Happy New Year to everyone! I hope your 2008 is a wonderful,
adventure-filled year.

Welcome to this week's "Gish Picks", where I highlight family-oriented cultural events, products or services. Please note that I "highlight" these events, but I don't know if they are appropriate for your particular children, so choose wisely based on age, maturity and interests.

I know many of you go to events based on GISH PICKS recommendations; PLEASE remember to tell the organization that you are there because of us. Word-of-mouth like yours helps our business to grow. In the same spirit, please also feel free to share GISH PICKS with friends and families.

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Now, GO FIND FUN!

THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH THEIR MONTHLY "FAMILY
FLICKS" THIS WEEKEND.

"The Red Balloon" and "White Mane" will be screened for families at the Museum of Fine Arts this Sunday, January 6, at 2pm. Some of the cinema’s most beloved films for young people were the product of France’s Albert Lamorisse, a photographer-turned-filmmaker (and inventor of the board game Risk) whose unique ability to tell stories visually, with a minimum of dialogue, spawned a worldwide following. Lamorisse’s most celebrated film is his 34-minute Oscar-winning "The Red Balloon" (1956), in which a lonely young boy (played by the director’s son) is befriended by a bright red balloon which obediently follows him everywhere – even when the balloon’s “life” may be at risk. In "White Mane" (1952), a young boy comes across a wild horse in a spectacular area in the south of France. When the horse eludes the attempts of ranchers to capture it, the boy sets out to find the magnificent white-haired horse on his own. The "White Mane" English-language narration was written by James Agee. These films are being shown as part of the Museum of Fine Arts' "Target Free First Sundays" in which there is free admission to the museum on the first Sunday of every month, along with family-friendly programs that include musical performances, artist workshops, "Family Flicks" films, and more.

For more information, call 713.639.7515 or log onto www.mfah.org.

KIDS WILL HAVE FUN WITH "BEAD DOODLES" THIS WEEKEND.

This Saturday, January 5, from 11am until 3pm, join Houston Center for Contemporary Craft for "Hands-On Houston", a free craft-activity open house for the whole family on the first Saturday of every month. HCCC teaching artist Marguerite Belkin will lead children and adults in creating "Bead Doodles", fun and colorful jewelry pieces made from recycled paper. Participants will use leftover holiday wrapping, magazines or comics to make their very own bead doodle necklace or pin inspired by jewelry from "Women's Tales: Four Leading Israeli Jewelers", which is on view through January 20, 2008. Supplies will be provided.

After creating a piece of jewelry, participants are invited to visit "Women’s Tales" in the main galleries and "Flights of Fancy" by the Texas Association of Original Doll Artists in the Artist Hall. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is located at 4848 Main Street in the Museum District.

For more information, call 713.529.4848 or log onto www.crafthouston.org.

VISIT THE SHRINE OF THE BLACK MADONNA FOR A CHILDREN'S STORYTIME THIS
SATURDAY.

It’s time for storytelling, fun, and games at the Shrine Bookstore and Cultural Center this Saturday, January 5 at noon. Young listeners will take a fantastic journey through history with some of the nation's most beloved heroes and heroines. The Shrine of the Black Madonna™ Cultural Center & Bookstore (“The Shrine™”) is one of the nation’s largest and oldest black-owned bookstores, with locations in Detroit, Atlanta and Houston. The Shrine™ Bookstore is a non-profit institution that opened in 1970 with the goal of showcasing the creative talents of artists and authors of African descent and empowering people through educational workshops and cultural events. It is located at 5309 Martin Luther King Boulevard. Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult in the store for the storytime event.

For more information, call 713.645.1071 or log onto www.shrinebookstore.com.

HOPE STONE, INC. IS OFFERING TWO FULL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THEIR CAPOEIRA DANCE CLASS FOR BOYS 7-12 YEARS OLD.

"Capoeira" is an Afro-Brazilian martial art, game, and culture created by enslaved Africans in Brazil during the 16th Century. Participants form a roda (circle) and take turns playing instruments, singing, and dancing in the center of the circle. It's a great dance form for active young boys and is one of the most popular classes at Hope Stone. It's offered on Mondays at 4pm and the spring semester starts January 14.

TO WIN A SCHOLARSHIP, GO TO MY COMPANY'S WEBSITE, WWW.GISHCREATIVE.COM/CLIENTSVCS.HTM, AND EMAIL ME A PARAGRAPH ABOUT HOW HAVING YOUR CHILD TAKING A CAPOEIRA CLASS CAN RELATE TO FINDING ONE'S PASSION AS TAUGHT IN MY "I CAN FLY!" WORKSHOPS DETAILED ON MY WEBSITE. ONLY THE WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY RETURN EMAIL.

Hope Stone, Inc. is located at 1210 W. Clay and is an organization consisting of the choreographic endeavors of Artistic Director Jane Weiner; Hope Stone Dance Company, a dance and theater ensemble; and Kid’s Play, an artistic outreach venue for children and youth at risk.

For more information, call 713.526.1907 or log onto www.hopestoneinc.org.

JANUARY IS A GREAT TIME TO EAT HEALTHIER AND TO TAKE THE FAMILY TO HOUSTON'S LOCAL MARKETS.

If you're tired of soggy strawberries or old veggies, there are many great markets that help families buy local and eat seasonal produce. Enjoy my list and shop in good health! (And don't forget to tell the vendors that I sent you.)

• Central City Co-Op (www.centralcityco-op.org)
  Wednesdays, 9am until 6:30pm, 2115 Taft Street
  Saturdays, 9am until 2pm, 1705 California Street
  
  
• Houston Farmer's Market (www.houstonfarmersmarket.com)
  Tuesdays, 3:30 until 7pm, Rice University
  Saturdays, 8am until noon, 3106 White Oak
  
  
• Bayou City Farmer's Market (www.urbanharvest.org)
  Wednesdays, 4 until 7pm, 3000 Richmond
  Saturdays, 8am until noon, 3000 Richmond
  
  
• Midtown Farmer's Market (www.tafia.com)
  Saturdays, 8am until noon, 3701 Travis
  
  
• Tuv Ha'Aretz
  (www.jcchouston.org/index.php?submenu=judaic_interest&src=gendocs&ref
  =Tuv_Haaretz&category=Judaic)
  This is not a market, but a Community-Supported Agriculture Project (CSA)
  that brings the freshest organic vegetables to the Jewish Community Center
  each week. "Tuv Ha'aretz" means both "good for the land" and "the best of
  the land" and is a program that offers education and produce to its members.
  Registrations are being accepted through January 15.

Sarah Gish
Gish Creative
1940-A Fountainview, PMB 116
Houston, Texas 77057
phone/fax: 713.532.1173

email: sarah@gishcreative.com
web: www.gishcreative.com
and: www.thesummerbook.com
and: www.saveourlandmarks.org

© 2008 Sarah Gish

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