Bay Area Playgroups

[andrealynnj]

I couldn't find the previous Bay Area Playgroup thread so I started this one. Moderators, Feel free to delete if redundant.

[andrealynnj]

To put in your request for ST in San Francisco, write to:

KQED - TV
2601 Mariposa St.
San Francisco, 94110

There phone tree says they get over 500 calls a day so I think Rachel is right that the big impact will come from write ins.

[sherry3995]

California Play group postings went.

[signsofearlylife]

It seems to be missing!! I couldn't find it either!!

[andrealynnj]

I guess we'll camp out on this new thread. Is there another playgroup scheduled?

[sherry3995]

Helisa Kats is the one who coordinates the Bay Area Play Dates, there was another post in our SF Bay Area posts that wanted to have one in Jan, in San Francisco. But that too went away :(

If I hear of anything I will post here.

[aligreat]

I emailed Helisa this evening, asking if she currently has any plans for the next playgroup. I'll let you know when she gets back to me.

[aligreat]

Helisa got back to me. She is working on finding a place either in Hayward or Oakland the first part of February. I'll post when I hear more.

[andrealynnj]

I want to try to go. Would anyone like to meet up there? Or is there a Fremont family that would like to host a pre-play potluck?

Here is the link from Comercial Interests forum where I found out about it.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_3620546

the play starts at 6:30. I have never been to the school so I would like to get there at 6 pm and look around.

I am asuming that this is a play that it is OK to take a little one to. But I will call and confirm.

[andrealynnj]

Yes, they said it is fine to bring children.

[andrealynnj]

If you are interested in going with your children and family to an ASL immersion weekend in the beautiful redwoods of Occidental, California, please read on.

Information:

Communi-Vision's 13th Annual ASL Immersion Weekend

All Levels Welcome! All Ages Welcome! From Non-Signers Through Level 4!

ASL Immersion Weekend will take place near beautiful Occidental, CA at the Alliance REdwoods Conference Grounds, 70 miles north of the SF Bay Area and 30 miles west of Santa Rosa.

Saturday, May 6 - Sunday, May 7, 2006

Immerse yourself in American Sign Language & spend you weekend:
*Meeting some of the finest ASL Bay Area Instructors
*Attending 5 ASL Workshops
*Mingling with others interested in Deaf Culture & ASL
*Deaf entertainment, games, & the "Famous Eddy Auction"

For more information, contact Joanne Jauregui through Sorenson's video relay service at 1-866-327-8877, and relay your call to 510-745-8972 or email at jkj34@comcast.net

Cost: Early Bird (Before March 31, 2006) $145
After April 1, 2006 $160

Deadline April 14, 2006

Mail check payable to Communi-Vision, Inc., 1563 Solano Ave., #550, Berkeley, CA 94707.

[sherry3995]

really neat.

Joanne is my teacher at Ohlone. I wish that it was not so much money. Me and my daughter would love to go.

[andrealynnj]

The price covers lodging (but bring your own sleeping bag), food and the classes.

I don't know how full the camp gets but if they are not capacity, they might offer scholarships. If you are intersted and want to go, send them an email, let them know your situation and how much you are able to pay. It cannot hurt to ask, right?

[alphajenomega]

I'd love to get together with other parents of signing children. How do I join the playgroup? My 21 month old son still isn't talking (his hearing is fine).

I started introducing him to signing via books, videos and now Signing Time! I *love* the videos, and he likes to dance to the songs as much as he loves watching the DVDs. He has learned many of the signs which has brought us relief because he was very frustrated with his inability to communicate.

When I was in elementary school I started teaching myself some signing, and now that I am getting back in to it, I am going to try and learn as much as I can.

Jen and Sebastian

[sherry3995]

Just watch this thread for the next announcement that will include date, time and place.
Then just come and join us.

[Signing_Hearts]

Not sure what I am doing. :-) I am minutes new to the idea of forums. I live in Brentwood CA and would love to join or start a play group.
~Amanda

[andrealynnj]

It has been a long time since this group met and I have yet to make it to a gathering. Hopefully there will be one soon.

[aligreat]

Marine World is having its Deaf Awareness Day on August 19, 2006. Even if Rachel and the gang don't come out for it, we should organize a gathering there.

It would also be nice to have a playgroup before that. Any suggestions?

[andrealynnj]

I will write August 19th on my calendar today.

Would a trip to the San Francisco Zoo be a good get together in the meantime? I am a member so all the kids could get in free with me. The adults would have to pay. If you haven't been to the African savanah exhibit, you really should go. The other day we were there and one of the giraffes was doing laps around us as the zebras drank from the creek and the little baby kudu watched from the hill above us. It is great!

And it would be fun to watch all the kids signing all the animals together. There is a cute little petting zoo, plenty of spaces for having snacks or lunch on benches or at one of the two outdoor patios, or better yet, in the playground there is a picnic table that abuts a large lawn. And if we were organized about it, we might be able to arrange for our group to feed the giraffes. There is a playground near the children's zoo area and a zoo train and a carosel for those who need mechanical entertainment. The train and carosel cost extra.

The zoo is great at anytime, but weekday mornings are the absolute best because it isn't crowded (weekday) and the animals are feisty (mornings).

What do you think?

[aligreat]

The zoo is great at anytime, but weekday mornings are the absolute best because it isn't crowded (weekday) and the animals are feisty (mornings).

What do you think?
That sounds great. Would sometime in May work for you, or are there enough school-aged children that we should wait til June? My family will be out of town the last part of May, and Cassia does have several doctors' visits next month. We don't have anything scheduled the week of May 8th. In June the week of the 19th is clear for us as well. We should do this. :)

[andrealynnj]

Both weeks are clear for me. I say let's give folks a few days to voice an opinion then set a date. Hoorah!!!

[andrealynnj]

Please come and join us for a fun outing at San Francisco Zoo on June 22.

I will get in touch with the zoo to see if we can feed the giraffes. Then I will post a path we will take so late comers can find us.

This is going to be so much FUN!!!!

[aligreat]

This isn't a ST! Playgroup, but I thought that people interested in ASL and ST! might like to know about it.

DCARA (Deaf Counseling Advocacy & Referral Agency) is having it's 2nd Annual Picnic on May 20, 2006, from 11:00 am-5:00 pm. It is at Marina Park, 13801 Monarch Bay Drive, San Leandro, CA 94579.

Bring potluck dishes to share: Last name starting with A-F bring meats (hamburgers, hot dogs, chichen, veggie burgers, and provide buns); G-L bring cold dishes (potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw, etc.); M-Q bring fruits (watermelon, fruit salad, strawberries with cool whip, etc.); R-V bring desserts (cookies, cup cakes, pies, etc.); W-Z bring Salads and Veggies (tossed salad with dressing, vegetables with dip, etc.)

DCARA will be providing coals for grilling, plates, napkins, forks spoons, and punch. Sodas and bottled water will be available for $1.00 each. We will be having a water balloon toss in addition to other fun games!

Directions:
*Take the Marina Blvd exit off of I-880 and go West
*Enter Marina Park
*The road will curve and become Monarch Bay Dr.
*Drive past Marina Inn
*Go to the parking lot near Children's Playground
*Look for rainbow-colored balloons and a sign that says "DCARA"

BART/AC Transit users
From San Leandro BART station take AC Transit Bus #55 to Marina Park. Get off near the Marina Golf Course on Fairway.

For more information contact either Shannon Englehart (Shannon.Engelhart@dcara.org) or Roy Abueg (RoyAbueg@dcara.org).

[andrealynnj]

If you are interested in going with your children and family to an ASL immersion weekend in the beautiful redwoods of Occidental, California, please read on.

Information:

Communi-Vision's 13th Annual ASL Immersion Weekend

All Levels Welcome! All Ages Welcome! From Non-Signers Through Level 4!

ASL Immersion Weekend will take place near beautiful Occidental, CA at the Alliance REdwoods Conference Grounds, 70 miles north of the SF Bay Area and 30 miles west of Santa Rosa.

Saturday, May 6 - Sunday, May 7, 2006

Immerse yourself in American Sign Language & spend you weekend:
*Meeting some of the finest ASL Bay Area Instructors
*Attending 5 ASL Workshops
*Mingling with others interested in Deaf Culture & ASL
*Deaf entertainment, games, & the "Famous Eddy Auction"

For more information, contact Joanne Jauregui through Sorenson's video relay service at 1-866-327-8877, and relay your call to 510-745-8972 or email at jkj34@comcast.net

Cost: Early Bird (Before March 31, 2006) $145
After April 1, 2006 $160

Deadline April 14, 2006

Mail check payable to Communi-Vision, Inc., 1563 Solano Ave., #550, Berkeley, CA 94707.

I wrote a report on this event in a sepearate thread "ASL Silent Weekend Report" if you are interested in reading about it.

[sherry3995]

Please come and join us for a fun outing at San Francisco Zoo on June 22.

I will get in touch with the zoo to see if we can feed the giraffes. Then I will post a path we will take so late comers can find us.

This is going to be so much FUN!!!!


I was just checking that this activity is still a go. I have to take a day off of work, so I need to plan.

If this is still on who is going?

[aligreat]

I'm going to the zoo on June 22, and the twins will be there too.

[andrealynnj]

Definately on. I will be there with Imani.

The route we will take (absent some strong voices in different directions): We will meet up inside the gate in the courtyard at 10 am. We will then take the first path down into the African Safari. The Safari is a loop so anyone coming late can just hustle in and connect with us. At the end of the Safari loop there are some bronze lions that kids like to climb on, and a spot to look into gorilla world.

From there we will head past the Giraffe barn (Sorry, no feeding the giraffes. The hand feedings are at 2 pm), through monkey and lemur land. This puts us back by the pink flamingos near the Leaping Lemur Cafe. There we can decide if we want to have our snack/early lunch in the playground or on the green hill by the insect zoo.

From there into the children's zoo to feed sheep, brush goats, watch chicks hatch, etc. There is a spot in one of the barns to draw where perhaps the kids could draw which ever animal had impressed them to take home as a souvenir of the day.

On the way out of the children's zoo, it would be nice to take a ride on the carosel if folks are so inclined. Those whose kids are done could just walk on by, or those who still had a lot of energy could make the trek out to see the lions, tigers, and bears, oh my.

I put this itinerary out there so that the group can start in promptly and still have latecomers easily hook up with the rest. But if folks have another route they'd prefer, or some animal their child just has to see, speak up, and we can set a different path.

I'm looking forward to it!

Andrea Lynn

[andrealynnj]

Only a few days until our zoo trip, don't forget!

[aligreat]

I won't be able to make it on Thursday. :( I get tired just walking from the parking lot to my doctor's office, and so walking around the zoo is currently beyond me. (I had unexpected surgery on 6/2.) I'm really bummed about not going. Please post how it goes, and be sure to include pictures.

[sherry3995]

sorry, I just realized that you are at the zoo. I really wanted to go, but work has had me swamped! Not to mention that I am back in class at night.
I hope you all have fun and enjoy the day, also hope you brought lots of water, the weather is very hot today.

[andrealynnj]

It was just Imani and a sweet one year old named Bryce. A good time was had by all but between Bryce behaving like he was in a long distance marathon and Imani insisting on being carried, I did not manage to take pictures. Next time.

A woman in the membership office saw me signing with Imani and expressed interest so I treated her to a three minute lecture on the wonders of Signing Time as we waited in line. It seemed very appropriate. :)

[aligreat]

I wish we could have gone. I was looking forward to meeting you and Imani.

[andrealynnj]

We were looking forward to meeting you too. But you recover. We are overdue for a regular playgroup anyway so I hope there will be one soon. I think the last one was last year?

Any thoughts anyone? Anyone?

[aligreat]

We are going to Deaf Awareness Day at Marie World on August 19. Also, my girls' class is going to the Little Farm at Tilden Park in Berkeley on July 6, at 10 am. They have been practicing their animal signs, and my nieces and nephews are going to be coming as well. There will be lots of people signing at both activities, and we would love for anyone to come who can.

[sherry3995]

I missed the zoo trip.
There was just too much going on with school getting out and all the other activities that go with the end of school, that I had taken off of work, so I could not take any more time off to go to the zoo.

One of these days we will all meet.

I am currently taking Conversation ASL at Ohlone College for summer. So that is 3 nights a week.

[aligreat]

Saturday, August 19, 2006, is Deaf Awareness Day at Six Flags Marine World. If anyone is interested in meeting up we would love to see you there. When we got back from Deaf Awareness Day at Disneyland in March, the girls' teacher asked us what we had been doing because both girls were signing so much more that they had been the previous week. Seeing people signing out in public is such a good example for you little ones who sign.

Great America also has a Deaf Awareness Day. I believe that it is in September. I can look that up if anyone is interested.

[sherry3995]

sharing about Deaf Awareness Day at Marine World.

I looked up Great America's Deaf Awareness Day, It is Sept. 30th.

thier website is www.pgathrills.com
Go to group events to find the details

You can preorder tickets from the form on thier website.

cost of tickets is $32.00 per person and includes a BBQ Chicken lunch. or if you are a season pass holder you can pay $12.00 to have the lunch.

For the water lovers bad news the portion of the park called Boomerang Bay will be closed. :(

[aligreat]

Sign Language Play Group

Saturday, September 30, 2006
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


Diamond Park in Oakland, CA
Fruitvale Ave. at Lyman Rd.
From 580 E. take the Fruitvale exit, go Left on Fruitvale, at Lyman Road, you will see the park on your left, look for signs for the play group.
From the Fremont/Hayward area take 880. N. take I-238 toward Castro Valley/Stockton, take I-580 W. to the Coolidge/Fruitvale exit onto Montana St., turn right onto Fruitvale ave. and continue until you see our signs.

This group is for families and children who use or are learning sign language

[helisa]

Sign Language Play Group

Saturday, September 30, 2006

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Diamond Park Sign Language Play Group in Oakland, CA

Fruitvale Ave. at Lyman Rd.

From 580 E. take the Fruitvale exit, go Left on Fruitvale, at Lyman
Road, you will see the park on your left, look for signs for the play
group.

From the Fremont/Hayward area take 880. N. take I-238 toward Castro
Valley/Stockton, take I-580 W. to the Coolidge/Fruitvale exit onto
Montana St., turn right onto Fruitvale ave. and continue until you
see our signs.

This group is for families and children who use or are learning sign
language

For more information contact:

Kris Rydecki (KrisR@ceid.org), (510) 848-4800 x.320

or Helisa Katz (Helisak@ceid.org), (510) 848-4800 x.321 at The Center
for Early Intervention on Deafness

Diamond Park

[aligreat]

There wasn't a very big turn-out, probably because of the late notice, but we had fun. Helisa said that we will be doing this on a monthly basis and that it will be rotating around the Bay Area. I'll post as soon as I know when we will be having the next one.

[andrealynnj]

I'm going to go the the Deaf Coffee on Mariposa on the third Friday of this month and I'm bringing Imani. Anyone else care to come? It is my first time.

[andrealynnj]

YBCA in San Francisco is presenting the Velveteen Rabbit. It sounds like fun. On November 25 is a special performance with ASL.

For more information about the show, go to http://www.deafkids.org/Events/ASL%20Postcard.pdf

Imani and I are going. I also bought too many tickets so if anyone wants orchestra seats (either two or four) please send me a message. (They are $40 each).

[Bill]

Thanks for posting, absolutely spectactular

[helisa]

Hello everyone,
I'm in the process of getting free passes to Children's Fairlyland for our Sign Language Playgroup. I'm hoping we can go Nov. 4th and that the weather will cooperate with us. Let me know if you are interested in going. I will confirm with the coordinators hopefully today and then I will post more specific details. I can be reached at Helisa@ceid.org.

Thanks!
Helisa

[aligreat]

I think that Helisa's email is actually helisak@ceid.org--at least that's how I've always contacted her. We look forward to seeing anyone who comes.

[andrealynnj]

I've been trying to get Imani to Fairyland so this sounds like the time to do it! Count us in!

[helisa]

We have set the date for the next Bay Area Playgroup. It's going to be at the Play Cafe at 4400 Keller Avenue
Oakland, CA 94605 on Dec. from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. You can check out their website at http://www.playcafewebsite.com/
The Play Cafe is donating space to us so it will will free. Space is limited so please RSVP if you are interested to HelisaK@CEID.ORG or call 848-4800 x. 321.

Thanks!
Helisa

[helisa]

Sign Language Play Group


We are going to the Play Cafe in Oakland!


Saturday, December 2, 2006
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Play Cafe
4400 Keller Avenue
Oakland, CA 94605
(510)632-4433
info@playcafewebsite.com

Admission is FREE thanks to a grant from the Play Cafe

This group is for families and young children (0-5), who use or are learning sign language

*Space is limited to the first 25 people, you must RSVP to confirm your spot.


RSVP to: Kris Rydecki (KrisR@ceid.org), (510) 848-4800 x.320 or Helisa Katz (Helisak@ceid.org), (510) 848-4800 x.321

Play Cafe has food and drinks available for purchase, outside food is discouraged (sippee cups, cereal, and bottles ok)

[SigningFor2]

Hi All,

Our twin girls are 17 months old. Both are hearing, and learning ASL as a second language. We started signing with them when they were 7 months old, and they love it. :)

Also, does anyone attend the monthly ASL evening story time, at the Barnes & Noble on Mowry Avenue, in Fremont? It is held on the first Wednesday of each month.

[sherry3995]

We enjoy it.

Maybe we can meet up some time.

My kids are ages 4, 8, and my 16 yr old (she is taking ASL in High School)

Welcome to the group. :)

[aligreat]

Hi All,

Our twin girls are 17 months old. Both are hearing, and learning ASL as a second language. We started signing with them when they were 7 months old, and they love it. :)

Also, does anyone attend the monthly ASL evening story time, at the Barnes & Noble on Mowry Avenue, in Fremont? It is held on the first Wednesday of each month.


I will try to make it to B&N in January with my twins. They will be turning 3 at the end of January. I am also going to the playgroup tomorrow.

Maybe we'll see you soon. :)

[helisa]

Sign Language Play Group


We are going to the Berkeley YMCA!

Saturday January 27, 2007
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Admission is FREE thanks to the YMCA

Meet at the front desk, we will be going to the Child Watch area

This group is for families and young children (0-5), who use or are learning sign language

*Space is limited to the first 25 people, you must RSVP to confirm your spot.


RSVP to: Kris Rydecki (KrisR@ceid.org), (510) 848-4800 x.320
or Helisa Katz (Helisak@ceid.org), (510) 848-4800 x.321

[dnagrl]

The Burlingame Mother's Club on the peninsula has started an ASL group. Our babies are hearing, but we are teaching full and true ASL. We are interesting in activities. Our first meeting is 1/24 and I will host some Sing-n-Sign activities from various ASL curriculum books I have found. I know B&N in Fremont has an ASL story hour, but I don't know of too many other activities. I don't want our group ending up just at someone's house watching videos. As great as they are, I want us to be active and signing in public. Any suggestions would be great.

[helisa]

We are going back to the downtown Berkeley YMCA. This time hopefully there will not be a power outage we'll be abe to stay the entire time from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Please RSVP to helisak@ceid.org or call 510-848-4800 x.321.

Hope to see you there!!!!

[helisa]

The Sign Language Play Group will be going to Habitot in Berkeley along with children and families who attend The Center for Early Intervention on Deafness (CEID). The date is not yet confirmed but we are trying for Mon. March 26th in the morning. I will post the date and time when it is finalized. If you are interested in attending please email me at Helisak@ceid.org or call 510-848-4800 x.321.

[helisa]

Sunday April 15, 2007
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the front gate
699 Bellevue Ave
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 452-2259
Admission is FREE thanks to a grant from Fairyland

This group is for families and children who use or are learning sign language
*Space is limited to the first 30 people, you must RSVP to confirm your spot.

RSVP to: Kris Rydecki (KrisR@ceid.org), (510) 848-4800 x.320 or Helisa Katz (Helisak@ceid.org), (510) 848-4800 x.321


☼ Fairyland is outdoors, dress appropriately, rain cancels

[helisa]

A festival of fun and learning for all playful children ages 2-8 with sign language interpreted outdoor activities, zoomobile, exhibits, storytelling and shows! Wear old clothes and plan on getting messy!

When: Saturday May 12, 2007 10:30-2:00 p.m.

Where: Hayward Adult School Laurel Center
2652 Virgil Court

$6.00 without RSVP, FREE with RSVP to Helisa at 510-848-4800 x.321 or helisak@CEID.ORG.

[helisa]

The Center for Early Intervention on Deafness and
Sign Language Play Group


We are going to The Museum of Children’s Art !

Wednesday June 20, 2007
9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.


Space is limited, you must RSVP to confirm your spot.

This group is for families and young children (0-5), who use or are
learning sign language

RSVP to: Your Child’s teacher at CEID or Kris Rydecki (KrisR@ceid.org), (510) 848-4800 x.320