Spfld Moms: School, Sports and Savings!

Local Events, Info and Savings for Grown-ups and Their Kids

Springfield Moms E-Update
August 25, 2011

POPULAR QUICK LINKS

BACK TO SCHOOL

BIRTHDAY PARTY DIRECTORY

KIM'S BLOG

IN THE KITCHEN

KIDS EAT FREE DINING

FUN RESOURCES FOR YOUR PRESCHOOLER

Atlas Arts Network: 20% off first month of lessons

Food Fantasies: 10% off your first purchase

MidState Gymnastics Academy: 10% first month class or $10 off party

Westlake Photography: one free 5X7 print

Don't miss additional coupons with our Easy Print Option.

Spotlighting Springfield area community organizations

Illinois Foster and Adoptive Parent Association

Make-a-Wish Foundation of Illinois

Greetings!

Amanda Vanessa State Fair 2011 Love, love, love this gorgeous day after the hundred degree heat and humidity. We closed out the summer with the Illinois State Fair, enjoying the last few days of freedom before school started this week.

Now it's back to routine, and there's a nice rhythm to that as well. Don't miss our Back to School resources and tips for making the transition.

If you are expecting a baby, there's a great event this Sunday. Baby Day will be held at the Crowne Plaza from noon to 4:00 p.m. Among the many exhibitors, SIU Healthcare will conduct free 3D ultrasounds and give attendees CD copies to take home.

Finally, we want your "go-to" recipes for those days when we don't have a lot of time but need to create something delicious for hungry families. Email springfieldmoms.org@gmail.com with your favorites, and we'll enter you in a prize drawing.

All the best,

Kim Leistner
Founder and president of Springfield Moms

BACK TO SCHOOL TRANSITION IDEAS FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Putting in place good visual supports like social guides and visual schedules can help children with an ASD anticipate what to expect and help lessen stress. Jessie Decker with The Autism Program of Illinois provides additional ideas in her article here.

INTERESTED IN BUYING A NEW HOUSE? Now's the Time.
Despite the stock market roller coaster, interest rates continue towards new lows. This means opportunity for home-buyers, specifically lower payments. Gregg Formigoni with Springfield Moms premium sponsor Illini Bank explains in his article here.

BABY CORNER: Save Money on Diaper Purchases
What goes in must come out, and when you have a baby or toddler in the house, that means lots and lots of diapers! Thanks to Courtney Westlake for providing some tips on how to lower that diaper bill in her article here.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

MAKE SOME MONEY ON YOUR KIDS' CLOTHES: TIPS FOR AREA CONSIGNMENT SHOPPING

What's Happening! Upcoming Events

TODAY! BACK TO THE FAIRGROUNDS
Illinois Products Farmer's Market. This popular market returns to its regular home at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Starts at 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a variety of fresh and unique products. Not just fruits and veggies!

TODAY! Physics Day at the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal. 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Ever wonder why a heavy airplane can fly high in the air? Or how a baseball pitcher can throw a curve ball? Join us to explore aerodynamics, the science of flight. The ISU Physics Club will help you with hands-on demonstrations and activities that will make your imagination soar! Also, at 7:00 p.m. tonight, special speaker Dr. Stuart Brown will share why play is so important to our kids' development. Details here.


Old Capitol Blues and BBQs: Saturday, August 27th.

Noon to midnight. Great food, entertainment, and Springfield Moms will be there from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Kids Area across from Robbie's Restaurant right in front of the Old State Capitol. Come see us!

Sunday, August 28th from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Baby Day.

New and expecting parents and child-care providers are invited to the "2011 Baby Day," a free event sponsored by SIU HealthCare and ABC NewsChannel 20. The event will be held from noon - 4 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield.

School Supply Home Delivery Service available for Springfield District 186 students now through August 31st. Details here.

"Round Up" at JCPenney to Benefit the Springfield YMCA now through August 27th. Round up your purchases at JCPenney and help support programming at the Springfield YMCA.

This Saturday morning: Old Capitol Farmers Market. Begins at 8:00 a.m. Come buy fresh fruits and vegetables from a variety of vendors. Held Wednesday and Saturday mornings through October. Adams Street in downtown Springfield.

Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th: Springfield Ballet Company presents "Rock Ballet" at The Sangamon Auditorium. For tickets, call 206-6160. If your child is a dancer, don't miss auditions for the annual performance of The Nutcracker. Auditions will be held September 18th. More details here.

September 10th: Super Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Illinois State Museum. Museum Kicks on Route 66 is the theme. Celebrate a very special part of Springfield (and Illinois) history - Route 66. Learn about the history of the Mother Road in Springfield, create fantastic crafts, and "get your kicks" with activities and games!

Monday, September 12th at 5:30 p.m. at Hoogland Center for the Arts: Registration for Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony beginner group string classes. This is a fabulous opportunity to engage your child in music for a lifetime!

Chef Stephanie Izard

Saturday, September 17th at 6:00 p.m. The Hope Institute's 16th Annual "Celebrity Chef" Premier Event at Southwind Park. Celebrity Chef Stephanie Izard is Food and Wine Magazine's Best New Chef for 2011. Tickets are still available for this amazing event. Don't miss it!