Warm weather is coming and with it new opportunities!

Get out and enjoy some sunshine!

The thought of temps above freezing is amazing and will be a reality as highs in the 50's and possibly 60's is in our future. What a thought - jacket weather! 

Hopefully this snow will melt and dry things up a bit because the only thing worse than kids cooped up in the house due to the extremely cold temps that don't allow kids to enjoy the snow is warmer weather where they can enjoy the great outdoors only to be playing in a yard full of mud.

What are your plans? Here are a couple and if you want more be sure to check out my column (Grab and Go Kids Planner) on South Whitehall's edition of patch.com.  While you're there check out this week's Frugal Family column as well for some local bargains and deals! AND come back here on Friday for a special new feature - Friday Freebies! 

 * Visit the Penguins for Lunch and enjoy Keeper Talks

When/Where: Daily (weather permitting) at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Jaindl Penguin Pavilion at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Why Go: Aside from the fact that it will actually be warm enough to enjoy a day or two  outside this week, what better way to spend it than to head to the zoo to visit a few of the biggest fans of the arctic weather we’ve grown a bit weary of.

Pricing: Since they’re still operating in their off-season, admission is $7.75 per person.

* Cool off during the ‘Heat Wave’

When/Where: Friday, Feb. 18 at noon at the Whitehall location of Rita’s (2874 MacArthur Road)

Why Go: It will actually be jacket weather after more snow days than we would care to remember and it’s Rita’s opening day at this location. Cheesecake Cream Ice, Mango/Orange ice and new sugar free chocolate are among their new flavors for this season. How can you not be cool and eat a Rita's?

Pricing: Prices vary.

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year 2011 to one and all!!! 

After having the kids home on break for the last week or so, you may be at your wits end and need to get them out of the house.

What to do? Start the year on a crafty note and head to one of my favorite places - PaintSome Pottery in the Tilghman Square Shopping Center (4610 Broadway, Allentown, PA 18104).


They're open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday so get out for a bit and keep those little hands busy!

You never know, that cute creation of theirs may warm the heart of a friend or family member just enough and get you a babysitter for an evening. Not that you heard that from me. . .

Don't sit still this Winter - get active!

The Parks and Recreation Board of South Whitehall Township is offering a Winter Swim and Gym Program! Don't let the Winter blues bring you down or lead to a family of couch potatoes over the next few months - get out and get active!

While there are no exact dates at the moment, there is an impressive list of events planned to keep the entire family fit and happy over those cold days soon to arrive. The program is for family recreation only and just for fun so get the crew together boycott the television for an evening.

What's on the schedule? At Parkland High school from 1:00pm - 5:00pm there will be family swimming on Sunday afternoons. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age and there is no fee! The shallow end is perfect for non-swimmers.

Parkland High School is also offering an open gym. Kids 15 years of age and under (who are joined by their parents) can shoot baskets and play pick up games. No team games or practices are permitted. More details to come!

The South Whitehall Township recreation programs for adults (18 years of age and older) require registration in advance at the Permit Officer in the Municipal Building located at 4444 Walbert Avenue and there are fees.

On the agenda for this Fall/Winter: beginning ballroom dance at the Covered Bridge Recreation Building on Thursday Evenings from 6:30pm - 7:30pm. The fee for this is $60.00/couple and it is 8 weeks long (8 classes). You'll learn the foxtrot, waltz, east coast swing and of course the polka. You do need to bring along a partner and while they don't promise you'll find yourself on Dancing with the Stars you will have a fun time.

Beginning Latin Dance will be on Thursday evenings as well at the Covered Bridge Recreation Building from 7:30pm - 8:30pm. The fee is again $60.00/person and is 8 weeks long (8 classes). You don't need a partner so get yourself out of the house and learn the samba, cha cha, merengue and east coast swing. It's great exercise and a fun way to spend the evening with friends.

If you're looking to relax try Yoga. On Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Covered Bridge Recreation Building you can re-energize yourself, tone your body, increase flexibility all while relieving stress. They have mats available if you do not have your own and the fee is just $28.00/person for 8 classes.

Dates and more information will soon be available on the South Whitehall website

Don't sit still this Winter - swim, dance, play and relax with family and friends!