We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, I will receive a copy for review, but this just means I'm able to giveaway the film as a prize too! Enter the contest at the end of this post.
Monday, February 14, 2022
Ghostbusters: Afterlife Puts You on the Path of Finding Your True Spirit - Review and Giveaway
I have always been a Ghostbusters fan. I have watched all the previous films and was even a big fan of The Real Ghostbusters Saturday Morning Cartoon Series. As someone who doesn't watch scary movies, Ghostbusters always had more "funny" than "fright" and that was why I enjoyed it so much. After watching Ghostbusters: Afterlife I am glad to see that they still follow that pattern. This movie is rated PG-13 and does have some frightening scenes, but they are usually followed up with a punchline or heroic moment.
Just like the other films, the story opens with something strange in the neighbourhood, but this time the neighbourhood happens to be Summerville. Summerville is a quiet farm-town with an odd past, and soon to be the new home of Callie and her two kids, Phoebe and Trevor. They go there looking to salvage what they can from a deceased relative's homestead, and soon find more than they bargained for. While they are all critical of each other and the situation that they are in, their journey takes on a whole new spirit when the supernatural enters the scene.
Ghostbusters; Afterlife is a wonderful throwback to the first film with a bit of teen drama added to the mix. This film is edgier and the characters have a bit more angst towards one another, but in the end, they realize they were brought to Summerville for a higher purpose and find their true paths. This spirited adventure was fantastic to watch and filled with fun surprises. The Blu-Ray+DVD+Digital version includes extra footage of Jason Reitman (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) and his Father who created the original Ghostbusters film, Ivan Reitman. Today Jason posted that his Father had passed away. Ghostbusters: Afterlife will serve as a tribute to the legendary filmmaker. It truly is a family affair.
Enter to Win
For families with teenagers we think you will enjoy watching the film and the extra footage together, so we are going to giveaway a copy of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Enter for a chance to win below.
Thursday, February 10, 2022
The Amazing Isy Aboagye Takes Her Talent to Screens Across Canada in CBC's Ukulele U
We were thrilled to learn that one of our Stuff to do KW families had some very big news! The amazing Isy Aboagye is starring in the new CBC Kids Saturday Morning Show and CBC Gem Streaming Show Ukulele U!
Many local families know that Isy has been performing locally at events like Kitchener Bluesfest and singing the National Anthem at KW Titans game. We wanted to learn more about Isy's journey to our television and video screens across Canada so we asked her five questions about it.
Thanks to Isy for taking some time out of her hectic schedule for this interview and to her Mom Danielle for helping us set it up!
1. How did this role come about?
I work with an agent in Toronto and audition for a lot of roles. Since COVID, most of the auditions are done online, so I sent in an audition tape and then had an opportunity to audition over Zoom with the Director, David Connolly, Melanie Doane, the Host, and a couple of other people. I had to learn some new songs and a couple of dances and then we just had some fun! I found out a few weeks later that I got the part and I was so excited! We recorded all of the music individually in a recording studio in Toronto and then finally got to meet the rest of the cast on the first day of filming in Hamilton.
2. What is your favorite part of being on the show?
Number one is the Music! The songs are so catchy and fun to sing and listen to. Everyone who has heard the music loves it! There are new versions of old classics and Melanie made some amazing new songs too! I also loved that I got to make so many new friends. It was so nice to be able to sing and dance with other people after we had been in quarantine for so long. We had to take a lot of precautions to be safe, but we still managed to have so much fun together. I’m so happy that I met everyone and that I made some really great friends.
3. What advice do you have for other kids looking to follow this path?
You need to practice, take classes and have fun! I take Vocal, Guitar/Ukulele and Acting lessons. It’s a lot of work to memorize new scripts and songs for auditions, but every opportunity gives you a chance to learn something new. Also, don’t get discouraged! You might audition for 100 roles and only get one, just keep being you and working hard.
4. Who are your role models?
I really look up to a lot of musicians, especially older blues music icons like Etta James. I also really love more modern musicians like SZA, Alica Keys or Adele! I love the opportunity to learn from musicians. I’ve been really lucky that Kitchener has some really cool musicians who I look up to and who take the time to work with younger musicians like myself. When they take the time to mentor younger musicians, we get to learn so much and I really hope they know how much we appreciate their time and that they are role models to a lot of people like myself.
5. What are your future plans?
I am going to keep working on becoming a better musician and actor. I am excited to be back to school and look forward to being able to hang out with friends and just be a normal teenager. I also can’t wait for everyone to see the new episodes of Ukulele U that come out every Saturday on CBC and stream on CBC Gem.
For more info visit these links
Uke U Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uke.u.kids/
Uke U Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ukulele-U-101309915777169
Isy's Instagram:
Saturday, February 5, 2022
Valentine's Day, Black History Month, Family Day and more February 2022 Events, Activities and Stuff to do in Kitchener Waterloo
Please check all the links listed as info tends to change without our knowledge. We also suggest you go through the full list as some activities require you to pre-register and many have limited spaces
Our BEST PLACES TO TOBOGGAN LIST can be found at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-places-to-toboggan-in-kitchener.html there are even great recommendations in the comments of that post too!
When it is Outdoor Skating Weather, find rinks below
Outdoor Skating Rinks in Kitchener https://www.kitchener.ca/en/recreation-and-sports/outdoor-skating-rinks.aspx
Outdoor Skating Rinks in Waterloo https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/arenas-and-outdoor-rinks.aspx
Outdoor Rink at The Hemlock Barn St. Jacobs https://www.instagram.com/p/CYhjAZUF07t/
Outdoor Skating Rinks in Cambridge https://facilities.cambridge.ca/?CategoryIds=82&FacilityTypeIds=&Keywords=&ScrollTo=google-map-trigger&CloseMap=true&HasAdvancedSearch=false
Outdoor Skating Rinks in Guelph https://www.get.on.ca/living-here/outdoor_rink
Road Trip to London for Skating at Storybook Gardens in London Ontario Registration for the skate trail sessions is required. Registration and skating schedules are available at Play Your Way online for all public skating timeslots for the month of February beginning January 28, 2022. Private rentals are sold out for the season.
Other Ongoing Activities
Laurel Creek Conservation Area (Waterloo) and Shade’s Mills Conservation Area (Cambridge) Snow Shoeing and Cross-Country Skiing info https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Skiing-and-snowshoeing.aspx NOTE *Admission fee when an attendant is on duty.
Virtual Painting Classes from Artist's Palette Durham https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIvFrRQHTlJF34xw2-LmcZg
Michael's Free Online Crafting Classes https://canada.michaels.com/en/onlineclasses
Looking for new things to do with your child? Do you think your child would enjoy participating in science? If your child is between the ages of 3-7, they are eligible to sign-up for an online study with researchers at the University of Waterloo. Participation is free and the studies are quite fun for children! Children get a certificate at the end and a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. A typical session involves a 25-minute Zoom video call with their researchers. If you would like to sign-up, please visit https://www.uwcoral.ca/sign-up. If you have any questions, please email developmentalonline@uwaterloo.ca
Early Years events on Zoom for registration info visit https://earlyyearsinfo.ca
YMCA Virtual Events https://www.thisisy.ca/
KPL Calendar https://kplca.evanced.info/signup/
WPL Calendar http://calendar.wpl.ca/eventcalendar.asp?lib=all
Region of Waterloo Library Calendar https://www.rwlibrary.ca/en/programs-events/virtual-programs.aspx
Cambridge Libraries Calendar https://ideaexchange.org/programs-events
City of Waterloo Museum Activities https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/city-of-waterloo-museum.?_mid_=1764
Region of Waterloo Museum (DOON) events https://www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca/en/index.aspx#
Joseph Schneider Haus events https://www.schneiderhaus.ca/en/index.aspx
Woodside National Historic Site Self Guided Tours Thursday and Fridays https://www.facebook.com/WoodsideNHS/photos/a.797717783604573/4705277552848557
Wilmot Family Resource Centre https://wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.wordpress.com/events/calendar
KW Adventure Walks https://kwescape.ca/games
KW Titans Schedule https://www.kwtitans.com/games/
Kitchener Market Events Calendar https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Month
ONE MONTH FREE TRIAL – MUSIC LESSONS
In this unique Preschool Music Program, we learn all about Rhythm & Melody, PLUS children learn how to read Bars of music, make their own Bars of music and read Notes in a Scale on the Staff!
Come try it out! One Month Free!
After the free trial, if you are interested in signing up, classes start from $350 depending on Program purchased, Program Time purchased and age of your child. Do you have questions? Book a free Zoom Call to ask all about it! https://calendly.com/anatworld/music-lessons-2021
Are you ready to jump on in for the Month's Trial, Click here: https://anatworld.convertri.com/free-month-trial
The Giggle Mat is a brand new children's show!
https://www.facebook.com/TheGiggleMat
Come visit Dizzy, Mr. Purpleman, Miss Kate and Uncle PJ as they discover, explore and express themselves in the amazing world around them through stories, music, dance, crafts, juggling, magic, laughs and more!"Like" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiggleMat/
FEBRUARY eBlast
Ongoing in February
From now until February 27th
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada is happening at Yorkdale in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Get the info at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/01/avengers-station-canada-is-great-place.html
February Family Food Drive for Food4Kids Waterloo Region https://www.food4kidswr.ca/plan-a-food-drive
City of Kitchener Black History Month Events - various days/times https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/black-history-month.aspx
The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region Black History Month Events - various days/times in February. Info http://ccawr.ca/events/black-history-month/black-history-month-2022-launch/black-history-month-2022-launch-waterloo-region-programme/
Rhythm and Blues Cambridge Black History Month Events - various days/times in February. Info https://www.rhythmbluescambridge.com/upcoming-events-1
Guelph Black Heritage Society Black Heritage Month Events - various days/times in February. Info
Virtual Powwow Drum Night - Tuesdays at 6:30 on Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/events/307154281360396
Skate Night Date Night - Thursdays in February at Waterloo Public Square
Come join a free public ice skate from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. in Waterloo Public Square every Thursday night in February. Skate along to the tunes played by our on-site DJ as we work our way through the decades. Participants must bring their own skates and are encouraged to dress in theme.
Winter Family Movie Night from Skills Ontario
Participating families in this program will be provided with a digital movie voucher for a movie of your choice and an activity kit, which comes with step-by-step instructions. Activity kits can be assembled and movie PINs can be redeemed at a time that best works for you.
These kits have a total delivered value of $50 and are available to purchase for $24.99. The kit includes a Cineplex® movie rental PIN (rental of one movie up to $24.99) and a hands-on activity kit. Available for Ontario residents only. Please note we can not ship to PO boxes at this time. All proceeds go to Skills Ontario, a youth-focused charity organization.
If you would like your movie code and kit in time for Family Day Weekend, please ensure you place your order before February 7th, 2022. The Skills Family Night Package would make a great Family Day Weekend activity! https://www.skillsontario.com/movies
*Limited quantity available. Best suited for ages 5-10.
February 9
Meals Without Madness - with Chef Nicole's Kids Online Cooking Classes
Feb 9 - Apple tarts and Dutch baby with fresh berries COST $20
What to Expect:
Connect with fellow foodies
Learn new tips and tricks
Hone your knife skills
Learn safe food handling
Class will start at 4:30 p.m. and will last about 1- 1.5 hours
The class consists of a full meal, prepared by you in the comfort of your own kitchen under the guidance of Chef Nicole (mom of 4 teens)
How to join:
Register for the class
Ensure you have the Zoom app downloaded on a computer or mobile device (we suggest using a laptop for the best experience)
After registration, we will send you an ingredient and kitchen tools list, as well as set up that will be needed for the class
You will have access to the Zoom class 10 mins before class begins. Take that time to sign-in, connect with your fellow foodies and make sure you are ready to go
Need help getting registered call us at 519-496-2607
Parents or guardians need to be available to assist our Jr Chef's while in the kitchen, according to their individual needs. Some accommodations may include pre-chopping veggies ahead of the class, as with any cooking class their is a risk of cutting, working with hot items, stove and oven. Families assume sole responsibility for the safety of the learners while in the kitchen. A separate waiver will be sent with the shopping list and ZOOM link. It will need to be completed prior to the class
March 2 - all about the dough - lemon tarts & scratch made pizza (UPCOMING)
March 16 - St Patty's day - Shamrock shakes & rainbow pancakes or waffle ((UPCOMING)
February 13
Happy Galentine's Day
Galentine's Mother/Daughter Makeup at 2pm on Facebook Live by Lovelly Beauty and Wellness https://www.facebook.com/events/1309310426250669
February 14
Happy Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day with Family Craft idea
February 17
Virtual Family Story Time. Info at https://www.instagram.com/p/CZkOziLFNn7/
February 19-21
Family Day Long Weekend
License Free Family Fishing Weekend http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com
Bring on the Sunshine Virtual Festival https://bringonthesunshine.ca/what-we-do/festival/ info TBD
Virtual Family Day at Addie's https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-family-day-at-addies-tickets-252219724987
February 22
Canada's Agriculture Day https://agriculturemorethanever.ca/cdn-ag-day
February 23
PINK SHIRT DAY https://www.pinkshirtday.ca
Splash into the New Year as Playful Fox Productions presents "Disney's The Little Mermaid! in Paris, Ontario, Canada
Ticket prices vary https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/playful-fox-productions-presents-disneys-the-little-mermaid-tickets-226158033767
February 26
Minor Sports Try It Event at RIM PARK - FREE EVENT 10am-2pm
email office@wmgsa.ca for info
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Looking for some Family Friendly Movies?