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Community Corner

Grab & Go: Kid Friendly Activities for April 6 - 12

Eat, Walk and be Charitable!

This first full week of April kicks off the spring season with a diverse range of exciting events.  We have everything from the opening of Gumdrops & Lollipop’s ice cream window in Niantic to the MS Walk in New London. 

I would like to kick things off by congratulating the kids at for supporting the American Red Cross relief efforts in Japan.  With the support of art teacher, Mary Hendrickson, the fourth grade class works together in the spirit of good fortune, friendship and joy by creating and selling clay necklaces. 

The Waterford High School is also promoting a fundraising event.  The Waterford High Class of 2014 has kicked off their Yankee Candle fundraiser to raise money for all future class events including prom and their drug/alcohol-free graduation party.   Email DHerr@WaterfordSchools.org for more information.

Remember that April is “$5 Friends Month” at the Mystic Aquarium.  Members can bring one friend for $5, no coupon required.  There are limitations so please visit their website for details.  The Dinosaur Place is celebrating in April by taking 10% off all season passes through 4/10, in honor of their 10th year anniversary.  And finally, Gumdrops & Lollipops in Niantic opens their ice cream window this weekend and to celebrate, they are offering one free kiddie cone to Waterford Patch readers with the purchase of an adult-sized ice cream!  Simply "like" them on Facebook and mention Waterford Patch to redeem!

Now on to the upcoming events!

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Wednesday, April 6th: 

Fish Prints
When/Where: 
1:30 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of SECT
Cost: $9 member/$15 non-member (due at registration/includes child admission)
If You Go:  Make some imaginative paintings with fish!


Friday, April 8th:

Boogie Bugs
When/Where: 
10:30 a.m. at the Children’s Museum of SECT
Cost:  $9 member/$15 non-member (due at registration/includes child admission)
If You Go:  Children ages 3-5 get an up-close look at germs and how to prevent the spread of them!

Russian National Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake
When/Where:  7:30 p.m. at the Garde Arts Center in New London
Cost:  $42 orchestra/$50 loge/$36 balcony
If You Go: 
Enjoy the dazzling sights and sounds of one of the most classical ballet performances. 


Saturday, April 9th:

Family Birding Day

When/Where:  9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison
Cost:  Free of Charge
If You Go:  As part of the Great Park Pursuit Outdoor Recreation Challenge Passport program, the No Child Left Inside initiative will be hosting a series of Family Days!   Occurring on the second Saturday of each month now through October, participate in various outdoor-themed family activities and acquire stamps for your passport with each one!  Family Birding Day includes guided bird tours, spotting scopes, binocular lessons, bird games and so much more!  Don’t forget to have your passport stamped!

Crafty Kids
When/Where: 
10 a.m. at the Waterford Public Library
Cost:  Free of charge
If You Go:  Children of all ages, along with a parent can make & take a craft!

I want to be a Marine Biologist
When/Where:  10 a.m. at the Mystic Aquarium
Cost:  Members: $15/Non-Members $20
If You Go:  Fun-filled, educational, behind-the-scenes workshop geared toward children ages 15-17 interested in marine biology.

Used Book Buy Back
When/Where: 
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at RJ Julia Booksellers
If You Go:  Determine the “buy-back” value of your gently used books via RJ Julia’s website & then bring the books and your confirmation page to RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison this Saturday or Sunday for store credit!

Diaper Derby
When/Where:  11:30 a.m. at the Mystic Aquarium
Cost:  Cost of admission to Aquarium
If You Go:  Watch as 40 babies race to the finish line in the 5th annual Diaper Derby hosted by Soft Rock 106.5 WBMW & the March of Dimes.   

Crayola Make-it & Take-it Craft Event
When/Where:  10 a.m. at Michaels in Waterford
Cost:  Free Event - Call 860-444-6900 to register
If You Go: 
Ages 3 and up create uniquely vivid art with Crayola Neon Explosion and take it home!

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Local Authors host a Birthday Party!
When/Where: 
3 p.m. at RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison
Cost:  Free Event – Online Reservations Required
If You Go:  Children ages 5-9 arrive dressed in their party best and learn all about good manners & etiquette as local authors Mary Cashman and Cynthia Whipple host a birthday party at RJ Julia’s.  Enjoy as they read from their adorable book, Merrillee Mannerly and her Magnificent Manners.


Sunday, April 10th:

2011 Walk MS Event!
When/Where:  8 a.m. at Mitchell College in New London
Cost:  Free to register (you may make a self-pledge or raise funds)
If You Go:  Support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter in the fight against MS.  Register to walk as an individual or team or, cheer for those walking! 

Easter Pail Make-it & Take-it Craft Event
When/Where:
  1 p.m. at Michaels in Waterford
Cost:  Free Event - Call 860-444-6900 to register
If You Go:  Ages 3 and up decorate an Easter pail and take it home!


Monday, April 11th:

Local Author Event
When/Where:
  6:30 p.m. at the Waterford Public Library
Cost:  Free Event
If You Go:  Hear all about Manny McMoose and His Chubby Caboose , as local author & school psychologist Kevin McMahon reads from his book live!  (Copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing)

Have fun and keep it local!  

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