Meet Hallabolou

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Published: 07/18/2012

Hallabolou is a full service Children’s Enrichment and Event Company.  I first met their owner, Vanessa, at the Chick-Fil-A Fire and Rescue Fest.  I instantly decided that I needed to know the woman with the purple apron and approximately 75 pounds of Legos.  Bright, enthusiastic, and passionate about engaging and enriching children's lives, Vanessa instantly won me over on Hallabolou (a secret message saying hello to her children) and her work there.  Read more about them below, and be sure to check them out on Facebook and their Website, too! They offer classes, after school enrichment, camps, and more!



From the owner:
Our enrichment programs and camps are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that fosters each child’s feeling of autonomy and positive self-image.  From a young age, children are fascinated with the world around them.  Hallabolou uses this fascination to teach life skills and assist children in understanding and expressing their emotions through a creative technique known as the Five Points of Discovery. These points are Imagination, Determination, Commitment, Self-Confidence and Cooperation. Through our offerings of bRiK Programs or Learning Levels we teach STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We enrich their experiences by also providing a Dance and Movement program, Educational Cooking for Kids, Theater and Art.


May 2012 Library Special Events Highlights

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Published: 05/03/2012
Instead of inundating you with 2,000 status updates, here are a few of the library events for this month that look kid-friendly and fun! Note the ones that require you to pick up free tickets or passes!!  Prince William County Library events do fill up quickly, so mark your calendars now!  These events are also on our calendar at the top of the page!

May 3rd Signing Storyhour at Chinn Park Library 10:30-11:00am
May 3rd Mother's Day Craft at Potomac Library- Arrive by 4pm to get free passes for the 4:30pm program

May 10th Shenanigans- Make Mom a Charm Bracelet at Central Library, Must Preregister in Person. 4:00pm
May 10th Family Craft Night at Chinn Library 7:00pm

May 12th Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Potomac Library- Free Tickets Required 2pm-3pm

May 13th The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Bull Run Library 2pm-3pm

May 16th Fire! Fire! Storyhour at Chinn Park Library 10:30am

May 17th American Girls Book Club at Bull Run Library- Must Preregister 7pm

May 23rd Animal Adventures at Central Library, Free Tickets Available May 16th 10:30am or 11:15am

May 31st Crafty Critter and Insect Exploration at Chinn Park Library 11am-1pm

Chick Fil A Mother/Son Date Knight May 14, 2012

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Published: 05/01/2012

 I think that alone time with your kids is important.  We love "mommy dates" and "daddy dates" because they let our children know how special and important they are to us. 

I also love that Chick Fil A helps! It's nice to have an option that won't break the bank.  My husband and our daughter did the Daddy/Daughter Date Night last year, and were really impressed by how special and affordable it was!

From CFA Signal Hill:

Mother-Son Date Knight is an opportunity for Moms to bring their son/s for a special, 'medieval' themed evening and a chance to have one-on-one time together. It is by reservation only. When you come to the restaurant, we will seat you and provide table side service. The restaurant will be decorated, there will be an activity for the mother and son to do at the table and we like to provide an Ice Dream Sundae Bar for you to enjoy as well!

To reserve your spot, visit the reservation page.  

The Week in PreView March 19-25th 2012

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Published: 03/19/2012
Happy Sunday!! Here's your list of kid-friendly Prince William County events for this week!  There's lots more on our calendar, too!

Monday
One of our favorite library events, Lunch Bunch, happens once a month at the Chinn Park Library at 12pm.  Pack a lunch for your munchkins and head over to see Squirt the turtle and listen to stories while you nosh!  After, if there aren't preschool classes out, you can play on the playground adjacent to the Chinn Center right next door!

In the evening, Jump N Jimmy's will be holding a fundraiser for the Kolos Family to support a medical crisis in their family.  Bounce between 5pm-8pm for $10, and while the kids bounce, you can shop with local HBB's who are donating a percentage of their sales to the Kolos', too. 

Tuesday
Tuesday is the first day of spring, and Rita's Italian Ice shops will be offering a free regular ice to each customer in honor of the start of the season!!  It appears all stores will be participating.

It's Toddler Tuesday at the Manassas Museum! This program offer toddlers and their caregivers an opportunity to enjoy music, story-telling and crafts, and include a special take-home surprise. Prior registration is encouraged as space is limited, and is $10 per child.

There is a 7pm-8pm HOPE meeting for parents who have lost children this Tuesday, as well.

Wednesday
I'm not going to lie, I feel like Wednesday is library story day and that's about it.  The weather is getting nice, though, so why not check out a local park or playground? We've got some great reviews here!  Do you know of an event missing from our Wednesday calendar? We'd love to hear about it!!

Thursday
Be sure to check out our list of Easter events in the county and surrounding areas!! If you live in Triangle or Quantico, today is the day to register for the Stafford Parks and Rec programs!  You'll also want to call ahead if you're wanting to attend this weekend's Egg Hunts at Pump it Up Manassas!

Live on the other edge of the county? Princess Genevieve will be at the Warrenton Chick Fil A for Family Night! A little closer in, it's also CFA Famly night at the Signal Hill Location.

Friday
From 5pm-9pm, you child gets $1 off each game at Laser Quest Woodbridge with their student ID! This would be a fun one for your older children.  

Younger kids (or the non fake shooting inclined) may prefer to head to the Manassas Park Community Center for their Lego Challenge night from 7-8pm.

Saturday
It's time to shop for spring!! St. Paul UMC and Old Bridge UMC's Preschools will both be hosting consignment sales at their respective locations.

This Saturday there's also a few fun low-cost events (Build and Grow and The Knack) but if you've got some wiggle room in your budget and a girl, call ahead and reserve a space at the Rippon Lodge American Girl Tea! $25 per person, girls must be 5 or older. 703-499-9812.

Sunday
Central Park Funland in Fredericksburg will host their annual Spring Fling, 4 hour wristbands starting at $20, Face painting, Buzzy from B101.5 on site.  It's a drive, but for the price and special activities could be a worthwhile Sunday excursion.

For Older Kids- Teen Events at Manassas Park Community Center

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Published: 02/02/2012
A recent discovery for me was the Manassas Park Community Center!  I'm busily adding their spring events right now, but I love their extensive offerings for teens and tweens!

Teens ages 12-17 may participate for a drop in fee of $2, or may purchase a teen pass. Classes are subject to cancellation or change without notice.  Cultural Arts Classes (Guitar, Photography, DJ) must be paid monthly, $25 per member, $30 non-member. 


Monday- "Fighting Fit" 6-6:50p

Tuesday- Whiffle Ball 3:30-5p
                  Etiquette Class 6-7p
                  Photography Class 4-5p
                  Guitar Class 5:30-6:30p
                  Yoga 6:45-7:30p
                  College Prep 4-5p

Wednesday- Basketball 3:30-5p
                        Movie Break 6-8p
                        DJ Class 6-7p
                        Cycling 4-4:50p
                        Tutoring 3-4:30p

Thursday- Dodgeball 3:30-5p
                    Teen Civics 4:30-5:30p
                    Poetry 5-6p
                    Guitar 5:30-6:30p
                    Karate 7-8p
                    Field of Dreams 3:30-4:30p

Friday- Volleyball 3:30-5p
              Friday Night Fun 7-10p
              Cartooning 4-5p
              Zumba 5-6p
              Journalism for the Rest of Us 3-4p
             
Saturday- Tennis 9-11a
                    Saturday Social Sites 12-3p
                   Swing Dancing 12-1p
                   Teen Boot Camp 2-3p
                   Cooking Class 10-11:30a

Open Skate at Prince William Ice Center

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Published: 01/16/2012
On Saturday night, I took the kids to the Prince William Ice Center to bide my time as a football widow.  (I was pulling for Tebow, but rooting for the Patriots)

I was a little nervous when I pulled up and couldn't find a parking space- but there were still a lot of skaters hanging around after the morning's exhibition activities.  There was also a hockey game going on when we arrived (PW Ice Center has 2 sheets of ice).

Princess was supposed to start skating lessons on Tuesday morning, but I forgot and we missed the first day, which I'm adding to my mother of the year application! When your child enrolls in lessons, they're put in the computer to have one free practice a week while they're in lessons.  It used to be you got a coupon book, which probably would have worked better for me since I promptly forgot about the fact that she was in the computer when I went to pay.  I've seen some BOGO coupons lurking around, I want to say there's one in the Leisure magazine the park authority puts out, but I'm not sure.  If you can find them, take them! We had 5 people skating plus 2 skate rentals, which ended up being $41.

Skate sessions last 2 hours for open skate.  We decided to arrive halfway through, which is when they clear the ice to Zamboni it, which takes about 10 minutes, so I guess the sessions are really an hour and 50 minutes :)

A note here.  PLEASE ask someone for help if you don't know how to put on ice skates! I pulled a few people off the ice to re-tie their skates.  I used to help teach kids' classes when I was a figure skater, and it really makes a HUGE difference if your skates are tied properly.  If you can wiggle around, slide your foot out, or fit your hand in your skate after you've tied it, "Ur doin it rong".  Let the boots help you support your ankles!! Luckily for you guys, YouTube is here to rescue us!
Ah, that's better!! While I'm at it DON'T WALK ON THE BLEACHERS WITH YOUR ICE SKATES ON!! THE BLADES WILL GO DULL AND THE NEXT PERSON WON'T BE ABLE TO SKATE!! If you need to sit down, there are benches in the lobby.  Sorry, it's kind of a pet peeve of mine.  Skate blades are like your good metal knives- so don't use them on metal!

The music was embarrassing my 8 year old.  It was mostly 90s instrumentals and they started with the first verse being sung, and then it was just music.  Of course, this meant I needed to sing! Sorry, kids, you can tell your therapist about it later!

It is rather crowded on a Saturday night (did I mention that? I'm writing this in 5 minute chunks!) so make sure your child learns how to get up before you put them on the ice. A quick way to do this is put their skates on and have them fall down and get up several times in the lobby.  On the ice there is an area with 4 cones where all the girls who think they're the next Tara Lipinski (or whoever is the new "it" skater) go to show off their moves.  Keep your child away from that area, because it's the place they're most likely to get trampled by someone going backwards.

In terms of what to bring, snowsuits are a good idea on toddler skaters.  Otherwise, long pants, long shirts, and a jacket along with GLOVES!! for everyone, and if you're being safe, a helmet is a good idea, especially for new skaters. 

There is a cafe that serves snack foods and drinks.  Outside food and drinks are not allowed according to the signs on the front doors.  Cash and credit cards are accepted both at the front desk to buy passes and skate rentals and in the food bar and pro shop, which does have gloves if you forget!!

We had a really great time skating, and will definitely be back for more fun!! Little kids (ages 2-5) will probably only make it an hour or so their first time.  Older kids, or those that have skated before, will enjoy the entire session, and your younger ones can always take a snack break.




Disclosure: My children take hockey and skating lessons at the Prince William Ice Center.  I was not, however, compensated in any way or asked to provide this review.  All opinions are my own.

Boys and Girls Club Fall Programs

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Published: 08/18/2011
703-670-3311
kmahoney@bgcgw.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER WASHINGTON – HYLTON BRANCH
Fall Youth Programming

Dale City- The Hylton Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington is currently enrolling for their fall programming.

This fall the Hylton Boys & Girls Club branch will be offering some exciting youth programming. Programs will include athletic leagues, before & after school child care, and teen programming. All members have access to our great general membership programming which offers five core program areas: Education & Career Development, Sports, Fitness & Recreation, Health & Life Skills, Character & Leadership Development, and the Arts.

Athletic Programs Offered:
Co-Ed Basketball League
Girls Volleyball League
Tackle Football League

Our licensed before & after school child care program serves the following schools:
Enterprise Elementary
King Elementary
Penn Elementary
Mcauliffe Elementary
Rosa Parks Elementary
Beville Middle
Benton Middle
Sauder Middle
Porter Traditional School

A membership to the Prince William County Boys & Girls Clubs is $30 a year and no child is turned away due to the family’s inability to pay.  Membership allows youth to enroll in and participate in programming at all three branches in Prince William County & Manassas. Currently, the general membership program is open at our Dale City and Manassas Branches Tuesday-Friday 3-9pm, and Saturdays 10am-4pm.
The Hylton Branch is located at 5070 Dale Boulevard, Dale City. For more information please call 703-670-3311 or visit the website www.hyltonclub.org

Boys and Girls Club

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Published: 04/09/2011
Several of you have asked about affordable options for your kids, and let me just say that I don't think it gets any better than Boys and Girls Club for affordable, quality options.

Now, if you're anything like me, you're thinking that the Boys and Girls Club is designed for lower-income, inner-city kids.  (Or maybe I'm just a bad person....but either way)  It's definitely not.  While the Boys and Girls Club does serve a high number of the at-risk population, they're open to everyone.

I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with 2 of the directors for our area at the Hylton Club located on Dale Boulevard near what was the ice arena.  First of all, as a former children's pastor, I know passion for kids, and these two ladies are seriously dedicated to making sure that each child that walks in the doors is having a safe, quality experience.  Second, I was completely impressed by the facility! State of the art computers, X-Box Kinects, well maintained classrooms, a library complete with summer reading titles from local schools, an on-site accredited teacher to help with homework, tabletop games, an outdoor jungle gym, they've really got it all.

The Boys and Girls Club does have a focus on achievement.  They have a few key areas they focus on including Education and Career Development, Character and Leadership Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.  Clubs offer tutoring, volunteer clubs run by the kids, pickup games and even sports leagues for a small additional fee.

So here is the breakdown.  Membership is $30 a year.  No joke.  And your membership is good at the Hylton, Manassas, and Dumfries clubs.  That means your child can go to the club Tuesday-Friday from 3-9pm and Saturday from 10-4.  Kindergarten through Teens can belong, and there's separate age-appropriate programming for everyone.  Classrooms have glass windows everywhere so there's total accountability and transparency. 

In addition, the clubs offer very affordable before and after care from 6am to 6pm Monday through Friday.  Children can opt to stay until 9 Tuesday through Friday, if they need/desire.

Boys and Girls Clubs also offer Summer Camp and Spring Break Camps.  Summer camp includes:
1 Weekly Field Trip
1 Weekly Swimming Trip
1 Field Day
2 days in the club rotation
They're closed 4th of July, but other than that, there's total summer coverage.

I was completely impressed by the Boys and Girls Club, and I'd encourage you to check it out as an option for your child!! At $30 a year, even if you just use it as a rainy Saturday backup activity, it's totally worth the cost.  They're doing great work with our kids and youth right here in PWC.
_________________
If Boys and Girls Club doesn't sound like something your family is interested in, but you'd like to support the work they do with at-risk children, including never turning a child away because of an inability to pay, you can support them by attending a Friday night Bingo game (ages 10+) or by attending their Steak n' Steak Dinner and Silent Auction  held annually in May 

I Just Need a Night OFF!!!

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Published: 01/05/2011
Hey There Mommas!!

If your house is anything like our house, you just spent winter break with between 1 and 5 sick children/husbands (well, hopefully 1 husband, but you know, we're not here to judge), while running around like a crazy woman cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and spending 4 hours in line at Toys R Us Christmas Eve because your sweet baby angel child decided that Santa was only bringing them ONE thing and it wasn't one of the 2,000 toys you and your family bought them.

Good times!!

So, perhaps you are in need of a little break.  Now, I happen to be a spoiled brat and live within 20 minutes of our fabulous Grandma who babysits pretty much every Friday night (sleepover included).  However, since she's recently gone back to school, which I am so proud of her for doing, we need alternate plans.

If you, too, would like to get a few hours of grownup quiet time, here's a little list of options :)

1) Kids In Motion has Kids Night Out EVERY SINGLE FRIDAY NIGHT!! Your child can play from 5:30-9:00pm for $25 for the first child and $15 for siblings. That includes dinner at 6:15.  Kids in Motion also offers a special New Year's Eve service that includes a sleepover.

2) Lake Ridge Park offers a drop off event for ages 4 and older.  There are only 12 spots, so reserve early!! $15/date or $50 for all four Saturdays.
Option One: Holiday House- Kids celebrate the holiday with games, activities, and crafts. 703-792-7060
*New Years, January 8th 6-9pm
*Valentine's Day, February 12 6-9pm
*St. Patrick's Day, March 12 6-9pm
*Spring Fling, April 9 6-9pm
Option Two: Bingo (Ages 4-10) based on a new theme each week, and everyone is a winner!!
*Kings & Queens, January 15, 10-1
*Celebrate the Presidents, February 19, 10-1
*Community Helpers, March 19, 10-1
*Wonders of the World, April 16, 10-1

3) Pump it Up Inflatable Playzone offers Kids Night Out on Black Friday (score!!), Valentine's Day, and the First Friday of every night.  Have a child on the spectrum? They also offer a Sensory Integration Night on the 3rd Thursday of the Month.  Prices vary, so check the link!!

4) SportRock is admittedly far away, but soooo cool!! An indoor rock climbing experience, SportRock offers a Kids' Night for ages 6-14 from 6:30-8pm.  At $20 with all equipment provided, this would be an awesome choice for a more active older child who's outgrown the moonbounces. (Can you outgrow moonbounces? I don't know, I still love them!!)

5) The Little Gym offers various "Parent Survival Nights" at their locations across Virginia.  Find the location nearest you on the link above and pick a night!!


Perhaps you have your own babysitter? Make sure they're American Red Cross Certified through the Safe Sitter Course!!

Ages 11-15 can take the Babysitter Course at the Freedom Center on February 5th or March 12th from 9am-4pm.
Anyone ages 11 and up can take Infant/Child CPR on April 9th from 9am-4pm at the same site.  Both courses are $75.

Prefer the other side of the county? Chinn Aquatic and Fitness Center offers Baby Sitter Training, too! Baby Sitter Training I for ages 11-15 is $65 and can be taken on January 22, February 26, March 19 or April 16.  Baby Sitter Training II for ages 11-15 includes infant/child CPR and can only be taken after Baby Sitter I.  It's $60 and held on March 26.


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