x 4435.

Bike and Bowlarama
Various Locations (see below)
Friday June 4, 4pm to 8pm

Ride your bike* and receive an hour free bowling at participating locations:

SouthCentre Bowlarama – 16 Dentith Road, Halifax, 479-2695
Bayers Road Bowlarama – Bayers Road Shopping Centre, 455-1519
Woodside Bowlarama – 31 Atlantic, Dartmouth, 466-4405

*Present your bicycle helmet to be eligible for this promotion.

Flaming Dinos Bike Week Ride
Sullivan’s Pond Gazebo, Dartmouth
Sat June 5, 1pm to 2:30pm

Flaming Dinos Club is a new club, formed by children ages 4 & up who meet twice a week to ride, be active, play, and have fun. They will be having a special ride to celebrate Bike Week. Come join the fun with a few laps around the pond and then playtime at the playground. Everyone is welcome, parents are encouraged to participate and ride along. Bring protective gear, water and snacks. Rufino Perez De La Sierra at flaming.dinos@hotmail.com

MEC BIKEFEST
Halifax South Central Commons (near playgound)
Sunday June 6, 11am to 3pm

Please join Mountain Equipment Co-op in celebrating our second annual Bikefest on the Commons (near the playground). Come celebrate all things bike and have some fun. Great event for kids and families.

The festival will feature learning opportunities for amateurs, experts and kids. There will be local retailers, advocacy groups, bike clinics, a charity bike drop-off, yummy food, buskers, prizes, and countless giveaways. Plus our new "Bike Swap". What is a “Bike Swap?” Imagine MEC’s semi-annual Gear swap, focused on everything BICYCLE!! Clinic information and registration is at the store - spaces are limited. halifaxbikefest@mec.ca OR 421-2667.

Family Bike Orienteering
Orienteering Association of NS
Meet behind Fairbanks Centre, Shubie Park
54 Locks Road Dartmouth
Sunday June 6, 11am to 1pm

Orienteering is an activity in which participants use a detailed map and sometimes a compass to find markers in the park. It can be enjoyed as a walk through the woods or as a compatitive sport. In this event we will use bicycles! (However some family members can walk if they would like to). $10 per family or $6 per individual. Maria Jacobs, 454-7858, jacobsm@halifax.ca www.orienteeringns.ca

It's Earth Day tomorrow, and there's lots of events happening this week to celebrate! Here's what I've found so far:

• Earth Day - Celebrate Earth Day in style. Tantallon Public Library, Thursday, April 22 at 3:30 pm. Tickets given out 30 minutes before. For school-aged kids.

• Paper Mate Pledge for the Planet Event - Join staff and volunteers of Clean Nova Scotia for Earth Day celebrations at the Grand Parade, Halifax on April 22nd from 11am to 1:30pm. Free Paper Mate Biodegradable pens! While you're there, please sign the Pledge for the Planet banner - make a promise of action and make everyday earth day.

HRM has planned a series of activities for Earth Day, involving HRM staff and councillors, and are encouraging the public to join in and celebrate! The activities planned include:

• Dartmouth HarbourFront Trail walk for a morning break, meet in the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal parking lot, 10:30-11:00am, Thursday April 22.

• Bike Ride starting and finishing at Grand Parade, noon-1pm, Thursday April 22, in partnership with the Halifax Cycling Coalition, Clean Nova Scotia and Halifax Regional Police. Click here for details.

• Interpretive Nature Walk in Fleming Park (The Dingle) - Lead by HRM's Adventure Earth Centre staff. 5:30-6:30pm, Thursday April 22.

Events on other days include:

• Cache-in Trash-out Geocache Event for Earth Day - Earthlings and Geocachers unite for the EAC’s first Cache-in Trash-out event. Spend a fun day searching for hidden treasure and help clean up the park! The location for this year’s Cache-in Trash-out event is Long Lake Provincial Park, a much-loved green space close to the city that is always in need of a good clean-up. Equipment is provided but we recommend bringing a water bottle and work gloves. There will be prizes for most trash collected and strangest items found. To register www.geocaching.com and search for geocache code GC2567N. Saturday April 24th (rain date April 25th), 10am-1pm. Long Lake Provincial Park, eastern shore of Long Lake. Meet at the Superstore parking lot at 16 Dentith Road at 10am.

• Join staff & volunteers from Clean Nova Scotia for the Official Launch Party of Great Nova Scotia Pick Me up - Garbage bags, blue bags, non-latex gloves & refreshments will be provided! Special Thanks to the Portland Estates and Hills Residents Association. Saturday, April 24th, 9am-noon at Birches Park (Corner of Portland Estates Blvd. & Portland Hills Drive).

• And last but certainly not least, the CRUSISIS Eco Family Event! The event promises to entertain, educate and inspire people of all ages with earth-friendly exhibits & give-aways; "waste disposal" sorting games & races; recycling story-time & activity corner; compost display & ‘green’ birthday tips; sustainable snacks & vendors tables; and some activities such as a low-impact workout (10-20 min.) by Outdoor Fitness; and your special chance to see Clean Nova Scotia’s highly sough-after “Eddie’s Litterless Road Tour”, a fun, interactive puppet-based presentation about litter prevention for kids in grades P-3, which tours the province. A door fee of $3/person & $5/family will be collected to help fund CRUISIS’s free services. And I'll be there showing off HRM Parent and selling the ABC Family Card - please come over to say hi! 1-4pm, Sat April 24 at the Halifax Early Childhood School/Universalist Unitarian Church hall facility, 5500 Inglis St, Halifax. Rain or shine!

Today's guest blog post is from Heather Doepner, local mom and a children's librarian at Spring Garden Road Library. Heather has some great ideas for eco-books to share with your kids. I admit I had no idea that Nancy Drew had green-themed books - I am definitely out of touch! Thank-you Heather!

Did you know that Earth Day is 40 on April 22nd? I celebrated it for the first time in the late ‘80s with a beach clean-up near my rural home. Now, I outfit my family with trash bags and we do a spring clean up around my urban neighbourhood. My son is still a little young to participate in this year’s activity: at 19 months he still tries to drink from icky abandoned juice boxes he finds at the playground. However, he is learning green habits along with his first words.

As a children’s librarian, I am happy that book borrowing is a great green way to add variety to your home story times. Halifax Public Libraries also has plenty of information books on all sorts of eco-themed topics from global warming to green living. Here are some titles to check out, loosely grouped by age. Most of these books are owned by Halifax Public Libraries.

For toddlers:

• Big Earth, Little Me (Wiley, 2009)
• Don’t Throw That Away: a lift-the-flap book about recycling and reusing (Bergan, 2009)
• What Do You See?: a lift-the-flap book about endangered animals (Krensky, 2009)
• Eco Babies Wear Green (Colman, 2008)

For younger kids:

• Sandy’s Incredible Shrinking Footprint (Handy, 2010)
• Earth Day (McNamara, 2009)
  
• Stuff!: reduce, reuse, recycle (Kroll, 2009)
• I Can Save the Earth! (Inches, 2008)
• It’s Earth Day! (Mayer, 2008)
• We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers (Child, 2007)
• Celebrating Earth Day (McDonnell, 1994)
• The Lorax (Seuss, 1971)

For older kids:

• Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #18: Earth Day Escapade (Keene, 2009)
• Nancy Drew Eco Mystery Triology: Green-Eyed Monster, Green with Envy and Seeing Green (Keene, 2009 and 2010)
• Going Green (Armentrout, 2009)
• Heroes of the Environment: true stories of people who are helping to protect our planet (Rohmer, 2009)
• I Love Dirt: 52 activities to help you and your kids discover the wonders of nature (Ward, 2008)
• True Green Kids: 100 things you can do to save the planet (McKay, 2008)
• Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming (Gordon, 2007)

If you aren’t yet acquainted with your public library, here are the basics:

• Apply for a free library card online at halifaxpubliclibraries.ca, or bring home ID to your local branch. Kids can get their own cards too!
• If you had a card but now it is missing, bring ID to get a new one.
• Borrow from one library and return to any other.
• Make a request for free to have an item brought from another branch.
• Download free digital e-books and audiobooks from home and use Tumblebooks (for kids) for free.
• Call 490-5753 for help.