STEPH DEROSA: CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF TACOMA >>>

My editor wants me to shy away from schmoopy kid stuff for this alternative newsweekly blog. You know what? Screw him.

Since my days as a YMCA camp counselor, long before my days of mommy-hood, I’ve been a huge Children’s Museum of Tacoma fan. I remember the Children’s Museum before it was on Broadway. Back when there was a tiny alley entrance off Court C, just behind the Rialto. The love for children, community and playfulness that the CMT has always had just seems to bust out of any space they are confined to. They keep growing, building, and searching for that bigger and better venue to keep their thousands of fans (like myself) busy and happy with positive learning through play.

Amongst other key fundraisers the CMT has throughout the year: Playing Under the Stars dinner auction and Gingerbread Jamboree family event, I’ve attended their Power of Play Luncheon a few times in my past. Every time I’m enlightened and motivated to make this world a better place for the future of our children. (I bet you now have Whitney Houston stuck in your head.)

I attended the Power of Play Lunch last Wednesday held in the Bicentennial Pavilion at the Hotel Murano. The luncheon simultaneously raises awareness of early learning in our community and raises critical dollars for the Children's Museum of Tacoma. The CMT must’ve caught on to my celebrity-ness because they respectfully put me at the farthest table away from the speaker, tucked into the back corner. You know, so the paparazzi wouldn’t bother me.

A perfect chicken salad was served before Washington’s very own Gov. Christine Gregoire addressed us. She humbly spoke of her parenting memories and encouraged everyone to support the CMT and what they represent. I was trying really hard to pay attention, but my naughty seat buddy, Cynthia Tanis of Parent Map, kept distracting me by passing notes and giggling uncontrollably.  

Somewhere amongst the adult play next to me, I managed to catch Gregoire’s words: “For every $1 the state spends on early childhood education, we get $7 back,” and “ By seventh grade teachers can tell a difference between a child who was in full day kindergarten and who wasn’t,” and “Teachers of early childhood education are professionals, not babysitters.” Preach on Gregoire, preach on!

Next up was Charley Bingham. Bingham was this year’s Power of Play Luncheon chair. He’s also a retired VP of Weyerhaeuser. After warming up to us about his memories of fatherhood, Mr. Bingham presented Rick Allen, president of United Way of Pierce County, the Pierce County’s Great Friend to Kids Award. Mr. Allen credited those around him who work the hardest, “I don’t do any work. I’m the Chief Cheerleader.”

Finally Tanya Andrews, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, stepped up to fill us in on the skinny of CMT. Here’s what I learned:

• Hopefully there will be news in the New Year about the CMT’s new space in Tacoma.
• You can check out free passes to the CMT at the library. (And they get used a lot, according to Ms. Andrews.)
• $42K was used last year to help with the 35 percent of people who attend the museum for free. (Thanks to the fund-raising!)
• In four weeks the CMT will launch a new program called “Play to Learn,” a weekly drop-in playtime that is actually brought TO the neighborhoods. You know, not everyone can make it down to Broadway so easily.
• This fall/winter “Play to Learn” will outreach the neighborhoods of Hilltop, Lakewood, Spanaway, and Parkland.
• Come springtime, the “Play to Learn” program will grow by 3 times it’s size and into it’s full scale.
• A large portion of childcare is unlicensed. Parents rely on family, friends and neighbors. Although quality childcare, these caregivers are usually unaware of necessary group play and social development that children need. This being the reason CMT will be bringing it to the neighborhoods.

Take the time to support our Children’s Museum and look for this holiday season’s Gingerbread Jamboree. Most importantly, don’t ever forget those profound Whitney Houston lyrics, “ I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way …”

Gotcha again. You’ll be singing that stuff all day. You can thank me later.

LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment calendar