Super Science Sundays

Last weekend I signed my boys up for the November installment of the Science Sunday series at the Boroughs JCC.  The event was promoted as bringing the Museum of Science "REPTILES" traveling show to Westborough.  Having two boys, how could I go wrong with an afternoon of lizards and snakes.  I am happy to say this event was far more then the MoS show, and I am super impressed with the quality and value of this program.

The main promotional attraction as I mentioned was the MoS traveling show.  Reptiles was cool, there was a lizard, a turtle, and a large snake.  The representative from the Museum of Science was interesting and the crowd enjoyed his presentation.  The 45 minute interactive talk was fun for the kids.  I am proud of the BJCC for bringing the MoS to Westborough.  It was convenient and fun, but as I said the real value in this event was the science that went on before the MoS presentation.

The Boroughs JCC found several Boroughs scientists (most who worked in Cambridge) to volunteer their time and conduct a series of hands on experiments for kids and adults.  These are real scientists, not technologists or doctors.  Not there is anything wrong with technologists (I am one) and doctors are impressive in many ways, but this event was staffed with scientists...people who have made their career investigating, experimenting, and (flashback to high school coming) testing hypothesizes.  It is easy for kids to get excited about sports and the sports programs in the Boroughs are great.  Band stereotypes aside, I always thought music is easy to get excited about as well, especially with great local entertainers like Mr. Kim Webster, who not only entertains but teaches young kids music fundamentals.  To me science is harder.  It requires someone with specific know how and patience to show kids in a way that is exciting and hands on.  And a lot of times even with practice science can go wrong.  :-)  That makes it more fun.  The event at the BJCC had all the elements of fun science and I am so glad I was able to take my boys.

Making slime, blowing up balloons with chemical reactions, creating geometrical shapes, and several other hands on projects kept kids and adults smiling.  This event cost $20 per family for members of the JCC and $30 per family for non-members.  Considering admission to the MoS is not cheap, this was a deal just for the reptiles and a steal when you add the experiments. 

The Science Sunday series is a new program this year at the Boroughs JCC as they expand to be more focused on the whole community.  Last month the BJCC offered discount admission to the EcoTarium Pumpkin festival in Worcester.  I can't wait to see what is planned for their next Science Sunday event.

Details on the next event are not published yet but you can keep an eye out at www.boroughsjcc.org or become a fan of the Boroughs JCC on Facebook.  They are good about publishing all events on the Facebook page and from what I have seen all events are open to the public.  However, they are cheaper if you are a member of the Boroughs JCC

Positively the Best Preschool

I mentioned several times that I moved to Westborough, primarily because of the public schools.  My mother-in-law is a retired public school teacher from Connecticut and my mother is a retired public school teacher from New York.  Both have over 37 years experience an experience in almost every grade K through 12.  I have a great amount of respect for public school systems and the community that helps it run.

BUT…when I moved to Westborough, my oldest was just over 2 and my youngest was only 7 months old.  Since both my wife and I work we needed to find a preschool/daycare to take care of our children.  We had some help at home for the youngest.  I don't think at the time, I could have told you the difference between a daycare and a preschool.  To me it sounded like the "preowned" and "used" debate.   I have learned the basic differences. 

Similarities

Both have the same requirements for licensing and accreditation. You can always evaluate each using the same criteria. Both cost roughly the same. Good quality preschools and daycare centers will offer activities designed to stimulate your child's physical, social and cognitive development.

Differences

Preschool is typically designed for children between the ages of 2.9 and 5 or 6. Daycare is aimed at children of many different ages (infant to elementary school age). Some preschools have more limited hours (typically 3 hours at a time, 2 to 5 times a week). Curriculum: most preschools are organized around a specific educational approach (i.e. Montessori, Waldorf), whereas most daycares are viewed as being more custodial than educational.

Ok...enough of that, back to my experiences. 

While living in Marlborough, my oldest went to the KinderCare facility on Rt 20.  Both my wife and I liked the daycare.  It had great hours and Chase was always happy to go.  When we moved Westborough, the drive to Marlborough didn't make sense so we looked into other options.  After learning the information above and a quick survey of options, we decided to focus primarily on Westborough area preschools rather then daycares.  Web research, phone calls, and talks to other parents in the area helped us accumulate mountains of data.  Then we visited several of the options: the Boroughs YMCA, Miss. Tonya's, the Westboro Area JCC (now called the Boroughs JCC), the Methodist preschool, Mulberry (now Knowledge beginnings), Jenny Williams (now closed but Positively Preschool has taken their space), and Next Generations.  There are a lot of options in the area so there was a lot to research.

Some places seemed small.  Children should have room to run around even if it is raining outside.  Some buildings seemed old and unkept.  Sure new paint and some nice furniture can make it look sharp in one room but if I look around the edges of the building and see mold, I know that is also growing elsewhere.  And some places just didn't seem to be anything more then child watching.  I want my boys to enjoy preschool and school, and I want them to gain something from the experience, friendships, knowledge, and great memories.

All this lead us to one place, the Westboro Area JCC Preschool (now the Boroughs JCC Preschool).

• The Facility - the Boroughs JCC facility is amazing.  Over 12,000 square feet of indoor space.  A huge 1600 square foot "big room" reserved for activities when the weather is too wet or too cold is a rarity in preschools.  The 7 classrooms themselves were also great.  Large open spaces with activity tables and stations.  It is obvious that people put a lot of thought into the layout of the Boroughs JCC Preschool.  Each room is designed to cover all aspects, computers are in each classroom as well as separate sinks for washings and snack preparation.

• NAEYC Accreditation - There are few places that take the time to become NAEYC accredited.  NAEYC (The National Association for the Education of Young Children) is and independent organization dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. NAEYC is committed to becoming an increasingly high performing and inclusive organization.  NAEYC certification are over and above the state mandated Early Education and Care (EEC) certifications.  It takes years to become NAEYC accreditation and that certification encompasses things from building security, teacher ratios, curriculum, and several other areas.

• Preparation for Kindergarten -  My oldest starts kindergarten in 2 weeks.  I know he is better prepared than some of his friends strictly because of the Boroughs JCC Preschool.  The PreK class at the Boroughs JCC Preschool was amazing.  Kids would sign their name each day when they arrived.  There was lots of writing.  Counting by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s well over 100.  Basic math foundations, reading fundamentals, and social maturity were all focuses of this class.  Referring back to my mother, and her almost 4 decades of teaching, she always seems to evaluate my kids when she visits.  The educator in her still shines through.  She commented several times that she observed Chase and the others in his class as more prepared for kindergarten then many of the students she saw as a teacher.  I don't have the education  background to make that kind of assessment but I know she does and if he wasn't ready I know she would be harping on me to get him there.  Thank you Boroughs JCC Preschool for this one.

• Curriculum -  When I first visited preschools I was always turned off when people talked about curriculum.  I wanted the kids to be kids, play with paint, get messy, and enjoy the new experiences they find.  Again now I am a little older and wiser and I realize curriculum is not a bad word.  Children can have these great experiences and get messy and enjoy life with guidance and planned activities.  Both of my boys have learned so much from their teachers and classmates.  They have experienced all of the fun of being a child with organization and planned activities that help them socially interact.  A large aspect of primary and secondary education is structured.  Sure we all should use our imaginations and be creative but more and more I realize there needs to be some guidance and options presented.  Just being a safe location doesn't make it a preschool…they left out the "school" part.

• Ages  The Boroughs JCC Preschool is certified to accept children ages 15 months to 5 years.  This allowed me to have my boys at the same facility.  They also divide ages so my boys who are only 19 months apart were always in different classes.  There are differences between 3, 4, and 5 year olds and even the best teachers would be better off if they could facilitate programs for just one age group.  The Boroughs JCC has the space and staff to create classes for each age.

• Community -  I always tout the value of community.  The Boroughs JCC and the Boroughs JCC Preschool is an amazing community.  The school structure fosters iterations with other parents.  We have met some great friends through the Boroughs JCC and I am proud to have their children and my children forming lasting friendships as well.  Someone asked me if you had to be Jewish to go to the Boroughs JCC Preschool.  About 50% of the Boroughs JCC Preschool is not Jewish, I personally was not raised Jewish.  The Boroughs JCC is truly a community preschool, there are Judaic elements to the program and I am proud to have my son excited when he does a mitzvah (a good deed) or when he wants to give Tzedakah (charity) each week.  From everything I have seen first hand the Boroughs JCC Preschool contributing to the value and honor it means to be living in the Boroughs.

For any parents looking at preschool options in Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, or Hopkinton, I strongly recommend a visit to the Boroughs JCC Preschool to see first hand how incredible are the facility, the staff, and even the other parents (myself included).  :-)  All photos are curtsy of the Boroughs JCC website, and there are a ton more.  I encourage you to check them out.  One definitive mark of a good preschool is how happy the kids are.  For more information on the Boroughs JCC Preschool contact them directly:

Boroughs JCC Preschool

45 Oak Street, Westborough

(508) 366-6121 ext 23 - Lisa Linehan, Preschool Director

www.boroughsjcc.org

There is also a community open house scheduled for next week.  I will be there with my boys and I would be happy to talk more about the Boroughs JCC Preschool, positively the best preschool I could find.

August 25th - Preschool Open House
4:00PM - 7:00PM
FREE - Open to the Public
Pizza, Friendly's ice cream
Bounce house, tumblebus, open playgrounds tours and more

School is starting soon and I am eager to get behind the scenes at Fales where my oldest is attending, but I am proud to have 2 more years of the Boroughs JCC for my youngest.  The experiences couldn't be better.

Playgound Camp Rules!

Back in March, while my wife and I were away for the weekend, my mother was nice enough to stand in line early Saturday morning to sign up my boys for the summer camps offered thorough the town.  We looked at summer camps last year but decided to skip the town programs as our youngest missed the cut off age and we didn't want to send them two places.

This year we were excited to try out these programs, both boys would have a chance to meet more local friends and we expected a great program from the town.  The Playgound Camp is definitely a win.

I honestly didn't expect much from the camp, maybe some organized games, time to run around on the playground...overall just activity for the three hours each morning.  As I said the biggest reason for us participating in the camp was for my oldest to meet new friends.  He starts at Fales in the Fall so it was a perfect match.  We also intentionally separated them so they couldn't rely on each other to play with and met new friends.   This program has definitely exceeded my expectations and I am so happy to have the boys in it.  Here are some reason:

• Fun - The counselors seem great, they are engaged with the kids, there are activities each day and both of my boys are excited to go in the morning and eager to talk about all the fun they had when they come home.  When I drop them off they seem excited to see him and interact.

• Organized - I am confident the kids are being watched.  There are plenty of counselors and they are very organized, knowing who is there, what the kids are doing.  As a parent it is nice when you can walk away and have confidence that your children are being watched.

• More then Just Play - The other two points are important but a little expected.  This it what really puts it over the top for me, the camp is much more then just playing on the playground.  On Wednesday this week there was a talent show.  My oldest talked about the night before and planned out a dance.  I wasn't sure if it was really a talent show or not, but on Wednesday I heard the full report of how he got up in front of everyone and did his dance.  1, awesome that it is something different. 2, even more awesome that they are encouraging the kids to be in front of an audience.  Every chance I get I put my kids in front of a crowd so they are less likely to be afraid of it later in life.  Capping off the week, they are doing tie dye.  I decided to send him with socks and a new pair of boxers.  Everyone gets to do shirts, this way he can have more fun things to wear.

If you missed this year I suggest you sign up early next year for playground camp.  Registration is usually in March and you can get details from the Recreation Department Website.  They claim to have a Facebook page, but it appears to just be a person.  Anyway, this program is worth the money and the kids will have a blast.  We have some other activities planned this summer with Westborough Recreation as well and I hope they are this great. 

I want to try other programs in the greater Boroughs...I am specifically looking at the Northborough Recreation Department.  I ended up on their mailing list and the number of programs and activities that they run is astounding.  And for the summer programs..."Non-residents are welcome to join any program at no additional fee!"  I enjoyed the big trucks earlier this spring and I am still looking at options from their brochure.  I will say the Northborough Recreation website is far better then Westborough's.  We should work on that.  :-)

A zoo of a day

My family and I returned from a fun filled vacation visiting family and friends to the lovely heat of the past weekend.  Since weather.com couldn't seem to decide if there would be thunderstorms until the last minute we were tentative on weekend plans.  But yesterday morning looked good enough for a trip to Southwick's Zoo.

I love zoo's.  As a parent it is wonderful to see a child's face when they see an elephant up close or have to arch their neck to see the head of a giraffe.  Each time the experience is the same, amazement at the size of the giant tortoise or the antics of the spider monkey as he climbs along the cage.  But children aren't the only ones who enjoy the zoo.  As an adult and even a teenager/college student, the zoo was and is always one of my favorite date options.  Dinner and a movie gets boring after a while, but a nice afternoon at a zoo is fun and sweet and lets you be a little more original.

There are several "zoo's" in our driving area.  From the Boroughs you can visit the Franklin Park and Stone zoos near and in Boston or see a few animals at the Ecotarium or Davis Farmland.  But to me, Southwick's is a gem...the perfect zoo for young and old.

I expect most of my readers have visited Southwick's already but I had such a great time today, I wanted to share some of the photos I have taken over the past couple of years and remind everyone what makes this zoo so spectacular:

• Variety and Size - There are tons of animals at Southwick's, enough variety that I missed a few the first times I visited.  And I never feel like I am just seeing another enclosure with more goats or deer.
• Walk-ability - There are two points for me on this one.  First, I don't want to feel like I have to hike a mile to get to the next animal.  Nor do I want to see animals living the way we pack into cities.  There needs to be enough space without requiring a driver.  Southwick's does a great job here, it is compact but somehow spacious.  Second, the heat.  Especially this weekend, or really any summer weekend it is hot outside.  Walking around in the blazing sun detracts from the zoo experience.  This is my biggest issue with the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.  I am exhausted if it is a hot day.  If I want to bask in the sun, I will hit the beach.  Southwicks seems to be mostly shade.  I intentionally thought about this today and looked to see how much sun there was and I have to say at least 75% is shaded.  One caveat on this point...I was at Southwick's in April before the trees were fully grown and on that day it was very sunny.  Even Southwick's can't speed up leaf growth on deciduous trees.
• Proximity to the Animals - Maybe it is the design of the enclosures or maybe Southwick's has more social animals, whatever it is I have always felt I can get the closest to the animals at Southwick's.  When I lived in Pittsburgh this was one of my major pet peeve's of the zoo there.  It always seemed the animals were so far away...even when they seemed close to the enclosure edge.
• Continued Improvements - I have been to far too many zoos that have not changed in 10 or 15 years.  It definitely seems that Southwick's Zoo is working to make the park better and better.  One of the latest (opened late in 2008) additions is the SkyFari Sky Ride.  My boys are big enough to enjoy this chair ride through the park and it is a great experience.  For my kids...or even if I was on a date, I think it is worth the $5 ride price.
  

The only downside to Southwick's is the price.  For a family it is expensive, $18.75 for adults, $12.75 for kids 3 and up.  I can still pass my youngest (who is 3) as being "almost 3" but the cost still adds up.  Personally, I buy the 12 pack so all admissions are only $10.  In a year I will visit at least 3 or 4 times and if I see the end of the season in sight, I can invite friends so they only need to give me $10 per person.  There is also a AAA discount of $2.00 which you should take advantage of if the pack of passes is not an option.  If you are not a AAA member Southwick's offers a coupon themselves, just print it out - Southwick's $2 coupon

As I said I love a zoo, and Southwick's is my current favorite.  I am happy to have it so close...it's just another reason the Boroughs is so great...location.   For those who love animals I included a link to the web album.  I hope you enjoy.

Southwick's Zoo Animal Photos

Impressive Balance

I am so excited for this particular blog.  In fact if you happen to run into me and my family at EMC park or walking to Panera I will recite this blog to anyone who will listen.  I have been so impressed over the past months at both of my sons progress I can't contain it.

About two months ago I was having lunch with a wise co-worker and I mentioned that I needed to get my youngest, the 3 1/2 year old, a two wheel bike with training wheels so he can keep up with his brother when we walk to Panera.  His 5 year old brother has a 16 inch bike, that at the time had training wheels.  My co-worker quickly suggested I instead should look for a balance bike.  I had never heard of a balance bike, but in my one attempt to take give no training wheels a try with my older son, and the failure that ensued I was willing to give a balance bike a try.

What is a balance bike?
Also known as a "push bike" or "running bike", it is a standard two wheel bike with no peddles.  Some are wood, some are nice aluminum or even graphite.  They all seem to work just fine from anyone I have talked to.  I personally chose the aluminum as the bike looks like his older brothers bike and is super light for the first trip where I ended up carrying it for a stretch.  BUT I definitely ended up paying more for the look without additional functional value.  :-)

Cost:
First thing I had to do was find a bike.  My co-worker had passed his sons on to his daughter so borrowing there was not an option.  Sadly these are not cheap and shopping in person I did not find many options.  Mostly because no one had them in stock and I had decided to buy a bike that evening.  Now in researching more options for my readers I found tons of options from reputable suppliers.

• Target claims 19 options online.  When I was in the store…NOTHING.  That was annoying.  They range from $72 to $100 - Target Options 
• Walmart claims 3 options online…and none are available in any store.  I know lots of us are web savvy and buy online all the time but Walmart is supposed to have everything, even if the quality suffers.  Walmart is definitely the cheapest option I found, but they also look cheep.  Walmart sells these for $59 - Walmart Options 
• Landry's Bicycle in Westborough was where I found the bike I now own.  It was probably the most expensive at $159 but it was in stock and the model I have is a sharp blue.  Online they have a white version featured and the one I own isn't pictured.  Landry's, as expected, was knowledgeable about the bike.  I had done a little research but the sales associates contributed and confirmed the information I had acquired.  Nice job Landry's and although I paid more I don't regret it a bit.  Landry's Options 
• REI has two options, basic wood and aluminum, I like their aluminum and I may have shopped for that one had I noticed it at the time.  Price range $94 - $119 - REI Options
• For those who love Amazon, they carry them as well.  Ranging in price from $30 (I really don't think I trust that one) to over $300…seriously…$300 for a TODDLER bike!  Amazon Options

The Results:
I am amazed at the results from a balance bike.  Absolutely astounded at how well it worked and how easily my kids have transitioned to riding a 2 wheel bike.

Here is the scenario: I brought the bike home we decided to walk to Panera for dinner.  My house is about a mile from Panera and for the most part there are sidewalks all the way.  My wife and I both walked, my oldest was on his two wheel bike with pedals and training wheels.  My 3 year old was on the newly acquired balance bike.  We set off and the youngest was very slow.  We was walking more then sitting and pushing.  but he was happy with his new bike.  For the entire mile we kept reminding him to try to sit down and glide.  After dinner we began walking back and he was starting to sit on the bike and push...no more then two or three feet of gliding, but still getting the idea.  By the time we were back to the house, he had the concept down and was gliding for four or five feet.  It was unbelievable, on the inclines we was faster then his brother.

Each afternoon he wanted to practice and began riding across the driveway.  After one week, he could balance on an incline for twenty to thirty feet.  All of the sudden he was faster then his older brother.  I made a second attempt at taking off the training wheels on the 5 year old's bike but it didn't work.  He could pedal but had no balance.  

Now I had a new problem, the older child was slower and...frustrated.  Then I tried a new approach, I unscrewed the pedals from my older son's bike and lowered the seat slightly.  Then I started to repeat the same instructions I had given for the balance bike.  A couple of time he caught his leg on the bars the pedals attach to but in a week he too was gliding around the driveway.  After two weeks I added the pedals back on and that was it, he was off riding a two wheel bike with pedals.  I am so impressed with him on his bike...I need to get used to riding mine again so we can go on some bike rides.

I bought a new 12" bike with pedals for my younger son, but the first attempt he was having a cranky day and it didn't go well.  He did hop back on his balance bike without any issue so I will try again this weekend.  As soon as I do, I will review some of the bike trails in the area.

Until then I encourage any parents with children 2 - 4 who are ready to move off the tricycle to try a balance bike.  I am amazed at how well it works.  As always I am proud to support local business in my endeavor but check the links above or others on your own for the best prices.

Checking out the Big Trucks

Last Saturday was the annual big trucks day at the Northborough at the Algonquin high school.  I almost missed the event but some friends mentioned it on Friday and our plans allowed the addition without difficulty.  Maybe where I grew up there weren't enough big trucks or maybe in my home town the DPW didn't need community support.  Whatever the case I never got to attend this type of event growing up, but my sons LOVE the big trucks.  I try to catch these type of things whenever I can.  Although Saturday overall was pretty wet, the rain held off most of the morning and my family was lucky to not only enjoy the event but also remain dry.

I have to commend the Public Works Department, as they lined up a great row of trucks for the kids to sit in, walk around, and of course take photos with.  It is funny how much a 5 year old enjoys a photos where the tire is taller then he is.  I personally enjoyed the street cleaner, not sure why but they seem fun.   My oldest got tricked on the street cleaner.  For most of the trucks he got in line or went to the drivers side to climb up into the truck.  He then "asked" his younger brother to go to the other door.  This way he could always drive first.  The street cleaner drives from the right side of the cab so the youngest got to first.  My oldest wasn't ready for that and got all confused when he got into the truck.  :-)

Although focused for Northborough and Southborough my Westborough family crashed the event, and we were happy to contribute the $10 per family to help continue these events.  I did think it was also an interesting bit of unintentional planing that right next to the tent where you can buy t-shirts and give you donation, there was one truck that was missing a large chunk of the seat and was showing it's age on the inside.  A subtle hint for anyone who was trying to ignore the donation tent.

Thank you to the DPW and for those who missed it, I have added a couple of photos for others to see the event.

Northborough recreation also hosted its first ever community wide yard sale at the event.  I have enough kids stuff, used and forgotten books and toys, and general junk to feed a summer's worth of yard sales so I try to avoid yard sales in general.  But I did notice sign after sign on my drive to the high school.  The community was definitely taking advantage of the advertising for this event all over town.

Kingdom Cuts Westborough

The boys were looking a little shaggy last week, but there too much going on to think about it. This week something had to be done with their hair. I decided to try to new Kingdom Cuts in Westborough. Kingdom Cuts is located at 30 Lyman, in the same strip plaza as Il Forno Italian Restaurant‎ and Profilo Day Spas. This is the second Kingdom Cuts location, the first is in Frankin. Typically we would be driving to Snip Its in Framingham, so saving the 20 min each way drive sounded good to me.

We heard from a friend last week that the Children's Orchard was giving 50% off coupons to Kingdom Cuts, but when I stopped by in Thursday they were out of coupons. Then, I was leafing through the Community Advocate newspaper I noticed a 50% off coupon for Kingdom Cuts. I dug through the newspaper recycle pile and found last weeks Community Advocate and successfully located a second 50% off coupon. I was ready to make the trip and see how they handled children's haircuts.

Details of our visit:

• Setup - The room is fairly large and somewhat sparse at the moment.  There is a reception desk and a waiting area with several chairs.  A flat panel TV is mounted on the wall of the waiting area.  While I was waiting a Scooby Doo DVD was playing on this TV.  There is a bookshelf with children's books and a train table.  Basically enough to keep kids occupied but not so much that the owners would be spending every evening trying to put things back in order. I do however foresee a 3 year old standoff in the future when there are several people waiting and they all want the train.  Behind the waiting area there are four hair stations set up and a nails station.  There is a lot of room for other stations as well, but I expect that will come with customers and demand.  Each station has a small flat panel tv and a Playstation2.  There is a shelf of games and movies that kids can choose from when they are ready for their turn.  Both of my kids wanted to watch the same DVD and ended up in different chairs.  I can see this being touchy in the future with other kids, I was lucky and the oldest decided to choose again.
  
• The Wait - I am told I was the first customer in Westborough to have to wait since they opened.  When I arrived there were two children getting haircuts and another (the brother of one in a chair) waiting for his turn.  Even so I waited less then 15 minutes for my first son to be called, and the second was called before we even started.
• The Cut - Watching a video the kids choose worked well.  Better I feel then the annoying same song over and over at Snip Its.  I would not be surprised if they weren't open to you bringing your own DVD if there is a special one at home. The haircuts for both of my kids came out good. 
• The oldest has lots of cowlicks, and it is difficult to cut his hair straight.  Michele did a good job between wetting and drying his hair to make sure things ended up even.  Looking at it the next day it still looks straight and sharp.
  
• My youngest HATES the buzzers, but Deanna, the stylist, did a good job keeping him involved and at points just asked me to help hold him.  She was patient and calming, but she knew when to just get it done.  He actually did better at Kingdom Cuts that he has anywhere else, and his hair looks good because of it.
  
• Snacks - Those who have been to Snip Its know all about the animal crackers and lollipops available for children to enjoy while getting their hair cut.  Kingdom Cuts does not have the never ending supply of animal crackers but they do have lollipops available at the end.  I always thought it was weird trying to munch on a lollipop or cookie as hair is falling about. It seemed easier to just zone into the DVD rather then eat through the haircut.
• Prizes - There isn't a weird card machine spitting out a junk and sometimes not age appropriate prizes at Kingdom Cuts...but there are stickers.
• Discounts and frequent visits - Kingdom Cuts provides a frequent visit card that you get stamped each time you visit.  9 stamps entitles the owner to a free cut.  Other then the coupons I found in the Community Advocate I don't know of any other discounts.  I provided my email address so we'll see if anything comes through email.
• Hours - Kingdom Cuts is only open Tuesday - Saturday.  Westborough hours are:
• Tuesday 10 - 5:30pm 
• Wednesday 10 - 5:30pm 
• Thursday 10 - 5:30pm 
• Friday 10 - 5:30pm 
• Saturday 9 - 3:00pm 
• Prices - While there I heard the customer before me talking about the price difference between the Westborough store and the Franklin store, but the stylist mentioned that both would be the same soon.  I am not sure which is more or less expensive, but I grabbed a photo of the price sheet to share while I was there.  I apologize for the poor quality of my blackberry camera and of course I have no claim to these remaining the prices offered.  At the top of the list is just the haircut - $16.00 but with the coupons, it was only $8.
  

Overall, I am happy with the service...I am not singing from the rooftops the praises of Kingdom Cuts, but I definitely feel I received a quality service as a good price.  I look forward to saving the drive to Framingham again in he future and watching Kingdom Cuts grow in our community.  I am proud to be able to support another quality Boroughs service.

Battle of the Birthday Parties

I have two preschool children and as my kids get older we are invited to more and more birthday parties.  Classmates, our friend's children, and our own children are having larger and larger parties with lots of little friends running around having fun.  As a parent there are a lot of options in the Boroughs area, and we want to host enjoyable parties for our kids, their friends, and their friend's parents.  Having participated in several and paid for some myself, I wanted to share some of what I have found.  I have included some cost estimates based on what I and my friends have spent, if I know.  Obviously these estimates as they are round numbers and I in no way represent the facilities so prices may have changed.  These are just past experiences. 

I know this doesn't cover every facility in the Boroughs.  These seem to be the ones frequented the most in my, and my children's circle of friends.  I included a few options at the end that are not real reviews but interesting all the same.  If anyone has vastly different experiences or would like to back up my analysis, please comment.

The Little Gym
http://www.thelittlegym.com/
Westborough


Party Length - 1 hour 30 minutes
Facility cost for18 kids - $240

Additional costs, not required:
Cake - $10 Two, baked out of a box at home
Gift bags - $40 - Target $1 bin plus a lollipop and stickers about $1.50 per kid plus bags (25 just in case)

Party Organization - I have attended several parties here.  My experiences have all been about the same.  Once you book the party, they provide invitations for parents to send out.  An hour of playtime that consists several structured games with free play in-between on the equipment.  The kids have a great time, and the birthday child get to go first for every game.  After an hour of activities, the kids are brought into the party room for cake.  The Little Gym provides juice boxes, plates and utensils, and does all the set up for parents. 

Review - The Little Gym Westborough puts on a great party.  My experiences have been parties for 3, 4, 5, and 6 year olds, but each one ran smoothly, the kids had a great time and overall I think there is great value in a party at the Little Gym.  I also think the Little Gym caters to older children as well.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, I am a fan of the Little Gym in Westborough and if you manage to have Mr. Tim at the party it is even better.  There is a point at the party where the facilitators pull out a set of play stairs and try to facilitate a photo opportunity for all parents.  It has actually worked each time that I witnessed it.


TEAMWORKS
http://www.twcenters.com/home
Northborough


Party Length - 2 hour 15 minutes
Member Rate: $265 (covers up to 16 children), $7 per additional child
Non-Member Rate: $280 (covers up to 16 children), $10 per additional child

Additional costs, not required:
I only attended this one, but there would be an additional cake cost.

Party Organization - The kids get 30 minutes to play on oversized inflatables.  When I was there, it was a combination bouncy house with a single slide and one of the inflatable obstacle courses.  After that instructors do 1 hour field time, Catch games, soccer, and other running games.  Every 15 min they take a water break.  Finally the kids get 45 minutes in the party room.  In the party room the kids eat the pizza, sing and have cake.

Review - The inflatables used are pretty beat up, but work fine and the instructors did a good job playing with the kids.  The TEAMWORKS party was good, but for preschool (3, 4, 5 year olds) I have preferred other places more.  Other TEAMWORKS experiences have had other then parties were good and definitely enjoyed by my kids, but they don't have a superstar instructor that I have experienced, and the facility is a little more warehouseish.  I will say one of the biggest positives is that for parties, they do include everything.  Invitations, party supplies, thank you cards, goodie bags, food and fun are all covered.  All a parent needs to bring is the cake.


PlayTown Express
http://www.playtownexpress.com/
Hopkinton


Party Length - 2 hours
Facility cost for 16 kids - $250

Additional costs, not required:
Pizza - $85 delivered to Playtown from a local pizza place
Cake - $10 Two, baked out of a box at home
Bottled water - $5 - For the adults, we don't' always want a juice box
Gift bags - $55 - Target $1 sandbox toys plus a kids toothbrush, stickers, and a bag of goldfish crackers about $2.75 per kid plus bags (20 just in case)

Party Organization - PlayTown is simple, the kids play in the giant play room, for a little over an hour, then they eat in the party room in the front of the facility.  They offer these parties at various times, check their website for details.  We chose a Saturday evening party.  PlayTown Express does focus a little younger then TEAMWORKS and some others.  Definitely a preschool age is best.  Not that other slightly older wouldn't have fun, it just isn't focused on them.  The parties I have hosted and attended at PlayTown both happen to have been for a 3rd birthday.

Review - PlayTown ends up being one of the more expensive options that I have experienced, but it is really great for several reasons.  1. The facility has a lot of activities for the kids.  This helps keep kids enjoying the whole time.  2. The setup allows parents to congregate in the middle and enjoy adult conversation without losing sight of the kids.  3.  There are activities for all ages under 6 so it is easy for siblings to be part of the party without being left out.  4.  The facility is very clean, it is obvious that the staff at PlayTown Express spends time each day wiping down equipment and replacing broken items.


Noodle Noggin' 'N Bean
http://www.noodlenogginnbean.com/
Northborough


Party Length - 2 hours
Facility cost for 18 kids - $250

Additional costs, not required:
I only attended this one, but there would be an additional cake cost. The parents ordered pizza from a local delivery place.  And there was an art project.  I believe that was extra cost and brought in by the parents.

Party Organization - The kids had pizza, did the art project, and then had free time to play at the facility.  At the one I attended the parents also paid for a "princess" to read a story to the kids.

Review - I don't know that the princess was worth it.  Sure the kids were excited for a minute but I don't think any of them would have noticed had the teenager not been there dressed up as Cinderella.  The party was good, but nothing special.  Since NNNB is a series of rooms, that are not overly huge it is not as easy to have conversations with adults and keep an eye on the kids as they move from room to room.  Lots of walls.  Also there is a room that has a fishing game, with water in a trough.  Both of my kids during separate visits have managed to lean over and partially fall in getting their shirt and some of their pants wet.  Something to keep in mind.  Kids always seem to find water.  This could pose a problem is you are planning on going somewhere after.  Much like Playtown Express this is geared for preschool children.


Pump It Up
http://www.pumpitupparty.com/ma/Shrewsbury/home-p1q167.htm

Shrewsbury


Length - 2 hours
Facility cost for up to 25 kids - $270 for weekend party

Additional costs, not required:To date I have only attended parties at Pump It Up, but I am considering it for my one son's 5th birthday in the spring.  Sometimes parents have added pizza with Pump It Up can provide, and cake and goodie bags are up to the parents.

Party Organization -    First the safety video, then 40 minutes in one arena, then 40 minutes in a second arena, and finally 40 minutes in the party room with help from the party coordinator.

Review - Pump It Up seems to provide the lowest rate per child that I have found.  It also offers cheaper rates if you book for a weekday, and even cheaper for a weekday morning.  The facility is nice, and the kids do have fun.  The first room has a bouncy house, an obstacle course, and a giant double slide.  All inflatable.  The second room has a giant single slide, a larger bouncy house with two levels, and a third bouncy house with a climbing wall and slide in it.  Again all inflatable. Pump it up also provides invitations and supplies (cups, plates, forks & napkins).  The equipment at Pump It Up is well kept and handles adults when they need to bounce or slide as well.  One thing I dislike, and I know this is minor is that there are the 2 air hockey tables (50 cents to play).  I realize kids like them but then you get a crowd around the air hockey table for younger parties and they should be enjoying the inflatables.  Silly I realize but, it does bug me a little.  The party room is fine, and they do a good job of handing out cake and food so parents aren't worrying about those logistics.


As I said above there are a couple of other parties I have attended.  Uno Chicago Grill, puts on a fun, make your own pizza party, that my older son loved.  The Boroughs YMCA also does parties but I have yet to attend them.  I am sure the rock wall there would be fun for a smaller group of kids...but they need to be at least 6 years old.  And of course you could refer to my earlier Blog on Mr. Kim Webster and just hire him to play at you home.  That is a great party in every regard, but you end up having to do the clean up.

All of the options above are good, and my kids have enjoyed each party.  It is hard to pick a favorite, but for the younger side of preschool (2 1/2 - 4) I would say Playtown Express is the best.  For the older side of preschool (4- 5 1/2) I am torn between Pump It Up and The Little Gym.  I have yet to host at Pump It Up so I will reserve that decision for a later time.  It is a long blog this time, but I hope someone finds some value.