Wassenaar Mother and Toddler Play Group

Community Events in February and March

2012-02-10T15:45:00.001+01:00

February 10th. 11th and 12th
STREB Extreme Action Dance Company will perform their show "Forces" in Den Haag.
http://www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/to/STREB-Extreme-Action-Company-in-Atrium.htm?utm_source=TripolisDialogue_nieuwsbrief&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=@denhaag

From February 18th – March 4th (during the Spring half-term holiday), the museums in Leiden will organise a number of fun activities for children:
Volkenkunde (Museum of Ethnology)
Learn how to start a fire, read a compass and listen to a Presentation about a climbing expedition in Nepal.

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities)
Make a coaster or picture frame from mosaic, paint a tea glass or sculpt a lantern from clay.

Naturalis
Become a true researcher. Discover the evolution of mankind, research how fossils come into being, puzzle together a real animal skeleton and build your own super dog.

Museum Boerhaave
As tradition has it, Museum Boerhaave is bursting with activity during the holiday. Take part in exciting workshops and treasure hunts!

(Source: http://www.expatcentreleiden.nl/)

February 22nd until March 4thSwanlake "Siegfried and Odette"
A contemporary version of Swanlake
http://www2.lonnekevanleth.nl/?page_id=750

February 19th
Bigtop Circus: Tilt!
http://www.stadspodia.nl/programma/2077/bigtop_circus/tilt_/

February 24 at 2:00pm

Sieboldhuis

During a Manga workshop you can draw your favourite Japanese animation characters such as Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh.

March 10th

Percossa: Knock-Out
Four men will drum, stamp, fly, juggle and jump rope their way through this wordless performance. http://www.stadspodia.nl/programma/2096/percossa/knock_out/

March 12th at 7:30pm

Families, Food & Fights Seminar
"Food is the fuel for our kids, but it is also the fuel that ignites many family-time fights. Katherine Fortier will talk about how to create more pleasant, peaceful mealtimes and also how to promote healthy behaviours and attitudes about food and eating. We'll focus on some of the common food-fight issues: coming when called, table manners, sitting still, fussy eaters, trying new foods. We'll also touch on how healthy behaviour patterns can help prevent eating disorders like obesity and anorexia."
http://www.passionateparenting.nl/bookonline

New Expat Store in Wassenaar

2012-01-16T09:37:00.000+01:00

Kelly's Expat Shopping has just opened a new store in Wassenaar, near the C1000. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Kelly's Expat Shopping

A Few Community Events in January

2012-01-16T09:32:00.001+01:00

January 28th (11:30-17:30)- Chinese New Year Parade and Festival in Den Haag
http://www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/to/Chinese-New-Year-Festival-3.htm?utm_source=TripolisDialogue_nieuwsbrief&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=@denhaag

Looking for a night out and want to try a new resturant? DiningCity will organise the second national Eetweek from January 23rd to the 29th. During this week you can dine at some of the finest restaurants and dining cafes in the Netherlands for only €10!
http://www.eetweek.nl/

January 30th (19:30-21:45)- Passionate Parenting seminar: Food and Family Fights with Katherine Fortier
http://www.passionateparenting.nl/general/next-events.php

A few December Community Events

2011-12-04T23:26:00.001+01:00

The following are just a few of the many events that are taking place in December. Hopefully some of you will be able to check them out. We hope our Dutch friends have had a fun filled Sinterklaas weekend and wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!

December 5th, 6th, 12th or 13th- Christmas Cake Pops Workshop (http://www.cutecakepops.com/)

December 7th (19:30 – 21:30) - Passionate Parenting seminar: Raising Bilingual Children
Dutch, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Portuguese? 2 hour lecture by Eowyn Crisfield on how to raise multilingual children, with all the guidelines, practicalities and important details.
Venue: van Hogenhoucklaan 89 (behind Bronovo Hospital).
Register here: (www.passionateparenting.nl/bookonline)

December 9th, 10th, 15th, 17th & 21st- A Christmas Carol in The Hague (http://www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/to/A-Christmas-Carol-in-The-Hague-11.htm)

December 10th, 17th, 18th & 24th- Christmas express from The Hague to Delft on Salonboot Den Haag
(http://www.salonbootdenhaag.nl/)

December 10th- Christmas Market in Ypenburg

December 13th- Lighting of Swedish Christmas tree on Lange Voorhout (Swedish Embasy)

December 16th and 23rd- Christmas cruises through The Hague’s Canals

December 22nd- 28th- Circus in Den Haag (http://www.kerstcircusdenhaag.nl/)

Many other events listed at:
http://www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/to/Christmas-and-New-Years-in-The-Hague-1.htm

A few Community Events in November

2011-11-03T13:47:00.000+01:00

American Women's Club of The Hague Holiday Bazaar
An exciting holiday shopping bazaar with numerous vendors, featuring high-quality goods from all over the world.
http://www.awcthehague.org/bazaar.php
November 12 - 13, 2011

Colourful The Hague walk

http://www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/to/Colourful-The-Hague-walk.htm
Friday the 18th of November

International Food Fair
http://www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/to/International-Food-Fair.htm
Saturday the 19th of November, 2011

Tour our local Windmills
http://english.wassenaar.nl/news_archive/long_live_the_mills
Any Saturday

Playgroup is still here and going strong!

2011-11-03T13:24:00.000+01:00

It has been quite some time since this blog has been updated but we are still here! We are an English speaking playgroup with families from all over the globe.

Are you new to The Netherlands or just new to Wassenaar? Join us for lots of free play, songs and maybe a craft or two. Playgroups are a great place for your baby or young child to make friends and learn to play well with others. Also, playgroups are great support for us caregiver too! We look forward to meeting you and your little ones!

Play group is back

2009-08-18T15:15:00.001+02:00

Hello everyone,

We will be opening this Thursday, August 20th at 9:30am. I'm looking forward to seeing everybody and hearing about all the fun summer events.

Business:I will continue as the chairperson through December but after that our group will need a new Chair and also we need the following positions filled ASAP -

Craft Coordinator - Encourages members to create a craft, maintains crafting materials (scissors, paper, clue, crayons, pencils...). Reimbursement will be given for all materials purchased, if there is a particularly elaborate, expensive project you would like to do then please ask Nina before purchasing materials.

Toy Coordinator - Makes sure toy boxes and cupboards are clearly marked, arrange for a toy clean up. Toy disposal and purchase when needed and arrange for rug cleaning every 2-3 months.

Membership/ Newsletter - Maintain a current list of members, email list, and membership forms. Email distribution of messages and playgroup updates to members. Create and distribute a newsletter with upcoming announcements and activities (usually done via email).

Can't wait to see everyone.

-Nina and Julia

Last week for play group before summer break!

2009-07-10T18:16:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone,

We are scheduled to have the last session for the summer next Thursday.. As we were a very small group yesterday, I want to see how big the interest is for next Thursday. Please let me know if you plan on coming so that we can determine if it is worth our while to be open. Note: older brothers and sisters are more than welcome to join.

Camilla

Thursday July 2 At the Beach

2009-06-30T12:53:00.001+02:00

Hi everyone,

As the weather forecast promises for 25 C, 0% chance of rain, and SUNNY, we will meet at Wassenaar Beach instead of the Deyler Centrum this coming Thursday. We will meet at 10:00 (not 9:30) in the playground between the second and third restaurant at the beach front (for those of you who know this area better than me, please correct me if I am wrong about the playground location).

So bring what you normally would bring for a fun day at the beach. If you don't want to bring your own food, there is the option to get someting to eat at the restaurant.

Remember when you come to the first parking lot not to park there as you can continue further down almost to the beach and park at the last parking lot instead. You have to pay for parking.

So remember, there will be no normal playgroup this Thursday unless the weather changes dramatically! I will then send out another email...

If you have diffiulty finding us or need to get in touch for any other reason, you can reach me on my mobile at 06-14 48 85 75 or Geri at 06-21 11 03 40.

Hope to see you there!

Camilla

Soccer Camp

2009-06-23T09:51:00.003+02:00

I'm sure most of you have already received info on the ABF soccer camp but just in case I thought I would pass along the following information. I have signed Alex up for the camp if that effects your decision. Have a great summer and hopefully we'll be seeing you soon.-Nina

Summer Soccer Camp 2009 August 12-14
REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 17. Space is limited places in the camp will be first-come, first-served. There are 2 great camps to meet all of your summer soccer needs!

SOCATOTS
Who: Soccer-loving 4 ½ and 5 year old boys and girls
What: Do you want to develop your ball skills and learn the newest tricks like the KAKÄ, the PATO and the RONALDINHO? Then ABF’s 3-day summer camp is for you.
When: August 12-14 10:00 – 12:30
Where: ABF - Wassenaar
How much? €75
Registration is open now (and will close on July 17).

And for the older kids….time to polish skills before the fall season!
Who: Soccer crazy boys and girls 6-14What: During the camp they are trained on the basic elements of Brazilian football—focussing on ball handling skills and fun! This is the real Brazilian way, with training drills, which stars such as Ronaldinho, Kaká and Robinho have used in former days.

Specially trained coaches give the coaching. And of course they train to your level, therefore beginners and advanced are all welcome.
When: August 12-14 10:00 – 15:30
Where: ABF - Wassenaar
How much? €130

THE COACHES
Wouter von Brucken Fock, founder of the first and only Brazilian Soccer School in the Netherlands, organizes the Brazilian School Summer Camps. Specially trained coaches, who all have a wide experience with youth training and development, assist him.
What do you get?
· Coaching, the Brazilian way
· Speed agility and quickness training
· Coaching with Brazilian training resources, including footvolley field, target net etc.
· Many games, tournaments, exercises, new tricks
· Lunch
· Drinks and snacks
· Camp T-shirt
· Certificate
To Register click go to: http://www.abfsport.nl/abf-international-sports-club-online-registration

Storm van ‘s-Gravesandeweg 39
Wassenaar 2242 JB
Home: 070.887.2057
Cell: 061.914.2352

May 21

2009-05-18T10:17:00.000+02:00

Hello All,THERE WILL BE NO PLAYGROUP THIS WEEK DUE TO HOLIDAY! We will have Usborne Books on the following Thursday, May 28th.

This Tuesday there is a jewelry sale at the ABF if you are interested - Please see the note below.

Nomad Gems will be exhibiting and selling the Spring/Summer 2009 collectionin ABF on
May 19th between 14:00 and 17:00 hours. Come and see the bestexpression of "East Meets West" through semi precious stones and 92.5percent Silver. Nomad Gems is a celebration of natural stones and silverpresented at their best. The sale is open to Whole ASH family, Teachers,Staff, Students and Parents and all friends of ASH. Coffee and tea will beserved.

Parenting

2009-05-13T10:12:00.000+02:00

Hello fellow moms and dads,The following is an organization called Passionate Parenting and they offer a classes and events that you maybe interested in. I've taken their first aid for children and it was good but I have not taken any other classes so I can't give you much more information. You can always contact them directly if needed.I hope you find this helpful.-Nina
***********************************************************************************
Dear Friends and Families

A quick mail with…

1. Upcoming Seminars in May
2. Your questions about the Dutch Medical Care system
3. Help with Advertising / Marketing
4. Parent Survey
5. June

1) Next Events in May

This Monday, May 11th at 9:30am is
“Raising a Confident Child” by Katherine Fortier (with creche) 5 places open
Self-efficacy – the quality of believing in one's own abilities - is a trait shared by confident children (and adults). It is the development of competence and autonomy, and not just a constant stream of praise, that leads to confidence. This talk by Katherine Fortier (Educational Psychologist) will focus on the life-skills that children need to face challenges with confidence and how we, as parents, can help them learn these.. It will be a practical guide for parents wanting to know more about this desirable quality for their children.

Monday, May 25th at 7:30pm is “Your Will be Done – wills & testaments in NL” by Y Bokhorst
Every expat parent should have a Dutch will to avoid legal or tax-related problems, should the unthinkable happen. Especially, a testament, for your childrens’ sakes. In Holland, the existence of a foreign will can sometimes prove very disadvantageous when it comes to taxation. If you die while resident in the Netherlands, your entire estate will be subject to Dutch inheritance tax, no matter where your assets are. The courts will take custody of your children. Yolanda Bokhorst, (international family law specialist) of Pels Rijcken will give parents need-to-know information to get it done quickly and painlessly
Both events at NEW venue: van Hogenhoucklaan 89 (Behind Bronovo) Registration essential! Reply to this mail

*This Friday, 8th, there is a morning breakfast workshop with Natural Nutritionist, Vardit Kohn in Bussum (north of Amsterdam). See www.forgoodness-sake.com for more info. She says: Come Hungry!!

2) Your Questions about the Dutch Health Care system:
Passionate Parenting is initiating research with the goal of presenting a seminar on the Dutch Health Care System – by a neutral, localised, experienced and qualified expat.
· What do you “hate” about Dutch Maternal & Medical Care?
· In your opinion, what should be done to improve the Dutch Health Care?
· Is there something you don’t know / understand for which you need an answer?
· Do you know about the EXPAT paediatric clinic at Bronovo? (Yes, a paed on demand!)
Reply to this mail

3) PP needs your help with advertising and marketing…
As my customers, would you please give me some advice as to where PP info should be seen: schools, offices, playgroups. Will YOU help me by putting my ads onto your parent-teacher network / electronic bulletin board at the office / send e-mails? Of course, it has to be free of charge! If you can, please give me a name and contact details. I really need your help to keep going. Reply with ONE suggestion, please.

4) Operation Shoebox
In 2007, Michelle Moss, Gwyneth van Rooyen (UN) and PP collected around 350 beautifully wrapped shoeboxes filled with Christmas child-specific gifts for South African AIDS orphans. These gifts were made up and donated by kind and caring locals and expats. You were amazing in your generosity and participation. I would LOVE to do this again, but we have lost our sponsor of the transport costs. We need some rich person to pay, or fund raise €3500 to pay for shipping to SA and door to door transport.
If you have rich (and generous) friends, please ask them if they would like to support this wonderful initiative and let me know.

5) Expat Parent Survey
There is an expat parent survey, and it gives you the chance to “Let your voice be heard”.
http://surveys.polldaddy.com/s/61ABC599265ECB6C/ . Don’t forget to give “Passionate Parenting” a good mention!! And please share any suggestions you have with me.

6) In June, Passionate Parenting events

Monday, June 8th, 9:30am Dialogic Reading for Pre-Schoolers by S&L therapist Fiona Curtis (creche)
Monday, June 15th, 9:30am Raising Bilingual Children by Eowyn Crisfield-Burr (with creche)

Sunday, June 14th – STET is hosting this lovely story-telling session, The Box of Foxes from 2 – 3:30pm in The Hague. Please see www.theenglishtheatre.NL
Once Upon a Time…………….. long, long before time was caught and put into clocks, in a time when magic was easier to find, there was a story… and such a story as you have never heard before will be told by one of the world’s best storytellers Tanya Batt, featuring her latest magical collection THE BOX OF FOXES . So come and listen to tales of foolish chickens, sly foxes, yummy gingerbread men and the young Bodalinka …… in the wonderful and enchanting garden of the Hesperides of the ancient Hofje van Wouw.
This performance is co-produced by Kids in the City. They are also the great spirit behind the yummy and colourful (and even healthy) cakes and drinks…….
That’s it from me

Have a happy and productive week

Soul

IF YOU WISH TO BE REMOVED FROM THIS MAILING LIST, PLEASE REPLY WITH “UNSUBSCRIBE” IN THE SUBJECT BOX.

-- Soul Robertsonwlmailhtml:%7BC89AAF08-4614-4100-800D-DF38BD5521B7%7Dmid://00000069/!x-usc:/mc/compose?to=passionateparenting@gmail.com www.passionateparenting.nl064 185 7773

Community Events

2009-04-29T09:58:00.000+02:00

Information about 2009 KoninginneNacht Queen's Night, April 29th, Den Haag: To many, the night preceding Queen's Day, is more exciting and inspiring than the actual Queen's Day itself. After sunset the city center will boast a wealth of different open air stages, where music bands covering the whole spectrum of musical taste showcase their talents. The city swings and the moods are bubbly. The dress rehearsal to the Queen's Day events kicks off with the waters shooting up in the Hofvijver being colored orange. During the night, HTM will operate additional busses and trams; in some cases traffic in the center will be rerouted. The NS will have additional trains running throughout the night. Join in the festivities with walks, boat rides, carriage rides and much more. Program available at http://www.haagsekoninginnedag.nl/ENGFlyer2009.pdf

Weekend Tips:
This week I've included tips for Thursday April 30th, Monday May 4th and Tuesday May 5th, as these next two weeks are holidays for the Dutch. Some schools are off for the entire time, but most for 10 days. Its a great time for a holiday!

Let's start with Thursday April 30th, otherwise known as Queen's Day. If this is your first time in the Netherlands for Queen's Day, you are in for a big surprise! Although officially Queen Beatrix's birthday is on January 31st, she celebrates her birthday April 30th as this was the birthday of her mother, former Queen Juliana. It also marks the day Beatrix was inaugurated as Queen of the Netherlands on April 30th, 1980. On Queen's Day, the entire Royal family visits one or more cities in the Netherlands. This year they will be in the Royal city of Apeldoorn, where Juliana was born 100 years ago this year. The late Juliana celebrated her birthday by receiving the Dutch people on the "steps" in front of her Palace Soestdijk, where they offered gifts and flowers in commemoration of her birthday. This year the same will happen forQueen Beatrix in front of Palace Het Loo in Apeldoorn.

Every city in Holland celebrates BIG TIME for Queen's Day! Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, will be decorated in the National Colour of orange. And if you like a good bargain, then you are in luck! On Queen's Day all of the Netherlands will turn into a giant garage sale! This is the only day of the year where you are allowed to sell items freely on the street, as well as play music, do acts/plays or what ever else tickles your fancy. In Wassenaar you'll have to get up early to find a good spot to sell or perform on the Langstraat. Amsterdam will be very busy, do not even attempt to drive, and leave your younger kids at home. On average, Queen's Day celebrations in Amsterdam bring around one million people into the city, so it will be very busy! There is something to do for everyone, and make sure you wear orange. If you do bring yoursmall children into Amsterdam, you can take them to the Vondelpark where only small kids are allowed to sell and perform. Finally, make sure you check the opening times of supermarkets, as most are only open in the morning.

For those who just cant wait for Queen's Day, you can take part in the famous "KoninginneNach" which organized in The Hague on the eve of Wednesday, April 29th. It is an evening filled with lots of musical performances and only a bike ride away from Wassenaar. There is something going on for the whole family, so make sure you check it out! Check these websites for more information on KoninginneNach, and Queen's Day:

www.utrecht.nl , www.koninginnedagamsterdam.nl ,
www.queensdaymaastricht.nl , www.apeldoorn.nl/koninginnedag , http://www.koninginnenach.nl/2009/index.htm , http://www.haagsekoninginnedag.nl/index2.html .

Please keep in mind that Friday, May 1st is a regular school day for all ASH students, except for our 12 grade full IB students who begin their exams on Monday, May 4th along with any AP students taking an AP exam on Monday and excused from Friday classes.

Over the weekend you should rest, because the celebrations will continue on Monday and Tuesday! Both Monday, May 4th and Tuesday, May 5th are very important days for the Dutch. May 4th is known as Commemoration Day, and at 20:00 the entire country will hold two minutes of silence to commemorate the victims of the Second World War. All over the country people will gather together around the many memorial sites to observe the silence and lay flowers. Wassenaar, The Hague and Leiden will have their memorial sites announced in local newspapers, with the Royal family attending the memorial on the Dam Square in Amsterdam. Remember most stores will be closed at 19:00 on this day.

Following Commemoration Day is Liberation Day, on Tuesday, May 5th. It was on this day in 1945 that German troops surrendered in the Netherlands and the war was over for the Dutch. This was made official at "Hotel de Wereld" in the city of Wageningen, where the Liberation of the Netherlands document was signed. For more information on festivities in Wageningen, http://www.4en5meiwageningen.nl/ [website is in Dutch]. However those who know their history realize that WW2 ended in Europe a few days later on May 8th, 1945! In anycase, Liberation Day is celebrated in the Netherlands with many concerts and, again, the famous "free market" that you will witness on Queen 's Day. Cities organize all kinds of festivities; there is a great one at Museum Square in Amsterdam, followed by an open-air National Concert in front of the "Skinny Bridge" and the Carre Theater. This concert is attended by the queen and broadcast live on TV. Anyone can go as entrance is free, so find a place along the water and enjoy! The concert starts at 21:00 but in order to find a decent place to sit plan on arriving between 19:00-20:00. The Royal Military Band "Johan Willem Friso" will be the main musical attraction of the evening, with appearances made by different guest artists. It is a fun musical celebration, especially when the weather is nice!

Whatever you decide to to, we hope that you will commemorate and celebrate our Dutch heritage with us!

Have a great weekend!
- Bernie Eek-Yarnell beek@ash.nl

Blood Donors Needed! Blood supply in the Netherlands is dependent on the goodwill and commitment of donors. Unfortunately the number of donors, and hence blood supply, is low. Sanquin Blood Bank is actively encouraging current and new donors to come give blood, as they need your help! The process is easy, does not require much time and has no financial commitment. A half hour every other month can help save lives and as Expats we are all eligible to help. To get started, you can fill in the online form at: www.sanquin.nl/sanquin-eng/sqn_donor_eng.nsf?OpenDatabase.. You can also go to your nearest Blood bank and request an initial screening appointment. The initial appointment will consist of a brief medical history, medications discussion and a blood test. For more information go to www.sanquin.nl You can help save lives! Please consider this donation. Thank you.
- Anja Hammega, School Nurse

The English Theatre STET Online Survey: Many theatre organizations reach out to the international community. Frequently information does not reach the target audience, resulting in low attendance risking cut backs in international theatre. The English Theatre STET - whose mission is to produce and promote English-language theatre productions in The Hague and surrounding communities, has commissioned a short online survey to find our how to connect to you more effectively with performance information. To fill out the 10 questions please click on:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=DzUYnK8gJJT_2bHXZNsLa8Yw_3d_3d . For more information on the current Museum Theatre Season please visit our website. www.TheEnglishTheatre.nl Thank you for your time. The English Theatre STET hopes to continue to provide youwith accessible and great theatre performances.
- External Relations Office

Japanese Garden in Clingendael Park Public Reopening, Thursday, April 30th: The Municipality of The Hague has always taken great care of the Japanese Garden because of its uniqueness and tremendous historical value. The garden was placed on the list of national historical monuments in 2001. Due to its fragility, the garden can be visited only during a short period of the year. The garden is open daily from 9:00 to 20:00 hrs until Sunday, June 14th. Admission is free. Information, a map of the garden and a walking route through the garden are available at the entrance to the garden and can also be seen at "ttp://www.denhaag.nl/Pics/dsb/Ststr/clingendael/Japanse%20tuin%20Engels.pdf You can also use this website to request permission to take wedding photos in the Japanese Garden.
Liberation Day Celebrations, Tuesday, May 5th, The Hague: The Hague city center will hold a festival celebrating Liberation Day, with numerous free events taking place from 13:00-21:00 in and around the Spuiplein. There will be two outdoor stages on the Spuiplein with fabulous entertainment by national and international performers. The South African band 'Sion & Calling Up Soweto' will be playing at 16:00, followed by the International band 'Fire' playing a mixture of pop, rock and fusion at 19:10. For real funk fans, Jamal Thomas, the drummer from the legendary Maceo Parker band, will be performing tracks from his debut album with an 11-piece funk band at 18:20. Simultaneously, the Theater aan het Spui will host an indoor programme with debates, lectures, neighbourhood culture, music, dance, literature and poetry. Theprogramme is complete with a market, an exposition and a huge sports field. Visit www.5meifestival.nl/ for the complete programme..

DFAS Lecture: The Mysterious World of Salvador Dali by Valerie Woodgate, Tuesday, May 5th, 20:00, Wassenaar: Probably the most well-known and popular artist of the 20th century, Dali was a self-publicist filling gossip columns with accounts of his eccentricities for over 60 years. His paintings of the invisible world of the unconscious mind were considered shocking even among a group of extremists like the Surrealists, and after joining them he quickly became their most exotic and well-known member. Lecturer Valerie Woodgate has wide experience lecturing and guiding in major galleries, churches and cathedrals as well as the Tate Britain and Tate Modern. She is on the teaching team at Dulwich Picture Gallery and is a script writer for the Living Paintings Trust. Doors open at 19:15. De Warenaar Kerkstraat 75, 2242 HE Wassenaar. Parking space is available. Entrance (non-members): € 10. www.dfas.nl.

InPlayers International Drama Group Presents Liquid Love, Thursday, May 7th & Friday, May 8th, 20:30, Saturday May 9th at 14:00, 20:30, CREA Theatre, Amsterdam: In a dystopian view of our society, where internet shopping and online dating have taken great flight, perfection is pursued as a means to happiness. But in the search for mastery in all spheres of life what becomes more elusive and fluid than ever is the thing we want the most. "A play about love being lost in the search for perfection,” says the author and director Teresa Merilainen. “The polished, shiny image of the characters is bit by bit broken to pieces, revealing the anguish, inner unease and terror that surrounds the human soul – as long as we are not able to connect deeply to one another.” Turfdraagsterspad 17 - 1012 XTAmsterdam. Admission: 13 Euros, Concession 10 Euros. Reservations number: +31 (0)20 525 1400.

Visit with Jane Goodall, Friday, May 8th, 18:45, Burger Zoo, Arnhem: Come catch this special visit from Jane Goodall herself, where she will speak about living with chimpanzees, recent discoveries and work she has done, along with the conservation program at the Jane Goodall Institute. The reading/discussion will take place in English, at the zoo auditorium, from 18:45 - 22:30. Entry fee of 15 Euros for everyone. All are welcome, but registration/pre-payment is required. Go to http://www.janegoodall..nl/bestelformulierlezing%20burgers.htm to register, and for more information [website is in Dutch].

Spring Art and Antiques Auction Preview, Saturday, May 9th - Monday, May 11th, 10:00-17:00, VendueHuis der Notarissen, The Hague: Come take this opportunity to view artwork, silver, jewelry and many other collectibles on display. Our team of experts will be delighted to answer any of your questions for the items to be auctioned. Auction days are Wednesday, May 13th - Friday, May 15th. Nobelstraat 5, 2513 BC s'Gravenhage. www.venduehuis.com

Country Fair at Westkustruiters! Sunday, May 10th, 12:00 noon onwards, Wassenaar: Dutch products for sale, Pony rides, drinks and an Authentieke Rommelmarkt (street bazaar)! Westkustruiters Oostdorperweg 197, Wassenaar( near the golf course).

ASH World Music Students Perform on Millennium Day, Saturday May 9th, Wassenaar: Wassenaar is celebrating its status as a Millennium City on Saturday, May 9, beginning at 10:30. ASH world music students will be performing a Chinese lion dance, beginning at 10:30 at the Lange Kerkdam end of the Langstraat. The lion will lead spectators up the Langstraat to the square by Luciano's, where ASH students will play west African drums (around 10:50). Wassenaar dignitaries will make an opening speech, after which ASH dancers will perform an Irish and Indian dance. The ASH Jazz band will perform from about 11:20-12 noon. Festivities end around 16:00. Come out and support our ASH students, and celebrate this day of awareness.
- Jennifer Walden, Middle and High School Music Teacher

ASH Used Book Sale, Tuesday, May 12th, and Wednesday, May 13th, 08:00-16:00, Small Gym: Donations of gently used books, audiobooks, DVDs or CDs can be dropped off at either the Middle School or High School Libraries. Anyone interested in volunteering, please contact Melissa Rider at ez.riders@yahoo.com or 070.785.3164.

ASH Tennis Camp Starting Monday, June 22nd, right after school ends: Our 17th season begins week of June 22nd. Newsletter now available for information and sign-up at http://fc.ash.nl/~scaycedo/. The camp offers daily two hours lessons daily for two-weeks. Each lesson is full of intensive, fun-filled, age appropriate activities to learn all the essential skills to play the game. Places fill quickly and are given on a first come, first served basis. Contact S. Caycedo at scaycedo@ash.nl to sign-up.
- Simón Caycedo, Physical Education Teacher

Queens day break!

2009-04-28T09:56:00.000+02:00

Hello Everyone,I just wanted to remind everybody that there will be NO PLAYGROUP this week.

Enjoy the Queen's Day Festivities and don't forget to wear Orange or Red, White and Blue.

The following week, May 7th Ivetri Jewelry will be at Playgroup. And on May 14th Barefoot Books will join us. May 28th is Usbourne Books.

Also, if you are planning for the summer Playgroup will be closed July 23 - August 13. We will be open again August 20th. See y'all on the 7th.-Nina

Activities in the Neighborhood

2009-03-30T14:51:00.002+02:00

Hello Group,

A couple of announcements of things going on in the neighborhood. These are NOT Toddler activities just some things you maybe interested in. Here are the titles and the information follows.

1. MMN Spring Bazaar.
2. PTA Spring New Book Fair at ASH
3. Courses offered by Passionate Parenting
4. Second Hand Books for the Read to Grow Charity
5. on line expat shopping

1. MMN Spring Bazaar.
Make sure you keep this Monday Morning open! MMN's Spring Bazaar and Art Show will take place at the ABF (8:30 - Noon).
There will be over 20 vendors selling unique Dutch items. You will find paintings, etchings, hand sewn goods, mosaics, specialty boxes, photographs and antiques. Holland Handicrafts in Delft and Peter the Potter will bring a special selection too!
Now is your chance to get that special something to remind you of your time here in Holland. Many of the items can also make great gifts to bring home to family and friends.
Cash only please.
We will have coffee and treats waiting. So, do come join us and bring a friend!

2. PTA Spring New Book Fair at ASH
Make plans to come to The American School of The Hague next Tuesday and Wednesday to get some fantastic books at our PTA Spring New Book Fair. We have thousands to choose from and at great prices. All proceeds benefit student activities at the school.
We have a great selection of fiction for all ages as well as non-fiction, craft books, and travel guides for many popular destinations.

The Book Fair is open on Tuesday March 31st from 8 am to 4 pm and on Wednesday April 1st from 8 am to 3 pm.

3. Courses offered by Passionate Parenting

Dear friends, families, mums & dads

This is a friendly reminder about the next two events AND the discount deal.

1) Nutrition Seminar, Monday April 6th

“Top Ten Tips for Turning Round Your Child’s Diet” How many times have you raised your hands in despair over an untouched dinner or a rejected lunch, courtesy of your toddler/child? How many times have you vowed to change your child’s diet for the better, only to find yourself dishing out once again the frozen pizza and plain pasta? And how many times have you tried to keep your child away from sweets and treats, in vain? If you’re stuck in a toddler/child diet rut, or if you’re doing well and want to know more, here’s your chance to find out the truth about your child’s food. Natural Nutritionist, Vardit Kohn, will take you through the Top Ten Points to focus on, will sort out the wheat from the chaff, will answer your questions, alleviate your anxieties and leave you with practical steps to implement the next day. The Nutritionist is at your service. Have a look at her website… www.forgoodness-sake.com

Some of you have asked about the nutrition talk– “Ten Top Tips for Turning Around your child’s Diet”. A common question is: “What is a Natural Nutritionist?”…Well, I had to ask Vardit herself… it is different from a dietician, who deals with the different components of food (fats, carbs, proteins). She looks at food as it is. She considers herself a “Food Coach”. That means she helps people with a personalized diet, tailored to give them maximum health, vitality, strength, potential. It is different for everyone. She attempts to inspire and guide parents to fuel their children’s (and their own) bodies with the right fuel to make it run like a Ferarri and not a Ford.

2) “Expat Life & Global Nomad Families: What is the impact on your Kids?”

Monday April 27th, 7:30pm.
by psychologist Graciela C. de Mussini.

A mother and someone who has moved to 3 different countries herself, Graciela will offer a great lecture touching on important and practical issues facing your children such as the “trauma” of leaving a country, cross-cultural childhoods, the grieving process experienced by individuals as they lose friends and familiarity, and critically important: issues of self-esteem and identity. De Mussini will talk parents through the transition process & let parents know what they can do to help their “third culture kids” adjust, recognise the disadvantages while making the most of the wonderful advantages of their international and cosmopolitan lives.
To register: please mail me (Soul Robertson) at passionateparenting@gmail.com or visit the website www.passionateparenting.nl . Friendly phone calls welcome: 064 185 7773.

3) Discount:
Normal cost per workshop is €25 per person pre-paid, or €30 in cash as you walk in the door.
Many of you have signed up for 3 events – Cost = €75 pre-paid into our bank account
If you sign up for 4 events you qualify for a 20% discount – Cost €80 pre-paid!! That is €20 per seminar, but it must be pre-paid into our bank account.

Please take advantage of this offer immediately, as retrospective discounts won’t apply after April 6th. I have added the seminar list below so you can see what is in the pipeline, our registration, website and bank account details. Hope to see you soon, Soul

Every Day Life Topics
March 16th 7:30pm Discipline & Defiance: Dealing with Disobedience
April 6th 7:30pm Top Ten Tips for Turning around Your Child’s Diet
May 11th 9:30am Raising Confident Children
June 8th 9:30am Dialogic Reading – for pre-schoolers

Expat Life Related Topics
March 10th 7:30pm Raising Bilingual Children
March 23rd 7:30pm Intensive Language Planning Workshop
April 27th 7:30pm Expat Kids & Global Nomad Families
May 25th 7:30pm Your Will be Done – Death and Family Testaments in NL
June 15th 9:30am Raising Bilingual Children

ABN Amro – Den Haag
Passionate Parenting
60 69 62 263

To register: please mail me (Soul Robertson) at passionateparenting@gmail.com or visit the website www.passionateparenting.nl . Friendly phone calls welcome: 064 185 7773.

Hope to see you again soon,
Soul
-- Soul Robertsonpassionateparenting@gmail.com www.passionateparenting.nl064 185 7773 orSaskia Rijnen064 236 78364. Second Hand Books for the Read to Grow Charity

Dear Parents/ Guardians and Children,
This year, we will again be collecting second-hand books for the Read to Grow charity which distributes these books to schools in developing countries throughout the world. Linked to UNESCO’s World Book Day on 23rd April each year, books are gathered by participating schools in the Netherlands and collected by Read to Grow volunteers.
Books can be:

· in English or French
· fiction or non-fiction
· for any age including adult (although books for children and teenagers are especially welcome)
· and must be in good condition!

For more information please go to www.readtogrow.nl
To support this initiative please bring books to the Junior School Diamanthorst Media Centre by Friday 3rd April.
Last year the Senior School collected 2,586 books, more than any other school in the Netherlands and won the prestigious Read to Grow prize.

Thank you so much for your generous donations last year and please help us to support this excellent project once again.

5. on line expat shopping

Kelly’s Expat Shopping, Online Shopping Now Open!! Your British & American food supplier.We offer most of our products online including fresh and frozen, we deliver in The Hague and surroundings.Please visit our website on www.kellys-expat-shopping.nl for more information.Easter is coming up and we have a great selection of Easter eggs available in different sizes..Cadbury, Nestle, Maltesers, Thornton, Baileys,E.Shaw, Beech, Kinnerton kids eggs and more!Kelly’s, Piet Heinstraat 105, 2518CE, The Hague (located in Zeeheldenkwartier, behind Peace Palace)

Up Coming Events

2009-03-24T14:41:00.002+01:00

Hello Ladies and Gentleman,Sorry I've been taking a communication break but I'm back for the night. Here are all the upcoming stuff.

TODDLERSMums Night Out - New Sisaket Thai Restaurant for Thursday 2nd April at 8pm. The address is 23 Stationsweg, Leiden and the table is booked under Nina! If you plan to attend please sign up at Toddlers or reply to Wassenaarmtg@yahoo.com And if you have friends that would be interested in joining up please bring them along.

Easter Party - April 2 We will have a special craft, special food, and chocolate easter egg hunt. The craft will be a basket for the egg hunt so please visit the craft table.

Old Coffees - April 2

Deanne Jewelry - April 2

Would anybody else like to add anything for April 2nd?

April 30th - Queen's Day NO PLAYGROUP

Fun things that are NOT TODDLERS
Mothering Sunday at the St. James Church“Dutch Memories" Spring Bazaar & Art Show - Monday, March 30th from 8:30 – 12:00 noon at the ABF Clubhouse (upstairs) (Next to the soccer fields by The American School of The Hague). There will be works from approximately 20 different artists and vendors will be there to view and purchase (cash only please). This is great time to get that special something that reminds you of your time spent here in Holland.

Spring is in the Air! And in Holland, that means the opening of the famous "Keukenhof"! It opens this Thursday, March 19th, 08:00, and keep its doors open until Thursday, May 21st. http://www.keukenhof.nl/ The history of the Keukenhof began sixty years ago, when a group of bulb cultivators decided to promote and show their flowers. Today, the Keukenhof is one of the most visited places in the Netherlands! Also, keep in mind that we did experience a rather cold winter, therefore most outdoor flowers such as the tulips are not yet in fullbloom. However the Keukenhof green houses are always filled with amazing flower expositions.

On a nice day you can bike to the Keukenhof from Wassenaar, or take a bus directly to the Keukenhof from Leiden Centraal Station. Try to avoid the very busy days such as Easter Sunday and Monday or the weekend of the Flower Parade, Saturday April 25th. Do keep that Saturday reserved for watching the parade, with more info to follow!

A combined trip to the Keukenhof and visit to Panorama Tulip Land in Voorhout will give you an excellent day out that people of ALL ages enjoy! http://tulipland.nl/?lang=en

We hope you are enjoying spring

Sucessfull Charity Auction

2009-02-25T06:32:00.000+01:00

Dear Friends,

We would like to thank you for the part you played in making our fund raising evening a great success. On the night, between your kind donations and the silent auction we actually raised 552 Euro (!!!) which will all go to "La Mision Los Angeles" in Honduras.
As some of you will know we have been involved with the charity for three years now. Thanks to your support a family of 6 now has a floor instead of dirt, a proper roof instead of corrugated iron and running water will now hopefully replace a bucket.
I am sure we will have the opportunity to raise more funds with other events and we sincerely hope that you will all be able to support us again in the future.

Kind regards.
Wassenaar Mother and Toddler Group

Rainbow Books

2009-02-10T22:57:00.001+01:00

Ooops - very sorry I made an error in my announcements. We do have a vendor this week. Rainbow Books will be coming. She has very lovely new books for sale. Hope to see you there.-Nina

A simple week!

2009-02-09T22:48:00.004+01:00

Hello Fellow Moms, Dads, Caregivers,We have a regular no vendor no sales week. I have a small valentines craft and I'll try to come up with a special snack.

Below is a note from Barbora about taking Dutch classes.

See you Thursday-Nina

DUTCH CLASSES -

Hello everyone,I plan to take Dutch classes and I am looking for a few other guys who would like to learn some Dutch after finishing a beginners course.I know an excellent teacher who lives in Wassenaar so the classes could be either at her or my place in Wassenaar.I am looking at 1,5 hrs once a week in the morning when my daughter stays in creche. Classes would be focused on speaking in everyday life situations with some homework to do and recorded sentences from the class to listen during the week. The price would be 37,5 EUR each (90 min) for 2 and little less for more people. If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible and also what day and time would be convenient for you.

Thanks a lot,Barbora

FYI

2009-02-08T00:14:00.003+01:00

Below is some seminars for folks with kids - that would be us. Please take a look.

Dear Mums, Dads, families and friends

Thanks to all your encouragement, positive evaluation forms AND your demand for more short, practical seminars: Passionate Parenting is back. Once again, you can listen and learn, meeting the experts face-to-face, at our seminars.

It has taken a while (some blood, sweat and stress*) but I am excited to let you know that we have 8 seminars / workshops starting March 10th. See attachment for our sexy new image and more info.

As you know, I rely on your help to "spread the word", by forwarding this mail to your interested friends, who, like me, also have less-than-perfect kids, whether tots, teens or toddlers. Long live viral marketing.

Here is a summary of the events, with info on the next two new topics...

Every Day Life Topics
March 16th 7:30pm Discipline & Defiance: Dealing with Disobedience (Katherine Fortier)
April 6th 7:30pm Top Ten Tips for Turning around Your Child's Diet (Vardit Kohn)
May 11th 9:30am Raising Confident Children (Katherine Fortier)
June 8th 9:30am Dialogic Reading – for pre-schoolers (Fiona Curtis)

Expat Life Related Topics
March 10th 7:30pm Raising Bilingual Children (Eowyn Crisfield-Burr)
March 23rd 7:30pm Intensive Language Planning Workshop
April 27th 7:30pm Expat Kids & Global Nomad Families (Graciela C. de Mussini)
May 25th 7:30pm Your Will be Done – Death and Family Testaments in NL (Y Bokhorst)
June 15th 9:30am Raising Bilingual Children

Monday, March 16th at 7:30pm. "Discipline and Defiance: Dealing with Disobedience" We have set limits with love. We would hope our kids are independent and strong-willed but when this spills into defiance and disobedience we may ask ourselves: "What's gone wrong? What can we do?" Katherine Fortier (Educational Psychologist) will talk about achieving co-operation, teaching respect, and parenting with authority, with tips for settling disputes and setting appropriate consequences. This talk will be valuable for parents of toddlers through to teens. Monday April 6th at 7:30pm.
"Top Ten Tips for Turning Round Your Child's Diet" How many times have you raised your hands in despair over an untouched dinner or a rejected lunch, courtesy of your toddler/child? How many times have you vowed to change your child's diet for the better, only to find yourself dishing out once again the frozen pizza and plain pasta? And how many times have you tried to keep your child away from sweets and treats, in vain? If you're stuck in a toddler/child diet rut, or if you're doing well and want to know more, here's your chance to find out the truth about your child's food. Natural Nutritionist, Vardit Kohn, will take you through the Top Ten Points to focus on, will sort out the wheat from the chaff, will answer your questions, alleviate your anxieties and leave you with practical steps to implement the next day. The Nutritionist is live, at your service.
www.forgoodness-sake.com

*I completely underestimated the impact of a third child (cute baby Max now 6 months) on our already hectic lives. Getting Passionate Parenting back in action as a full-time mum of three has been a significant challenge.
We returned from Bermuda in June, and have settled happily back in Holland, living in Benoordenhout behind Bronovo, the girls are "going Dutch" again. Why we are back is a long story - I will spare you the details.

Register soon

Soul and Saskia

-- Soul Robertsonwlmailhtml:%7BC89AAF08-4614-4100-800D-DF38BD5521B7%7Dmid://00000042/!x-usc:mailto:passionateparenting@gmail.com www.passionateparenting.nl064 185 7773 orSaskia Rijnen064 236 7836

Great Toy Sale!

2009-02-05T00:08:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone,

Thank and thank you again for your toy donations and shopping. We were able to raise over 200 Euros for playgroup which means we are in great shape and don't have to stress finances for this year. We also have some leftover toys for the kids in Poland. A great success thanks to your help.

While I'm saying thanks, a quick reminder that we'll be doing it all again for books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and videos on February 26th. This is the week after break.

Somebody left a gray/purple North Face backpack with a sandwich, orange, wipes, pair of red pants, 2 metal cars and a newspaper. Any takers? I'll toss the sandwich, eat the orange and bring the backpack back next week but if you need it before then please give me a call or email. Happy cleaning out,

-Nina

Coming up Toy Sale

2009-02-01T23:58:00.001+01:00

Hello Mothers and Toddlers

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Nice sunshine but a bit windy for my taste.

Anyway, coming up this week of course is the Second Hand Toy Sale. If you have any questions please let me know.

Don't forget to let me know if you will be coming to the February 7th Fundraising Party. I'm still looking into the babysitter lists for those that asked.

I also have Scholastic Book Order Forms. This is a company that sells books mostly to schools in America. We receive the order forms from teachers at the American School. It's a good way to buy books at a reasonable price. If you are interested please preview the catalogs by following these directions:
1. go to http://www.scholastic.com/
2. Under Quick Links select Book Clubs
3. On the left of the screen under Our Catalogs select Honeybee and/or Firefly (these are the 2 order forms I have.)
4. On the right hand side of the screen select Honeybee (Firefly) February Flyer Parent Guide to Honeybee (Firefly).This will bring up a PDF file with the catalog for you to preview.

I will have the actual paper copies at playgroup on Thursday for you to fill out. Since the school will need to pay for shipping the exchange rate is actually 1.2. I.e. If something costs $1.00 on the book order it will actually cost you 1.20 Euros. I will need to get the orders in by Thursday afternoon and the books will take about 1 1/2 weeks to come in. If you have any questions please let me know.

See you on Thursday,-Nina

Sucessful Clothing Sale

2009-01-30T23:52:00.002+01:00

Thank you all for the help with the clothing sale and of course for shopping. We raised just over 200 Euros for our group and quite a few bags of clothes to donate to the Tulip Foundation. A great success!

Next week we get to do it all again - TOYS! Clean out those closets next week we will have our Toy sale. Again all the sale money will go to Toddlers and then all leftover toys will be donated to the Tulip Foundation.

Please don't forget to respond Yay or Neah to our Fundraising Event on Saturday, February 7th. You received a flyer by email last week. If you have any questions please contact me at wassenaarmtg@yahoo.com. I hope you can make it.

Finally, while you are cleaning out the closets of toys you may as well take a look at the book shelves. We will do a book, magazine, dvd, and video sale at the end of February. Adult and children books, videos... are welcome.

Thanks,Nina

Second Hand Clothing Sale

2009-01-28T13:08:00.005+01:00

Come to play group this week and accomplish many things on your to-do list.

On Thursday January 29th 2009 we will be having our Second Hand Clothing Sale at play group. So clean out your closets at home of all the cloths that you or your children no longer wear and bring them to play group. (Proceeds from the sale will help to purchase needed items for play group.)

Any cloths not sold at the sale will also be given to the Tulip Foundation which supports orphanages in Poland.

So come to play group, socialize and have fun. Find some new cloths for yourself or your children, while you also help out charity and possibly do a little spring cleaning in your own closets.

Welcome!

2009-01-24T18:01:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the Blog page of the Wassenaar Mother and Toddler Play Group. We hope to

Keep you informed of the fun activites that are going on in our group.
Post fun activities you can do with your family and friends while you live here in the Netherlands.
Provide resourse links that will help you as you adjust to your expat life.
Provide a community for all of our blogging members to stay in touch with each other.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated.

We hope to see you on Thursday.