Chinese New Year Chopsticks

Chopsticks for Kids

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with chopsticks. Chopsticks can be tricky for young kids developing fine motor skills, so grab a rubber band and some scrap paper and make them a little easier to use.

Wrap a rubber band around the top of both chopsticks.

Fold a piece of paper a few times and wedge it between the chopsticks,
near the rubber band.

Now you have created a spring-like chopstick.

I got this idea from a local restaurant, Mongolian BBQ in St. George, Utah. Visit them for great food and a fun experience. My kids love the origami animals they make for them when we visit.

Enjoy!

Happening This Weekend

Happening This Weekend

February 1-3, 2013

Friday, February 1, 2013

Bubble Bobble Party

Presented by My Heart of Dixie

Feb. 1st 9pm-2am

Located at the Washington City Community Center

This is a foam and pool party with dancing and music! For ages 18+ and they will ask for ID. Go to Bubble Bobble Party for more information and to get tickets in advance.

Ice Skate With Rapunzel

Ice skate with Rapunzel from Princess Character Visits at the new ice rink in Cedar City, Utah. It was planned for last weekend, but the weather was bad, so now it is this Friday, February 1st at 4pm. Located on Brent Hunter Farms at 3795 N. Bulldog Road in Cedar City. Just north of Willow Glenn Inn. Skate rentals = $1 and skating = $3. 

Follow Princess Character Visits on Facebook.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Tuff Kids Bike Criterium

St. George City Races

Feb. 2nd starting at 10am

Held at the Former St. George Municipal Airport, 620 S. Airport Rd., St. George, Utah

This Tuff Kids Bike Race is for ages 12 & under. The races are in heats of 4 - 8 kids and will be grouped by age, bike type, and gender. All kids receive awards, T-shirts, and finish line refreshments! 

Pre-registration accepted until January 31st for $10 at the St. George Rec Center or on-line at:  www.sgcity.org  Late registration is $20 and does not guarantee a t-shirt.

Superbowl Benefit Party

Follow Brandon Price Insurance Group on Facebook.

School Safety Presentation

School Safety Presentation

Tonight, January 29, 2013

6pm at the Dixie Center, St. George

Members of the community are invited to attend this free presentation on how St. George Police Department and the Washington County School District are working together to keep our community and schools safe. Mayor Dan McArthur and other local officials will be speaking and the discussion will include general school safety, an overview of school safety plans, the purpose of safety drills and the school resource officer program. 

Follow the City of St. George on Facebook.

Tuff Kids Bike Race

Tuff Kids Criterium Bike Race

February 2, 2013

My baby in the St. George Tuff Kids Race

My family loves this race and we have participated the last two years. This Tuff Kids Bike Race is for ages 12 & under. The races are  in heats of 4 - 8 kids at a time starting at 10:00am. Racers will be grouped by age, bike type, and gender. All kids receive awards, T-shirts, and finish line refreshments! 

Held at the Former St. George Municipal Airport, 620 S. Airport Rd., St. George, Utah

Pre-registration accepted until January 31st for $10 at the St. George Rec Center or on-line at:  www.sgcity.org  Late registration is $20 and does not guarantee a t-shirt.

This Weekend

Happening This Weekend

January 24-26, 2013

10^th Annual St. George Winter Bird Festival: January 24-26, 2013

Participants can attend any of the Festival’s multiple presentations, workshops or field trips for a minimal $5.00 - 3 day general admission pass per person (children 17 & under are free). 

Enjoying the ducks at the Tonaquint Nature Center

Find the Festival schedule and register for workshops at: Winter Bird Festival.

Check out the activities on Saturday: The Hawkwatch presentation will include live raptors! The Birding as Families presentation is presented by Ivan Richardson who is 9-years old. Home Depot will also be building bird houses with kids at 1:30pm at the Tonaquint Park Pavilion.
   

Located at the Tonaquint Nature Center, 1851 S. Dixie Drive in St. George, Utah.

Women Ski/Snowboard Retreat at Brian Head Ski Resort: January 25-27, 2013

Join Brian Head Resort and Cedar Breaks Lodge for a fun filled Winter Retreat to build your confidence and improve your technique. More info at: Women Ski/Snowboard Retreat

Winter on the Rocks: January 25-26, 2013

Brought to you by Utah 4x4 Club, this is southern Utah’s premiere off road event. Held in Hurricane, Utah.

To register or for more information visit: www.winterontherocks.com

Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival: January 26-27, 2013 Casablanca Resort in Mesquite, NV 

More info at: Balloon Festival

St. George Library's Saturday Movie Matinee: Saturday, January 26, 2013

Every Saturday the St. George Library shows a family friendly movie. You can bring snacks and drinks as long as they are not messy and no red drinks.

Winter Bird Festival

10^th Annual St. George Winter Bird Festival

January 24-26, 2013

Participants can attend any of the Festival’s multiple presentations, workshops or field trips for a minimal $5.00 - 3 day general admission pass per person (children 17 & under are free). 

Enjoying the ducks at the Tonaquint Nature Center

Find the Festival schedule and register for workshops at: Winter Bird Festival.

Especially check out the activities on Saturday. The Hawkwatch presentation will include live raptors! The Birding as Families presentation is presented by Ivan Richardson who is 9-years old. Home Depot will also be building bird houses with kids at 1:30pm at the Tonaquint Park Pavilion.
   

Located at the Tonaquint Nature Center, 1851 S. Dixie Drive in St. George, Utah.

Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park

Red Hills Parkway, St. George, Utah

I recently took my 4 & 6 year old hiking at Pioneer Park. It is a fun and easy hike for anyone. You also get an amazing view of the city. 

We packed a lunch and the kids found a rock outcropping they said was a perfect hideout to eat it in.

Pioneer Park is located on Red Hills Parkway in St. George. Look for the big "DIXIE" painted in white on the red rock and you will find it.  

St. George City Parks

St. George Event! Jan 19th

Celebrate 151 Years of St. George!

St. George, Utah is celebrating its 151 year birthday Saturday, January 19, 2013. Check out all the fun and FREE activities!

• Free Root Beer Floats with the Mayor and City Council from 12-4pm. Located at the St. George Social Hall, 47 E. 200 N. in St. George
• Free Swimming at the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center from 12-6pm. Located at 1144 N. Lava Flow Drive in St. George
• Free Rides on the St. George Carousel from 12-4pm. Located at the St. George Town Square Park, 50 S. Main Street 
• Free Transportation to these events on Sun Tran
• Free Heritage Choir Concert on Friday (18th) and Saturday (19th) at 7pm with guest speaker Lynn Clark. Held at the St. George Tabernacle.

Follow the City of St. George on Facebook and visit www.sgcity.org

Happening This Week

Here is what is happening in St. George this week!

January 14-19, 2013

Monday

Story Times at the St. George Library at 10am, 11am, & 1pm

Jumpin' Jack's Monday Movie Night: Every Monday kids can jump after 5pm for only $5 and each paid admission will include a small popcorn for the movie they will show. The free movie is shown at 6pm and is family friendly. Follow them on Facebook or check out their website. Located at: 314 North 3050 East, St. George, UT (435) 627-1155

Tuesday

Story Time at Hurricane & Washington Libraries at 10:30am

Teen Craft Club at the Santa Clara Library at 3pm. Free activity!

Children's Science Club at the St. George Library at 6:30pm. Free activity!

Wednesday

Story Times at the St. George Library are 10am, 11am. 2pm, & 5pm

Story Time at the Santa Clara Library 10am

Story Time at the Enterprise, Washington, & Hurricane Libraries are at 10:30am

Story Time at the new Harmony Library is at 11:30am

Thursday

Toddler Time at the St. George Library at 10am, 11am, & 2pm

Story Time at the Hurricane & Washington Libraries at 10:30am

Board Game Night at the Washington Library at 6:30pm. Free activity!

Friday

Neon Glow Party at the Washington County Fairgrounds for ages 18+ from 8pm-1am.

Participants are encouraged to wear all white for the full affect of the night. You will be splattering the crowd with nontoxic, washable paint. They will even provide you with paint filled squirt guns and bottles so you can spray your friends. Get tickets at www.myheartofdixie.com.  For party updates, follow Heart of Dixie on Facebook.

Story Time at the Hurricane & Washington Libraries at 10:30am

Exercise Class at the New Harmony Library at 1pm. Free!

ESL Class at the Washington Library at 6pm. Free to the public!

Saturday

St. George Half Marathon, 5K, and Tuff Kids Race. Sign up at the St. George Rec Center located at 285 S. 400 E. or on-line at: www.sgcity.org/recreation

Movie Matinee at the St. George Library at 2pm. Free activity for the whole family!

Jumpin' Jack's Mondays

Jumpin' Jack's

"Movie Mondays"

Every Monday kids can jump after 5pm for only $5 and each paid admission will include a small popcorn for the movie they will show. The free movie is shown at 6pm and is family friendly. PLAY, WATCH, and EAT! Jumpin' Jacks is taking movie suggestions and requests. Be sure to follow them on Facebook or check out their website.

Located at: 314 North 3050 East, St. George, UT (435) 627-1155

Neon Glow Party

Neon Glow Party

January 18, 2013

Indoors @ The Washington County Fairgrounds

The Heart of Dixie is bringing us another exciting event! This Glow party is for ages 18+ and will run from 8pm-1am. Participants are asked to wear all white (not required) for the full affect of the night. You will be splattering the crowd with nontoxic, washable paint. There will also be special effects and confetti cannons that will blast people with color. The paint is UV or black light reactive and glows! They will even provide you with paint filled squirt guns and bottles so you can help color the crowd.

Dance all night with DJ Marcus Wing and special performances by Shullfe Kulture Dance Crew, Desean – Live Hip Hop, and DJ Fayze

Get tickets at www.myheartofdixie.com
For party updates, follow Heart of Dixie on Facebook.

Off Road Event

Winter on the Rocks

January 25-26, 2013

Brought to you by Utah 4x4 Club, this is southern Utah’s premiere off road event. Held in Hurricane, Utah.

To register or for more information visit: www.winterontherocks.com

Women Ski/Snowboard Retreat

Women Ski/Snowboard Retreat

Brian Head Ski Resort

Friday, January 25-27, 2013

Join Brian Head Resort and Cedar Breaks Lodge for a fun filled Winter Retreat to build your confidence and improve your technique.

Friday, January 25^th

Welcome with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, an overview of the weekend. Register for clinics, check equipment or pick up rental equipment and sign up for the spa.

Saturday, January 26^th

Yoga session followed by breakfast, clinics, lunch, and more clinics. At dinner listen to a guest speaker and end with some activities.

Sunday, January 27^th

Yoga session followed by breakfast buffet, clinics, and lunch.

For more information contact:

Mary Ann Mudge

866-930-1010 ext. 223

maryann@brianhead.com

Brian Head Events

Princess & Characters

Princess & Character Visits

My daughter loves Snow White and we wanted to make her birthday extra special, so we hired Snow White from Princess & Character Visits to make a special appearance at her birthday party. 

St. George Mom's daughter with Snow White

The Princess took pictures with the girls, taught them how to curtsy and some proper etiquette. Then we sang “Happy Birthday” and blew out the candles. She played a fun game with the girls similar to Hot Potato, but using an apple. The person holding the apple when the music stopped had to pretend to bite the apple and dramatically faint and sleep until the game was over.

The Princesses!

My daughter loved her visit. My son has attended a birthday part where Spider Man made an appearance. Lots of fun! Call 435-773-2790 and learn more the characters they have and the packages they offer. Follow Princess Character Visits on Facebook.

Free Preschool

Free At-Home Preschool Program

The UPSTART program (Utah Preparing Students Today for A Rewarding Tomorrow) is a Utah state-funded, computer-based preschool program that will prepare your 4-year-old for kindergarten with a fun start in reading, math, and science in just 15 minutes a day. Brought to you by the Waterford Institute. The best part is that it is all FREE!

St. George Mom's son at Upstart graduation

My son participated in this program and began to read words before he started kindergarten. You are given all the equipment and you may even qualify for the use of a free computer and Internet service. The program advances when your child demonstrates proficiency, so no waiting for other kids to catch up. You do have to be committed to at least 15 minutes a day – 5 days a week, but you can call and tell them if you are going out of town or if your child missed a day because of an illness (or they will call you). I have already pre-registered my daughter for this fall. There are limited openings so call 800-669-4533 or go on-line to www.UtahUpstart.org

LEGO League

First LEGO League Regional Qualifier

 

February 12, 2013

FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO® League (FLL) is an exciting, fun global robotics and innovation program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, teamwork and technology in kids ages 9 to 14. Students have the opportunity to solve real-world challenges by building LEGO-based robots. Here is the bad news, team registration for this year’s competition is now closed. So why am I telling you about it? The public is invited to view part of the competition from Noon-1:15pm. Take your kids and get them excited. While you are there you can learn more about the program. If you can't make it to the event, then visit University of Utah Technology Venture Development. Elementary and middle-school students get to: Design, build and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology Apply real-world math and science concepts Research challenges facing today’s scientists Learn critical thinking, team-building and presentation skills Participate in tournaments and celebrations What FLL teams accomplish is nothing short of amazing. It's fun. It’s exciting. And the skills they learn will last a lifetime. In the 2012 Senior Solutions Challenge, over 200,000 children ages 9-14 (9-16 outside US, Canada and Mexico) from more than 60 countries will explore aging and how it may affect a person's lifestyle. Teams research obstacles and then suggest ways to improve the quality of life for the seniors affected. Teams also build, test and program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot to solve missions on an obstacle course.   The FIRST Lego League regional qualifier event will be held at Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School located at 3167 S. 2350 E. in St. George, Utah.    ossibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society. Elementary and middle-school students get to: Design, build and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology Apply real-world math and science concepts Research challenges facing today’s scientists Learn critical thinking, team-building and presentation skills Participate in tournaments and celebrations What FLL teams accomplish is nothing short of amazing. It's fun. It’s exciting. And the skills they learn will last a lifetime. In the 2012 Senior Solutions Challenge, over 200,000 children ages 9-14 (9-16 outside US, Canada and Mexico) from more than 60 countries will explore aging and how it may affect a person's lifestyle. Teams research obstacles and then suggest ways to improve the quality of life for the seniors affected. Teams also build, test and program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot to solve missions on an obstacle course. Throughout, teams operate under FLL's signature "Co

Clubs & Activities

Curiosity Club

I just signed up my daughter for another session of Curiosity Club. This session begins Tuesday, January 15, 2013 with new topics: Invention Exploration, Birds of Prey, Barnyard Fun, and Busy Bee Activities. The kids will have so much fun learning about inventions and maybe inspired to dream up their own invention! My kids love the science and art they engage in. 

Fee: $20 (ages 3-6 years)

Time: 10:30 am OR 1:30 pm

Date: Tuesdays starting January 15th for 4-weeks

Register at the St. George Rec Center at 285 S. 400 E. or on-line at www.sgcity.org/recreation
The classes are held at the Tonaquint Nature Center, 1851 S. Dixie Drive .

Chess Club For Kids

Mr. Kruse & Guy (St. George Mom's son)

My son enjoys playing Chess and we were so happy to find a Chess Club for kids in elementary school. The instructor is Michael Kruse who has a passion for the game and played the World Chess Champion.

Chess Club is part of the Kidspace After School program offered through Community Education. The program is designed to assist students with their homework as well as providing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities. To learn more about what the Kidspace program has to offer, call 435-652-7675

A schedule is being created, but Chess Club will most likely be held afternoons at 5 different schools in Ivins, St. George, Washington, and Hurricane. The fee is $5 a class and payable to the instructor.

4-H Community Healthy Living Club

Sign up your child for this Healthy Living Club for only $5. This ticket covers your child’s admission to 2 session held at the USU Extension Office, 44 N. 100 E., St. George. The classes are Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 4pm and Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 7pm 

Register online at: www.washco4h.eventbrite.com

Merit Badge Classes

Merit Badge Classes

Boys Scouts of America can work on their merit badges at these classes offered by the St. George Recreation Division. Visit www.sgcityrec.org for more info and to register or call 435-627-4560.

Pottery Merit Badge

January 8, 2013 for 4 weeks

Bird Study Merit Badge

January 15 & 22, 2013 plus must attend the St George Winter Bird Festival.

Fingerprinting Merit Badge

January 29, 2013 for 2 weeks

Art Classes for Kids

Art Classes

Adult & Youth Pottery Wheel
Starts Wednesday, January 9, 2013 for 4-weeks
Times: 12:30-2:30 pm OR 4-6 pm

Held at the St. George Rec Center


Smart Start Art for Kids!

A great class for kids 2-6 years old and parent.
Starts Wednesday, January 9, 2013 for 4-weeks
Time: 2:30-3:15 pm
Fee: $25 per couple includes supplies.
Held at the St. George Rec Center


Learn to Draw Cartoons
This new class will teach future cartoonists, ages 10 & older, the basic concepts of drawing cartoons.
Starts Monday, January 14, 2013 for 3-weeks
Time: 4:00-5:30 pm
Fee: $25
Held at the Tonaquint Nature Center

Register here or visit the St. George Rec Center at 285 S. 400 E. in St. George, Utah.