Bonus Fun from Daytime Playtime

Weekly Summer Library Calendars 2016

I absolutely adore this organization of the Summer Reading events for summer 2016 from Prince William Public Libraries.

I'll share these each week, as well, but as many of you know THESE EVENTS WILL FILL UP QUICKLY!! If there is something you absolutely want to take your children to, I suggest giving yourself a calendar reminder for the day that tickets become available.  Also, if you can, be open to the idea of going to another branch.  Maybe Chinn is full, but Nokesville is offering the same event on a different date- you probably have a better shot of getting tickets at a smaller library.

For events with online registration available, visit HERE. 

And now, on to the good stuff!

Summer Camp at Daytime Playtime 2016

This summer, Daytime Playtime is happy to offer some very unique camps for their students. They have a variety of camps for different age groups. They are offering half-day camps and full day camps. These camps are entertaining, informative and the children will have lots of fun.  Daytime Playtime camps are focused on engaging students to explore, discover, work in teams, imagine and experience in a fun and creative way so they won’t even notice they are learning new skills and facts!  

Daytime Playtime summer camps offer the most flexible schedule you will find in this area. You can choose how many days, what days, AM/PM session, in whichever weeks works for you. 

There is a registration fee of $25

Cost of Summer Camps at DTPT:

5 days a week am or pm sessions:  $185.00 a week.

3 days a week am or pm sessions:  $125.00 a week.

1 day a week/droop in session am or pm: $45.00 a day

Full day camps are available for 5 days a week:  $255.00 a week (Parent must provided Lunch)

Discounts: Daytime Playtime offers a 5% discount for any family enrolling two or more children as well as a 5% discount for enrolling a child for two or more camps. The discount will be applied to the second and consecutive camps.  Please note you must register for all camps at the same time to receive the discount.  No discounts will be giving if enrolling in multiples camps separately.

Referrals: If you refer a friend you will get a $25 credit in your account. 

Outside play: The children will be having outside activities everyday and water will be part of the fun, so please make sure they apply sunscreen before coming to the camp and always bring an extra set of clothes, bottle of water and a towel. All items need to be label with name and last name.

 Come join Daytime Playtime to have a great fun summertime!

Easter Egg Hunts 2016

Looking for fun springtime or Easter events in Manassas, Woodbridge, Gainesville, Lake Ridge, Bristow or Montclair? (Or maybe you're one of the brave folks who will drive all over Prince William County!) Here's what we've got! You can email us to add your event to this list for free, but please be kind to us and submit it in the same format you see all of these listings!!

Now, let's hop to it!

Event: Hippity Hoppity Pool Hunt
When: March 5th from 1-2pm
Where: SBDCRC
What:Egg Hunt and Open Swim event. Children will collect floating eggs in the pool and trade them for a “goodie bag”. Find the special egg and receive a special prize!  Children will be grouped by age for the Egg Hunt from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Age Groups: 6 yrs and under (parents may help): 1:00pm - 1:20pm 7 to 9 yrs: 1:20pm – 1:40pm 10 to 12yrs: 1:40pm - 2pm  
Fee: $14/family of 4, $5/child, FREE to SBDCRC Passholders
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/446021715595749/

Event: Breakfast with the Bunny at Matchbox (Potomac Mills)
When: March 12th from 8:30-10am
Where: Matchbox Potomac Mills
What: Potomac Mills will also be offering a chance to have Breakfast with the Bunny on
March 12th from 8:30 am to 10 am at Matchbox. The event is free, but seating is limited.  RSVP online.

Fee: FREE

Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/potomac-mills-kidgits-kids-club-breakfast-with-the-bunny-tickets-21462583164

Event: Bunny Frame Craft Class
When: March 12th from 10am-12pm
Where: Michaels Stores
What: They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Fee: $2
Link: http://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/classesandevents

Event: Eggstravaganza (Pool Egg Hunt) 
When: March 18th from 5-7pm or 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center
What: Lots of fun and an egg hunt in the pool! REGISTER ONLINE.
Fee: $14/child, parents free
Link: http://www.freedom-center.com

Event: Easter Egg Hunt (includes adaptive option)
When: March 19th from 10am-12pm
Where: Costello Park, Manassas Park
What: Ages 0-7 can enjoy an egg hunt! Adaptive egg hunt available at 12pm.  Use the codes by age group to register online. 
Fee: $5
Link: https://apm.activecommunities.com/manassaspark

Event: Flashlight Egg Hunt
When: March 19th from 7-8pm
Where: Costello Park, Manassas Park
What: Ages 8-11 can enjoy a flashlight egg hunt.  Use activity number 7313 to register. 
Fee: $5
Link: https://apm.activecommunities.com/manassaspark

Event: Tissue Paper Eggs Craft Class
When: March 19th from 10am-12pm
Where: Michaels Stores
What: They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Fee: $2
Link: http://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/classesandevents

Event: Egg-cellent Easter Extravaganza
When: March 19th from 10am-12pm
Where: Chinn Park Aquatic and Fitness
What: Come join us for an Egg-cellent egg hunt, face painting, family games, crafts and bounce house fun.  Egg hunt is for children ages 2 - 12.  Must Register by March 10. 
Fee: $5.00 per child, free to children ages 2 and younger
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/955832027786388/

Event: Monkey Joe's Easter Eggstravaganza (Sterling)
When: March 23rd from 2pm-close
Where: Monkey Joe's 
What: On Wednesday March 23, the location will be hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza with $7 admission from 2pm to close. “Easter Bunny Joe” will be available to take photos with children all day. He will also be handing out Easter eggs to each child.
Fee: $7
Link: www.monkeyjoes.com/locations/dulles

Event: Egg Hunt at Camp William B. Snyder
When: March 26th at 9am SHARP
Where: Camp William B. Snyder, Haymarket
What: Be here at 9am sharp! This event moves fast.  Children will be separated by age to hunt for filled plastic eggs. Keep an eye out for the prize winning golden eggs and make sure you bring a basket and your camera! The Easter Bunny will be there for photo ops and fun.
Fee: $5/child by March 23, $8 day of registration
Link: https://scoutingevent.com/?CWBSEggHunt

Event: General's Ridge Egg Hunt
When: March 26, 2016 10am-12:30pm
Where: General's Ridge Golf Course
What: Join us for our First Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 4 & Under 10:00 am - 10:20 am, Ages 5-8 10:30 am -10:50 am, Ages 9-12 11:00 am - 11:20 am. Egg Hunt on our driving range. Must be accompanied by a parent. Crafts on our patio 10:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Fee: FREE
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/849751228504328/

Event: National Community Church Gainesville Egg Hunt
When: March 26, 2016 2pm-4pm
Where: Buckland Mills Elementary School
What: Featuring carnival games, moon bounce, petting zoo, face painting, picture with a live Easter Bunny, local Fire Truck onsite, lots of free prizes, everyone wins, free raffle prizes including movie tickets, restaurant gift cards, Spark Scooter give-a-way and more. And of course a massive Easter egg hunt!
Fee: FREE
Link: http://eggstravaganzadc.com

Event: Egg Hunts
When: When: March 12/13, 19/20, 26/27 and April 2/3 at 11am and 2pm
Where: Ticonderoga Farms
What: Egg hunts and farm fun.  The Easter Bunny will make appearances, too! 
Fee: $14.95 all day admission (open 10am-5pm) 

Event: Egg Hunt and Marshmallow Harvest

When: April 2/3 from 11am-1:30pm

Where: Great Country Farms (Bluemont)

What:  Your family won’t want to miss the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking!! Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire with Farmer Bob. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts each day this year, with over 18,000 eggs filled with treats to enchant your children.

Fee: $10

Link: http://greatcountryfarms.com/festivals-events/egg-hunt-and-marshmallow-harvest/

Easter Bunny Pictures at Potomac Mills Mall will run March 3-March 26th.  Times vary, but can be found online here. 

Easter Bunny Pictures at Manassas Mall will run March 9th-March 26th

Introducing 100 WWC Gainesville Area Chapter

100 Women Who Care is trying to open a Gainesville Area Chapter.  Read more about this organization and learn how you can get involved below. 
 

It’s a very simple concept: We gather 100 women who care to make a $100 donation during a 1 hour meeting.  

The impact: $10,000 to a local charity, four times a year!  

Formation of a Gainesville chapter of 100 WWC is in the works. Please join us for our first meeting, held in partnership with the NOVA chapter of 100 WWC, on February 4th, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, located at 14200 St. Germain Dr., Centreville, 20121). A good turnout from our area means all future meetings will be held in Gainesville! For more information, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1013008238756383/, or contact Julie Beal at julesnd02@yahoo.com or Hasna Ridwan at hasridwan@yahoo.com.

Music Lessons in Prince William County with Musically Creative

Music consumes our lives.   We get in the car, turn on the radio, come home to music, watch American Idol and jog with our favorite tunes.  Did you ever stop to think that at one time these artists had no experience on their instruments or voices.   What an odd concept!   That’s where we come in…

We train beginners thru intermediate students how to play instruments!   You don’t have to wait until middle school to start!  We offer young guitar (ages 7-10), concert bands (ages 10 – adult), worship guitar (ages 10 – adult) and if there is enough interest, we will offer beginning strings or beginning recorders.   All of our classes are taught by trained and experienced music educators that love working with all ages!   We value music and want to make it affordable to all and therefore we offer classes for around $50 month.  We have multi-family member discounts as well since many siblings or parents like to take with their kids.  For this semester only we are offering a BOGO FREE BAND  (that would be around $25 month each!!) for two band members (must be siblings or parents).  

Classes are in Manassas and Gainesville and start in February, so there isn’t much time left to register.  Some classes will fill up!   For more details, visit www.MusicallyCreative.com today!

Giveaway: DPGolf Academy

We're super excited about all of the great fall options at DPGolf Academy! They include after-school, family lessons, classes for adults, and even homeschool classes!

This week, DPGolf Academy is offering a super fun giveaway for our readers! Use the Rafflecopter to enter to win! 

One winner will be randomly selected to win either: One (1) Free 30-minute private golf lesson with Terry Collins OR a 50% off Coupon for After School or Home School class registration for your child.

So much fun! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
______________________________________________________________
A reminder that by entering you agree to be bound by our giveaway rules. Good luck!

Meet DPGolf Academy!

Today we delve a little bit deeper with DPGolf Academy! They've got a GREAT giveaway coming up next week, so pay attention- you might just learn something that can help you win!! 

PwcMoms: Thanks for chatting with me today! To start off with, can you tell me a little bit about why inspired your business? 

As many of us approaching retirement ponder, in 2008 after serving in several capacities for 25 years with the Prince William County Police Department, I began to think “okay, what’s next?” I had a very rewarding career with the PWC Police Department as an officer, leader and teacher and needed to come up with a plan for my “2^nd career.” While with the department, I had a unique opportunity to develop my teaching experience in a wide range of disciplines, gaining extensive experience and earning several certifications as a physical fitness specialist and teaching professional. I designed and coordinated the physical fitness training programs and requirements for new officers as well as the SWAT Team. One of the most rewarding experiences was my time at the police academy – providing a solid foundation for success and helping new recruits reach their individual goals.

I had played high school golf but drifted away from the game for many years. After looking into the Professional Golf Association of America’s certification program, I thought, “wow, what an opportunity to combine my formal teaching experience with my love of the game.” In 2003 I opened the DPGolf Academy in Bristow, VA. It has given me a chance to grow even more as a business owner, professional golf instructor, and mentor to my teaching staff and students.

PwcMoms: What's your favorite aspect of working with children?

While I enjoy working will all age groups and skill levels, teaching juniors is one of the most rewarding. Kids come to the game with much enthusiasm and energy, and an open mind. That means we have a great opportunity to get them started early on the right path to learning the game – they tend to be more open minded and trust what we are trying to teach them. And when they connect the dots – well, seeing that and their smiles is the best part.

PwcMoms: What do children gain from golf? 

I think that some of the most important things children can learn from our programs and working with me and my staff is as teachers and mentors is proper sportsmanship, effective problem solving, good listening and learning skills, and most importantly, building self confidence.

PwcMoms: What all do you offer for families? Are there any programs people can do together?

Yes, we have several options for families:

Family Golf Lesson Package:

Our five-part series is designed to bring families together through golf, and provides significant savings. We cover course familiarization, etiquette and rules, and basic fundamentals of the game. Schedule according to your availability.

·       Five – 60 Minute Sessions

·       Cost: $400 per Family

Custom Group Lessons:

A great lower cost option for couples, friends, or co-workers who want a more tailored instructional program. Semi-private instruction is customized to the group’s experience level and can cover any part of the game – short game, putting, full swing, or any combination. Take single 60 minute lesson or save on 5 lesson series. Schedule when convenient for you.

Lesson Time: 60 Minutes

Number of Students                       Cost               Series of Five

Group of 2                   $50 Per Student          $200 Per Student

Group of 3                   $45 Per Student          $175 Per Student

Group of 4                   $40 Per Student          $150 Per Student

Get Golf Ready:

This instructional program is designed to teach you everything needed to play golf in just a few lessons. Our PGA Professionals will show you many ways to play by combining fun, friends and fitness. Each session focuses on the various golf skills you’ll use while playing. In addition to learning the basics, you’ll put your skills into action on the golf course in a casual, friendly setting. Register with a friend and save $20 on your class registration.

PwcMoms: Do you offer any special programs for schools or scouts?

Yes, we have delivered our Pee Wee Golf Class to PWC schools and have also designed a program to help Boy Scouts earn the Golf Merit Badge. We also offer a High School Golf Prep course to help students prepare for the HS golf season and explore collegiate opportunities.

PwcMoms: Where can people find you online? 

https://www.facebook.com/DPGolfAcademy

https://twitter.com/dpgolfacademy

https://www.youtube.com/user/dpgolfacademy

Virginia Gateway Little Tots 2015

Virginia Gateway offers a FREE family series all summer long! See our previous review here. 

Join us for fun and lively family entertainment every other Wednesday at 10:30 am all summer long on the Plaza at Atlas Walk (located across from Starbucks, between Famous Dave's BBQ and Grafton Street Restaurant). Be sure to check back for more updates!

May 6: Rocknoceros

May 20: Wildlife Ambassadors

June 3: Eric Energy

June 17: Shazam Magic

July 1: Kidsinger Jim

July 15: Reptiles Alive!

July 29: Peter McCory

August 12: Beowulf T. Wonderbunny

August 26: Under The Sea 

Bring your Little Tot's swimsuit for fun in the interactive splash fountain after the event (splash fountain located at Promenade at Virginia Gateway, just across Wellington Road).

Saturday in the Garden 2015

Saturday in the Garden 2015

Taught by VCE - Prince William Master Gardener Volunteers

Teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow,  20136. All programs are free and run from 9 a.m. - Noon. Free but registration is requested, please call 703-792-7747 or email master_gardener@pwcgov.org  

 

Save the Dates!

April 11 - Companion Planting - Discover which plants, grown side by side, benefit each other and result in healthier plants and better garden yield.  Join the Cooks’ Garden Master Gardeners for planting potatoes and turning cover crops.

May 9 - Good Guys and Bad Guys – When you see an insect on your plant do you immediately squish it? You may be targeting an ally instead of your enemy!  Learn about the many insects that help us in the garden. Tips and Tricks in the organic vegetable garden. Secrets from Cooks’ Garden volunteers.  MGPW Plant Sale – find some new plants for your garden! Proceeds support the Teaching Garden

June 13 - A Walk Through the Native Bed with bed leaders, Jannell and Karen. Want to save water and have a garden that survives our dry summers?  Join Master Gardener Volunteers, Linda and Sally for tips and tricks used in the Drought Tolerant bed.  

July 11 - Composting - Learn how to make “black gold” by turning  grass, leaves and clippings into dark brown, crumbly, sweet-smelling soil conditioner.  Compost also holds moisture and nutrients for the garden so flowers and vegetables are more beautiful and abundant. Join Joe and the Master Gardener Compost team for the full story on compost.  Starting Fall Vegetable Garden – Now is the time to plan to have fall salad greens and sweet root crops growing for weeks beyond the first frost. Get tips from Cooks’ Garden Master Gardener Volunteers to help you extend your vegetable season long beyond the heat of summer.

August 8 - What’s that Weed?  Get help for identifying those troublesome weeds in your lawn and garden.  Sniff your way through the Fragrance garden with wise, Ruth Johnston as she shares wisdom and  experiences with plant selection and care in this beautiful garden bed. 

September 12 - Fall chores in the garden – Join Master Gardener Volunteers as they prepare for fall and winter in the garden.  Topics for discussion include clean up, plant division, soil preparation.  Fall Cover Crops in the Cooks Garden –  Cover crops protect soil from erosion and enhance soil productivity and health, yielding better vegetables.  Cooks’ Garden Master Gardeners show you how.  MGPW Plant Sale – Add some new plants to your fall garden! Proceeds support the Teaching Garden

 

October 10 - Living Soil - Healthy soil is a web, retaining and cycling nutrients into the right forms at the right rates, building soil structure, suppressing disease-causing organisms, protecting plants, and decomposing toxic compounds. Learn about the necessary elements of a healthy soil web.  Join the Cooks’ Garden team and learn seed saving tips. 

Christmas/Holiday Fun Guide 2014

I know, I know, I like to let Thanksgiving get it's time in the sun, but then you guys would miss many of these tree lightings, etc. so I'm just gonna post it now.

ALL OF THESE EVENTS ARE ALSO ON OUR CALENDAR.  IF YOU WANT DETAILS OR DIRECTIONS, JUST GO TO THE DAY AND CLICK THE EVENT. 

If you'd like to add your event, please email me.  It's free. It's easy.  Whoohoo.

Ice Skating/Ice Events
Outdoor Ice Skating at Harris Pavilion is $8 for adults and $7 for kids under 10.  Skates are available for $4.  Best bet? Go on a Wednesday in January and skate for free from 6-8pm.  Note that on warm days I find this ice to be really soft (this is only a problem if you're a serious skater).

Indoor Ice Skating at Prince William Ice Center is $8 for everyone and $2 for skate rental.  Days and times vary.

Prince William Ice also offers a popular Snow and Story, which you can visit on open days or schedule for your playgroup.

And one day camps

Haymarket Iceplex offers ice skating for $7 adults, $6 for kids 12 and under, and $3 for skate rental.  Times vary.

Tree Lightings
December 5th in Manassas, begins at 5:30pm at the train depot, lighting at 6:30 at the Museum.  Free.

November 28th at Stonebridge 6-8:30pm, includes performances, carriage rides, and more!

Family Fun Days/Larger Events
Virginia Gateway's Festive Family Fun will be December 6th from 4:30-7:30pm and will host Santa, Mrs. Claus, face painters, balloon twisters, and more!

Parades
December 6th in Manassas begins at 10 am.

December 6th at Manassas Mall from 1-4pm (you can spend all day in Manassas!)

Crafting
December 6th at the Candy Factory in Manassas, you can make your own gingerbread house.  Preregistration is required. $27/adult and child couple, $10 each additional child, $10 supply fee.

Christmas History
Join Liberia Plantation for Christmas Past on December 6th from 4-7pm.  $15/adults $7.50/kids U12

It's 1943 and time for holidays on the home front at Rippon Lodge! Join them December 7 from 5-8pm for $5pp.

Learn about past Christmas Traditions and meet Santa at Rippon Lodge on December 7th from 12-3pm.

Take a candlelight tour and see what Christmas was like for those who were enslaved. Ben Lomond Historic Site, December 13th 5-7pm.

December 20th from 10am-4pm, join Leesylvania State Park for a Civil War Christmas.  $2pp or $6/family

Carriage Rides
Sundays in December until Christmas, hop a free carriage ride in Downtown Manassas.  1pm-4pm from the train depot.

Train Shows
December 10-14th join the Center for the Arts for a Train Show.  Admission is a canned food item for SERVE.

Santa
Tickets for the Santa Train will go on sale (and sell out completely in about an hour) on November 24th.  Visit their website for details.

December 6th at Williams Ordinary in Dumfries from 10am-4pm, Pictures with Santa: $5.00 for 4x6 or $10.00 for 8x10, also can make pomanders.

Learn about past Christmas Traditions and meet Santa at Rippon Lodge on December 7th from 12-3pm.

Children with special needs and their families can visit Santa at Manassas Mall on Sunday December 7th from 8-10am.













Performances (@Hylton Center unless otherwise noted)

Northern Virginia Youth Ballet will present their Nutcracker, featuring Russian ballet stars direct from Moscow, on November 29th at 2pm or 8pm.

Gainesville Ballet will present their Nutcracker on November 28th at 2pm or 8pm.

A Chanticleer Christmas will be November 30th at 4pm.

Catch a Big Band Christmas Extravaganza December 4th at 7:30.

Christmas in New York December 5th at 7:30.

Clara's Christmas will be presented December 7th at 3:30pm or 7:30pm

American Festival Pops December 12th at 8pm.

Manassas Chorale December 13th at 5pm.

December 14th at 8pm, Clint Black Christmas.

December 19th-23rd, Manassas Ballet will present their Nutcracker.

Family Friendly Religious Services

Welcome to Moe's!

 We had the opportunity to go check out the Moe's Southwest Grill new Gainesville location (8148 Stonewall Shoppes Square #101, which you may also refer to as "The one with the Wegmans in it")

What our family loves about Moe's is that it's fast, but fresh, and you can make healthier choices than at a typical "fast food" place.  You can also get chips and queso- but you can make healthier choices, too (PS- if you're going to get queso- click here and get it free!). 

 Their kids meals are fantastic (and big!) and both my boys were more than satisfied when they'd finished their dinners.  My oldest son swims 5 mornings a week, and that has led to some "I'm hangry" moments.  No, I didn't misspell that.  Yes, I meant hangry.  That's a combination of hungry, and cranky and angry.  It's a thing, people- Urban Dictionary it.

This is my dinner- it was delicious! I got a salad, I want to say it was a Personal Trainer, with no shell and lots of jalapeños- both fresh and pickled, so yum. I loved it.  The best part about all this tasty dinner? The kids eat FREE on Tuesday nights with adult purchase! Bonus!

Moe's Southwest Grill also does catering (Which they DELIVER! Love it! Teacher appreciation day is right around Cinco de Mayo and a taco bar would be so much fun PTA people!) and they do fundraisers, too!! Give them a try and/or a call for your next dinner or event!