blue fire, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

Date / Time: 5/30/2008 7:00 PM
“The Eclectic Word” Hosted By Victor Infante

poets Mark Doty and Dave Keali’i

stART on the Street, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

Last weekend I was trying to figure out what to do for fun. I have to say, it was a bit of a task. Despite all the great online tools for getting the word out, it still seems hard to find something to do with the kids on the weekends.

This week there’s been a change in that. I’ve been getting information about great stuff going on from all directions. I guess if you complain enough, people start sending you email to shut you up or something.

I decided to share some of what I’ve got so far. I’m just posting things I’ve got through the July 4 fireworks. I’ve actually been sent information about things out into September. Wow. I guess I won’t be able to complain about having “nothing fun to do” for a while now.

So, here it is, the big list so far:

stART in the Park
June 1st, 11 am to 4 pm
Beaver Brook Park, Mann Street, Worcester, MA
100+ artists and crafters, performers, food vendors, kids activities, local farms and organizations and more!

A day-long celebration of arts, crafts, culture, cuisine and fun in the sun! And it’s FREE! stART events are always fun. stART web site has more information.

Worcester Firefighters Memorial 6k Run/Walk
June 8, 2008 -1:00 p.m.
Institute Park, Worcester, MA
This annual event raises money for local charities in the names of Paul Brotherton, Timothy Jackson, Jeremiah Lucey, James “Jay” Lyons, Joseph McGuirk and Thomas Spencer.

This year they are raising money for:
The Molly Bish Foundation
Alzheimer’s Association - Massachusetts Chapter
Connecticut Burns Care Foundation
The Firefighters Memorial Fund

They have planned “a day of fun for the entire family with free food, live entertainment, raffles, a Kiddie Corner and more.” It sounds like a great time!
Check their web site for more

Grecian Festival
June 6, 7 & 8, See site for times
St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA
Great food, live music, dancing, kids fest, church tours, art exhibits.
For information about the event:
Grecian Festival web site

Irish Music Festival
June 14th & 15th, Saturday 12 noon to 11 pm & Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre, 19 Temple Street, Worcester, MA

Live Irish music, Irish step dancers, a traditional Irish Seisiun and the first ever Boiled Cabbage O’Lympics. You’ll need to go to the web site for information about the O’Lympics. It sounds like it will be hilarious.

Tickets are on sale on their web site, $10 for a one day ticket, $15 for two days. At the door they are $12/1 day and $18/ 2 days. Kids under 12 are FREE.
Tickts and information on their site

5th Annual Asian Festival
June 29th, 12 noon to 6 pm
Italian-American Cultural Center, 28 Mulberry Street, Worcester, MA

The Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts hosts a celebration featuring music, food and traditional dances from Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Laos, Korea, Japan, Philippines and India.
FREE ADMISSION

Independence Day Celebration
July 3rd, 6 to 10 pm
Cristoforo Columbo Park, Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA

Enjoy a concert by the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, children’s activities and a spectacular fireworks display.

______________________

Ok, if you’re having an event or know of something fun to do with the kids, please drop me an email. I’ll be happy to post it.

If you are a grown up looking for cool stuff to do, check out Worcesterite.com and Worcester Magazine. They’ve got it all covered over there.

I’m a "beta-tester" for Joffrey’s, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

Original post about the beta-test :
Joffry’s coffee beta test for bloggers - WOOT!

It’s really official now - I got the coffee and am actually drinking some of it right now. It’s great! They sent me a flavor called “Jamaican Me Crazy”. It seems to have a slight vanilla taste. YUM!!!

I would certainly buy this stuff if I see it. I must confess, I usually do not venture into the “boutique” coffees much. I’m more of a “price-shopper”. This stuff is good for when you want more than just some “liquid-awake” though. It’s for enjoying (as if I have time for that - ha!).

Anyway. I’m off to do a million things that must get done or the universe will implode. Or, more accurately, people will act as if the universe is imploding which is actually more unpleasant than a literal universe implosion because it’s never-ending as opposed to one big catastrophe and it’s over - ugh!!!

Thank you Joffrey’s for the fun taste-test! I’m happy I played along.

Thank you Trainstopping for sending me the link to Joffrey’s. Lovin’ it!

The swans are back, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

I sure hope so! Yesterday morning I saw 2 swans in the pond at Institute Park. Yippee!!!

Coffee, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

I went to The Q last night. It’s a coffee house/cool hangout over near Nancy Chang’s on Chandler Street. I’ve never been before and heard that it’s relatively new.

It’s a cute little place. The coffee was really good too. I have to confess that I was a little confused by the contraption I got my coffee in (picture above). I’ve never encountered this sort of thing. Apparently called a “french press”. The way it works is - wait five minutes then push the plunger thing down which separates the coffee from the crud. How fun! It was like getting coffee and a toy all in one.

Also, a big ‘Thank You’ to the folks at The Q who told me how to use it without making me feel like an idiot. I don’t live under a rock but I haven’t seen everything in the world yet so sometimes I need a bit of instruction so… “Thank you.”

*Warning - small rant ahead*
I really hate going to any establishment, paying money - and then being made to feel stupid by the staff. It seems to happen at coffee places more than anywhere else. For instance; Panera’s staff that feels the need to correct your pronunciation before they can get you the stinking drink. BTW - I haven’t been back to that establishment because of that bit of rudeness. I know they are hugely popular so my visits aren’t missed but I just make a point of frequenting places that have great service and avoiding those that don’t. It makes my life much more pleasant.
*OK, done ranting now*

That’s it.