Welcome New Animal Friends - The Children's Museum | in ... · The chameleon does change color, but what amazes visitors is watching it eat! ... January 9, 16, 23, 30 Grades 1 –

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY...WILDLIFE SANCTUARY...

Welcome New Animal Friends

950 Trout Brook DriveWest Hartford, CT

Saturday, October 26th (9:00 am to 4:00 pm) and Sunday, October 27th (11:00 am to 4:00 pm)

Free for members, and non-members can come for free with admission, ANDchildren, come dressed in your coolest costume to receive $2 off your museumadmission price. Pre-registration is not required. Rain or shine. l Trick-or-treat around the museum for spooky prizes s Make some hauntingly fun take-home craftsl Meet some creatures of the night s View a special Planetarium showl Dissect a pumpkin ...And much more! n

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New arrivals often appear at the Sanctuary, and right now, you’ll find several new animals on exhibit. A Panther Chameleon, native to northern Madagascar can befound in the front hallway of The Sanctuary. The chameleon does change color,

but what amazes visitors is watching it eat! Another new arrival is a Northern WaterSnake. This native species provides a nice contrast to the venomous Water Moccasin orCottonmouth, a venomous species that is not found in Connecticut. A visit to Turtle Townwill acquaint visitors with an Alligator Snapping Turtle. A native of the lower MississippiRiver, this abandoned pet can reach a weight 180 lbs or more. The Alligator Snapper is the largest freshwater turtle in the world.

The Wildlife Sanctuary provides a haven for animals that are no longer able to survive in their natural habitats. Of course, the Sanctuary cannot accept every animal offered. Please think before you purchase an exotic pet or remove an animal from thewild. Often, such animals are difficult to care for in one’s home. In some cases removinganimals from the wild may even be against the law. If you have questions about acquiringa new pet for your home, do not hesitate to contact the Wildlife Sanctuary. We are always happy to discuss the pros and cons of exotic pet ownership BEFORE you bring that new pet home. n

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Halloween Spooktacular!Join us for some ghoulish

Halloween family fun!

Sunday, November 10th (9:00 am to 11:00 am)This Thanksgiving season, The New Children’s Museum is saying Thank You toour members during November with special offers and exclusive events! Come join us Sunday morning, November 10th for a special Members OnlyEvent featuring seasonal crafts and activities. The museum will be closed to thepublic while we encourage our members to come join in on some festive fun as well as a specially scheduled planetarium show, animal demonstrations andtouring. Please bring a non-perishable good for our Food Drive in order to receivea ticket for the raffle. Visit and Win! Each time you visit the museum during November, you’re entered to win a FENNEC FOX ENCOUNTER. One entry perday, per family. n

Giving Thanks For Our Members

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HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE ADVENTURE DAYSOur Homeschool Mondays are offered the first Monday of the month from October through May

and they are the perfect addition to any homeschool curriculum. We make learning fun with our hands-on lessons using museum exhibits where children are encouraged to work together, askquestions, use tools, make interdisciplinary connections and meet new friends. Our inquiry basedprograms focus on one general science and one astronomy theme each day.

Time: 9:30am – 12:45pmMember cost: $10/program, adults and additional children free Non-Member cost: $10/program, adults and additional children $7 Ages(s): Grades K-8Pre-registration required? Yes

n November 4, 2013 ....Insects; Meteor Showers & Cometsn December 2, 2013 ....Engineering; The Winter Solsticen January 6, 2014 ..........Chemistry; It’s Time to Observe Jupitern February 3, 2014........Plants & Animals; Winter-Spring Starsn March 3, 2014 ............Earth Science; The Spring Equinoxn April 7, 2014 ................Environmental Science; ................................................ Eclipses & Lunar Eclipsen May 5, 2014..................Science Careers; Summer Sky WatchingPlease Note: The Museum closes at 1:30pm on Science Adventure Days

HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE MINI-SERIESOur engaging in-depth home school mini-series programs relate to museum exhibits and

provide children with unique, hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities that encourage communication and collaboration.

Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pmMember cost: $100, adults and additional children freeNon-Member cost: $125, adults and additional children $7 Ages(s): Grades 1-8Pre-registration required? Yes

n Session 2: November 14, 21, December 5, 12Grades 1 – 4: Light and AstronomyGrades 5 – 8: Earth Science

n Session 3: January 9, 16, 23, 30Grades 1 – 4: Physical ScienceGrades 5 – 8: Planets

n Session 4: March 6, 13, 20, 27Grades 1 – 4: PlanetsGrades 5 – 8: Physical Science

LITTLE EXPLORERSBring your preschoolersto focus on a new hands-onactivity every Wednesday from11:30am to 12:30pm! LittleExplorers is free, with admission.n October 23:

Animals on the Moven October 30:

A Ghostly Get Togethern November 6:

Whale Talesn November 13:

Pop Goes the Bubblen November 20:

Teamwork Townn November 27:

Feathered Friends

VACATION SCIENCE CAMP9:00am - 4:00pm. Members pay$60 per day, Non-Members pay:$70 per day. For Grades 1-5.Pre-registration is required.n November 5 (Election Day)Animal Encounters! Get upclose with our Wildlife Sanctuarycritters. Explore amphibians,reptiles, and mammals.n December 23Holiday Science - Grow crystal snowflakes, create chromatography ornaments,and experiment with candycane slime.n December 27Winter Animals- Meet the furryand feathered friends in ourwildlife sanctuary who thrive in cold temperatures and learnhow they stay warm. n December 30Supercold Science- Examine the science behind coldweather. Make your own snowand conduct freezing coldchemistry experiments.n December 31That’s A Wrap: EngineeringChallenge- Use leftover holidaymaterials like wrapping paper,boxes, and cardboard tubes todesign and build impressivestructures. ST

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JOIN THE NEW CHILDREN’S MUSEUM’S JUNIOR KEEPER CLUB

Go behind the scenes and learn what it takes to be an animal keeper. Work with the Wildlife Sanctuary Director, Animal Curators and volunteers. You will helpfeed, groom and learn general animal husbandry. Get a private demonstration and have your picture taken holding an animal at each session. The programis for ages 10 to 14 and is limited to 6 participants. Next session meets once a month on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00pm – 4:00pm. February 5, March 5,April 2, and May 7.

Prices for four sessions: $80/person for members.$100/person for non-members. n

REGISTER or JOIN TODAY!

The NEW Children’s MuseumONLINE:

www.thechildrensmuseumct.orgBY PHONE:

860.231.2824

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A Journey Begins…A child flies to outer space. She is in an

astronaut costume and fully convinced she is one.During her journey into outer space, she reachesthe International Space Station, and shares herstories with her fellow international peers as theyorbit around earth. This child is exploring theworld around her and there are no boundaries to what she can do and no obstacles to her imagination. We are born to be creative.

This experience and hundreds like it takeplace daily at The New Children’s Museum Preschool.

Fostering Creativity. . . The Children’s Museum Preschool has a

strong tradition of fostering creativity by givingevery child a wide array of rich multi-sensory experiences to experiment and make discoveries.Children explore with magnets, cultivate plantsfrom seeds, observe live animals from the museum, and experience outer space.

High Standards. . .The high educational standards of The

New Children's Museum Preschool will prepare your child for lifelong learning success.Guided by licensed, caring teachers—and with acurriculum backed by Connecticut’s early learning guidelines—children delve into the sciences, literacy, arts and humanities in a classroom setting and by visiting the museum's seven interactive exhibit spaces, wildlife sanctuary, planetarium and Roaring Brook Nature Center.

Immersive Learning ClassroomsWithin our large, sunlit preschool classrooms, children explore and discover the

wonders and processes of the surrounding world. These bright, colorful spaces providea familiar and comfortable home environment that is ideally suited to their needs.

The children come to see the entire museum as their classroom. Each exhibit isdesigned specifically to be a learning device. By being engaged with the museumour preschoolers have the opportunity to learn from and build relationships withour experienced museum staff. Learning is richer and deeper if it’s authentic, resulting in the information retention of our students.

Our MissonThe New Children’s Museum Preschool inspires creativity, promotes self

discovery, and nurtures an appreciation for lifelong learning. Our staff is committedto providing the highest quality early learning experience and the development of the individual child in areas of creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, independence, confidence, compassion, and empathy. We honor the child's senseof wonder and natural curiosity by providing hands-on experiences in our museum,classrooms as well as outdoors in the natural world at Roaring Brook Nature Center.

We Welcome our New Head of PreschoolWendy Hartling has joined the Children’s Museum

Preschool bringing her love of children and more than 25 years of experience in both teaching and educational administration.She received her B.S. in Elementary (PK-8) from UConn, NeagSchool of Education, and is currently pursuing her M.Ed in the field of Instructional Design at Western Governors Univ. She hasworked for school systems in Connecticut, as well as in Wisconsin. She has alsotaught adults, including GED and parenting classes in Hartford.

Space available for the current school yearand accepting applications for the

2014-2015 school year.

For More Information, contact:Wendy HartlingHead of Preschool

[email protected] 860.523.7449

950 Trout Brook Drive, West Hartford, CT 06119

Register Today!

Museum PreschoolEmbarking on a new Journey Preschool

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RoaringBrookNatureCenterIn Harmony with Nature

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ROARING BROOKNATURE CENTER SPECIAL EVENTS

BEYOND BIRDFEEDERS: GARDENING FOR THE BIRDS

Bird feeders give us the opportunity to see some of the birds up close.But many birds don't like bird seed. And bird feeders must be taken

down from mid-March to mid-November to reduce bear visitations.What’s a bird lover to do?

Join us for a presentation on November 7th at 7:00pm byMargery Winters, Assistant Director, to learn how to create a bird-friendly backyard that will attract and feed an even wider variety ofbirds throughout the year.

This adult-oriented program costs just $4 each for members,and $6 each for non-members. Please register soon as this programtends to fill up!

NATURE BOOKCLUB - NEW!

Join us on the first Friday of eachmonth for our new book club where we will explore nature-themed books. Our first book will be ‘Nature Girl’ by Jane Kelley.

This program is geared toward 5, 6 and 7th graders and costsjust $2 per session for members, and non-members. Book list will beprovided at the time of registration.

ADVENTURE STORY TIMECome hear a shared story, participate in a craft activity and enjoy a short walk during adventurestory time. Dates: Mondays, October 21, November 18, December 16

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pmMember cost: $2/child; maximum $5 per family Non-Member cost: : $2/child; maximum $5 per family Ages(s): 2 – 5 yearsPre-registration required? Requested

REGISTER or JOIN TODAY!

The Roaring Brook Nature Center

ONLINE: www.roaringbrook.org

BY PHONE:860.693.0263

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

Come have fun at the Nature Center on Saturday, December 21, the shortest dayof the year. Take a guided hikein Werner Woods, make a variety of winter-related crafts,or watch a presentation on thebeauty of winter. Hot chocolateand cookies will be provided.No need to pre-register, and the event starts at 1:00pm andends at 4:00pm. Free with Nature Center admission. n

FULL MOON HIKE! Friday, January 17th

7:00pm-8:30pmDress warmly as we’ll

head to the open field forsome moon gazing, astronomyand listening for great hornedowls. To be followed by hot cider and cookies in theNature Center auditorium.Cost: Members: $6, nonmem-bers: $8. This program is notgeared for very young childrenand participants should dresswarmly for cold evening tem-peratures! Pre-registration isrequired. n

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT THE NATURE CENTER

The Nature Center offers birthday parties on Saturdays and on selected weekday afternoons. Parties include a live animal demonstration, nature walk, and use of our auditorium for holding the party.For more information please visit www.roaringbrook.org.

To make a reservation call the Center at860.693.0263. n

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WERNER WOODS RANGERSInterested in learning more about our local wild areas?

Join our new Werner Woods Rangers. Each month, on thefirst Sunday, we will examine a different topic such as theimportance of native plants, how to make and monitorbluebird houses; how to read animal tracks; tree identifica-tion; and invasive plant removal. Each session will include atalk a hike and a project. Please contact us to register!

Time(s): 1:00 pm-2:30 pmMember cost: $4 per attendee, $15 per family.Non-Member cost: $4 per attendee, $15 per family.Ages(s): Suitable for adults and children age 8 and up.

n November 3..................Trail Orienteering & Maintenance

n December 1 ..................Bird Watching & Feeding 101

n January 5 ......................Living with Wildlife

n February 2 ....................Animal Tracking

n March 2 ..........................Bluebird Houses

n April 6 ............................Fledglings, Nestlings and Orphans

n May 4 ..............................Native Plants for Native Animals

FALL DISCOVERY DAYS PROGRAMS & HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Registration is now open for Fall Discovery Days, the Nature Center’s enrichment series for stu-dents PreK-grade 3. Four-week programs are offered for pre-schoolers and a parent, for students inkindergarten and kindergarten readiness programs and for students in grades 1-3. For more informa-tion, please visit www.roaringbrook.org

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR:NOVEMBER 24TH, NOON-4:00pm

Start your holiday shopping with our nature-related gifts for all ages. Handmade crafts will include candles, pottery, jewelry,soaps, felted ornaments and many other items.

Proceeds from this Friends of Roaring Brookfundraiser benefit the programs and activities at Roaring Brook Nature Center. n

WINTER VACATION PROGRAM: WILD WINTER

Join us for four days of fun over winter vacation. Learn how to identify animal tracks, follow themto uncover winter secrets, & learn about survival in the winter woods. Dates: Thursday, December26; Friday, December 27; Monday, December 30; Tuesday, December 31

Time: 9:00am - NoonMember cost: $30 per dayNon-Member cost: $35 per dayAges(s): Students K - 5Pre-registration required? Yes

HOBGOBLIN FAIR What “critters” will appear

on our trails this Halloween?Bring your 3 to 8-year-old kidsto join us for our annual Hob-goblin Fair held the Saturdaybefore Halloween (October26 with two sessions:10:00am -12:00pm and1:00pm-3:00pm). The Fair features the “Track-and-Treat”walk, children’s crafts, cupcakedecorating, face painting, aCountry Kitchen of yummyhomemade items, and a delicious lunch of homemadesoup, bread and apple cider.Children are encouraged towear costumes IF suitable forwalking in the woods and participating in the craft activities. Parents should planto stay with their children.Cost is $5 per child for members and $6 per child fornon members. Pre-registrationis necessary as this event occasionally fills up! n

WILD BIRD SEEDSALE TO SUPPORTRBNC & TCM

Here is a great opportunityto feed our feathered friendswhile also supporting the pro-grams and activities at RoaringBrook Nature Center and TheChildren's Museum!

We offer the high qualitybird food from Petals & Pawsin Canton and Blue BackSquare. For an order form visitwww.roaringbrook.org. n

SCOUT PROGRAMSAT THE NATURE CENTER

Leaders of Daisy, Brownie,and Junior Girl Scout Troops,as well as Cub Scout Troops,will find that numerous badgerequirements may be fulfilledby a visit to Roaring Brook Nature Center. n

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The NEW Children’s Museum950 Trout Brook Drive, West Hartford, CT www.thechildrensmuseumct.org860.231.2824

Roaring Brook Nature Center70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT www.roaringbrook.org860.693.0263

Non-Profit Org.

US Postage

PAIDHartford, CT

Permit No. 2469

950 Trout Brook Drive, West Hartford, CT 06119

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

www.thechildrensmuseumct.org860.231.2824

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THE NEW CHILDREN’S MUSEUM HOURS:Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm • Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pmClosed Mondays (Open on 11/11) • Holiday Hours: Closed on 11/28 & 12/25Open on 12/24 from 9 – 2:00 pm • Open on 12/31 and 1/1 9 – 4:00 pm

NATURE CENTER HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm • Sunday 1:00 – 5:00 pmClosed Mondays (Open on 11/11) • Holiday Hours: Closed on 11/28, 12/25 & 1/1 Open on 12/24 & 12/31 from 10 – 3:00 pm

SPONSOR AN ANIMALGive a gift to help care for one of the

many animals in residence at The New Children's Museum or Roaring Brook NatureCenter. Your sponsorship helps us to improve our wildlife habitats, to provide ouranimals veterinary care and to develop educational programs for our visitors.Sponsors receive a certificate, a color hotograph, a biography, and an opportunityto visit and learn more about their animal.For more information about animal sponsorships, please contact The WildlifeSanctuary at 860.231.2830 ext. 50.

HONOR THEM. SUPPORT US!Looking for a gift this holiday season

for the person who has everything? Make a donation to The New Children’s MuseumAnnual Fund in someone’s honor. It’s agreat feeling to know that because of you,The New Children’s Museum can continueits good work. We will send a certificate toyour honoree. Thank you for consideringThe New Children’s Museum during yourholiday shopping. It’s easy. Visitwww.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org and click on Donate Now.

GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIPMembership to The New Children’s

Museum allows a family to enjoy our exhibits and daily activities as often as theylike, for a full year, as well as discounts onprograms. Call 860.231.2830 x32 or go towww.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org and clickon Join Us.

BUTTERFLIES…A SUCCESS!The Museum's butterfly exhibit,

WINGED WONDERS, was a great successthis summer. The Butterfly House is nowclosing down for the winter season. Theadult monarchs that emerged from theirchrysalids (yes, the plural of chrysalis ischrysalid) over the past month have beenreleased, and hopefully, some of them willfind their way to the Mexican mountainswhere millions of monarchs spend the win-ter. We are now taking steps to "winterize"many of the plants in the butterfly enclo-sure and hope that next year's exhibit willbe even more exciting for our visitors!

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