Week in Preview: September 30th to October 6th, 2013

As I'm writing this, we're about an hour away from the government deadline to pass a budget or face a shutdown.  I know that so many of my readers are government employees or dependents, and I want you all to know that I'm thinking of you, and that I am here if you need some additional help, resources, or someone to vent to.  I hope that any furloughs are short and that your families are able to make it though without much hurt or sacrifice.  I'm not saying that as a "political thing", I just want you all to know that I'm happy to hear from you if there's anything I can do, and if you don't need anything, I, and many others, are still cognizant of how tough this must be.

And on that note....let's move on to keeping busy this week.

To begin with- Register in advance for:
SNOW AND STORY October 9th from 10am-11am. Our popular Snow and Story Hour is designed to provide toddler and pre-school age children with a safe and fun time playing on our ice, with snow and a variety of toys.  The on-ice session is followed by cookies, hot chocolate and a story.  The cost is $7 per child.  Email mbrennan@pwice.com to reserve you spot.  Space is limited.


Let’s Celebrate Fall (Ages 3-5) Code 310401
We will explore this change of seasons through a variety of books and special projects.  $15, register in advance.  SBDCRC October 10th 9:45am


Gary Krinsky will be "Toying with Science" at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on October 12th at 2pm. 

Monday, September 30th
Heading into October, it's a great time to think about Pumpkin Patches, Apple Picking, and other outdoor fall fun!  Our Fall Fun and Halloween Guide has several ideas, but we'll keep adding, so if you know of a trunk or treat, pumpkin patch, or fall festival that we're missing, be sure to let us know!  Many of these options are much less expensive if you are able to go on a weekday, so take advantage of the weekday discounts if you can!

Tuesday, October 1st
Tickets for fall and winter shows at the Hylton Planetarium go on sale today, and they do sell out quickly! Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Hylton High School main office Monday thru Friday from 7:30am - 4:00pm or the evening of any show at the planetarium box office, while supplies last. Bring cash only, and exact change.  A list of shows is on today's calendar.

Novak's Gymnastics has an open play for ages 5 and under.  This is a good one to keep in mind as the weather turns cooler, or for rainy days!  Play gym is a non-structured play time for you and your child to get an opportunity to explore and play in the gym. A coach is present to assist and guide you and your child. A brief 5 - 7 minute warm-up is led by the coach to familiarize your child with the basic positions and terms of gymnastics. $5.00 each visit per child. First time is FREE!

Wednesday, October 2nd
Head to Central Library for Music and Motion at 10:45 Music & Motion is held every two weeks. It is a chance for you and your child to shake, wiggle, move and groove while you're both singing, dancing, and playing with rhythm sticks, scarves and more! For ages 2-5 with an adult. Drop in.


The Dale City Rec Center will hold a FREE Pilates Studio Open House for ages 13+  (Code 318305)
Join this free pilates orientation on the equipment and expose yourself to a new formula of keeping your body in ultimate shape and balance.  Pre-registration is required.  SBDCRC October 2nd 11a-1pm or 7pm-8pm

Thursday, October 3rd
Help set the world record for the most kids reading or listening to the same book on the same day! For all ages. Drop in; no registration required at Chinn Library at 10:30am.

Are you the mother of multiples? Mother of twins, triplets, or other higher order multiples are invited to join a Mom's Night Out Dinner and Monthly Meeting with the Prince William Mothers of Multiples Club at Ruby Tuesday in Gainesville at 7:30pm.

Friday, October 4th
I don't feel like there's anything out of the ordinary- but our regular Friday lineup is on the calendar, and there's plenty to choose from!

Saturday, October 5th
If you're on a budget (and, really, who isn't?) then you're in luck this week because there are several consignment options coming up to fill out your children's winter wardrobes on the cheap!! Love that! Check out:
Weecycled Wardrobe (Stafford) October 5th-8th
CWP (Springfield) Ocotber 5th
Just Between Friends PWC (Haymarket) October 5th/6th

All Home Depot locations nationwide will offer a Fire Safety Day with various activities for ages 5-12, including a LEGO City Toy and fire safety tips while supplies last.  Register online to ensure a spot is available for your child.

Got Middle Schoolers? From 7:30-10, they can hang at the Chinn Center- DJ/Music, wallyball, dodgeball, basketball, lounge area.  7:30-10pm $5, PWCS Student ID required. Grades 6-8 ONLY.

Sunday, October 6th 
From 10am-4pm both the 5th and 6th, Culpeper will have their Farm Days, which is very similar to the PWC Farm Tour, in case you missed it! Check out their website for participating farms and details.

People with food allergies, their family and friends, and local community members will participate in Food Allergy Research & Education’s WALK for FOOD ALLERGY on October 6th at Occoquan Park at 9am. The FARE Walk unites thousands of Americans seeking a safe and inclusive world for people with food allergies. This potentially life-threatening disease affects up to 15 million Americans, including 1 in 13 children – roughly two in every classroom.


All Heart 4 Autism will host a sensory sensitive family skate night at Skate N Fun Zone. Music will be low and lights will not be flashing. Enjoy a great family night where everyone can have some fun!
Admission is $3 and Skate Rental is $4.50


Have a great week! Remember, this is just a few hilights, we have our full calendar just above- click "calendar" to see a full list of events for the week.  Don't see your favorite listed? It's free to add events! Just click "propose an event" on our calendar page and add your details! 

Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour: October 5&6, 2013

A free, self-guided event much like the PWC Farm Tour.  Check it out online and find a list of farms and locations you can choose from. 

Giveaway: Weecycled Wardrobe

Could you use $50 BUCKS?  Weecycled Wardrobe is giving away $50 in Wee Ward Money to a lucky winner good at their Fall & Winter Sale in Stafford, VA on October 5th - 8th from 10 am - 7 pm daily. 

They have over 25,000 items to choose from all organized on tables and racks by size, age and gender.  Toys, books, games, shoes, purses, backpacks, diaper bags, strollers, exersaucers, high chairs, toddler beds and just about anything you'll need to raise a child.  NEW Consignors welcome.  Deadline to consign is Mon, Sept 30th at 11:59 pm.  Volunteers invited to help for 3 hours in exchange for shopping early on the 4th.  Visit our website for more info:  www.WeecycledWardrobe.com.   http://www.weecycledwardrobe.com/index.php

Want to win $50 in Wee Bucks (I know I do!) just enter using the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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As always, this contest is not affiliated with Android, the Apple App Store, Facebook, or anyone else big and expensive.  Winner assumes all liability, prize provided by contest sponsor.  See our official rules (which you agree to by entering) here.

Fall Fun and Halloween 2013

First off, if y'all are new in town, Prince William County Trick or Treating takes place ON HALLOWEEN.  I get a bijillion emails every year that Halloween is on a weeknight asking if it's moved to the following or preceeding weekend, and it's not. Sorry, teachers, because I'm sure those sugared-up, over-tired kids are a hot mess on November 1. Second, this is by no means an exhaustive list, and if I'm missing your event, just email me, and we'll fix it!

September 28-October 31

Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Great Country Farms, Bluemont. Open daily from 9am-6pm

$8/child & $10/adult weekdays; $10/child & $12/weekends & holidays

Farm Members, Military ID holders and kids 2 and under are FREE

September 28-October 31 
Starting Sept. 28th, Come to Miller Farms Market for free hayrides to and from the pumpkin patch. Weekday hayrides: 4:30 pm. Weekend Hayrides: 9 am - 5 pm. All you pay for is your pumkins! 12101 Orange Plank Rd., Locust Grove, 22508. 540-972-2680. 

September 28-November 3

Ticonderoga Farms will be open Daily 9 am to 6 pm (Entrance gate closes at 5:30) Sept 21 to Nov 3 Fall Pumpkin Festival Admission:

Weekdays $9.95 per person Weekends Sept 21,22,28,29 Oct 26,27 $14.95 per person Weekends Oct 5,6,12,13,19,20 & Holiday Oct 14 $16.95 per person Under 2 Free 

We are having one of the most colorful, fun, entertaining family festival season ever.  Join us with your family, friends and groups to celebrate and welcome the new fall.  Just click on Fall to follow us to our page for all the fun list of things to do weekday and weekend.

September 28-October 31 
Belvedere Plantation is now open weekday mornings Tuesday-Friday 9:30-1:30 (Closed October 15). The Peeping Pass is $9.25 (not all attractions are open). Weekends Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10-6.  Prices higher on weekends. 

September 28-October 31
Clark Farms in Stafford hosts their Fall Festival  $6.00 per person weekdays | $8.00 on weekends/holidays, Children under 2 years of age are free. Entrance fee includes a pumpkin.
Don’t forget your cameras!! Our family friendly and child-focused activities include: farm animals (goats, pigs, chickens, and more!), a hay mountain, large maze, face painting, pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, great cutouts for photos, a moon-bounce, climbing tires, penny pit and pony rides on weekends.

September 28-October 31
Cox Farms Fall Festival features giant slides, hayrides, rope swings, farm animals, CORNundrum goat village, apples, cider, food, entertainment, and more! Everyone gets a small patch pumpkin to take home FREE with paid admission. Admission: Weekdays: $9; Discount weekends (9/21, 22, 28 and 29; 10/26, 10/27 and 11/2 & 11/3): $14; Prime weekends (middle weekends of October): $17.

WEEKENDS ONLY Beginning September 28
Yankey Farms will be open Saturdays from 10am-6pm and Sundays 12pm-6pm.  Corn maze, cow train, and pick your own pumpkin patch.
 

October 14th-October 31st

St. Paul Pumpkin Patch 1334 and 1400 G Street, Woodbridge VA 22191.  M-F 2pm-8pm, Saturday 9am-8pm, Sunday 1pm-6pm. Pumpkin prices are based on size, proceeds benefit the children and youth missions ministry of St. Paul UMC. 

Saturday, October 5

Occoquan Bible Church will be hosting their annual Festifall this Saturday, October 5 from 12PM - 4PM.  This family-friendly FREE event will include a Magic Act, Moon Bounce, Fantastic Christian Music, Hip Hop Dancers, Games and Prizes, Face Painting, FREE food, and Lots of Good Christian Fellowship.  All are welcome!

Manassas holds their Fall Jubilee 10am-5pm with live entertainment for both adults and kids, crafters, wine tastings, farmers market, children's ride, pumpkin patch, and more. 

Saturday, October 12

First Baptist Church of Woodbridge invites you to bring your family to enjoy an afternoon of Fellowship, Potluck Lunch, Music, Games, Cake Walk, Petting Zoo and good old fashion fun...but we also want you to invite someone with you!  Our community is filled with people who need a church home, need to know Jesus, need to know someone loves them!  Have them join your family for an afternoon of fellowship.  IT'S ALL FREE! 11am-3pm

Friday, October 18

Beginning at Dusk, St. Paul UMC will show a fall movie on the outdoor screen.  Bring blankets and enjoy a night out under the stars.  1334 and 1400 G Street Woodbridge VA 22191

Saturday, October 19

11am-4pm, Fall Festival at St. Paul UMC 1334 and 1400 G Street Woodbridge VA 22191.  Fun for the whole family will include a pumpkin patch, free pumpkin painting, a children's carnival with games and prizes, bounce houses, an arts and crafts fair, and tons of great food.  Entry is free!

BRMC wants to take you on a night-time hike through the Bull Run Mountains! Join us for face painting, Halloween snacks, hot cider, a bonfire, and live music. All participants should bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes. Pre-registration is required for 7:00-8:00 p.m. time slots, at least a week in advance, and is available at: http://www.brmconservancy.org/register/sf2013.php First-come, first-served from 8:00-8:30 p.m. $7 in advance/$10 at the door.

Thursday, October 24

Join the Woodbridge Wegmans for Trick or Treat anytime from 4:30 to 8pm.  Come in costume and enjoy the free fun! 

FREE Spooktacular at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center: Enjoy trick-or-treating at participating stores, face painting, rubber ducky game at the fountain and Nickelodeon Halloween shows on the big screen throughout the evening.  Grab a seat at 7pm for a screening of “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” on the jumbotron.

Friday, October 25

Friday from 10-11 at the Freedom Center, check out Fabulous Friday with a Halloween Theme: Halloween: It’s pumpkin time!
Kids will love hearing not-so-scary Halloween stories and making Halloween decorations. Feel free to bring your child in his/her costume. Caregiver participation required. Fee: $10/per class
Beginning at Dusk, St. Paul UMC will show a fall movie on the outdoor screen.  Bring blankets and enjoy a night out under the stars.  1334 and 1400 G Street Woodbridge VA 22191

Join the Gainesville Wegmans for Trick or Treat anytime from 4:30 to 8pm.  Come in costume and enjoy the free fun! 

BRMC wants to take you on a night-time hike through the Bull Run Mountains! Join us for face painting, Halloween snacks, hot cider, a bonfire, and live music. All participants should bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes. Pre-registration is required for 7:00-8:00 p.m. time slots, at least a week in advance, and is available at: http://www.brmconservancy.org/register/sf2013.php First-come, first-served from 8:00-8:30 p.m. $7 in advance/$10 at the door.

Haunted History Hike at Leesylvania State Park, 7:30pm-9:00pm at Shelter #1 The spirits of Leesylvania have begun wandering our woods at night reliving moments from their lives. Join us for a guided evening walk which will take you back through history. Don't forget to take a hay ride and visit our different crafts for the kids. This is a family friendly Halloween event. Please call for event price.

$5 per person, costumes encouraged! Join us for Haunted Mini Golf at Lake Ridge Park on October 25th.  

Halloween Costume Contest at KD'z Kidz World in Stafford-
Costume contest winner who receives the most votes will receive a FREE Birthday Party (Up to 10 Kids) to use within 1 year of the date at our facility OR a FREE Rental!
 *If winner wishes to have a bigger party, the maximum value of the package won is $169 and the winner will only pay the difference.
 *Voting will be conducted by an "outsider" who has no ties to KD'z Kidz World and/or anyone in the competition.
 *Winner must be present to win.
 *Cost is only $10 per child. 
 *Each child will receive a goodie bag full of treats to take home with them.
 *Reservations must be made to attend. In order to qualify for the birthday party package, we will need at least 25 signed up. If 25 do not sign up, the winner will receive a $30 bounce pass good for 5 visits. 
 *Time is from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
 Call to reserve a spot. 

Saturday, October 26

Older Elementary, Middle, and High School students are invited to enjoy a night walk with some spooky surprises.  8pm at St. Paul UMC 1334 and 1400 G Street Woodbridge VA 22191

Lake Ridge Parks and Rec- October 26, 10am-2pmDon't miss this fun family day packed with great vendors, games and prizes! Carnival-themed contests and a Moon Bounce add to the festivities as we celebrate the arrival of fall. Activities include the Children's Costume Contest and Parade at 11am. Come check out vendors' wares from across the region that will fill the lot with great bargains, one-of-a-kind collectibles and original arts and crafts designs. There's something for everyone at this year's Fall Festival. Contact the Recreation Department, 703-491-2154 for information.

11am – 4 pm; $5 per child, children under six free
Where did the tradition of Halloween come from? Pumpkin carving? Trick-or-Treating? Join us for a kid friendly trip to All Hallow’s Eve past and present. Tour the scarecrow display that will decorate Rippon Lodge. Play old fashioned games and enjoy traditional treats. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, 703-499-9812

Family Day — Halloween Special Event @National Museum of the Marine Corps
Crafts, games and a costume parade are just the beginning of this annual fun, festive (not the least bit spooky) event for ages 2-10.
12:00 pm – 2:00

Halloween Fun with Pam the Kidsinger at Chinn Library Interactive fun with songs, dancing, puppetry, and lots of humor. Everyone will be dancing and singing along. This is a free, drop-in performance for the entire family! 2-3pm

Join Occoquan for some Halloween Fun! Halloween Town in Occoquan will be October 26 from 10am-3pm.  Children's Parade begins at 10:30 am under the 123 bridge.  Crafts, games, facepainting, trick or treat from 10-2 at participating shops. 

BRMC wants to take you on a night-time hike through the Bull Run Mountains! Join us for face painting, Halloween snacks, hot cider, a bonfire, and live music. All participants should bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes. Pre-registration is required for 7:00-8:00 p.m. time slots, at least a week in advance, and is available at: http://www.brmconservancy.org/register/sf2013.php First-come, first-served from 8:00-8:30 p.m. $7 in advance/$10 at the door.

2013 Haunted Happenings Grab the family and your dog and join Historic Manassas, Inc. and the Old Town Business Association for a wickedly good time in Old Town Manassas on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ashland Elementary- 12am-4pm Join us for a great family fun day! Games including Hay Dig, Can Knock Down, Duck Pond, Plinko, Bean Bag Toss, Cupcake Walk, Face Painting.  We will also have a 61' Inflatable Obstacle Course.  Tickets are 10 for $5 and all games/inflatable is 1 ticket.  We also have concessions selling cotton candy, drinks, pizza, kettle corn.

Vertical Rock will host both adult and kids climbing:

Sunday, October 27

MyBodyMoveZ Studio 2570 Dynasty Loop, Woodbridge, VA 22192 - So much fun it's scary! Join us on Sunday, 10/27 for a Halloween Family Dance Party from 1:00-3:00pm! Bring the whole family, wear your costumes and dance the afternoon away. Kids under 10 are free. $10/person. All children must be accompanied by an adult. See you there!

Tuesday, October 29

Spooky Tots at Virginia Gateway will be Tuesday, October 29th at 10:30am! Songs, facepainting, Halloween crafts, giveaways, and more! 

Wednesday, October 30

14906 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191 Trick or Treat at Envoy! On Wednesday, October 30th Envoy Nursing home will be giving out candy to little trick or treaters that show up at our facility between 2pm and 6pm. This offers a safe environment for little ones to trick or treat and allows our residents to enjoy seeing them in their costumes! Just wanted to extend an invitation to the children that already bring joy to our residents! Thank you so much!!!

Thursday, October 31 

Join our awesome sponsor, the Marketplace at Madison Crescent for free Trick-or-Treat, Face Painting, Treat Bags, and a Costume Contest from 3-5pm! 

Come one, come all for the safer, non-scary alternative to traditional Trick or Treating! Come to Church on the Move (c/o Kids on the Move) from 6-8pm on 10/31 for fun games, prizes, tons of trunks filled with goodies and free donuts and cider! Everything is free! Food! Fun! Fellowship! See you then! 

Potomac Mills Mall will offer Mall Trick or Treating from 6-7:30pm.  

First Nazarene of Woodbridge will hold their Harvest Festival, times not published as of date of publish on this article.  

Manassas St. Thomas St. Thomas UMC, Manassas campus is having one on Halloween night from 6-7:30pm at the corner of Grant and 234 Business. There will be hotdogs, chips, fresh popped popcorn, sodas, water, AND of course, CANDY! Plus games, 2 moon bounces, old cartoon movies, photo booth, and the Manassas City Fire Truck and Rescue Squad car will be here!http://stthomasumc.org/announcements/trunks-of-treats.html

Manassas Mall offers Trick R Treat from 5-7pm.  

Week in Preview: September 23-September 29th, 2013

I have to admit that it's Monday morning and I'm writing this.  I've started about 20 times and for whatever reason I just can't finish, so hopefully it'll happen right now, since it's already "the week".

Still previewing Tuesday-Sunday....maybe 6 outta 7 ain't bad will be the new PwcMoms motto ;)

Register in Advance For:
Let's Paint at SBDCRC on Thursday: Let’s Paint (Ages 3-5) Code 310121
Let your child’s inner Picasso come out as they paint using a variety of tools to create several of their very own masterpieces. $15, register in advance. SBDCRC September 26th at 9:45am

Lowes Build and Grow this weekend.

Mark your calendar now- Hylton HS's planetarium has public shows coming up this fall and they sell out FAST.  Tickets go on sale October 1st and are first-come-first-served. 

If you like pilates- FREE Pilates Studio Open House (Ages 13+) Code 318305
Join us in this free pilates orientation on the equipment and expose yourself to a new formula of keeping your body in ultimate shape and balance.  Pre-registration is required.  SBDCRC October 2nd 11a-1pm or 7pm-8pm

RSVP for an October 10th Mommy Meetup. Calling all moms! Leesylvania State Park invites you to take a break from your busy schedule to enjoy refreshments and socializing. Our monthly meet-ups will also feature different activities for you to try while relaxing. 
Let nature ignite your imagination!  We'll introduce you to a new way to interact with nature by making fairy houses out of natural materials.  Can you find the fairies in the forest?
For more information email Genevieve.White@dcr.virginia.gov or call 703-583-6904.

Monday, September 23
It's Homeschool Day at the National Museum of the Marine Corps from 10am-2pm. 

This evening, find out about the Dale City Track Team for your child.  They submitted the event twice, once at 6:30pm and once at 7pm, but their facebook page says 6:30.  Potomac Library is hosting this event.

Tuesday, September 24
Lake Ridge Nursery's Pumpkin Patch is now open, and it's cheaper to go on a weekday.  Pumpkin Patch opens on Sept the 20th we are open daily 9am to 8pm. Fun activities for all ages. Zip Line, Rope Swing, Slide, Racing Toilets, Moon Bounces, Wooden Jungle Gyms, Moon Bounce obstacle courses...and much more.. $12/child weekdays, adults free.  Last admission 7pm.

From 7pm-9pm, The ARC of Prince William County facilitates an Autism Parent Support Group that meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. This parent-run group offers support, education, and social opportunities for families who have children (of any age) on the Autism spectrum. Child care is available. Call 703-730-3124 or email jrussell@arcgpw.org for more information.

Wednesday, September 25
It's the very LAST Free Kids' Concert at Stonebridge, and Rocknocerous will be taking it home.  10am.

From 10-11:30, get your preschooler outside at Lake Ridge Park! Wednesdays in the Park (Preschool) Code 309100 Bring your pre-schooler out for an adventure in the park.  You may register for one or all of the programs.  Parent participation is encouraged but not required.  $10  This week's theme is soccer and mini golf.

Thursday, September 26
From 10:30-11, celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day at Lake Ridge Neighborhood Library with a special storytime. 

Want to have some fun at home? Check out our Johnny Appleseed Pinterest Board.

Friday, September 27
Go "Splash N Tot" at SBDCRC from 11-12:30 or at Chinn from 12-1:30.  Parents are free with paid child admission.

Our Friday night has Parent's Night Out at Kids N Motion, Vertical Rock, Dumfries Youth Center, The House, and Ninth Dragon Martial Arts, but you'll want to call one of them NOW to reserve your spot! 

Saturday, September 28
From 9am-6pm Great Country Farms will have their Pumpkin Festival.  This is a drive, but it's a fun farm.  Check out our review here. 

The Prince William Farm Tour is my favorite.  Alpacas.  Seriously.  Guys, these things say "meep" like the roadrunner and they hug you with their furry necks, and they are amazing. I want two, but we live in a townhouse and we don't have the yard for that kind of thing. 10-4.

From 4-6pm, The Marketplace at Madison Crescent will have their first Fall Concert with "Burgers". Fun outdoor event for the whole family! PS- we love them because they sponsor our calendar!

Sunday, September 29
From 12-5, check out the Manassas Latino Festival- Embrace, learn and enjoy the many cultures of our local Latino community! A variety of live entertainment will be performing, several different menus will be available for sale and for the children there will be games, a clown show and a pinata!!

I repeat: The Prince William Farm Tour is my favorite.  Alpacas.  Seriously.  Guys, these things say "meep" like the roadrunner and they hug you with their furry necks, and they are amazing. I want two, but we live in a townhouse and we don't have the yard for that kind of thing. 12-4. I could change what I wrote, but I really love alpacas.  Remember Kristen Bell on Ellen with the sloths? That's me with Alpacas.

“The Watson’s Go To Birmingham”

Set your DVR's for a special treat on the Hallmark Channel, as a part of the new Friday night “Walden Family Theatre” series.  The beloved book "The Watson's Go To Birmingham" comes to life on the screen, this Friday, 9/20, 8 PM (ET/PT) with a talented cast, starring Tony® Award winner and Grammy® Award nominee Anika Noni Rose (“The Good Wife,” “Dreamgirls,” “The Princess and the Frog”).  Also starring are three-time Tony® Award nominee and Grammy® Award nominee David Alan Grier ("Porgy and Bess," "PEEPLES," “In Living Color”), Skai Jackson (“Jessie”), Wood Harris (“The Wire,” “Remember The Titans”), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (“The Fighting Temptations”), Pauletta Washington (“Beloved”), Bryce Clyde Jenkins (“Easy A,” “Have A Little Faith”) and Harrison Knight (“We the Party”).

Tonik Productions is one of the many companies responsible for bringing this project to fruition.   Nikki Silver is an Emmy® Award- winning producer and chief creator of ToniK Productions. Tonya Lee Lewis has partnered with Nikki Silver to form this production company.  Nikki Silver has been persistent in her efforts to see the book, The Watson’s Go To Birmingham, written by Christopher Paul Curtis, published by Random House Children’s Books, come alive on the screen.

“The Watsons Go To Birmingham” is presented by ARC Entertainment, Walden Media, Walmart and Procter & Gamble and is a ToniK Production. Louis J. Grieci III, Ben Simon, Janet M. Morrison, Aaron Tucker, Jim Bechtold, Trevor Drinkwater, Brad Liebow and Brian Wells serve as executive producers and Philip Kleinbart, Nikki Silver and Tonya Lewis Lee serve as producers.  Tonya Lewis Lee, Stephen Glantz and Caliope Brattlestreet wrote the teleplay and Kenny Leon is the director. 

Photo Left to Right: Kenny Leon, Anika Noni Rose, Harrison Knight, Nikki Silver

According to director, Kenny Leon, “The Watson’s Go To Birmingham” is “a love story, a family story, that the whole family can sit down and watch and do that one thing together.  Laugh together, think together, even shed a tear together but this movie is all about family and all about love, just what the Hallmark channel represents.”

 

 Photo: Kenny Leon and Anika Noni Rose Photo: Tonya Lewis Lee                                                

On Tuesday evening, I attended the Red Carpet Washington DC premiere of this film at the Newseum, as part of the press for PWC Moms. Honorable William A. Bell, Sr., Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, where the majority of the movie takes place, also attended this amazing event.  The Mayor of Birmingham brought artifacts from this historic time in Birmingham to the event for a temporary display that evening.  The artifacts included: Pews from the16th St. Baptist Church; a segregated lunch counter; a segregated water fountain; mug shots of people arrested after the e Children’s Crusade march and shrapnel from the church bombing.  The artifacts brought you back to a time in history where there was a movement for equal rights and for humanity.

The film takes place in 1963, upon the anniversary of life changing events during the civil right movement.  As children, we are taught facts about this era of time but this movie brings in the human spirit through the eyes of an 12 year old African American child experiencing racism firsthand in Birmingham, Alabama.

Photo of Honorable William A. Bell, Sr., Mayor of Birmingham, AL, and a photo of segregated water fountains

This is a movie that every family in America should watch as it portrays so accurately what it would be like to experience racism and bullying during the civil rights movement in the South.  Tonya Lee Lewis states “The Watson’s Go To Birmingham” is about a Northern family that travels to Birmingham and experiences racism, up close and personal, during the summer of 1963.”  During the film, the family comes closer together and overcomes fear and develops courage to stand up for what is right.

Through the eyes of a “tween” who attended the screening, Amada, 12 years old, believes that “kids should watch this film because they will take away the important message that it's important to understand our history so that it will not ever be repeated again." 

When I asked the director, Kenny Leon, what questions we should be asking our kids when we watch this movie together he stated these two crucial questions “Do you know what racism is?” Do you know what bullying is?” He said, as a parent, we must discuss with our kids the events that took place during 1963 and discuss the injustice at that time but also remind them of the good people in the world who influence positive changes.  He said that “Ultimately, Love Wins!”

The performances of the cast are stellar and especially noteworthy is Bryce Clyde Jenkin’s performance of 12 year old Kenny Watson.  By the end of the movie, you will have laughed, cried and experience critical thinking about the civil rights movement.  This movie will speak meaningful conversations between families.

If you miss the world premiere of “The Watsons Go To Birmingham” on the Hallmark channel on Friday, 9/20/13, the movie will also encores on 9/27/13 and 10/11/13, at 8 PM (ET/PT) on Hallmark Channel.  The DVD will be released on September 24^th and it will be sold at Wal-Mart.

For educators, Walden Media has partnered with the Hallmark Channel and Zaner-Bloser Educational Publishers to create turnkey lessons plans for grades 4-12 that coincide with the themes and messages explored in this movie. “The Watsons Go To Birmingham Teacher Guide,” which will be free of charge on a dedicated Hallmark Channel microsite and the Walden Media website www.walden.com, encourages active student participation, while integrating social-emotional learning, literacy, writing and character education designed to reinforce critical thinking and deep comprehension skills.

I highly recommend this movie and your children that are in grade school, junior high and high school.  After the movie, set aside a time to discuss any questions that your children may have and explore the civil rights themes presented during “The Watson’s Go To Birmingham.”  I hope your family enjoys watching this film as much as I did! 

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This post was written by Amy Fitzgerald, who attended on behalf of PwcMoms.com

Giveaway: The Big Build/National Building Museum

Saturday, September 21, 10 am–4 pm

Be a builder for the day at the Big Build festival! Amateur builders young and old can discover what it’s like to build a brick wall, carve stone, hammer nails, and much more as they work side by side with designers, builders, and artisans demonstrating their skills. Meet plumbers, electricians, ironworkers, landscape architects, woodworkers, and experts in many other fields to learn about their professions and hobbies. At this year’s Big Build festival you can:

• Climb aboard cranes and tractors
• Build a brick wall
• Construct a log cabin
• Plant a tree and autumn plants
• Carve stone
• Imagine living in a tiny 500-square-foot house
• Compete in a nail driving contest
• Create a hardware wind chime to take home

New This Year

The Big Build Scavenger Hunt
Kids can pick up a construction hard hat from the Association of General Contractor’s table and collect stickers or signatures on their hat from the demonstrations and activities they participate in. Collect five and receive a prize!

Sidewalk Chalk City
What type of building or feature would you contribute to a cityscape? City streets will be marked on the G Street sidewalk just waiting for your chalk creation.

Getulio! A children’s play
Meet Getulio, the youngest of the Piccirilli brothers who carved the Abraham Lincoln Memorial. It’s a daunting task trying to carve the 19 foot statue on his own. Lend a hand and it just might get done.

Book Reading and Signing by author Isabel Hill
Isabel Hill will read her new book, Urban Animals of Washington, D.C. Join her to find the great architectural details that exist in our own neighborhoods. A book signing will follow the reading.
The Big Build goes green
This year, the Big Build festival goes green, celebrating the Green Schools exhibition with activities and demonstrations that explore how the construction industry helps preserve our resources. New exhibitors include Perkins+Will, Forbo Flooring, Love & Carrots, Little Main Street Playhouses, and Ideaventions.

Admission

Free access to the Great Hall,
historic building tours,
Museum Shop, & cafe.
Exhibition admission:
$8 for adults
$5 for youth, students, & seniors
$3 a person for Building Zone only
Free for Museum members.
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And we've got a family 4 pack of tickets for the museum!! Enter by leaving your favorite thing to build with your child in the comments below.  Be sure to LEAVE YOUR EMAIL (do it like this: kristinalsk(at)yahoo no need to do the @ or put .com, I know the email extensions!) or make sure you'll check facebook to find the winner! Tickets are good for any day's admission, not just the big build. Winner will be selected Friday morning.
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Giveaway Rules.  We haz 'em. 
This prize is provided by the National Building Museum, and this giveaway is not affiliated with Apple, the iTunes store, Android, Google Play, Facebook, or any other entity or business.  Winner is responsible for transportation and any additional purchases at the museum.  Entrants agree to be bound by all rules and regulations by entering. Good luck!