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Thursday, November 13, 2008 - Calgary edition

Around town . . .

Upcoming events | Ongoing events

CURRENT EVENTS . . .

Tree lighting event

Sunridge Mall hosts the annual tree lighting event, including lighting up the 44-foot tree, fireworks, Santa’s arrival, prizes, and more, Friday, Nov. 14, 6 to 9 p.m. Starting Nov. 14, you can sponsor a light on the “Tree of Love” with a minimum donation of $5. Visit Guest Services to make your donation and sign the giant holiday card for the Peter Lougheed hospital patients.

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market

This is a great event. Friday, Nov. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 16, and Nov. 21 and 23, it’s the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market with more than 200 vendors selling great items for the holidays and any time of year.

Season of Wonder

Santa is coming to town in an exciting new way with the Season of Wonder Holiday Celebration Saturday, Nov. 15, 3 to 6 p.m., Olympic Plaza downtown. Come out and have fun in the North Pole activity centre starting at 3 p.m. complete with Santa's elves. Santa and the Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede take the stage at 5 p.m.

Winter Wraps

While enjoying the holiday celebration downtown stop into The Art Gallery of Calgary for some free family fun, Saturday, Nov. 15, 3 to 7 p.m. Holiday crafts and scavenger hunts are just a few of the great ways to enjoy The Gallery.

Little Panda author visits

Join author Renata Liwska at Monkeyshines Bookstore In Marda Loop for the launch of her latest children's book, Little Panda, Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m.

Balzac Christmas Market

Pick up something special at the Balzac Christmas Market, Balzac Community Hall, Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Holiday Peace Fair

St. David’s United Church, 4303 Varsity Dr. NW, presents the annual Holiday Peace Fair, Saturday, Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 and free for children under 12.

Haysboro Christmas Craft and Bake Sale

Haysboro Community Centre, 1204-89 Ave. SW, is putting on a Christmas Craft and Bake Sale, Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 3p.m. Admission is free.

Bragg Creek Christmas

It’s the Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale, Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Bragg Creek Centre in Bragg Creek. Local artists will be selling their work of different mediums, including pottery, woodwork, jewelry, crafts, and more.

Silver Springs Crafter’s Market

Silver Springs Community Centre, 5720 Silver Ridge Dr. NW, hosts a crafter’s market, Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring donations to the food bank.

McKenzie Towne Christmas market

On Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 3p.m., check out the McKenzie Towne Christmas Trade and Craft Show, at the McKenzie Towne Church, 7 McKenzie Towne Gate SE. Santa will be there along with entertainment.

Here comes Franklin

Celebrate Christmas with lots of singing and dancing with the Franklin the Turtle’s family Christmas Concert, Sunday, Nov. 16, 1 p.m., Jack Singer Concert Hall. Tickets available through Ticketmaster or 403-777-0000.

On the Loose with Dr. Seuss!

The Calgary Young People’s Theatre presents On the Loose with Dr. Seuss at your local library, Saturday, Nov. 15 to Sunday, Nov. 23. Check your library to find out the date and time. The program is best suited for children five to 11.

Baby Carrier Clinic

In support of International Babywearing Week, Wee Welcome and Babes In Arms bring you a Baby Carrier Clinic on Monday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trico Centre Lower Level in the Gym, 11150 Bonaventure Dr. SE. Cost is $10. All participants will receive $10 off of any carrier at Babes In Arms. Try different carriers, learn about the importance and benefits of babywearing, bring your own carrier for help with how to use it the best possible way, enjoy Salsa Tots demos, and more. They will also be collecting any unwanted carriers to be donated to young mothers at the Louise Dean School. To sign up for this Carrier Clinic please visit online.

Stars and Strollers

Room to Grow presents Mom’s Day Out, Thursday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m., with film screening, friendly for a baby in tow, at Cineplex Entertainment theatre. Contact Room to Grow for more details.

UPCOMING EVENTS . . . (2 NEW EVENTS)

First Aid/CPR *NEW*

Sometimes the unexpected can happen with babies and children around the house so it is nice to be prepared. Room to Grow’s resident paramedic Chris Brignall (EMT-P) will be teaching an eight-hour certification course of EMP Canada's First Aid and CPR, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Course cost is $95/person. Nursing infants are welcome. Please call Alisha at 403-475-7805 or e-mail mailto:alisha@room-to-grow.ca to register.

Christmas bazaar and bake sale

Indus Preschool Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Indus rec centre. There will be FREE face painting (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and a special appearance from Santa (noon to 2 p.m.). More than 40 vendors, including Growing Up Organic, Wooden Christmas Creations, and more. Indus rec centre is located 15 kilometres south east of Calgary.

Craft and Gift Fair

On Saturday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by Cardel Place, 11950 Country Village Link NE, for the Craft and Gift Fair, a one-stop holiday shopping event and children’s fair. Fun for everyone and prizes. Admission is free. More than 60 vendors, kids can make a craft in the children’s workshop, enjoy a visit from Santa and receive a free treat bag. For more information, visit Especially Flavoured or e-mail info@especiallyfavoured.com.

Mod Baby show and sale *NEW*

ModBaby.ca’s second annual Winter Show and Sale is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Crescent Heights Community Centre, 1101 2nd St. NW. Products on display and for sale include: organic clothing, toys including organic and natural, shoes, accessories, diaper bags, strollers, playroom and nursery furniture, decor, bedding blankets, mealtime fun and more! Various products clearance and sale priced plus... receive a 10% discount on anything you buy.

Brunch with Santa

Make sure to book a spot for this year’s Brunch with Santa at the Calgary Zoo as there are still spots open for the 9 a.m. seating, Dec. 13. Visit the zoo online to find out how to register.

ONGOING EVENTS . . .

Christmas craft fairs *NEW*

Christmas craft fairs are starting to hit the halls and community centres, and we’d love to keep you in the loop about all the great sales happening around town. Check out a fabulous list of upcoming Christmas craft fairs online.

Toymakers workshop for kids

Learn how to make your own toys, including stuffed animals, puppets, games and toys, at the Toymakers Workshop, starting Monday, Oct. 20. The workshops run every Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., until Dec. 22. Cost is $130 and everything is included. This is an all ages group. Families are encouraged to come together to build their toys. Every additional sibling is 50% off. Bring a friend for $15. There is always room for more. Kit & Cadoodle Crafts wants to unplug the kids! Show them how much fun they can have, away from the video games, with traditional toys in a funky new spin. Make things that they appreciate and don't throw in the bottom of the toy box. Check out www.kitandcadoodlecrafts.com for more.

Mamas get ripped

A new fitness program, the Yummy Mummies Workout, is tailored for new moms with babies under six months, and expecting moms. Taught by a mom of seven kids, the Yummies Mummies Workout is designed by Jari Love, creator of the Get Ripped workout. For all the details, visit www.rippedworkout.ca.

Alice’s Wonderland

Until Saturday, Nov. 8, Stage West, located at 727 - 42 Avenue S.E., Calgary, presents Alice’s Wonderland.

Stroller fitness classes

Make this your most fit and fabulous fall season ever! FITMOM Fall indoor classes begin on Sept. 8. Classes are being offered in Varsity, Strathcona, Cougar Ridge, Lake Bonavista, and McKenzie Towne. For more information, visit www.fitmomcanada.com/calgary. Want to find out if FITMOM is a fit for you? Contact Monica at mcooke@fitmomcanada.com or 403-874-4063 and arrange to attend a class for free!

Babywearing workshops

Introduction to Babywearing is a one hour class which introduces participants to ring and pouch slings, woven and stretchy wraps, mei tais, and soft-structured carriers. Learn the basic positions for baby in each type and receive hands-on instruction so that each parent or parent-to-be can get a feel for what is right for them and their baby. Introduction to Babywearing runs on Saturdays at Babes in Arms. Classes will be announced as they're scheduled on the website.

Babywearing 101 is a slightly more advanced class, for parents who have been babywearing for a little while already, and may be looking for new ways to carry their child (a new carrier or different ways to wear the carriers they already own). This class is also a great option for parents of older babies or toddlers (or even pre-schoolers!). There will be a Babywearing 101 class coming up this summer, which will also be posted online when it is scheduled. Each class is $10 each and comes with a $10 coupon toward a related purchase in the store. For more information on any of these classes, you can visit Babes in Arms online.

Attachment parenting group

Check out a great attachment parenting organization that provides educational classes, support and information for parents who wish to raise their children based on an intuitive approach rather then an expert opinion approach. The group welcomes all parents interested in learning more about attachment parenting. Visit online.

Family fun at the Glenbow

Every Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m., enjoy Family Fun Weekends at Glenbow Museum. Suitable for children ages 4 and up. Included with Museum admission. For more information visit www.glenbow.org.

Toys and stories

Gracie & Gruff Fine Toys present a free interactive storytime for kids very Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and every Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and noon (in French) at their Macleod Trail location.

Children wanted

Researchers from the Ch.I.L.D Research Group at the University of Calgary are looking for children aged two-months to 10 years to participate in fun, game-like projects in order to learn about how children develop language, concepts, and social understanding. Participation typically involves a short one-time visit to the University of Calgary. For more information, please call 220-4955 or e-mail at child@ucalgary.ca.

Calgary archives

jayden

Happy birthday to a very special boy who turns 5! We love you Jayden!

WIN!!!

Be sure to check out this week’s Babyvibe Nest Egg Prize Blog where TWO lucky readers can win gift certificates to shopping at Simply Colors!

Toys for a good cause

For every Plan Toys Sensory Blocks purchased at The Granville Island Toy Company in Vancouver during the run-up to Christmas, 100% of the retail price ($19.99) will be donated to the Autism Society of Canada.

Babyvibe, Kindervibe, and Facebook

Looking to connect with other Babyvibe moms? Check out our Babyvibe.ca Facebook group and Kindervibe.ca Facebook group where you can do just that with over 900 members! Post questions, comments and more.

Baby and birthday news

Have a new arrival and you would love to share the happy news? Is your little one celebrating a birthday? Babyvibe and Kindervibe would be honoured to help you share the news. Simply e-mail a digital photo with pertinent information, including what you would like written, to info@babyvibe.ca and we will post it in an upcoming Around Town issue.

Share the vibe

If you know of a great family-friendly event happening in your community that would be appealing to babies and tots up to three and their families, please e-mail it to info@babyvibe.ca.

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