The annual Ridge Romp children’s entertainment series starts up again at the Phinney Center on Oct. 3 with an almost-monthly offering of various fun events, from concerts to puppet shows.

The cost is $3 per person (child or adult). PNA members also can buy family passes at the first show for $35 for the whole season (six shows). The first three shows of the season are set. More will be announced soon.

All shows start at 10:30 a.m. in the PNA Community Hall (in the brick building); doors open at 10 a.m. The schedule so far is:

Sat., Oct. 3: The Not-Its!
Sat., Nov. 28: Alleyoop
Sat., Jan. 2, 2010: Caspar Babypants (a.k.a. Chris Ballew of Presidents of the United States of America)

Ridge Romp is a volunteer effort, with all proceeds going back into hiring the performers. They’re looking for some more volunteers, so email the Ridge Romp folks if you want to help.

As a side note, Ballew offered up a personal song to the highest bidder at last May’s PNA Auction. Joyce Lem was thrilled to win, and told me Ballew sent her an autographed CD of the song a month later after one phone call and numerous emails to discuss what the song should be about. Lem says Ballew told her the song, “bold little bird,” might even be included on the next Caspar Babypants CD!

The 65th Street Co-op preschool is holding its gently used kids gear sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, in Community Hall in the brick building.

Cash in on great deals at the Gently Used Sale, hosted by the 65th Street Co-op, a preschool of the PNA. We will be selling high quality, gently used clothes and shoes (newborn – size 6), along with maternity clothing, toys and gear including car seats, strollers, and more. Many items will be half-priced from 12-1 p.m. We’re also accepting tax deductible donations of gently used baby/kids clothes and gear. If interested, please contact angela.collins@comcast.net. For general info about the sale, please contact 65thstcoop@gmail.com.

Parent coach Rebecca Michi will offer a new parenting group at Phinney’s Playmatters. She calls it more than a playgroup and more than a mom’s group.

…allowing the children to play whilst the grown ups enjoy the company of other parents, and the guidance of a parent coach. Every other week Rebecca will give a presentation on different parenting issues we all deal with, such as taming tantrums, sleep issues, sibling rivalry, ditching the pacifier, food without fights and much more.

There are also a whole range of special guest speakers who will come and demonstrate new and exciting products and discuss a whole range of topics. As well as having a parenting expert on hand to answer your questions, you will have unlimited access to Rebecca Michi – Parenting Consultants resource list. This list includes aromatherapists, naturopaths, breastfeeding support, cloth diaper experts, to name a few. Many of these resources will offer my group members discounts on their products or services. You will also have access to a list of questions to ask Nannies and day care centers, as well as an extensive list of groups and classes available in the area.

The groups are open to anyone with children under 3 years old. Space is limited to 10 families per group. The PlayMatters group starts on Sept. 15 and meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Cost is $80 per month, and includes complimentary drinks and snacks.

For more information, contact Rebecca at 206-446-7572 or by email. You can sign up here.

Sally Cote recently took over as owner of playmatters at 7720 Greenwood Ave. N. With an extensive background in child care and teaching, and an 11-month-old son, Alexander, Sally felt playmatters was the perfect fit for her.

For starters I have been working with children since I was 12 years old. I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a teacher, child therapist or something along those lines. I have worked as a volunteer and employee from ages 0-12 (birth through elementary). I have a backround in special needs. I have two associates degrees – one is just a general associates, one is an associates in early childhood special education, certificate in infant and toddler care. Bachelors in Organizational Management with a minor in elementary education. I am currently working on my MBA.

She is extending playmatters’ hours to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The space is available on weekends for birthday parties and other events, and she will be adding some workshops and other activities, such as a daily story time and new monthly themes. She is offering half-price admissions during May.

“I will be changing the floor plan to reflect more of a preschool atmosphere. Also I will be adding an “infant corner” – a space set up for infants who still need tummy time, help sitting, etc.,” she says.

Sally is also looking for someone interested in teaching classes such as art, music or yoga during the summer. Contact Sally or more information.

A new play center is opening in the gym at Emmanuel Bible Church/Calvary Chapel Building at 4900 Dayton Ave. Called SoZo (for “south of the zoo”) Center, it’s for children ages 1-5. Cost is $2. SoZo Center will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

SoZo will have slides, teeter-totters, riding and climbing toys, roller coaster, mini basketball hoops, multi-sized balls and more. It opens Feb. 3 and runs through May.

The national nonprofit writing and tutoring program 826 is publishing a book of practical advice from kids to President-elect Barack Obama. Ten children from 826 Seattle at 8414 Greenwood Ave. N. contributed to the book, “Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kids’ Letters To President Obama.”

The book is available beginning on Jan. 20th, Inauguration Day, and 826 Seattle is having a big party Saturday, Jan. 24 from 1-3 p.m. The children’s advice covers serious topics such as the economy and war, but also provides a lighter side:

“I really hope you put America back together. No pressure though.” – Sheenie Shannon Yip, age 13

 ”You are just like a big me.” – Avante Price, age 7

“When you move into the White House, turn on the heater so it won’t be cold. You could also take hot baths in your new antique bathtubs. Or you could make hot tea and coffee.” – Nazrawit Dessie, age 7

The book will be available for purchase at the party, and all proceeds benefit 826 Seattle. The local young authors will be on hand to sign copies and read from the book.