Have a Family Friendly Party for New Year's Eve

Greetings Families!

Did everyone enjoy the holiday? Was anyone ready to go back to work? Hopefully this will be a relaxed and easy week for both adults and children as we get ourselves revved back up for the New Year's weekend.

Contrary to the usual idea of adult gatherings, New Year's Eve can actually be an amazing time for parents and children to create a new family tradition and celebrate together. While midnight might be a stretch for the little ones, a fun evening can still be had by all. Even if the adults have plans for later, a family party can happen early in the evening.

Start by having your children help you plan a prepare and simple meal. Finger foods are a great idea, as there can be something for everyone to enjoy; including sliced fruit, veggies, chips and pretzels, dips, chicken nuggets, and cheese chunks. Make your own mini-pizzas are also an enjoyable way for all family members to get what they want. A kid-friendly sparkling beverage can easily be made with fruit juice and club soda.

You might do an art project together by drawing pictures of special family events that have happened over the past year. Really ambitious parents and children might create home made party hats, noise makers, and room decorations.

Rather than watch movies, get the family going with a hot game of charades or take out some of your favorite board games. The eve of the New Year is also a nice time for families to talk about the year to come. Take out large sheets of paper and markers and record everybody's thoughts and ideas for trips, activities, new responsibilities, and resolutions.

Make New Year's Eve a treasured family tradition that both parents and children will always remember.

Karen and the NDCC Staff

Congrats Pat!

Congratulations to Pat Spielman of Spielman's Kidworks in Fish Creek, WI, the winner of Northern Door Children's Centers 2009 car raffle. Spielman won the 2009 smart ForTwo Passion Cabriolet and a $5000 cash prize.

For the sixth annual car raffle hosted by NDCC, 1,752 tickets were sold from the raffle's debut at Maifest Memorial Day weekend up until 1:45 p.m. the day of the raffle, Oct. 25, 2009. The drawing was at 2 p.m., with the winning ticket drawn by Krista Church and the raffle audited by Jason Kiehnau of Shenck Business Solutions in Green Bay. 

Spielman is the grandmother of Will Friedenfels, a student in the 4 year-old kindergarten class at NDCC, and Sophie Friedenfels, an alumna of NDCC. 

"This is the first time we've had a parent or grandparent of an actual student at the Center. It's very exciting for us. Patricia and her late husband have been long-time supporters of the Children's Center and we appreciate all they have done for us throughout the years," said Cindy Trinkner-Peot, Executive Director of Northern Door Children's Center.

Keep tuned in for information and updates on upcoming NDCC fundraising events, including the Holiday Home Tour. Tickets are on sale now at various northern Door County locations and are $20 per person. The tour will be Friday, Nov 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28. Visit our Web site for more information or to order tickets.

Sight-see with Smartie!

Where has the summer gone? I can’t believe we’re already beginning September – I’ll need to start investing in antifreeze pretty soon! It really has been a great summer, packed with tons of fun events, people and festivals. But, it’s not over yet! We still have Pumpkin Patch and Fall Fest to look forward to. I’m counting on the memories made at these events to help keep me warm during the winter months, so don’t disappoint me!

 

For September, I’ll be turning on my heated leather seats and parking at these fine establishments: Thursday, Sept. 3 Associated Bank; Friday, Sept. 4 BAKE SALE at Baylake Bank and on to Northern Grill; Saturday, Sept. 5 Marina Fest; Sunday, Sept. 6 Wood Orchard Market; Monday, Sept. 7 NDCC; Tuesday, Sept. 8 Ace Hardware; Wednesday, Sept. 9 Top Shelf; Thursday, Sept. 10 Sister Bay Mobil; Friday, Sept. 11 Fish Creek B.P. and D.C. Ice Cream Factory; Saturday, Sept. 12 Mueller’s in Fish Creek; Sunday, Sept. 12 Julie’s Café; Monday, Sept. 14 106.9 FM The Lodge; Tuesday, Sept. 15 Liberty Park Lodge; Wednesday, Sept. 16 Top Shelf; Thursday, Sept. 17 D.C. Deli; Friday, Sept. 18 Ace Hardware and Northern Grill; Saturday, Sept. 19 Seaquist’s Orchards Farm Market; Sunday, Sept. 20 Nelson’s; Monday, Sept. 21 Moretti’s; Wednesday, Sept. 23 Top Shelf; Thursday, Sept. 24 NDCC; Friday, Sept. 25 Spielman’s and D.C. Ice Cream Factory; Saturday, Sept. 26 Harbor Wear in Fish Creek (Inside/Outside Sales!); Sunday, Sept. 27 Julie’s Café; Monday, Sept. 28 The Lodge; Tuesday, Sept. 29 NDCC; Wednesday, Sept. 30 Top Shelf.

 

Whew! I know that’s a lot of information to take in all at once. But, don’t worry. I always repost my schedule every week, I just want to give you plenty of time to plan your trip to see me! And don’t forget to get your tickets when you see me on the weekends hanging out with Sam! It’s $20/ticket for a chance to win me, the 2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabriolet AND (that’s AND) $5,000 cash. You get the cash and the car if you win! You really can’t beat that!

 

If you haven’t made it to Door County yet this year, make sure you do for our end-of-season festivals. Marina Fest Labor Day weekend in Sister Bay is a must-attend event, along with Fall Fest and Pumpkin Patch in October. And, if you’ve already had the chance to enjoy the beautiful Door County summer, don’t forget to come up and see all the amazing colors when the trees begin to turn for Fall. There’s always something for everyone here in Door County year ‘round. So, come enjoy the festivities, and help support NDCC and their important work in early childhood care and education, serving the children and families of northern Door County.

 

To learn more about NDCC, or to purchase raffle tickets, visit us on the Web, e-mail us at ndcc1986@hotmail.com, or call us at (920) 854-4244. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Get Smart - Go WEST

I’ve filled up on fuel, greased my gears, dropped my top (Hey, I’m a convertible!) and now I’m ready to do a few wheelies! So come join me for a wheelie-good time at the Sturgeon Bay West Fest! It’s a festival to celebrate Sturgeon Bay’s West Side, and has everything from food, entertainment, activities for children, and even a showdown at High Noon! Everything will take place on Madison Street, so come check out what Sturgeon Bay’s West Side has to offer, including me, Smartie Smart! I’ll be hanging out at the Maritime Museum near all the kids’ activity tents. Tickets are only $20 each for a chance to win me AND $5000. So check me out while the kids are doing their thing! All it takes to win is one ticket!

 

The summer is winding down and there’s less than a month left until Labor Day. I can’t believe how quickly the summer has gone. I’ve made a ton of awesome new friends, but, of course, I’m always looking to make more! If we haven’t gotten together yet, let me know! Call my besties, Sam or Sue at the Northern Door Children’s Center, at (920) 854-4244, e-mail them at ndcc1986@hotmail.com or go to our Web site and tell them you want a piece of the Smartie pie!

 

Otherwise, if you’re more of a face-to-face person, find me at one of my many appearances. Just because the summer is slowing down doesn’t mean I am! Me schedule for the next few weeks is: Saturday, Aug. 20 Sturgeon Bay West Fest; Sunday, Aug. 23 Carroll House Restaurant; Monday, Aug. 24 The Lodge; Tuesday, Aug. 25 Sister Bay Mobil; Wednesday, Aug. 26 Top Shelf (Farmers’ Market!) Thursday, Aug. 27 Nelson’s; Friday, Aug. 28 Liberty Park Lodge and D.C. Ice Cream Factory; Saturday, Aug. 29 Mainstreet Market and The English Inn; Sunday, Aug. 30 St. Rosalias Catholic Church and Harbor Wear; Monday, Aug. 31 Moretti’s; Tuesday, Sept. 1 Sister Bay Mobil; Wednesday, Sept. 2 Top Shelf (Farmers’ Market!); Thursday, Sept. 3 Liberty Park Lodge; Friday, Sept. 4 D.C. Deli and Northern Grill; Saturday, Sept. 5 Marina Fest in Sister Bay; Sunday, Sept. 6 Wood Orchard Market; Monday, Sept. 7 NDCC; Tuesday, Sept. 8 Ace Hardware; Wednesday, Sept. 9 Top Shelf; Thursday, Sept. 10 Sister Bay Mobil; Friday, Sept. 11 Fish Creek BP and D.C. Ice Cream Factory.

 

And don't forget! You can always turn to 106.9 FM The Lodge and listen for a copy of my schedule too! I can’t wait to see you! 

Get Smart - invest in art!

I have to say, this past weekend was probably one of the most laid back of the whole summer! I was kind of nice to take a bit of a break from all the hustle and bustle of Door County life and take it easy for once! With no big events or festivals in town, I had a little extra time to catch up with old friends and make some new ones, but at much more relaxed pace!

 

But, as always, it’s back to the grindstone this weekend. Saturday, Aug. 15 I’ll be at the Door County Festival of the Arts in Sister Bay. I have to tell you I’m excited for this one, and I just know I’m going to fit in even easier than usual! That’s because I’m a work of art myself. Seriously! I’m not tooting my horn, guys, I really am considered art! Art is right there in my own name! SMART is a combination of Swatch (yes, the Swiss watch company, and also the people who designed me and my family), Mercedes (for Mercedes-Benz, the awesomest car manufacturer, ever) and ART. Did you know the Smart is the only car to be on exhibit at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art? So, I’ll be right at home at the Art Festival, and I’m looking forward to meeting all the artists and art enthusiasts! Look for me at the festival – I’ll be the big piece of art in blue!

 

My schedule for the rest of August is as follows: Wednesday, Aug. 12 Lamperts; Thursday, Aug. 13 Sister Bay Citgo; Friday, Aug. 14 Top Shelf and Door County Ice Cream; Saturday, Aug. 15 Door County Festival of the Arts in Sister Bay; Sunday, Aug. 16 St. Paul’s Church in Juddville and Orchard County Winery; Monday, Aug. 17 D.C. Deli; Tuesday, Aug. 18 Euphoria; Wednesday, Aug. 19 Top Shelf; Thursday, Aug. 20 Spielman’s; Friday, Aug. 21 Fish Creek B.P. and Northern Grill; Saturday, Aug. 22 West Fest in Sturgeon Bay; Sunday, Aug. 23 Carroll House Restaurant; Monday, Aug. 24 106.9 The Lodge; Tuesday, Aug. 25 Sister Bay Mobil; Wednesday, Aug. 26 Top Shelf; Thursday, Aug. 27 Nelson’s; Thursday, Aug. 28 Liberty Park Lodge and D.C. Ice Cream Factory; Saturday, Aug. 29 Mainstreet Market and English Inn; Sunday, Aug. 30 St. Rosalias Church in Sister Bay and Harbor Wear in Fish Creek; Monday, Aug. 31 Moretti’s.

 

How many little mambos do you know between the ages of six weeks to 10 years old? Between nieces and nephews, cousins, friends’ kids, and your own, probably quite a few. If you’re a parent yourself, you’ve probably put a lot of time, energy and consideration into where you want your child educated, how you want them cared for and looked after when you aren’t around. In the northern Door County community, more than 50 families trust Northern Door Children’s Center to provide the kind of early childhood care and education they want for their children. NDCC is a not-for-profit early childhood center dedicated to serving working families of Door County. We fundraise 25 percent of our general operating costs every year, keeping tuition fees low, and even providing scholarships to families in need.

 

The car raffle fundraiser now in its sixth year goes a long way toward helping NDCC meet our general operating costs. On average about 2,700 raffle tickets are sold each year. Tickets cost $20 each and this year’s car is a 2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabriolet AND $5000 cash prize. So, please help support NDCC and early childhood care and education today. Go to www.northerndoorchildrenscenter.org or call (920) 854-4244 to purchase raffle tickets and to learn more about NDCC.

 

 

 

Get Smart be smooth

My wheels sure have been getting a work out! I can’t believe all the different festivals, parades and events they have here in Door County. But, man, am I loving it! Everyone has been wonderful, and I’ve made tons of new friends, at the Center, throughout the county, and beyond!

 

This past weekend, the Center had the Bill Bastian Bike Ride. It was fun to see all the bikers turn out for such a great cause! Everyone made it back safe and sound, and we had a great turnout for our third annual Bill Bastian Bike Ride. All the volunteers from the Center, as well as the wonderful people from Nor Door Sport & Cyclery did a wonderful job! Lucky for me, I got to give my wheels a brake (er, I mean, break!) while all the bikers got to explore northern Door County! It just goes to show what a supportive community we have here in Door County, and it makes me proud to be a part of such a great group of people!

 

You can tell when Summer is winding down in Door County – the festivals really start to wind down! My schedule for August is: Wednesday, Aug. 5 Top Shelf (Farmers’ Market!), Thursday, Aug. 6 Euphoria Salon; Friday, Aug. 7 Baylake Bank Bake Sale and Northern Grill; Saturday, Aug. 8 Sister Bay Mobil and Mainstreet Market; Sunday, Aug. 9 Julie’s Café; Monday, Aug. 10 FM 106.9 The Lodge; Tuesday, Aug. 11 Liberty Park Lodge; Wednesday, Aug. 12 Top Shelf (Farmers’ Market!); Thursday, Aug. 13 Sister Bay Citgo; Friday, Aug. 14 Lamperts and D.C. Ice Cream Factory; Saturday, Aug. 15 Door County Festival of the Arts in Sister Bay; Sunday, Aug. 16 St. Paul’s in Juddville and Orchard Country Winery; Monday, Aug. 17 D.C. Deli; Tuesday, Aug. 18 Euphoria; Wednesday, Aug. 19 Top Shelf (Farmers’ Market!); Thursday, Aug. 20 Spielman’s Kidworks; Friday, Aug. 21 Fish Creek B.P. and Northern Grill; Saturday, Aug. 22 West Fest on Sturgeon Bay’s West Side; Sunday, Aug. 23 Carroll House Restaurant; Monday, Aug. 24 FM 106.9 The Lodge; Tuesday, Aug. 25 Sister Bay Mobil; Wednesday, Aug. 26 Top Shelf (Farmers’ Market!); Thursday, Aug. 27 Nelson’s; Friday, Aug. 28 Liberty Park Lodge and D.C. Ice Cream Factory; Saturday, Aug. 29 Mainstreet Market and English Inn; Sunday, Aug. 30 Stella Maris and Harbor Wear.

 

And, of course, if you’re too busy to try and find me during the day, you can always call the Center (920) 854-4244 and talk to Sam or Sue, or visit our Web site to download a ticket order form.

 

I hope your summer is going as smooth as a newly paved highway! 

Be Smart and save!

Holy Halogen lights, we already have another weekend creeping up on us! Where do the miles go?

 

Well, last weekend was sure exciting at the Summer Cherry Harvest Fest and the Sevastopol Sesquicentennial, but this weekend is going to be even busier! Friday, I will be chilling at the Dairy Queen in Sturgeon Bay and Saturday I have quite the schedule of appearances. First, we will be in Carlsville for the parade, followed by grape stomping! The Door Peninsula Winery is holding a grape stomping competition for local non-profits and the winning organization gets a donation! I’ll be there cheering on NDCC’s representative and honking at the competitors, all in good fun, of course! After the grape stomping, it’s on the Pipka’s for Pipka’s Christmas in July in Sister Bay. We’ll be spreading the cheer with Santa and his elves under the warm summer sun. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to cart along some SPF for Kris Kringle, we don’t want Santa to be as red as his coat! After Pipka’s we’ll be moving right along to Cherry Season at Seaquist’s Cherry Orchards to provide moral support to all the cherry pickers and pit-spitters.

 

Now, I also wanted to include a little information about my fuel-economy. Whenever my friend Sam starts talking about my mpg’s she usually gets one of two reactions. Either the person is really impressed, or they just scoff at my 33/city 41/hwy rating. Now, I would like to say that these are the officially numbers released by Smart, however many of my brothers’ and sisters’ owners say they usually average low 40s for their driving in general, and better when doing straight highway driving. We Smarts have one of the best mpg ratings for a straight gas-engine vehicle. Remember, we are not a hybrid or diesel, and comparing us to those kinds of vehicles is like comparing scooters to semis.  

As for next week’s schedule Sunday, July 26 will be a Julie’s Café and Nelsons; Monday, July 27 Ace Hardware, Tuesday, July 28 NDCC; Wednesday, July 29 Fine Line Designs; Thursday, July 30 Sturgeon Bay Sidewalk Sales in downtown Sturgeon Bay; Friday, July 31 Carroll House Restaurant and Door County Ice Cream Factory; Saturday, August 1 Bill Bastian Bike Ride.

 

And don’t forget about the Bill Bastian Memorial Bike Ride coming up next weekend, Saturday, Aug. 1. Pre-register today for only $15/adult or $10/child to save your spot! You can choose from a 40-mile ride, a 28-mile ride, or a family ride, and you get one free raffle ticket with you registration fee for a chance to win an adult TREK bicycle, and gift certificates from area businesses. Lunch will also be included! Call (920) 854-4244 to register or for more information, or visit our Web site. Registration is also available at 8:30 a.m. the day of the event and is $20/adult and $10/child. 

Raffle tickets are available at all my weekend appearances. Just see my constant shadow Sam and she'll be happy to sell you a ticket. Chances to win yours truly AND $5,000 are only $20. 

Get Smart, Ride Smart

Holy engine exhaust! Things sure have been non-stop all summer! It’s been a busy last few weeks and it doesn’t look like things are going to wind down anytime soon!

 

Since weekends are always the highlight in Door County, this weekend is certainly no exception! Friday night I’ll be at the Door County Ice Cream Factory catching up with the dinner crowd and slurping some soft serve. Saturday, I’ll be super busy at the Summer Cherry Harvest Fest at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Market and Winery in the morning, and on to the Sevastopol Sesquicentennial in the afternoon! I’ll be tuckered out come Sunday, so a nice service at 9 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran in Baileys Harbor will be just the ticket to get me oiled up for Harbor Wear in Egg Harbor later that Sunday. My schedule for the rest of the week will be: Monday, July 20 Fish Creek BP; Tuesday, July 21 NDCC; Wednesday, July 22 Moretti’s; Thursday, July 23 Sister Bay Mobil; Friday, July 24 Pirate’s Cove and Northern Grill; Saturday, July 25 Pipka’s Christmas in July in Sister Bay and Seaquist’s. And remember, you can always listen for my schedule on fm 106.9 The Lodge!

 

Also, everyone at the Center has been gearing up for the Bill Bastian Memorial Bike Ride coming up the first Saturday in August. It sounds like it’s going to be an amazing event, with three routes: a 40-mile, a 28-mile and a family ride. There will be raffle prizes provided by area businesses and water bottles and a brat fry for lunch will be provided for all entrants. Adult participants even get a raffle ticket with their entry fee! Pre-register today for only $15/adult and $10/child to save your spot by calling (920) 854-4244 or click here to print off your pre-registration form and send it in. Registration will also be available the day of the event for $20/adult and $10/child. Registration and check-in will begin at 8 a.m. at Nor-Door Sport & Cyclery in Fish Creek with the ride running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch and the raffle drawing to follow. And don’t you worry. Yours truly will be there to cheer everyone on and congratulate them when they cross the finish line!

 

Don’t forget to get your tickets to win me, Smartie Smart and $5,000. Tickets are only $20 each and are available at local businesses, by going on-line or by calling (920) 854-4244.  

Street Smart

 

Oh man! What a crazy weekend! There was so much to do I think my wheels are still spinning! First, we had a bake sale at Baylake Bank on Friday, and then I went to Mueller’s in Egg Harbor to catch the Friday fireworks crowd. Saturday, I hung out at Baileys Harbor all day with my NDCC friends. We sold cotton candy, popcorn, freeze pops, soda and water. The Cat in the Hat even made an appearance and helped us out by selling cotton candy! I got a picture with him, too! Door County sure knows how to celebrate!

 

I have some fun stuff planned for the next few weeks, too! My schedule is: Wednesday, July 8 DC Deli and Sister Bay concert in the park; Thursday, July 9 Sister Bay Mobil; Friday, July 10 Fun Stuff; Saturday, July 11 Jefferson Street Festival; Sunday, July 12 Carroll House Restaurant; Monday, July 13 The Lodge; Tuesday, July 14 NDCC; Wednesday, July 15 DC Deli; Thursday, July 16 Cook Book; Friday, July 17 Door County Ice Cream Factory; Saturday, July 18 Lautenbach’s Summer Cherry Harvest Festival and Sevastopol Sesquicentennial.

 

In other Center news, Camp Cool is going on a field trip to Chuckee Cheese Thursday. I can’t tell you how jealous I am! I know I’ll have fun hanging out at Fun Stuff, but I’m going to miss playing with the Camp Coolers. We’re also gearing up for another big fundraiser! The Bill Bastian Memorial Bike Ride will be Saturday, Aug. 1 at Nor-Door Sports & Cyclery. It’s going to be miles of fun! There will be several different bike routes available, including one for families, a short bike route and an extended route. Lunch will also be served, with a raffle drawing following. Raffle prizes include: Adult TREK bicycle, a gift certificate to Nor-Door Sports, a gift certificate to Bayshore Outfitters for 2 adult ½ day coastal kayak adventures and a backpack from Ecology Sports. All proceeds will benefit the Center, so pre-register today and save! Pre-registration for adults is $15 or $20 day of. Children are just $10. Visit our Web site for more information and to download a pre-registration form, or call (920) 854-4244.

 

 If you see me around town, feel free to come say hello and check me out (I don’t bite!)! I love making new friends, so don’t be shy! 

Celebrate with Smartie!

Smartie here again!

 

Wow! Has it been a crazy few weeks! The summer’s been heating up and so has my schedule, which is totally awesome. Every weekend it seems there’s something going on – different places to go, new people to see – just my style. And everywhere I go, I’ve made some great friends who bought some raffle tickets and have helped support Northern Door Children’s Center and early childhood care and education.

 

This weekend, the Center is having another scrumptious bake sale at Baylake Bank. That will be Friday, July 3 starting around 10 a.m. Make sure you get there early before all the goodies are gone! I’ll be there too, so please come and say hi! I usually get ignored when chocolate’s in view… Also, later that day I’ll be at the Egg Harbor Fourth of July celebration. Make sure you catch me at Mueller’s before the fireworks start!

 

Also this weekend, we have the huge Fourth of July celebration, of course! I’m supper revved for this one! My brother, Bee Smart, told me how many friends he made last year – and being the competitive sister I am, I just have to out do him! So, whatever you’re planning for the Fourth, make sure you include a stop to the Baileys Harbor Fourth of July celebration and extravaganza, especially a stop by NDCC’s booth and me, the 2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabriolet. We’ll be selling cotton candy, popcorn, ice pops, soda and bottled water (what more could you really need??) at our booth, along with raffle tickets to win me and $5,000! Tickets are only $20 so come on over and play a little!

 

During the week, I’ll be all over the place, so make sure you listen to 106.9 FM The Lodge for my schedule. And here’s a copy for you to print out just in case: Wednesday, July 1 Spielman’s; Thursday, July 2 Nelson’s; Friday, July 3 Baylake Bank bake sale and Mueller’s in Egg Harbor; Saturday, July 4 Bailey’s Harbor; Sunday, July 5 St. Paul’s in Juddville and Harbor Wear in Fish Creek; Monday, July 6 NDCC; Tuesday, July 7 Passtimes Books; Wednesday, July 8 Euphoria Salon; Thursday, July 9 Sister Bay Mobil; Friday, July 10 Fun Stuff and Northern Grill; Saturday, July 11 Jefferson Street Festival in Sturgeon Bay.

 

If you have any community events or celebrations coming up, just give my besties, Sam or Sue, a call at (920) 854-4244, or shoot the Center an e-mail at ndcc1986@hotmail.com. You can also visit our Web site to see what’s up and to learn more about the Center and how early childhood care and education policies, standards, and teachers, AND to order some awesome raffle tickets online.

 

Also, I’m going to give you guys, my special bloggy friends a sneak peak into my schedule for August! Saturday, August 1 is the third annual Bill Bastian Memorial Bike Ride. All of the proceeds raised during this event will benefit the Northern Door Children’s Center! It starts at Nor-Door Cyclery and there are several bike routes offered, including one for families. Pre-registration is encouraged, and the cost is only $15 for those pre-registered, otherwise it is $20 on the day of the event. Lunch will be provided too! Call the Center for more details and to register! 

Change your Smartitude!

Can you feel the buzz in the air? And no, I am not talking about my brother, Bee Smart. Summer is FINALLY here! The weather is warming up and I’m driving around with my top down and windows open! This is the perfect weather to think about buying a raffle ticket to win the perfect summer car – that’s me, the 2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabriolet, and $5,000 for some sweet summer spending cash. It also doubles as your chance to support the Northern Door Children’s Center and early childhood care and education. So, what are you waiting for? Change you Smartitude, dude!

 

Things have been a little chaotic around here with the start of Camp Cool. There are so many kids! It’s fun to see them outside every day playing wiffle ball and tag and riding bikes. Since I’m gone for most of the day, I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like, so you guys have to come visit me and keep me company! Once you get used to that many people around, it’s hard to be all alone!

 

Well, I’m definitely not alone on the weekends, that’s for sure. Everybody loves the weekend, and Smarts are no exception! Sam and Sure have tons of fun events for me to go to and I can’t wait! This weekend we’re going to the Fyr Bal in Ephraim on Saturday and Sunday. We’ll be next to Wilsons (just be careful! Ice cream and leather seats don’t mix so well!), and I’ll be ready and waiting for you! Then, the weekend of the 27^th, we’ll be at Old Ellison Bay Days by the Viking Grill (Sam likes to be where the food is!). And, of course, the weekend after that is the Fourth of July! I’m revved to go and see the fireworks in Egg Harbor on the 3^rd and Baileys Harbor on the 4^th!

 

Well, I’ve told you about the weekends, but how about the rest of my schedule? Here it is: Friday, June 19 Julie’s Café; Saturday, June 20 Fyr Bal (Wilsons); Sunday, June 21 Sister Bay Moravian Church and Fyr Bal; Monday, June 22 FM 106.9 The Lodge; Tuesday, June 23 NDCC; Wednesday, June 24 Voight Autotmotive; Thursday, June 25 Fun Stuff; Friday, June 26 Mainstreet Shops and English Inn; Saturday, June 27 Olde Ellison Bay Days (Viking Grill). And, don’t forget, you can always listen for my schedule of appearances (Oh! Now I sound like a beauty queen!) on FM 106.9 The Lodge. I even make a special cameo on one of the ads. Let me know what you think of my radio debut!

 

And, as always, if you want to make a play date with me and some of your other friends, give my two favorite ladies, Sam or Sue, a call (they don’t mind sharing) at the Center (920) 854-4244 or visit our Web site for more information or to purchase tickets online (they even have Pay Pal!).

 

Don’t forget to drive fast and take chances!

Get Smart - Support Education

Wow! There has been a lot going on at the Center since my last update! We had a bake sale Friday at Baylake Bank in Sistery Bay which was a ton of fun! We had tons of goodies made by parents and Baylake Bank employees. Everything looked so good, and the babies from Sun and Moon Rooms even came to visit! I'm not used to having to share the limelight, but it was worth it to see the babies! They were quite a hit!

I made some new friends this weekend, despite the weather. At least I know these new guys can stick it out through all kinds of Wisconsin weather. My brother, Bee Smart, told me to expect the unexpected when it comes to Wisconsin weather, and I guess he was right (just don't tell him I said so!). 

Last weekend was a lot of fun, but I'm super pumped for this coming weekend! I get to go to the Smart Car Rally in Wisconsin Dells! I'll be down there Friday and I'll have a chance to meet all my brothers and sisters and cousins from the Midwest! How cool is that, it's like one gigantic family reunion! Then, Saturday I'll be at the Steel Bridge Song Fest in Sturgeon Bay, checking out all the cool free music and looking at the art fair. There will also be food (yum!) and beer and wine (don't worry, I'll stay far away!). For more information on the Steel Bridge Song Fest, call (920) 743-5605 or visit their site.

My schedule for the upcoming week is: Thursday, June 11 Sister Bay Mobil; Friday, June 12 Smart Car Rally, Wis Dells; Saturday, June 13 Steel Bridge Song Fest; Sunday June 14 NDCC; Monday, June 15 NDCC; Tuesday, June 16 Fish Creek BP and Harbor Wear in Fish Creek; Wednesday, June 17 DC Deli; Thursday, June 18 Ace Hardware; Friday, June 19 Julie's Cafe; Saturday, june 20 PC Junction.

If you would like a chance to win me, the 2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabriolet and $5,000 cash, call the Center at (920) 854-4244. Tickets are only $20 each! Remember, the Northern Door Children's Center is a non-profit childcare center responsible for fundraising 25 percent of its general operating costs. Please help NDCC continue with the important work they do, providing quality early childhood education and care. Plus, the kids are just so darn cute!

Get Smart - be seen

Hey guys! It's Smartie Smart again! I can't believe it's only been a week since my debut at Maifest. What a crazy last few days!

First of all, I have to say thank you to all the wonderful volunteers, vendors, entertainers and attendees who helped make this year's Spring Gala such a success! It being my first swanky event, I was quite impressed! The basket and Packer raffles were fun and the silent auction went very well. Erin Davisson from Channel 5 helped board member Jen Thompson host the event and Miss Door County Katie Sawyer and Door County Idol Lily Larsen were there to entertain. There was some pretty amazing food and desserts and really excellent wine (or so I've been told!). I did get a chance to make some new friends too, and meet some of the great people who help the Center continue their important work.

Now, it's going to be hard to top the Spring Gala, but we're going to try! This week my schedule is: Monday, June 1, Associated Bank. Tuesday, June 2, Julie's Cafe. Wednesday, June 3, Moretti's. Thursday, June 4, NDCC. Friday, June 5, Baylake Bank in Sister Bay for a BAKE SALE! and Northern Grill for the dinner crowd. Saturday, June 6, Mainstreet Market. And you can always listen for my schedule on 106.9 FM The Lodge. Come find me, check me out (I don't mind!) and buy your tickets! Remember, if you win you get me AND $5,000 cash! Only $20 a ticket with only 4,000 tickets available.

Also, I was surfing the Web recently and found a site that has stories from my brothers' and sisters' owners about how safe we Smarts are. I was a little worried about my siblings, but we're a hardy lot and just about all of them made it out of the accidents with just a few scrapes. Whew!

For five-second updates, follow our tweets on Twitter, or become our friend on Facebook and Myspace. And as always, you can call and talk to Sam or Sue for more information on me and my appearances (920) 854-4244, or check out the Center's Web site.

Tickets available at:

Ace Hardware

Associated Bank - Sister Bay and Bailey's Harbor

Baylake Bank - Ellison Bay, Fish Creek, Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay

Carroll House Restaurant

The Cook Book

DC Deli

Fish Creek BP

Fun Stuff

Harbor Wear - Egg Harbor and Fish Creek

Julie's Cafe

Lamperts

Moretti's Pizza

Nelson's

Nor Door Cyclery

Nordic Lodge

Northern Grill

Passtimes Books

Sister Bay Mobil

Spielman's Kidworks

Top Shelf

Town & Country Mobil

Voight Automotive

Get smart - be safe

From the desk of Smartie Smart...

Wow! What a fun weekend! I was at Jacksonport Maifest for Memorial weekend and I made a ton of new friends. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say "Hi!" and buy a raffle ticket!

While I was meeting and greeting all the folks who decided to stop by, I do have to say I was surprised by how many people just assume because I'm small that means I'm not safe. But if those folks had taken a minute to listen, my friends Sam and Sue would have told them I have the highest available safety rating for front and side impact given by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The smart designers of Mercedes-Benz definitely had your safety in mind when incorporating the tridion safety cell into my framework. This safety cell is like a steel cage, allowing for distribution of crash energy. For more information visit the Smart USA Web site.

Below is a picture of the tridion safety cell. It's basically my skeleton, but a lot stronger than bones!

. flicker.com

Now that we've officially kicked off my "summer tour," (I sound like a rock star!) I'm ready to go! My calendar is all set through the beginning of June, and I've got tons of places to go and people to see! I can't wait, especially since the Spring Gala is this Sunday. It's going to be so much fun! The NDCC is holding their annual Spring Gala at Bjorklunden this year from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The theme is "An evening in Tuscany," with lots of delicious hors d'oeuvres from Door County's excellent chefs, wine sampling and music. A silent auction will be featured offering unique items from the county's art and retail establishments, and there will be several awesome raffle baskets that were put together by each classroom at NDCC. 

My schedule for the next two weeks is: Thursday, May 28 at Top Shelf, Friday, May 29 at 106.9 The Lodge FM and Alexander's, Saturday, May 30 at Sister Bay Mobil and Northern Grill, Sunday, May 31 at NDCC and the Spring Gala at Bjorklunden, Monday, June 1 at Associated Bank, Tuesday, June 2 at Julie's Cafe, Wednesday, June 3 at Moretti's, Thursday, June 4 at NDCC, Friday, June 5 at Baylake Bank (Bake sale!) and Northern Grill, and Saturday, June 6 at Mainstreet Market. You can also listen for a listing of my upcoming appearances at The Lodge, 106.9 FM.

Unfortunately, I don't do birthday parties, but if your business or organization is having an event - let me know! As you've probably already guessed, I'm a pretty social cat, I mean car and I love meeting new people and making new friends. So give my two besties, Sam or Sue a call at (920) 854-42444 and let them know about any shindig you think I'd like. Remember, I'm small so I fit in almost anywhere!

And once again, if you'd like to be my friend and buy a raffle ticket, give the Center a call (920) 854-4244 or visit NDCC online. Tickets are only $20 and are available at several northern Door businesses.

Tickets available at:

Ace Hardware

Associated Bank - Ephraim and Baileys Harbor

Baylake Bank - Ellison Bay, Fish Creek, Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay

Carroll House Restaurant

The Cook Book

Door County Deli

Fish Creek BP

Fun Stuff

Harbor Wear - Egg Harbor and Fish Creek

Julie's Cafe

Lamperts

Moretti's Pizza

Nelson's

Nor Door Cyclery

Nordic Lodge

Northern Grill

Passtimes books

Sister Bay Mobil

Spielman's Kidworks

Top Shelf

Town & County Mobil

Voight Automotive

Smart car... Smarter you!

Hey guys! It's Smartie - the new raffle car for the Northern Door Children's Center annual car raffle. And am I ever excited! My big brother, Bee Smart, was last year's raffle car. He told me that every year the NDCC raffles off a car to help raise money to cover their general operating costs. Tickets are only $20 each for a chance to win Yours Truly and $5,000 cash! Pretty spiffy, huh? 

I've been cooped up in the garage all winter, so believe me when tell you how excited I am about being the new raffle car this summer. I hear there's all kinds of neat stuff planned for me, starting with Maifest in Jacksonport Memorial Day weekend! I've never been to any kind of festival before, but I hear this one has a parade, fair rides, arts and crafts, and people food! I hope there are a lot of people there for me to meet. So far, I've met just about everyone at NDCC, but everyone's busy working and the kids are busy playing and learning. I can't wait to have my own play time! 

My big brother told me that I'd being going to a lot of places around Door County and that it's a really cool place to hang out for the summer. He also said everyone is really nice, so I can't wait to start making friends! The people at NDCC even put together a calendar of events for me so all my new friends will know where to find me! The Lodge 106.9 FM will announce the calendar every two weeks so you can plan ahead . And if you want me to visit your business or come to an event, call me! It's what friends do, after all. The Center's number is (920) 854-4244 and ask for one of my two besties, Sam or Sue. You can also go to www.northerndoorchildrenscenter.org for more information on me, Smartie Smart, and to order tickets! If you win, we'll be best friends, and then I'll have some one to play with all the time! I hope it's you!