KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
I'm in Phoenix this week for a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, where I'm giving a talk about my new book, The Eclipse Effect. One of the best parts of being here is getting to attend the other presentations, too, which is how I found myself Monday night inside under the Dorrance Planetarium Dome at the Arizona Science Center, gazing up at a sky unlike any I’ve ever seen. Thanks to cutting-edge LED projection technology and the first imagery from the nearly-complete Rubin Observatory in Chile, the dome became a portal into the depths of our galaxy and beyond, rendered in light so vivid and detailed it felt like we could fall
in. The room was full of astronomers, researchers, educators—professionals who have dedicated their careers to explaining the universe. These were the very people who helped build the tools, who'd worked the math, who’d waited decades to see the science take shape... and even they were astonished: Their faces were lit up with the kind of awe you usually only see in children. It was a reminder that at its heart, science is about connection. Connecting those
points of light above my head, yes; connecting the dots, sure... but also connecting people—to each other, to wonder, and to what’s possible. If you want your kids to connect deeply with science—or history, or nature, or culture, or space—you don’t need a telescope on a mountain, you just need a person. So go to the museum, walk the trail, step into the planetarium. But don’t stop at the exhibit signs: Find the people! Ask them questions. They want to talk to
you! These docents, tour guides, librarians, explainers, and educators are the ones who turn information into illumination. They are the lens your kids can look through to see what their future might be. So seek the sky painters. Then stand next to your kids, look up, and be amazed together.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Connect more. Do more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Join Herb Smith and your RPO at Hochstein Performance Hall Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2pm for this special concert that explores Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through powerful music, narration, and inspiring stories. Celebrate hope, courage, and unity with an unforgettable experience that brings history to life through the magic of music with special performances featuring Strings for Success and a choir from School of the Arts. Come early (1pm) for special free pre-concert activities! Series sponsored In Loving Memory of Lenore P. Lesser
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Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts is a tuition-free public charter for grades K–6 where learning is joyful, rigorous, and creatively grounded. The school emphasizes an inclusive, student-centered environment that honors culture and student voice. Academics are enhanced through daily arts integration, dancing, acting, singing, and creating, which nurtures confidence, curiosity, and strong critical-thinking while fostering belonging. With high expectations and a whole-child focus, Renaissance Academy prepares students for academic success and life. Schedule a tour by emailing Mrs. Moyo-White at moyowhite@renacad.org or calling (585) 225-4200 ext. 209. Apply by April 1 for better chances in the 2026-2027 lottery at GoodSchoolsRoc.org or renacad.org.
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Sunday, February 15, The Theater at Innovation Square, 5pm: This vibrant cultural event will highlight the rich traditions of Latin American Carnaval, featuring folkloric dance performances, live music, and traditional costumes representing countries such as Brazil, Panama, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. Each performance will include educational elements that explore the history and meaning of Carnaval, emphasizing the diversity and beauty of Latino culture. Get your tickets now; they're only $10!
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More than ten years in the making, the world-premiere musical adaptation of the beloved and heartwarming P.D. Eastman book ARE YOU MY MOTHER? takes flight — two weeks only, January 17 to 25! Written and composed by TYKEs’ own artistic team, the classic story of a newly hatched baby bird in search of its mother bursts on stage with a parade of colorful and endearing characters, an outstanding score and plenty of hilarious antics. Based on one of the top 100 books of all time, this heartwarming, high-energy production celebrates curiosity, courage and the unbreakable bond between caregiver and child. Perfect for ages 3 and up. Click here for tickets: https://jccrochester.org/arts-culture/tykes/ OR email us to win FOUR FREE TICKETS at: fschneider@jccrochester.org
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The show that set Broadway back 1,000 returns! Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, which first galloped onto Broadway in 2005, features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The original Broadway production was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards and won three, including best musical. Lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT features songs such as “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail” and more that have become beloved classics in the musical theatre canon. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or the Auditorium Box Office for performances running January 13-18. For more information, visit RBTL.org.
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Jan 9-11: When an uber-organized mother and her spontaneous teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to make it right. Masquerading as each other, they must work together to solve the mystery of how to break the spell. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another in a way they never could have imagined. In the end, both learn the true power of love and the strength of the bond between a mother and daughter in this heartfelt and hilarious show.
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Looking for high-energy family fun? Head to the Blue Cross Arena to cheer on the Rochester Americans as they hit the ice for another thrilling hockey matchup! With fast-paced action, fan giveaways, and an electric atmosphere, an Amerks game is the perfect way to make unforgettable memories with your kids. Don your red, white, and blue, grab some popcorn, and get ready to shout “Go Amerks!” Check out the full schedule and grab your tickets at https://amerks.com.
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Spotlight is excited to announce auditions for "Parents Just Don't Understand": a play for young performers grades 4-8. Auditions: Friday January 9 at 6pm at Spotlight Studios in Fairport! Performances will be March 20 & 21.
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Enter to win a family four-pack of tickets to ARE YOU MY MOTHER, performing at TYKEs theatre at the JCC January 17–25, 2026! Written and composed by TYKEs’ own artistic team, the classic story of a newly hatched baby bird in search of its mother bursts on stage with a parade of colorful and endearing characters, an outstanding score and plenty of hilarious antics. Based on one of the top 100 books of all time, this heartwarming, high-energy production celebrates curiosity, courage and the unbreakable bond between caregiver and child. Ages 3+. Shows at 11am and 2pm.
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Led by the dynamic duo of bloom&breathe and Lemon Squeezy, this two-hour class is designed to nurture your little one’s mind, body, and imagination.
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The Iceplex Skating 101 Program provides an excellent opportunity to learn a new skill while staying active during the winter. This program is an ideal starting point for those interested in ice hockey, figure skating, or recreational skating.
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Free! Open to the public. Bring a friend! Spend a great afternoon with your children at our Bebop to Bach Concert, Saturday, January 10 at 2 pm. This performance is geared toward families with children ages 2-10 and their parents. Groove and move to the tunes and engage in activities highlighting instruments and musical concepts. This concert is followed by an instrument petting zoo. Dr. Smith, our Lower School head, leads the musical fun!
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Join Alyssa Rose for a wild winter walk. The group will gather at the locations below and explore the trails. Along the way we will search for animals, their tracks, and other signs they have been nearby. We will also play games, solve riddles, and more! Every winter walk will be different depending on the weather, the wildlife, and the wonderful hikers who join the fun.
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Since 1958, FFRPL has sponsored a creative writing contest for Monroe County high school students. Eli & Mildred Sokols’ foresight and generosity ensures that FFRPL will be able to maintain this legacy program for young writers in perpetuity. Cash Prizes $300 for first prize (Prose and Poetry); $200 for second prize (Prose and Poetry); $100 for third prize (Prose and Poetry); and one $300 prize for Performance.
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AND... GO BILLS!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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