Dear Friends,
I'm delighted to report CMEE is having a fantastic new year thanks to all of you who visited and became members in 2010. Because of you, CMEE had its busiest January ever!
There's even more happening at CMEE in February including Valentine's Day fun, a new family literacy initiative, winter vacation programming, and our annual "Ladies Luncheon." Read on for details on all of our upcoming events and programs, starting with our popular "Pizza and Pajama Night" this Friday, February 5.
We're eager to hear your input on CMEE. If you spot a staff member roaming the Museum or lobby with a clipboard in hand, please take time to participate in our quick survey. Your feedback is instrumental as we assess our community interests and needs, and plan for the future. Feel free, too, to take a few moments to respond online by clicking here.
Thank you for your help and support of CMEE. I hope to see you at the Museum this winter!
Sincerely,
 Stephen Long
Executive Director |
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February Break Fun!
New Programs... |
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 Let CMEE help "break up" the school winter break!
We are offering two days of special HAMPTON-GYMNASTICS classes on Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19. These 45 minute classes will be held at 11am for 3 to 4 year olds and at 1 pm for 5 to 7 year olds. Led by Bob Trakoval, who has taught gymnastics for almost 40 years, the classes provide a great way for children to get exercise, build strength, and learn exciting new skills during the school break. Balance beams, uneven bars, vaulting and more will be available at CMEE during these two days. Sign up early because class size is limited to 12 children per group. The cost is $15 per class for CMEE Members, and $20 for Non-Members. To register or for more information, call (631) 537-8250.
From February 15 through 19, CMEE is offering Daily "Drop-In" Art Classes, Monday through Friday at 10 am for 3 to 4 year olds and 2pm for 5 to 7 year olds. We invite young artists to roll up their sleeves and dive into a variety of exciting, creative art projects. The classes are Free to Members and $3 for Non-Members.
CMEE is currently taking registrations for its Winter Session of classes and workshops in Art, Music and Cooking beginning this week! For details or to sign up, visit www.cmee.org or call (631) 537-8250. |
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Ladies Luncheon
A Benefit for CMEE in NYC |
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 Join CMEE in the City as we hold our 3rd annual "Ladies Luncheon" Benefit on Tuesday, March 2, from 11:30 am to 2 pm at the Central Park Boathouse. The fundraiser honors women who have served as mentors and inspirations to others and was inspired by the seven founding mothers whose vision and determination made the Children's Museum of the East End a reality. This year's luncheon, hosted by CMEE's Board of Trustees and Host Committee, will honor Wendy Kopp, CEO and Founder of Teach for America. Funds raised from this event will help support curriculum development and teacher workshops at CMEE.
For more details and ticket or sponsorship information, please call Barbara at (631) 537-8250.
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Making Music Together! |
CMEE is pleased to announce a new Family Literacy Initiative in collaboration with Sandpiper Music Together. Beginning at the Museum this month, "Cantemos Juntos" (We Sing Together") is a FREE eight week semester of weekly classes that will enhance the literacy, parenting, and language acquisition skills of Spanish-speaking parents and their children up to age four. Incorporating CMEE's exhibits, the class will use classic early childhood literature in translation, well-known childhood songs from Central and South America, and play activities designed around the music and reading to promote parents and children's familiarity with art and literature. The class instructors will also coach parents in reading to their children and promote family use of community institutions such as CMEE, as well as our neighbors like the South Fork Natural History Museum and East End public libraries. The class will be taught by Barbara Blaisdell, former Sag Harbor Elementary School teacher and Director of the Sandpiper Music Together, Leah Oppenheimer.
The classes are free for families with infants and toddlers, and will be held on Tuesdays from February 23 to April 13 from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Participating families will take home a new book every week, receive a CD to play, and will also receive a free membership to CMEE. |
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Free Parenting Workshop in Montauk |
 Culture Care Au Pair and CMEE are partnering once again to present Free Parenting Workshops at the Montauk School. The topic for this evening's program (February 3 at 6pm) is "Healthy Eaters are Happy Kids: Practical Tips for Feeding & Nurturing Your Child" presented by Dr. Michael Schessel & Nutritionist Jessica Reijnders-Schessel. Babysitting will be provided at the school by Cultural Care Au Pair. For information call 631-537-8250 or 516-449-4200.
At last week's forum, Kelly Palma, speech-language pathologist from the Child Development Center of the Hamptons and Stephanie Krusa, MS Ed. presented on "Recognizing Developmental Milestones and Pathways to Learning." They emphasized that every child learns and develops differently. One baby might walk earlier than another, while another baby might talk first. However, for parents who are concerned about a potential developmental delay of a child up to age three, there are plenty of resources to help. Since early diagnoses can make all the difference, counties in New York State provide Early Intervention Services including evaluations, home visits, speech and physical therapies, and child development groups. For more information in Suffolk County, call (631) 853-3100 or Click here for a parents' guide from New York State. |
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Oh, Henry! |
 If you haven't met CMEE's new 'mascot' yet, we think you'll want to introduce yourself when you're in our lobby on your next visit...Henry, an adorable, cuddly, 2 year old gray rabbit, has taken up residence in his hutch in the Museum's lobby. But don't be surprised if you catch a sighting of him in the gift shop (one of his favorite places to visit) or in the main Museum itself - he's quite social! Feel free to pet him, he loves children, especially children that happen to have a carrot to offer...
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What's For Lunch? |
 This age-old question just got simpler....No need to pack a lunch or pack up to leave the Museum to get lunch. Let us do the work while you and your children have the fun of making lunch in a "Let's Make Lunch!" workshop. Then, sit and enjoy what you've created together at one of our lobby tables.
First up on the menu? "Make your own" pizzas using fresh ingredients. We'll supply drinks and a healthy side of carrots and celery. A healthy lunch you and your child can both enjoy, without cutting your CMEE visit short!
First workshop: Thursday, February 11 at 11:30 am
$5 per person |
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Valentine's Day Weekend - Get Creative |
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Come make Conversation Heart Fudge - 10am on Feb. 13
If your child is tongue-tied when it comes to expressing his or her feelings, let this microwave fudge do the talking.
Ages 4 and up
$5 Members/$12 Non-Members
Pre-registration is required.
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Sneak Peek to Summer |
Summertime Adventure Camp
August 23 - August 27
Ages 4-7
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Looking for a unique and fun learning and socialization experience for your 4 to 7 year old? Try our half day club! Kids will do experiments, make arts and crafts, learn to work as a team, cooperate, and share in an informal yet structured environment.
Activities include storytime, snack time, arts, hiking and exploring, music and movement, cooking, guided imagining and free play in the museum.
Stay tuned for our full 2010 Summer Season line up! | |
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Pizza & Pajama Night
Young visitors are invited to come to the Museum in their pajamas, eat pizza, hear a story read by a guest reader in CMEE's Library, and participate in a special art activity.
This month our story will be Rotten Ralph's Rotten Romance by Jack Gantos. Afterward, create "Sweet Text Message" Valentines in the lobby for friends and family.
Advance Reservations Required
Free to Members
$7 for Non Members
(Includes Admission) | |
Birthday Parties at CMEE!
A creative
and easy
party location
Ask our front desk, or pick up a flyer, for information on CMEE's Birthday Party Packages. "New York Family Magazine rated CMEE as the East End's best venue for children's birthday parties!"
CMEE is also available for rent for private, corporate or community events. Call 631-537-8250 for information. | |
Sunday: 10am-5:00pm
Monday: 9am-5:00pm
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 9am-5:00pm
Thursday: 9am-5:00pm
Friday: 9am-5:00pm
Saturday: 9am-5:00pm |
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