May 31, 2005 > Kids love Club Noggin

by Ceri Hitchcock-Hodgson

Grab your preschooler and head to NewPark Mall for the latest in kid's entertainment - Club Noggin, an hour-long playtime geared toward preschoolers age three to six.

Noggin, a commercial-free educational television channel dedicated to preschoolers, created Club Noggin to provide free, fun and interactive experiences. About 100 malls around the country, managed by General Growth Properties, now have Club Noggin with the promise of more to follow.

A typical club meeting starts with a hula-hoop session followed by exuberant singing led by WB Television personalities Lori & RJ (performers Lori MoitiŽ and RJ Johnson). The children then sit down for a story or sing-a-long by the WB duo. Additional activities are supervised by Ohlone College student volunteers. "Our last kid's club was more entertainment. This one is much more education-oriented," said NewPark Mall Marketing Manager Carrie Williams. Following the hour-long session, parents receive discounts at various retailers throughout the mall.

"This is a community center," Williams said about the mall's role in the Tri-City Area. "We want people to come, bring their kids and participate in free activities."

Although on-site registration is available before each session, early registration at Customer Service or by visiting www.newparkmall.com is recommended. Club Noggin meets the last Thursday of each month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on the mall's lower level in front of Target.

NewPark Mall is located at 2086 NewPark Mall Rd in Newark. For more information, call: (510) 794-5523.