Who says the best things in life aren’t free? At a time when millions of Americans are reeling from the effects of a recession of historic proportions, WFYI Public Broadcasting is working to ensure that Hoosier families will have the option of at least one affordable destination this summer that’s sure to delight both children and parents alike.
Make plans to join WFYI Public Broadcasting for its signature summer celebration, Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in one of Indianapolis’ most beautiful downtown park settings — Veterans Memorial Plaza and American Legion Mall. Admission is free.
Presented by Riley Hospital for Children and Marsh Supermarkets, this one-of-a-kind family festival unites children and parents face to face with the cuddly, colorful characters that we have all come to love and admire most on PBS. Visit with more than a dozen PBS KIDS characters, including Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster and Rosita walk-around characters, Maya & Miguel, Clifford, Arthur, Super WHY!, Curious George, WordGirl, plus the loveable Martha from Martha Speaks, Duck from WordWorld and Digit from Cyberchase.
As part of this year’s planned festivities, families will be invited to embark on an exciting Eco-Adventure. The park will feature interactive themed areas: Exercise PBS KIDS GO!, Reading: WordWorld, Math + Science = Fun, Finance is for Kids, Be More Environmentally Friendly and The Arts For Everyone.
Families are encouraged to bring a large blanket for lawn seating at the festival’s two main stage areas. Don’t miss Snook, the energetic tree sloth from It’s a Big Big World, when he performs on the WFYI South Stage in Veterans Memorial Plaza. And catch PBS KIDS host Miss Rosa, as she shares her special gift of storytelling and introducing children to new cultures through her Spanish language skills. The WFYI North Stage located in American Legion Mall will also offer an array of entertainment, including performances from the Russian Ballet Academy of Indiana, The Village Child Performing Arts Center, Express Kids and the Indian Palace Dancers. The all-new PB&J; Café (located in Veterans Memorial Plaza) will offer families a more intimate performance setting, featuring local entertainment from Comedy Sportz, Bill Bailey and Rick Crosslin, host of WFYI’s award-winning Indiana Expeditions public television series.
From colorful bounce houses, slides and train rides to hands-on interactive play stations, Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park boasts an array of educational activities that reflect WFYI Public Broadcasting’s commitment to promote lifelong learning. Families will enjoy an eclectic mix of engaging hands-on activities hosted by some of Central Indiana’s leading arts and service organizations, including American Red Cross, Art with a Heart, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Conner Prairie, Barn R.A.T.S. with Mud Creek Players, Eagle Creek Nature Trailer and Indiana Council for Preschool Cooperatives, and much more. An array of festival foods will also be available for purchase in the food court located on North Street (between American Legion Mall and Veterans Memorial Plaza).
Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. with a colorful walking procession of PBS KIDS characters, clowns and local mascots through the festival venue. Families will want to arrive early to catch the parade. Visit wfyi.org for event details as they become available on the festival’s entertainment lineup, PBS KIDS character appearance times and directions to the venue.
Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park is WFYI Public Broadcasting’s gift back to the community. Each year, more than 40,000 people attend this wholesome family celebration, which boasts an array of educational activities that reflect the station’s on-going commitment to prepare all young children for entry into school.
This year’s celebration is presented by Riley Hospital for Children and Marsh Supermarkets, with additional support from The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Moe’s Southwest Grill, AXA Foundation — the philanthropic arm of AXA Advisors, LLC, The Hilton Garden Inn, Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Republic Services, Moeller Printing, American Red Cross, Conner Prairie, Edinburgh Premium Outlets, Indy’s Child, Indy Momslikeme.com, Indy’s Parent Source, Tupperware, USA Funds and Usborne Books.
Valley Life
Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park Family Festival Saturday in Indy
- Valley Life
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Turning wrenches: If something’s broken, Joe Preston fixes it
Vintage photos of race cars — of the compact “midget” style — hang on the wall inside Joe Preston’s garage.
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Birthday: May 27, 2012
Shirley Ann Kaperak of Terre Haute will observe her 80th birthday Monday.
An open house is scheduled 2 to 5 p.m. June 24 in the home of her daughter at 6971 E. Rosehill Ave., in Terre Haute.
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Valley Life: May 27, 2012
• Terre Haute Children’s Museum to host volunteer orientation session
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• Vigo County teen finalist in state pageant
• Sap-sucking bugs damaging state tree
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WEDDING: May 27, 2012
• Ummel-McMichael
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Tried ‘N’ True: Try this crock pot stew for busy days
We are getting busy with outside work, cleaning yards and planting our gardens, picking berries and also hunting mushrooms. I can’t go out anymore. But I hope you all have found a bunch. This recipe is an easy one to fix. Get your slow cookers out and have a great meal when you are tired. Everyone will think you are full of energy.
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ENGAGEMENTS: May 27, 2012
• Majors-Seneviratne
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GRAPE SENSE: The story behind the consistent, easy to appreciate 7 Deadly Zins
The story behind one of the best tasting and most successful value wines has good winemaking, gratitude to terrible sweet wine, and a long family history of fruit production to credit for its success.
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PAW PRINTS: Don’t take a chance with you pet and heat
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has made recommendations for your pet during the summer heat. Don’t take a chance with your dog or cat. They, too, can suffer from overheating, dehydration, and sunburn.
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Bridge Column: May 27, 2012
The Bridge Club is happy to welcome Linda and Richard Easton back from Florida.
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ANNIVERSARIES: May 27, 2012
• Mr. and Mrs. John R. Edwards
• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Cooper
• Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. McMullen
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The sky’s the limit
Backyard astronomers stare at the night sky, trying to remember how to find the North Star, the Big Dipper and Mars.
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TRIED ’N’ TRUE: Whip up a rhubarb surprise cake
This recipe comes from Ruth Baker. She sent a lot of rhubarb recipes. I have been putting them in the paper for the last three years. I’ve almost used most of them. Some I have used more than others. Mary Hunter also had this recipe. I have made this a lot. Gene really likes this. I use sweetener and yellow or white sugar-free cake mix. The only sugar I put in this recipe is in the marshmallows. Adjust for this. Our grandkids also enjoy this cake. Thanks to Ruth and Mary.
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Resource helps with child care search
Hoosier families now have a digital tool to assess child care facilities for quality, safety and other benchmarks, and can take virtual tours of select facilities. Child Care Online is a free Internet search tool designed so consumers can easily and conveniently compare child care programs and can identify a range of high-quality care choices.
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PAW PRINTS: Heatstroke can harm, kill pets
Spring and summer temperatures in the Midwest often reach into the high 80s and 90s. Some people wouldn’t consider sitting out in the heat until the sun went down.
- GROUPS AND GATHERINGS: May 20, 2012
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- VALLEY DATEBOOK: May 20, 2012
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Ferguson land gift strikes conservation note
Gov. Mitch Daniels recently accepted what is believed to be one of the largest private land conservation gifts in state history — 1,500 acres of the Ferguson farm near Springville in Lawrence County.
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Chi Omega chapters raise $7,600 for Make-A-Wish
The Chi Omega chapters at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana State University raised $7,600 for Make-A-Wish, which will help grant the wish of a 6-year-old girl named Sandy.
- WEDDING: May 20, 2012
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BRIDGE: May 20, 2012
The Terre Haute Bridge Club is fortunate to have a successful Monday Evening Fun Bridge game with at least six tables, and one couple has decided to stretch their game to include other games throughout the week.
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Vermillion Mega Park open for Memorial Day visitors
In observance of Memorial Day, Vermillion Rise Mega Park, with the assistance of the Vermillion County Sherriff’s Department, will accommodate cemetery visits between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 26 through May 28
- ENGAGEMENTS: May 20, 2012
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YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Oil in your backyard: Track where new wells are planned
The Indiana Division of Oil and Gas well records show there are 72 existing oil wells in Vigo County.
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Summer Sidewalk Sale set
Marshall Main Street’s Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9.
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Mother's Day stories: Amazing, Loving, Patient, Faithful, Friend, Brave
It’s merely one word, yet the conjunction of those six letters conjures up so many meanings and feelings. While teaching us both the simple and profound lessons in life, mothers somehow can instill morals and memories. They can guide us on our journey, pick us up when we fall, and let go when we must find our own strength.
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VALLEY LIFE BRIEFLY: May 13, 2012
Senior Citizens Picnic scheduled at Forest Park
New group offers support to moms
Edgar Extension to host edible centerpiece workshop
Style show features Wabash Valley celebrities
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PAW PRINTS: Kitten-proof the home before bringing pet home
It’s kitten season at the Terre Haute Humane Society. Come and take a look at all the many colors currently living at the shelter. Fall in love with the adorable babies, and take advantage of the sibling discount and adopt two. Kittens are so much fun. They’re inquisitive, playful and loving.
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TRIED ‘N’ TRUE: Rhubarb, strawberries, cherries ready at same time
With rhubarb, strawberries and cherries being about ready at the same time, this recipe is so easy.
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GRAPE SENSE: Finding a 100 percent Carignan will be worth the effort
It’s a long path from Louisville, Ky., to Saint-Jean-de-Minervois in Southern France. But that’s the journey Brown University graduate John Bojanowski took in transformation from literature major to Languedoc winery owner.
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