[Dec 23 and 24, 2013] Live Nativity at Miramar Department Store

Living Springs Church has a arranged a Live Nativity at the Miramar Department Store. Every half-hour, there will be a reenactment of the Wise Men visiting baby Jesus.  Children can also pet goats, ride a horse, and play games.*

When: Monday and Tuesday night, 6-9pm
Where Miramar Entertainment Center (No. 20, Jingye 3rd Rd., Taipei City)

*Thanks to a friend for sharing. From the photos, it looks like a lot of fun for the children.

The church also has a Candlelight Service Christmas Eve.

** I am not affiliated with any church or religion. I am just sharing events that families might enjoy attending.

[Dec. 14, 2013-Mar 16, 2014] Dark Art Night 3D at Huashan Artist Village

I'll take a guess that this won't be suitable for little ones with active imaginations.  It does look pretty cool for older children.  You can take a look at the images on the official website and decide whether it is for your family.

Tickets are NTD280 per person (199 for children 90-120cm in height).

Address: Huashan Artist Village 臺北市中正區八德路一段1號 Bade Road Sec 1, No. 1
Directions (in Chinese): http://darkart3d.sincepro.com.tw/Oem_Page/Traffic.asp

[Oct. 31, 2013-Feb. 10, 2014] Leonardo-Mona Lisa - The Myths: National Palace Museum

In the first centenary (1913-2013) of the Mona Lisa recovery after the 1911 theft, this exhibition addresses a key topic for the history of art and culture of our time: Leonardo and the Mona Lisa in the complex mixture of myth and reality, or rather of the universal genius and the most famous painting in the world. It assembles in a knot of knowledge five centuries and an impressive medium phenomenon, that artists of the twentieth century have enriched with interpretations, intellectual provocations and new languages.

This is from the English version of the Taiwan website introducing the exhibit currently at the National Palace Museum.

The exhibit is divided into four sections.  The English site is comprehensive and complete.

You can still get discounted tickets through schools (until Feb 10), at NTD180 per ticket.  Tickets can also be bought at the door:

Gategory	Admission	Applicable to
Regular	NTD 280	For general visitors
Discount	NTD 250	(1)ROC students with valid student ID.  (2)Children height above 110cm.  (3)ROC citizens above 65 years or older with ID. (4)Groups of 20 or more visitors
Gratis		(1)Children height under 110cm.  (2)The disabled and one accompanying person.

[Jan 18-May 4, 2014] Vermeer Art Exhibit at CKS Memorial Hall - "Master of Light"

Johannes Vermeer, now recognised as one of the great painters of the Dutch Golden Age, painted pictures portraying middle class life during his lifetime. One of his better-known paintings is "The Girl With the Pearl Earring".  Known as the "Master of Light", he used shade and light in an almost magical way in his art. Through his paintings, children can learn about daily life in Holland during the 17th Century, and hopefully be inspired to learn about history and art.

Vermeer's works are going to be displayed at the CKS Memorial Hall for four months next year.  You can buy tickets at 150NT each through schools, so ask your children to get a flier from their teacher.  You can also buy tickets at the door, at not much more than the presale price.

Adults: NTD200. Students and over-65's: NTD180.

Times: Everyday 9am-6pm (Closed Chinese New Year's Eve and Day)

Place: CKS Memorial Hall's Art Exhibit Area (Chungshan South Road No. 21, Taipei City - 台北市中正區中山南路21號)

Website: http://vermeer.ishow.udn.com/

[Dec 24, 3013] Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at the Friendship Presbyterian Church

The Friendship Presbyterian Church, downtown Taipei, has two events coming up for Christmas.

December 21st, they will go carolling at Shida Night Market area.  December 24th, 7:30-9pm, they will hold a candlelight service at the 4th floor of their church.

Their English website is quite lovely, so I will send you over there!

Church Address

No. 5, Lane 269, Sec. 3, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, Taiwan 10647
台北市大安區106台北市大安區羅斯福路三段269巷5號

Rubber Duck in Keelung - With a Balloon Art Exhibit

The Rubber Duck is coming to Keelung.  There have been a few interesting related articles in the news about this duck.  First, I want to warn parents, double-check any commemorative toys you buy for the kids.  Some of the products available in Keelung have been tested and found to have up to 100 times the allowed level of chemical residue on them.  Second, I want to share a news item showing a giant piece of balloon art. Click on the link and take a look at the video to see what I am talking about. This was also made at an art fair in Italy in 2012.  It is a replica of Keelung's temple that is in the night market.  You can enjoy this artwork from this week. Yesterday and today, entry into the exhibit is free for residents of Keelung area.  Balloons freak me out, and with the recent incident with a certain other inflatable duck, I'll be giving it a miss, but it could be fun for balloon-lovers.

I want to add a very funny story my children heard today:

The organisers putting the duck into Keelung Harbour wanted to put the poor duck onto a disk, so he could turn around and around in the harbour.  The artist refused, as "peace is supposed to be easy, not difficult".  I bet the duck is very pleased somebody is on its side!

Christmas is for Giving - Help a Child in Taiwan This Year, Next Year, And Beyond

As you stroll through Hsinyi District in Taipei, it's hard to imagine that there are families in Taiwan that struggle to feed, clothe, and educate their children.  Reports like this one from BBC News earlier in 2013 highlight the difficulties facing a percentage of the population.

My personal frustration is my inability to help all the children I see that would be labelled "at risk" back home; the children who just need a little bit extra to ensure they find their full potential rather than falling the cracks and being that "burden" upon society.  For those of us that choose to live in Taiwan, I feel we have a responsibility to help at least one child while we are here. That's why I am sharing information about some of these charities.  I hope that at least one reader chooses to give to the children of Taiwan this Christmas.

Light Up a Life - now part of the CTBC Charity Foundation

China Trust supports several initiatives assisting children in Taiwan.  My personal favorite is Light Up a Life.  I think is due to the familiarity, after hearing about over the years on ICRT.

The Light up a Life fundraising campaign is Chinatrust Charity Foundation’s most important event each year. We have held the campaign annually since its launch in 1985. Light up a Life is the first activity of its kind held by a Taiwanese enterprise specifically to aid disadvantaged children and is also the longest-running charity fundraising campaign in the nation.

Many years ago, Chinatrust Financial Holding Company former Chairman Jeffrey L. S. Koo was in New York attending a Christmas party. After returning to Taiwan, he saw some children who could not enjoy the holiday because of their families’ economic difficulties. Their helpless eyes were in stark contrast to the magnificent, sparkling Christmas tree he had seen on display in Time Square. He was deeply dismayed and decided to launch the Light up a Life fundraising campaign. We can “light one lamp and brighten one life” each year as we raise funds to help improve the lives of Taiwan’s disadvantaged children.

If you give more than NTD3,000 before March 2014, you will get a commemorative umbrella courtesy of ICRT.  This money goes toward making sure children have what they need to get an education.


Taiwan Fund for Children and Families

Now a part of Child Fund (formally CCF), this group supports both local and international sponsorship of children.  The form is in Chinese. This link is for local sponsorship at 1,000 per month, but you can choose international sponsorship at 700 per month, also.  You can also choose to give a one-time donation.

My daughter's teacher has arranged for the class to sponsor a child together. She takes responsibility for paying the total amount each month. Children can bring in any small change and put it in the tin, where nobody knows how much each child gives.  This has empowered a class of second-graders to feel they can make a difference to someone's life, and made them feel they are a team with power to change the world together.

So, this Christmas, why not give back a little to the country you choose to live in?  Happy New Year to you all.

List of holiday family concerts (in Chinese)

TOTALLY cheating here.

Check out the concerts offered through artsticket Taiwan.  The English translation is fairly minimal...

The most popular one is the NSO family concert. The first one is already sold out!

 

7:30pm show:

Under 12's 300

12 and up 500

Address:  臺北市中山堂光復廳 (臺北市延平南路98號)  Yenping South Rd. No 98

Tickets online here.  Only 89 left!

[2013, Dec 21] Eslite Family Joyful Christmas

December 21st, 2:30 and 7:30 pm.
Violin, Cello, Male Soprano
Tickets 500/800
Eslite Performance Hall (Hsin-yi District, Yan Chang Road, No. 88.  See map here for directions.)

2013/12/21 (六)14:30	誠品表演廳 (台北市信義區菸廠路98號B2--臺北文創大樓B2)
2013/12/21 (六)19:30	誠品表演廳 (台北市信義區菸廠路98號B2--臺北文創大樓B2)

[Dec 14-15, 2013] Live, Outdoor Nativity Play (in English)

Bring a jacket! Bring your Christmas spirit!

Live performance of the story of Christmas.

No. 256 Ai Kuo East Road, Da-An District Taipei

Click on image to go to map.

Reminder: A Christmas Carol Radio Live Production December 1st at the Learning Kitchen, Downtown Taipei

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the Radio Redux production of A Christmas Carol. I got to see the first performance today at Taipei American School.  This performance is wonderful for adults and children alike, and I highly recommend going along to next Sunday's performance at the Learning Kitchen downtown Taipei.  At just over an hour in length, it's perfect for introducing drama to children.

Tickets are available at the door: 300NT adults, 200 students, 100 for children under 12

 Directions to the Learning Kitchen:
  

Aveda’s Learning Kitchen, above the Aveda Salon:

No. 117, 2nd fl, Da An Road, section 1

北市大安路一段 117號2F

MRT Blue line to Zhongxiao Fuxing. Take exit #3 and it's an easy walk: straight out of the exit a few blocks along ZhongXiao E. Rd. At the first traffic light; turn right and you will be on Da'An Rd, sec 1

#117 will on the left 4-5 short blocks from the corner of ZhongXiao E. Rd. Look for the Aveda Salon Third Place.

When you are at the corner of Da’An Rd, standing in front of the Salon, walk down the lane to the first door on the left. We’ll be on the second floor.

BUS685。捷運忠孝復興。從SOGO百貨，過馬路一直走在忠孝東路，直到你擊中大安路1段。當你看到第Third Place Aveda沙龍右轉大安路。

Learning Kitchen 在Aveda Spa Third Place 的拐角處巷子, 2F。

[December 2013] Christmas Events, Taiwan

Following on from Halloween, here is my Christmas list. Come back regularly. I will add as I get more information.


November 23rd, 2013:

2013兩廳院聖誕點燈Light Up The Night

2013, NTCH invites New Media Artist Wang Jun-jie to create a geometry digital Christmas tree by programs and electronic controls. The new tree will become another landscape for the plaza. At the Light Up the Night event, NTCH presents several active performing groups with their free performances. An event filled with various art genres, creative imaginations, kind Santa Claus and friends in the glamorous bubbles and water scene. It is time for us to celebrate this heartwarming and romantic night together.

Address: The Plaza outside the National Theater Concert Hall, Chang Kai Shek Cultural Hall
No. 21-1 Chung-Shan S. Road, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.

[30 November 2013] TAIPEI EUROPEAN SCHOOL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

 This event is one of my favorite ones for children.  The TES campus is the perfect layout for fairs for children and families.  Well-supported by the community, you will find excellent food, music, entertainment, and games for the whole family.  All the information you need is on the poster.
Time: 10am-4pm
Address: 727 Wenlin Road, Shilin District (near ZhiShan MRT)
Entry is usually something like NTD10/person.

[Ongoing] Taipei Grand Hyatt's Christmas Tree

The Hyatt's tree-lighting event was late last week.  I do not really like that event for families, actually, even though I know some do.  With the models and other small-time stars they bring in, it has a very odd kind of Christmas/not-Christmas, commercial feel to me.  The money raised does go to good causes, and the tree is pretty.

Here is an article from the China Post about the event, with a picture of the 10-meter-high tree. You can go in and take pictures in front of the tree whenever you like. 

[Dec 7, 2013] Taiwanese Family Dinner - Hands-on Cooking Workshop with Ivy Chen

We are very lucky to have Ivy Chen come over to Parents' Place's space again, to teach us the basics (and secret tips) of Taiwanese cooking.

After this workshop, you will know:

1. How to use the rice cooker for different kinds of things.
2. How to cook local vegetables so they are tasty and nutritious.
3. How to cook one complete meal for your family or guests.

Cost: 750/person (includes getting to try all the food)
Time: 10:30am-12:30pm, Saturday December 7th, 2013

This workshop is open to ANYONE who would like to join. It's not only for parents. Even if you live alone and just want to eat better, I highly recommend attending.

This is a family-friendly space, with a little play area for children.  There is no babysitting, so you will be responsible for their safety around the cooking space.




*Due to Ivy's very full schedule, we must have paid registrations by November 27th to keep her! So, please register and pay by this date.

Facebook event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/550614961688832/

Register here: http://www.parentsplace.com.tw/Register.html

Link to pictures from last workshop: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.624163210944873.1073741826.240486032645928&type=3

[From Nov 16, 2013] New Taipei City Christmas Wonderland

Christmas is starting earlier every year!  And getting bigger and bigger! Last weekend saw the beginning of festivities for New Taipei City. "Christmas Land in New Taipei City"

This Friday, November 22nd, between 6:30 and 7:00pm, is the tree lighting ceremony.


November 23rd and 24th, 1pm-8pm, is the YOYO TV performance session.

The night of November 30th, 5:30-9:30pm, there will be a run with Santa.  Children ages 3 through 10 can register.  They must be accompanied by an adult, ideally not more than two kids per adult.  If you click on this link, you can see the Teddy bear gift the children who finish the run will get, as well as a map and registration form.

This is all happening in the square outside New Taipei City Hall in Panchiao.

市府地址: 新北市板橋區中山路一段161號

Chungshan Road Section 1, No. 161 (New Taipei City Hall)

[Nov 16 2013] Two Rummage Sales!

There are two rummage sales/flea markets on this Saturday!

I will post AGAPE first, because I have a table there. I am selling clothing, books, and leggings, with the aim of raising money for our school.  AGAPE is raising money for charity, and the remaining items are going to places including the typhoon-ravaged Phillipines.

This rummage sale has a long history, and there is a loyal group that donates quality children's and maternity items every sale.  Start time is 8:30am.

The second sale is the TAS Orphanage Club's one at Taipei American School. There are over 80 tables with second-hand items.  Time is 10am until 5pm.


Address: 800 Chung Shan North Road, Section 6, Taipei 111
Phone: 886-2-2873-9900
Fax: 886-2-2873-1641

 Both of these events are family-friendly, but do note that they can get very crowded.  I always enjoy them more without kids, and I certainly come home with less that way!

Family Performance: A Christmas Carol

My son (and the rest of the crew) have been practising hard for this upcoming performance.  Don't miss out! Right now, there are two public shows, as listed below. 

Red Room Radio Redux Proudly Presents

A Christmas Carol

RED ROOM RADIO REDUX returns this Holiday Season to re-kindle the power of the spoken word and populate the theatre of your imagination with an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

Setting the stage for the holiday spirit, R4 is once again bringing together a talented troupe of actors and sound effect artists under the direction of Ruth Giordano, creator of Red Room Radio Redux.

R4 has been heard on ICRT-FM100 over the past year with various presentations including: MACBETH and TREASURE ISLAND.

We invite you to discover the timeless classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, performed in the tradition of a dramatic radio production. Open your ears to the sounds of Dickens' cherished fable; the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounter with three ghosts who reveal unto him a future as miserable as his spirit, urging him to embrace a change of heart. This holiday season, come share in our passion for radio drama with this masterwork of western literature.

Red Room Radio Redux is a non-profit organization, a part of the Red Room Community and sponsored by the Ripplemaker Foundation.

So Save the Date, and join us for merrymaking and a cup of good cheer as we bring you good tidings with Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL:

Sunday, Nov 24 at 2:30 pm

Taipei American School Benefit for the Orphanage Club

800 ZhongShan N. Rd. section 6

Taipei City

Sunday, Dec 1 at 2:30

Aveda Learning Kitchen

2F 117 Da'An Rd. section 1

Taipei City

Directions to the Learning Kitchen:
  

Aveda’s Learning Kitchen, above the Aveda Salon:

No. 117, 2nd fl, Da An Road, section 1

北市大安路一段 117號2F

MRT Blue line to Zhongxiao Fuxing. Take exit #3 and it's an easy walk: straight out of the exit a few blocks along ZhongXiao E. Rd. At the first traffic light; turn right and you will be on Da'An Rd, sec 1

#117 will on the left 4-5 short blocks from the corner of ZhongXiao E. Rd. Look for the Aveda Salon Third Place.

When you are at the corner of Da’An Rd, standing in front of the Salon, walk down the lane to the first door on the left. We’ll be on the second floor.

BUS685。捷運忠孝復興。從SOGO百貨，過馬路一直走在忠孝東路，直到你擊中大安路1段。當你看到第Third Place Aveda沙龍右轉大安路。

Learning Kitchen 在Aveda Spa Third Place 的拐角處巷子, 2F。

Tickets are available at the door: 300NT adults, 200 students, 100 for children under 12

Taipei City Playgroup's Awesome Playgroup News - by Children, for Children

The Awesome Playgroup News is now soliciting general articles, artwork, jokes, and puzzles.
The writing prompt (a suggestion, but not obligatory) for this Christmas issue is "caring." Children may write about something they have done, or someone they have admired (parent, public figure) who demonstrates this characteristic.
Submissions may be sent to me at cyao@tig.com.tw

Sponsors may also contact me about advertising opportunities. For the Taipei Cityplaygroup community members, we sell color ads, 1/16 of an A3 page, for just NT100. Multiple spaces, a black and white half page option, and fliers are other choices. You may furnish the artwork, or simply give us the copy and one of our talented child staffers will create an ad for you. Contact Carol at the email above for suggestions or details.

Deadline is the end of November.

Here is the latest edition, that came out last Saturday.

http://www.youblisher.com/p/745862-Awesome-Playgroup-News-Autumn-2013/

Art Workshops by Sunghee Min - Downtown Taipei

Sunghee Min is an established artist and sculptor with experience in teaching both in college and with her own children at home. To read a bit more about her and to see some of her work, go to: http://www.sungheemin.com/

My children attended her workshops held over summer.  They loved, loved, LOVED them.  I did too!  My children came home inspired to create, and with a knowledge of a couple of influential artists and their techniques. 

Sunghee now has a few classes running from home (and park), near Mingshen East Road in Taipei.  This is her new schedule:

Hi, there are two independent workshops and a 6 week-long class opening this month. All classes are suitable for kids ages from 4 to 7. Please check the details below and contact me or leave a message if you're interested. Thanks!

Independent workshops
Workshop 1
Sunday, November 10, 2pm-4pm
We will be doing a large collaborative project creating a Mandala design by using various techniques and materials. We'll also have outdoor activities at the park. Kids will make art by incorporating wind, rain or sun depending on the weather conditions

Workshop 2
Sunday, November 24, 2pm-4pm
We will be making a small set of teacups and a teapot in clay using molds and other techniques. We will have outdoor activities as well at the nearby park. Kids will make art by using what's available at the park.

Tuesday afternoon class (6 weekly classes),1:30pm-3:30pm
The class starts Tuesday, November 12 and will end on Tuesday, December 17.

We will have diverse projects including installations, nature art at the park, clay work, doll house, mixed media, art journal and more in this course.

Location: 5F-2, No.2-6 Lane 69, Minsheng East Road Section 5 (near Songshan airport)

There are numerous parks nearby, as well as a public library within walking distance,

and the Baby kitchen (a child-friendly cafe) around the block! IKEA is 4 bus stops away!

Fee: $950NTD per workshop/class. The fee includes materials.

Email: sungheemin@yahoo.com
Mobile: 0958234028
Facebook Page Link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-for-Kids-bySungheeMin/217372028427563?ref=stream

Fall Schedule for Parents' Place (Neihu MRT, Taipei, Taiwan)

As business manager for Parents' Place (a center for families in Taipei, Taiwan to meet and learn), I want to share our new schedule for the end of 2013.  Join me and other great instructors as we build a community of parents and children that enjoy learning and having fun in an English-language environment.  We have activities suited for native English speakers and ESL/EFL learners.

As well as what is listed on this timetable, we have the following workshops and meetups:

*Chinese cooking classes with Ivy Chen
*Breastfeeding Support Group every second Monday of the month, 3-5:30pm.
*Winter and Summer camps

If you are interested in any of these activities, please REGISTER on the form at www.parentsplace.com.tw, so we can keep in touch and so you can let us know your preferences.

As a guideline, most classes are NTD450/hour, with materials fees as necessary.

 This is the bus-stop, which is right outside Parents' Place.  You can also get off at Dahu or Neihu MRT stops. We are right in between the two stops, next to Cheng Gong Park.

Address: 2F, No. 315, Section 4, ChenGong Rd, Neihu District, 台北市內湖區成功路四段315號2F, Taipei, Taiwan 114
Tel: 0987-576-771
Website: www.parentsplace.com.tw
FB: Parents' Place

[Nov 16, 2013] Stage Time and Juice III at the Red Room: A Place for Children to Develop of a Culture of Listening and Non-Judgement, and Have Fun, Too!

 

2:30pm to 5:00pm (PM2:30 至PM5:00)

Stage Time and Juice is a Red Room event collaborating with Taipei City Playgroup encouraging children to head down the path of creative discovery.

Children are invited to our multicultural platform where they can listen to stories, share their talents and learn from creative-minded people. Come take a seat, sip some juice and share with the Stage Time and Juice family.

There will also be sign up sheets at the door for those brave kids who would like to read, share art, play music or tell a story to their classmates, playmates and peers alike.

Stage Time and Juice 是一個新的紅房(Red room)社群與 Taipei City Playgroup 所舉辦的活動，活動主要用意為鼓勵孩子們步入創意探索的道路。 活動主要以英文進行，受邀參加的孩子們，可以有機會聆聽許多故事，分享彼此天賦才能及創意想法。倒點果汁，隨意找個座位坐下，和我們果汁家庭成員們一同學 習，一同分享這個多元化的平台。 在櫃台會有報名表，讓勇敢的小朋友們可以登記上台朗讀、分享藝術、玩音樂或者講故事。

**We will be selling tickets for the December 1st performance of A Christmas Carol, with a one-off 10% deal!**

====================================

For all the supportive parents:

Please bring a juice or savory snack of your choice to contribute to our juice and snack bar, which will be created as you arrive. Everything will be shared.

The Red Room is a green environment. Please buy one of our awesome, groovy bamboo mugs and have our fabulous artists paint it for you. It will remain forever, yours and yours alone (true love). Or bring your own drinking vessel.

Bring a fluffy pillow to increase the level of comfort, since floor seating is all that's provided.

給所有支持贊助的父母們： 請隨意帶果汁或喜歡的點心，當您抵達社群時即可將其放置於吧台，供大家自由分享取用。 紅房(Red room)社群關心綠色環保議題，所以來時候可以考慮在現場購買一個我們引以為傲的竹杯子，讓我們卓越的藝術家幫您在上面繪畫，之後它將是永久的屬於您個 人的，並存放於社群，又或者您也可以攜帶自己的環保杯。 當然最重要，您也可以帶靠枕來讓享受聆聽過程更舒適。我們的地板非常的乾淨可以席地而坐


Address: 2F., No. 117, Sec. 1, Da'an Rd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan (Above Aveda Studio, door in the lane. Buzzer has “AVEDA” next to it)

地點在：台北市大安區大安路一段 117 號 2 樓。Aveda 沙龍樓上
Tel: (02) 27714195

Map (地圖): http://goo.gl/maps/faUJX

Contribution Fee (入場費用):

200NTD (1 parent with accompanying child), 50NTD per additional family member regardless of age.
親子票一張200NTD，供一大人一小孩，如有額外人員（不論大人或小孩）費用每人一律加收50NTD。
200NTD per adult ( 200NTD/一大人)

===================================

About Taipei City Playgroup:

Taipei City Playgroup has been connecting English-speaking families in Taipei since 2002. With no fees, no obligations and no restrictions, this informal, casual playgroup meets on Thursday mornings at various locations around Taipei City, and holds annual Christmas parties, Easter picnics and Halloween Trick-or-Treat parades, as well as publishes The Awesome Playgroup News, a child-produced newspaper that encourages English literacy. Members number over 400, and include parents with Taiwanese partners and families from all over the world, who may be new to Taiwan or new to parenting. Attending Taipei City Playgroup events are a wonderful way for families to connect and share information about parenting in Taiwan, and for children to find new playmates.

關於 Taipei City Playgroup: Taipei City Playgroup 這個社群從 2002 年成立至今，一直以來，提供了在台灣許多說英語家庭們之間，保持聯繫的組織平台。一般於星期四上午，社群會在台北市各個不同地點，舉辦非正式的休閒遊戲小聚會，參加者無須付費，沒 有義務，也沒有任何限制。同時社群也會舉辦年度聖誕、復活節野餐和萬聖節”不給糖，就搗蛋”的活動。另外也發行精彩的 Playgroup 新聞，是完全由孩子們合力發行的報紙來激勵孩童接觸英語文學。目前社群已有超過 400 位成員，包含台灣及其外國配偶，或夫妻皆來自世界各地，也許剛新到台灣，也許剛當上新手爸媽的父母們。來參加 Taipei City Playgroup 活動是一個與其它家庭連結並分享父母心得最佳的機會，同時也讓孩子們找到新玩伴。

====================================

Co-Founders | Ping Chu 朱平 • Ayesha Mehta • Red Room Coordinator | Manav Mehta • Translation | Edward Chiang • Online Presence | Roma Mehta • Assistant Coordinator | Disha Patel

RED ROOM www.redroom.com.tw

Supporters:
肯夢 AVEDA Lapostolle 非零Non Zero Ripplemaker Foundation

A Christmas Carol Performance

 

Tickets:

Adults 300

Children 200

Under 5's free

Get Your Children Involved: A Christmas Carol by Red Room Radio Redux

Last weekend, my son and I went to see Dracula, by Red Room Radio Redux, "a new group of dramatic readers, an outgrowth of Stage Time & Wine at the Red Room in Taipei."  We were truly transported back to the time of radio plays and classic stories, with all the sound effects and fantastic voices that evoked real emotion from an audience.

Radio Redux is now looking for children and adults to perform A Christmas Carol  in December, as well as taking part in future projects.  For kids, the parts of Tiny Tim, the other boy, and carollers are still up for grabs.  Children will be mentored by talented adults, and most rehearsals take part via Skype.  You need to send audition material by this weekend! That's November 2nd, 2013.

Greetings!

Thanks for your interest in Red Room Radio Redux. We’re always looking for new voices!

Here’s how to get involved as a Reader: Make a demo recording of your voice. (One way is to use audio recording/editing software such as Audacity, which is available online as a free download.)

You may choose your own text. Read text with which you are already familiar. Limit length to 3 minutes. If you have more than one voice, (for example: a person of a different age than your own, a regional accent different from your own), you may record 2-3 minutes for each voice.

Before each reading, announce the character’s name and, if convenient, the source of the material. For example: “This is the first page of “Tale of Two Cities” or “Now I’ll read the Munchkin Mayor’s speech to Dorothy from Wizard of Oz”.

Send the file as an attachment to r4.radioredux@gmail.com

In your e-mail, please give us your name, age and a brief description of any relevant experience.

This first step is to get your voice into our system. At this point you are not yet auditioning for a particular part. When a role for which your voice may be suitable become(s) available, you’ll be invited to audition using text from the script.

Thanks again and have fun recording!

[Oct 26, 2013] Daniel Pearl Day of Music

This is a fun outdoor event for the family.  If you go, please support the New to You second-hand clothing charity sale, by finding their tent and seeing if there are any books, shoes, or clothing items that you can purchase.

Information below is from the Facebook page.

Address: Taipei City Hakka Park, No. 2 Ting Zhou Road Section 3.

丹尼音樂節在去年擴大舉辦獲得廣大迴響後，將於今年10月26日舉行第12屆紀念丹尼．波爾（Daniel Pearl）的音樂日。為紀念丹尼．波爾短暫卻燦爛的一生，他的朋友在同年發起「丹尼音樂節」，每年十月在世界各地舉辦，傳遞愛與和平、希望與寬容的理念。
The 12th Annual Daniel Pearl Day of Music will be will be held in Taipei on Saturday, October 26, at the Taipei Hakka Cultural Park from 2-10PM. The annual series of concerts honors the life of the slain Wall Street Journal reporter on what would have been his 50th birthday. Taipei is proud to host the free musical along with 129 countries around the world

樂團體包括 performers this year include: Suming舒米恩, Funky Brothers 放客兄弟, Omer Avital Quintet (Israel), Formosa Romance福爾摩莎羅曼史, Mary Bites Kerry 瑪莉咬凱利, Pan Africana泛非文化樂團 ,Mr. Loud Who Chance三十萬年老虎鉗,Jelly Roll Affair, Yellow Funky Stuff (Japan),Dread Rider, Megan Dooley Trio,Three Legged Cat三腳貓, and more ….

[Oct 26, 2013] Annual Taipei American School (TAS) International School Fair

With so much going for Halloween that this great event nearly passed me by.  Our family doesn't go to it because we don't handle the crowds well, but it is a much-loved fair with a long history, and well-worth going to at least once.

Held on the TAS campus in Shilin, and run by the TAS PTA, there will be food from over 20 countries, games, music, and even a haunted house.

Address: Taipei American School, 800 Chung Shan North Road, Section 6 (〞中山北路六段800號)
Time: 10am-4pm, Saturday October 26, 3013
Admission: NTD20/person

Help Me Keep the Kidzone Blog Going: Please Use My Affiliate Links and Support My Charity Project

First of all, I really enjoy keeping this blog, and will continue to do so even nobody supports my two ventures.  This is definitely a labor of love, but I love it.  In order to convince myself this blog is worth putting more time into and re-doing to be a more interactive, prettier one, I do need to feel a little support.

With this in mind, I am sharing two ways you can support me and my projects.

1. Bookmark and share my links to my affiliate programs.

Every little bit helps.  If you happen to buy from or use the following companies, you can give a little back by simply clicking on the affiliate links, or putting the appropriate code in when asked.

Book Depository - book store, free international shipping:

http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=LittleWonders

 

Bluehost - really good hosting company for websites:

http://www.bluehost.com/track/littlewonders

Amazon.com amazon.com

Independent Web Designers - a way of making money while learning ecommerce/webdesign: 

http://www.mcssl.com/app/?af=1559053

iherb - Online store selling all kinds of medicines, family care items... very cheap and often free international shipping, US$5-10 off your first order with the code: IWA983

 

http://www.iherb.com/?rcode=IWA983 

2. Support my pet project: Raising USD1,000 (TWD30,000) for our school to build a sun shade for the lower grade classrooms, with leftover funds going to finishing the Bilingual Eco-Walkway promoting nature and English.  I am still setting this one up. Watch this space for details.

[Oct 5-Oct 27, 2013] New Taipei City Environmental Arts Festival in Danshui

Sorry, again the website is all in Chinese, but at least it's a start.  There are a couple of performances this coming weekend.

http://www.taiwanshui.com.tw/tamsui-art/Art-f01.asp

[Oct 16-Nov 13, 2013] Taishan Lion King Cultural Festival 2013

This event's website opening page is loud, so turn down your speakers if you are looking late at night.

-Free bus from Taishan to Taipei and back. www.taishan.ntpc.gov.tw.

Address: Taishan Physical Education Hall (Taishan's Park Road, No. 54)

Website (Chinese): www.lionking2013.net

Halloween Family Events Taipei 2013

Boo!

It's that time of year, when parents start looking for Halloween events, costumes, and decorations for their families. I've been following things online, and decided to try to put everything in one place.

a. Halloween Costumes:

Behind Taipei Train Station, there are several stores (according to this Taipei Times article, there were 14 last year) that stock Halloween (and then Christmas) costumes and decorations. Costumes start at about TWD300.  Most are the kind you would find at a Walmart or similar store back home.

 This is from the article mentioned above:

The Holiday House (節慶屋) at 95 Changan W Rd (台北市大同區長安西路95號), tel: (02) 2559-4897 is geared more towards women with the requisite flirtatious Little Red Riding Hood and risque female versions of Captain America costumes. Prices are between NT$499 and NT$599 for adult costumes and NT$100 less for children. Unfortunately, the Holiday House seemed like a Christmas store moonlighting as a Halloween shop.
A few steps down the road is Lucky House (吉祥屋) at 109 Changan W Rd (台北市大同區長安西路109號), tel: (02) 2550-0262. At first, the list prices on everything seemed to be a bit higher than the Holiday House, but soon the owner came over and started offering better deals. She turned out to be a spirited bargainer and a costume that contained a hat, wig and sailor’s dress went from being NT$970 to NT$750 with a few clicks on the buttons of her oversized calculator. Eventually, a price of NT$700 was settled on, but not before using the time-honored pretending-to-walk-away tactic of negotiation.
Technically not on Changan West Road but worth mentioning because it’s very visible from the intersection at Changan and Taiyuan is Party World Thematic Warehouse (派對世界) at 63 Taiyuan Rd (台北市太原路63號), tel: (02) 2559-9758. This two-level shop had the widest selection of all with kids’ costumes, fairy wings and tons of pirate paraphernalia. One of their specialties is all shapes and sizes of mylar balloons, which ranged in prices from NT$100 to NT$450 filled with helium. Overall, Party World would be the first place to shop to decorate for a Halloween party.

Here is a link to a map for a store at Tai Yuan Road No. 6 (just north of Taipei Main Station).

Lococo is a very large outlet store, with some fantastic costumes available all year round for good prices. The costumes are in the room off to the side of the main store. Beitou Road Sec. 1, No. 7 (Beitou District). This is just off the MRT line, so not as hard to get to as it sounds.
北投路一段七號

A seasonal costume shop downtown is about two blocks south of Renai Road, near Lane 456.  Thanks to Kelly for sharing this information.   They stock costumes for adults and children.
Address: Building No. 442, Guang Fu South Road, Taipei. 光復南路442號

Shin Mei, a stock-clearance store behind SOGO in Taipei currently has  20% off  Halloween decorations and costumes.
Address: Tung Hua South road, section 1, alley 190, number 53 (behind the white SOGO, Zhongxiao-Fuxing MRT, North-East corner.)

In Keelung (Jilong), you can go to the 3rd floor of Bao-ping Book Store (保評書局), near the big MacDonald's.   Address: Renai District, Ai-Er Road, No. 76. 基隆市仁愛區愛二路76號 - across from the big bus station outside the parking building.  The stationery store next to Hess Bookstore also has a few bits and pieces.  They both stock a few cute candy items, made in Vietnam.

Wellcome (頂好) is going a bit Halloween-crazy, with its pumpkin range, at least.  The tiny ones are TWD39, then they go up and up and UP to TWD1,000. They also have posters up about some events/promotions, but I didn't get a chance to read it properly.


2. Events:

Tianmu's Market Place Development Organisation runs a whole series of events for Halloween, the biggest being the free one at Tianmu Sports Park on October 26th, 1-8pm.  Their event information is all in Chinese (here).

http://www.tianmu.org.tw/modules/news/article.php?storyid=74&uid=0

It says on the poster that 200 stores in Tianmu are taking part in the Trick-or-Treating, between 11am and 12noon. I'm guessing that is on Saturday, but the poster does seem to show that it is on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday...

At the park, they will have food and drink stands, music, storytelling, and games.

Between 2 and 3pm, Shing Gong Mitsukoshi's Tianmu Store will be giving away 3,000 pumpkins and other gifts.


The Brass Monkey is running another Kid's Halloween Party this year, on October 27th.

銅猴子邀請您全家與我們一起瘋萬聖!!
Fun and games for the whole family!
日期 Date : Sunday 10/27星期天
入場時間 : 11:00AM - 4:00pm
Adults 大人 NT$550*
Children 小孩 (<1 br="" free="" nt="" old="" yr="">Under 2 yrs old NT$450
我們會有另您意想不到的好玩把戲讓您和您的孩子一起同樂
當天打扮最佳的孩子會有機會把大獎帶回家唷!!
 Be sure to dress up, as we have great prizes for the best costumes!
Full buffet lunch for adults and children
大人兒童可享自助式早、午餐
*BOOK BEFORE OCTOBER 19 AND GET 10% OFF!!!!!!
*10月15號之前預訂，可享9折優惠
訂位請 email puffy@brassmonkeytaipei.com
For reservations please email puffy@brassmonkeytaipei.com
或打電話訂位 Please call Puffy on 0918 620 088

I've heard from friends that The Brass Monkey runs pretty good parties for families, with lots of fun gifts, prizes, and games.

The Brass Monkey is at 166 Fuxing North Road, Taipei, Taiwan, 台北市復興北路166號.

It's right by Nanjing East Road MRT stop, so if you think you might have a drink, why not just take the MRT and/or taxi?  Parking is available nearby, but it is not cheap on weekends.

Kidchen Club (a cooking and activity space in Shilin run by a lovely couple) will hold two Halloween-related sessions coming up to Halloween.  Cost is NTD2,400 for the two sessions.  Their food is awesome!

Address: No. 68-10, Tian Mu N. Rd., Shihlin District, Taipei City, Taipei 111, Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan


Taipei City Playgroup also holds an annual Halloween party for children.  It is for members of the playgroup, and very much an event where families get involved in the planning and running of the afternoon.  Families bring treats to share and for the trick-or-treating.  Older children make games for others to play during the afternoon. If you are a family in Taipei and would like to join an English-language playgroup, the best way to join is to contact me with your email address so I can add you to the group.  You can also read about upcoming events on Taiwanease.com

The American Club will have a members-only event for children on October 27th.  If you have an active family that enjoys lots of sports and social activities and are craving an English environment, take a look at the American Club membership as an option.

Radio Redux will give three performances of Dracula over the weekend of October 26th and 27th. Click here for more details.  It is being advertised as suitable for adults and children over 12.

McDonald's seem to have two activities. The first is, add NTD30 to your Happy Meal and you get a DIY pack.  The second is, there is Halloween bus going to the stores listed on the poster (in Chinese at the bottom)

Taipei Zoo's Zoolloween is up and running. The main event is on October 26th , 4pm-8pm.  I need to gripe. Why is it EXTREMELY difficult to dig up anything really useful about events in Taiwan?  Even the Taiwan Government's English website fails to mention ANY of the event details... Here's a poster and a link, anyway.  I read that the baby panda is the feature of Zoolloween.

Xue Xue Kids in Neihu is having a Halloween weekend on October 26th and 27th. All this info is currently in Chinese. I'll try to find time to translate. Xue Xue Kids is a very cool space in Neihu.  Check out their website to find out more.

Alumni from  Columbia, Cornell, MIT, NYU, Wash U and Yale currently in Taiwan can attend the 2013 Taipei Intercollegiate Halloween Spooktacular.  See details here.

Sanchong Govt. will host a Halloween party over two afternoons (Oct 25 and 26). Information (Chinese) here.


That's what I have so far.  Halloween has become quite popular with the younger set in Taipei.  Many kindergartens and schools will have events where children dress up and learn the "Trick-or-Treat" rhyme. After all, who doesn't like an excuse to play pretend and eat lots of candy?

An Option for Generating Income in Taiwan (or Anywhere) : Supported Web Design

Being a trailing spouse or being stuck in one field just because you need to add to the family income but are limited due to language, nationality, or other issues, can be really frustrating.  This sounds very SPAM-like, but it just seems like a great option for many of us in Taiwan as expats. So far, I've found the owner of this company really straight-forward and easy to work with.  So, I'm putting it out there.

If you are looking for options for making money in Taiwan without teaching English, and would like to learn some new skills while making money rather than just paying out for training,  consider becoming a franchisee through independent-webdesigners.com.

Ten years ago, having a website was a luxury or a status symbol.

Now, a website is a necessity for keeping any business afloat

With our help, learn how to tap into that market, set your own prices, and realistically stay very busy earning anywhere from $30-$50/hr for work you don't even do yourself!

The reasons I am sharing this franchisee option with readers are:

1. Having worked with this company a bit, it's not just a random company ad;
2. I think a few readers will really benefit from the mentoring offered, and I think it's great someone might not have to go through the troubles I did when setting up my own online store;
3. I like the idea of the 5-day free trial;
4. The cost is not really much more than some of the courses through University, but you should be able to start making money back quickly;
5. The idea of being mobile is really appealing, and in fact necessary, for many of us in Taiwan.

 Anyway, take a look and see if there is anything that looks good to you.

independent-webdesigners.com mentoring and franchise organization gets you on-track for a lifelong career as your own boss! It's the best solution for people who don't have time for retraining, and a sensible one for those who do!

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