Roundabout has several things going these days, the first of which is great for families wanting to get their children more involved in charities. Introducing Roundabout Juniors, children 8-12 years old, who wish to help people less fortunate than themselves. The juniors will assist in a variety of ways, such as counting coins in the donation boxes to making sure games and puzzles have all their pieces intact. The juniors will be educated on what they are doing and for what cause, seeing photos afterwards of how their participation helped others in need. It’s a worthwhile experience, hopefully inspiring lifelong charitable work! Three sessions each Saturday (during the school season) will last one hour long, and a commitment to serve is required. The first session began this weekend, but it’s never too late to get involved. Interested Roundabout Juniors may apply by e-mailing for a form: Roundaboutchina@gmail.com.
Dulwich College Beijing is host of the next Roundabout Book Fair, Saturday, April 27 from 10am-3pm. If you have books to donate (especially children’s books!), drop them off at Roundabout at any time.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner (May 12, for those of you who need a reminder), and at least one venue in the Shunyi area is prepping to pamper moms! Visit Green T. House Living on Mother’s Day Sunday from 11am-3pm for a special indulgence! Enjoy a family brunch and browse amongst the private retail vendors. At the same time, have a head and shoulder massage, visit a make-up artist, and take advantage of family photo portraits available at that time. Kids will be entertained and moms will be treated royally. Reservations required: e-mail events@green-t-house.com or call 136 0113 7232.
Beijing Playhouse always features a summer drama camp, and this year it’s set up for July 1-13. All who audition get a part in Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. To register, email performance@beijingplayhouse.com.
Those families in Beijing for the summer might consider Claire’s Music Studio’s Percussion Summer Camp for a great, creative activity! Experience the colorful Latin, African and Middle East drum world, as well as the unique Kung Fu Street Dance. Three sessions at Euro Plaza are June 10-14, June 17-21 and July 1-5, from 10am-4:45pm for students six years old and older. Call 8046 1368 or 188 1075 5578 for more information.
Springtime is the perfect time to have family photos taken beside the fresh blooms on the trees outside. Shot with natural lighting, Not an Illusion Photography specializes in outdoor photography for your entire family! Spring specials (until June 15) include a 10% discount and a photo album or framed print, as well as free transportation within the Beijing Riviera/Yosemite/River Garden areas. Visit www.notanillusionproductions.com/photography or e-mail for an appointment at notanillusion@me.com.
Have you noticed a change at Pinnacle Plaza? The stores on the very end where the tailor used to be – and the others that have been vacant for quite some time – are now GONE. Flattened. Rumor has it that a German Bakery is going to go in there, although time will tell.
