Saturday, January 31, 2009
Introducing Kurt Dusterberg, our Sports TRACKer
Kurt is a writer and father of two: a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. He has spent most of his career involved with sports as a writer and television sportscaster. He recently published his first book, "Journeymen: 24 Bittersweet Tales of Short Major League Sports Careers." He is eager to see if his own children develop a love for sports in the coming years. Kurt has coached his daughter's soccer team for three seasons and claims he has learned more about the kids than he taught them about soccer! Click here to see his debut Sports TRACKer blog.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wake County Public Schools Assures Parents That Peanut Butter Recall Does Not Affect Child Nutrition Services
From Wake County Public School System's web page:
WCPSS Child Nutrition Services has been assured by our Commodity Distributor and our Grocery Distributor that WCPSS has not received any King Nut Peanut Butter. To be overly cautious for our customers, the cafeterias will no longer serve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or Little Debbie Nutty Bars until the recall is complete.
WCPSS Child Nutrition Services has been assured by our Commodity Distributor and our Grocery Distributor that WCPSS has not received any King Nut Peanut Butter. To be overly cautious for our customers, the cafeterias will no longer serve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or Little Debbie Nutty Bars until the recall is complete.
Updated Information on Peanut Butter Recall
Click here for the most updated report on the peanut butter recall.
Info copied directly from the FDA's website (at above link):
January 23, 2009: A combination of epidemiological analysis and laboratory testing by state officials in Minnesota and Connecticut, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have enabled FDA to confirm that the sources of the outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Typhimurium are peanut butter and peanut paste produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at its Blakely, Georgia processing plant.
Peanut butter is sold by PCA in bulk containers ranging in size from five (5) to 1,700 pounds. The peanut paste is sold in sizes ranging from 35-pound containers to product sold by the tanker container. Neither of these products is sold directly to consumers.
However, through its investigation, FDA has determined that PCA distributed potentially contaminated product to more than 70 consignee firms, for use as an ingredient in hundreds of different products, such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream. FDA's report on its inspection of the PCA facility is available at this link: http://www.fda.gov/ora/frequent/default.htm. Companies all over the country that received product from PCA have issued voluntary recalls of their products. FDA has created a searchable database for these products, which can be found at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm, Identification of products subject to recall is continuing and this list is updated frequently.
Product recalls now include some pet food products that contain peanut paste that was made by PCA. While the risk of animals contracting salmonellosis is minimal, there is risk to humans from handling these products. It is important for people to wash their hands--and make sure children wash their hands--before and, especially, after feeding treats to pets. Further information for consumers is located in the Frequently Asked Questions section located on this web site. The pet food products are also included in the searchable data base of recalled products.
Major national brands of jarred peanut butter found in grocery stores are not affected by the PCA recall.
FDA and CDC recommendations for consumers include:
* Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.
* To determine if commercially-prepared or manufactured peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) are subject to recall, consumers are urged first to visit FDA’s website and check the searchable database of recalled products.
* For information on products containing peanut butter from companies not reporting recalls, consumers may wish to consult the company’s website or call the toll-free number listed on most packaging. Information consumers may receive from the companies has not been verified by the FDA.
* If consumers cannot determine if their peanut butter, peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products or institutionally-served peanut butter contains PCA peanut butter/peanut paste, FDA recommends that they do not consume those products.
* Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers.
Here are products currently being recalled:
Peanut Butter Product Recalls
GRANDE GOURMET
King Nut
POCO PAC
Parnell's Pride
Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride
Unbranded for further distribution
Peanut Paste Product Recalls
Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride
Info copied directly from the FDA's website (at above link):
January 23, 2009: A combination of epidemiological analysis and laboratory testing by state officials in Minnesota and Connecticut, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have enabled FDA to confirm that the sources of the outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Typhimurium are peanut butter and peanut paste produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at its Blakely, Georgia processing plant.
Peanut butter is sold by PCA in bulk containers ranging in size from five (5) to 1,700 pounds. The peanut paste is sold in sizes ranging from 35-pound containers to product sold by the tanker container. Neither of these products is sold directly to consumers.
However, through its investigation, FDA has determined that PCA distributed potentially contaminated product to more than 70 consignee firms, for use as an ingredient in hundreds of different products, such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream. FDA's report on its inspection of the PCA facility is available at this link: http://www.fda.gov/ora/frequent/default.htm. Companies all over the country that received product from PCA have issued voluntary recalls of their products. FDA has created a searchable database for these products, which can be found at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm, Identification of products subject to recall is continuing and this list is updated frequently.
Product recalls now include some pet food products that contain peanut paste that was made by PCA. While the risk of animals contracting salmonellosis is minimal, there is risk to humans from handling these products. It is important for people to wash their hands--and make sure children wash their hands--before and, especially, after feeding treats to pets. Further information for consumers is located in the Frequently Asked Questions section located on this web site. The pet food products are also included in the searchable data base of recalled products.
Major national brands of jarred peanut butter found in grocery stores are not affected by the PCA recall.
FDA and CDC recommendations for consumers include:
* Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.
* To determine if commercially-prepared or manufactured peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) are subject to recall, consumers are urged first to visit FDA’s website and check the searchable database of recalled products.
* For information on products containing peanut butter from companies not reporting recalls, consumers may wish to consult the company’s website or call the toll-free number listed on most packaging. Information consumers may receive from the companies has not been verified by the FDA.
* If consumers cannot determine if their peanut butter, peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products or institutionally-served peanut butter contains PCA peanut butter/peanut paste, FDA recommends that they do not consume those products.
* Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers.
Here are products currently being recalled:
Peanut Butter Product Recalls
GRANDE GOURMET
King Nut
POCO PAC
Parnell's Pride
Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride
Unbranded for further distribution
Peanut Paste Product Recalls
Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride
20 Things Track 3 Families Can Do During Track-Out
1. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Family Emblems
2. Make Valentine's Day Cards at Michael's
3. LEGOPalooza
4. Divine Consign Show
5. Marbles Year Round Camp (for track 3)
6. Circus Fit® with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Marbles Kids Museum
7. Trail Tales on the American Tobacco Trail: “Gregory’s Shadow” by Don Freeman
8. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Comes to Town
9. First United Methodist Church of Cary Children's Consignment Sale
10. Opening of Power-2-Play! – A New Gallery at Marbles Kids Museum
11. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Trees by Design
12. Free Bead Make-It Take-It and Michael's
13. Town of Cary Presents Daddy-Daughter Dance
14. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy at the Durham Performing Arts Center
15. Under the Sea 3D IMAX® Film Opens at Marbles Kids Museum
16. The Museum of Life and Science Presents "LEARNING OUT OF THE BOX"
17. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: I Love That!
18. The Knack: Science Fair Demo at Michael's
19. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Highlights of the American Collection
20. Go to a movie! Click here to see access local movie theaters.
2. Make Valentine's Day Cards at Michael's
3. LEGOPalooza
4. Divine Consign Show
5. Marbles Year Round Camp (for track 3)
6. Circus Fit® with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Marbles Kids Museum
7. Trail Tales on the American Tobacco Trail: “Gregory’s Shadow” by Don Freeman
8. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Comes to Town
9. First United Methodist Church of Cary Children's Consignment Sale
10. Opening of Power-2-Play! – A New Gallery at Marbles Kids Museum
11. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Trees by Design
12. Free Bead Make-It Take-It and Michael's
13. Town of Cary Presents Daddy-Daughter Dance
14. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy at the Durham Performing Arts Center
15. Under the Sea 3D IMAX® Film Opens at Marbles Kids Museum
16. The Museum of Life and Science Presents "LEARNING OUT OF THE BOX"
17. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: I Love That!
18. The Knack: Science Fair Demo at Michael's
19. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Highlights of the American Collection
20. Go to a movie! Click here to see access local movie theaters.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Move Over Disney ... Harry Potter Tours Just Topped My Vacation List!
I just came across a wonderful vacation resource for Harry Potter fans. Harry Potter Tours will take you and your family to majestic castles, quaint villages and other locations used in the Harry Potter movies. The tours also include visits to some of England's most historic cities, such as Gloucester and Oxford. The longest tour is 9 days and 8 nights, while mini-tours are just 3 days and pack in visits to film locations, medieval villages, a fairy tale castle and a prehistoric stone temple. You can also take a steam train ride, explore castles and enter fun family competitions! If you're looking for an unforgettable family vacation, be sure to check this out. We've included this link our our Travel TRACKS page. If you know of other fun family vacation destinations or packages, please email them to me.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Introducing Tyler Wright, our Food TRACKer
Tyler Wright lives in Apex with his wife and four children, who range in age from 2 to 9 and are homeschooled. With such a large family, Tyler is always looking for a good bargain when dining out and wants to share his findings with you. He has never blogged before, but is giving it a shot for us! Read Tyler's first blog at this link, and send Tyler a blog idea here.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Introducing Another Triangle TRACKer
Over the next month, Triangle TRACKS will introduce TRACKers who will blog abo
ut children's education, health, sports, food and trends. We've already introduced Anne Woodman, our Education TRACKer. Now we'd like for you to meet Janel Bunten, our Trend TRACKer. Janel is a local stay at home mom who doesn’t seem to stay at home much. She lives in Holly Springs with her husband and two kids: a second grader who wants to rule the world and a preschooler who wants to grow up to be a superhero. A couple of years ago she started to blog as a way to clear her very cluttered mommy brain. She is still clearing her mind on a daily basis at Dandelion Dayz, and her journey in writing has just begun. Janel is active in several leadership roles at her church and finds great joy in coaching other leaders. An extravert through and through, she enjoys staying connected to and volunteering in her community. Read Janel's debut blog below, or click here to see it. Learn more on our TRACKer page.
ut children's education, health, sports, food and trends. We've already introduced Anne Woodman, our Education TRACKer. Now we'd like for you to meet Janel Bunten, our Trend TRACKer. Janel is a local stay at home mom who doesn’t seem to stay at home much. She lives in Holly Springs with her husband and two kids: a second grader who wants to rule the world and a preschooler who wants to grow up to be a superhero. A couple of years ago she started to blog as a way to clear her very cluttered mommy brain. She is still clearing her mind on a daily basis at Dandelion Dayz, and her journey in writing has just begun. Janel is active in several leadership roles at her church and finds great joy in coaching other leaders. An extravert through and through, she enjoys staying connected to and volunteering in her community. Read Janel's debut blog below, or click here to see it. Learn more on our TRACKer page.
Track 4: Just 3 Days Left of Track-Out ... Here are 3 Activities!
Visit the Triangle TRACKS calendar for details on all of these events.
1. Check out Monday's Carolina Hurricanes team practice at 2 p.m. at the RecZone. It's free! View the practice schedule here.
2. Marbles Museum and IMAX are open for the Teacher Work Day Jan. 26.
3. Go to a movie! “Hotel for Dogs” opened Jan. 16, and "The Tale of Despereaux" and "Marley and Me" are currently in theaters. (Please see reader comments on "Marley and Me" at this link before you take the kids to this movie.) IMAX is currently showing a great selection of movies, and Blue Ridge Cinemas is showing "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "The Dark Knight."
1. Check out Monday's Carolina Hurricanes team practice at 2 p.m. at the RecZone. It's free! View the practice schedule here.
2. Marbles Museum and IMAX are open for the Teacher Work Day Jan. 26.
3. Go to a movie! “Hotel for Dogs” opened Jan. 16, and "The Tale of Despereaux" and "Marley and Me" are currently in theaters. (Please see reader comments on "Marley and Me" at this link before you take the kids to this movie.) IMAX is currently showing a great selection of movies, and Blue Ridge Cinemas is showing "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "The Dark Knight."
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Trailblazers Math Will Blaze a Trail OUT of Wake County Public Schools Starting Next School Year
The News & Observer reports that starting next school year, Wake County Public Schools will no longer use the Trailblazers Math program, a controversial math program many parents AND teachers disliked. Read more here.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Introducing Triangle TRACKers
Over the next month, Triangle TRACKS will introduce TRACKers who will blog about education, health, sports, food and trends. To kick things off, we'd like to introduce Anne Woodman, our Education TRACKer. Anne is a freelance writer and mother of two elementary schoolers. She lives and writes in Morrisville, and has a background in education and healthcare public relations. In addition to writing for local publications The Cary News and magazines Wake Living and Fifteen 501, she works on short stories and a novel-long-in-progress. You can find more information about her writing at www.agwoodman.com. View Anne's debut education blog by at this link.
Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter
From the FDA:
Contact:
Peanut Corporation of America
1-877-564-7080
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Lynchburg, Va. (January 13, 2009) – Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
All product affected was produced on or after July 1, 2008, specific to the lot numbers and descriptions listed below.
The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnell’s Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing.
None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.
“We deeply regret that this has happened,” said Stewart Parnell, owner and president of PCA. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily withdrawing this product and contacting our customers. We are taking these actions with the safety of our consumers as our first priority.”
PCA initiated this recall after an open container of King Nut brand peanut butter in a long-term care facility in Minnesota was found to contain a strain of salmonella. King Nut brand peanut butter is produced by PCA.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota laboratory analyses on the contamination in the already-opened container of peanut butter have the same genetic fingerprint as the cases in the national outbreak that has sickened almost 400 people in 42 states.
The voluntary recall of 21 lots of its peanut butter, in containers ranging from five to 50 pounds, is being taken immediately. PCA is notifying its institutional customers and has set up a toll-free hotline number 1-877-564-7080 to answer questions.
PCA is continuing to work closely and cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state officials as part of this ongoing investigation.
According to a CDC update issued on their website today (January 13, 2009), preliminary analysis of an epidemiologic study conducted by CDC and public health officials has suggested peanut butter as a likely source. The CDC and other public health officials are continuing to conduct surveillance for cases of infection with the outbreak strains, and to gather and analyze data or exposures that may be associated with illness. To date, no association has been found with common brand names of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.
Customers are asked to take all peanut butter manufactured with the lot numbers listed below out of distribution immediately. Customers can call the following toll-free 24-hour number 1-877-564-7080 for further instructions on what to do with the product or visit the company website at www.peanutcorp.com for additional information.
Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses. For more information on the salmonella bacteria, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov.
Click here to see the lot numbers and descriptions of items being recalled.
Contact:
Peanut Corporation of America
1-877-564-7080
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Lynchburg, Va. (January 13, 2009) – Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
All product affected was produced on or after July 1, 2008, specific to the lot numbers and descriptions listed below.
The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnell’s Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing.
None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.
“We deeply regret that this has happened,” said Stewart Parnell, owner and president of PCA. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily withdrawing this product and contacting our customers. We are taking these actions with the safety of our consumers as our first priority.”
PCA initiated this recall after an open container of King Nut brand peanut butter in a long-term care facility in Minnesota was found to contain a strain of salmonella. King Nut brand peanut butter is produced by PCA.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota laboratory analyses on the contamination in the already-opened container of peanut butter have the same genetic fingerprint as the cases in the national outbreak that has sickened almost 400 people in 42 states.
The voluntary recall of 21 lots of its peanut butter, in containers ranging from five to 50 pounds, is being taken immediately. PCA is notifying its institutional customers and has set up a toll-free hotline number 1-877-564-7080 to answer questions.
PCA is continuing to work closely and cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state officials as part of this ongoing investigation.
According to a CDC update issued on their website today (January 13, 2009), preliminary analysis of an epidemiologic study conducted by CDC and public health officials has suggested peanut butter as a likely source. The CDC and other public health officials are continuing to conduct surveillance for cases of infection with the outbreak strains, and to gather and analyze data or exposures that may be associated with illness. To date, no association has been found with common brand names of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.
Customers are asked to take all peanut butter manufactured with the lot numbers listed below out of distribution immediately. Customers can call the following toll-free 24-hour number 1-877-564-7080 for further instructions on what to do with the product or visit the company website at www.peanutcorp.com for additional information.
Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses. For more information on the salmonella bacteria, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov.
Click here to see the lot numbers and descriptions of items being recalled.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Kidzu Museum in Chapel Hill Open for FREE every Sunday for Through Sept. 2009
From the Kidzu News Page:
Sponsored by Durham Regional Hospital and New Caregiver Resource Program funded by the Orange County Partnership for Young Children.
Beginning on Sunday, Sept. 21, Kidzu will be open for FREE every Sunday for the next year. Durham Regional Hospital is generously underwriting admission fees on Sundays.
And, beginning in October, free Sundays will get even better with free child development and child health resources for families at Kidzu. With generous funding from the Orange County Partnership for Young Children, Kidzu will offer free dental health screenings, guidance on raising healthy children, information on finding and affording quality childcare and much more. Program partners will include Durham Regional Hospital, the Orange County Health Department Dental Health Services Division, Child Care Services Association, the Chapel Hill Public Library, and many more.
This grant will also allow Kidzu to offer free field trips to local children from low-income backgrounds. And, it provides funding to hire an Outreach Coordinator to ensure that children in need throughout Orange County have access to Kidzu's playful learning experiences.
Thanks to our generous sponsors and partners, Kidzu will have even more to offer you, your family and our entire community.
13 Things Track 4 Families Can Do Before Heading Back to School July 28
Visit the Triangle TRACKS calendar for details on all of these events.
1. "The Greatest Places" IMAX® Film Opens, Jan. 6.
2. Check out an open Carolina Hurricanes practice. They're free! View the practice schedule here.
3. Marbles Kids Museum Can Opener, Jan. 17
4. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Envelope Book, Jan. 17.
5. Check out a track-out camp, like the one at Dreamsports Center in Apex.
6. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Clay-Relief Workshop, Jan. 24.
7. N.C. Symphony's Young People's Series: "Bugs Bunny on Broadway," Jan. 24 and 25.
8. N.C. Museum of Art presents "Family Fun Saturday: Clay-Relief Workshop"" Jan. 24.
9. Marbles Museum and IMAX Open – Teacher Work Day, Jan. 26.
10. Go to a movie! “Hotel for Dogs” opens Jan. 16, and "The Tale of Despereaux" and "Marley and Me" are currently in theaters. (Please see reader comments on "Marley and Me" at this link before you take the kids to this movie.) IMAX is currently showing a great selection of movies, and Blue Ridge Cinemas is showing "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "The Dark Knight."
11. Check out Kidzu Musuem's Carolina Creations Workshop: Sock Snow Friends, Jan. 22.
12. Shop the Kids Exchange Sale at the N.C. State Fairgrounds Jan. 23.
13. Stop by the grand opening of BounceU in Apex Jan. 24.
1. "The Greatest Places" IMAX® Film Opens, Jan. 6.
2. Check out an open Carolina Hurricanes practice. They're free! View the practice schedule here.
3. Marbles Kids Museum Can Opener, Jan. 17
4. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Envelope Book, Jan. 17.
5. Check out a track-out camp, like the one at Dreamsports Center in Apex.
6. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Clay-Relief Workshop, Jan. 24.
7. N.C. Symphony's Young People's Series: "Bugs Bunny on Broadway," Jan. 24 and 25.
8. N.C. Museum of Art presents "Family Fun Saturday: Clay-Relief Workshop"" Jan. 24.
9. Marbles Museum and IMAX Open – Teacher Work Day, Jan. 26.
10. Go to a movie! “Hotel for Dogs” opens Jan. 16, and "The Tale of Despereaux" and "Marley and Me" are currently in theaters. (Please see reader comments on "Marley and Me" at this link before you take the kids to this movie.) IMAX is currently showing a great selection of movies, and Blue Ridge Cinemas is showing "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "The Dark Knight."
11. Check out Kidzu Musuem's Carolina Creations Workshop: Sock Snow Friends, Jan. 22.
12. Shop the Kids Exchange Sale at the N.C. State Fairgrounds Jan. 23.
13. Stop by the grand opening of BounceU in Apex Jan. 24.
The Circus: Tons of Fun--or Controversy?
Going to the circus is viewed as a fun family event, but reports of cruelty to animals have damaged ticket sales and viewpoints toward this time-honored tradition. I did a Google search and found countless reports and comments on Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Baily's alleged animal cruelty violations, and just wonder what our Triangle TRACKS visitors think? Here is a link to some of the reports and blog posts about this, as well as a link to our calendar posting of the event (in case you want to order tickets) and a link to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey website. Let us know what you think about this controversial topic.
Whew! Consignment Stores Can Still Sell, as Long as They Meet Lead Limit Requirements
We already know new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) take effect Feb. 10. Under this new law, children’s products with more than 600 ppm total lead cannot lawfully be sold in the United States on or after Feb. 10, even if they were manufactured before that date. On Aug. 14, the restrictions tighten as the total lead limit drops to 300 ppm.
But the really good news is this new law will NOT shut consignment shops down, since resellers will NOT be required to test children’s products for lead before they are sold. However, those who do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is therefore advising that resellers avoid accepting products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have proof that those products have less than the new limit. Read more at this link.
But the really good news is this new law will NOT shut consignment shops down, since resellers will NOT be required to test children’s products for lead before they are sold. However, those who do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is therefore advising that resellers avoid accepting products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have proof that those products have less than the new limit. Read more at this link.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Will We Lose Children's Consignment Stores Feb. 10?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission may have just put an end to children's consignment sales. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) passed in August changed the lead standard for all children's products, from clothes to toys. The purpose of this new law, which takes effect Feb. 10, is for every children's product to be made lead-free. This means anything made prior to the new law will have to be removed from store shelves, which heavily affects consignment stores. Read more at this link, and let us know what you think.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Pure Expressions Photography in Apex Wants to Photograph the Cutest Kids in the Triangle for the National Charity Model Search
Pure Expressions Photography is participating in the National Charity Model Search to select “America’s Cutest Kid” and to raise funds for their favorite charity, "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep."
Portrait subjects must be 18 months to 14 years old to participate in the contest. Since this search is for charity, Pure Expressions Photography has a very special entrance fee and will be using fundraiser pricing for any additional purchase customers choose to make. Learn more at this link!
Portrait subjects must be 18 months to 14 years old to participate in the contest. Since this search is for charity, Pure Expressions Photography has a very special entrance fee and will be using fundraiser pricing for any additional purchase customers choose to make. Learn more at this link!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Duke Talent Identification Program Enrollment Open to Qualifying 4th and 5th Graders
The Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) enables qualifying 4th and 5th graders to take the 8th grade Explore Test in 5th and/or 6th grade, and the SATs or ACTs in 7th grade. Currently, enrollment is open to 4th and 5th graders through March 20 who have scored at least a 95 on one of the accepted nationally standardized tests (in Wake County this would be the CogAT and Iowa Test of Basic Skills). Duke TIP accepts composite scores or subtest scores, and I believe scores of 95 or higher on the End-of-Grade (EOGs). Here is the link to the 4th and 5th grade Duke TIP enrollment page: http://www.tip.duke.edu/talent_searches/grades_4-5/
These students also qualify to enroll in the 7th grade Duke TIP, which allows you the option of exposing your child to the SATs or ACTs in 7th grade. Enrollment for this year has ended, but will resume in September for students who will be in 7th grade next year. The SATs or ACTs are typically taken in December and January of their 7th grade year. Here is the link to the 7th grade Duke TIP enrollment page:
http://www.tip.duke.edu/talent_searches/grade_7/
The fees for both TIPs are well worth every penny, since WCPSS provides no other nationally standardized test scores to compare your child to during elementary school other than the CogATs and ITBS in 3rd grade. Remember, EOGs measure progress based only on state standards. The Explore test scores and explanations actually helped me understand my son's academic progress better than the EOGs did. (I recommend the Explore Test in 5th grade as opposed to 6th grade so your child has a year off before he/she has to take the SATs in 7th grade.) Hope this info helps.
To parents who have experience with Duke TIP, please feel free to post your comments about this here.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Kids Trends Weekly Magazine Posts "Our Favorites of 2008" List
From Tinseltown dresses to the "I Am My Own Hero Cape & Mask," get the latest on kids trends from Kids Trends Weekly Magazine's "Our Favorites of 2008" list. (My personal favorite is the crocheted vintage style hat with pink ribbon rose from Petite Fleur Designs.)
14 Things TRACK 4 Families Can do Jan. 5-28
Visit the Triangle TRACKS calendar for details on all of these events.
1. "The Greatest Places" IMAX® Film Opens, Jan. 6.
2. Check out "Birdapalooza" with Birdman Dave at the Museum of Life and Science, Jan. 10.
3. "Canstruction 2009 – Build Out Day" at Marbles Kids Museum, Jan. 10.
4. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Children’s Performance: Celebrating African Dance, Music, and Song, Jan. 10.
5. Participate in Hoop Shoot at Bond Park Community Center in Cary, Jan. 10, 1-4 p.m.
6. Marbles Kids Museum Year Round Camp (for track 4), Jan. 12-16.
7. Rags to Riches Theatre for Young Adults Presents "Handsel and Gretel," Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.
8. Marbles Kids Museum Can Opener, Jan. 17
9. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Envelope Book, Jan. 17.
10. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Clay-Relief Workshop, Jan. 24.
11. N.C. Symphony's Young People's Series: "Bugs Bunny on Broadway," Jan. 24.
12. Marbles Museum and IMAX Open – Teacher Work Day, Jan. 26.
13. Go to a movie! “Hotel for Dogs” opens Jan. 16, and "The Tale of Despereaux" and "Marley and Me" are currently in theaters. (Please see reader comments on "Marley and Me" at this link before you take the kids to this movie.) IMAX is currently showing a great selection of movies, and Blue Ridge Cinemas is showing "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "The Dark Knight."
14. Go for a hike, hit a playground or take a bicycle ride. North Carolina's mild winters enable plenty of outdoor activity this time of year! Check out Outdoor TRACKS for ideas.
1. "The Greatest Places" IMAX® Film Opens, Jan. 6.
2. Check out "Birdapalooza" with Birdman Dave at the Museum of Life and Science, Jan. 10.
3. "Canstruction 2009 – Build Out Day" at Marbles Kids Museum, Jan. 10.
4. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Children’s Performance: Celebrating African Dance, Music, and Song, Jan. 10.
5. Participate in Hoop Shoot at Bond Park Community Center in Cary, Jan. 10, 1-4 p.m.
6. Marbles Kids Museum Year Round Camp (for track 4), Jan. 12-16.
7. Rags to Riches Theatre for Young Adults Presents "Handsel and Gretel," Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.
8. Marbles Kids Museum Can Opener, Jan. 17
9. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Envelope Book, Jan. 17.
10. N.C. Museum of Art Presents Family Fun Saturday: Clay-Relief Workshop, Jan. 24.
11. N.C. Symphony's Young People's Series: "Bugs Bunny on Broadway," Jan. 24.
12. Marbles Museum and IMAX Open – Teacher Work Day, Jan. 26.
13. Go to a movie! “Hotel for Dogs” opens Jan. 16, and "The Tale of Despereaux" and "Marley and Me" are currently in theaters. (Please see reader comments on "Marley and Me" at this link before you take the kids to this movie.) IMAX is currently showing a great selection of movies, and Blue Ridge Cinemas is showing "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "The Dark Knight."
14. Go for a hike, hit a playground or take a bicycle ride. North Carolina's mild winters enable plenty of outdoor activity this time of year! Check out Outdoor TRACKS for ideas.
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