Pam Hegner

Pam has worked as a tv producer/writer at the local and national level for over 15 years. Covering events such as the World Series and Final Four fulfilled childhood dreams; as was taking a break from her career to stay home and raise her young son. She is a proud graduate of the Indiana University School of Journalism in Bloomington, Indiana. A long-time city dweller, (Atlanta and NYC) Pam now adores her home in central CT. She loves blogging about the beauty and culture the Nutmeg State offers for families.
You can also follow Pam on Google+.

Latest posts by Pam

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend December 29-31: Kwanzaa, New Year's, Shrek & Sea Lions

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Mon, 12/24/2012 - 8:43pm

The latter part of 2012 has been difficult for Nutmeggers. The tragedy in Newtown and Hurricane Sandy's wrath has left many of us picking up the pieces of our lives, and others searching for ways to help those in need. For suggestions, check out our post on Ways to Help Sandy Hook Elementary School and the Newtown Community.

As we turn to 2013, let us all be grateful for our blessings and hope for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. We at Mommy Poppins CT are thankful for our readers and will continue being your top resource for events around the state.

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend December 15-16; Santa, Lights & Hanukkah Nights

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 12/12/2012 - 6:26pm

I have such fond memories of my childhood playing dreidel, lighting the menorah and eating latkes during Hanukkah. Yet, I didn't grow up in a Jewish household. I was fortunate to have many friends who shared their traditions with me.

This is the perfect time of year to expose your children to holiday diversity, so they can have an appreciation for others. The World Holiday Song and Dance in New Britain showcases music and dance from different cultures.

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend December 1-2: Tree Lightings, Santas, Gingerbread and Gifts

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 11/28/2012 - 1:41pm

Are yours real or fake? In my house, real.

Most Americans prefer the real thing too. Over 30 million live Christmas trees were purchased last year. This is three times more than fake ones, according to a National Christmas Tree Association/Harris Interactive poll. In the 1930's, the Addish Brush Company created the modern-day artificial variety, based on the toilet brushes they manufactured. That image makes me pine for the real thing.

Connecticut has many farms where you can cut your own or buy pre-cut trees. We've done the homework, so check out our posts on Christmas Tree Farms in Hartford County, Fairfield County and Litchfield County.

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend November 3-4: Santas, Scarecrows & Parades

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 10/31/2012 - 4:00pm

Many CT families are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. We at Mommy Poppins wish our readers a smooth recovery and power restored quickly. Towns such as New Haven, West Haven, East Haven, Fairfield, Orange and Milford have delayed trick-or-treating until November 7.

If you are able to get out of the house this weekend, we have some activities that will lift your spirits and give your kids a fun diversion. Just be sure to call before you go to make sure the event hasn't been canceled. While out and about be very careful of downed power lines and loose tree limbs.

Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend September 22-23; Fairs, Festivals, Fishing & Flying Wallendas

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Thu, 09/20/2012 - 9:15am

With cooler temperatures upon us, fall is the perfect time to spend quality time enjoying nature and the beauty of our state.

Apple picking is a rite of fall in New England. Check out our posts on Pick-Your-Own-Apple Orchards in Eastern CT, apple picking with toddlers in Fairfield County, and Apple-Picking Orchards in Hartford County. This year's unpredictable weather has been tough on local apple crops, so get out and support the farmers by visiting them for fruit, donuts, hayrides, animals and more. Fall Fairs and Festivals abound and we've listed some great ones in Hartford County.

Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend September 8-9: Fairs, Farms, Folk Music, Fried Dough & Furried Friends

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 7:21pm

Most of us are in full back-to-school mode, mired in homework and carpooling to lessons and sports. However, cherished autumn events are starting to take place from the northwest corner to the eastern shore. Don't miss out on the fun this weekend!

Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend: Fiddles, Fine Arts, Flowers and Four Wheelers

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 07/25/2012 - 8:39am

Last Sunday I took my 4-year-old son to the Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, where we enjoyed seeing the Destiny Africa Children's Choir. He loved the drums, dancing and voices, and studies have shown that creativity increases in people who are exposed to different cultures. Connecticut is a diverse state with many ethnicities represented. How about introducing your family to something new this weekend?

Free and Fun Things to Do With Kids in CT This Weekend: Baseball, Berries, Boats and Banjos

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Tue, 07/10/2012 - 10:09pm

One of the things I love about Connecticut is the variety of terrain in such close proximity. From hiking in the Litchfield Hills, to frolicking on the beaches of New London County; the activities are endless and it is feasible to enjoy more than one in a single day. This weekend is packed with wonderful events, so your family can be adventurous exploring the state.