On Sunday, December 13th we had our cluster meeting and holiday party. The au pairs brought dishes from their home countries and we had fun with a typical American game: Yankee Swap. None of the girls had played anything similar but they had no problem stealing the beautiful shawl away from the other girls!
Summer is over, and in many places the air is turning colder. As the weather changes be sure to take advantage of what the fall season has to offer. Even if you don’t live in a place that sees a lot colorful leaves, there are fun family-friendly ways to get outdoors this fall:
• Go apple picking. Sure, most of us can get apples year-round from the grocery store, but there’s nothing quite like orchard fresh apples, picked straight from the tree during harvest season. That crunchy, tangy, sweet apple flavor is at its peak during this time of year. Many commercial orchards will let you pick your own. It’s not only fun, it’s also a great way to show kids where their food comes from. Get extras for canning applesauce, or making pies. When you’re done, warm up with a delicious mulled cider.
• Go on a nature hike. Bring along a field guide to identify different kinds of trees. Look for wildlife collecting food for winter. Explain to kids how animals are starting to fatten up and grow thick, protective winter coats. Watch for migrating birds.
• Collect fall leaves. Press them into books or preserve them in glycerin. Paste them onto handmade paper to create greeting cards, or glue them between two pieces of wax paper to make an attractive sun catcher. Go lightly on the glue, or substitute crayon shavings to add color; use a warm iron to melt the shavings and hold the paper together.
• Take a hayride. Many farms offer hayrides during the fall. This is a great way to kick back and enjoy nature with smaller kids who may not be up for a long walk.
• Visit the pumpkin patch. Don’t buy your Halloween pumpkin from the grocery store. Go straight to the source. Kids will love wandering around the patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin. Choose a couple of big ones for jack-o-lanterns, and grab a few smaller ones for painting or general household decorations. Smaller pumpkins make great additions to fall centerpieces. Roast the seeds in your oven with a sprinkling of tasty spices, and grab a few to make pumpkin pies.
• Visit a corn maze. Many farms earn extra income for the winter by turning their cornfields into large mazes. Test your directional sense, and get some fresh air in the process. Corn mazes are fun or all ages.
• Stuff a scarecrow. Dig out an old shirt and overalls, and stuff it with leaves until firm. Add a pumpkin head (from your trip to the pumpkin patch) and you’ve got a great fall decoration.
• Fly a kite. The gusty, brisk air makes autumn a great time for flying kites. Buy one from the store, or make your own from two long sticks, strong paper, and string.
• Have a bonfire. Invite some friends over for a backyard bonfire. The chill in the air makes fall the perfect time to sit together by the warmth of a blazing fire with a nice warm mug of cocoa or cider. Be sure to get any necessary permits from your town first.
• Make a leaf pile and jump in!
Photo: Lecates
What a fun night watching a classic set right here in New England not too far from Rhode Island: JAWS! Movies on the Block is literally on a city block in downtown Providence! What a great way to enjoy the summer. We had a great turnout with some visiting Au Pairs from other clusters as well.
On the 4th of July is when the United States celebrates their independence. It’s a great holiday with a lot of festivities, cookouts, fun time with family and friends. Many towns will host a parade or fireworks. Here is a list of 4th of July celebrations in the area.
Parades:
July 4th
Block Island (New Shoreham) Legion Park – Parade starting around 11:00am at Legion Park and ends in town.
July 4th
228th 4th of July Parade, Bristol @ 10:30am – The parade will step-off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street.
Fireworks:
July 2nd & 3rd – Pawtucket Red Sox, McCoy Stadium (after the game)
July 2nd
North Kingstown – Town Beach, Beach Street 8:45pm – Rain Date 7/3/2015
July 3rd
Block Island – Town Beach Pavilion starting around 9:00pm
North Providence – Governor Nottie Park starting at 9pm. Entertainment featuring “Reminisce” – 6pm to 9pm. Food Court 6pm to 9pm.
Scituate – Hope Jackson Fire Station at Hope Park. It’s a family event! Clam cakes, burgers, hot dogs, drinks, and free chowder! Fun activities for the kids include: bounce house, face painting, shrine clowns, balloon animals, temporary tattoos, smoke trailer, glow-sticks and more starting at 5pm. Fireworks at 9pm.
Warwick – Oakland Beach Seawall starting at 9pm.
East Providence – Pierce Memorial Stadium, Mercer Street. Gates open at 6pm, concert featuring “Crushed Velvet” & “Kicking Hole” followed by fireworks at 9pm! – Rain Date: 7/5/2015
Bristol – Independence Park at approximately 9:30pm
July 4th
Narragansett – The Independence Day Beach Party festivities will start mid-day with fun filled activities taking place on the beach, including face painting and building sandcastles with Sandtasia. Brass Force will be playing 5pm – 7pm on the deck at the North Beach Clubhouse. Fireworks at dusk.
Cumberland – Tucker Field Mendon Road starting at 9pm
Wakefield/South Kingstown – Old Mountain Field – 875 Kingstown Road, Wakefield. Live Entertainment & Food at 5:30pm, Fireworks 9:00pm – Rain Date 7/5/2015
Woonsocket – World War II Memorial Park – Entertainment begins at 7pm and Fireworks begin at 9pm
Newport – Newport Harbor – Viewing locations are Newport Harbor, Fort Adams, the waterfront and on the docks. Fireworks 9pm.
July 5th
Smithfield – Bryant University – Campus opens to the public at 6pm. The Navy Band will perform at 8pm and Fireworks at 9pm.
Jamestown – East Ferry Beach – The show will be viewable from the entirety of East Ferry beach, which is in downtown Jamestown on Canonicus Avenue. Parking is available along Canonicus Avenue, Narragansett Avenue – Fireworks starting at 9pm
Providence – India Point Park, Celebration begins at 7:30pm – RI Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Pops and Fireworks 9:15pm
Rhode Island is known for the beauty of each season, but it is undeniable that this little state really heats during the summer months! Hop a bus, catch a ferry or pitch a tent, this is just the beginning of a hot summer in Rhode Island. Without further adieu, here is a list of 24 summer activities:
1. Sip on Summer with Del’s: No summer day is cooled off in a more Rhode Island fashion than with a Del’s lemonade. If you are in a hot spot, you can rest assured that somewhere close by you will find a Del’s truck or stand. If not, you can take a short ride to the nearest Del’s location. Learn more about Del’s here!
2. Cool Down with a Cone: Rhode Island has a host of great ice cream shops that pride themselves on homemade delicious ice cream. It is likely that where ever you are enjoying the summer, there is a place close by to grab a scoop. Here are a few of our favorites.
3. Visit a Clam Shack: As early as I can remember, there was always a common question from the travelers…”where can I get chowda’ and clam cakes?” Rhode Island is known for this staple and certainly offers many locations. Here are a few of our favorites!
4. Al Fresco Dining: Of course, we are not called the Ocean State for nothing. There are plenty of restaurants that offer salty air dining as well as others that allow for the sights and sounds of the city. And, still others that offer a country vibe or a lakeside view. Here is a list of places to dine outside the walls.
5. Tour a Brewery: Not only does this little state do food well, Rhode Island is also booming with a host of local craft brewers. The beauty is, they offer tours and samplings for you to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Here is a list of breweries where you can enjoy local beer. Here is another list of where you can buy and drink craft beer.
6. Visit an Iconic Location: From the historic to the happening, there are so many locations that have built a name for themselves over the years. Here is a list of 21 places you should put on your RI bucket list!
7. Beach It: This goes without saying. A summer tradition in Rhode Island involves a suntan and a healthy dose of salt water. There are many beaches to choose from, some secluded and some that hop like a nightclub in the sand. Here is a list of Rhode Island’s beaches.
8. Visit an Island: Rhode Island, although not an island by definition, is home to a few islands that can make your summer memorable. Hop a ferry and head over to Block Island for a real summer experience. As their tagline says, “just leave your worries behind”, and get on the boat. There is definitely a carefree vibe that permeates Block Island. You can also cross a bridge to Jamestown where you will get a real local feeling. There is not a chain business to be found here. You will be able to eat and shop at some incredible local stores and restaurants. Head over another bridge and find your way to Newport, arguably one of Rhode Island’s biggest draws. Great food, sailing, activities, historical locations, concerts and so much more can be found all season long in Newport. By boat, you can explore a number of other islands. For example, Rose Island, Prudence Island, Hog Island, Goat Island, Dutch Island and perhaps your own undiscovered island.
9. Catch a FREE Concert: Wherever you are in the state, there is a FREE concert series happening nearby. These free concerts allow you an inexpensive way to enjoy Rhode Island and its favorite musicians. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or lawn chair and prepare for a night out that will not wreak havoc on your wallet. Here is a complete guide to the free outdoor concerts!
10. Waterfire: No summer season is complete without experiencing the wonder of Waterfire in Providence. The entire city
is booming with excitement around this event. Providence is best enjoyed when illuminated by the stunning display of Waterfire! Here is a detailed schedule of events.
11. PYO ?- Pick Your Own __________. Rhode Island is home to a large amount of local produce growers. Nothing says summer like a batch of hand picked ruby red strawberries! Here is a link where you can find out where and when you can pick local produce.
12. Farmer’s Market: Rhode Island is bursting with local farms that produce locally raised and harvested goods. These farms are showcased at one of RI’s many farmer’s markets. Enjoy the local flavor of Rhode Island by stopping by a local farmer’s market. Here is a list of when and where you can find the markets.
13. Giggle!: Did you know that Rhode Island can be really funny? Well, if you attend one of the great upcoming acts, you will know what the laugh is all about. The Newport Comedy Series has moved to a beautiful location, The Hyatt in Newport. The hottest acts will be gracing the stage and will have your face hurting from laughter. The complete lineup is here. Additionally, you can head to East Providence and catch a laugh at the Comedy Connection. There is something hysterical happening most nights of the week. View the schedule here.
14. Frolic at a Fair or a Festival: From music festivals to agricultural fairs, Rhode Island is home to many widely renowned events. Here is a list of some of our favorites, please note…this is not all! Check out our events calendar to see others.
15. Meals on Wheels: Food Trucks have moved far beyond the days of the “roach coach.” In fact, there are entire evenings dedicated to consuming the goods of the local food trucks. Here are a few links to guide you to your next meal on wheels:
Narragansett Food Trucks at the Beach
16. Take a Hike: Well not really, don’t go anywhere…keep reading! Beauty abounds in Rhode Island and one of the best ways to enjoy it is to put yourself right in the middle of it. Take a hike at any of the beautiful refuges, parks and the like. Here is a link that will help you plan the places your feet will take you.
17. Tour a Vineyard: The perfect way to unwind in the summer often includes wine! Why not take a tour of one of the picturesque vineyards in RI? Here are a few to get you started:
18. Sail The Ocean Blue…Possibly Catch a Fish or Two: The Ocean State offers many ways to enjoy yourself while out on the water. Charter a sailboat, a fishing trip, or enjoy a guided boat tour. Not interested in the ocean, check out the Providence River Boat Company or the Blackstone Valley Riverboat Tours and see all the enticing rides that they offer!
19. Why Buy when you can RENT: There are a boatload of locations in Rhode Island where you can rent your recreational equipment. From paddle boarding to scootering around…you can rent just about everything and anything in the way of water sports. Here are a few locations that offer rentals:
20. Catch a Game: The Paw Sox have been delighting fans near and far and are a prominent sign that summer is underway in the Ocean State. Do yourself a favor and catch a game at the original Paw Sox Stadium this sultry season. The complete schedule is here. You can also catch the Ocean State Waves for an exciting ball game which features some awesome talent. Here is their schedule. The Newport Gulls are also a local favorite and it is certainly worth catching a few of their games this season. Here is the schedule.
21. Hop on a Bus: Let someone else do the driving and see the state by way of a bus. There are several types of guided
tours available through Experience Rhode Island. You can also hop aboard the infamous Rhode Island Brew Bus and take a tour of the state’s local breweries. If you are just not up for driving, board the RIPTA and choose your destination. Mr. Narragansett himself will be giving guided trolley tours on Wednesdays, details here. Newport also offers the classic trolley as an option, details here. Providence and Newport are also home to the pedicab mode of transport. Check out Sol Chariots in Providence or Newport Pedicab to see the area in a environmentally friendly way!
22. Pitch a Tent: The coastline is no doubt an alluring destination in the summer. However, leave the coast by only minutes and you can take solace in the outdoor refuge provided by the local campgrounds. This is an affordable, albeit a rustic way, to enjoy Rhode Island. Here is a list of campgrounds in Rhode Island.
23. Sip Seaside: Bring your sand and your sunburns to these favorite local beach bars. Nothing says summer like a frozen concoction, typically decorated in sweet fruits. Here are a few beach bars that will welcome you, your sand and your tan-lines. Click here for the complete list.
24. Get Artsy: This state seems to have something in the water that breeds local artists. You would be remiss to pass over the local art galleries and museums that you can find in this little state. Here is a search to help you on your artistic venture.
For our June cluster meeting we had a fun night of bowling. Beginner’s luck for the 2 new au pairs as they beat all of us!
For our monthly cluster meeting we all gathered for delicious Indian Food at India Restaurant in Providence.
We said farewell to one of our au pairs
and completed the meal with, non-other than America’s favorite sweet treat, ice cream!
Halloween is a very exciting time for kids in the United States (and for their au pairs, too!). It involves costumes, decorations, and “trick or treating”. To make sure that Halloween is safe for your kids, take some time to talk about safety for the holiday, including being a safe pedestrian, costume tips, and avoiding a candy “binge”. Taking the time to talk about it in advance will help on Halloween night, when the children might be too excited about costumes and candy to think clearly.
Caregivers must ensure that kids are visible to cars when they are outside trick or treating, and that they take precautions while walking. Children should go out with an adult, cross the street at corners or crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing the street. Carry a flashlight or glow sticks, and incorporate reflective materials into costumes.
If you are driving, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic that evening, drive slowly, and be alert in residential neighborhoods. As always, avoid any distractions in the car.
Check candy for any signs of tampering before children eat anything. Any treats with a torn wrapper should be discarded. Also discard any home-made treats which may have been received from strangers.
Have fun!
The Rhode Island office of Au Pair in America offers free, no obligation information sessions to provide details and answer questions that parents may have about hosting an au pair for their child care needs. Program costs are discussed and compared with other child care options, with emphasis on the benefits and cost-effectiveness of the Au Pair Program. Information sessions are held in Smithfield on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m., just prior to our 4:00 p.m. prenatal yoga class (Moms-to-be are welcome to stay for both!) Reserve at 401-949-2427 or BarbaraFetta@gmail.
Prenatal yoga classes are held on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center, 7 Esmond Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island
For moms-to-be, prenatal yoga classes are a wonderful way to put aside time for you and your baby, and to prepare for the birthing process. Each class begins with a brief check-in and discussion — an opportunity for mother-to-be to talk about how she is feeling and address any questions or concerns. The discussion is followed by meditation to quiet the mind and bring focus to the body and the woman’s growing baby. We then move on to breathwork, stretching, strength building and balancing postures that help prepare the body and mind for the process of giving birth. Each class is a unique experience tailored to all stages of pregnancy. We finish the yoga session with deep rest and relaxation. This class is suitable to those new to yoga. Pre-registration is required.
“A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside….when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone”
Free, no obligation information sessions are being offered to Rhode Island parents to provide information and to answer questions that they may have about hosting an au pair. Program costs will be discussed and compared with other child care options, with emphasis on the benefits and cost-effectiveness of the au pair program. Reserve a spot at an upcoming session, or schedule another convenient option by contacting Barbara Fetta (BarbaraFetta@gmail.com). Information sessions can also be scheduled on-site for corporations, groups and community organizations.
