for children 12 and younger include special tours, crafts and films
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/BOB THAYER Student visitors look over the Lagoda, an 89-foot, half-scale model of the whaling bark built in 1916 at The New Bedford Whaling Museum. During spring vacation, kids can tour the bottom deck of the model to survey sailors’ living quarters. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/BOB THAYER weapons (including a 1910 Maxim machine gun), pic tures and posters, models of airplanes and ships, uniforms and photos and mementos of local residents who served in various wars. “This museum is about people,” said volun teer Joseph "Zack" Sousa. A visit to the museum would work well after lunch, as it opens at 1 p.m. For informa tion, go to forttaber.org. And then there is the But tonwood Park Zoo, which is owned and operated by the city and is very close to downtown. Considered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to be one of the finest small zoos in the nation, exhibits include bob cats, Canada lynx, elephants, harbor seals, North American river otters and a cougar. For information, go to bpzoo.org. pelswort@providencejour nal.com (401) 277 7403 On Twitter: @peterelsworth Thursday, March 19, 2015 A bigger-thanlifesize wooden Indian that served as the figurehead for the Boston whaler Sachem, in 1875, on display at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Prov dence Journa for children 12 and younger include special tours, crafts and films. Other galleries showcase artifacts, including the fear some harpoons and butchering tools, a large collection of scrimshaw (carved and decorated sperm whale teeth and whale bone) and period paintings. There are even samples of whale oil you can sniff. They smell better in the winter than the summer, according to Brian Witkowski, director of apprentices and interns. For information on the Whaling Museum, go to whalingmuseum.org. For more about the city's whaling history, check out the short film "The City that Lit the World," showing at the National Park's Visitor Center, at 33 William St., just up from the museum. The film's title refers to the whale oil, which was used mainly for lamps, but also for lubri cation. The demise of whaling started in the 1860s as petroleum emerged as a replacement. For more informa tion, go to nps.gov/nebe. A couple of blocks down from the museum is the Buz zards Bay Coalition education center (114 Front St.), which features a very large topographical map of the Buzzards Bay watershed area showing all the rivers and inlets that run into the bay. Lighthouses and navigational buoys are lit up. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to the “restora tion, protection, and sustainable use and enjoyment of Buzzards Bay and its watershed,” according to coalition literature. Around the topographical map are displays addressing different issues the organization is involved in. (The organization also organizes seal and seabird tours.) For information, go to savebuzzardsbay.org. Across JFK Memorial Highway is the state pier with fishing boats as well as the schooner “Ernestina,” the state ship of Massachusetts. It was launched as the Effie M. Morrissey in 1894 and initially worked as a Grand Banks fishing schooner out of Gloucester, Mass. It later served as a research vessel in the Arctic before being restored in the 1990s. Additional attractions include Fort Taber Park at the south end of town, which features Fort Rodman. It was designed as a three tier fort, but ended up as a two tier fort because construction, which began during the Civil War, was halted at the end of the war. Large granite blocks that were never used can still be seen on the beach nearby. While the fort itself is not open for visits, the Fort Taber Military Museum features an enormous array of mili tary paraphernalia, including a model of Fort Rodman, 25 Naturalist Laura Carberry (pointing) of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island leads a bird watching walk at the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge in Coventry. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / BOB BREIDENBACH The Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge on Route 102 in Coventry, now an Audubon Society of Rhode Island property, offers unspoiled hiking trails and fishing and boating opportunities on Carr Pond. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / SANDOR BODO A black-capped chickadee perches on a branch in North Kingstown. Plenty of birding opportunities abound in Rhode Island’s protected spaces. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / BOB BREIDENBACH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 Lincoln, which is undergoing a face lift, to add parking and trails. The Nature Conservancy also maintains five preserves on Block Island that offer monthly walks for families with kids of all ages. Cel ebrate spring March 21 with a hike through the Clay Head Preserve, where you'll discover species unique to the island. "The preserves have a feeling of remoteness and feeling of the wild, but with the security of knowing you're only 10 minutes from a major road," said Mooney, who added that the preserves are free and open every day. On April 8, you can check out the elaborate aerial mating displays of the woodcock at the Francis Carter preserve in Charlestown. And small pools that blossom in spring at Tillinghast Pond in West Greenwich reveal up close views of squiggling tadpoles and fairy shrimp. "Tadpoles are magical," said Mooney," after a long winter to see something like that wiggling about." Another popular spot for nature activi ties is the Kettle Pond Visitor Center in Charlestown, right off Route 1. Kids can draw birds on a wall, check out tanks with crayfish and turtles, or climb a 30 foot post and beam tower with views of Ninigret Pond and Block Island. The center is maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees five refuges in the state, including Trustom Pond, where you make your way through woods and fields to a wooden dock overlooking a large pond teeming with swans and ducks. All the service's programs are free and designed for families, said park ranger Neil Anthes. The visi tor center is open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving. For details on activities offered by the Audubon Society, visit asri.org. The Nature Conservancy's website is nature.org/rhodeisland. For the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visit fws. gov/ninigret. [email protected] / (401) 277 7492 ANIMAL ADVENTURES Sometimes furry friends make the best teachers By Jenna Pelletier Journal Staff Writer Working with animals can be a great way for kids to learn lessons they can take outside of the barnyard. "What we find is that kids are inherently interested and excited about animals," said Shareen Knowlton, director of education at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. "They are almost a universal context in which other things can be learned, including social skills, literacy and how to be responsible citizens." The zoo offers various educational pro grams, including one hour classes and weeklong day camps for children, from teenagers as old as 17 down to toddlers as young as 18 months. "With the younger kids, we focus on lessons about empathy and connec tions," Knowlton said. "We say, no doom and gloom before the fourth grade." One of the more popular KATHY BORCHERS programs for the younger set is Zoo Explorers, a one hour class for 6 to 8 year olds that takes on a different theme, such as "Fantastic Frogs" or "Amazing Anteaters" each month. Once the kids are older, lessons involve more serious topics related to conservation and ethics. One option for kids ages 9 through 17 is the service project based Roots & Shoots program, founded by Dr. Jane Goodall. "They're learning how to be good citizens," Knowlton said. Zoo Camp, held summers but older kids enjoy it as well," she said. The program is free for members; $7 for non member adults and $5 for nonmember children. Spe cific program dates were not available at press time; call for details. 1 Colt Dr., Bristol. (401) 253 9062, coggeshallfarm.org. Children can learn about marine life at Save the Bay's Exploration Center & Aquarium at Easton's Beach in Newport. The interac tive facility is home to more than 140 species from Narragansett Bay. Exhibits include rare lobsters, skates and dogfish sharks. Save the Bay also offers day camps for all grade levels during the summer. The center is open from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. daily during all school vaca tions and on Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. through Memorial Day. General admission is $6. Easton's Beach Rotunda, 175 Memorial Blvd., New port. (401) 324 6020, savebay.org. jpelletier@providence journal.com (401) 277 7281 Thursday, March 19, 2015 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / MARY Aemilia Blais, 11, of Smithfield, tries out a milking station at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. The zoo offers numerous programs — including weeklong zoo camps — for children who want to learn more about animals. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / and during school vaca tions, is another big draw. Activities include animal encounters, zoo tours, crafts and games. The zoo also offers a year long "zoo crew" program for high school students. For more detail on zoo programs, contact (401) 941 4998 or go to rwpzoo. org. For kids who are more interested in farm animals, Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol plans to resume its Wake Up in the Barn yard program (formerly known as Breakfast in the Barnyard) this spring. At the circa 1799 work ing farm, kids can get up close and personal with sheep, donkeys, turkeys and cattle. Tasks at weekly sessions, held Saturdays from 9 10:30 a.m., include milking cows, groom ing and helping to feed the animals. The program is appro priate for all ages, said Coggeshall Farm's execu tive director, Cindy Elder, but best for kids ages 3 12. "It's nice because it's the kind of thing little kids can do with their parents, The Prov dence Journa Shelley Otis, the farm manager at Coggeshall Farm in Bristol, feeds gray geese in between her planting chores. The circa-1799 farm offers a “Wake Up in the Barnyard” for families who want to get up close to the farm’s sheep, donkey, turkeys and cattle. THE “She loves it here,” says Scott Medeiros of Bristol as he and his daughter Samantha, then age 2, visit an oxen, workhorse and donkey at Coggeshall Farm in Bristol. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / BOB THAYER MURPHY 29 Events Hundreds of activities this spring can help children discover and learn about the world around them VENUES Audubon Society of Rhode Island: 949-5454; asri.org. Audubon Environmental Education Center: 1401 Hope St., Bristol. $6, children 4-12 $4, children 3 and younger/ASRI members free. Caratunk Wildlife Refuge: 301 Brown Ave., Seekonk. Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge: 99 Pardon Joslin Rd., Exeter. Fort Nature Refuge: 1443 Providence Pike (Route 5), North Smithfield. Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge: 12 Sanderson Rd., Smithfield. Norman Bird Sanctuary: 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown. 846-2577; normanbirdsanctuary.org, mschenck@ normanbirdsanctuary.org. Providence Children’s Museum: 100 South St., Providence. 273-5437; childrenmuseum.org. "Water Ways" exhibit, a new water play environment that invites visitors of all ages to splash, discover and playfully explore the swirling, whirling ways of water. Visitors can transform billowing mist and water domes, send objects spiraling and twisting through vortexes, investigate and sculpt ice, form fountains that funnel the flow of mist and more. Tue-Sun, Mon school holidays, 9 am-6 pm; selected Fri until 8 pm through March; open daily April through August. $9, babies 11 months and younger/ museum members admitted free. RISD Museum: 224 Benefit St., Providence. 454-6500; risdmuseum.org. Tue-Sun 10 am–5 pm; Thu 10 am-9 pm. $12, 62+ $10, youth 5-18 $3, children 4 and younger free. Free admission every Sun 10 am-5 pm and third Thu evening of each month 5-9 pm. ONGOING EVENTS Biomes Marine Biology Center: 6640 Post Rd., North Kingstown. 885-4690; biomescenter.com. Private marine education facility and aquarium specializing in teaching children and adults about the marine animals of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Daily noon-5 pm. $9, children 2 and younger free. For special programs and public demonstrations, visit the website. Coggeshall Farm Museum: Poppasquash Road (off Route 114), Bristol. 253-9062; coggeshallfarm.org. Visitors to this historic farm can learn about the roles of ordinary men, women and children during the country’s founding years; learn about nature while exploring the farm’s woodland, fields and salt marsh. Tue-Sun 10 am-4 pm. Weekdays $5, children 3-12/seniors $3, children 2 and younger free; weekends $7, $5; museum members free. Advance registration for special programs. Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Cormack Planetarium: 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. 785-9457; providenceri.com/museum. Museum collections include fossils, mollusks, minerals, rocks, mounted flora and fauna and more than 25,000 archaeological and ethnographic specimens primarily of Native American, Pacific and African origin. Exhibits include “Africa: Many Places, Many Faces,” "Circle of the Sea: Re-Visited and Re-Imagined," “Dynamic Galaxies: Our Place in the Universe,” Natural Selections: Museum’s Victorian Past to the Present,” "Secrets from the Vaults: Ancient Objects and Hidden Treasures," and "Seismic Shifts: Earth Through Time." Daily 10 am-4 pm (last admission at 3:30 pm; closed first Monday of month Oct.-June. $2, children 3 and younger free. Planetarium shows, Sat-Sun 2 pm; additional shows during school vacations; daily July-August. $3; children 3 and younger not admitted. April 6. Discovery Tykes: Earth Day: Ages 2-4 accompanied by an adult investigate the world around them as they sing, dance and discover the museum. 9:30 am. March 21, April 18. Early Morning Bird Walks: Explore the park in search of colorful spring migrants as they arrive from wintering grounds and winter birds just before their departure. Participants may also encounter other residents of the park including deer and fisher. 9 am. $3; includes museum admission; members free. Advance registration. 4+. Roger Williams Park Zoo: 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. rwpzoo.org. Daily 10 am-4 pm (last admission at 3:30 pm) through March; until 5 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm) April through September. $14.95, 62+ $12.95, children 3-12 $9.95; children 2 and younger/members free. Visitors 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Through May 2. Zoo Explorers: ages 6-8 Spy a harbor seal (or two or three) during a Save The Bay Seal Watch Cruise. The one-hour cruises circle Newport Harbor to view seals on the rocks off of Rose Island and the Newport Bridge. Various dates from March 21 to April 24. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / KATHY BORCHERS learn about the world and the animals in it. Each program features hands-on learning opportunities in the classroom followed by outdoor exploration of the zoo to learn more about habitat, adaptation, niches and animal behaviors. Themes change monthly. Advance registration required. Through May. Preschool Adventures: Program designed for ages 3-5 focuses on a special animal or area of the zoo and presents opportunities for adult/child pairs to make discoveries together. Each 90-minute program includes a lesson, activities, a craft and up-close animal encounter. Themes change monthly. Advance registration required. Through May 28. Paint at the Zoo: Instructor-led workshop is designed to guide artists of all skill levels step-by-step through creating artwork to be displayed at home. $35 include canvas, paints, brushes, a smock and age-appropriate refreshments. Themes include peacocks, giraffes, red pandas, zebras and barn owls. Advance registration required. March 28-April 3. Visits with the Easter Bunny: Visitors can walk along the Bunny Trail to the Big Backyard treehouse and then visit with the Easter Bunny. March 28-29, 10 am-noon and 1-3 pm; April 3-4, 10 am-noon, 1-4 pm. $10 children 3-12, $5 ages 2 and younger, parents free. Price is in addition to zoo admission. March 29. Egg Hunt Safari: Participants follow the clues to different locations around the zoo to claim their eggs. When the hunt is through they collect a treat and enjoy the rest of the zoo's spring activities. 11 am-3 pm. Last hunt card given out at 2:30 p.m. Guests strongly encouraged to bring their own egg collection bags. The zoo does not provide bags for this event. Free with zoo admission. March 29-May 17. Rock and Roar — A Rock-aBaby Kids' Concert Series: Different animal or nature theme for each concert. $15 for two attendees of any age. Registration available until 9:30 am on show day. March 29, Sea Creature Shimmy. April 19, Bird Ball. May 17, Butterfly and Bug Boogie. April. 2 Conservation Lecture — Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: With scientist Lisa Dabek. 7 pm. 16+ $25 per person includes lecture, cheese and one glass of wine for participants for 21+. Advance registration. April 11, May 9. Wild Art!: Children ages 6 through 12 are invited to join artist and educator Eric Fulford in creating pieces of animal art. Poster monkeys, April 11. Portrait of a sloth, May 9. 10:30 am-noon. $30 includes all materials. Advance registration. April 14-May 17. Weekend Animal Encounters: Close-up animal experiences including feeding seals. April 20-24. Party for the Planet: Celebration of the different regions featured in the zoo (Africa, Tropical America, Australasia and North America). Visitors will learn about the zoo's animals from those CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 regions and their cultures. 11 am-3 pm. Free with zoo admission. April 20-Sept. 7. Camel Rides: Ride a trained camel with an expert guide close at hand. $6. No age restrictions; all riders must be ticketed regardless of age. Camel rides are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. April 20-26, July 1-Sept. 7. Rock Wall Open: Four-sided rock wall has varying degrees of difficulty from beginner to seasoned climbers. In the Wilderness Plaza. Open daily April 20-26, July 1-Sept. 7. $5 for one climb, $10 for three climbs, $20 for eight climbs. Must be 3 or older. Tickets for multiple climbs do not need to be used on the same day and can be used on another zoo visit. 21. Pysanky Workshop: Powder Mill Ledges. Participants learn about the Ukrainian tradition of dyeing eggs including the designing, planning and dyeing of the eggs. Handouts will be given regarding where to obtain Pysanky tools and dyes to continue the tradition at home. All supplies provided. Wear clothes that can get messy as dyes are permanent. 2-4 pm. $30, ASRI $25. 9+. 22. DIY Bike Maintenance: Audubon Environmental Education Center. Amos Brumble from Brumble Bikes discusses the ins and outs of DIY bike maintenance such as proper tire inflation, cleaning techniques, narrowing down problems to reduce repair costs and more. 3 pm. $14, members free. 25. Lecture: Cavity Nesters: Power Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. Learn about animals that take advantage of natural cavities in trees such as the woodpecker, porcupine, honeybee and countless others, and also find out how to encourage these wild creatures with nesting boxes and other efforts. 6:308:30 p. $14, members $10. Adults. 25-28. "BIRDS! Art Exhibit,": Audubon Environmental Education Center. Curator Anthony Merino selected 12 ceramic artists to focus on birds as the subject matter in their work. These artists created two-dimensional works, as well as prints, watercolors and drawings all based on birds. 9 am-5 pm. Reception March 25, 3-5 pm. Free with admission. 26. The Wild Life and Essential Service of Soil: Audubon Environmental Education 28. Camouflaged Egg Hunt: at Audubon Environmental Education Center, Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge and Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge. Children hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting and quickly learn how well the eggs camouflage. Prizes awarded to all children, with grand prizes given to the finders of the “golden eggs.” Participants asked to bring a basket. 9:30-11 am. Check-in begins at 9:30 am, egg hunt starts at 10 am. Rain or shine. $7, ASRI members $5. Ages 3-10. 28. Spring Migratory Bird Caravan: With naturalist Bob Kenney to South County's hot spots for ducks, geese and newly arrived migratory birds. Spotting scopes on hand. Bring binoculars, field guides; pack snack/lunch. Departs from East Matunuck State Beach, 950 Succotash Rd., South Kingstown. 10 am-2 pm. $14, children $7; members $10, children $5. 12+. April 22. Earth Day Environmental Fair: Featuring environmentally-friendly organizations from New England sharing tips on how to live green in your community and at home. 11 am-3 pm. Free with zoo admission. April 26, May 17. Science Sundays: Meller Danforth Education Center. Families/ individuals can conduct their own experiments using special science kits. From finding out what an owl had for dinner to exploring secrets of slime, participants discover the world of science. Drop-in program anytime between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Advance registration available online, but not required. 28, April 25. Audubon Eco-Stories and Art: Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope St., Bristol. 11 am. $3 materials fee plus admission. All ages. 30. Seals and Seabirds on Prudence Island: Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island. Day exploration of Prudence Island features viewing the winter population of harbor seals basking on the rocks off the southern tip of the island. After lunch, traverse the island in a passenger van, making several stops along the way to look for a variety of birds in protected ponds and coves. Expect to see grebes, eiders, mergansers and more. 9:45 am-3 pm. $12, children $6; members $8, children $4. May 23-Aug. 31. Daily Animal Encounters: Close-up animal experiences including feeding seals. May 14. Conservation Lecture — Timber Rattlesnake: With Lou Perrotti, RWP Zoo director of conservation. 7 pm. 16+. $25 per person includes lecture, cheese and one glass of wine for participants 21+. Advance registration. May 23-Sept. 7. "Flutterby: Butterflies in Bloom": Hundreds of free-flying native North American butterflies fill the zoo's landscaped greenhouse. $3; ages 2 and younger free. Final year. MARCH LOCAL PROGRAMS Audubon Society of Rhode Island: Most programs require advance registration. Hundreds of free-flying native North American butterflies — like these monarch butterflies — return to Roger Williams Park Zoo this year during the “Flutterby: Butterflies in Bloom” exhibit, which runs from May 23-Sept. 7. This is the exhibit’s last year at the zoo. THE PROVIDENCE Coggeshall Farm Museum: 19, 26. Coggeshall Kids Workshop — Pastimes and Pleasures: Children ages 8-12 learn about how people in the 18th century JOURNAL / KATHY BORCHERS Thursday, March 19, 2015 30. Dune, Bay and Ocean of Westerly: Napatree Point Conservation Area, Watch Hill, Westerly. Scott Ruhren, the Audubon's director of conservation, leads this winter walk along the beach. Participants will explore dynamic coastal habitats and identify animals and plants. 9:30 am-noon. Walk is flat but often winding; dress warmly in layers. Meet in parking lot at entrance to beach. $14, members $10. 5+. The Prov dence Journa May 16. Bowling for Rhinos: Benefit to raise funds for rhino and habitat conservation efforts. 20. Vernal Equinox Nature Walk: Fort Nature Refuge. Brisk walk to second pond. Dress warmly, wear sturdy warm foot gear. Hike will go in the snow, cancels if the trails are icy. $14, members $10. 9+. Center. Loren Byrn, a soil scientist from Roger Williams University, will "dig in" to the underground world to uncover dynamic characteristics of soil, its wildlife and the ecosystem services it provides that enables humans to survive and thrive. Evening includes hands-on materials and demonstrations. 7 pm. Free; donations welcome. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 31 EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 one for day of registrations, one express line for online registrants). 28. Easter Egg Hunt: Wilcox Park, 44 Broad St., Westerly. 596-7761; westerlychamber.org. Children ages 1-8 hunt for Easter eggs and meet with the Easter Bunny and Luck the Duck. Candy for all in attendance. 1 pm. Bring your own basket. 31-April 26. Daffodil Days: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd. (Route 114) Bristol. 253-2707; blithewold.org. Visitors can tour the ground and see tens of thousands of daffodils in bloom as well as budding trees. Afternoon teas begin April 7, Tue-Fri 1, 3 pm. A Fairy Festival is scheduled for April 26. APRIL LOCAL PROGRAMS Audubon Society of Rhode Island: Advance registration for most programs. 2-3. Animal Tales: Audubon Environmental Education Center. Program includes a story ( “Skunk’s Spring Surprise”) with nature lesson followed by a craft and live animal visit. Adults must accompany children. Thu 10 am, 1 pm; Fri 1 pm. $7, members $5. Ages 3-5. 3. Do You Hear What I Hear: Audubon Environmental Education Center. Ages 4 and older learn to sharpen their listening skills and to identify the calls of American tree frogs, spring peepers, green frogs and bullfrogs as they usher in spring. Participants may also hear the call of the red fox or an Eastern screech owl. 6 pm. Dress warmly, bring flashlight. 4. Free Family Fun Day: Audubon Environmental Education Center. 9 am-5 pm. Crafts table, 10 am-2 pm; nature story, 10 am and 2 pm; nature walk, 11:30 am; animal interview, 1:30 pm. Free. All ages. 11. Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop: Audubon Environmental Education Center. Adult participants design and create a pendant with sea glass found on local beaches. They will learn to choose the right piece of glass and transform it into jewelry using quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. 11 am. The cost is $35, members $30, includes all materials. 12, 26. Fairy and Gnome Gardens: Audubon Environmental Center. Ages 5 and older use natural materials such as flowers, shells, seeds, moss and stone to create a garden for magical guests. Children are welcome to dress in a fairy or gnome costume and must be accompanied by an adult. $14, members $10, includes all materials. April 12 at 10 am; April 26 at 1:30 pm. 18. Recycled Boot Planters: Audubon Environmental Center. Ages 5 and older will turn old shoes, rubber boots and work boots into recycled planters using paint to decorate the footwear, filling them with soil and a plant. 2 pm. $14, members $10. Adult must accompany child. 20. Explore the Estuary!: Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island. Ferry trip to Prudence Island features exploration of the diverse estuary, from tidal creeks and salt marshes to the rocky shoreline. Participants can try their hands at catching shrimp, fish and crabs with nets and get a closer look at the plants and animals that call the bay home. 9:45 am-3 pm. $12, children $6; members $8, children $4. 8+. 20-24. April School Vacation Week: Audubon Environmental Education Center Nature Explorers: Visitors are invited to discover and test their nature skills including a nature expedition to explore field, forest, wetland and coastline. They will join their expedition leader and using nets, magnifying glasses, field equipment and their senses, uncover nature’s secrets. An indoor nature program will be held in case of rain. 11 am. for ages 6 and older. Free with admission; no registration. April 20: Meadow Madness. Look for insects and play a game to learn about the hunting skills of birds of prey. April 21: Forest Foray. Join an Audubon naturalist to learn about the different animals that call this habitat home, play nature games, work together to create fairy homes in the forest. April 22: Earth Day Extravaganza. Earth Day celebration features eco-friendly activities including building a recycled birdhouse, a scavenger hunt and guided nature walks. April 23: Swamp Stomp. Participants head to the wetlands to look for signs of spring including turtles, frogs and other animals. April 24: Explore the Shore. Guided walk to Narragansett Bay to learn about the animals that live in the tidal zone. Participants will try to catch some in their nets and, with an Audubon naturalist, identify their finds. Nature crafts, 10 am-2 pm. Nature story, 10 am, 1 pm. Animal interview, 1:30 pm. 20. Meadow Madness: Look for insects and play a game to learn about the hunting skills of birds of prey. All free with admission. 21. Sea Glass Earrings Workshop: Audubon Environmental Education Center. Participants ages 13 and older design and create a set of earrings with sea glass found on local beaches. They will learn to choose the right piece of glass and transform it into jewelry using quick and easy techniques. 10:30 am. The cost is $20, members $15 includes all materials. 21. Recycled Paper Bead Bracelets: Audubon Environmental Center. Ages 8-12 learn quick and easy techniques to create and incorporate eco-friendly beads into creative jewelry. $14, members $10; Thursday, March 19, 2015 11. Herring Run: Audubon Environmental Education Center. Audubon van tour to observe the river herring migrating from ocean to freshwater to spawn. Observe fish ladders on Woonasquatucket and Ten Mile rivers. 9 am-noon. $30, children $15; members $25, children $12; family (one adult, two children) $45, members $40. 8+. The Prov dence Journa 11. Harbor Seal Walk at Rome Point: John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, Route 1A across from Gilbert Stuart Road, North Kingstown. Walk with Audubon naturalist Laura Carberry to see a hundred seals or more. One-mile hike each way between the parking lot and the end of Rome Point. Good walking shoes, warm clothes and binoculars or spotting scopes helpful. 9-11 am. $14, ASRI members $10. 8+. Sophie Buchanan of Warwick takes a camel ride on “Mickey” at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Beginning April 20, camel rides will be offered daily for $6 per person. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / BOB THAYER CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 35 EVENTS 10. Open Studio — Scaling Up: Experimentation with creativity through artist-led explorations in the galleries that inspire making in the studio. All ages. 1 pm. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 12:30, 1:30 pm. Recommended for ages 5 and older. MAY 23. Animal Experiences: Ages 3 and older meet an assortment of live animals, have close encounters with furry friends, slithering snakes and other creatures, and learn fascinating facts about them from animal expert Dave Marchetti of Animal Experiences. Shows at 11:30 am, 1, 2:30 pm. OTHER EVENTS 24. Farm Friends: Families encounter a soft sheep, a lively llama and other farm animals in the museum's children's garden. Visitors get a close look at the animals and meet experts from Rhode Island farms who demonstrate washing, carding, dying and spinning animals’ fleece into yarn. 1-3 pm. RISD Museum: 12. Families See + Sketch — Buckminster Fuller, Six Part Push Pull Tensegrity, ca 1979: Farago Lobby. Drawing, sketching and art-making in the galleries. Program gets the family talking together in front of original works of art that spark creativity. All materials provided. Drop-in. 2 pm. 14-28. Tours for Tots: Interactive tour with read-aloud story time and gallery activities introduces children ages 3-5 (accompanied by adult) to art. 2 pm. Watch It, April 14. Ready to Wear, April 18. Sparkle and Shine, April 21. All Tied Up, April 25. Building Up, April 28. Free with museum admission. Advance registration. 26. Open Studio — Objects in Relation/In Context: Experimentation with creativity through artist-led explorations in the galleries that inspire making in the studio. 1 pm. Drop-in. All ages. APRIL 38 Thursday, March 19, 2015 The Prov dence Journa OTHER EVENTS 4. Easter Egg Hunt: Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Rd, Saunderstown. 2951030; historicnewengland.org. Children hunt for plastic eggs. Each participant receives a half dozen eggs to take home, tours the farm, visits the chickens, plays farm games and makes an Easter craft. Refreshments available. Rain or shine. Children participating in the egg hunt must register in advance. $5, adults are free. Refunds not available. 4. Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch (26th annual): Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave., Newport. 847-1000, ext. 140; newportmansions. org. Seated family brunch, an egg hunt and a visit with Easter Bunny, who will share lots of eggs, candy and prizes. 10 8-10. Misquamicut SpringFest: Misquamicut State Beach, 257 Atlantic Ave., Westerly. 322-1026 misquamicutfestival.org. Outdoor international food court, Rockwell Amusements, Circle K Petting Zoo, pony rides, classic car show, magic shows, fire juggling, stilt walkers, 50 vendors. Fri 5-11 pm, Sat 11 am-11 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Tickets $7 per day, children 3 and younger free; on-site parking free. Let the kids climb the walls this spring. Rock Spot Climbing has two Rhode Island locations: 100 Higginson Ave. in Lincoln, pictured, and 1174 Kingstown Rd. in Peace Dale. They’re both open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / KATHY BORCHERS am. Rain or shine. $60, children 6-12 $35, children 3-5 $30, children 2 and younger $12. Reservations required. 11. Rhode Island Robot Block Party: Brown University's Pizzitola Memorial Sports Center, 235 Hope St., Providence. risf. net. Presented by Rhode Island School of the Future and the Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative at Brown University and featuring more than 50 robot demonstrations and exhibits from industry, universities, community organizations and public, private and parochial school groups. Noon-4 pm. Free admission. 13. Guided Nature Play Series: Norman Bird Sanctuary. Parents paired with pre K-aged children join an NBS educator for nature play time. Dress for the weather. 10:15 am. $5 per program, includes one child and one parent; $2 per additional child per parent. 30-May 3. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Circus Extreme: Dunkin' Donuts Center, One La Salle Square, Providence. April 30 at 7 pm; May 1 at 10:30 am, 7 pm; May 2-3 at 11 am, 3, 7 pm. $25-$65. MAY LOCAL PROGRAMS Audubon Society of Rhode Island: 2. International Migratory Bird Day: Audubon Environmental Education Center. A celebration to increase awareness about migratory birds and their habitats. Spot the Birds; visitors try to find all 10 birds hiding in the exhibit hall, 9 am-5 pm; avian craft table, 10 am-2 pm; bird nature story, 10 am, 2:30 pm; owl presentation, 11:30 am; nature walk, 1:30 pm. All ages. Free. 16. Eppley Wildlife Refuge Kayak Paddle and Hike: Paddling and hiking trip to celebrate the spring wildflowers and the arrival of songbirds. Refuge is closed to the public except for guided tours and is maintained as an unspoiled and unbroken tract for wildlife habitat and study. Meet at Kenyon Cornmeal Company Mill and paddle upstream on the Queen River. At the refuge, participants will be met by director of conservation Scott Ruhren for a walking tour and then return by kayak to the mill. 9 am-1:30 pm. Ages teen to adult. Cosponsored by Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association. Register online at wpwa.org/ events.php. Providence Children's Museum: 10. Happy Mother’s Day!: Admission free all day for mothers and grandmothers. 9 am-6 pm. Visitors can make a variety of flowers for Mother's Day from 11 am-2 pm including a watercolor flower from a coffee filter and craft tissue paper, and use recycled materials to make crazy flower creations. 16-17. Electricity Exploration: Visitors ages 5 and older can make simple circuits, test conductors and use citrus to create electricity; watch a Van de Graaff generator demonstration and learn about energy saving tricks. Presented in partnership with online parent resource Kidoinfo. 11 am-2 pm. RISD Museum: 2-16. Tours for Tots: Interactive tour with read-aloud story time and gallery activities introduces children ages 3-5 (accompanied by adult) to art. 2 pm. Spaces Real and Imagined, May 2. Grand Gestures, May 5. Spring Blooms, May 9. Nature's Patterns, May 12. Artists' Journey, May 16. Free with museum admission. Advance registration. 16. Rhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival: Coggeshall Farm Museum. Artisans, crafters and vendors specializing in wool and natural fibers; demonstrations of fiber arts and sheep shearing, the "sit and knit" tent, children's crafts and games, acoustic music and handcrafted foods. 9 am-4 pm. 17. Birds and Breakfast (33rd annual): Norman Bird Sanctuary. Breakfast buffet prepared by executive chef Rich Silvia of the White Horse Tavern, guided bird walks along the sanctuary trails and nature activities for children. Breakfast seatings at 8, 9 and 10 am. 7:30-11 am. $25 in advance $30 door. [email protected]. 21-24. Rhode Island Lighthouse Cruises and Newport Harbor Tours: 1347 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown. 295-4040 rhodeislandbycruises.com. Narrated sightseeing cruises viewing 10 lighthouses, 10 islands, sail under the Jamestown and Newport bridges and through Newport Harbor. Depart from Quonset. Free parking. May 21, 24 at 1 pm. Sunset cruise, May 22 at 6:30 pm. In advance $29, 60+ $27, children 3 and younger $16. Walk-in purchase $35, 60+ $33, children 3 and younger $21. Cruises continue through October; visit website for schedule. 23-24. Virtu Art Festival (18th annual): Wilcox Park, 44 Broad St., Westerly. 596-7761; westerlychamber.org. Fine arts and crafts festival featuring works by 155 selected artisans, live entertainment and free "creation station" area for children with free make-it and take-it activities. 10 am-5 pm. Free admission. 23-25. Gaspee Arts and Crafts Festival: Narragansett Parkway, Pawtuxet Village, Warwick. Exhibit/sale by more than 100 artisans, family music and entertainment, food court, amusement rides, games. May 23-24, 10 am-5 pm; May 25, 10 am-4:30 pm. Benefit for the Gaspee Days Parade. — Jan Flanagan ENTERTAINMENT Sports fun for all, on field, court and ice Run the bases at McCoy, skate at The Dunk and marvel at the Globetrotters By Andy Smith Journal Staff Writer A sure sign of spring in Rhode Island is when the Pawtucket Red Sox take the field at McCoy Sta dium in Pawtucket to open their home schedule no matter what the weather's like. This season, that will be April 16 against the Rochester Red Wings. Bill Wanless, the PawSox's vice president for public relations, said families are the heart of the team's fan base. "It makes us happy when families can come and bring their kids, maybe to their first professional baseball game," he said. "We want to create the next generation of baseball fans. We see parents who came here as kids, and now they're bringing their own kids, and that makes it special." Wanless said the PawSox have several programs geared for kids and families. After every Sunday home game, for example, kids are invited to come onto the field and run the bases. The first opportuni ties will be April 19, May 3 and May 17. The team also runs free clinics for young play ers once a month, sponsored by ABC 6 and Citizens Bank, during which PawSox players and coaches provide instructions and tips on playing the game. The first clinic will be May 16 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. The PawSox also offer a Kid's Club and a program, run through area schools, to recognize the most improved students. For information, go to the official PawSox web site at milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t533 and click on "Kids Corner." There are plenty of other sporting events on tap this spring: The Harlem Globetrotters will be at the Dunkin' Donuts Center March 21 at 1 and 6 p.m. This is being billed as the "Washington Generals' Revenge Tour." Apparently the Generals, the hapless foils to the acrobatic Globetrotters, are determined to get another victory over the Globetrotters. (The last one was almost 50 years ago.) Tickets are $25 $120. Go to dunkindonutscenter.com or call Ticketmaster at (800) 745 3000. NCAA Division I Men's Hockey East Regionals will be held at the Dunk on March 28 29. There will be 16 teams in the tournament; teams are selected on March 22. Regional competitions will be held in Provi dence, Manchester, N.H., South Bend, Ind., and Fargo, N.D. The winners from each region meet at PawSox fans fish for autographs by lowering buckets into the dugout at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. First baseman Travis Shaw signs a bat for one lucky fan. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/BOB BREIDENBACH CONTINUED ON PAGE 41 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40 the Frozen Four finals at TD Garden in Boston on April 9 and 11. Tickets for the Providence regional tournament are $77 for all the sessions, $57 for children under 12 and seniors over 65. They are available through Tick etmaster and the Dunk's website. Providence Bruins regular season continues until April 19. The Bruins have pro grams where youth hockey teams can skate on the ice at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, Fans crowd the glass as the Providence Bruins take on the Manchester Monarchs at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. The season lasts through April 19. Youth hockey players can enjoy a taste of the pro experience by taking the ice at The Dunk before and after games and during intermissions. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/KATHY BORCHERS either at intermission or before and after P Bruins games. Older teams get to play one hour games. "We try to give them the full pro experience," complete with music, video and announcer, said Narin Sundarabhaya, vice presi dent of ticket sales. Members of non hockey teams can watch from ice level as the P Bruins play ers warm up, and give them high fives as they come off the ice. For information, contact nsundara@provsportsent. com. asmith@providencejour nal.com (401) 277 7485 On Twitter: @asmith651 In rounding the bases, father and son find common ground My 12 year old son, Jude, is like many kids. Take him to McCoy, fill him full of hamburgers, chili nachos (grosser than I can describe) and sports drink, and he's suddenly a huge baseball fan. That's not to say he hates the game. He's been playing it since he was about 4. But put him in front of a TV to watch the Red Sox (even against the Yankees), and he's in his room 10 minutes later watching YouTube videos on his iPhone. It was totally different when I was a kid. We lived sports, played them endlessly, watched them as much as you can with only three TV net works (which actually was quite a lot), fantasized being Bobby Hull or Jerry West or Reggie Jackson, made up crude table top games with our baseball cards and bottle caps. But my son and I found common ground Strat O Matic Baseball. If you haven't played it, Strat O Matic is a statistics based board game it also makes games for football, basketball and hockey, as well as computer versions of all. They're played with dice and cards representing major league play ers. You act as the manager, picking your pitcher, setting your batting order, choosing to steal or bunt or hit and run. The player cards are based on a player's statistics for a given season. So if Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs in 1927, he should approach or slightly surpass that total if you were to re create the Yankees' full 1927 season. I did this on my computer, playing solitaire, and he hit 59 homers. I've played the game ever since my best friend introduced me to it in the mid '70s and we re created a 30 game season, playing about 400 games in all. I wondered how Jude would take to it. It's not flashy; it's a board game (some would say the key word is bored). Even the computer game is graphically tame in comparison to any video game just a picture of a stadium (say the Polo Grounds), the player cards, an electronic dice roll and a graphic of the flight of the ball. (To spice it up, you can add pictures of the players.) The excitement rests in matching strategies with your opponent and in seeing whether the players can match their real life heroics. My son a history nut like me loved it. We play mostly using a set of cards representing some of the great est teams of the early day of baseball the '27 Yankees, '36 Yankees, '08 Cubs, '34 Cardinals, '11 Athletics, '09 Pirates (there aren't a lot of old Red Sox teams in the set). He usually chooses the Bronx Bombers of Ruth and Gehrig fame, and many times he wins. But we talk baseball, talk about the history of the game and eat anything but chili nachos. Tony LaRoche ENTERTAINMENT Dancing in Ernie's footsteps at PPAC ‘Little Mermaid,’ Mr. Molecule and a dark fairy tale add to the choices By Andy Smith Journal Staff Writer As first jobs out of college go, Jenna Lorson found something a little out of the ordinary. She plays Ernie in the production of "Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend" playing at the Providence Performing Arts Center from March 27 29. Characters wear full body cos tumes and do a lot of dancing during the show. Songs and dialogue come from a pre recorded soundtrack. "It's a big, Broadway quality musical production for children," Lorson said. The plot involves the "Sesame Street" gang welcoming Chamki, Grover's friend from India, to the neighborhood. Lorson said the costume took some getting used to, but the elabo rate outfits are designed so that the performers can dance in them. "The show is pretty much non stop dancing," she said. Lorson, 23, grew up in Hughes ville, Pa., and said she's been dancing since age 7. She went to The University of the Arts in Philadelphia and majored in dance education, with a minor in musi cal theater. She graduated last May, went to a lot of auditions, and by August she had been hired by "Sesame Street Live." "I was very fortunate," she said. While she was studying musical theater in school, did she ever figure she'd be portraying Ernie? (For those unfamiliar with the "Sesame Street" cast, the press kit describes Ernie as "the outgoing foil to the more serious and responsible Bert.") "You have to put it in your mind that you'll be doing a lot of differ ent kinds of dancing in your career," she said, noting that she grew up watching "Sesame Street." "I love performing for children, that's one of the things I put on my bucket list," she said. "I've been teaching children's dance since I was 18. I love showing them movement, and watch how they interact with one another ... when we're doing 'Sesame Street,' it's cool to look down the aisles and see kids trying to learn the moves. "Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend" is at PPAC March 27 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; March 28 at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.; and March 29 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Tick ets are $21 to $66. Tickets may be purchased online at ppacri.org, by phone at (401) 421 2787 or at the box office, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. Other entertainment events geared for children and families: "Disney's Little Mermaid Jr." at the Stadium Theatre at 28 Monu ment Square in Woonsocket, adapted from Disney's 2008 Broad way production, will be at the theater on March 20 and 21. Tick ets are $16. For information, go to stadiumtheatre.com or call (401) 762 4545. "Mr. Molecule's Bing, Bang Boom Science Show" will be at the Stadium Theatre on April 14, in which Mr. Molecule unleashes the power and excitement of science. Tickets $10. "Into the Woods," at the Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, April 29 May 17. Ste phen Sondheim's musical looks at familiar fairy tale characters, but the story takes a dark turn in the second act and may not be suitable for younger children. Tickets are $39 $54. For information call (401) 921 6800 or visit oceanstateth eatre.org. [email protected] / (401) 277 7485 The Prov dence Journa Thursday, March 19, 2015 Best friends Ernie (Jenna Lorson) and Bert (Jairus Becson) in “Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend,” playing March 27-29 at the Providence Performing Arts Center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hursday, March 19, 2015 The Prov dence Journa 2696 DOVR KDV D VLVWHU KRVSLWDO LQ 6ZDQVHD 0DVV %$< 67$7( 9(7(5,1$5< (0(5*(1&< 6(59,&(6 LV D KRXU HPHUJHQF\ KRVSLWDO ZLWK VRPH VSHFLDOW\ VHUYLFHV E\ DSSRLQWPHQW &RQYHQLHQWO\ ORFDWHG DW WKH LQWHUVHFWLRQ RI 5RXWHV INDOOR FUN Skill, strategy abound in top board games of 2015 By Krista Hojnowski, Beth Honeyman and Ellen Harter Wall Tribune News Service Our tester families played dozens of entries to select the top 10 board games of 2015, evaluating them on clarity of rules, design, value and, of course, fun. And the winners are … Pyramix Good visual skills are key in this strategy game. After the cubes are randomly placed in the base, play ers take turns pulling out those with at least two sides showing, with the goal of collecting the most matching pieces. As the players pull, the stacks can slide, freeing up or blocking other cubes. 2 to 4 players. Ages 8 and up. $23.99, gamewright.com Noodle Speedoodle Players get 30 seconds to draw a picture and have other players guess what it is. The catch? At least one plastic noodle has to be included in the doodle. The game spinner adds other challenges, such as drawing with your non dominant hand. 3 to 6 players. Ages 8 and up. $24.99, peaceablekingdom.com Fire Dragons Battle Sheep Press Here: The Game In this creative challenge based on Hervé Tullet’s best selling book, players take turns placing red, yellow, Its simplicity and lots of bounc ing balls made this carnival inspired entry a winner with our testers. Play ers bounce Ping Pong like balls off the table and into the tray, aiming to match the pattern on a specific card. Whoever wins three rounds claims victory. 2 to 4 players. Ages 7 and up. $17.99, walmart.com Leaps And Ledges Contenders race to the top of the tower, playing cards and facing perils that can send them back to the base: having an opponent land on the same ledge (bye bye!) or getting hit with a rampage card, which knocks off everyone on the way up. 2 to 4 play ers. Ages 8 and up. $29.95, mindware. com Traffic Jam Matching Game Testers loved the beautiful graphic design of this new take on the clas sic memory game. Players flip the 36 heavy duty cards, seeking pairs of road signs, scooters, fire trucks, and the like. Bonus: It comes in a sturdy storage box. 2 or more players. Ages 3 and up. $14.99, chroniclebooks.com Twist and count! Got an old Twister game in the closet? Give it a smart new lease on life by playing Twisted Math. Write numerals on sticky notes and set them on the dots at random. Call out a number (say, 24), then place your hands and feet on a set of numerals that can be made to equal that number using addition, subtraction or multiplication (4 + 2 x 4). Players who make a math error or fall over are out. Last mathlete standing wins. Tribune News Service Kitten Caboodle The cats in this sweet pet adoption themed game need various items before they can go home with you. To collect what they require, players draw and trade cards “go fish” style: “Do you have any cans of food?” Play is done when all the pets are adopted. (Prefer pooches? Diggity Dogs is also available.) 2 to 4 players. Ages 5 and up. $14.99, educational insights.com Robot Face Race After a quick shake of the Robot Randomizer (included), players scan the board of 120 robot heads, racing to be the first to spot an exact matchup (say, a green head, red nose, yellow eyes, and purple smile). 2 to 4 players. Ages 4 and up. $19.99, edu cationalinsights.com Kids play at a game of regular Twister — right hand on red, left foot on blue, etc. But adding numbers to the circles is a fun way of turning the game into a math exercise. Thursday, March 19, 2015 While families were initially drawn to this entry for its cheeky name, its quick, strategic game play was what kept them enthralled. Players move their flocks across the board in an attempt to claim the most pasture and block their opponents from doing the same. 2 to 4 players. Ages 7 and up. $24.99, store.blueorangegames. com Bounce-Off By the light of their lone lantern, Jesse Poznanski, left, and Kirstie Siedzik and their four-month-old, Scarlett, play Monopoly in their Foster living room in 2012 during a power outage caused by superstorm Sandy. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/BOB THAYER The Prov dence Journa With a little luck from the dice and some savvy strategy you’ll emerge victorious in this magical world. Players move their dragons around the board, amassing rubies from the central volcano. The erup tions (when you lift a piece, the rubies and carbon chunks spill across the board) were a tester highlight. 2 to 4 players. Ages 5 and up. $39.99, habausa.com or blue circles atop empty spots on cards to create color sequences. While obvious options abound (such as setting a red circle inside a match ing shape), testers loved creating unique patterns to fill and win the cards. 2 to 6 players. Ages 3 and up. $19.99, chroniclebooks.com 45 INDOOR FUN Monopoly facts you can take to the bank By Jennifer Berger 46 Thursday, March 19, 2015 The Prov dence Journa Tribune News Service More than 1 billion players have enjoyed Monopoly around the world, and the classic characters, iconic tokens and chance to own it all con tinue to resonate with generations of fans who can now experience the game on social and mobile platforms. There are more than 300 licensed versions in 47 languages. To celebrate Monopoly’s 80th anniversary, Rhode Island based Hasbro launched the 80th Anni versary Edition game, featuring a vintage style board, cards and houses. And in September, fans from around the world will gather in Macau for the 14th Monopoly World Championships. We pulled together a bunch of fun facts you may not know about Monopoly. Charles Darrow of Philadelphia first developed the Monopoly game in 1933. The original game was made from materials from Darrow’s own home. A piece of oilcloth covered the board, and the cards were handwritten. The original Monopoly die cast tokens were inspired by Darrow’s nieces, who recommended metal charms from charm bracelets. The Monopoly board is based on Atlan tic City, N.J. Darrow attempted to sell Monopoly to Parker Brothers, but was initially rejected for “52 fundamental errors” that included the game’s length, theme and complexity. Following the local success of the game, Parker Brothers reconsidered its initial rejection and negotiated the rights to market the game and began manufacturing it and selling it in the United States in 1935. Within a year of the game’s release in the United States, 35,000 copies were being made each week. Escape maps, compasses and files were inserted into Monopoly game boards smuggled into POW camps inside Germany during World War II. Real money for escapees was slipped into the packs of Monopoly money. In the 1970s, a Braille edition of the game was created for the visually impaired. In 1972, the commissioner of public works in Atlantic City threatened to Mr. Monopoly in the Hasbro showroom at February’s North American International Toy Fair in New York. MATT PEYTON/ INVISION change the names of the real Baltic and Mediterranean avenues, but public outcry vetoed the bill. The Monopoly 80th Anniversary Edi tion features one iconic token from each of the game’s eight decades. The brand’s official birth date is March 19, 1935, when Parker Brothers acquired the rights for the game from Charles Darrow. The original Monopoly game sold for about $2. The London version by Waddington was the first licensed Monopoly game. To make the game relevant to British consumers, the names of the properties were changed to well known streets in London. Currently, Monopoly is published in 47 languages and sold in 114 countries. The Alex and Ani Monopoly Collection of jewelry features the most beloved tokens: the house, the car, the Scot tie dog and the cat. In 2010, residents of Canada, Turkey, Russia, South Korea, Peru and Hong Kong voted to create updated ver sions of the game for their areas. The first winner of the World Cham pionships, which was held in 1973 in Liberty, N.Y., was Lee Bayrd from the United States. The last U.S. winner was in 1974. A new Monopoly token, a cat, rests on the game board at Hasbro headquarters in Pawtucket in 2013. Voting on Facebook determined that the cat would replace the iron token. AP/STEVEN SENNE Digital versions of the game are available for all major platforms and online through collaborations with licensees such as Ubisoft and EA. The official Monopoly Facebook page has more than 11.5 million fans. In 1998, San Francisco jeweler Sidney Mobell created the most expensive Monopoly set in the world, valued at $2 million. The property with the highest rent on the Monopoly board varies by region. In the United States, it is named Boardwalk after a street in Atlantic City. In Spain, it’s named Paseo del Prado after a Madrid street, and Rue de la Paix is the name of the most coveted property space in France. The longest game ever played on record lasted 70 straight days. The Prov dence Journa Thursday, March 19, 2015 47
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