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June 15, 2013
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What you will find in Today's Macaroni Kid

Proudly serving the communities of Coon Rapids, Blaine, Andover, Mounds View, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, New Brighton, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Lexington and Centerville. 

**Click here to view our complete newsletter!!**


Happy Father's Day to all of the Dads out there!!  Hope you enjoy your day and have a great weekend!

Are you following us on facebook?  Latest updates, contest reminders and facebook only contests are posted on our facebook site, so make sure to "like" us today!   Like us here!

Remember to visit national.macaronikid.com and choose the drop down list to see which other MN communities have a Mac Kid for you.  There are many Macaroni Kid communities across the metro!   And across the Nation!  Don't forget to tell your family and friends about Macaroni Kid, we count on our loyal subscribers to help us spread the Macaroni Love!  If you're going on a vacation, check out a Mac Kid in that area to find great things to do with the kids while there!

Also don't forget to check the calendar tab at the top of our page for a monthly view of all events and activities.   Also, make sure to use that "My Macaroni" feature to print a great list of just the events that you will be attending for the week!  Makes a great list to print out and put on the fridge.

Do you know of an upcoming event that you'd like us to add?  Submit an event HERE!    


2013 Family Choice Awards - WINNERS

And the Winners are...

Our 2013 Macaroni Kid Family Choice Awards were a huge success!  You let us know your favorite family-friendly businesses to entertain, educate, exhaust, and take care of your kids! Which gave us the opportunity to support local businesses and to create a wonderful resource for parents in the community.  

All of our Family Choice Award Winners will be listed in our Business Directory for the rest of the year.  Any time you are looking for the best places, classes, services, care, products...for your family, this is the place to ...

Fish Fair - Anoka County Fairgrounds - June 15

Save BIG with Macaroni Deals!

Trying to plan a family outing that is both tons of fun and educational? Look no further! The annual Fish Fair is a fishing carnival for kids and families. Admission is FREE, but we have a GREAT deal for you!  

The annual Fish Fair will be held at the Anoka County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 15th from 10am - 7pm.

Participants of all ages can race minnows, make lures, practice casting, and learn about all aspects of fishing in our great state. Activities will provide education about habitat awareness, fishing tackle ...


Share the Hope Benefit Concert

June 15th

Join Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and the Anoka community for the Share the Hope benefit concert June 15th at George Green Park,1498 Sixth Avenue, Anoka, to help support Cross of Christ and Anoka County Brotherhood Council (ACBC) food shelves. 

Share the Hope is a family-oriented event sharing contemporary Christian music by Mike Westendorf, to raise awareness and contribute to a cause. Family activities and concessions begin at 3:00pm and the music starts 5:00pm. Bring your whole family for a full afternoon of music and family-fun activities ...

Summer Food Fest

Check out the Great Food Vendors in Blaine!

The 3rd annual Summer Food Fest is fast approaching! Take your family out for an evening in the park and sample a plethora of food from over 20 local restaurants while you enjoy family-oriented entertainment! Clowns, face painting, a bouncy house, a cookie walk, music and more are all included. Hundreds of people attend; it’s not to be missed! It’s on Thursday, June 20, 4:30-7:30 pm at Aquatore Park in Blaine (across from Fogerty Arena, 9191 Lincoln Street.) 

Proceeds from this event go to support three ...

Macaroni Kid Featured Summer Camps

Macaroni Kid Approved Camps for Kids of All Ages

If you’re like me, you are looking forward to Summer! Especially with this wonderful weather we've been having lately! Bring on the green grass and the Summer Activities! Time to start planning ahead and figuring out what your kids are going to be doing this summer!

Summer Camp season is right around the corner and Now is the time to get them registered! Camp can provide an experience to your kids that they couldn't get at home or school. It can be an amazing opportunity for them ...


Work at Home Opportunities!

Get Inspired, Make Money & Do it at Home!

Because of what I do, I am often asked if I know of legitimate companies that allow moms to work from home and actually make money. The answer is always YES! I know of many, many companies that will allow you to work from home, have fun, and best of all - MAKE MONEY! Let's be honest, we all want to make more $$$ and why not do it (mostly) from the comfort of your own home? I set out to put something together to give the Macaroni community a few ...

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Macaroni Celebrates

Father's Day gifts are always a struggle. Dads have it easy on Mother's Day -- flowers, jewelry, a beautiful trinket, a few hours of quiet time -- we're easy to please. But Father's Day gifts are hard. Do we go sentimental? Do we go manly? Do we encourage a new hobby? (That hardly ever works out for me... the beer making kit is STILL sitting in the basement two years later and don't even get me started on the Dremel tool.)  

Just like Moms, Dads just want ...


This Week's Picks:

Saturday, June 15 - Share the Hope Concert

Family Activities and Concessions start at 3:00pm, concert starts at 5:00pm.  The Mike Westendorf Share the Hope Concert benefits the Cross of Christ Food Shelf and ACBC Foodshelf.
Where: George Green Park - 1498 6th Ave, Anoka
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: One Non-Perishable Food Shelf donation per person.
Add to My Macaroni

This Week's Calendar:

June 14th through June 23rd

Friday, June 14 through Saturday, June 22 - Como Zoo Story Time

Our stories feature plants and animals, and occasionally involve costumed characters.
Where: Como Zoo Visitor Center - 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul
When: 1:30 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Zoo admission is Free! A voluntary donation of $3 for an adult and $2 for a child to help us care for the plants and animals is appreciated. You are always welcome whether or not you choose to make a donation.
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, June 14 - Family Night at Midtown Global Market

Family Fridays feature music and free family-friendly activities for all ages every week. Bring your kids and experience the market as a family.
Where: Midtown Global Market - 920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: midtownglobalmarket.org
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, June 14 - Movie Night

Head on over to Springbrook's Mini Movie Theatre complete with a big screen and sound systems for a FREE Friday Night Movie.  Enjoy a fun, fascinating nature related film. Popcorn and lemonade for just $1.  This week: IMAX: Survival Island
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley
When: 6:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE - Popcorn and lemonade available for $1
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - Family Flick

Ice Age 2: The Meltdown **Sensory-friendly starts Sept. 24th - sensory-friendly films offer families struggling with autism an opportunity to enjoy a family outing in a safe and accepting environment. Simple adjustments like turning the sound down, leaving the lights up and offering additional staff within the theater to help with concessions, make a film screening sensory-friendly, and welcoming to families who struggle with autism. Audience members are welcome to dance, sing, and walk around without judgment or scrutiny.  
Where: Mall of America Theater
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Show up early!  First come, first serve!
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - Animal Feeding

All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process.
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Springbrook Nature Center
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - Cloth Diaper 101

Learn how easy cloth diapering can be.  During this workshop you will learn about the different types of cloth diapers available, the difference between the fabrics, and how to use the different types.
Where: All Things Diapers - 12064 Central Ave, Blaine
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Parents intersted in cloth diapering
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - Solar Printing

Let the scientist in you soar with this fun activity where art meets science. Using ozalid paper and natural materials, the sun helps you create unusual print designs in just a few minutes. Then you frame your favorite design. 
Where: Columbia Heights Public Library - 820 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: For kids in grades 1-5. 
How: Call 763-706-3690 to register. 
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - Baby Wearing Basics

Do slings, structured carriers, wraps, soft carriers all confuse you? At this class youy will learn what the differences are and how to use the different types of baby carriers.
Where: All Things Diapers - 12064 Central Ave, Blaine
When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Parents with babies.
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - Games Day

Join us to play a variety of video games and board games, put together puzzles, and more. Fun for the whole family!
Where: Crooked Lake Library - 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, Coon Rapids
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, June 16 - Target Free Sunday at The Minnesota Children's Museum

Thanks to the generosity of Target Corporation, visitors can roam the Museum free of charge, every third Sunday of each month, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Due to the number of visitors on Target Free 3rd Sundays, we suggest leaving strollers at home or in the car. Thank you.
Where: Children's Museum, 10 West Seventh Street, St. Paul
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://www.mcm.org
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, June 17 - Make & Take Mondays

Start each week throughout the summer with a visit to the library! Each Monday morning, the Children’s Department will have a specially featured art activity. Make and take it home along with the books you check out.
Where: Columbia Heights Public Library - 820 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, June 17 - New Parent Connection

Bring your baby and join other new parents, and a parent educator, for support and discussion. Topics include sleep, feeding, brain development and infant activities.
Where: Unity Hospital - 550 Osborne Road, Fridley - Lower Level Auditorium
When: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Parents and their infants ages birth to 6 months.
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, June 17 - Monday Night Live!

Each Monday evening there is something different to learn - it might be a puppet show, a campfire talk, a hike in the park, an animal show - or something completely different. Be brave - come and check it out!
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Cost is $3 per person, children 2 and under are free.
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, June 18 - Toddler Tuesdays: Clifford

Woof! Join us for stories about our favorite big, red, furry friend and a fun craft project! Meet Clifford from 10 – 10:30 and 11 – 11:30 a.m. and join us for storytime at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. **If necessary, the meet & greet line will close prior to 11:30 a.m. in order to accommodate those already standing in line**
Where: Mall of America - Rotunda
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families with toddlers
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, June 19 - Wacky Wednesday

Each Wednesday afternoon the library will host LIVE performances. 
Where: Columbia Heights Public Library - 820 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights
When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Programs are open to all, but geared towards children grades K-6.
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, June 20 - Baby Read, Baby Grow

It's never too early to begin reading with your baby.  Join in for read-aloud stories, sing-a-longs, activities and fun. Sessions include tips and hints on what to look for as your child develops and ways to ensure your infant’s intellectual growth matches his/her physical growth.
Where: Columbia Heights Public Library - 820 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Baby Read,Baby Grow is a program for infants ages birth-24 months and their parents or caregivers.
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, June 20 - New Parent Connection

Bring your baby and join other new parents, and a parent educator, for support and discussion. Topics include sleep, feeding, brain development and infant activities.
Where: Mercy Hospital - 4050 Coon Rapids, Blvd. Coon Rapids - Lower Level, Auditorium
When: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: Parents and their infants ages birth to 6 months.
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 763-506-6178
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, June 20 - Thursday Nites LIVE!

Dan Perry and Ice Cream - Variety
Where: Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on.
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, June 21 - ECFE Family Playtime

Come play in our early childhood classroom. There will be new toys and activities each week, songs and finger plays, and new friends for everyone.
Where: Riverview Early Childhood Center - 1400-93 Ave. N, Brooklyn Park - Enter door 6
When: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Parents with children ages birth through kindergarten.
How: Just show up
Cost: $2.00 per chld
For more info: Call 763-506-6170 or visit our web site at DiscoverCommunityEd.com
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 22 - Animal Feeding

All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process.
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Springbrook Nature Center
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 22 - Family Flick

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs **Sensory-friendly films offer families struggling with autism an opportunity to enjoy a family outing in a safe and accepting environment. Simple adjustments like turning the sound down, leaving the lights up and offering additional staff within the theater to help with concessions, make a film screening sensory-friendly, and welcoming to families who struggle with autism. Audience members are welcome to dance, sing, and walk around without judgment or scrutiny.
Where: Mall of America Theater
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - first come, first serve!
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 22 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

The monster fun continues at Lowe’s this weekend! Your child will love building this chest inspired by Disney•Pixar's Monsters University.

Where: All Lowe's locations
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Children
How: Register online at  http://lowesbuildandgrow.com
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://lowesbuildandgrow.com
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, June 23 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

The monster fun continues at Lowe’s this weekend! Your child will love building this chest inspired by Disney•Pixar's Monsters University.
Where: All Lowe's Locations
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Children 12 & under
How: Register online at  http://lowesbuildandgrow.com
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://lowesbuildandgrow.com
Add to My Macaroni

Teen Scene:

June 20th through June 24th

Thursday, June 20 - Teen Manga Club

Calling all manga fans! Spend your Thursday afternoons reading manga to your heart's content. We will have countless complete series for you to peruse, sample, or read completely through. Bring your friends, kick back and relax.
Where: Columbia Heights Public Library - 820 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights
When: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just show up - Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. This is a casual, open-house style program, geared towards teens. No registration required.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Check out the Anoka County Library website!
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, June 24 - Teen Book Club

Beat the heat this summer at Teen Book Club. Come to share a bit about your favorite books, help choose books for the group to read/discuss, create video reviews as a group, and related activities.
Where: Crooked Lake Library - 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, Coon Rapids
When: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Teens
How: Register online here
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Plan Ahead:

Tuesday, June 25 - Globe Trekker Kids Book Club

Travel the world (or universe!) this summer. Read & discuss, and enjoy related activities. 
Where: Centennial Library - 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines
When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: For kids entering grades 4-6
How: Register online here
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, June 25 - Kids Graphic Novel Book Club

Join Crooked Lake Library's Graphic Novel Book Club for Kids! We'll be reading graphic novel (comic-style) books, meeting for fun activities and discussion. 
Where: Crooked Lake Libraray - 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, Coon Rapids
When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: For kids entering grades 4-6.
How: Register online here
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Because I'm Your Dad - A New Book by Ahmet Zappa

“Because I’m Your Dad” sounds a bit like “because I said so”. But in this case it’s a great new children’s book by Ahmet Zappa (name sound familiar? More on that in a moment).

In this book, “Because I’m Your Dad” is followed up with “You can have spaghetti for dinner.” And other neat things. The dad shares his love, and his wish for a special relationship with his child in a series of rolicing activities. The book is festooned with monsters, robots, mud-forts and more ...

Daddy's Footsteps Gift

Macaroni Celebrates

My husband is an amazing Father and I wrack my brain to try to come up with something that will show him how much we appreciate all he does for his family! I am so excited this year to have come up with a gift that I believe does just that!! I enlisted the help of a wonderfully talented photographer. 

My mission was to capture my kids wearing their Dad’s shoes! These aren’t just any shoes though… my husband was in the Army and served in Iraq and ...

Shadow Picture for Dad

Macaroni Celebrates

This portrait gift is simply put -- easy peasy!

You will need:
poster board, cardstock or foam board
camera
kiddos
scissors

Directions:
Using posterboard, cardstock or a sturdier prop, cut or carve out the letters to the message you want to send. You can write out the letters as normal. No need to turn them inside out or backwards! 

Notes To Selves: 
Don't use paper.
I tried paper first and found it entirely too flimsy in the wind outside. 



 So we moved on to what I had in my garage ...

Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

Macaroni Menu

There’s really no way you can mess up a pork tenderloin! I always buy mine at Costco – comes two to a pack and there are two packs! I cook one pack and freeze the other for another day.

What you need:
Pork Tenderloin
Bottled Italian Dressing

What you do:
Line your crock pot with a liner (best tip ever!) and place the pork tenderloin inside.

Shake the bottle of dressing and squirt some in there. I don’t measure – I just give it several squirts. I might use about ...


50 (or so) Things to do in the Twin Cities

Find Fun All Around Town!

Looking for something to do this weekend?  At MacKid, we want to make it easy for you; here is our list of great places to check out and family-friendly things to do in the Twin Cities.  

Visit the website links for more information. 

Have a favorite you think we should add to the list?  Let us know! 

  • The Minnesota Children's Museum, website
  • Science Museum of Minnesota, website
  • Minnesota History Center, website
  • Mill City Museum, website
  • Bakken Museum, website
  • The Works, website
  • Twin City Railroad Museum, website
  • Historic Fort Snelling ...

Contact me!

Suggestions, Feedback, Submit Events, etc.

I am working hard to make sure that I keep up to date on the latest events in our community.  Please contact me if I've missed something important or if you know of an event that you'd like to see published in the newsletter.  

Also, please contact me with any thoughts or comments about my newsletter.  I would really love any feedback that you have!!  Business owners are free to contact me about advertising also.  

Do you know of an upcoming event that you'd like us to ...


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