Celebrate Black History Month at the ROM

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) celebrates Black History Month 2012 with the launch of RasTa at the ROM - an exciting lineup of events around the February 1, 2012 world premier screening of the film RasTa: A Soul’s Journey.

RasTa at the ROM, a new initiative to celebrate Black History Month, was created by In Search of Rastafari Inc. and SNR Agency in partnership with the ROM.

The HD feature length documentary, RasTa: A Soul’s Journey, tells the story of the epic journey of Rita and Bob Marley’s granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast, as she travels to eight countries around the world to explore the roots and evolution of the Rastafarian movement and the many cultures it has influenced. The film follows her travels to Ethiopia, England, Israel, South Africa, Canada, United States, India and Jamaica, while documenting Prendergast's personal transformation and understanding of Rastafari. The film includes interviews with Rita Marley, Damian Marley, UK entrepreneur Ras Levi Roots and poet Benjamin Zephaniah.

RasTa: A Soul’s Journey is executive produced/produced by Patricia Scarlett, produced by Marilyn Gray and directed and written by award-winning filmmaker Stuart Samuels.Following a private world premiere screening on February 1st, RasTa: A Soul’s Journey will be shown at eight free public screenings in the Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre at 2:30 pm every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of February and is free with general Museum admission.

African and Caribbean Cultural Heritage Day, held on Saturday February 25, 2012 at the ROM, will feature live music, dancing, and kids’ activities including face painting and a craft station to make your own headdress. The day will feature performances by Beyond Sound Drummers and Dancers, music by Errol Blackwood, interactive drumming by O’Neil Fuller, story telling by Donisha Prendergast and Itah Sadu of A Different Booklist. All activities are included with general Museum admission.

Read More

My Camp Memories

I am a self acclaimed "Camp Counsellor Mom". My life has revolved around camp. I come from a long line of campy family members. My great grandfather spent time guiding campers through the bush and my father was a Director of Parks and Recreation and I worked in camps through high school and subsequently went on to work for the local recreation department for over 10 years in health promotion. Some of my close friends call me Leslie Knopes from Parks and Recreation and strangely enough Leslie's passionate weirdness inspires me so I am okay with that label.

My first memories of camp are special. My parents sent me to both day and residential sleep over camp. When I was asked to write this post the first memory that popped into my head were how much I looked up to the camp councillors that I spent my camp days with. I remember their cool roots sweat shirts and their tretorn shoes. I loved their hair cuts (bobs) and funny jokes. They were the cool cats. 

On the last day of camp I remember a cold morning sitting around listening to Men With Out Hats.



I also remember learning to water ski and canoe. I learned how believe in myself and had friendships that lasted for years. I remember writing letters to my parents and yummy tuck shop candies. Lastly I remember red rocks and bunk beds as well as a feeling of freedom from walking down wooden paths guided only by the flash light.

What are your camp memories? 

I'm participating in the Our Kids Camp Expo Blog Hop.  Yesterday's Camp Memory can be found at .  Tomorrow, the fun is happening at __(insert blog name with hyperlink URL).

Join the conversation!

Twitter: hasthtag #campmemories. 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ourkidsnet

Looking for a March Break or Summer Camp for your child? 

Don’t miss Canada's Largest Camp Expo!

February 26, 2012, 12:00 to 4:00pm, Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

• Find top March Break, Summer and Holiday Camps for kids and teens

• Attend free information seminars to help you choose and prepare for camp

• Learn about charities, discounts, bursaries and tax credits for camp.

Register for FREE admission and the chance to WIN $500 towards exhibiting camps: www.ourkids.net/campexpo

Read More

Add a Little Magic To Your March Break with Cinderella & Peter Pan

Quick Glance Info:

• Cinderella 11 am Daily - Peter Pan 2 pm Daily during March Break (March 13-17, 2012) Ages:  3-11 years 

• Cost: $15 each

• Location: Toronto Centre for the Arts - 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6R8

• To Order Tickets: Box Office (416) 250-3708  -                  Online Tickets: Peter Pan  Cinderella 

Are you dreading the sound of "I have nothing to do" this March Break? Well, we have the answer for you.... beat the "M.B. blues" and head over to the Toronto Centre for the Arts for a little fairytale magic that you and your family will love. Cinderella and Peter Pan will provide the right combination of fantasy and fun to keep the children day dreaming all month long.

As a mom of 2 children I can't stress enough the importance of giving children exposure to the Arts. Some of my best memories are of theatre experiences I have had as a child, ones that I can clearly picture to this day. My boys love going to the theatre to see plays - it brings stories to life and the boys feel special having a day out with us where they feel all fancy at the theatre. The theatre group who produces the plays is
Duffle Bag Theatre - a favourite amongst my children who have seen them perform before - the troupe is hilarious (for both the parents & children) and the show are totally interactive (see below video).

The TCA theatre location is completely accessible with parking, close to the highway and also the subway making it a perfectly stress free designation; making this cultural designation both fun and easy.

Here is a little background on both the show's Theatre Group Duffle Bag Theatre

Since 1992, “the nearly world-famous” DuffleBag Theatre has wowed audiences of all ages in theatres, festivals and schools across the country. Currently the company performs over 600 shows a year, across Canada, the U.S., and internationally.

The DuffleBag Theatre actors begin the retelling of original adaptations of select fairy tales and Shakespearean classics full of wit and humour. Just when the audience becomes enthralled by the story - a twist is created! Before your very eyes audience members are asked to come up on stage and join in the action. Their unpredictable performances are hilarious!

All of these hilarious and refreshing fairy tale adaptations feature audience participation like you've never seen. Audience members are spontaneously invited on stage to play the main parts while the audience helps chide them on with chorus prompts. Everyone participates! Accompanied by DuffleBag’s witty narration these performances deliver hilarity and spontaneity every time. A sure audience favourite.

So what are you waiting for - go buy tickets before they are all sold out!

Read More

GTA Networking Event for Women February 21

Was 2011 a stellar year or just so-so?

Join us for an evening of engaging conversation with one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in Canada: Deb Weinstein, President of Strategic Objectives, Toronto PR agency of the year. 

The company was started by Deb and her sister and has won a smorgasbord of awards including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, United Nations Grand Award and Top 100 entrepreneurs in Canada to name just a few.

In a world of information overload and ever-sprouting opportunities that bind us closer to customers, entrepreneurs struggle to stay focused and grow at a smart, steady pace. An extremely successful and well-known entrepreneur, Deb will share what’s worked for her as well as what hasn’t worked. Some of the topics she’ll touch on include how she:

• Catapulted engagement with clients in a sustainable way
• Fine-tuned strategy without losing momentum
• Focused on process when needed and ditched it when it wasn’t
• Scooped customers from lazy competitors

After Deb’s talk there will be ample time for questions as well networking. Deb is thrilled to support female entrepreneurs and will make herself available to answer questions.

 

---

Date/Time: Tuesday, February 21 - 6:30 pm

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, SOUTH BUILDING, 222 Bremnar Blvd.  (SEE FURTHER LOCATION/PARKING DETAILS BELOW) 

What's included: FREE Admission to the Toronto Auto Show  & FREE PARKING at MTCC Lower Simcoe parking lot, Gift bag, Appetizers, Presentation, Q&A

Format: Cocktail reception - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, 7:30 pm Presentation on stage followed by Q&A 

Who is this event for?

All professional & entrepreneurial women

 

This session is open to WIBN members who want to maximize their membership as well as those considering joining the network. To learn more about becoming a Toronto Based Member for $12.99 a month or $125 a year please visit here for more information. 

Please note: TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR



FREE PARKING: For those accessing the free parking at MTCC lot - get your ticket and go to South Building Entrance where you will be greeted by GM staff with your Auto Show Ticket and Complimentary Parking Ticket.  

IF YOU ARE NOT COMING BY CAR: Please proceed to the South Entrance (on Bremnar Blvd) where GM staff will greet you with your free ticket. THERE WILL NOT BE STAFF ON HAND AT NORTH ENTRANCE - DO NOT USE THIS ENTRANCE.

---

This event is hosted by:

Julia Rosien & Leigh Mitchell from Women in Biz Network 

For more information please contact info@womeninbiznetwork.com 

Tweet us at @womenbiznetwork  Facebook us at @womenbiznetwork

This event is sponsored by: 

Read More

Really the High Park Zoo?

This weekend the family and I visited the High Park Zoo. We saw a letter posted at the gates indicating that as of July 2012 the High Park Zoo will be closed. Bummer.

My family and I kept walking and bitched about the craziness of it all, then we resolved ourselves to enjoy the moment and smiled as the kids squealed with delight over seeing the animals on a cold winter's day. It was a moment. 

I reflected as we walked up the hill that this may be the last time we get to do this. My son, always seeing the bright side of things (as the young do) said... "Mommy we have until June to visit the zoo". Yup. He's right. Months away.

On the way home my son asked me "Mommy why is Rob Ford doing this?

I swear I am not making this up.... I laughed at how he knew the Mayor of Toronto's name - mainly from hearing my husband and I talking about all the cuts he has been suggesting and planning and well just the plain drama of Rob Ford in all his glory. He is an interesting subject to discuss.

I really didn't know how to answer my son's question. I just don't get it. There is no logic. The amount of savings that the zoo closure will result in is a drop in the bucket. Surely there are better cuts to be made that don't effect the quality of life.  One less free thing to do in the City with your family. It seems I am not alone in my thoughts of this - Councillor Doucette, the High Park Councillor explains how she tried to save the Zoo & was deemed out of order.


Apparently the Zoo has quite the history that perhaps Rob Ford doesn't share. Check out this photo of folks in the 1900's enjoying the zoo....





Well that's my sad rant on the closing of the Toronto Zoo. Please share your thoughts on closing of the zoo. I am curious to hear what you think! Leave me a comment below :) 

Photo credit: National Post

Read More

Family Day Plans? It's Monday, February 20, 2012

Hard to believe but Family Day is just around the corner. Mark your calendars everyone - the pressure is on to have fun with your family on Monday, February 20, 2012.

I personally think it is a great day to just get outside. 

Here are some fun ideas to consider:

Go for a family hike - there are tons of parks throughout the GTA. I hear Balls Falls is beautiful option in the Niagara Region. Since you are out that way anyway you can then head over to Family Day Fest in Niagara Falls

Visit with family... no time like Family Day to make the grandparents happy with an impromptu visit. Hey they drop in on you unexpectedly right?

Want to stay in the city or go to the big smoke? Head over to Harbourfront for Skate8 for some skating fun overlooking Lake Ontario.


Have some more ideas? Well share some love below and tell us what you are planning on doing!

Read More