Grand Opening of BounceU’s 3rd Location to Benefit Lehigh Valley Foster Children

Popular party and recreation destination BounceU calls itself “#1 for Active Family Fun,” but when it celebrates the opening of its third Lehigh Valley location (1800 Sullivan Trail, Easton 610/258-4800) this summer, the beneficiaries will be local kids whose greatest hope is to simply have a family someday to call their own.  

“We’ve always had a special place in our hearts and in our stores for kids who are in foster care, and we know that many of them lack some of the simplest things that other children in permanent homes take for granted— like school backpacks. With the help of our customers, we’re going to change that when we celebrate the grand opening of our new location in Forks Township,” declares BounceU Lehigh Valley owner Mike Principato.

As part of BounceU Lehigh Valley’s “Bounce It Forward” charitable program, which donates thousands of dollars’ worth of free parties, passes and merchandise annually to local family service nonprofit agencies, BounceU Lehigh Valley will donate  backpacks to agencies in the Greater Lehigh Valley Foster Care Coalition, who will distribute them to school students in foster care.

Throughout the weekend of July 13-15, all three BounceU Lehigh Valley locations will  celebrate the grand opening of the newest store by holding “open bounce” events that are open to the public and free…with a catch, adds Principato.

“The ‘price’ of admission is a donation of at least $5 worth of school supplies per guest. We’re expecting hundreds of customers to check out the new Easton location, and at least that many to visit our Allentown and Bethlehem stores over the grand opening weekend. We’ll take the supplies donated during those free events and use them to fill the backpacks—and we’re prepared to buy as many backpacks as we need to accommodate the supplies we collect,” he explains.

BounceU Easton features a layout and operation similar to the Bethlehem and Allentown stores. The facilities  are extremely  popular  with  active-minded kids  and  parents  who  enjoy  each center’s huge “bounce stadiums” filled with the company’s exclusive, giant interactive inflatable rides  and  games,  100%  private  party  packages  and  well-trained  staff  of  high-energy  “party pros,”  most  of  whom  are top students  at  area  high  schools  and  colleges. Twenty-five  new employees who have been training at the Bethlehem store  will transfer to BounceU Easton; the company employs about 100 in all.

General Manager Carissa Santos says since the phones have been busy with customers inquiring about the new location. “We think the new Easton store will be very convenient for current and new  customers who  live  in  New  Jersey,  the  Pocono  Mountain  region  and  the  northeastern portion of the Valley, since it’s within a twenty-minute drive of any of those areas,” she says.

Is this the summer of Dorney Park?

Two years ago my family & I had season passes to Dorney Park.  However, the "DP" atmosphere was a bit "tired", the rides needed a good scrub, not to mention a paint job and the overall feeling was just "blah".  So, we decided to take the following summer off and visit the community pool instead.

 As we began to discuss plans for the summer of 2012, we tossed around the idea of getting season passes again.   What to do, what to do...

Ok, ok, so we decided to go for it and get the season passes this summer...AND I was pleasantly surprised by what I found when we made our first trip there in the beginning of June.

Camp Snoopy is now Planet Snoopy.  I remember hearing about the Planet Snoopy change on the radio last summer...  WOW!  What a difference!  

There were new rides and it was clean...CLEAN!  The rides were painted and everything looked fresh.  They took down the tired looking play gym area with the sand - THANK GOODNESS!  I can't be the only Mom out there who used to cringe when her kids would ask to play in the sand.

 (inside the Family Care Center)

A new thing that I found, is the Family Care Center, located in Planet Snoopy.  What a great idea!  They have restrooms inside, a refrigerator for Moms packing formula or other refrigerated goods and a play area for lost children. 

The one thing they did not have was a band aid, which bummed me out.   Come on...anyone with little ones knows that having first aid supplies is essential.  And yes, I'm THAT Mom who didn't bring first aid stuff with me.

Nudge, nudge Dorney Park...please add a first aid kit to the Family Care Center.

This air conditioned area has got to a HUGE help for Moms & Dads who visit with little ones.  How nice being able to stop in, nurse or feed your baby in a cool, quiet place and just being able to take a break from the heat.  I remember lugging around that bulky diaper bag in 100 degree weather....  And the sweat pouring down my face while I pushed that stroller up the park hill. 

I also highly disliked taking my kids to public toilets during the potty training stage.  But the Family Care Center has their own bathrooms with baby changing facilities.  And again, they are CLEAN!

Parents, if you haven't all ready found this gem within the park, please plan to check this out on your next visit to Dorney.  In my mind, the Family Care Center is a little piece of heaven!

Well, we had a great time on our first visit to Dorney Park.  I expect to be a "Regular" there this summer and plan to check out the Water Park & the new "Dinosaur Exhibit" in the near future.  So, more to come from this "Lehigh Valley Family Fun" Mom!

**I was not paid for this review and all opinions are my own**

Bounce on over to Bounce U this Summer!

So I know we're all excited for warmer weather and a chance to get out and enjoy the sun. With that said I still like to have a plan for those summer days when the heat is absolutely unbearable, and I can't stand to sit in the house with the kids. It's on those days that I want the kids to run around without worrying about sunblock and heat exhaustion.

So I take my crazy little people to Bounce U in Allentown.

Bounce U is known by most people for their incredible Birthday Parties. Bounce U hosts the party for you and handles all the details so you can relax and have fun. We've been to Bounce U for a few birthday parties and group gatherings, but did you know about their OPEN BOUNCE?

There are several times during the week when you can bring the kids to play on all the amazing inflatable structures. When the weather gets too hot we will definitely be in there temperature controlled indoor playground.

Check out all the fun we had!

We started with batting practice.

Air flows out of the top of the cone and the air suspends the ball in place.

Then you can practice your swing.

Little lady practiced her swing over and over again. She has quite an arm!

While the baby just liked throwing the balls.

From there we moved onto the bounce castle with a very high ladder that the baby climbed without fear.

This was probably her favorite. Can you see how steep the incline is? It didn't slow her down a bit.

I couldn't believe how independent and confident she was. I was holding her hand before she began to slide. She pulled her hand away and went for it. She's so brave!

The second bounce castle we went to had a smaller slide and an area with giant pins that the girls loved to squeeze in between.

From there the girls just ran wild. I took alot of blurry pictures that day.

Of course the girls did allow me a few posed shots.

It wasn't long before both of the girls were tired out. But we didn't rest there, we moved from the red room to the purple room and climbed a giant inflatable slide.

I got this shot right before we slid down.

Another of the girls favorites were these soft cars.

But that really was the end for my sleepy heads.

They were exhausted, and my mission was complete.

Indoor fun on a hot day, check!

Lots of fun, excitement and laughs, check!

Two sleepy heads ready for nap time, check!

We will be headed back to Bounce U in a few weeks for a birthday party.

But, I'm planning lots more fun at Bounce U this summer!!

*A Special 'Thank You' goes out to my friend Yelena Johnson for her review of Bounce U.  Yelena was not compensated for this review however, her admittance to Bounce U was waived.  All opinions and text are her own.

Please visit Yelena over at Mommy Gratitude - http://www.mommygratitude.com

Treat Mom to Brunch on Mother's Day at Iron Lakes Country Club

Mother's Day Brunch

Hurry up and make your reservation at the Iron lakes Country Club for Sunday, May 13th. Complimentary Family Photo Session.

What an awesome way to spend the day with Mom this Mother's Day!

Consignment, Consignment, Consignment!

The Kid's Clothesline - May 3 - 6, 2012

Let me first start out by saying that I really enjoy being a Mom.  The hugs, the kisses, the yelling the screaming...OOPS!  I think I said too much.  Seriously though...being a Mom has had more rewards than I can count.

But there is one thing that gets under my skin...all the clothing that we go through.  I literally blink my eyes and the pants that we just bought for my 5 year old are now capris.  That's fine for spring but for the winter?  Not so much...  And that trendy sweatshirt that my 8 year old "just had to have" is now too small.  But what is a Mom to do???

As I have said in the past, one of the many benefits of running my own business (http://www.lehighvalleyfamilyfun.com/) is meeting new people.   And I was recently introduced to Amanda D'Ambrosio, Owner of The Kids Clothesline. 

The Kids Clothesline or "Consignment Extravaganza" as I like to call it, offers families a place to sell their children's outgrown items and to buy new and gently used items at up to 90% off retail. 

The next Kids Clothesline Event will take place May 3rd - 6th, 2012.  

In 2004, when Amanda's kids were in Preschool she developed that entrepreneurial "bug".  Not sure which direction to go, Amanda met a woman who had a children's consignment event in the south.  After that meeting she knew what her next step would be...CONSIGNMENT! 

"So many people benefit from the sale"  says Amanda.  "Any time I think of giving it up I meet someone really wonderful who tells me how much they appreciate it!"

With over 2,500 Shoppers at the last event and filling approximately 250 Volunteer Shifts and 375 Consignee Spots, the growth of the sale has been tremendous.  For Spring of 2012, they will move to Ag Hall, which can fill 550-600 Consignee Spots.  "I think this has always been my goal (moving to Ag Hall)" says Amanda.  "So I'm happy that we've finally done it!"

Mom to 4 kids, Amanda is a busy WAHM (Work-At-Home-Mom).  "I think a lot of people think the sale is 2 weeks of work, twice a year. That is so far from the truth."  In reality, Amanda begins preparing for each consignment event approximately 12 weeks prior to the Sale.  " I am usually at my desk any spare moment I can find and a lot of times into the night. When it's not sale season I am still working part time coming up with new ideas..."

I wanted to find out more about this amazing Mom...so I asked her what life messages she has for her kids.  "It's important to me that my kids be kind to others and that they are honest," says Amanda.  "We are very open minded and do not judge others, I guess it's just the only thing they have every known, it's just how we live."

I also wanted to know what tips she would give new parents of things she wished she knew before being a parent.  "Patience is so important and enjoy every second...it goes so fast.  It is so cliche but SO true!" 

The Kids Clothesline is dedicated to bringing families excellent quality items at a fraction of the price.  TKC is a selling and shopping experience not to be missed!

The Kids Clothesline will hold its next event May 3rd - 6th 2012.  

It's Hip to be Green! Check out Hipcycle.com...

(OCEAN, NJ) – From tequila bottle candles to chopstick baskets, Hipcycle.com is dedicated to selling innovative, stylish, and affordable upcycled products. Launched in October 2011, Hipcycle.com is dedicated to the growing upcycling trend in green design - taking something that would otherwise be thrown away and transforming it into something of greater use and value.

The Hipcycle team offers its top picks for unique gifts and finds for spring 2012: 

Welcome the birds back from migration with this whimsical birdhouse made from carefully woven reclaimed plastic wrappers. 

Whether you prefer Speedway Stout or Grey Goose,

choose from a wide selection of upcycled glassware made from beverage bottles that were far too beautiful to only drink

from once. 

Rescued intricate ceiling tins from historic homes create beautiful new objects like this upcycled picture frame.

  “Our goal is to bring the marketplace for upcycled products closer to the mainstream consumer,” said Andrew Sell, Founder and Chief Hipcycler. “Rather than only targeting people who are highly environmentally conscious, we want to reach the broader population. Hipcycle features a curated variety of products that are stylish and functional, and that also happen to be environmentally friendly.”
Many of the 500+ products featured on Hipcycle.com are made in the U.S. while others are purchased through a commitment to fair-trade practices. Products can be searched for by purpose (i.e., home, garden, office) or by original material (i.e., wood, fabric, glass). Hipcycle also prides itself on telling the story behind the product, from its creator to its provenance.

As it expands into new categories, Hipcycle welcomes contact from potential designers and vendors. Learn more at Hipcycle.com. 

ABOUT THE FOUNDER 
Prior to starting Hipcycle, Andrew Sell worked in operational, marketing, and sales roles in Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and mid-tier venture-backed firms.Having started his career working with the Job Corps, Andrew has always believed that social and economic goals can mutually coexist. The launch of Hipcycle allows him to operate a triple bottom line venture – focusing on people, planet, and profit.

 Andrew’s work for management-consulting firm IHS International took him to China, where he managed projects for clients in a wide range of industries, including hospitality, aviation, energy, agriculture, maritime, and the environment. He was part of the team that organized China’s first major environmental conference in 1996. As vice president of business development for healthcare company LogistiCare, Andrew formulated the strategic plans for all new organic growth and successfully navigated complex political environments that lead to new government sales.

With a growing family and a desire to return to the ideals of working to make the world a better place, Andrew created Hipcycle, which he aims to grow as the leading marketplace for beautiful, functional, and well-designed upcycled products.

We are happy to spread the word about Hipcycle.com!  Here is a Promotional Code to receive 15% off your order - HCB15 - this code expires 6/30/12.

10-month old Ava, waiting for multiple transplants, needs YOUR HELP!

"BLING FLING" FOR AVA!

**FEATURING** PREMIER DESIGNS JEWELRY

This is 10-month old Ava, diagnosed with MMIHS or Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome. MMIHS is a very rare, smooth muscle disorder.

Ava has had several surgeries and is currently on a transplant list for a Stomach, Small Intestine, Pancreas and Bowel. Ava cannot eat by mouth or give a bowel movement until she receives the transplant.

Ava has and will go through many procedures and testing. To help with expenses we are holding a Fundraiser for Ava and her family.

JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON FILLED WITH FUN, FASHION, JEWELRY AND PRIZES!

WHEN: SUNDAY- MARCH 25TH, 2PM
WHERE: NORTHWEST CHILDREN'S CENTRE, 6301 RT. 309 SUITE 200, NEW TRIPOLI
(CORNER OF RTS.309 & 100)



COME OUT, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND GET SOME AWESOME ACCESSORIES FOR EASTER, MOTHERS’ DAY OR YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE!

The Pennsylvania Mentor Program..The True Super Heros of Today!

Did you ever wonder who the Super Heroes of today's world are?  Sure, we have Entertainers that occasionally do really cool things for charity.  Or the Politicians that want us to believe that they do really cool things for people in the community...BUT there are still many people out there in need of assistance.  

As a Mom, I often consider what more I could do to help people in the Lehigh Valley.  Sure, I could deliver meals for the Lehigh County's Meals on Wheels or volunteer my time in a soup kitchen...

However, more recently I was introduced to the Pennsylvania MENTOR Program.  Just the title piqued my curiosity so I wanted to learn more about them and what they had to offer the people of the Lehigh Valley.

The mission of Pennsylvania MENTOR and The MENTOR Network is to offer adults, children, young people and their families innovative, quality services and supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual or behavioral challenges they face.   Wow, that is a mouthful...but what does that mean?  In simple terms it means to "make a difference in some one's life" by becoming their Mentor.

OK, but what is a Mentor?  A Mentor is someone who opens their heart and their life to a foster child or someone with developmental disabilities.  Whether it is a helping hand, a home, or a family, a Mentor helps people to live their life to the fullest.

So who can be a Mentor?  Just about anyone. You don’t need to be a superhero, just a regular person who’s ready to help give someone a better life by sharing yours. It doesn’t matter if you’re a retiree looking for a way to continue contributing to society, a stay-at-home mom looking to earn money, or a working family with children of your own.  

Pennsylvania MENTOR's philosophy emphasizes partnerships – with those we serve, their families, our employees, Mentors and the communities in which we work – in an effort to help people shape the direction of their own lives in community-based settings.

There are two programs available:  The Therapeutic Foster Care Program and The Host Home for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. 

The Therapeutic Foster Care Program calls their foster parents "Mentors" because they do so much more than provide a home to a child in need.  Mentors help children grow and learn, forever changing their lives, creating an opportunity to bond.

The Host Home for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities has some similarities to adult foster care because an adult comes to live with you in your home—and yet is different because the adults we support have the same freedom of choice that all adults enjoy.

The MENTOR Network  is called a “network” for a reason—it’s not just one person or group. It’s a national network of people, in areas like the Lehigh Valley, across the country, who are joined by the common belief that positive, nurturing relationships are the basis for growth and change. And that these relationships are best fostered through active participation in the daily activities of neighborhood and family life.

The word that comes to mind when I re-read what I have written is "OPPORTUNITY".  Think of the people you can help, who would really appreciate your help.  And consider the reward...the feeling you will get at the end of the day to know you made a real difference.  Yes, help is definitely needed at the local soup kitchen, but consider the importance of becoming a MENTOR  The opportunity that will last a lifetime.

Isn't that what it is all about?

**For more information, please visit their Website or call them directly
at 877-619-7711.

Is lead poisoning a thing of the past?

A friend of mine brought this to my attention and I thought it was important enough to share.

LEAD POISONING  For those who buy the myth that lead poisoning is a thing of the past, or only a low-income problem, it is eye opening to see that even in the White House, this remains a hazard, not just for pets, but especially children.

Columbia University researchers have found that an estimated 68% of children in the U.S. have chronic, low-level, invisible lead dust exposure, which the CDC has called “the #1 environmental risk to children in the U.S.”. Even higher numbers of children in poor and minority neighborhoods are impacted by ordinary household dust that contains lead paint particles too small to see.

Most parents are not aware that their children are in danger, or if they are aware, they don’t understand the simple prevention steps to protect their children’s healthy brain growth and development . But primary prevention is actually very straightforward, and educating parents is the most effective weapon in the fight to end this epidemic that robs our children of their full potential.  Hence the reason for this post. 

Parents can follow simple housecleaning steps, like regular window sill cleaning where invisible lead dust accumulates, and require basic “safe lead practices” that are often low-cost or “no cost” when doing repair or renovation in their pre-1978 home. In most cases, it is as simple as following the simple 3 C’s :  Control, Contain, and Clean the DUST!

In addition there is a new product on the market called LockUpLead.  This patented product, adapted from proven technology used in military applications, is a 100% nontoxic spray cleaner that actually detoxifies lead dust on contact. In addition to being a dust suppressant, it also reacts on a molecular level with poisonous lead dust to form lead compounds that are permanently detoxified.

Independent lab testing has shown that LockUpLead dramatically reduces the toxicity of lead dust.  For more information regarding LockUpLead, please visit their website. 

We have a coupon code to pass on...simply use LVFAMFUN at checkout and receive 15% off your order.  This offer expires 3/15/12.

Stuart Little comes to the Lehigh Valley!

All-Student Cast Makes Stuart Little Big Success

Pennsylvania Youth Theatre brings mouse’s story to Downtown Bethlehem

March 23 to April 1, 2012

Spring is just around the corner and Pennsylvania YouthTheatre is getting everyone out of hibernation with its whimsical Mainstage production of Stuart Little! And unlike our traditional Mainstage shows, our kids are 100 percent in the spotlight. 

Stuart Little is the endearing E.B. White classic, which chronicles the life of a mouse born into an everyday New York family. The charm, wisdom and joy of the original story are captured in this adaptation by Joseph Robinette, a nationally recognized author of children’s plays. Stuart’s many adventures are colorfully brought to life in this story-theatre presentation.  

The show’s company is comprised of 55 PYT students from all around the Lehigh Valley.

“The advantage of working with an all-student ensemble is that they have a great abundance of imagination - a willingness to be zany and have fun,” Stuart Little Director Susan Chase said.  “We will be using hilariously oversized props to emphasize Stuart’s size to the audience.”

The actors portray both human and animal roles in a series of delightful scenes that make-up the marvelous maneuverings of a mild-mannered mouse trying to survive in a “real people’s world.”

“Stuart’s struggle is a universal one,” Chase notes. “He is more human than mouse, but he is also different from everyone around him. He has to find ways to build bonds with those close to him while staying true to his individuality.” 

Chase is infusing the production with her own voice by highlighting the many theatrical references Stuart makes throughout the show.  For example, all you film noir fans, pay close attention to Stuart’s remarks and see how many 1940s movie references you can catch.

Don’t wait until tomorrow to get your tickets! Snag your seat for one of the show’s 10 public performances by calling 610-332-1414, emailing tickets@123pyt.org, or visiting www.123pyt.org. 

Public Performances:

March 23 at 7 p.m.
March 24 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
March 25 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
March 30 at 7 p.m.
March 31 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
April 1 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Where: The Charles A. Brown Ice House, 56 River St., Bethlehem

Cost: Premiere (assigned) seating $20; Reserved (unassigned/general admission) seating - $15; $12 for seniors and children 12 and under. Group rates available for parties of 10 or more. Call for details.

The Kids Closet Sale...Out with the Old and in with the New!

As a transplant to the Lehigh Valley, I am always looking for new places to explore.  One area that I feel is often overlooked, since it is further north is Carbon County.  A close neighbor to the Lehigh Valley, Carbon County offers many "family-friendly events".   From the Fall Foliage of Jim Thorpe, to the Switchback Railroads, to the Pocono Mountains, there is so much to see & do!

So, in my travels I have become friendly with a Mom up in the Carbon County area, more specifically Lehighton, PA.  This Mom has taken on a big challenge...the challenge of CONSIGNMENT!

But "What is Consignment"? Consignment, as defined on Websters.com is "Property sent to an agent for sale, storage or shipment". Like a yard sale, you sell your stuff, except better!  Way better, in my opinion.  The "Consignment" Event takes care of all the Marketing & Advertising, they host the sale and they watch the inventory.  They do all the "Not-so-fun" stuff.

With that being said, one thing that I absolutely dread is cleaning out my kids' closets.  And with two growing girls this is done quite frequently.  However, I do LOVE the feeling once it is done.  Everything is neat again, I've finally trashed the stuff with holes and I am left with that feeling of completion.  Yay! 

Now What?  What do I do with the "gently worn" clothing that my "darling daughters" have used so preciously over the past few months?  Yes, I am a little sarcastic here but actually there are MANY times that a blouse or skirt is worn one time...Or that Easter dress that was used just for pictures and a trip to Church...Or how about those shoes that fit yesterday and now they are just too small.

Are you with me?  My eyes blink and all I can think of is
 "Show me the M-O-N-E-Y!!!"

Danielle Andreas of the Carbon County Area and employee of the family-owned business "Andreas Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning" of Lehighton PA. has figured out this "Consignment Thing" and has done a really great job for the people in the area. 

An active "WAHM" Mom (Work-At-Home-Mom) to 4 children, Danielle has a full plate.  With "kids in tow", she & her husband run the family business from their "Home Office"...literally in their home with a separate store front.  In addition to her daily activities of being a Mom, you know running here, running there...they are active at Church and also like to ski as a family. On top of all that Danielle finds time to own & operate a "Consignment" business. 

So back to the "Consignment Thing". 

The Kid's Closet Sale, established in 2010, came about when Danielle shopped at other consignment events and felt that the community of Carbon County and the surrounding area could benefit from a Consignment event.  With experience in running a family business, she and friend Mary Lichtenwalner, decided to put their talents to use and hence the beginning of The Kid's Closet Sale.   

With the help of 40+ Volunteers, Danielle & Mary organize the event, which takes place twice a year.  The next event is scheduled for March 22 - 24, 2012.

 "People are talking about it, we are growing, so the Community must be benefiting...and that is all we wanted" explains Danielle. With steady growth at each sale, 100 Consignees in the Fall 2011 and a goal of 125 for the spring, they decided to upgrade the location to The Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, which is located at 101 East 10th Street, in Jim Thorpe, PA. 

With 1,000 checkouts through their system last spring, they expect to double the amount of shoppers they had in the fall with a new location and new advertising strategies for the spring of 2012. 

For those who may be in the market to purchase, this is an awesome event for you to check out.  You can purchase name brand items for less...much, much less.  And remember, most kid's stuff is hardly used.  So...

Mark your calendars now for the 2012 Spring/Summer Event

  "The Kid's Closet Sale". 

March 22 - Private Pre Sale

March 23 - 10am - 6pm

March 24 - 10am 6pm

Youniversity of Music And Arts - What is Musikgarten?

Youniversity of Music and Arts® located in Bethlehem's new Arts District and only steps away from ArtsQuest and SteelStacks, is introducing a new music series, Musikgarten.




Musikgarten, an internationally taught music program offered to infants through children 9 years of age, is a progressively sequenced, age-appropriate series of classes. Its focus is on a variety of musical concepts, rhythmic patterns, improvisation, playing skills and more. The early childhood classes provide a platform for children who may want to continue their music education through instrumental or voice education.

Registration is now open for the new series, which will launch March 5th, 2012.

According to LuAnn Longenecker, Early Childhood Music Specialist and instructor at the Youniversity, Musikgarten builds “a systematic path to music literacy.”

“Musikgarten is both an extremely enjoyable activity and a powerful tool in nurturing and developing young musicians,” said Longenecker. “These classes are an excellent foundation, as they place a strong emphasis on repetition of sounds and patterns, auditory and sensory skills and how to have fun with music.”

The new series will be offered on Mondays at the school. One parent or caregiver is asked to attend the 30-minute classes for babies/toddlers. The Music Cycle classes, (ages 3-5) are 45 minutes and the Music Makers (ages 4 and up) meet for a full hour.

Longenecker said Musikgarten promotes family involvement and parents are encouraged to enjoy and reinforce the activities at home. The Musikgarten curriculum also emphasizes multi-cultural music diversity and exposes young people to classic performance, Longenecker explained.

“We expose our little ones to musical gems like Peter and the Wolf,” Longenecker said. “We play Aaron Copeland’s “Hoedown” from Rodeo and children as young as 3 will recognize it and pretend to ‘ride their horses’ to it. Children love the diversity and will soak up many musical genres - not just music written for their age group.” she added.

The Youniversity, which opened in mid-2011, offers music classes and private lessons for all ages and levels of ability. Located in Bethlehem's SouthSide Arts District, the school occupies a 15-classroom facility and is staffed by more than 15 music professionals. The Youniversity of Music and Arts is owned jointly by Valentina Jotovic, C.E.O., and her husband, Dr. Antonius Bittmann, an Associate Dean and Professor of Music at Rutgers University.

To register for Musikgarten and for complete information on the Youniversity of Music and Arts, please call 610-849-2130 or visit their website.