Family Activities for the Holidays

Tis the Season Are you looking for some local holiday fun?  Here's a list to get you started: Downtown Holiday Open House is set for November 20-21 on Broad Street. Start your holiday shopping with local merchants on Friday and bring the kids on Saturday for a candy cane hunt at the Town Green at 1 pm.  There will also be free trolley rides with Mr & Mrs. Claus from 11 am - 3 pm. The Nutcracker returns to the Rome City Auditorium on November 20-21 with performances at 7:30 pm each evening and a 2 pm matinee on Saturday afternoon.  A special Tea Party will be held on Saturday, November 21st from 12:30-1:15, before the matinee performance. Young children will have a hot chocolate and sugar cookie tea party while given the opportunity to meet some of the lead characters in the show. It will include a reading of "The Nutcracker" book as well as a meet-and-greet, and photo-ops. It will be a great way for children to really connect with the show and with the dancers that they so admire on stage. Limited tickets for the Tea are $5 per child, and children must be accompanied by an adult  to ensure proper supervision. Tea Party tickets are available at Rome Civic Ballet (info@romecivicballet.com).  The ticket does not include the performance, so performance tickets will need to be purchased at here, with limited available at the door. Rome Christmas Parade is Tuesday December 1 at 630 pm on Broad Street.  Bands, floats, and Santa! White Christmas is coming to the Rome Little Theatre at the Historic Desoto in December.  This is a fabulous musical with great singing and dancing! Saturday, December 5, kids under 13 get in for $5 with a paying adult!  Also, photos taken with Santa at performances on December 5 and 6. Candles and Carols at Oak Hill on December 4 and 5. What else?  Check out Venue Dog for all Rome events! Eventually the holidays end and it will be winter. Don't get the winter blues and be stuck inside, enroll in Kindermusik for the spring semester. Kindermusik makes a great Christmas gift, because it last for 15 weeks!

Activities Around Rome - Kid Friendly

Spring semester was full of good times in and out of theclassroom. Weekly classes are great, but many of you also enjoyed the Disney Concert presented by the Berry Ensembles, took the Dairy Tour or came to the park to play. Kindermusik encourages families to be together and one way to do that is to make music a part of yoursummer! Classes begin the week of June 1, so make sure to register online and join the fun. Besides Kindermusik, here are some other activities foryour family:  visit the strawberry farm... enroll in the summer reading program...go to the Berry farmer's market...enjoy a First Friday Concert in downtown Rome...take a walk by the river... visit the Eco Center.  Can you add to the list?

Peter and the Wolf

The Rome Symphony concert on Saturday April 25 is perfect for Kindermusik students!  There will be young artist performing that will inspire your musician to practice.  The young artist portion includes college and high school musicians. The trumpet soloist, Matt Soares, from Berry is an amazing performer.  You will not be disappointed by the student artist at this concert!  

Following the concerto winners, the symphony will perform the beloved musical story by Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf.  Children who have been in Kindermusik for the Young Child will remember this story as we use it to reinforce our auditory recollection of the orchestral instruments.  

Make this a special night for your family.  Dress up, go to dinner and then to the symphony! Student tickets are $2, adult tickets are $15-$20.  You can purchase tickets online here.  The concert starts at 7:30 and you will be on your way home by 9:30.  I hope to see you there!

Special Events in April

The Berry Music Ensembles will present an outdoor concert on Saturday, April 11 from 3 - 5 pm on the grounds at the Ford Complex. The Disney Spectacular will feature the wind ensemble, jazz band and drum line. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy music from Frozen, The Lion King, Star Wars, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. For more fun, let your child wear a costume! This event is free, but donations encouraged to help support the Berry College Music Program.  

On Saturday April 18 Kindermusik families are invited to participate in a Moosic Tour at the Berry College Dairy.  This special event will include a gathering time of music, a visit to the calf barn to pet the calves, learn about the milking parlor and tank room, and pet the milking cows. There will be wooden cows that the children can milk too! Participants should wear close toed shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Parents will need to sign a waiver for their children to take part in the tour.  Ask your Kindermusik teacher for a wavier.

This event is free for Kindermusik families, but you must register to attend.  There are 3 time slots, 930, 1030 and 1130 am. Each slot can accommodate 20 families. Please choose a time slot and indicate how many children will be attending with you.  This form doesn't seem to be mobile friendly, but it could be that it wasn't set up correctly!

The Moosic tour begins at the Rollins Research Center.  

Upcoming Campus Events

Get a sitter and make a date to enjoy an event at Berry College!

ARTWORK

Rick Berman Clayworker will be on display in the Moon Gallery from September 22nd - October 17th, 2014.  The Gallery Talk will be on Monday, September 22nd at 7 pm.

FREE CONCERT - Thursday September 25 

The Atlanta Percussion Trio has been performing for audiences for the past 27 years. The group is comprised of three of Atlanta’s finest professional musicians with a total of more than eight decades of music-making between them. Scott Douglas, Karen Hunt and John Lawless provide upbeat, high-energy programs to entertain and educate audiences about the world of percussion sounds. We are delighted to have the Atlanta Percussion Trio open this year’s Concert Series! Ford Auditorium, 730 pm

LECTURE - Thursday September 25 

Gary Cross is Distinguished Professor of Modern History at Pennsylvania State University. He is a 20th century US cultural historian and author of several books that include "Men to Boys: The Making of Modern Immaturity" and "The Playful Crowd: Pleasure Places in the 20th Century."  Krannert Ballroom E, 730 pm

THEATER

Hailed as the “gem” of Broadway musicals by the Wall Street Journal, The Fantasticks remains the longest running musical on the Great White Way and includes timeless classic songs like Try to Remember, and Soon It’s Gonna Rain. It is a bittersweet coming-of-age story about family, friendship, and first love. It reminds us that “without a hurt, the heart is hollow.”  

Thurs., Fri., Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., E.H. Young Theatre  

September 26 - 28 and October 2 - 5.  

Tickets are $10. 706-236-2263

FREE CONCERT - Thursday October 16

Based in New York City, Christian Sineath joins us for a spectacular evening of musicmaking. 
Ms. Sineath has performed professionally in oratorio, musical theatre 
andtheatre productions. She is a Resident Artist with Dicapo Opera and has been a featured soloist with The National Lyric Opera and Opera Slavica in New York City. 

Ford Auditorium, 730 pm

Opportunities Abound

Rome Georgia is family friendly.  It doesn't have all the perks of the big city, but fortunately Atlanta is just down the road!  But while in Rome, do as the Romans.  To keep current on all the happenings in our city I would suggest that you check Venue Dog.  Some are aimed at families, others are adult only.  Regardless, get out and enjoy Rome.

Here are a few that I recommend for the upcoming weeks:

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer presented by the Rome Little Theater.  Many members of the cast are Kindermusik grads, including Aunt Polly and Injun Joe!  The show runs from August 22 - August 31.

Rome Symphony Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf.  This timeless work by Prokofiev introduces the orchestral instruments through an entertaining story.  The children's concert will be held on Friday, September 19 at Model High School, with shows at 10:30 am and 12:15 pm.  Each performance is 45 minutes long.  Admission is $3.  Make your reservation by calling 706-291-7967

Football season is a great time to see the bands at halftime.  Every Friday night there is a football game somewhere in Rome.  Pick a team, and show your support.  Berry football returns this fall too, with the Viking Drumline performing.  The drumline often performs at the volleyball and soccer games too.

You may know about the Farmer's Market at Ridge Ferry, but did you know that Berry has them too? You can buy vegetables, cheese, and beef.  There is a beef sale coming up on August 29 from 4 - 7 pm.  Get on the email list and you will get updates about the sales.  

The Berry dairy offers free tours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Email to schedule your tour agried@berry.edu

Rome is a great town, get out and enjoy all it has to offer!

Busy October Weekend Ahead

Rome Georgia will be bustling with activity this weekend.  Here are some things you can enjoy:

Chiaha Harvest Fair is a favorite fall outing.  Enjoy arts, crafts, music and tasty treats. Ridge Ferry Park, Saturday and Sunday from 10 - 5.  Adults are $5. Students and seniors $4.  Children 12 and under are $1.

Peach State Marching Festival is a great way to enjoy a day of marching bands without the football game!  This year marks the 40th year of this band competition at Barron Stadium.  The afternoon and evening is filled with music and marching.  A special performance by the JSU Marching Southerners will conclude the evening of song.  Admission is $7 for ages 6 and up. 

Harbin Clinic Zombie A Thon and Block Party is Saturday.  The Zombie run is at 5:30 and the block party begins at 7 pm - 200 and 300 blocks of Broad Street.  The fireworks will go off at 9:45.

Trinity Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch is still open and there is storytelling and music from 10 - noon on Saturday.

The YMCA is having their annual Boo Fest beginning at 5:30  on Friday at Grizzard Park. 

At Berry College there are a plethora of sporting events to attend.  Get the schedule here.

I'm sure more activities abound, check Hometown Headlines for all the details!

Just in Time for Easter

In Kindermusik we occasionally use Gertie balls in class.  Children love to play with balls, and the Gertie ball is great because it's easy to catch. Musically speaking there is a rhythm in playing with balls!
I have 23 balls that are available for $5 each. Color choices are blue, purple, green and pink.  These balls will make a great addition to your Easter basket! You can pay with cash or check. 

It's Ag Week at Berry College

Every spring the Block and Bridle Club at Berry College has Agriculture week.  This week highlights aspects of the agriculture program at the college.  Typically there are tractors and other large farming equipment on the drive into main campus.  This always thrills the kids coming to Kindermusik class.  I haven't seen any tractors yet...but maybe!

Here's the Ag Week Agenda for March 19 - 23:
Monday - Roping Demonstration, 11 - 1 in front of Krannert (student center)
Tuesday - Rent a puppy, $2 donation, 15 minutes to call a puppy yours!  11 - 1, Krannert lawn
Wednesday - Sheep Herding Demonstration and Berry Angus cookout.  Memorial Library lawn beginning at 5 p.m.  Burger is $3, plate is $5.
Thursday - Petting Zoo.  This is favorite for Kindermusik kids!  11 - 1, Krannert lawn.  The kids can pet lambs, calves, sheep and horses.

Not sure where to locate Krannert or Memorial Library, find it here.  Enjoy!!

Deals & Discounts

Everyone likes a deal or a discount! Berry alumni, Christy Dixon, has started a business called Atlanta Kids Club. Christy was my student worker in Kindermusik while at Berry, she babysat for numerous Rome families & now has her own Kindermusik business too. True to form she is a busy lady & mom to four kids!

If you make frequent trips to the Atlanta area, then you may want to become a member of the Atlanta Kids Club. Membership is $12 a month & the deals are GREAT! Here are just a few:

Alliance Theater - 25% off tickets
Atlanta Hawks - various discounts
Atlanta Motor Speedway - free kid's tickets
Sesame Street Live - $3 off
Shane's Rib Shack - free kids meal in numerous locations in metro area
Stone Mountain - $20 one day pass for 3 & up
Zoo Atlanta - $7 off adults, $5 off children

There are MANY more, and many to come as they add to their list. Currently they are talking with Chili's, Red Lobster, & California Pizza to get free kids meals. Plus there are lots of FREE things offered each month & it changes month to month. It's not your typical discount card.
The card is good for the entire family, whether you have one child or 10!

So, if you visit the metro area on a frequent basis, then you may want to join this club. PLUS, this organization GIVES back through their foundation. Half of each monthly membership goes back into the foundation to help various groups in the Atlanta area.

This is definitely worth checking out...even for those in Rome!

Berry Beautiful

Berry College is a delightful place to spend some time with your family, or by yourself. Kindermusik is a great reason to come to Berry, but make time to come and explore more of the campus.



The newest addition is Kilpatrick Commons. This area is located between the Krannert Center and the Cage Center. When you get to the round about (flagpole circle), go south and Krannert is the first building on the left, the Cage is the 2nd building on the left. Find a place to park, and get out and explore this lovely outdoor venue. The kids will love the fountains, the waterfall and the bridge. The adults can enjoy some solitary moments to sit in the rockers on the porch of Krannert that overlooks the area.

So, after Kindermusik class or any other beautiful spring day, check out Kilpatrick Commons.

I would also encourage you to walk across the street to the Science Building...it is directly across from Krannert and has a pendulum in the foyer. This is fascinating, but go upstairs and look at the incredible photos from America's Best Idea - the National Parks! These are not small photos, but humongous photos that will have you ready to pack your bags! Intrigued by the National Parks, then read my other blog.

Summer activities for everyone

Looking for family friendly activities close to home? Then check out Oak Hill at Berry College.

There are movies in the meadows - $10 a carload! You can take a historic bike ride, complete with a guide. There are classes for the children, that include painting flower pots, building a birdhouse, or learning about horticulture. Do you have family coming to town, then take them to the museum at Oak Hill and learn more about Martha Berry. There is so much to do and see at Berry College, and it's right in our own backyard! While your thinking about Berry, check out the Kindermusik classes that are offered this summer too.

Summer is a good time for

relaxing, reading, and remembering. Remember your days of summer? What did you do? When I was a kid, I played outside, played with friends and went swimming whenever I could. I'm sure I watched my share of TV too, but there weren't a zillion channels to choose from!

Today's children are so busy that they don't take time to relax, read or remember. I know parents like to keep the children busy, but allow them some slow hazy, lazy days of summer. Pick a few activities that will engage your child, not just entertain. Be deliberate in choosing, and try to be creative.


Here are my picks for summer fun with the kids:

go to the park

go to the library...summer storytime is on Tuesday & Thursday beginning in June. http://www.romelibrary.org/

pack a picnic

load up the bikes and ride... the trail next to the rivers in Rome is great because it's shady!

make homemade ice cream and invite the neighbors over

get a big box from the appliance store - it will become LOTS of things before it is over!

Vacation Bible School is a great week long activity and in Rome, you can find one most any week!

read books with your kids and then let them act it out or re-tell it

as you travel, sing a song....find a theme song for the trip. Sometimes it's a song we know, sometimes we change the words to a familiar tune.

First Friday Concerts in Rome are the best!

Visit a state park for the day...swim in the lake and hike a trail. http://www.gastateparks.org/

Find a Kindermusik class for your child. Go to http://www.berrycollegekids.com/ and click on Kindermusik

I had to add that last one, but I believe music makes life sweeter. It's one activity that is multi-generational. You never get too old to enjoy and make music. So, no matter what activities you choose this summer includes some music. It may just be dancing in the den, but your kids will definitely remember it!