Monthly Archives: October 2011

Halloween Activities for Au Pairs and Children in Rhode Island

2011 HalloweenHalloween is celebrated on October 31st in the United States. It is a favorite family celebration – a time for traditions such as dressing in costumes, trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, and carving pumpkins. American children dress up in funny or scary costumes and go “trick or treating”. The neighbors are expected to respond by giving them small treats. Adults may also dress in costume for Halloween parties. The name “Halloween” comes from the Christian tradition. It is derived from “All Hallow’s Eve.” October 31st is the eve of All Hallows day, better known as All Saints Day. This is a day when the church celebrates and remembers the lives of the saints.

Most au pairs will be celebrating the American tradition of Halloween for the very first time this year. If you are looking for fun ways to celebrate with your children…here are some of the Halloween attractions that will be going on in the Rhode Island area:

Boo Bash: Providence Children’s Musuem; October 29, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM http://www.childrenmuseum.org/
Children can play bewitching games galore, have hands-on fun with imaginative arts and “witch crafts,” explore an eerie environment, mix it up in the mad scientist’s laboratory and much more. Come in costume and have a blast at the biggest Halloween bash around!

Costume Parade: Meet at the Gazebo in Pawtucket Park, Narragansett Parkway, Warwick, October 29 at 1:15 p.m. Participants will trick or treat (wear a costume and bring a treat bag) through the village to the Village Playground in Edgewood for games, goodies and music until 4 p.m. Free. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Evening of Horror: Mystic Performance Workshop, 40 Washington Street, Providence. Haunted house with spooky sounds, children’s activities and family activities, including apple bobbing, face painting and horror move scream. Last entrance to the haunted house is 6:45 p.m. 4 – 7 p.m. $8; $5 ages 12 and younger.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. 401-785-3510. RogerWilliamsParkZoo.org
Thousands of pumpkins set in a magical display or artistry. Carved jack-o-lanterns depicting people, places and scenes from popular culture to old time favorites and everything in between. Nightly 6-10 p.m. Ends November 6. Call or visit website for pricing.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
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Creepy, Crawly Family Fun Weekend: October 29, 2011 to October 30, 2011. Take a look at the gross, creepy and crawly things that make Halloween special with spooky activities and Museum creature features! Free goodie bags for each visitor. Location: Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Avenue. Time: noon-4 p.m. Cost: Free with Museum admission of $2. Information: www.providenceri.com/museum/special-events

Au Pairs Being Asked to Volunteer for Santa's Workshop at Kent County YMCA

Sue Shanley, Program Director at the Kent County YMCA is asking for our help at her annual children’s Santa’s Workshop Christmas Party. The party is held every year for Kent County YMCA members. Our group of au pairs has volunteered in past years and it has always been lots of fun! Sue will give each volunteer a specific responsibility such as: Greeting guests as they arrive, breakfast with Santa, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, making “candy houses“, making gingerbread houses, Polar Express, Holiday arts and crafts, serving donuts and cocoa, story reading. If you would like to volunteer for this event, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can confirm your participation with the Kent County YMCA. (BarbaraFetta@gmail.com or 401-949-2427). The event is being held Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, but volunteers should plan to arrive by 9:00 a.m.

October Au Pair Meeting – Knight Farm Apple Orchard

Our October cluster meeting was held at Knight Farm Apple Orchard and Ice Cream Shoppe in North Scituate, Rhode Island. We welcomed Adriana (Italy) to her first meeting, and said goodbye to Laura, Natalia, Chrissy, and Gabriela. We acknowledged four October birthdays….Paulina, Angie, Azra, and Beverly, and we welcomed several guests to our meeting. Bruna and Beverly told us about their recent skydiving adventure – which sounded very exciting! The activity of picking apples may not have been nearly as exciting as their skydiving adventure, but everyone seemed to enjoy it. Our afternoon started out with some rain, but luckily the rain stopped in time for everyone to head out to the orchard and return with a bountiful harvest of apples!IMG_0816IMG_0814<!IMG_0815IMG_0818

September Cluster Meeting at Starbucks

Our September cluster meeting was held a Starbucks on Angell Street in Providence. This meeting gave us an opportunity to talk about education opportunities, and for those who have completed their education to share their experiences with new arrivals. Welcome to our August and September arrivals: Jana, Adriana, and Ludivine. Farewell and good luck to our departing au pairs, Laura and Manja!
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