"Disney's High School Musical Jr." recreates the popular movie in a showcase of young performers at the Pennsylvania Playhouse in Bethlehem  through Sunday.

The show tells the story of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, an unlikely couple from different cliques who connect when they both discover they like to sing. There is lots of singing in the show as well as energetic dance numbers where the cast of 28 featuring kids age 8 to 15 fill the stage.

Based on the Disney Channel movie "High School Musical," the show is the second in a new series of "junior" productions at the playhouse designed for young actors. It is fun to watch the students who all so obviously enjoy what they are doing.

Kimberly Casey, a freshman at Whitehall High School, is charming as math-whiz Gabriella and has a sweet singing voice. As Gabriella's love interest basketball player Troy, Nitshcmann eighth-grader Evan Burlew gives an understated quality to the conflicted student.

Lynsey Jeffery, a seventh grader from Kutztown and Luke Csordas,a fifth grader from Macungie, shine as theater star Sharpay and her satorically dressed brother Ryan. The pair steal the scene every time they appear. Jeffrey is deliciosuly wicked as the show's resident bad girl and Csordas makes the most of his role as her yes man brother.

Other standouts are Blake Dennis as the school DJ Jack Scott whose deadpan delivery of his lines drew plenty of laughs and Molly Kennedy, a Liberty freshman who gave an added dimension to her portrayal of Gabriella's braniac friend Taylor.

Some of the young actors struggled a bit with their vocals but was redeemed during the cast's many ensemble numbers. Some of the funnier scenes included an impromptu method acting class during detention that had kids crawling and slithering around on the floor like animals, and the audition for the school musical in which a string of actors gave hilariously "bad" auditions. Lisa Suppen gave a humorous turn as Ms. Darbus the overenthusiastic theater teacher who was all too willing to collect the student's cell phones.

The simple stage set that stood in as a gym, theater and classroom was effective and the direction by Wendy Borst and choreography by Stacy Gabel kept the action moving.

Performances are at  2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10. Info: 610-865-6665 or www.paplayhouse.org

I was talking with a group of moms as our were kids running around, when one little boy offered that he had lost his first tooth. "Did you get anything from the Tooth Fairy?"  we moms all asked. When the boy said "yes $5," my jaw dropped. Apparently inflation has hit the Tooth Fairy business.

When I was a kid, I used to get a shiny new quarter under my pillow when I lost a tooth. Of course that was a while ago and a quarter doesn't go as far as it did back then.

When my son lost his first tooth, I put a dollar bill under his pillow. Not quite as romantic as a coin but he was quite happy. Was I short changing him?

I asked other moms and kids and the answers were all over the place. $5 seemed like the high end although someone said they gave a ten-spot for a "problem tooth." One kid claimed he only got a nickel for a tooth - hard to believe in this day and age.  I looked on-line and of course there's a Tooth Fairy poll that reports in 2010, the average rate for a tooth was $2.13.

Guess I am shorting my kid. Not to mention I kind of wrecked the whole Tooth Fairy thing when, after he lost his second tooth, I planned to sneak into his room and put the dollar under his pillow after he was asleep but dozed off and forgot. The next morning he was so disappointed that his tooth was still there that I came clean and just gave him the cash. He was happy with that.

But he made out better - in the per tooth rate at least - recently. My son's baby teeth were being stubborn and it was decided he had to have six taken out by an oral surgeon. He was so miserable about it we negotiated a flat $15 fee for the collective teeth - $2 per tooth with a premium of $5 for the top front tooth. Although he doesn't believe in the tooth fairy, the prospect of looking forward to getting $15 to put in his bank after the extractions helped ease the pain a bit.

Daily events for families in and around the Lehigh Valley and region. In case of bad weather, call first.

"Disney's High School Musical Jr." tells the story of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, an unlikely couple who connect when they audition for the school musical. Based on the Disney Channel movie "High School Musical," the show is the second in a new series of "junior" productions at the Pennsylvania Playhouse and features a cast of 27, ranging in age from 8 to 15. 8 p.m. Through Sun. Tickets: $10. Pennsylvania Playhouse, Illick's Mill Road, Bethlehem, 610-865-6665. www.paplayhouse.org.

Old Mauch Chunk Model Train Display: 13 mainlines and more than 200 structures, including skyscrapers, houses, an old-fashioned football stadium, more. noon-4 p.m. Through Mon. Tickets: $4; $3, seniors; $2, ages 3-12; free, ages 2 and under. Hooven Mercantile Building, Second floor, 41 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe, 570-325-4371. www.omctraindisplay.com.

Crystal Cabin Fever: Indoor, interactive ice display, made of over 100 tons of ice with a theme of “Wild West in Ice!,” live ice carving shows and demonstrations. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Feb. 28. Tickets: $10; $6, ages 3-14; free, ages 2 and under. Sculpted Ice Works, Route 590, Lakeville, 570-226-6426. www.crystalcabinfever.com.

Experience hands-on exhibits that teach children about science at Da Vinci Science Center. noon. to 5 p.m.  Tickets: $11.95; $8.95, ages 4-12, seniors, military/veteran; free, ages 3 and under. Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484-664-1002. www.davinci-center.org.

Two Rivers Landing - home to Crayola Factory and the National Canal Museum - will be open noon to 5 p.m. Create a birthday banner; memory scroll, birthday medallions as well as diversity projects for Black History Month. Admission to Two Rivers Landing is $9.75 per person, $9.50 seniors and children 2 and under are free. Info: www.crayolafactory.com or www.canals.org.

Winter is always a great time to visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo - admission is cheaper and many animals prefer the cold weather to the heat of summer. Officials at the Schnecksville zoo say almost all of the animals on can be seen in their exhibits year round and are often more active in cold weather. During the zoo's off-season through March 31, admission is reduced from $9.75 to $7.75 for adults and from $7.75 to $5.75 for children. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily but call first in case of bad weather. Info: www.lvzoo.org or 610-799-4171

 Stomp: Unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy with new routines utilizing props like tractor tire inner tunes and paint cans. 8 p.m. Through Sunday. Tickets: $25-$75. Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, 215-731-3333. www.kimmelcenter.org.

See a flaming human crossbow soar across the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia in the new “Fully Charged” edition of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Wednesday through Sunday. Brian Miser, the “Human Fuse,” sets himself ablaze and flies 80 feet at 65 miles per hour in his self-made crossbow. Miser will be joined by The Tabayara, an animal trainer who tames 12 ferocious tigers, rides rearing and galloping stallions and leads four-ton Asian Elephants in a symphony of dance. Arrive one hour before show time and attend the free All Access Pre-show to learn circus skills, meet performers and get an up-close look at the animal stars. 10:30 a.m.  7 p.m. Tickets: $90-$10. Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S Broad St, Philadelphia.

Daily events for families in and around the Lehigh Valley and region. In case of bad weather, call first.

Crystal Cabin Fever: Indoor, interactive ice display, made of over 100 tons of ice with a theme of “Wild West in Ice!,” live ice carving shows and demonstrations. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Feb. 28. Tickets: $10; $6, ages 3-14; free, ages 2 and under. Sculpted Ice Works, Route 590, Lakeville, 570-226-6426. www.crystalcabinfever.com.

Experience hands-on exhibits that teach children about science at Da Vinci Science Center. noon. to 5 p.m.  Tickets: $11.95; $8.95, ages 4-12, seniors, military/veteran; free, ages 3 and under. Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484-664-1002. www.davinci-center.org.

Two Rivers Landing - home to Crayola Factory and the National Canal Museum - will be open noon to 5 p.m. Create a birthday banner; memory scroll, birthday medallions as well as diversity projects for Black History Month. Admission to Two Rivers Landing is $9.75 per person, $9.50 seniors and children 2 and under are free. Info: www.crayolafactory.com or www.canals.org.

Winter is always a great time to visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo - admission is cheaper and many animals prefer the cold weather to the heat of summer. Officials at the Schnecksville zoo say almost all of the animals on can be seen in their exhibits year round and are often more active in cold weather. During the zoo's off-season through March 31, admission is reduced from $9.75 to $7.75 for adults and from $7.75 to $5.75 for children. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily but call first in case of bad weather. Info: www.lvzoo.org or 610-799-4171

 Stomp: Unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy with new routines utilizing props like tractor tire inner tunes and paint cans. 7:30 p.m. Through Feb. 20. Tickets: $25-$75. Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, 215-731-3333. www.kimmelcenter.org.

See a flaming human crossbow soar across the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia in the new “Fully Charged” edition of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Wednesday through Sunday. Brian Miser, the “Human Fuse,” sets himself ablaze and flies 80 feet at 65 miles per hour in his self-made crossbow. Miser will be joined by The Tabayara, an animal trainer who tames 12 ferocious tigers, rides rearing and galloping stallions and leads four-ton Asian Elephants in a symphony of dance. Arrive one hour before show time and attend the free All Access Pre-show to learn circus skills, meet performers and get an up-close look at the animal stars. 10:30 a.m.  7 p.m. Tickets: $90-$10. Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S Broad St, Philadelphia.

 “Black Holes: Journey Into The Unknown” 6 p.m. Kutztown University offers free planetarium shows that are open to the public. The Kutztown University Planetarium is located on the ground floor of the Grim Science Building, and is labeled Room 100. The planetarium is university's Astronomy Outreach Program. The KU Planetarium has recently been enhanced with a full-dome digital projection system. Info: www.kutztown.edu/planetarium/

 Bucks County teacher who called students "disengaged, lazy whiners" on her blog is making headlines across the country for complaining about her students.

Some people are saying she has no business being a teacher if she feels that way about students while others defend her for saying what many people think but dare not say.

Natalie Munroe, a 30-year-old Central Bucks East High School teacher who is 8 months pregnant with her second child, says she was blindsided when she was suspended without pay when students discovered the comments on her personal blog.

"My students are out of control," Munroe wrote. "They are rude, disengaged, lazy whiners. They curse, discuss drugs, talk back, argue for grades, complain about everything, fancy themselves entitled to whatever they desire, and are just generally annoying."

In one of the posts Munroe quoted a line from the song "Kids" from the Broadway musical "Bye Bye Birdie."  "Kids! They are disobedient, disrespectful oafs. Noisy, crazy, sloppy, lazy LOAFERS." Ironically the musical was written in 1960 so apparently this idea that kids are unmotivated is nothing new.

Munroe did not use her full name or identify her students or school in the blog, which she started in August 2009. She says she wrote about all types of things on the blog from a trip to Sesame Place with her 3-year-old daughter to favorite restaurants and of the 84 posts, only 24 mentioned school and only a few focused on her frustrations at school. She says her blog was hard to find and the students who discovered it had to be searching for it. She added she also said positive things about students.

She also has hired an attorney, who said that she had the right to post her thoughts on the blog and that it's a free speech issue.

On a followup post  she defends herself and stands by her comments citing "the frustration I felt as a result of the disrespect and disengagement in the classroom." She added "I am a professional and take pride in my work."

She said some of her comments were about "real behaviors that exist but that you just aren't allowed to write. Parents don't want to hear the truth; administrators don't want us to share the truth." and added the comments "weren't comments meant to fit all students."

"I didn't--and don't--feel negatively toward all students," she writes. "I fondly discussed some wonderful students who shined in the school's Jazz and Poetry Festival, and I even said that I was proud to be part of the school at events like that.  But the fact remains that every year, more and more, students are coming in less willing to work, to think, to cooperate. These are the students I was complaining about in my blog."

She also points the finger back at her accusers.

"The truth hurts sometimes," she writes. "Maybe instead of getting pissed off at the person pointing out the behavior, people need to examine their behavior and make a change.  While I never in a million years would have guessed that this many people would ever see my words, and I didn't even intend them to, I stand by what I wrote and think it's good that people are aware now. There are serious problems with our education system today--with the way that schools and school districts and students and parents take teachers who enter the education field full of life and hope and a desire to change the world and positively impact kids, and beat the life out of them and villainize them and blame them for everything--and those need to be brought to light. If this 'scandal' opens the door for that conversation, so be it."

So what do you think? Are kids unmotivated and need a wake-up call? Is Munroe just exercising her free speech rights by voicing her views or is she completely out of line and deserves to be fired?

"OMG" my son exclaimed yesterday when I asked him to pick his jacket off the floor.

And when a funny commercial comes on TV it's "LOL" or more recently the newly discovered mouthful of  "ROTFL." Honestly, isn't it just easier to say "that's funny" or am I showing my fogeyism.

My son also talked about a "BFF" and even tried "WTF" which has become so ubiquitous that it runs in ads in the newspaper and a former vice presidential candidate uses it liberally, although it's still forbidden in our household because of what it really stands for. (Next he tried "what the freak" but that also didn't fly)

The funny thing is my son doesn't have a cell phone and has never texted  but yet he uses text-speak as easily as if he did. The abbreviations that are now an entrenched part of our language started as a way to get more words in text messages. Now kids use them when they're talking to sound cool. And if teens do it, then the tweens, many of whom don't even have cells phones, follow.

Enter my son and "OMG. " I suppose it's better than other things he might say, but I'm not looking forward to how he talks when he finally does get his own cell phone.

Daily events for families in and around the Lehigh Valley and region. In case of bad weather, call first.

Crystal Cabin Fever: Indoor, interactive ice display, made of over 100 tons of ice with a theme of “Wild West in Ice!,” live ice carving shows and demonstrations. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Feb. 28. Tickets: $10; $6, ages 3-14; free, ages 2 and under. Sculpted Ice Works, Route 590, Lakeville, 570-226-6426. www.crystalcabinfever.com.

Experience hands-on exhibits that teach children about science at Da Vinci Science Center. noon. to 5 p.m.  Tickets: $11.95; $8.95, ages 4-12, seniors, military/veteran; free, ages 3 and under. Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484-664-1002. www.davinci-center.org.

Two Rivers Landing - home to Crayola Factory and the National Canal Museum - will be open noon to 5 p.m. Create a birthday banner; memory scroll, birthday medallions as well as diversity projects for Black History Month. Admission to Two Rivers Landing is $9.75 per person, $9.50 seniors and children 2 and under are free. Info: www.crayolafactory.com or www.canals.org.

Winter is always a great time to visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo - admission is cheaper and many animals prefer the cold weather to the heat of summer. Officials at the Schnecksville zoo say almost all of the animals on can be seen in their exhibits year round and are often more active in cold weather. During the zoo's off-season through March 31, admission is reduced from $9.75 to $7.75 for adults and from $7.75 to $5.75 for children. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily but call first in case of bad weather. Info: www.lvzoo.org or 610-799-4171

 Stomp: Unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy with new routines utilizing props like tractor tire inner tunes and paint cans. 7:30 p.m. Through Feb. 20. Tickets: $25-$75. Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, 215-731-3333. www.kimmelcenter.org.

See a flaming human crossbow soar across the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia in the new “Fully Charged” edition of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Wednesday through Sunday. Brian Miser, the “Human Fuse,” sets himself ablaze and flies 80 feet at 65 miles per hour in his self-made crossbow. Miser will be joined by The Tabayara, an animal trainer who tames 12 ferocious tigers, rides rearing and galloping stallions and leads four-ton Asian Elephants in a symphony of dance. Arrive one hour before show time and attend the free All Access Pre-show to learn circus skills, meet performers and get an up-close look at the animal stars.  7 p.m. Tickets: $90-$10. Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S Broad St, Philadelphia. www.ringling.com.

We went to our first ever Harlem Globetrotter's game Friday at Stable Arena and we had a blast.

The players engage the audience from the minute they walk out on the court and the whole game is incredibly choreographed. In fact my son said at one point it reminded him of theater.

And it was theater where the good guy team (the Globetrotters) were facing the bad guy team (the hardpressed Washington Generals). From the moment whe the teams were introduced to ecstatic cheers for the the Globetrotters and boos for the Generals,  we were on a ride with plenty of wacky stunts mixed with some truly outstanding basketball.

My son was amazed at the Globetrotter's ball handling skills from their trademark spinning the ball on a fingertip to passing runs so quick he said he lost track of the ball.

But the highlight came at the end of the first quarter when at the 3 minute mark, the teams could make four point shots from circles on the ground 35 feet from the basket. The first basket made set up a huge roar in the audience and it continued as Globetrotter Dizzy grant went on an incredible five shot run from the four point circle before missing on his sixth try.  Now admittedly the other players pretty much let anyone on the circles shoot without interfering it still adds another level of excitement to the game.

Both teams made a number of four point shots with Dizzy and Globetrotter Firefly Fisher being the high scorers. There were lots of athletics on display too as players literally hung from the basket after making a dunk and pulled themselves up. At one point a Globetrotter did backflips across the court.

A fair amount of time is taken up with shenanagins including pulling off one of the General's shorts as he tried to make a free throw. In retaliation the player yanked off Gobetrotter showman Handles Franklin's shorts revealing a pink tutu. Another crazy stunt involved a helium filled basketball. In audience participation bits they brought a little girl out to spin a ball on her finger and at another point a little boy to shoot a basket. The kid actually did it and then proceeded to mimic Handles' hip shaking.

The Globetrotters also took a break for a little football with a shoutout to the Eagles.  And the team's classic water bucket trick left us a little wet to my son's delight. as for the game, no surprise the Globetrotters won, although my son, really gettting into the game, got worried when the Generals pulled within 3 points in the third quarter.  I reminded him the Globetrotters have a 12,000 game winning streak against the Generals. But it was a lot of fun.

 Afterwards the Globetrotters spread out at different spots at Stabler to sign autographs for their young fans.

If you missed the game at Stabler, there's still plenty of chances to see the team shoot a four-pointer. Upcoming shows are at

7 p.m. Feb. 25, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre. Tickets: $27-$110

1 and 6 p.m. March 13, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. Tickets: $21-$159

7 p.m. March 11, The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Tickets: $17-$103

Info: www.harlemglobetrotters.com, 800-745-3000

Daily events for families in and around the Lehigh Valley and region. In case of bad weather, call first.

Crystal Cabin Fever: Indoor, interactive ice display, made of over 100 tons of ice with a theme of “Wild West in Ice!,” live ice carving shows and demonstrations. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Feb. 28. Tickets: $10; $6, ages 3-14; free, ages 2 and under. Sculpted Ice Works, Route 590, Lakeville, 570-226-6426. www.crystalcabinfever.com.

Experience hands-on exhibits that teach children about science at Da Vinci Science Center. noon. to 5 p.m.  Tickets: $11.95; $8.95, ages 4-12, seniors, military/veteran; free, ages 3 and under. Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484-664-1002. www.davinci-center.org.

Two Rivers Landing - home to Crayola Factory and the National Canal Museum - will be open noon to 5 p.m. Create a birthday banner; memory scroll, birthday medallions as well as diversity projects for Black History Month. Admission to Two Rivers Landing is $9.75 per person, $9.50 seniors and children 2 and under are free. Info: www.crayolafactory.com or www.canals.org.

Winter is always a great time to visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo - admission is cheaper and many animals prefer the cold weather to the heat of summer. Officials at the Schnecksville zoo say almost all of the animals on can be seen in their exhibits year round and are often more active in cold weather. During the zoo's off-season through March 31, admission is reduced from $9.75 to $7.75 for adults and from $7.75 to $5.75 for children. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily but call first in case of bad weather. Info: www.lvzoo.org or 610-799-4171

 Stomp: Unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy with new routines utilizing props like tractor tire inner tunes and paint cans. 7:30 p.m. Through Feb. 20. Tickets: $25-$75. Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, 215-731-3333. www.kimmelcenter.org.

Daily events for families in and around the Lehigh Valley and region. In case of bad weather, call first.

 Crystal Cabin Fever: Indoor, interactive ice display, made of over 100 tons of ice with a theme of “Wild West in Ice!,” live ice carving shows and demonstrations. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Feb. 28. Tickets: $10; $6, ages 3-14; free, ages 2 and under. Sculpted Ice Works, Route 590, Lakeville, 570-226-6426. www.crystalcabinfever.com.

Experience hands-on exhibits that teach children about science at Da Vinci Science Center. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tickets: $11.95; $8.95, ages 4-12, seniors, military/veteran; free, ages 3 and under. Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484-664-1002. www.davinci-center.org.

Winter is always a great time to visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo - admission is cheaper and many animals prefer the cold weather to the heat of summer. Officials at the Schnecksville zoo say almost all of the animals on can be seen in their exhibits year round and are often more active in cold weather. During the zoo's off-season through March 31, admission is reduced from $9.75 to $7.75 for adults and from $7.75 to $5.75 for children. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily but call first in case of bad weather. Info: www.lvzoo.org or 610-799-4171

Two-for-one Laser Tag: from 6-9 p.m. on Valentine's Day two play for the price of one at Lehigh Valley Laser Tag,  874 Marcon Blvd. Allentown. The arena features multi-level state-of-the-art laser tag gaming. Reservatiosn recommended. Call  610-443-2230.

Daily events for families in and around the Lehigh Valley and region. In case of bad weather, call first.

  For those kids who think that eggs only come from the supermarket and honey only comes in a jar, Palmer Park Mall's annual Adventures in Agriculture will open their eyes to the importance of farming. More than 25 farm-related organizations will fill the Palmer Township mall with educational and interactive activities. There will be live animals, farming demonstrations and prizes for those who can answer questions about agriculture. Children can watch newly-hatched baby chicks and see full-grown hens and roosters. There will be rabbits and alpacas to pet and a display of a working honeybee hive. Kids can learn about science with hands-on activities and check out 4-H displays and the Northampton Farm Bureau's model farm layout. The show is open during mall hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Info: 610-759-2966.

Crystal Cabin Fever: Indoor, interactive ice display, made of over 100 tons of ice with a theme of “Wild West in Ice!,” live ice carving shows and demonstrations. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Through Feb. 28. Tickets: $10; $6, ages 3-14; free, ages 2 and under. Sculpted Ice Works, Route 590, Lakeville, 570-226-6426. www.crystalcabinfever.com.

Old Mauch Chunk Model Train Display: A 47-foot by 22-foot model train display featuring 13 separate mainlines and more than 200 structures, including skyscrapers, houses, an old-fashioned football stadium, more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Also Sun. Tickets: $4; $3, seniors; $2, ages 3-12; free, ages 2 and under. Hooven Mercantile Building, Second floor, 41 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe, 570-325-4371. www.omctraindisplay.com.

Experience hands-on exhibits that teach children about science at Da Vinci Science Center. noon. to 5 p.m.  Tickets: $11.95; $8.95, ages 4-12, seniors, military/veteran; free, ages 3 and under. Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484-664-1002. www.davinci-center.org.

Two Rivers Landing - home to Crayola Factory and the National Canal Museum - will be open noon to 5 p.m. Celebrate Valentine's Day: Make a Valentine at Crayola Factory or Happy Birthday President Lincoln: Make a presidential top hat complete with beard to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday.create a birthday banner; memory scroll, birthday medallions as well as diversity projects for Black History Month. Admission to Two Rivers Landing is $9.75 per person, $9.50 seniors and children 2 and under are free. Info: www.crayolafactory.com or www.canals.org.

Winter is always a great time to visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo - admission is cheaper and many animals prefer the cold weather to the heat of summer. Officials at the Schnecksville zoo say almost all of the animals on can be seen in their exhibits year round and are often more active in cold weather. During the zoo's off-season through March 31, admission is reduced from $9.75 to $7.75 for adults and from $7.75 to $5.75 for children. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily but call first in case of bad weather. Info: www.lvzoo.org or 610-799-4171

 Victorian Valentines For Kids: Make Victorian inspired Valentines using materials available at the turn of the century. Registration required. 1-3 p.m. Tickets: $5. Pennypacker Mills, Route 73 and Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, 610-287-9349. www.historicsites.montcopa.org/pennypackermills.

Daily events for families in and around the Lehigh Valley and region. In case of bad weather, call first.

 Hunt for History Club: “Follow Your Heart”: Children, accompanied by an adult, create antique valentines  and Victorian Valentine Puzzle Purse and view historical valentines from the museum's collection. noon-4 p.m. Tickets: $5; free, children. Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, 427 N. New St., Bethlehem, 610-868-6868. www.historicbethlehem.org.

Valentine's Day with Dave Fry: The music of Dave Fry of Godfrey Daniels and the puppetry of Doug Roysdon join at the Charles Brown IceHouse on Sand Island, Bethlehem. The program, featuring music for kids and families, includes cameo marionette appearances and an optional Valentine’s Day doggie puppet workshop. Cookies and juice will be served after the show. 10 a.m. Tickets: $5; $7.50, show and workshop. Ice House, 56 River St., Sand Island, Bethlehem, 610-867-8208. www.mockturtle.org.

Kids and Family Jam Time: Hand drumming with Maureen “Moe” Jerant. All drums and percussion equipment provided, no experience necessary. Presented by Youth Education in the Arts. 11 a.m. Free. Musselman Arts Development Center, 601 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, 610-821-0345 124.

Reader’s Theater: Children come dressed as their favorite princess or fairy tale character and enjoy interactive theater, movie singalongs, and heart shaped cookies and juice with the Town Square Players. 2 p.m., 3:15 p.m. Tickets: $7. Movement Theater, 112 S. Main St., Nazareth, 610-746-9988. www.townsquareplayers.org.

For those kids who think that eggs only come from the supermarket and honey only comes in a jar, Palmer Park Mall's annual Adventures in Agriculture will open their eyes to the importance of farming. More than 25 farm-related organizations will fill the Palmer Township mall with educational and interactive activities. There will be live animals, farming demonstrations and prizes for those who can answer questions about agriculture. Children can watch newly-hatched baby chicks and see full-grown hens and roosters. There will be rabbits and alpacas to pet and a display of a working honeybee hive. Kids can learn about science with hands-on activities and check out 4-H displays and the Northampton Farm Bureau's model farm layout. The show is open during mall hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Info: 610-759-2966.

Crystal Cabin Fever: Indoor, interactive ice display, made of over 100 tons of ice with a theme of “Wild West in Ice!,” live ice carving shows and demonstrations. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Feb. 28. Tickets: $10; $6, ages 3-14; free, ages 2 and under. Sculpted Ice Works, Route 590, Lakeville, 570-226-6426. www.crystalcabinfever.com.

Animals in the Castle: Children ages 5-9 go on a scavenger hunt in the castle searching for tile and artifact examples of animals and then create a paper animal mosaic. Reservations required. 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $10; $9, seniors; $8, youth; $5, member youth. Fonthill Museum, E. Court Street and Route 313, Doylestown, 215-348-9461. www.mercermuseum.org.

Old Mauch Chunk Model Train Display: A 47-foot by 22-foot model train display featuring 13 separate mainlines and more than 200 structures, including skyscrapers, houses, an old-fashioned football stadium, more. noon-4 p.m. Also Sun. Tickets: $4; $3, seniors; $2, ages 3-12; free, ages 2 and under. Hooven Mercantile Building, Second floor, 41 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe, 570-325-4371. www.omctraindisplay.com.

30th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration: The museum celebrates the year of the rabbit with music and dance performances. healing and martial arts demonstrations, games, workshops, children's activities, grand finale lion dance performances. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets: $10; $7, seniors; $6, students with ID; free, ages 5 and under. University of Pennsylvania, Penn Museum, 33rd and Spruce streets, Philadelphia, 215-898-4000 0. www.penn.museum.org.

Experience hands-on exhibits that teach children about science at Da Vinci Science Center. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tickets: $11.95; $8.95, ages 4-12, seniors, military/veteran; free, ages 3 and under. Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484-664-1002. www.davinci-center.org.

Two Rivers Landing - home to Crayola Factory and the National Canal Museum - will be open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate Valentine's Day: Make a Valentine at Crayola Factory or Happy Birthday President Lincoln: Make a presidential top hat complete with beard to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday.create a birthday banner; memory scroll, birthday medallions as well as diversity projects for Black History Month. Admission to Two Rivers Landing is $9.75 per person, $9.50 seniors and children 2 and under are free. Info: www.crayolafactory.com or www.canals.org.

Winter is always a great time to visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo - admission is cheaper and many animals prefer the cold weather to the heat of summer. Officials at the Schnecksville zoo say almost all of the animals on can be seen in their exhibits year round and are often more active in cold weather. During the zoo's off-season through March 31, admission is reduced from $9.75 to $7.75 for adults and from $7.75 to $5.75 for children. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily but call first in case of bad weather. Info: www.lvzoo.org or 610-799-4171

Help celebrate the Bethlehem Township Community Center's fifth anniversary with a free family- friendly party from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.The center at 2900 Farmersville Road will have ice cream sundaes, a moon bounce, face painting, games and much more, so come on out and enjoy the five-year-old center. 610-332-1900,  www.btcenter.org.

 For those kids who think that eggs only come from the supermarket and honey only comes in a jar, Palmer Park Mall's annual Adventures in Agriculture will open their eyes to the importance of farming. More than 25 farm-related organizations will fill the Palmer Township mall with educational and interactive activities. There will be live animals, farming demonstrations and prizes for those who can answer questions about agriculture. Children can watch newly-hatched baby chicks and see full-grown hens and roosters. There will be rabbits and alpacas to pet and a display of a working honeybee hive. Kids can learn about science with hands-on activities and check out 4-H displays and the Northampton Farm Bureau's model farm layout. The show is open during mall hours from 5-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Info: 610-759-2966.

Harlem Globetrotters “ 4 Times the Fun”: The Globetrotters bring their usual hi-jinks to Stabler as they debut two designated 4-point shooting spots on each side of midcourt, each located 35 feet from the basket as they take on the Washington Generals. 7 p.m. Tickets: $18.50. Stabler Arena, 124 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem, 800-745-3000. www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

Crystal Cabin Fever: Indoor, interactive ice display, made of over 100 tons of ice with a theme of “Wild West in Ice!,” live ice carving shows and demonstrations. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Feb. 28. Tickets: $10; $6, ages 3-14; free, ages 2 and under. Sculpted Ice Works, Route 590, Lakeville, 570-226-6426. www.crystalcabinfever.com.

Experience hands-on exhibits that teach children about science at Da Vinci Science Center. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tickets: $11.95; $8.95, ages 4-12, seniors, military/veteran; free, ages 3 and under. Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484-664-1002. www.davinci-center.org.

Two Rivers Landing - home to Crayola Factory and the National Canal Museum - will be open 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate Valentine's Day: Make a Valentine at Crayola Factory or create a birthday banner; memory scroll, birthday medallions as well as diversity projects for Black History Month. Admission to Two Rivers Landing is $9.75 per person, $9.50 seniors and children 2 and under are free. Info: www.crayolafactory.com or www.canals.org.

Winter is always a great time to visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo - admission is cheaper and many animals prefer the cold weather to the heat of summer. Officials at the Schnecksville zoo say almost all of the animals on can be seen in their exhibits year round and are often more active in cold weather. During the zoo's off-season through March 31, admission is reduced from $9.75 to $7.75 for adults and from $7.75 to $5.75 for children. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily but call first in case of bad weather. Info:

Seven-year-old Jana Lindenmuth of South Whitehall Township sounded out the words as she read  aloud from "Horrible Harry and the Green Slime," and Casey listened intently. The only difference is Casey os a Shetland sheepdog owned by Karen Csencsits of North Whitehall Township.

The unusual reading pair were taking part in "Read to the Pups" a prorgam in which children can read to certified therapy dogs at Parkland Community Library. The next sessions is 11 a.m. to noon Saturday Feb. 12.

Young readers can read to several different breeds of therapy dogs and hone their oral reading skills.  The dogs are calm, well-behaved and love the attention from the children.

Parkland has joined a list of local libraries, including branches in Bethlehem and Bucks County, that are helping kids improve their reading skills by setting them up with  therapy dogs -- which are trained to stay calm -- as listeners.

Librarians say the programs help improve literacy in part because children aren't afraid of embarrassment when reading to dogs.

"This really does encourage those kids that are just a little shy about reading out loud, because the dogs are totally nonjudgmental; there's just unlimited love there," said Karen Maurer, youth services coordinator at the Parkland Library. "If you miss a word, they don't care."

Reading out loud is important for youngsters who are still mastering their letters, experts say. When kids read silently, they can skip over words they don't know and figure out what the sentence means by considering later words. When someone reads out loud, though, they're forced to sound out words they don't know, which helps them add to their vocabulary.

The Parkland Library tried having kids read aloud to various other audiences, including stuffed animals, over the years. Reading to dogs has spurred more interest than any of those previous programs, drawing as many as 30 children.

Register for Saturday's event in advance by calling the Parkland Community Library at 610-398-1361 ext. 19 or by visiting the  library at 4422 Walbert Avenue, Allentown, PA 18104.

With its interactive exhibits that immediately engage children in a wide ranges of ages, Please Touch  
Museum of Philadelphia was named the third best children' museum in the country by "Parents" magazine.

"Parents" magazine researched children's museums nation-wide and picked the top ten based on educational exhibits, special events, healthy places for lunch, nursing areas, family restrooms and stroller parking, as well as tips from local moms. "Parents" worked with more than 300 members of the Association of Children’s Museums to chose the top ten.

"Parents" editor Karen Cicero writes that one of the best components of Please Touch Museum is that it incorporates elements for both younger and older children within each exhibit. She notes in the Rainforest Rhythm exhibit older children can try out musical instruments from around the world while little ones can crawl on a lily pad that makes nature sounds. She also recommends the museum's theater performances (currently the tradtional fable "How the Sun Was Returned to the Sky" ) and the antique carousel.

According to the Parents survey, the 10 Best Children’s Museums are:

1. The Children’s Museum of Houston
2. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3. Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia
4. Boston Children’s Museum
5. Madison Children’s Museum
6. Kohl Children’s Museum
7. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
8. Children’s Museum of Phoenix
9. National Museum of Play, Rochester, NY
10. Minnesota Children’s Museum

  Please Touch Museum recently opened an interactive disability awareness exhibit that delivers the message to that as human beings, we are more alike than different, Jan. 22.

"Access/ABILITY," a national traveling exhibit designed for children ages 5-12 will be at the museum through April 24. The 1,200-square-foot exhibit, developed by Boston Children's Museum (which made the fourth spot on "Parents" top ten), presents people living with disabilities participating in everyday activities and settings that are familiar to children. The exhibit shows how people with and without disabilities travel,  communicate, have fun, and learn. Kids can learn phrases in American Sign Language, type their names in Braille, try a hand-pedaled bike and take part in a multi-sensory city walk.

The museum also is celebrating world music during President's Day Weekend with musical performances.

The West Philadelphia Orchestra, a Balkan brass band that will get little ones up and moving, plays Feb. 19;  Minas, a Brazilian quintet with two colorful dancers performs Feb. 20 and the Philadelphia Mandolin plays Feb. 21. Performances are at noon and 2 p.m. in Hamilton Hall.

Admission is $15. info: www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

Sunday, a group of local children took part in the first ever "Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge," singing the Pennsylvania German classic song "Schnitzelbank," playing pin the tale on the Grundsau and taking the Groundhog pledge in PA German dialect.

For more than a century, Pennsylvania German men have gathered at Fersommlings and Grundsau Lodsch (Groundhog lodges) in February to celebrate the mid-point of winter. Now, for the first time, children or “Yunge” took part in the festivities when Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center in Pennsburg held its inaugural Groundhog Lodge for families and children.  The program is designed to pass the dialect and traditions of the Pennsylvania German on to a new generation.

Since this was the first lodge for children and families, all “Yunge” were officially initiated. The children said pledges in dialect with their paws up in the air and wearing whiskers. Taking its lead from traditional Lodge pledges, the children recited  “Ich bin en Yungi Grundsau” (I am a young groundhog); “Ich verschprechnis fer ganz wennich schnee iwwer mei Grundsau nochber sei loch zu schippe”. (I promise to only cover my neighbor’s groundhog hole with just a little snow); and “Ich verschprech em Hund mei Broccoli fiedere am Disch wann die Mem’s net sehnt“ (I promise to feed my dog broccoli at the table when mom’s not looking).

The kids then sang Schnitzelbank (the wood shaving bench);  Grundsau Grundsau Iwwer Alles (Groundhog, Groundhog You Are Everywhere) sung to the tune of Germany’s national anthem, Deutschland Uber Alles which is a traditional song in the Grundsau Lodschs.

Skits also are a traditional part of the groundhog lodges and participants are often cast as animals. To keep that tradition going, families and children made animal masks and learned the dialect words for Fux (Fox), Haas (rabbit), Voggel (Bird), and Ragoon (Raccoon).

 Other activities included pin the tail on the Grundsau, a Grundsau Wall of Fame where children could add famous grundsaus throughout history and a meal with each food item labeled in dialect which included pretzels, macaroni salad, cheese, sausage, and grundsau kichelche (Groundhog cupcakes.)

Yunge also voted to name the grundsau for the new lodge "Grundsau Ricky.”  

Rebecca Lawrence, Museum Educator at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, wearing Grundsau ears, tail, and whiskers led the program. Also attending was Lucy Kern, organizer of the first women’s Grundsau Lodsch in East Greenville PA,  Ron Treichler who lead dialect pledges and songs, and Betty Hildenbrand who played the piano.

The next Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge will be 3 p.m. January 29, 2012. New members are welcome.

The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center also offers family workshops for those interested in Pennsylvania German culture. Upcoming programs include Fraktur, paper weaving and dyeing onion skin eggs.

 Info: 215-679-3103 or www.schwenkfelder.com.

MomsRising.org,  a grassroots organization for moms is asking Toys R Us to keeps its promise to remove toys and packaging containing  PVC. 

In 2008, Toys R Us issued a news release pledging it would reduce the use of a common but dangerous toxin called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in products and packaging and offer more PVC-free products.  The giant toy retailer has not yet followed through on the promise and MomsRising sent a petition containing signatures from 15,000 parents and others concerned about children’s health, urging the company to keep its promise “to keep kids safe from toxic PVC chemicals in toys and packaging.”

PVC chemicals have been linked to rising chronic diseases in children, including learning disabilities, obesity and cancer.  According to a report from the Center for Health, Environment & Justice toys that have tested positive for PVC include  Barbie, Toy Story 3 Woody and Buzz Lightyear figures, Disney Princess Royal Giggles doll, Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Hangout, Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and Diego figures, Sesame Street Elmo Faucet Cover, Club Penguin figurines, Imaginext toddler action figures and many others, from dolls and balls, to baby bath time toys and sippy cups. PVC was also found in toys made by Geoffrey LLC, a subsidiary of Toys R Us, including You and Me dolls, Especially for Baby, and Sizzlin’ Time items.  The tests were conducted by the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
 
“Chemicals that can irreparably ruin a child’s life and health have no place in our stores or our homes,” said MomsRising Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner.  “Toys ‘R’ Us made a promise to its customers.  We teach our children that when you make a promise, you have to keep it.  And keeping this promise can make the difference in children’s lives.  We are only asking Toys ‘R Us to live up to its word.”
 
On the MomsRising website, parents also can send a letter to their local member of Congress urging them to update the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 to help protect kids from toxic substances in toys.

Apparently my post last year that Dorney Park is eliminating its entire Tot Spot from the lower part of the park was right on target. The park filed a planning commission request this week to install a new thrill ride in the space formely occupied by the Laser, a looping coaster removed in 2008, and in the request they say they are removing kiddie rides in the area.

That means that while the park is getting seven new kid's rides as part of its $8 million Planet Snoopy remake, it looks like the park also is getting rid of all seven children’s rides in the Tot Spot.

My son was too big this year for most of the Tot Spot rides, but he still liked to ride the kiddie coasters.He cut his teeth on those little cars and space ships that go in circles. I admit it’s a little sad to see those rides go.

Last year, the web site Ital International, which sells amusement rides, had listed several of the kiddie rides from Dorney Park that have been in the Tot Spot for years. The biggest was the Steel First kiddie coaster which was renamed in 2009 in a contest. The mini coaster, originally the Little Laser, had fake loops and was  a child-sized companion to the full size Laser. 

The other kiddie rides that were listed for sale were the Dune Buggies; Kiddie Merry-Go-Round; Mini-Jets,  the Antique Cars and Space Age. Although Dorney's web site still lists an eighth ride in the area - the Silly Shack - a bounce-type play structure has been gone for a while. 

The Dragon Coaster, which I didn't see listed was reportedly removed in December. I drove by the park recently and couldn't see any sign of the ride.  

From the planning commission request it sounds like that entire area will be repurposed for the new ride, which is being rumored to be the Invertigo from California's Great America, another coaster similar to Talon and Hyrda.

 I guess the idea is to keep the kids in the new Planet Snoopy which according to a drawing of the new 3.5 acre kiddie area, will add rides to under-utilized sections. Construction is already underway and as seen from photos posted by Dorney Park on Facebook the old former Berenstein Bears tree next to the Woodstock Express kiddie coaster in Camp Snoopy is gone. 

 The upper portion of Camp Snoopy will remain pretty much the same with some "re-theming." Staying in the section nearest the carousel are the Camp Bus; Charlie Brown’s Swing, a mini Wave Swinger; the Flying Ace, a small version of the Sea Dragon; Little Convoy cars; Wagon Wheel mini ferris wheel; Woodstock’s Airmail, the pint-sized free fall ride and Whirlybirds helicopters.

 The lower section will change considerably with the addition of seven new rides. Already gone are the Birdbath water squirts (which already wasn't working by the end of the summer) and the Pumpkin patch, a glorified slide, as well as two playground structures, a stone pit with manual diggers, the small stage and some various buildings.  A simple playhouse in the area was already gone by October.

It looks like the Peanuts Showplace Amphitheater will replace the stone pit and diggers. According to the drawing the Woodstock Express will stay and the Linus Launcher, a ride that lets kids lay down as if in a hang glider will replace the tree. Other rides planned in the area are the Peanuts 500, in which kids speed stock cars around a speedway;  Woodstock's Whirlwinds, a tea cup ride;  Snoopy's Junction, a train ride in which kids ride in individual train cars and the Fire Chief, which appears to be the same thing as the Camp Bus. The other interesting sounding new ride is Snoopy's Sky Ride, which appears to be like the sky ride at Kings Island, one of the park's most popular children's rides in which they can pedal individual cars around a monorail track high above the ground.

The Dorney Park website still lists the Tot Spot and all the rides there

Celebrate Black History Month with Mock Turtle Marionettes and Allentown's The Caring Place at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Charles Brown IceHouse on Sand Island, Bethlehem. 

Doug Roysdon of Mock Turtle Marionettes and Grace Hocella of the Bach Choir will present "The Dancing Granny, Tales of African Origin."

The program features featuring stories from Africa told in its own unique way, using song, storytelling and a variety of puppets including shadow, rod and marionettes.  The show will be followed by a puppet-making workshop in which children can learn how to make lion puppets. 

 There also will be a short presentation from The Caring Place which provides programs and activities designed to help young people overcome the pressures and limitations of the inter-city environment. 

Tickets are $5 for the show and $7.50 for the show and workshop. Info:www. mockturtle.org or 610-867-8208 or at doug@mockturtle.org

Lafayette College is hosting a crane folding party before the Superbowl  2-4 p.m. Sunday to help David Heard, a 10-year-old Easton boy with a rare form of cancer, who wants to donate a set of 1,000 paper cranes to every pediatric cancer center in the country as a symbol of hope.

At the crane-folding event in the college's Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, Lafayette professor Elaine Reynolds also will shave her head to raise money for pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

David needs to fold 220,000 cranes to meet his goal. So far, the fifth grader has received about 40,000 folded cranes from all over the country. They have been folded for wedding receptions, for other children battling cancer, by WWII Pacific veterans and recent Japanese immigrants.

David got the idea to fold paper cranes after seeing a student performance of  the play "A Thousand Cranes" at Lafayette College, which is based on the true story of 12-year-old girl in Japan, who developed leukemia after the atomic bombing of her hometown of Hiroshima during World War II.

According to Japanese legend, anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will get one wish. Hoping to regain her health, she starts folding cranes but dies before making a full set.

Play director Mary Jo Lodge and the Lafayette students gave David the 1,000 paper cranes from the play and he donated them to the pediatric cancer ward of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.

Two years ago, David was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma, a rare and often deadly cancer of the nervous system that strikes about 750 children a year. he underwent treatment at LVH, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City. He relapsed in July after six months in remission.

David decided he wanted to give a set of cranes to each of the five hospitals where he’s been treated but has since expanded his goal. When a story about David and his goal ran in the Morning Call, cranes started pouring in from all over the country.

David and his family recently returned from a trip to Los Angeles that was sponsored by the Make a Wish Foundation and installed a crane mobile at UCLA Medical Center. He also met actor Will Ferrell. As part of the National Crane Project, colleges across the country have agreed to produce the play next season and donate their folded cranes to local cancer centers.

 The event is free and all ages are welcome. No folding experience is required. Step by step information on how to fold a paper crane is here.

Don't you just love technology? I remember just a couple years ago, on a snowy morning, I would have to turn  on the TV or my computer to check the school closing listings to see if my son had school. Now there are robocalls. When school has a delay or is closed we get a call between 5 and 6 a.m. with a robotic voice telling us the scoop. It used to be closer to 6 a.m. but recently it's been getting closer to 5 a.m. and I'm getting a little sleep deprived. I'm not one of those people who can roll over and go back to sleep. Once the phone wakes me up, I'm up. And this year, there have been a lot of calls. And I can't just let the phone ring because I'm always afraid it would wake up my son. He's like me. Once he's up, he's up and 5 a.m. would just totally throw off his schedule. Now I find myself nodding off as I try to watch the "Daily Show." I guess all parents are in the same boat this year. I just hope Punxsutawney Phil was right and we don't have too much more of this mess!

Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou, a children's musician living in Riegelsville, Bucks County, is giving away a fat fluffy groundhog puppet through Feb. 15 on her  interactive Web site "World Music for Kids." To enter, sign up for Daria's  free monthly newsletter and if already a member, send her an email with “Groundhog Puppet” in the subject line. The winner will be announced on Daria's Facebook Fanpage.

In honor of Groundhog's Day Wednesday, Daria wrote a new song called "The Groundhog Song." It features tongue-twisters about groundhogs, woodchucks and even sapsuckers. Free lyrics are available on her website. She also has free downloadable templates and directions on her web site for groundhog (or sapsucker) puppets.  A great idea for today since the kids are off from school again. The directions even explain how to have your groundhog puppet pop out of his burrow and (hopefully) not see his shadow!

On her new blog, Daria also lists the following books about Groundhog"s Day.

Groundhog Day! by Gail Gibbons - facts about groundhogs and the Groundhog’s Day celebration

The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun by Wendie C. Old - A sampler of groundhog facts and a good description of the special day in Punxatawny, PA.

Go To Sleep, Groundhog!  by Judy Cox - A groundhog can’t fall asleep when it’s time to hibernate and has a tough time getting up when his own special holiday comes.

Ten Grouchy Groundhogs by Kathryn Heling - A cute counting book for young children with some good groundhog facts sprinkled in!

Groundhog Gets a Say by Pamela Curtis Swallow - A groundhog thinks his holiday should last more then one day. His animal friends help make his case for the world to know more about groundhogs.

Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub Joan Holub - A groundhog is encouraged to open a weather school everyone gets to learn more about hibernation, groundhogs and the holiday.

Daily events for families in and around the Lehigh Valley and region. In case of bad weather, call first.

 Oh I See Exhibit: Exhibit includes a basketball game in which the shooter uses prism glasses, a spinning wheel that makes colors appear to vanish, and three-dimensional architectural columns that appear to form human figures in the spaces between them. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through Feb. 6. Tickets: $11.95; $8.95, ages 4-12, seniors, military/veteran; free, ages 3 and under. Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484-664-1002. www.davinci-center.org.

Two Rivers Landing - home to Crayola Factory and the National Canal Museum - will be open 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crayola Factory in Easton gives kids the chance to create a birthday banner; memory scroll, birthday medallions as well as diversity projects for Black History Month. Admission to Two Rivers Landing is $9.75 per person, $9.50 seniors and children 2 and under are free. Info: www.crayolafactory.com or www.canals.org.

Winter is always a great time to visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo - admission is cheaper and many animals prefer the cold weather to the heat of summer. Officials at the Schnecksville zoo say almost all of the animals on can be seen in their exhibits year round and are often more active in cold weather. During the zoo's off-season through March 31, admission is reduced from $9.75 to $7.75 for adults and from $7.75 to $5.75 for children. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily but call first in case of bad weather. Info:

Wildlands Conservancy has programs to help kids see the wildlife. In “Den Detectives,” children in kindergarten through second grade will search for animal’s dens at Pool Wildlife Sanctuary in Emmaus 4-6 p.m. Tuesday. After exploring all the creative places animals build their dens, the children will make a laminated tracking guide. The cost is $15. Advance registration is required. Call 610-965-4397. Info: www.wildlandspa.org.

When you pass the table of Girl Scouts selling cookies at the mall this year, if it seems like there are fewer flavors being sold you are not imaging things. Even the Girl Scouts are cutting back. Apparently in an effort to cut costs, several Girl Scout councils are offering fewer types of the cookies they sell. And the local troops from the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania are following suit. The three flavors that will not be available locally are Thank U Berry Munch, Dulce de Leche and  Lemon Chalet Crèmes. 

An article from The Wall Street Journal explains that it's not just the varieties of cookies that's being trimmed; the Girl Scouts are also cutting back on the packaging. New this year “Thanks-A-Lot” shortbead cookies will come in plastic packaging instead of the familiar cardboard box. The Girl Scouts say the change will "save 150 tons of paperboard."

But before you get worried that the Girls Scouts are axing your favorite variety, the brands the local Girl Scouts have decided to keep make up 77 percent of all sales, so the chances are they aren't. Thin Mints which account for a quarter of all sales, will still be sold as will Caramel DeLites (19 percent of sales) and the two peanut butter varieties which make up 24 percent of sales.

The tasty varieties still available locally (and remember buying them helps support Girl Scout prorgams!)

*Thin Mints - mint-flavored chocolate wafers dipped in a chocolate coating.

*Peanut Butter Sandwiches - peanut butter filling sandwiched between oatmeal cookies.

*Peanut Butter Patties - vanilla cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolate coating.

*Shortbreads - traditional shortbread cookie made in the shape of the Girl Scout trefoil insignia.

*Caramel deLites - vanilla cookies coated in caramel, sprinkled with toasted coconut and laced with chocolate stripes.

*Thanks-A-Lot - shortbread cookies dipped in fudge featuring a thank-you message in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Swahili.

*Lemonades - shortbread cookie with lemon icing.

*Shout Outs! – new cookie this year is a Belgian-style caramelized cookie.