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!**

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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)

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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。

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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