New Year's Eve With Kids

Here's a link to a great little round-up of Family Friendly Do-It-Yourself New Year's Eve Fun: New Years with kids (family ideas)

I would add the following to the list, if you are planning a quiet evening in: sleep out under the tree! We've done this and my peeps get so excited to see the sleeping bags laid out. They love to be in the glow of the tree lights.... who doesn't?!

Another quick idea: raid your closet, pick a neighbour or a family members house -  and go mummering! Why not?? Not only do the kids enjoy it, its a culture lesson, LOL! Wear your clothes inside out; put a curtain, sheet, hat and/or mask over your face; DON'T forget to cover your hands; coach the kids on altering their voices (which will work to varying degrees, believe me) and just have fun with whatever becomes of it all ;-) My two mummered for the first time this Christmas and are planning another "outing" before school starts!

Have a fun night and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!


PS: for events around town, check out this past post. cheers!

Its The Most Wonderful time of the Year....

Well, folks, its that time of year: I'm officially signing off until after the Christmas Break, enjoying the festivities with Mario, Toad, DH and the rest of the fam. Postings will be sporadic at best until school starts up again ;-) 


Thank you for reading St. John's Mom and supporting this little hobby in 2011, but .... most importantly.....

....Whatever creed you follow....

 I wish all of you a wonderful, marvelous Holiday, filled with joy, love, peace and much delight, and a prosperous and happy new year in 2012! 

Merry Christmas!

~SJM

What To Do This Weekend (and Beyond!)

So, yes, I do expect most of you will be opening Christmas presents, enjoying visits with friends and family and partaking in Seasonal Revelry! But, just on the off chance that you are looking for something to do in the next few days, or over Christmas Break, here's what is on around town:

• Tomorrow, there is a free family skate, sponsored by the Foster Families Association in CBS (email for details), and a Christmas for the Kids fun night at Clay Cafe from 6-9 (cost is $10 and you must pre-register. Children will do crafts, have hot cocoa and watch a movie... you can wrap presents!)
• Every Christmas, Tim Horton's sponsors Free Family Skates at Arenas across Canada. The participating Arenas and dates in the St. John's area are as follows:
• CBS Stadium - Dec 31 - 5-7 PM
• Goulds Arena - Dec 27 - 7-8:30 PM
• Mile One Centre  - Dec 29 - 3-5 PM
• Mt Pearl Glacier  - Dec 31 - 4-6 PM
• Twin Rinks  - Dec 29 - 6-7 PM
• Mount Pearl's Family First Night Celebrations will also be included at the skating event at the Glacier on the 31st. In addition to skating, the event will include non-alcoholic refreshments, New Years Party Favors, and entertainment with Magician Mark Bailey, and Music by Glen Harvey and Barry Kenny! Free, with non-perishable food items gratefully accepted at the door. 
• Fireworks, as always at Quidi Vidi Lake on New Year's Eve, at  the strike of midnight :-) 
• There are several children's movies playing: Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwreaked; Happy Feet Two; Hugo; The Adventures of Tintin; Arthur Christmas. For showtimes and details, Click Here.
• For some crafty ideas, check out this post :-)
• Looking for more ideas? Try some of these ideas.... 

Take-your-pick Winter Fun List

• you knew this was coming: LATE BED TIME  
• Go to Tim's for a Hot Chocolate
• Have cousins over for sleepovers
• Have play dates with friends from school
• Make snow angels
• Make a snowman, woman or family. Don't forget the dog!
• Make a bird-feeder. 
• Go to the arcade
• Play mini golf
• Check out the Holiday movies playing at Empire
• Play board games by candle-light
• Go to Clay Cafe
• Head to the Dollar Store
• Eat out at a restaurant downtown.
• Check out the neighbourhood Christmas Lights! 
• Sleep-over at the grandparents (this is the night you go out - or stay in, wink, wink - with hubby!)
• Go to a Recreation Centre or Gym (the Y; the Reid Centre, etc) & shoot hoops. Or go for a swim. 
• Sleep in!
• Snuggle under the blankets, with a big bowl of popcorn and watch movies. 
• Browse The Rooms
• Go to Chapter's (Big surprise, right??)
• Visit Bowring Park (and the Caribou!), Pippy Park (note: The Fluvarium is closed Dec 24 - Jan 2nd),or the Botanical Garden for a winter walk
• Sleep out under the Christmas Tree!

Have a wonderful, magical Christmas Break!

RECALL - Several Brands of NECKLACES Recalled For Excessive Lead and Cardimon

HSW is reporting several necklace recalls due to excessive lead:

Health Canada reports of a recall involving necklaces with strawberry pendant and a camera pendant by Ardene. These recalled pieces of jewellery contain lead in excess of the allowable limits. In addition, these items contain cadmium in excess of guidance for safe levels proposed recently by Health Canada.

See Product Details tab for specifics on the affected item.

Lead and cadmium are known to be very toxic metals, especially for children. A range of serious health effects have been associated with exposure to lead and cadmium, including anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, serious brain injury, convulsions, coma, as well as effects related to the liver, kidneys, heart and immune system. In extreme cases, there have been deaths. See Hazard Details tab for more information.

Recalled strawberry pendants were sold from October 2010 to December 2011 and the camera pendants were sold from August 2010 to December 2011.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately take the jewellery away from children and safely dispose of it.

Consumers may contact their municipality for instructions on how to dispose of the recalled product.

For additional information, consumers may call the company's toll free Customer Service Line at 1-866-322-4442 or visit the firm's Web site.

Health Canada reports of a recall involving Heart Locket Charms and Hockey Goalie Charms by John Bead.  These recalled pieces of jewellery contain lead in excess of the allowable limits. In addition, these items contain cadmium in excess of guidance for safe levels proposed recently by Health Canada.

See Product Details tab for specifics on the affected item.

Lead and cadmium are known to be very toxic metals, especially for children. A range of serious health effects have been associated with exposure to lead and cadmium, including anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, serious brain injury, convulsions, coma, as well as effects related to the liver, kidneys, heart and immune system. In extreme cases, there have been deaths. See Hazard Details tab for more information.

Recalled charms were sold mostly at craft stores in Canada from February 2006 to December 2011.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewellery away from children and dispose of them. Consumers are asked to contact their municipality for instructions on disposing items containing lead.

For more information, consumers may contact John Bead Corporation Ltd. at 1-888-755-9055 (extension 25).

Health Canada reports of a recall involving various Dynamite brand long necklaces and pendants.  These recalled pieces of jewellery contain lead in excess of the allowable limits. In addition, these items contain cadmium in excess of guidance for safe levels proposed recently by Health Canada.

See Product Details tab for specifics on the affected item.

Lead and cadmium are known to be very toxic metals, especially for children. A range of serious health effects have been associated with exposure to lead and cadmium, including anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, serious brain injury, convulsions, coma, as well as effects related to the liver, kidneys, heart and immune system. In extreme cases, there have been deaths. See Hazard Details tab for more information.

Recalled items were sold at Dynamite and Chado stores from June 2, 2011 to December 16, 2011.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewellery away from children. Customers can return the items to store for full refund with receipt, or full credit without the receipt.
Consumers are asked to contact their municipality for instructions on disposing items containing lead.

For more information, consumers may contact Customer Service, Groupe Dynamite, at 514-733-3962 ext:726.

Health Canada reports of a recall involving a Bizou brand necklace with a snake pendant. These recalled pieces of jewellery contain lead in excess of the allowable limits. In addition, these items contain cadmium in excess of guidance for safe levels proposed recently by Health Canada.

See Product Details tab for specifics on the affected item.

Lead and cadmium are known to be very toxic metals, especially for children. A range of serious health effects have been associated with exposure to lead and cadmium, including anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, serious brain injury, convulsions, coma, as well as effects related to the liver, kidneys, heart and immune system. In extreme cases, there have been deaths. See Hazard Details tab for more information.

Recalled items were in Canada  from June 2010 to December 2011.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately take the jewellery away from children and return them to the store where it was purchased for exchange or dispose of it. Consumers are asked to contact their municipality for instructions on disposing items containing lead.

For additional information, consumers may call the company's toll free Customer Service Line at 1-888-835-4958.

Health Canada reports of a recall involving various pieces of children's jewellery sold with the brand names "Impulse! & Co." and "Party Princess". These recalled pieces of jewellery contain lead in excess of the allowable limits. In addition, these items contain cadmium in excess of guidance for safe levels proposed recently by Health Canada.

See Product Details tab for specifics on the affected item.

Lead and cadmium are known to be very toxic metals, especially for children. A range of serious health effects have been associated with exposure to lead and cadmium, including anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, serious brain injury, convulsions, coma, as well as effects related to the liver, kidneys, heart and immune system. In extreme cases, there have been deaths. See Hazard Details tab for more information.

Recalled children's jewellery were sold at various stores across Canada from February 2005 to December 2011.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewellery away from children and dispose of them. Consumers are asked to contact their municipality for instructions on disposing items containing lead.

For more information, consumers may contact Deejay Jewellery Inc. Customer Service at 1-888-382-4840, extension 217 or via email.

The following is from HSW - did you know that if a button battery is swallowed, severe injury can occur within 2 hours of ingestion? These little things are everywhere these days - cards, candles, ornaments, watches, etc. This article is a reminder to be extra vigilant!

Event Highlights | Information Sources

Event Hightlights

Health Canada and other health authorities report that cases of people swallowing button batteries reported to manufacturers and health officials that result in serious internal injury and death are on the rise. These small disc-shaped button batteries store lots of energy in a tiny space. They are commonly found in a wide range of products around the home that children have access to, such as remote controls, musical greeting cards, watches, calculators, flashing jewellery and shoes, key fobs, books, and other small electronic devices.
The size, shape and energy storage properties of button batteries make them hazardous if swallowed. A swallowed button battery can block an airway or can cause serious internal chemical burns in the oesophagus in as little as two hours. The 20 to 25 mm diameter lithium button batteries result in the most serious injuries, especially where young children are involved. In cases of swallowing, the batteries were found loose on the floor by young children, in garbage bins, or on counter tops, taken directly from a package, or removed from household products. Even adults, particularly seniors, have unintentionally confused button batteries with pills or food and been injured.

Children who swallow "button" batteries, commonly found in toys and consumer products around the home, can suffer internal injuries within two hours of ingesting one, according to a recent U.S. study. 
A review of button battery safety by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority summarizes the risks and provides parents and caregivers with advice on what to do if a child swallows a battery or places one in the ear or nose, and how to best protect children from small batteries. Highlights of the WRHA article and the original US study are provided here.

A U.S. study reported that in the past 18 years there have been over 8,500 cases reported to the American Battery Ingestion Hot line, with 73 cases of serious injuries from battery ingestion and 13 deaths. Sixty-two percent of these cases occurred in children who were younger than 6 years of age. Injuries (e.g., severe burns, esophageal stenosis, bilateral vocal cord paralysis) occurred as soon as 2 hours after ingestion. The study also found that at least 27% of serious outcomes and 54% of fatal cases were initially misdiagnosed, usually because of nonspecific presentation.

Injuries typically occur when a battery becomes stuck in a child's oesophagus. Once lodged, the battery can create an electrical current that burns the surrounding tissue. Children have also put small batteries in their noses and ears. This can also cause a burn and so they need to have the battery removed immediately. Button batteries that are not removed and remain in the oesophagus can cause burns and even perforation of tissues, causing life-threatening and sometimes fatal injuries.Depending on where the battery is lodged, it may be removed either using a scope or surgery.

"Our advice is to go immediately to go to Emergency and have an X-ray taken. If the battery is in the oesophagus, it needs to be removed as soon as possible," says Dr. Lynne Warda, a medical consultant with Impact, the Winnipeg Health Region's Injury Prevention Program.

Button batteries do not all pose equal risk. The smaller batteries may be ingested and passed without a person knowing it. It's the bigger ones that are more likely to become lodged and cause permanent tissue damage - or even death.
Parents are encouraged to look for toys that help protect children from batteries by having a compartment for the battery that may only be accessed with a tool or screwdriver. But button batteries are everywhere. A glance around your house will show the common ways they may be found, in household products like remote controls, garage door openers, cameras, calculators, key chains, jewellery with flashing lights and even greeting cards. And they're much easier to access in these types of products.

WHAT TO WATCH FORChances are you may not see your child swallow a button battery. Parents who suspect that their child has swallowed a battery, should first ask the child where the battery is. If the child indicates that he has swallowed the battery or inserted in his/her nose or ear, the child should be taken to the Emergency Department right away.

There are no clear visible symptoms of battery ingestion. A child who has swallowed a battery may gag or choke, trying to cough it up. Older children may complain of discomfort when swallowing or a sensation that something is stuck in their throat or neck. Younger children may drool and refuse to drink.

If a battery is swallowed or placed in the ear or nose Act Quickly - don't wait for symptoms to develop. If the battery was swallowed, don't eat or drink until directed by a physician.

Batteries stuck in the ear, nose, or oesophagus must be removed as quickly as possible as severe damage can occur in as little as 2 hours.
20 and 25 mm lithium batteries can be identified by their imprint codes, CR2032, CR2025 or CR2016, which are located on the face of the battery.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUNG CHILDREN•Store spare batteries safely out of a child's reach. Never leave them sitting out, even if they are in their original package.
•Check all electronic household products to see that the battery compartment cannot be easily opened by a child.
•When purchasing products, look for those that require a tool or screwdriver to access the battery compartments.
•Don't allow children to play with batteries or take toys with batteries to bed.
•Educate family members who wear hearing aids about the hazards of small batteries to children. Help them find safer ways of handling and disposing of the batteries.
•Supervise children when they use products containing button batteries, such as musical greeting cards, remote controls, books, flashing jewellery and other small electronic devices.
•Scan floors, tables and counters for loose button batteries.
•Dispose of button batteries so that children cannot gain access to them.

WHO ELSE IS AT RISK?With the elderly, poor vision may contribute to mistaking the button batteries for other objects - a hearing aid, medication or food, for example. A surprising 15% of people who ingested a button battery mistook it for a pill, according to a US study. There are accidental reasons adults may ingest button batteries - using your mouth to hold a battery, putting the battery in a glass that you drink out of before properly disposing of it and drinking from the glass to name a few. Store button batteries away from food and medicine. Take care when changing the button batteries in a product that they do not get mixed in with any pills, medicine or food. Realize that to anyone with poor eyesight, button batteries look just like pills or candy.

Battery facts at a glance

•The 20mm button batteries are the most hazardous.

•Top three sources of ingested button batteries: hearing aids or cochlear implants, games or toys, and watches.

•According to a recent US study, 13 deaths have been reported. In other serious cases, children under four years of age required medical follow-up because of compromised feeding and/or breathing and required multiple surgeries, tube feedings and/or tracheotomies.

•Of the batteries ingested by young children, 68% of them were obtained from products (rather than found loose or still in the package).

•The rate of major or fatal outcomes from ingested batteries in the U.S. was 6.7 times higher in recent years (2007-2009 compared to 1985-87).

Crafty Ideas to Entertain the Kids

WOOT! School gets out today!!!!

.... OMG! School gets out today!!!! What to do with insanely excited little peeps??? 

Deep breath.... That's right, deep, deep breath. Now, never you fear! I have you covered, OK?

Here are some ideas to help keep the kids entertained this week and throughout the Christmas break:

• Footprint Reindeer drawings or ornaments - trace your child's foot, or if you are brave, dunk it in brown paint. Colour, draw on eyes and nose (nose at the heel!). Make antlers (pipe cleaners, draw, or trace hands for huge ones!). Done. 
• Sparkle ornaments - it doesn't get easier than this: Break out the sparkly pipe cleaners, and bend into stars (two triangles of different colours twisted together makes a nice star-of-David), a wreath (twist multiple strands for different looks), a tree (green triangle with red square on bottom)... or let the kids go freestyle - my tree has a few 'unidentified' glittery object, LOL!
• Glittery orbs - for the older kids, these are fun, rewarding, beautiful and oh-so-sparkly! Get a Styrofoam ball and a ton of sequence and some short pins (hence the older kids). Cover the ball with the sequence, one at a time, overlapping slightly. Takes time and patience (they'll be good for the morning, Mama!), but so worth it. Try multi-colour, red & green, or go for a disco ball look in all silver!
• Popsicle Stick Reindeer - colour 3 Popsicle sticks brown (or paint). Glue together to form a triangle (on one tip the sticks should match up exactly, on the other two, let them overlap to create little antlers). Add googly eyes and a red pompom nose.... that was easy, wasn't it?
• Santa's Napkin Rings - take an old paper towel paper tube roll, and cut it into 4-6 even pieces. Paint red or cover with red construction paper. Add a black belt and gold buckle. Trim edges with fuzz from white cotton balls. Now you have napkin rings for the table on Christmas Day!
• Paper Snowflakes (how could I not include them?) - We all know the basics, right? Fold paper 6-8 times, cut out shapes (careful not to cut the entire seam!), open and see what ya got. Take is a step farther by stringing several to form a window garland. 
• Falling Snow in the Windows - string cotton balls on string or white wool, leaving spaces. Hangs several such strings in the window to imitate big, fluffy flakes of falling snow. 
• Beaded Wreaths - string beads on pipe cleaners, bend into wreaths. I like this one because you can adjust to any age: big beads randomly strung for the youngest kids, more delicate beads (strung on jeweler's wire even) and more intricate patterns for the eldest ones. 
• Santa Candles - have some old glass jars? Red tissue paper? Perfect... just get the kids to rip the tissue paper into small pieces and glue on the outside of the glass jar. Use a marker (or construction paper) to make a belt. Put a candle inside.... a glowing Santa belly candle!
• Santa ornament - trace your child's hand. Turn upside down (fingers on bottoms as the beard) and decorate with a face and hat. Cover the fingers with cotton balls as a stringy Santa beard. 
• Yarn ornaments - cover old plastic children's bracelets (available in the loot bag section of the dollar store) with yarn and hang.  Use heart-shaped ones!
• Pringles Can decorations - Get out the glue and construction paper and add a child's imagination.... create a snowman, Santa or a nutcracker on the outside of a full size Pringles can. Stash some Christmas cookies inside when done!
• Cards - easy-peasy. Just cut construction paper in half, then fold each piece in half, decorate the front with stickers, drawings, stamp art, recycled magazine pictures, leftover\recycled Christmas cards, etc.... and write a personal message inside. 
• Christmas Card ornaments - Glue the fronts of old Christmas cards to sturdy construction paper or card stock. Cut out, punch a hole and hang. Makes a nice gift tag too!
• Christmas Trees - Get a cardboard cone (or make one out of sturdy card stock or card board). Glue or tape the tip of some wool (green, red, or sparkly gold or silver - use your imagination) to the underside and wind the yarn up and around the cone, gluing every so often till you reach the tip. tuck end in and secure. Top with a pipe cleaner star ;-)

Hopefully, that will keep you busy for a bit, I think! 

Enjoy your time with the peeps!

Hanukkah Candles are Lit Dec 20 - 28, 2011

Happy Hanukkah!!

source

Today marks the start of  Ḥanukkah, the Jewish eight-day Festival of Lights! Hanukkah commemorates the re- dedication of the temple in Jerusalem in the second century BC. Now, from what I understand, Judaism had been outlawed, and the Maccabees had revolted and won back their temple. As they prepared the Temple they found that nearly all of the holy olive oil had been destroyed, except for one single container. The olive oil was needed for the menorah which was required by the Torah to burn all night, every night.... One container would only last one night and it would take 8 days to make and prepare new oil. The oil was lit anyways, and miraculously, it lasted the entire eight days! As such, the Jewish elders declared an eight day festival to mark this miracle. 

During Hanukkah, the lighting of candles is important - it honours the miracle in the Temple and also marks the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, etc. A Menorah has 8 candles for the 8 nights (plus one extra that is used to light the others), and one is lit each night of Hanukkah until the last night. Special prayers are said, and often Hanukkah hymns are sung. It is a family time (much like Christmas in that regard) and families gather, eat special Hanukkah foods (often foods and treats prepared in olive oil - I've always wanted to try latkes, little potato pancakes cooked in olive oil!), and children receive 'gelt' or gifts of money... even nightly, I believe! They also play the dreidel - a little spin top with Jewish symbols on the sides. Each child has a stash of treats, and depending on the symbol that shows when they spin the top, they must either give or take a certain amount of treats to or from the pot. Sounds like fun to me!

source

One of my favorite songs this time of year is 'Oh, Chanukah! Oh, Chanukah!'. The Barenaked Ladies did a version of it a few years back. Check it out - it is a catchy tune!

To all my Jewish friends and readers - May the lights of Hanukkah bring you joy, peace and good fortune. Happy Hanukkah! 

For more information on Hanukkah, click here & here, and here & here for kid-friendly Hanukkah activities :-) For directions on how to play the dreidel, and the words to the dreidel song (another fun one!), click here. 

More Christmas Reading We Enjoy

 5 more sleeps... the excitement is unbearable, n'est pas? Here are some books to pick up at the library to help entertain the kids during the final countdown to Christmas!

1. Santa's New Jet (We love this one.... Santa goes modern ;-)

2. A Child is Born (a sweet, simple story, intended for toddlers, but we still find it magical!)

3. B Is for Bethlehem: A Christmas Alphabet - unfortunately, this is out of print (available second hand here). But.... should you come across it, the illustrations are beautiful, the text covers everything, and your kids will love to find the kitties on every page!

4. I Spy Christmas.... need I say more?

5.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Seriously, would it be Christmas without it?? Not here!)

Enjoy!

Recall - Princess The White Collection Velvet Necklace with Heart Rhinestone Pendant

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Event Highlights | Hazard Details | Exposure Details | Product Details | Information Sources

Event Hightlights

Health Canada reports of a recall involving the Princess The White Collection Velvet Necklace with Heart Rhinestone Pendant.  Health Canada's sampling and evaluation program has revealed that the recalled piece of jewellery contains lead in excess of the allowable limit. In laboratory testing, the metal heart was found to be composed of 50% total lead which is far in excess of legal limits.

See Product Details tab for specifics on the affected items.

Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. See Hazard Details tabfor more information.

Recalled necklaces were sold at various dollar and discount stores across Canada from May 2007 to December 2011.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewellery away from children and dispose of them. Consumers are asked to contact their municipality for instructions on disposing items containing lead.
For more information, consumers may contact Customer Service, CTG Brands Inc. at 1-905-761-3330.

Allergy Notice: TABLE TALK brand CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP MIX contains egg not declared on the label.

The following allergen notice is from HSW:

Event Highlights | Hazard Details | Exposure Details | Product Details | Information Sources

Event Hightlights

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies/sensitivities to eggs not to consume the products described here. The affected products contain allergens not declared on the label.
Product: TABLE TALK brand CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP MIX
See Product Details tab for specifics on the affected items.

Recalling Firm: ASSOCIATED BRANDS
Distribution: National
Extent of the Product Distribution: Retail

Consumption of the product(s) described here may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction in persons with allergies/sensitivities to the above mentioned allergen(s). See Hazard Details tab for more information.For more information, consumers and industry can call CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

Note: This is a CFIA Class II recall (Moderate risk): The CFIA will requests a Class II recall for a food product when eating or drinking that product will most likely lead to short-term or non-life threatening health problems. The chance of any serious health symptoms is low in healthy populations. The CFIA issues a public warning for some Class II recalls based on the risk assessment and other criteria, such as the severity of symptoms in vulnerable populations (children, pregnant women, seniors, etc.)

Recall - Safety 1st Two-Way Jogging Strollers

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Event Highlights | Hazard Details | Exposure Details | Product Details | Information Sources

Event Hightlights

Health Canada reports of a recall involving Safety 1st Two-Way Jogging Strollers. If the child is placed in the stroller in the rear-facing mode, their leg can become caught between the wheel and the stroller frame, posing a fracture hazard.

See Product Details tab for specifics on the affected items.

Dorel Distribution Canada has received seven reports of a child's leg getting caught between the wheel and the stroller's frame, with six cases resulting in a leg fracture and one case resulting in a sprained ankle. Health Canada has received four reports of a child's leg getting caught between the wheel and the stroller's frame, with one leg fracture.

Recalled strollers were sold in Canada from 2002 to 2005.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately stop using the affected stroller in the rear-facing mode and contact Dorel Distribution Canada to obtain a repair kit. Consumers are also advised to visit Dorel Distribution Canada's website to determine if their stroller model is included in this recall.

For more information, consumers may contact Dorel Distribution Canada toll free at 1-800-544-1108 Monday to Thursday between 8AM and 6PM ET and between 8AM and 4:30PM ET on Fridays in order to receive a free repair kit. Consumers may also contact Dorel Distribution Canada via email at consumer@djgusa.com.

Holiday Camps at the Little Gym & Final Parent's Survival Night B4 Christmas!

Passing along from The Little Gym:

Parents' Survival Night 

Hey Parents,

There are still a few spaces remaining in the last Parents' Survival Night before the Christmas holidays!  A perfect opportunity to enjoy some adult time or clue up those last minute shopping details before the holidays begin! 

The theme is Jingle Bell Rock and it will take place on
Saturday December 17th from 6:00-9:00 pm!

Members $30

Non-members $35

40% discount for siblings

To register call 754 ROLL (7655), respond to this email orregister online 

 Christmas Holiday Camps

Dec 27th - 31st

 Christmas Holiday Camps for your 3-8 year old child are 3 hours long and will help to burn off some excess energy and ensure loads of healthy fun all under the watchful eye of our awesome instructors!

See below for dates, times and themes;

Dec 27th 9:00am - 12:00pm TLG Stars on  Ice         1:00-4:00pm Flip-n_Fun

Dec 28th 9:00am-12:00pm Karate Kids Camp

1:00-4:00pm Holiday Time Travel

Dec 29th 9:00am-12:00pm Holiday Goofy Games

1:00-4:00pm Dinosaur Ice age

Dec 30th 9:00am-12:00pm Circus Adventure

1:00-4:00pm Winter Camping

Dec 31st 9:00am - 12:00pm New Year's Beach Bash

Spaces are filling up!

To register Call 754 ROLL (7655) or respond to this email.

More Weekend Activities!

A friend emailed me with these additions for my calendar - Thanks K!

The Nutcracker is playing tonight and Saturday at 7:00 and Sunday at 2:00 at the Arts and Culture Centre. Tickets are available at the Box Office. Take the kids for a touch of magic this weekend!

Also, there is an Old Fashioned Christmas Raffle on now until Sunday at 302 Water Street. They have hamper tickets and a selection of other typical raffle games, and there'll be local celebrities to spin the wheel. Prizes are wonderful - there is even and iPad! - and the proceeds go to worthwhile causes... check it out!

What To Do This Weekend - Enjoy the Christmas Cheer and Excitement in the City!

Are you excited about Christmas yet? I am nearly off my rocker with anticipation, not to mention the munchkins! Every day I answer "How many days left to Christmas?" and "Do we have School tomorrow?" "Is it the last day?". We have been busy with the errands that come along with the Season, and Christmas plays and pageants, parties and such. It is a wonderful time of year!

Here are some of the Christmas Cheer Events on the go in town this weekend: Party on, People!

• Take your kids to the Basilica Cathedral Museum now through Dec 20th and explore Nativities From Around the World in their 9th Annual Nativity Exhibit. What a great way to teach the children about other cultures! Exhibit hours are Tuesday to Sunday: 1-4 p.m and for groups by appointment. The Basilica Cathedral Museum is located next to the Basilica Cathedral on the Corner of Military Road and Bonaventure Avenue. For more information email amwalsh@nf.aibn.com.
• Love You Forever and More Stories by Robert Munsch features six stories about fathers and  daughters, mothers and sons, grandparents and friends by the famous children's author. It is playing at the A&C now through Sunday, at 4 & 7PM, with a Pay-What-You-Can performance on Saturday at 4PM. For Tickets call the Arts and Culture Centre Box Office at 729-3900 or order online (www.artsandculturecentre.com).

source: email (Sandy Gow)

• The final Midnight Painting "late night, date night, paint night!" for the year at Clay Cafe is this Friday (12PM - 12 AM)! Get your last minute gifts done and have the kids create something extra special for their fathers, grandparents, aunts & uncles!
• Tomorrow afternoon, pop by the Marjorie Mews Public Library for Making Merry at 3:30pm - there will be carol singing, storytelling and holiday fun for all ages!
• The final Farmer's Market for the Season is this Saturday at the Lion's Club Chalet 9AM -2PM. Another opportunity for a unique, homemade Christmas shopping extravaganza ;-)
• Join in the Mummer's Parade excitement Saturday afternoon and share this Newfoundland tradition with the children! Come in disguise - "the more mummers the merrier"! The parade starts 2PM at Bishop Field Elementary, and mummers will weave through Gower Street, Bannerman Park, and the Georgestown area before ending up at The Rooms at 3PM for a Christmas Concert and Mummers Jam with music and dancing. This is an afternoon, community event and everyone is welcome. See the site for complete details... and have fun!

source

• Sunday afternoon, take a drive up Signal Hill, then pop into the GEO Centre for Christmas at GEO, a family event with crafts, hot chocolate, cookies and music! From 12:30-4PM, regular admission applies. 

Of course, there are many other events in and around the city this week - have a gander at the calendar for details on the Family Fun program at the Fluvarium, markets and other upcoming events (like the  Make-your-own -bulbs class Wednesday at Clay Cafe). But, most of all.....

Have a good one, People!

For details on events in & around town, check my events calendar regularly - it is on the bottom of EVERY page :-) The Tely Go Guide published in Arts & Life section every Thursday is also a good source. 

If you have something to add to the Calendar, please let me know! Complete details can be found here and I welcome being added to any "Events Distribution list" your facility might have :-)

Young Rembrandts Newfoundland

I am passing along this information I received on Young Rembrandts Newfoundland .... sounds like a wonderful opportunity for young artists ;-) Check out their Facebook page for more information and pictures!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Creativity has never been limited to artists, poets and musicians.  Brilliant scientists, mathematicians, inventors and engineers are creative, innovative thinkers.  Innovation is a function of visual-spatial thinking and teaching art is a crucial means of developing visual spatial thinking in our children.   

For over 20 years, Young Rembrandts have provided our schools, parents and our students with:

·        North America’s top-ranked and most expansive art enrichment program

·        Industry’s most comprehensive curriculum, exceeding National Art Education Standards

·        A product that provides a different kind of learning – doesn’t mimic what is already happening in the art classroom

And I am proud to offer the same quality program to the children of Newfoundland and Labrador.  We have been running classes in Mount Pearl since November and the students work is posted on Young Rembrandts Newfoundland Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/YoungRembrandtsNL) and in January we will be starting an after-school program at Newtown Elementary in Mount Pearl (for students of the school) and at Cowan Heights United Church, and we are seeking new locations around the city and province to set up classes.

We offer:

Preschool drawing classes for children ages 3 ½ to 5

Elementary Drawing classes for children ages 6 – 12

Cartooning classes for children ages 6 – 12.

I was admiring your StJohnsmom blog and the range of information you have and am asking if you would you consider also including a link to our website www.youngrembrandts.com/newfoundland and assist in letting people know about the program.  There is very limited opportunities in the city for children interested in Art, and  our parents and students who have been taking the classes at the Admiralty House are very happy with the program.

  

Thank you.

To greater success,

Sarah Hanna

Sarah Hanna

Program Director Young Rembrandts/Newfoundland

Tel:  709-699-5691

Safe Holiday Toy Shopping Tips

This is a timely safety article from HSW:

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Tips for safer holiday toy shopping

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants parents and consumers to know that while recalls and deaths have declined, toy-related deaths and injuries are still a major concern.

U.S. toy-related deaths to children younger than 15 increased to 17 fatalities reported in 2010, up from 15 reported in 2009. Nearly half of these toy-related fatalities were attributed to choking on balloons, small balls, and rubber balls.

A new report  released by CPSC notes that about 181,500 children younger than 15 years of age were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments due to toy-related injuries in 2010. Non motorized scooters continued to be the category of toys associated with the most injuries. Frequently these injuries involved lacerations, contusions, and abrasions to the child's face and head. Importantly many of the incidents were associated with, but not necessarily caused by, a toy.

Here are some safety steps that consumers can take while shopping this holiday season:
(1) WHICH TOY FOR WHICH CHILD - Always choose age appropriate toys.
(2) GEAR UP FOR SAFETY - Include safety gear whenever shopping for sports-related gifts or ride-on toys, including bicycles, skates, and scooters.
(3) LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - Be aware of your child’s surroundings during play. Young children should avoid playing with ride-on toys near automobile traffic, pools or ponds. They also should avoid playing in indoor areas associated with hazards such as kitchens and bathrooms and in rooms with corded window blinds.




 Scooters and other Riding Toys
 Riding toys, skateboards, and in-line skates go fast,
 and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear
 should be worn properly at all times and be sized to fit.

Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts 

 For children younger than age three,
avoid toys with small parts,
which can cause choking.

 Balloons
 Children can choke or suffocate on deflated
 or broken balloons. Keep deflated balloons
 away from children younger than eight years old.
 Discard broken balloons at once.

Magnets 

For children under age six, avoid building or play 
sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with
magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or 
death can occur. 

Once the gifts are open:
•Immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging on toys before they become dangerous play things.

•Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.

•Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to young children. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging.

Baby Bullet Food System (Health Canada Advisory)

The following safety information is from HSW:

Event Highlights | Hazard Details | Exposure Details | Product Details | Information Sources

Event Hightlights

Health Canada is advising consumers to obtain updated user instructions for the Baby Bullet Food System.
The updated instructions remind consumers to make sure that the system's silicone gasket is installed correctly before each use. If not installed correctly, the gasket can come into contact with the moving blades, get cut into pieces, and mixed into the food. The resulting pieces are not likely to pose a choking hazard and are not toxic if ingested. The instructions also now indicate that the blade assembly, other plastic parts and gaskets be hand-washed to prevent the gasket from becoming loose.

Health Canada is advising consumers about the proper use of the Baby Bullet Food System after four incidents involving the product in Canada were reported to Health Canada and two additional incidents were reported to the manufacturer, Baby Bullet, LLC. These incidents did not result in any injuries. Health Canada liaised with Baby Bullet, LLC as the company updated the product's instruction manual and added additional labelling to the Baby Bullet Food System.

These products were sold online and at various retailers.

Recommended Actions:•Obtain the new instructions regarding proper use and follow the cautionary safeguards in the updated instruction manual.
•Inspect the gaskets prior to use to verify they are in good condition.
•Install the gaskets carefully and ensure the blade assembly is installed correctly so the gaskets do not dislodge or move easily during use.
•Inspect the gasket after each use to make sure it has not become loose.
•Hand-wash the blade holders and gaskets. Do not use automatic dishwashers for cleaning.
Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.