Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Strife, Strike and Sensation are the themes of Stratford Festival’s Billy Elliot

Photo Provided By Stratford Festival. Taken By Cylla von Tiedemann

This musical production brought about a range of emotion from beginning to end.  It was much more than show about a boy wanting to study ballet. Instead it was representation of the social dynamics of the mid 80s within a mining town.  It reflected the era with interactions between angry workers and authorities, Fathers and Sons and how bucking the social norms can result in conflict and consequences.

Billy Elliot the Musical opens with the local miners on the cusp of strike.  They are awaiting word from their union and are determined to have their wages increased.  Being that the majority of the townspeople work for the coal mining company the outcome will have an economic on the whole area.

Soon after the strike becomes official we are introduced to Billy Elliot and his family which consists of Billy’s Father who is trying to take care of the household while attending to his duties as part of the union picket line, Billy’s older Brother who is also a coal miner on strike and Billy’s Grandmother who shows signs of the onset of dementia.  Because there is really no one able to keep watch of Billy he is sent the community centre for boxing lessons and this is where story really takes off.

From boxing to ballet with the addition of tap, jazz and hip hop thrown in the mix, we see the characters perform a range of emotions through both sensational song and dance.  As the show goes on each character evolves in skills and self-awareness.



We believe the Stratford Festival’s Billy Elliot would make a fantastic PARENTS NIGHT OUT.
We also think families that are wanting learn more about inclusivity may enjoy the messages in this story, but we must mention that the show contains coarse language and addresses the theme of how one identifies their sexuality.


Find Your Way to the Stratford Festival

The Stratford Festival Theatre is less than an hour from Kitchener Waterloo by car, but don’t fret if you don’t have a vehicle.  They have introduced a round trip shuttle that picks up and drops off in front on Angie’s Kitchener on Erb St. in Waterloo.  The $19 price for the shuttle service is in addition to the price of the performance tickets.  For those a little further from the area there are also shuttles from Toronto and Vaughn ($29 for shuttle service from these areas).  Get all the info at https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/whatson/busbooking

Grab Your Tickets Before They Are Gone

Once the word gets out it may be difficult to get tickets, but right now there are several promotional prices available for this must see musical!

Save on performances from now until June 24 by visiting https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/spring
New for this year, the Stratford Festival Theatre has introduced the BRAVO ZONE with tickets for $41 which includes the fees!  Also be sure to check out their 2-for-1 Evenings deal that will happen all season long and we know our readers are often looking for deals on tickets for their kids.  Find the $18.50 kids promo info at https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/DiscountsAndDeals/Deals/Kids-Tickets

Don’t see a deal that best suits you yet? Then visit the Billy Elliot the Musical ticket page at https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Billy-Elliot/BuyTickets and under the SAVE ON YOUR TICKETS listing you can see all the ticket deals available in their drop down menu or by calling the box office toll free at 1-800-567-1600

For more info about the Stratford Festival be sure to visit these links
Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratfest

Let us know about the show! Are you going to see Billy Elliot the Musical in Stratford? We want to know what your thoughts were.  Leave a comment below!

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Get Behind the Scenes - UpTown Waterloo is Searching for Stellar Volunteers for June 2019

Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PLPPL7K to Apply

Known in the Community
UpTown Waterloo's events are always fun experiences. They are known for activities that highlight all the great things about visiting Uptown.  This June is no exception.  In order to have these fantastic events, they need stellar volunteers.  As you know from our previous post about Volunteering in Kitchener Waterloo you get the satisfaction of giving back, but you can also get hands on experience that can set you on a new career path.  Get known in the community for your stellar volunteer skills by applying to be an UpTown Waterloo Volunteer at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PLPPL7K

Volunteering Opportunities

Do you want to learn some new skills or show off how well you can tackle a task? Here are just some of the events they are looking for assistance with
Volunteer with UpTown Waterloo events such as Solstice Sampling, the Great Oktoberfest Barrel Race, Chili Cook-off/Mac 'n Cheese Challenge and more!

Volunteer duties may include:
  • Tent set-up
  • Signage placement 
  • Decoration set-up 
  • Providing information to guests
  • Guest registration 
  • Score-keeping
  • Clean-up and tear-down
The next set of events happening this June are listed below.
June 15th- Solstice Sampling
Volunteer times: 3:30pm-7pm & 7pm-10:30pm

and

June 22nd- Sights & Lights ION Launch Party
Volunteer times: 12pm-4pm & 4pm-8pm & 6:30pm-10:30pm


If  these opportunities are right up your alley then you need to become a shining star on the UpTown Waterloo volunteer team! Get started by applying at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PLPPL7K




Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Disney + Fox Release Dates 2019-2027

When I mention Disney + Fox it may make you think of Nick Wilde from Zootopia.....


....  but that's not what I mean this time.

Instead I am talking about the Walt Disney Studios acquisition of Fox Film Studios.

This has changed the line up of films coming up quite drastically.

Back in November I told you about the Disney film release timeline, but there has been lots of changes since then.


Now the list includes the release dates until 2027!

See the full list below

2019 Films
5/10/19 FSL TOLKIEN
5/24/19 DIS ALADDIN
6/7/19 FOX DARK PHOENIX
6/21/19 DIS TOY STORY 4
7/12/19 FOX STUBER
7/19/19 DIS LION KING, THE
8/9/19 FOX ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN, THE
8/23/19 FSL READY OR NOT
9/20/19 FOX AD ASTRA
10/4/19 FOX WOMAN IN THE WINDOW, THE
10/18/19 DIS MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL
11/15/19 FOX FORD v. FERRARI
11/22/19 DIS FROZEN 2
12/20/19 DIS STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
Wed 12/25/19 FOX SPIES IN DISGUISE

2020 Films
1/10/20 FOX UNDERWATER
2/14/20 FOX UNTITLED KINGSMAN MOVIE
2/21/20 FOX CALL OF THE WILD
3/6/20 DIS ONWARD
3/27/20 DIS MULAN
4/3/20 FOX NEW MUTANTS, THE
5/1/20 DIS UNTITLED MARVEL
5/29/20 DIS ARTEMIS FOWL
6/19/20 DIS UNTITLED PIXAR ANIMATION
7/3/20 FOX FREE GUY
7/17/20 FOX BOB'S BURGERS
7/24/20 DIS JUNGLE CRUISE
8/14/20 DIS ONE AND ONLY IVAN, THE
10/9/20 FOX DEATH ON THE NILE
11/6/20 DIS UNTITLED MARVEL
11/6/20 FOX RON'S GONE WRONG
Wed 11/25/20 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION
12/18/20 FOX WEST SIDE STORY
Wed 12/23/20 DIS CRUELLA

2021 Films
2/12/21 DIS UNTITLED MARVEL
3/5/21 FOX NIMONA
3/12/21 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
5/7/21 DIS UNTITLED MARVEL
5/28/21 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
6/18/21 DIS UNTITLED PIXAR ANIMATION
7/9/21 DIS UNTITLED INDIANA JONES
7/30/21 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
10/8/21 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
11/5/21 DIS UNTITLED MARVEL
11/24/21 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION
12/17/21 FOX AVATAR 2

2022 Films
2/18/22 DIS UNTITLED MARVEL
3/18/22 DIS UNTITLED PIXAR
5/6/22 DIS UNTITLED MARVEL
5/27/22 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
6/17/22 DIS UNTITLED PIXAR
7/8/22 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
7/29/22 DIS UNTITLED MARVEL
10/7/22 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
11/4/22 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
11/23/22 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION
12/16/22 DIS UNTITLED STAR WARS

2023 Films
2/17/23 DIS UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
12/22/23 FOX AVATAR 3

2024 Films
12/20/24 DIS UNTITLED STAR WARS

2025 Films
12/19/25 FOX AVATAR 4

2026 Films
12/18/26 DIS UNTITLED STAR WARS

2027 Films
12/17/27 FOX AVATAR 5

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Food Revolution, Victoria Day Fireworks and more May 2019 Events, Activities and Stuff To Do in Kitchener Waterloo



As always please check all links provided as times, dates, venues and registration information often changes without our knowledge.
WE ALSO SUGGEST GOING THROUGH THE FULL LIST BECAUSE SOME EVENTS MAY REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION.

First is list of ongoing events followed by our Monthly Blast

Make sure you are following us!


Ongoing Events
University of Waterloo Research Studies
Research Studies @ UofW Contact Lens Research
Currently the top contact lens research centre in the world is continuing to accomplish great things through research done right here at UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO. The studies are non-invasive and all of our participants are compensated at $20/hr for their time and often get free contact lenses or glasses. Right they are recruiting 7-11 year olds to participate in a 3yr study cclr.uwaterloo.ca

Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo  and is recruiting for a new scientific study (ID: CYPRESS) that examines how to treat nearsightedness in children aged 6-9. Participants will receive up to $690 for 9 visits over 3 years, and also receive a free pair of spectacle frames to keep.
If you are interested in participating, please call for more details or to book your appointment at 519-888-4742.  Please provide the study ID “CYPRESS” when you call. You will be provided with all relevant study information prior to study enrollment and you are under no obligation to participate.
Infant Studies Group
If you’re looking for something new and fun to do with your child, we would love to have you participate in one of our studies! Help us discover how children learn about language and the world around them. Typical studies involve a one time, half hour visit. You stay with your child the entire time and receive a small gift for participating as well! Please contact us or visit our website for more information. We hope to see you soon!
EMAIL: babylab@uwaterloo.ca
Social Development Lab

Our lab is currently looking for children to help with our research! Our lab looks at personality and the social world for young children. Our study involves parents and their children coming into our lab and answering a few questions. Kids get to play some fun computer games as well! The typical sessions take around 2 hours and parents are always able to observe their child during the social interaction tasks. In appreciation of your time, children get a small gift. To learn more about our lab and what we do, check out our website! Follow us on Facebook and twitter to keep up to date with our fun!

Twitter: SDLab_UW
Facebook: Social Development Lab Waterloo
Website: uwaterloo.ca/social-development-lab
TEL: 519-888-4567 ext.38775
Email: sdl@uwaterloo.ca

Youth Drum and Bugle Corps
Great program for youths in the KWC area. Our participants come not only from Cambridge, but Waterloo, Kitchener, Brantford, and surrounding areas as well. We are not the Scouts. We are not the Army, Navy or Sea Cadets. We are the only Youth Drum and Bugle Corps in the area!
No experience required and we have a modest membership fee ($20 per year). We provide a unique musical education program that not only teaches kids to play music or perform colour guard, we instruct them how to march, perform and basically just have fun! Check us out on our website: www.scouthouseband.com/cadets
FULL MONTH EVENT CALENDARS
These places have so many events each month, it is better to just look at them individually
Region of Waterloo Libraries Calendar http://calendar.rwlibrary.ca/?_mid_=17409
Cambridge Libraries – Idea Exchange Calendar http://ideaexchange.org
Have an Infant and/or Toddler? Check out OUR PLACE EARLY YEARS CENTRE calendar http://www.ourplacekw.ca/
Grand River Conservation Authority https://calendar.grandriver.ca/default
If you are willing to drive a little out of town, then this is the list for BRANTFORD’s HARMONY SQUARE http://www.brantford.ca/residents/leisurerecreation/communityfacilities/HarmonySquare/Pages/EventsandPrograms.aspx


Daily
The Creekside Playground is open on Sundays and is available to the general public Monday through Thursday 9:30am-11:30am at various seasons throughout the year.  You do not need to be a Creekside attender to enjoy the use of the playground.
Admission is free!  Aside from regular play, special events/classes are offered throughout the week.  This is a great place for your children to play and for you to meet new friends.
Choose from 2 locations.
660 Conservation Drive, Waterloo.
1356 Weber St East, Kitchener.


Calvary Church Cambridge Indoor Playground
What: We are an indoor playground located directly in the church building which opens its doors to our community to allow a safe and friendly environment.
 
Ages: Suited to infant/crawlers, toddlers and pre-school children.
 Cost: $1.00 minimum per head. This helps reduce the cost of regular cleaning and new toys.
Hours: Monday – Thursdays 9:30 – 11:30 am.
Closed: Fridays all season and Holiday Mondays
Schedule: September to June (closed for the summer months)
Special Activities: Twice a week there will be different activities offered, from Play-doh Play to arts and crafts, the activities are geared toward preschool aged children.
Daycare Workers: We will be opening the playground every Tuesday for any caregiver that operates a daycare. If you are not a daycare worker, you are still MORE than welcome to attend on Tuesday! Every day we have coffee, tea, juice and snacks available for purchase.

Sleep And Your New Baby Waterloo Region Sessions
(various dates and times)
Session Details:
The purpose of the session is help families understand and respond to their baby’s sleep patterns and language, which will in turn strengthen family relationships and contribute to achieving optimal child health.
The 1.5 hour session will be offered weekly at all three Ontario Early Years Main sites with a mix of daytime, evening and weekend timings
Parents/caregivers can register online at http://www.earlyyearsinfo.ca/sleep-and-your-new-baby-registration.html The session will be most beneficial if parents/caregivers brings their baby with them and we encourage bringing a support person to assist with this http://www.earlyyearsinfo.ca/sleep-and-your-new-baby-regist…

Earth Sciences Museum @ University Of Waterloo
Conestoga Rovers Learning Centre (the “Dino pit”) open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The museum’s main atrium, mining tunnel, Great Lakes fountain and stunning mineral exhibits open evenings Monday to Friday and weekends from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Plus info about the Scavenger Hunt can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/…/earth-sciences-museum-scavenger-hunts

Mondays
Tot Spot Drop In @ Downtown Kitchener Community Centre 9:30am-11:30am info at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/permalink/10156973005215750

Tots at Play (Mondays and Fridays)
Unleash the kids with toys galore! Unrestricted floor space allows for tons of creative play and action games.
For newborn - 6Y. Caregivers must supervise children at all times.
  Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Manulife Financial Soccer & Sports Centre in Bechtel Park, 185 Bridge Street, Waterloo 


Legacy every Monday at 7pm. $4 entry with a pack per person into the prize pool @ KW PlaySpace (until Sept 24) https://www.facebook.com/events/317175528805117

Tuesdays
Bring your little ones to the Kitchener Market select Tuesdays from 11a.m.-noon for a fabulous, fun-filled morning! Be prepared for a high-energy, hopping good time at these FREE weekly children's events as our performers entertain your tots!
·         April 9
·         April 23

Colour Our Community @ KPL Central (Downtown) every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 2pm-4pm
Art can be a tool for increasing social connections and fostering community inclusion and integration. Colour Our Community aims to make connections between those who are often marginalized and members of the community at large in a comfortable, accessible venue where all are welcome to explore their creativity and experience connection through art. Colour Our Community is a partnership with Kitchener Public Library and Circle of Friends.

Nature Play @ Kingsdale Park 3pm-6pm

Wednesdays
Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. from April 17 - June 5, Huron Natural Area
  • Grow your young child's love of nature through stories in the forest. We gather for about an hour and a half to enjoy nature-themed songs and tales, as well as a short hike.
  • Content is suited for children age five and under.
  • Admission is free and registration is not required. 

Nature Play @ Gzowski Park 3pm-6pm

Thursdays
A FREE art program every Thursday! - UPDATE April 4th is cancelled
(Please note some Thursdays in December may be cancelled, call the phone number below to be sure)
Thursday from 11 a.m. - noon, ARTSHINE will be hosting a parent and tot program at the Kitchener Market - a program for children and their parents. Participate in a fun, unique, hands-on creative art experience!
AFTER the program, be sure to stop by one of our market vendors for a healthy, kid-friendly lunch with lots of options for adults too.
Space is limited! Reserve a spot now for the ARTSHINE programs on Thursday by calling 226-647-2777, or emailing ARTSHINE.

For those willing to drive out of town
Thursday evenings MAY 2nd to June 3rd www.jolleysfarmtoys.ca #ToyClub


Fridays

Beginning January 11th Music and Movement @ Kitchener Market 9:30am – 10:00am
Imagination and creativity are developed and explored through rhymes, songs, finger plays, and gross motor activities. Support your child's language development and experience the benefits of physical activity.
and
Drop In Play @ Kitchener Market 10:00am – 11:00am
Come any time. Join other children and families in play and exploration. An Early Learning professional is available to provide support and information around early learning topics, community resources, programs and referrals.


Tots at Play (Mondays and Fridays)
Unleash the kids with toys galore! Unrestricted floor space allows for tons of creative play and action games.
For newborn - 6Y. Caregivers must supervise children at all times.
  Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Manulife Financial Soccer & Sports Centre in Bechtel Park, 185 Bridge Street, Waterloo 

Saturdays
Family Favourites $2.99 Films @ Cineplex

Home Depot Workshops 2nd Saturday of Each Month
FREE Hands-on Workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12. Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at all The Home Depot stores. Each child can bring home a newly constructed project, an achievement pin and certificate https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/ideas-how-to/workshops.html


May 2019 eBlast

May 4
May 5
Mudpuppy Chase Family Race – Sunday morning all info at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-chase-is-on-as-mudpuppy-chase.html
Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 5-11
Residents can learn more by attending informative events through the month
·         May 6-11: Information display at the North Dumfries Community Complex
·         May 6-9: Information booth at Cambridge Centre, 355 Hespeler Rd., Cambridge
·         May 7, 7-10 p.m.: CanWarn Weather Watchers Training Course, RIM Park, 2001 University Ave E, Waterloo (Forbes Room) FREE but you must register at
·         May 11, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: WRPS Open House, 200 Maple Grove Road, Cambridge


May 8
Festival of Trees (about books/authors)

May 11
KW POMBA All 4 KIDS Sale @ Kitchener Aud
9am-Noon admission $2 and Kids are Free
Mother's Day Market - May 11 in North Dumfries
10 - 4 p.m. at the NDCC in Ayr
$2 Admission. Kids under 12 are free! There is a Kids Zone sponsored by 
Masterpiece • A Child's Art Centre •
Girls Can Fly
Saturday, May 11, 2019, 10am-4pm - RAIN OR SHINE EVENT! If weather does not permit flights, still join us!
TOUR the Flight Centre, MEET women pilots, LEARN more about the industry and try a FREE FLIGHT.* Also, FREE face painting!
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre will celebrate women in aviation by inviting you to bring your daughters, nieces, cousins, friends, and grand-daughters - ANY girls who are interested in the freedom of flight to enjoy a FREE day at our facility (located at the Region of Waterloo International Airport) and experience what a life in aviation is all about.
*Free flights for girls aged 8-18 years only.  REGISTRATION INFO at https://www.wwfc.ca/girls-can-fly/

May 11 and 12


May 15
Campfire
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Waterloo Public Square
Bring a blanket or your favourite hoodie and head uptown. Gather around the campfire with friends and neighbours for music, food, fire and more.

Screenagers screening in Breslau 5:30pm https://www.sjkschool.org/sjk-presents-screenagers

May 15-18
ACTOUT! PRESENTS THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH @ WATERLOO PARK BANDSHELL
adaptation of this classic play, tailored to the young cast.
Various times and ticket prices https://www.ticketscene.ca/series/681


Saturday May 18



The Town of Conestoga Victoria Day Long Weekend
Usually the Saturday of the May Long Weekend. Info TBD
Follow https://twitter.com/cwoptimists for the info

Fireworks And Family Fun Night @ Mohawk Racetrack
CELEBRATE THE VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND WITH AN EVENING AT THE RACES!
Enjoy the Victoria Day long weekend with family and friends!
Come out Saturday, May 18 to watch some exciting live Standardbred racing, dine in one of Woodbine Mohawk Park’s fabulous restaurants, and watch a spectacular fireworks show. Activities take place from 5:30-11PM.
Meet and Greet with James MacDonald and Doug McNair
Autograph session 5:30-6:15PM
$5 Kids Zone 6-10PM
Inflatables
Pony Rides
Kid’s Crafts
Equimania Display
ENTERTAINMENT
  • Live music 6-10PM
  • LED performers 10PM
  • Fireworks show after last race
 UPDATE NOW CANCELLED see info at https://www.facebook.com/NewDundeeFireworks/photos/a.374364005917420/2413940908626376/?type=3&theater

UPDATE Fireworks in New Dundee now on Victoria Day https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/permalink/10157262040585750/
_______________
May 23-26
Kin Carnival in Cambridge http://prestonkin.ca/kin-carnival

May 25
FOOD REVOLUTION DAY @ KITCHENER MARKET 10am-NOON
(annual Stuff To Do Meetup)
Food Revolution KW Day @ #KitchenerMarket
May 25, 2019
10am-Noon
Upper Marketplace Kitchen Area
FREE Event Activities Include
Kids In The Kitchen with a Kitchener Market Chef
Sportco Source for Sports Colouring Area
Colour Paradise Greenhouses Planting Area
Artshine-Arts4all Arts and Crafts
Facepaint by 
Bre Creative
EarlyON Waterloo Region Activities
Nutrition for Learning Info
Gary’s Lens Photo Booth
Good Food Real Fast with Melissa
Meet City of Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic 
More Information at
Keep watch of our FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE for more updates about this FREE EVENT!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1005483836312400