On February 7, our group was treated to a field trip at the Canton Museum of Art. Their current exhibit was "Art of the Rainforest." We were split into 2 groups to tour the exhibit, each led by a volunteer docent from the museum. These were both very kind older ladies who obviously enjoy what they do.
Our group of children followed the kind, but soft-spoken docent around the exhibit hall, listening and behaving very well as she spoke in great detail about the paintings and the plight of the rainforest. She was very concerned that the children understand why it is important to learn about and try to save the rainforest and the animals who live in it.
Admittedly, she was very quiet and hard to hear and her talk was not engaging in the least, but she was very sweet. Near our lunch time, we were given a little time to explore the artwork on our own, which was greatly appreciated. The art was truly amazing! Some of those paintings seemed more like photographs, and I was impressed at the variety of painting styles and other media involved as well.
We lunched together in an enclosed courtyard in the museum, after which we were shown into a classroom across the hall. The children were given a quick lesson in resistance watercolor painting and then were able to color and paint their own picture of the rainforest. This gave some really fun results! Each student, at any level, was able to make a nice painting according to their own abilities.
All in all, we had a really nice time together. The tour was free, and there was a $3.00 fee for each art project.
The museum is free for all visitors on Tuesdays, if you'd like to go yourself. If you are interested in taking a group to the museum, check out their website for more info. Canton Museum of Art
Friday, February 10, 2006
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Akron Fossils & Science Center/Truassic Park
On February 3, two groups of our list members attended a field trip at this new and exciting addition to the Akron area, the Akron Fossils and Science Center in Copley, the home of Truassic Park.
Although I was not able to attend this tour, the families who did were very impressed. Each group was led in approximately a one hour informative tour around the museum.
This facility is dedicated to teaching the creation view of science, centering around fossils and dinosaurs. It is a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in this aspect of science.
Here is some info from their website:
"We have opened an educational and fun-filled experience for all ages. We are devoted to teaching creation science and intelligent design in contrast to evolutionary models. The center features hands-on science as well as many fossils from Ohio and around the world.
Individuals, families and groups will enjoy our unique displays as they journey through a series of questions in search of truth."
Truassic Park is an outdoor adventure park/play area for the kids that is available whenever the weather is amenable to outdoor play. It is themed around dinosaurs as well.
The tour cost us $5.00 per person (group rate). I encourage you to check out their website Akron Fossils & Science Center for more info or call 330-665-DINO (3466) to schedule a visit. They also offer classes, summer camps, birthday parties and monthly lectures.
Although I was not able to attend this tour, the families who did were very impressed. Each group was led in approximately a one hour informative tour around the museum.
This facility is dedicated to teaching the creation view of science, centering around fossils and dinosaurs. It is a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in this aspect of science.
Here is some info from their website:
"We have opened an educational and fun-filled experience for all ages. We are devoted to teaching creation science and intelligent design in contrast to evolutionary models. The center features hands-on science as well as many fossils from Ohio and around the world.
Individuals, families and groups will enjoy our unique displays as they journey through a series of questions in search of truth."
Truassic Park is an outdoor adventure park/play area for the kids that is available whenever the weather is amenable to outdoor play. It is themed around dinosaurs as well.
The tour cost us $5.00 per person (group rate). I encourage you to check out their website Akron Fossils & Science Center for more info or call 330-665-DINO (3466) to schedule a visit. They also offer classes, summer camps, birthday parties and monthly lectures.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
The Original Mattress Factory
We were able to tour The Original Mattress Factory in Cleveland on January 25. Two of our groups filled up the tours on this date and were rewarded for our drive in the cold weather. Two very nice gentleman led us around the actual factory where the mattresses are made. Although the noise of the machines made it a little difficult to hear everything that was said, we were able to watch the workers and didn't miss much of the information anyway.
The Original Mattress Factory makes their mattresses without compromising the original quality that was built in to their products. Many other mattresses these days are called "no flip" which really means you can't flip them because only one side is padded, but not here. Also, the Original Mattress Factory may be the only factory still using cotton batting in their mattresses. Most other companies have switched to polyester batting. It's details like that that give the Original Mattress their reputation for quality. Their other reputation involves their prices. Since they don't sell through distributors or middlemen, they can keep their prices low.
After the interesting tour, we viewed a short video about the company which included some fun commercials they've made. We were also encouraged to test out the mattresses in the showroom.
The staff were extremely friendly and kind, even making a point of complimenting our children on their good behavior. Apparently, we made an impression all the way up the ladder there with our well-behaved children. This tour was free for all, and I highly recommend it. It was one of my favorites so far.
Their website The Original Mattress Factory has more information about the mattresses, stores or tours, if you are interested.
The Original Mattress Factory makes their mattresses without compromising the original quality that was built in to their products. Many other mattresses these days are called "no flip" which really means you can't flip them because only one side is padded, but not here. Also, the Original Mattress Factory may be the only factory still using cotton batting in their mattresses. Most other companies have switched to polyester batting. It's details like that that give the Original Mattress their reputation for quality. Their other reputation involves their prices. Since they don't sell through distributors or middlemen, they can keep their prices low.
After the interesting tour, we viewed a short video about the company which included some fun commercials they've made. We were also encouraged to test out the mattresses in the showroom.
The staff were extremely friendly and kind, even making a point of complimenting our children on their good behavior. Apparently, we made an impression all the way up the ladder there with our well-behaved children. This tour was free for all, and I highly recommend it. It was one of my favorites so far.
Their website The Original Mattress Factory has more information about the mattresses, stores or tours, if you are interested.
Friday, January 20, 2006
The Pie Factory at Quaker Square
On January 19, 3 large groups of us went for a field trip to the Pie Factory at Quaker Square in Akron. For a fee of $7.95, each child was taken into the kitchen behind the scenes of the restaurant to stand around a prep table to "make" their own pie. Although the crusts were already made, the children used rollers to flatten the dough into a pie shape and place it into a pan. The filling was put in for them in many cases, and the children were able to choose a cookie cutter shape to cut the center of their top crust. This helped to identify their pies later when they were baked. They had a choice of apple or cherry pie.
Although the children seemed to enjoy their time, the tour was extremely rushed and the helpers seemed irritated and stressed. They didn't allow the children to do much on their own, even filling the pies and in some cases, placing the dough on the pie. There was no teaching at all about the baking process or the restaurant or even the history of the restaurant. Questions were discouraged or disregarded. I was also disappointed in the scheduling of the tours, as they were not straight with me about tour details until the last minute and we had to change our times, resulting in some people being late due to not receiving the information about changes.
We were told that the pies would be finished baking in about an hour, but it was more like 1 and 1/2 to 1 and 3/4 hours until the pies were baked and ready to go.
Although this does not reflect on the Pie Factory, there wasn't much to do for the 3 hours that we spent there that day (only about 30 minutes was spent making a pie). Quaker Square is hardly a fraction of what it was when I was a child and enjoyed strolling through the numerous unusual and interesting shops. Much of the shopping areas have been changed to business offices, so there wasn't much to see while we waited.
I did enjoy, however, getting to know some of the new members of our group during that time. Making new friends is always a worthwhile endeavor.
If you are interested in making your own pies, you can contact them at 330-252-0552. The pie making fee is $7.95 and there is also a charge for parking.
Although the children seemed to enjoy their time, the tour was extremely rushed and the helpers seemed irritated and stressed. They didn't allow the children to do much on their own, even filling the pies and in some cases, placing the dough on the pie. There was no teaching at all about the baking process or the restaurant or even the history of the restaurant. Questions were discouraged or disregarded. I was also disappointed in the scheduling of the tours, as they were not straight with me about tour details until the last minute and we had to change our times, resulting in some people being late due to not receiving the information about changes.
We were told that the pies would be finished baking in about an hour, but it was more like 1 and 1/2 to 1 and 3/4 hours until the pies were baked and ready to go.
Although this does not reflect on the Pie Factory, there wasn't much to do for the 3 hours that we spent there that day (only about 30 minutes was spent making a pie). Quaker Square is hardly a fraction of what it was when I was a child and enjoyed strolling through the numerous unusual and interesting shops. Much of the shopping areas have been changed to business offices, so there wasn't much to see while we waited.
I did enjoy, however, getting to know some of the new members of our group during that time. Making new friends is always a worthwhile endeavor.
If you are interested in making your own pies, you can contact them at 330-252-0552. The pie making fee is $7.95 and there is also a charge for parking.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Hartzler's Dairy, Wooster
On January 13, a small group of us were treated to a yummy field trip at Hartzler's Dairy just north of Wooster.
Although they don't give an actual tour of the facility, we were able to view an interesting video and hear about the history of the company from a member of the Hartzler family. She explained to us how it all got started and why they chose to keep their milk and milk products pure and free of chemicals, hormones and other additives. They use organic milk provided by their own cows, so no antibiotics are found in their milk products. Also, they keep their milk in as natural a state as is allowed by using low-heat pasteurization and not homogenizing their milk. You might have seen their distinctive glass bottles of milk at your local grocery or natural foods store. Check out their website for more information on their milk and why they do what they do. You can also find info on scheduling your own tour.
Hartzler Family Dairy
At the end of the video, we were given chocolate milk to sample and free dairy related goodies for the kids. The tour price of $3.00 also included a cone or scoop of their amazingly creamy and rich ice cream. With flavors like pumpkin pie, mud pie, banana pudding, etc. we were not disappointed.
Although they don't give an actual tour of the facility, we were able to view an interesting video and hear about the history of the company from a member of the Hartzler family. She explained to us how it all got started and why they chose to keep their milk and milk products pure and free of chemicals, hormones and other additives. They use organic milk provided by their own cows, so no antibiotics are found in their milk products. Also, they keep their milk in as natural a state as is allowed by using low-heat pasteurization and not homogenizing their milk. You might have seen their distinctive glass bottles of milk at your local grocery or natural foods store. Check out their website for more information on their milk and why they do what they do. You can also find info on scheduling your own tour.
Hartzler Family Dairy
At the end of the video, we were given chocolate milk to sample and free dairy related goodies for the kids. The tour price of $3.00 also included a cone or scoop of their amazingly creamy and rich ice cream. With flavors like pumpkin pie, mud pie, banana pudding, etc. we were not disappointed.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Great Harvest Bread in Stow
On December 13 & 14, we were the first groups to ever tour the Great Harvest Bread in Stow during the month of December. They called us their "holiday tours." December is a busy month for the bakery, so taking some time out for us was a special privilege.
The store owner, Baker Rick, led the children around through the rooms in the back of the store, sharing fun anecdotes, asking questions, and being generally entertaining while educating us about baking natural, healthy breads as well as what it is like to open a small business. He was very encouraging to the children about following their dreams and finding their own ways to do things, like not taking no for an answer when you really want to do something great.
He showed us how to mill flour, how to mix dough and how to bake, explaining all of the equipment used along the way. I didn't know until the tour that Great Harvest actually mills their own flour. Although it is a small facility, there is a lot harbored there in that small space.
Baker Rick finished the tour with a fun, fairy tale type story about a fictional kingdom that the children enjoyed while sitting gathered around him on the floor. They were then treated to a slice of white bread that he told them was much more nutritious than the white bread at most stores. Personally, I love the wheat bread at Great Harvest, which I know without being told is very nutritious.
The tour was free, which was very nice, especially considering the time of year and the personal attention we received. I would definitely recommend it, along with a trip to Great Harvest just for the delicious and unusual breads they make. It's on the corner of Fishcreek and Graham Roads in Stow, Summit County.
The store owner, Baker Rick, led the children around through the rooms in the back of the store, sharing fun anecdotes, asking questions, and being generally entertaining while educating us about baking natural, healthy breads as well as what it is like to open a small business. He was very encouraging to the children about following their dreams and finding their own ways to do things, like not taking no for an answer when you really want to do something great.
He showed us how to mill flour, how to mix dough and how to bake, explaining all of the equipment used along the way. I didn't know until the tour that Great Harvest actually mills their own flour. Although it is a small facility, there is a lot harbored there in that small space.
Baker Rick finished the tour with a fun, fairy tale type story about a fictional kingdom that the children enjoyed while sitting gathered around him on the floor. They were then treated to a slice of white bread that he told them was much more nutritious than the white bread at most stores. Personally, I love the wheat bread at Great Harvest, which I know without being told is very nutritious.
The tour was free, which was very nice, especially considering the time of year and the personal attention we received. I would definitely recommend it, along with a trip to Great Harvest just for the delicious and unusual breads they make. It's on the corner of Fishcreek and Graham Roads in Stow, Summit County.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Panyard Inc. Steel Drum Factory
On Tuesday, December 6, we were treated to a real gem of a tour at Panyard Steel Drum Factory in Akron. This company is the largest producer of steel drums (or pans) in the U.S.! They also produce the highest quality of steel drums. We learned while on the tour that this is due to the 6 years spent in research and development before even producing one pan.
Our tour was guided by the owner of the company, who not only showed us the pans, but played them for us (beautifully), and allowed us to join in the fun. The kids were able to practice their rhythm in a tamboo bamboo style band by using pvc "bamboo" sticks, drumsticks, shakers, and a real brake drum, used to keep the rhythm in large groups. We learned all about the origin of pans in Trinidad, a brief history of the island, and why the "pan" was so important.
We also learned about Panyard's particular production methods and why they are superior to many other pan producers. The kids all took turns pounding out the head of an old steel drum, using heavy mallets, which was the old way of making the drums, and we were able to see the pneumatic equipment that is now used. The pans produced there are incredibly beautiful and produce amazing tones.
The kids were also able to play the prototype of a new pan that Panyard is producing specifically for kids who want to learn how to play. They expect to have sales available by February. The kid-sized pan will come with a DVD cartoon that teaches them to play, and should cost around $125, which is quite reasonable considering that a typical beginner's pan will cost around $500. It also has stunning sound quality, due to the time spent designing and crafting it.
Panyard and the International Association of Pan Enthusiasts are sponsoring a Pan Festival on April 28-30, 2006 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. I might arrange to take a group, but even if I don't, it will be a worthwhile day trip for anyone and their family. I highly recommend it!
This was one of the best tours I've ever taken!
Our tour was guided by the owner of the company, who not only showed us the pans, but played them for us (beautifully), and allowed us to join in the fun. The kids were able to practice their rhythm in a tamboo bamboo style band by using pvc "bamboo" sticks, drumsticks, shakers, and a real brake drum, used to keep the rhythm in large groups. We learned all about the origin of pans in Trinidad, a brief history of the island, and why the "pan" was so important.
We also learned about Panyard's particular production methods and why they are superior to many other pan producers. The kids all took turns pounding out the head of an old steel drum, using heavy mallets, which was the old way of making the drums, and we were able to see the pneumatic equipment that is now used. The pans produced there are incredibly beautiful and produce amazing tones.
The kids were also able to play the prototype of a new pan that Panyard is producing specifically for kids who want to learn how to play. They expect to have sales available by February. The kid-sized pan will come with a DVD cartoon that teaches them to play, and should cost around $125, which is quite reasonable considering that a typical beginner's pan will cost around $500. It also has stunning sound quality, due to the time spent designing and crafting it.
Panyard and the International Association of Pan Enthusiasts are sponsoring a Pan Festival on April 28-30, 2006 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. I might arrange to take a group, but even if I don't, it will be a worthwhile day trip for anyone and their family. I highly recommend it!
This was one of the best tours I've ever taken!
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