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Dear Friends,
Like you, CMEE spent much of January clearing away snow and ice. This winter, we've measured over 30 inches of snow at the Museum! Like many other civic organizations, we follow local schools in deciding whether to declare a "snow day" and close. Last week however, when the snow stopped by 9am, we received dozens of phone calls from families inquiring if the Museum was open. Hopefully, there won't be anymore snow days this winter, but if there are, please check www.cmee.org or call 537-8250 to see if the Museum is open. Especially if the sun is out, we plan to welcome visitors!
I appreciate all of the responses to my query last month about whether CMEE should be called a "museum." Your responses pointed out museums have traditionally served as repositories of artifacts and as places that separate the viewer from an artifact or artwork. You felt CMEE was more like a family "rec room" than a museum. Defining the role CMEE should play in our community helps us develop new exhibits and programs that encourage family recreation and interaction!
I'm delighted to have the opportunity to hear recommendations this week from CMEE's most important stakeholders: kids! As you know, we're planning a new climbing/active play exhibit and tomorrow, 20 children will be meeting at CMEE to give their advice on potential exhibit designs. In addition to the climbing exhibition, CMEE plans to replace the "Bug Buddies" and part of the windmill, create a new exhibit inside the ship, and remove the computers in the hardware store so we can install a builder station. These kinds of projects never move along as fast as I wish, but I will certainly keep you updated as we progress. As always, if you're interested in providing input on these or any of CMEE's other activities, please do not hesitate to call or email me! I hope to see you soon at the Museum.
Sincerely,
Stephen Long
Executive Director
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TOMORROW, February 4 at 6pm |
 Join us for a fun family night out at our monthly "Pizza and Pajama Night" this Friday, February 4 at 6pm. Children are invited to come to the Museum in pajamas, eat pizza, hear a story read in the Museum Library, and participate in an art activity. The book selection this month is "Where is Home, Little Pip?" by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman - a delightful tale that celebrates the concept that people, not places, are what constitute home. After the story, children will create a "Heart Penguin" to attach to folded construction paper for a Valentine's Day card. Advance reservations are required. Members: Free. Non-Members: $9, which includes museum admission.
Advance reservations required.
Free to Members; $9 for Non-Members,
includes admission.
Call 631-537-8250 or visit www.cmee.org.
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Celebrate Chinese New Year...with Henry!
This Saturday, February 5 |
Come get a taste of Chinese culture @ CMEE this Saturday, February 5 at 10am!  2011 is the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese Zodaic, so who better to host a Chinese New Year Celebration than CMEE mascot "Henry"! Join us this Saturday, February 5 at 10 am for a festive workshop, led by Ross Language Teacher, Mami Takeda. Learn how to create 'rabbit' origami' and festive 'hong bao' - symbolic red envelopes traditionally given to children to bring good fortune at the start of the New Year. Hear a story about the origins of the Chinese zodiac, and enjoy celebratory treats including hot tea for adults, Chinese music, beautiful lanterns, and more. This special workshop is geared for ages 4 and up. And yes, our other special guest will be Henry!  (Scroll down for a recipe for delicious Chinese Dumplings!) Advance sign-up is encouraged. Members: $10 / Non-Members: $22 which includes museum admission. Call: 631-537-8250 to reserve your space. |
A Weekend to "Love" at CMEE... | |
Roses are red, violets are blue
CMEE has TWO Valentine Workshops
Created just for you!
Join us over the upcoming Valentine's Day Weekend for two special workshops, which we think you'll 'love'!
Saturday, February 13 at 10am and 11am
Create your own Valentine's Day Pinata!
Dress up a plain paper bag with cheery red and pink paper streamers, then fill the bag with Valentine goodies! It's a party!
Members: $5 / Non-Members: $17 includes price of admission.
Pre-registration is required.
Call: 631-537-8250 or visit www.cmee.org
Sunday, February 14 at 11am
Mix, Bake & Decorate Sweetheart Cupcakes!
Valentine's Day wouldn't be the same without cupcakes in the mix! Children are invited to join CMEE resident Chef Amy for cupcake baking and decorating. Each participant will mix up a batch of delicious cupcakes to bake in our own cupcake makers, soon ready to frost and enjoy...Sweet fun!
Members: $5 / Non-Members: $17 includes price of admission.
Pre-registration is required.
Call: 631-537-8250 or visit www.cmee.org.
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New Date! Preschool Ribbon Cutting | |
Please join us on Friday, February 18 from 2 - 4pm as we celebrate the official launch of the LI Head Start Preschool at CMEE. One of the only Head Start programs at a children's museum, this new Preschool opened its doors in CMEE's classrooms this past fall. We're delighted to be joined by our elected officials and Head Start preschoolers performing a song they wrote about their school at CMEE.
CMEE and LI Head Start are grateful to the Southampton Bath and Tennis Club's Charitable Fund for helping to support this partnership.
If you would like further information about the Ribbon Cutting event at CMEE, please call the Museum at 631-537-8250.
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Five Fun Mornings!
February 21-15 |
Winter doldrums don't stand a chance this week...
 From February 21 - 25, during the winter school recess, CMEE will offer a different creative activity or cooking workshop every day at 10am on a drop-in basis. No need to sign up, but we think you'll want to come early and enjoy a great, fun-filled line-up of daily morning creative fun. $5 for Members; $17 for Non-Members  For further information, please call (631) 537-8250. |
New Weekend Program!
Waffle Day @ CMEE... | |
Sunday, February 27
10am and 11am
If you smell fresh waffles in the air when you arrive in our lobby, you aren't imagining this - in fact, step right up!
On the last Sunday of each month, let your child help make YOU breakfast. After making the batter, you can watch Belgian Waffles come out of the waffle baker in fun, circus shapes -- elephants, tigers....all the sights of the big top! And the best part? Adding the syrup and enjoying breakfast at CMEE!
Members $5 / Non-Members: $17 includes the price of admission.
Pre-registration is required for Waffle Day!
Call (631) 537-8250 or visit www.cmee.org.
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Behind The Scenes @ CMEE...
Meet Christine Vilar, Visitor Services Coordinator | |
It isn't too surprising that a mother with six children would be drawn to CMEE! In fact, when Christine Vilar learned about the Visitor Services position at the Museum, she knew instantly - no surprise - that this role 'had her name on it', and she was right! Christine joined the CMEE staff last summer, and says "It's the best job, seriously - I really feel I won the lottery on this. The Museum is just a happy place to be."
In her role managing Visitor Services, Christine (along with mascot, Henry!) is the Museum's official "meeter and greeter," welcoming visitors and explaining what visitors can see and do, often accompanying first-time CMEE-goers around the exhibits. In addition to interacting with the public and managing membership sales, Christine also serves as the Museum's "Birthday Party Planner," helping to coordinate all the special, festive details for a personalized, special themed birthday party at the Museum. Along with these roles, Christine says she also enjoys working with the college kids who give their time to help CMEE. "I love being a mentor. And they mentor me back!"
A native of Monroe, New York, Christine has been a resident of East Hampton for the past eleven years. She received a Computer Science Degree from Berkely, and worked in New York City for many years in advertising (for accounts such as Cover Girl and Volvo), and in Computer Publishing. After taking a break to raise her many children (five boys, one girl, who now range in age from six to twenty three - three are pictured above), Christine went back to work for the Ross School Development Office, helping with events and fundraisers ("It was fun, busy and hard!") before joining CMEE.
Of her new role here, she says, "I love being able to work around kids and families, getting to know them, seeing them here regularly, and meeting new visitors and members." When asked about other aspects of Visitor Services she enjoys, Christine was quick to respond "I love seeing dads at the Museum, getting down on the floor with their children, building things with their sons - it's nice to watch. In this day and age, it's hard for families to create quality time with their children, to just 'play' and spend one on one time being creative. Especially sons with their fathers." A memorable moment Christine recalls was overhearing a young boy say to his very tall father as they were leaving, "This was the best day ever Dad!"
Christine also is amused by 'the international language' that she observes all mother's speak to their children. "There are many families originally from all over the world joining the Museum recently, and I hear them speaking different languages, but it all means the same! You can tell what they're saying - it's the tone, the way a mother phrases it, body language. It's fun to watch!"
And of course, there's Henry, CMEE's bunny who makes his home in the lobby. "The interaction between kids and Henry is very funny. Some are desperate to hold and squeeze him (others not!) but Henry is such a trooper, tolerating all the attention with great dignity. Until he has enough and disappears for awhile!"
Christine sums up her observations on CMEE this way "If I had a dollar for every child that cries when they have to leave the Museum, I'd be a wealthy woman!"
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Think Spring! Think Golf!
At the Sebonack Golf Club | 
Here's something to look forward to and help get through this endlessly icy winter - the extraordinarily beautiful setting and a day of golf at Southampton's Sebonack Golf Club. You'll be teeing it up for a good cause, as well! CMEE! Sebonack is hosting CMEE's annual golf outing on Tuesday, May 10. The day begins with breakfast at 8:30 and a Shotgun start at 10am. After your round, you can enjoy lunch and cocktails overlooking the ocean. For more information, please visit CMEE's website at www.cmee.org/golf-for-cmee. Sponsorship Opportunities are available. |
Nature Trail Planned @CMEE |  CMEE is planning a wheelchair (and stroller) accessible walking trail that will interpret the Museum's natural surroundings. With initial funding provided by the Peconic Estuary Program, CMEE is collaborating with the Group for the East End on the trail design. Our next phase of planning includes working with the Town to approve a route and then clear the trail. CMEE is thrilled not only to work with the Peconic Estuary Program and the Group for the East End, but also with members of the Southampton Trails Preservation Society and others on the trail. Our goal is to encourage children to be active in nature by extending the trail experience that's already presented so successfully by our neighbors, the South Fork Natural History Museum and Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt.
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CMEE Youth Advisors to Weigh in... | |
CMEE is always interested in hearing from you about the Museum's exhibits and programs. Since kids are obviously one of our most important groups of stakeholders, we're delighted to be hosting another Youth Advisory Meeting with children ages 5 to 9 who will review plans for the new climbing/active play exhibit at CMEE. The children will vet three different proposals for the exhibit and offer their advice for how the Museum should proceed. CMEE is grateful to Board Member, Barrie Glabman for organizing this meeting.
We welcome additional youth advisors so if your child is interested in reviewing the exhibit plans, please email Steve@cmee.org.
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New Season! Music Together Literacy Program
"Cantemos Juntos" Growing at CMEE | |
CMEE and Sandpiper Music Together have great news! Our unique Family Literacy Program, "Cantemos Juntos" is not only going strong, starting a new season next week, but it is also "growing." We are currently planning a second East End location for their program.
The Family Literacy Program at CMEE was created in response to the low literacy statistics on the East End (one out of seven Eastern Long Island residents is functionally illiterate, with children of these families likely to be illiterate themselves). Incorporating CMEE's exhibits, "Cantemos Juntos" uses music, play, and art to promote literacy, language acquisition, and parenting skills for Spanish-speaking families.
For further information on "Cantemos Juntos," please call CMEE at 631-537-8250 or Leah Oppenheimer at 631-848-7043.
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New!
School Nights at CMEE... | 
CMEE recently invited families from the Tuckahoe School in Southampton to have a fun evening 'out' at CMEE, as part of a new initiative spearheaded by Education/Exhibits Coordinator, Daphne Trakis. "The evening was a great turn out for CMEE's first 'School Night', despite the wintry evening, and there was a wide age range in children, from Kindergarten through 4th Grade." The event was organized with the Tuckahoe PTO, and during the evening, children played, made art, and created shell bracelets. Adds Daphne, "It's a great way for school communities to come together and for families to enjoy a fun evening out in a creative, safe environment with their children. I'm excited to see this program develop." A highlight for all, was Henry, CMEE's bunny, who had a great time mingling with the families! If your child's school is interested in planning a 'School Night at CMEE,' please call Daphne at 631-537-8250 or email Daphne@cmee.org. |
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In honor of Chinese New Year, we thought we'd share a recipe CMEE's friend, Mami Takeda, recommends for traditional Chinese Dumplings or "Jiaozi" - a favorite dish with children everywhere, and one of the most important foods in Chinese New Year celebrations. Making dumplings is a fun team effort (the skins are the hardest part, but practice makes perfect!) The rewards are delicious! Have a 'dumpling making party' and invite your friends - it's a great winter play date activity or even a birthday party theme!
Watch how fast these disappear...
What you'll need:
For the filling:
1 lb ground pork (or substitute with vegetables if vegetarian) - chop into pieces and mash
6T. sesame oil
2t sugar
Pepper to taste
.25 lb cabbage
1 t. salt
.25 lb chopped green onions
For the 'wrapping'
3 c flour
.75 c cold water
.5 c flour (to prevent sticking during kneading)
or: purchase premade wrapping from a Chinese market or restaurant
Soy Sauce
You can use your own bottled Soy Sauce, but there is a real difference if you make your own!
Water
Vinegar (white or rice)
Fresh garlic (chopped fine, or powdered)
Fresh ginger (chopped fine, or powdered)
Last thing you'll need!
Small bowl with water for dipping
Getting started:
- Mix all of your filling ingredients together well (pork, oil, sugar, chopped cabbage, salt and pepper.) Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes; Add two spoonfuls of water if necessary.
- Making the 'wrapper': In a big bowl, mix water and flour gradually, and knead into smooth dough; cover this with a towel and set aside for about one hour. Dust some flour on a board, and roll the dough into a long sausage-like roll (about 5c in diameter) and cut into small pieces. Use a rolling pin (or your hand to flatten) and roll each piece into a thin circle, like a pancake. A perfectly made wrapper not only makes the dumpling tastier, but it looks beautiful! Practice makes perfect! Have fun...
- Fun part! Hold the wrapping in the palm of one hand and put the filling in the center and wrap into a half-moon shape. Seal the edges (moisten your finger tips in the small water bowl first!).
- Last step: Place your dumplings in boiling water, and gently stir them so they don't stick together; bring to a boil, lower the heat and cook for about three minutes only. Serve hot with bowls of soy sauce for dipping.
Hen Hao Chi! (Delicious!)
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HAPPY "FEBRUARY" BIRTHDAYS! |
CMEE sends Very Happy Birthday Wishes this month to our young members including:
Valentina Alvarez, Michael Anderson, Sebastion Azzopardi, Freddie Bale, Banjamin Bale, Natasha Baronoff, Zachary Bauer, Lukas Bencardino, Kyle Borkowsky, Ava Buckley, Cooper Bullock, James Buono, Finn Burns, Sam Cassata, Jonah Cassata, Paul Cesario, Stephen Cisneros, Poppy Clarke, Declan Cody, Garrett Cornuelle, Teddy Davis, Louisa Dawson, Luca Daz Bello, Hailey DePetris, Michael Douglas, Valentina Dulai, Salome Eckardt, Blaise Egeth, Tilo Eisenberg, Leo Ellenberg, Katherine Fagen, Elizabeth Fagen, Samuel Fagen, Henry Fay, Hannah Fein, Olivia Felder, Kaelyn Felder, Gavin Feller, Sophia Fox, Linnea Friedman, Amelia Garrett, Isabelle Gilmer, Jordan Gingold, Reid Glanville, Ines Goei, Alexander Goodman, Natlie Gore, Dylan Gross, Ashley Gross, Daniel Gutierrez, Lily Hakim, Lila Hancock, Leah Hatch, Lauren Heaney, Finn Higgens, Audrey Hoh, Eliana Horodyski, Heidi Horowitz, Anaya Jacka, Lily Johnson, Avalon Kaplan, Samantha Katz, Reed Kelsey, Dylan Kennedy, Mitchell Kerven, Naomi Kirkup, Ari Korpus, Charlie Kroft, Maximo Krotman, Tate Kurani, Jerry Lascher, Aurelia Lee, Barnahe Lenderking, Sophie Liang, Thomas Lombardy, Shayla Lopez, Parker Lorenz, Emma Maye, Emma McMahon, Liam McQuade, Wiley McSweeney, Griffin Meyer, Matthew Minotto, James Morgan, Lacey Jane Morse, Will Morse, Anna Morse, Lily Morse, Sam Myers, Samantha Nelson, Akira Ogawa, Lyla Okin, Lily O'Sullivan, Steven Peters, Gabby Petrizzo, Caitlyn Petrizzo, Jack Pilson, Fox Platt, Chase Plotkin, Blake Plotkin, Nico Pontecorvo, Grace Pope, Eli Potasinski-Mertzel, Gordie Potts, Nico Puglia, Hannah Ramundo, Alexis Reeves, Shane Regan, Ellis Resnick, Gabriela Rivera, Jake Rosenberg, Ellie Rosenwald, Kai Ryan, Keira Sabin, Daniella Schiff, Frederick Schneider, Matthew Schulman, Hunter Schulman, Nicole Seitz, Nicki Seitz, Luke Seltzer, Kyle Seltzer, Maya Shirai, Luke Singer, Megan Specht, Nathan Sternfeld, Amanda Stuart, Sofia Stuart, Jack Talarico, Jacqueline Thulin, Julia Tully, Liam Vale, Eric Vashovsky, Sophia Votis, George Votis, Eva Wax, Hilary Weisenfeld, Andrew Ziman.
If we've missed your child's birthday, please let us know by calling 631-537-8250! |
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A Valentine's Day Weekend to love!
Saturday, Feb. 12
10am & 11am
Create a pinata & fill with sweet treats!
Sunday, Feb. 13
11am
Mix, Bake & Decorate
Valentine's Day Cupcakes!
Members: $5 / Non-Members: $17, includes admission.
Call 631-537-8250
for details or to register! |
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. | | 
Museum Hours:
Monday and
Wednesday - Saturday:
Sunday:
10am-5:00pm
CLOSED TUESDAY |
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