Meet Up, Give Back, Get Photos
Outdoor play, seasonal music, and mid-October to November 2024 events
Hi Playful Acorns pals,
Remember the breathing exercise and calming song that I mentioned in the last newsletter? They can come in handy when we or our kids are having big feelings. And I’ve needed to use them to avoid panic attacks over the past few weeks — helping me face claustrophobia during my MRI (scans were thankfully clear) and getting back to sleep when scrolling the headlines had my thoughts spiraling.
There is a contentious election right around the corner and so much pain in our world, and it can sometimes feel like we are helpless to change it. Yet, ever since I first heard these words (attributed to Margaret Mead), I always seem to come back to them:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
For example, when I shared a McFarland resident’s call for hurricane relief donations in his home state of North Carolina on social media, several of you stepped up to help. Thank you so much! In my neighborhood on the west side of Madison, Orchard Ridge UCC is also collecting cleaning items (sign up to donate here) for those affected by the hurricanes through Oct. 27th.
And, The Wonder Studio in Verona has extended its non-perishable food item and diaper drive for WayForward Resources in Middleton through Oct. 29th. If you can’t make it to those locations to drop off donations, please let me know and perhaps we can coordinate!
You may have also seen that Mary with Frost Organizing (who has a huge heart and has been a supporter of Playful Acorns from the very beginning) will be giving back to Moms Mental Health Initiative with a portion of profits through Dec. 17th. If you’ve been on the fence about starting an organizing project, big or small, give her a call!
Below, I’m sharing some more ways for caregivers and kids to connect and make a positive difference together (and take home cherished memories captured on camera) on Wednesday, Oct. 23rd in Madison and Tuesday, Oct. 29th in Verona.
And, a friendly reminder that early in-person absentee voting begins in Wisconsin today, Tuesday, Oct. 22nd. At myvote.wi.gov you can see what’s on your ballot, how to register, and more about the general election Tuesday, Nov. 5th.
Even if our actions are small, they can make ripples…perhaps inspiring more people to take action, too.
Thanks for being part of this caring community! You matter.
Are you new to Playful Acorns? Welcome! You can read our story here and most recent posts here.
Connect + Contribute: Play Date & Hike
Some of you may know that my love of nature and kids extends to photography. I used to be a photojournalist for my hometown newspaper, where I took photos of everyday life — often taking a new road on the drive into the office and never knowing who or what I might find. Then I started taking outdoor family portraits for friends. I’m extending this invitation to capture natural moments at these new “Connect + Contribute” events. These events are free* and there’s no need to RSVP.
*If you’re interested in having candid photos of you and your child(ren) while you play, walk, and explore (please dress for comfort and the weather), you can let me know when you arrive — I’ll be wearing my turquoise Playful Acorns shirt and holding a Nikon camera. Then I’ll take down your name and email to send you a link to proofs and payment options (suggested $30 for 5+ edited digital photographs) within 2 weeks. Half of the profits will be donated to the nonprofits detailed below. Please note that you can decline having your photos on social media if you’d like to keep them just for your family. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know!
Oct. 23: Wednesday (drop-in between 9:30-11 a.m.). Did you know that tomorrow is Take Me Outside Day, which celebrates outdoor learning? I thought it would be fun to join other caregivers and kids (ages 0-5+) for a FREE play date at the Wingra Park playground. Parking on Monroe Street is often limited, and the lots are meant for the neighboring business patrons (though a coffee and ice cream doesn’t sound like a bad idea, either), so I’d recommend parking near Wingra Boats, 824 Knickerbocker St, Madison, and walking over on the path. A portion of proceeds from the optional candid photos will go to The Middle East Children’s Alliance, a US-based nonprofit working for the rights and the well-being of children in Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon by providing food, medical aid, and other resources.
Oct. 29: Tuesday at 9 a.m. Before the Mammoth Hike Challenge along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail concludes at the end of October, I thought it would be fun for us to join babywearing consultant Leslie Cao of LC Babywearing for one of her Trail Tuesday hikes! Meet at the Verona Park & Ride, 2585 Old PB near the intersection with E. Verona Ave., and we’ll go on a FREE walk on a portion of the Ice Age Trail - Verona segment. Since we’d all like to stay together as a group, please arrive by 9 a.m. If you’re running late, let me know! There is a playground at the adjacent baseball fields if you want to extend your visit after our walk. A portion of proceeds from the optional candid photos will be split between these two local nonprofits: Madison Babywearing and the Ice Age Trail Alliance.
A special thanks to the awesome folks from Moms Collective of Dane County, Flicker Wild Church, and Hike It Baby - Madison for letting me take the photos above!
Seasonal Music & Movement Classes
We’re excited that our friends Julie, Angie, and Kirsten are holding upcoming music and movement classes this fall season! Advance registration on their sites is required!
Oct. 28-Dec. 9: Mondays from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Join Music with Julie Mazer for a 7-week Holiday Music Series to celebrate the big holidays through song, movement, and instrument play at Orchard Ridge UCC on Madison’s west side (currently collecting items through 10/27 for hurricane cleanup support). For the first class on Oct. 28, participants are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. ($77 for 1 child per series, each additional child $69.30)
Oct. 29: Tuesday from 6:15-7 p.m. Join Patrick Kenney-Brown on the keys for Family Sing-Along at The Wonder Studio in Verona. Everyone is invited to wear a Halloween costume and bring a non-perishable food item to donate to WayForward Resources. ($10/family)
Nov. 10: Sunday from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Join Kirsten with Lagom: Music & Yoga Education for a Harvest-themed class at Lioness Fitness in Fitchburg. The class is geared toward ages 3-7 and caregivers but all are welcome. Save the date for the next class in this series (12/8: Penguins). Learn more online! ($20/family)
Upcoming Community Events
Playful Acorns programs/those that Sam are involved in are bolded. There are several other local organizations holding awesome family-friendly events that might be of interest to you, too! Many of these events focus on nature exploration, true play, and process art. Remember to check out more events listed at Macaroni KID, NatureNet, Friends of Urban Nature, Madison Parks, MMSD Play & Learn, Monroe Street Arts Center, Madison School & Community Recreation, local libraries, gyms, and more. Here are a few recurring events to check out!
Henry Vilas Zoo (Stroller Safari: select Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Olbrich Gardens (Story and Stroll: select Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays)
Neighborhood House (Busy Town: Tuesdays and True Play: Thursdays)
Belleville WI Moms (Our Backyard Playgroup in Verona: Fridays)
Please confirm registration details, costs, and age ranges at the links below. Stay tuned for more events in the next email!
* Events with one asterisk are evening events
** Events with two asterisks are for adults only
Tuesday, Oct 22: Dane County Forest Friends Pop-Up, Picnic Point, Madison
Wednesday, Oct. 23: FREE Play Date & Optional Photos for a Cause (drop in between 9:30-11 a.m.), Wingra Park Playground, Madison
Wednesday, Oct. 23: Young Explorers Club, Sun Prairie Public Library
Thursday, Oct. 24: Creative Movement from Global Perspectives with Isthmus Dance Collective (weekly part of series), MYArts, Madison
Friday, Oct. 25: Tinkering Tots (2-3:30 p.m.), Eastmorland Community Center, Madison
Friday, Oct. 25: Spooky Stroll, Downtown Middleton
Friday, Oct. 25: Halloween Family Fun Night, Warner Park Rec Center, Madison
Saturday, Oct. 26: Pumpkin Painting, Eastmorland Community Center, Madison
Saturday, Oct. 26: Bird & Nature Adventures, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona
Saturday, Oct. 26: Ice Age Trail Tyke Hike, Lodi High School Trailhead, Lodi
Sunday, Oct. 27: Boo at the Zoo, Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison
Monday, Oct. 28: Holiday Music Classes with Miss Julie (7-week series starts), Orchard Ridge UCC, Madison
Monday, Oct. 28: Not-So-Spooky Bat Storytime, Grace Coffee, Cottage Grove
Tuesday, Oct. 29: LC Babywearing FREE Hike & Optional Photos for a Cause, Ice Age Trail Verona Segment near CTH-PB park and ride (9 a.m.), Verona
*Tuesday, Oct. 29: Family Sing-Along, The Wonder Studio, Verona
Wednesday, Oct. 30: Downtown Madison Family Halloween, Capitol Square
*Wednesday, Oct. 30: Not So Scary Halloween Luminary Hike, Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison
Thursday, Oct. 31: Halloween Musical Playdate (FULL), Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli
Thursday, Oct. 31: Happy Halloween Celebration, 4-C, Madison
Friday, Nov. 1: Tinkering Tots (2-3:30 p.m.), Eastmorland Community Center, Madison
Friday, Nov. 1: Flicker Wild Church: Samhain, Farley Center, Verona
Wednesday, Nov. 6: MOMS Club Open House & Playdate, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Madison
Friday, Nov. 8: Tinkering Tots (2-3:30 p.m.), Eastmorland Community Center, Madison
Saturday, Nov. 9: Free Playgroup, University Houses Parent Co-op Preschool
Sunday, Nov. 10: 9in|9out New/Expecting Parents & Baby Expo, Union South, Madison
Sunday, Nov. 10: Kids on the Prairie, Holy Wisdom Monastery, Middleton
Sunday, Nov. 10: Harvest-themed Class with Lagom: Music and Yoga Education, Lioness Fitness, Fitchburg
Friday, Nov. 15: Madison Area Nature Playgroup, Yahara River Trail, Stoughton
Friday, Nov. 15: Tinkering Tots (2-3:30 p.m.), Eastmorland Community Center, Madison
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