The Red Cat

A new children's book by Fairfield Mom, Nancy Fabian:

About the book: "Mindy was a loving cat. She loved to play and run, like most cats do. But Mindy was a little different. Mindy was a Red cat. Mindy felt she was no different than anyone else but it was hard for her to fit in at school. She needed a way to show her classmates she was the same as them. Mindy finds a way to reach her classmates and along the way learns a valueable lesson about being different, being the same and getting along with others, she will never forget."

Buy the book!

MomsTown Review:  I read this book to my 5 year old and 2 1/2 year old sons last night at bedtime.  The book is definitely geared toward elementary aged children. My 2 1/2 year old enjoyed the book, but was a bit too young for its underlying message.  My 5 year old also listened attentively to the book and enjoyed the colorful and animated illustrations.  But I think the best part about the book was the conversation that ensued after we finished.  I asked my 5 year old several questions about the book to assess his level of understanding, and he definitely got the message.  We talked together about differences people may have on the outside.  And most importantly, we talked about the sameness we share with all people that exists on the inside of everyone we meet.  It was a wonderful talk and I thank Nancy for bringing us this book, which stemmed from her own personal experience. - Andrea Krollman, Fairfield MomsTown 8/31/10

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Geocaching: A Great Way To Get Outdoors
By Chuck Fitzgerald



If you’re tired of hiking the same trail or picnicking at the same park, then Geocaching may be exactly what you’re looking for. Geocaching, pronounced gee-o-cashing, is the high tech version of a treasure hunt.  Armed with nothing but a handheld GPS unit and a thirst for excitement, you’re off for new adventures and the likelihood of finding a hidden cache.

Here’s how it works.  Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache.  So to geocache, you’ll need a handheld GPS receiver. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is the only system today able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. GPS satellites, 24 in all, orbit at over 11,000 miles above the Earth.  The satellites transmit signals that can be detected by anyone with a GPS receiver.  Using the receiver, you can determine your location with great precision.  But just as important, you’ll be able to locate other things too, such as a geocache.  There are a variety of GPS receiver models to choose from starting at about $100.

Once you’ve got a GPS unit, you’ll need to know where the caches are hidden (hint: they’re everywhere).  When a cache is hidden, the cache’s coordinates are submitted to a website for all to see (www.geocaching.com).  Enter the coordinates into your GPS and you’re ready to go. Did I mention there are more than 1,000,000 caches in over 200 countries?

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Armed with a GPS and the coordinates, how tough can it be? In an urban area, easy access is typically available in the way of roads and trails.  But what about on a mountain? What if there aren’t roads nearby?  It’s entirely possible to be a few hundred feet from something and not be able to reach it (across a river or two hundred feet below the cliff you’re on are good examples).  After you try to find a few caches, you’ll understand a number of the nuances of actually finding the cache.  That’s the fun part.  Once you find the cache, there are a couple of simple rules. Sign the logbook and if you take something from the cache, be sure to leave something.

But what about placing a cache?  That’s fun too.  Just be sure to follow the rules as outlined at www.geocaching.com.  Once you’re a seasoned geocacher, you’ll try your hand at travel bugs, geo-teaming and benchmark hunting.

If you have only a couple hours to search for a cache, try to find one that is close by. If you have a couple days, take a family trip and make an overnight adventure out of it. Using your GPS along with your sense of adventure, you are bound to spend more time out of doors with people you enjoy. What could be better? Get Outdoors!

Momstown Tips from Stephanie in Portsmouth, RI- There is a geocaching application for the Iphone.  I bought the Geomate Junior for my son on Amazon for his birthday.  It is an affordable basic unit for kids.  We have had a fantastic time exploring new caches on Aquidneck Island with this unit.  A note for beginners...be sure check the geocaching website for an easy first cache and don't forget the bug spray!

Chuck Fitzgerald is Owner and President of Phoenix, Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information to outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter "FreshAir” or call (800) 316-9055 .