Replica of the Onrust, first trading/exploration vessel built in U.S.

UPDATED!!!!!!

Hi All!
I hope you had a FANTASTIC summer! Did you visit out of the many outdoor pools? (if you have a review of one, please send it to me here).  Did you get to do a fun excursion? I would love to hear about it! (maybe it should go on the “family getaways” page).

To welcome you  back from the summer to the event-packed family events of the fall, I wanted to start off with some events that are happening.  This is THE time to go to free demo classes and see what classes you might like to register for or, heck, just have something to do for an afternoon!

Personally, we have taken Music Together, Music For Aardvarks and Let’s Dance Brooklyn and liked them all for different reasons. You can check out my reviews and other parent reviews of them here  (music) and here (dance). I hear Danceweaves and Musica Para Mi classes are very good too and they have demo classes coming up too.

I am really excited that Buzz Aldridin will be signing books this weekend AND the big NY400 festivities are beginning. What is NY400 you say? Well, really just a clever moniker to celebrate the monumental event that happened 400 years ago. Okay, history buffs do you know the name of the ship? (Answer to follow) 400 years ago the Dutch ship called the Half Moon came to what we now know of as New York City with Captain Henry Hudson as captain. “This led to the establishment of New Amsterdam and the New Netherland colony. Some 167 years later, in 1776, the Dutch were the first to salute the flag of the United States of America. NY400 celebrates the free spirit, openness, entrepreneurship and tolerance of those Dutch-American pioneers, and their continued relevance today and beyond.”- www.ny400.org There will be sailing races, a replica of a Dutch trading festival, tons of performances and more! To read about all the free demos classes, NY400 events, Flatbush Frolic and Mom’s Night out….read on!

Now through Saturday, September 12: 11am- 7 pm: NY400 Celebration
As part of the NY400 celebration, Bowling Green Park is transformed into a Dutch Village. Visitors can view replicas of the traditional houses of New Amsterdam, a life-sized windmill, and an outdoor podium; experience Dutch crafts, such as wooden shoe making, Delft blue painting, and glass blowing; and sample traditional Dutch foods including cheese, herring, dollar pancakes, and beer. Dutch flower bulbs are available for purchase. You can also ride bright orange NY400 bikes for free! http://www.ny400.org Ongoing Daily 9/4/09 – 9/13/09; check with location for exceptions. All ages. 11am-7pm Bowling Green Park Broadway and Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
(thanks to Go City Kids for this listing!)

Tues, Sept 8, Wed, Sept 9, Fri. Sept. 11: Free Demo Classes
FREE demo classes for Music Together in Brooklyn Heights on Tues, Sept. 8th and Wed. Sept. 9th at 1:15-2 pm and Friday, Sept. 11th from 10:30-11:15 am.
reservations, please: [email protected], 718-855-0908/917-826-0534 space for up to 12 families per class ages 0-5.  117 Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights, between Clinton and Henry, downstairs entrance.  www.musictogetheratkiddiekorner.com

Thursday, September 10th, &  Sunday, September 13th: various times
Congregation Beth Elohim has  programs for children and families and is a well-respected pre school program. They are having open houses to meet clergy, staff and other members. Mingle and enjoy a tour of the building.  Open House on Thursday, September 10th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm with wine and cheese or Open House on Sunday, September 13th, 11:00am – 1:00pm and eat a family-friendly brunch. 274 Garfield Place, 1st Floor of Congregation Beth Elohim.  RSVP by emailing [email protected].

Thurs Sept. 10- 13 and Thurs Sept. 17-20: New Island Festival
Direct from Holland, the New Island Festival will set up stakes on New York City’s Governors Island from September 10–13 and again from September 17–20. The festival will kick off the fall with provocative theatre, stunning site-specific performance, dazzling visual arts and exhilarating DJ sets, performed by world class Dutch performers. More than 150 artists will perform during the festival. I can’t even begin to list all the events: a flying piano, street theater, dance, djs…you name it! All happening at Governor’s Island. For a complete list and schedule, go here.

Sat, Sept 12 12:30-4:30pm: Homeopathy For Parents
In this class you will learn how to use a home prescribing kit for your entire family. They will cover a variety of situations including accidents and injuries, teething, colic, croup, colds, ear aches, sore throats, fevers, coughs, digestive upsets and many other common ailments. $100/person, $150/couple
More info http://www.birthdaypresence.net/classdescriptions.html#pp4

Closing from now  until Friday, September 18: BCM Closed
During September the Brooklyn Children’s Museum will be closed on Labor Day (Monday, September 7) and closed for annual maintenance Tuesday, September 8 through Friday, September 18, reopening on Saturday, September 19.

September 11th: various times: Music Memorial of Sept. 11th
On September 11th 2009, in Brooklyn, around the world and across America, the skies will come alive with music as The September Concert Foundation organizes its eighth annual global day of music for peace.  Professional and amateur musicians will perform all kinds of music – classical, jazz, rock & roll – in a variety of venues – from parks and squares, schools, libraries, churches, office building lobbies and plazas to cafés, stores, and senior centers.  What began as one person’s dream to fill the skies of New York with music on September 11th in 2002 has since grown into an event of global proportions. In 2008, 250 concerts were organized globally, with close to 8,000 performers.Following is a list of Brooklyn Concerts.  For more information, please visit www.septemberconcert.org.
The ones that work out for you to bring kids to are:                                                             Brooklyn Borough Hall from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra Quartet at 209 Joralemon Street  and at The Commons from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Dubs will be performing at the Metrotech Center at 1 Metrotech Center

Saturday, September 12: 10am-2:30pm: Free demo Classes
BAX Open House. Sample FREE dance and theater classes for ages 18 months-18 years. Meet the BAX faculty and staff, register for the Fall Trimester, enjoy refreshments, tour the facilities, and check out our fun, colorful Playspace for ages 1-4. Classes start Monday, September 14th at  BAX | Brooklyn Arts Exchange, 421 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215.  For more information visit www.bax.org.

Saturday, September 12: 10am-2:30pm: Free Mandarin Class
Mandarin Chinese story/music time this Saturday, September 12th at 10:30am at the Creative Arts Studio in Boerum Hill. Please send email to [email protected] to reserve a space.  Fall semester classes begin the week of 9/14.  Xiexie!  www.xiaolongcenter.com

Saturday, September 12: 10 am: Blue Strawberries at Market
Did that get you? Not really blue straw berries, but “The Blue Straw Berries”—- a band! They will be perfomring at the Entrance to Ft. Greene Park at intersection of DeKalb and Washington Park, adjacent to GreenMarket. I have heard them a couple of times and they are really fun!

Saturday, September 12: 12-2 pm: Buzz Aldrin signs books
Books of Wonder welcomes back Apollo 11 astronaut and author Buzz Aldrin (one of the first two men to walk on the moon) and illustrator Wendell Minor upon the recent release of their new picture book for kids, Look to the Stars, a follow-up to their New York Times best-seller, Reaching for the Moon. Aldrin also introduces his memoir, Magnificent Desolation: the Long Journey Home from the Moon. The author and artist participate in a live interview-format discussion about their books, take questions from the audience, and then sign copies of their books. Guests are welcome to bring one book from home to be signed for each book purchased on the day of the event. 212.989.3270
http://www.booksofwonder.com Ages: 4-18 Books of Wonder is at 18 W. 18th Street
New York, NY10011

Saturday, September 12, Wed, Sept. 16th: Demo Spanish Music Classes
Try out a free class of Musica Para Mi.  The classes are in Spanish, using music and fun props. Classes are on Saturday form 10:30-11:15 am and Wednesday at 10 and 11 am.  Please register by email or phone. [email protected] or
718-643-6660

September: Tuesdays thru Saturdays: various times: Schooner Rides
Ohoy! Time for a fresh breeze on the water. Play hookey aboard the schooner Pioneer Tuesday-Sunday through September at the South Street Seaport Museum, located at 12 Fulton Street (between Water Street and Front Street), Manhattan.  The  boat departs from Pier 16 (behind the Peking). If you have been to the Seaport, you have seen this big ship.  It is an historic 40-passenger schooner and the only remaining iron-hulled American merchant sailing vessel in existence. Through September, Pioneer sails Tuesday – Friday from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Cost:  Adults: $25 for daytime sails; $35 for evening sails.  Children: $15 for daytime sails; $25 for evening sails.  Seniors/Students: $20 for daytime sails, $30 for evening sails. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum Visitors Service Desk or online at www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org.  For more information, call (212) 748-8786 or email [email protected].  You can head to the museum before your sail too as it is open from 10 am – 6 pm.  Cost of Admission: General admission: $10, Seniors/Students with valid ID: $8, Children ages 5-12: $5, Children under 5 and Museum Members: FREE.  Location: 12 Fulton Street.  Take the A or C to the Broadway/Nassau Street Station.  Take the J, M or Z to the Fulton/Broadway/Nassau Street Station.  Take the 2, 3, 4 or 5 to the Fulton Street Station.

Sunday, September 13th: 11 am: Flatbush Frolic
The Flatbush Frolic this year will feature a parade at 11 AM featuring local non-profits and community groups. The parade will be for children and adults and will feature each group with their banner. More events for kids include: magic show, Music for Aardvarks, juggling show, Music Together, Music Explorers, Mini CPR and First Aid Demo, Deedle Time (with the Deedle Deedle Dees, Yoga and a spanis concert!)  Check their website for the full schedule http://flatbushfrolic.org/

Sunday, September 13th: 11 am: Flotilla Parade
As part of 400NY (see full listing at top of events), there will be a flotilla of ships at 10 am.  Witness the Holland on the Hudson Flotilla- a historic and modern group of Dutch and American yachts and sailboats, led by Half Moon, 3 Dutch navy ships, the Onrust, 56 sailboast and more go by.  See them all from Battery Park, all day, rain or shine. Bring a picnic or play in one of the nearby playgrounds. For more info go to: http://www.ny400.org

Sunday, September 13th: 4:30-7 pm: Moms Night Out
Moms are invited by new event producer Momasphere and blog Hip Slope Mama to enjoy a free massage, fun gifts, raffle prizes, get a professional photo taken, and network/mingle with other moms. The event will be at Melt which will offer one free signature cocktail (or mocktail) and catered hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. Tickets will be $10 online & $15 at the door (only cash to purchase  tickets @ the door).  Melt Restaurant, 440 Bergen St (bet 5th ave. & 6th ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11217.  Purchase tickets online here.

Sept. 14 & 15: Free Mom & Babies Classes
Free Mom and Babies Classes at Dancweave on September 14 and 15.  Visit the website or call for more information.  www.dancewave.org and  718 522-4696
The Dancewave Center
45 Fourth Avenue (entrance on Dean Street)
718 522-4696

Tuesday, Sept. 15 and Thursday, Sept: 17: various times: Free Demo Classes
Music For Aardvarks is moving to South Slope and is offering free classes so you can see what it is all about. The times are: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30
1320 8th Ave (@ 14th St) Brooklyn, NY 11215. Register at http://www.Musicforbrooklyn.com/contact.htm

Sunday, September 20: various times
Did you know that Brooklyn has a lacrosse club?! The Brooklyn Crescents Lacrosse Club is open to boys and girls in grades K – 8 and they have their fall clinic season September – November and a competitive spring travel season March – June.  The fall season fee is $125. Please visit www.bklax.com for more information on equipment needs for each age group.  Full equipment is not required at the first practice.  All practices will be held on Sundays at McLaughlin Park (located at the corner of Tillary and Jay Street- enter off of Jay Street )

Saturday, September 26th: Art Classes for Free
Join Private Picassos for some FREE art activities for kids at Ft. Greene Park’s Artisan-Market on  from 10am-3pm.  Budding artists can stop by the Private Picassos’ table to make collagraph printing plates using a variety of recycled materials.  These plates can then be inked and printed at home. Children can also make drawings throughout the day while parents shop at the Artisan-Market and adjacent GreenMarket located on Ft.Greene Park’s Dekalb Avenue and Washington Park sidewalk perimeters, right next to the park entrance leading to the toddler playground. Multi-task and bring your unwanted textile products for recycling: 8AM-3PM every Saturday. http://www.privatepicassos.com http://www.artisan-market.org

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