1 . THE BOB BAKER MARIONETTES COME TO YOU!
Book a marionette (牵线木偶) show to come to your backyard, neighborhood park, school, or simply anywhere there’s fun to be had! For over 55 years, the Bob Baker Marionettes (BBMT) have been taking their show on the road, and they can’t wait to come to YOU! We have several choices to suit any size celebration or event.
One-Man Show ($350)
·25-minute performance
·A single performer and 12 marionettes perform a set variety show of endless joy!
·Space Required: 10 ft × 15 ft
Two-Man Show ($650)
·25-minute performance
·Two performers and 25 marionettes help you create amazing memories!
·Several theme options (主题选项): Something to Crow About, The CIRCUS, and Hallowe’en SpOoKtAcUlAr!
·Space Required: 15 ft ×20 ft
Notes:
·Please make your show request at least 3 weeks in advance.
·For all show options, the travel fee is included for the first 25 miles! Distances over 25 miles from our Highland Park location will incur (带来) an additional travel fee of $50 flat.
All shows are self-contained. The show is done to a pre-recorded tape. We’ll bring the speaker system; we just ask for a power outlet (电源插座). After the show, we pride ourselves on showing off the historic and beautiful marionettes, and answering questions from our audience!
For Birthday Celebrations, our marionettes will bring a gift to celebrate the birthday person, and sing “Happy Birthday” along with the audience!
READY TO BOOK A BOB BAKER TRAVELING SHOW? Please send us a message!
1. How much should people pay for a two-man show performed 30 miles from BBMT?| A．$350. | B．$400. | C．$650. | D．$700. |
| A．A square room. | B．A power outlet. |
| C．A tape recorder. | D．A speaker system. |
| A．Try out the marionettes. |
| B．Sing with the marionettes. |
| C．Get a present from the marionettes. |
| D．Choose his favorite marionettes to perform. |
2 . The Central Museum in the Netherlands launched a unique project this month, titled “The Blind Spot,” in a push to enhance accessibility and enjoyment for the visually impaired. This exhibit goes beyond traditional art experiences by recreating well-known paintings with additional dimensions, integrating elements like sound and smell—including the fragrance of ripe cheese. Unlike typical museum rules, visitors are encouraged to touch the artworks.
The project involves the copies of famous paintings, with the addition of representative elements that can be heard or smelled. Visitors, including those with visual impairments, can truly engage with the art, as touchable elements have been integrated. Sighted visitors are even encouraged to wear blindfolds to fully immerse themselves in the experience of works like “Stil life with fruits, nuts, and cheese” by Floris Claesz van Dijck from 1610 and “Stil life (Bowl with apples)” by Bart van der Leck.
The art experience was the brainchild of artist Jasper Cate and designer Jeroen Prins. The inspiration struck when the two were serving food alongside artwork at a food performance event. It took root when a blind woman attending the event expressed being profoundly moved by the experience. “That moment became the starting point,” said Cate.
Visitor Farid El Manssouri clearly enjoyed his experience. A smile lit up his face as he explored the touching elements of cheese, grapes, and bread, all part of the representation of the famous 1610 painting by Floris van Dyck. Sharing his impressions, El Manssouri remarked, “The first thing that struck me was the smell. I could truly sense the scent of the cheese, and I even touched it.” El Manssouri wondered how the food items managed to stay in their seemingly unbalanced positions. “It was incredible. I suppose it was securely attached,” he wowed.
Steffie Maas, the museum’s director, stated that Blind Spot was just one trial on the path to further improvements, emphasizing that improved accessibility and facilities are equally crucial as the exhibition itself.
1. What do we know about the Blind Spot exhibition?| A．It offered visitors ripe cheese to taste. |
| B．It challenges conventional museum practices. |
| C．It encouraged deaf visitors to wear blindfolds. |
| D．It only accepted blind and partially sighted visitors. |
| A．The inspiration for the art experience. | B．The brainchild of the director. |
| C．The food performance event. | D．Food alongside artwork. |
| A．The sense of touch. | B．The smell of the grapes. |
| C．The firm attachment of the food items. | D．The creation procedure of the paintings. |
| A．Comparison with other museum exhibitions. |
| B．More efforts to improve visitors’ experience. |
| C．Detailed analysis of the artworks in Blind Spot. |
| D．Challenges faced during the exhibition preparation. |
3 . Strawberry U-Pick at the Boyd Farm
Strawberry U-Pick Season is starting! For now, we are open Monday to Friday from 10 a. m. to 3: 30 p. m. and every weekend from 9 a. m. to 5: 30 p. m. !
Not only do we have our u-pick strawberry fields, we also have fresh produce, prepicked strawberries, snacks and other farm goodies for you to buy. We also have lots of fun activities for the family—hayride with the cows, horse ride, animals to pet and feed, swings, slide, sand pile, corn hole, corn pile and more!
AdmissionAdmission is $5/person (3 and under free)
Admission includes:
◆Access to u-pick fields
◆Access to swings, corn hole, sand pile, slide, corn pile and petting zoo
◆1 pound of free-to-take-home strawberries
Admission does not include:
◆Hayride with the cows—$5/person
◆Horse ride—$3/person
◆Animal feed—$2/cup
Important information
★Please don’t leave children unattended in strawberry fields and please don’t walk on the plant beds.
★We recommend bringing something to carry berries home to cut down on waste, but we will have plastic bags if needed.
★Usually strawberry season runs through April. This is entirely weather dependent, however.
★We recommend sunscreen / hat / water / closed-toed shoes!
★Pets are not allowed in the fields due to Food Safety regulations.
1. When is the Boyd Farm open to the public in April?
| A．9 a. m. Monday. | B．5 p. m. Tuesday. |
| C．4p. m. Friday. | D．10 a. m. Sunday. |
| A．Hayride. | B．Horse ride. |
| C．Corn pile. | D．Feeding animals. |
| A．Bringing their pets. | B．Wearing open-toed shoes. |
| C．Playing in strawberry fields. | D．Taking their own strawberry containers. |
4 . Tips for First-Time Campers
Nature provides for us in a variety of ways, whether we recognize these gifts or not. But nature isn’t just there for us to explore.
Be Prepared: What to Take Camping
While the saying “always be prepared” is a noble enough guideline for activities like hiking and camping, sometimes, less is more. But depending on the area where you’re staying, the weather can be unpredictable,
If you’re hiking, be sure to bring plenty of clean water along, as well as nutritious foods to keep you going. For coffee, cheap instant coffee packets can lessen the mess. You may also be able to use running water or river stones to keep items cooler longer (or simply use a thermos).
Do Your Research
Become familiar with different trees and what they offer. Some trees provide wood that’s good for whittling and making walking sticks and canes. Some wood is good for starting fires, while other wood is good for keeping them going.
I don’t like to hunt or party; I enjoy simply sitting on a sand bar at dawn, watching the mist rise from the water. I see and hear all kinds of wildlife, such as deer, owls, bats, birds, squirrels, and beavers. I listen for the beavers making splashes at night with their wide, flat tails. I hear coyotes howling at night too. I’ve seen cottonmouth snakes and even panther tracks! I love the serenity and the small thrills, the kinds of experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.
| A．Go hunting |
| B．Enjoy Nature |
| C．you may have to finish your homework |
| D．and one small hole in your tent can leave you a sleepless mess |
| E．Wherever you live, there are plenty of free areas you can visit |
| F．Other trees may provide nuts and fruits, such as pecans, mulberries, and persimmons |
| G．By following these tips for first-time campers, anyone can engage with nature in a more grateful way |
5 . Williams is a creative and cultural place. There’re many opportunities to engage with world-class scholars, speakers, artists and performers.
Dance Workshop: Dunham Technique, Afro-modern Dance
Saroya Corbett, Bolin Fellow of Dance, will share her professional knowledge in Dunham Technique, an Afro-modern dance technique, with the Williams community. As a qualified instructor and life-long practitioner of Dunham Technique, Saroya will discuss the dance technique as an all-sided practice and the work of Katherine Dunham, the technique’s creator.
Date: Thur., Oct.26, 2023 Venue: ‘62 Center for Theatre & Dance
Midweek Music
Bring a friend and enjoy our popular midday and midweek concert series. Williams student musicians value the atmosphere of Midweek Music and use it to try out something new, show off something that doesn’t fit in other concert formats, or just to have some fun. Instructors are encouraged to have their students present themes together, and the impromptu (即兴的) mini-lecture can also be part of the enjoyment.
Date: Wed., Nov.8, 2023 Venue: Thompson Memorial Chapel
Zambezi Marimba (木琴) Band — Family Days Concert
The Zambezi Marimba Band features danceable and sweet marimba music from Zambia and Zimbabwe. More a joyous celebration than just a concert, the band wins over every audience with its energy. This is an event for the whole family.
Date: Sat., Oct. 28, 2023 Venue: Chapin Hall
Williams Jazz Day — Noon to Night
Williams Jazz Day is a new way to present the college’s active jazz scene. Fans can look forward to a number of smaller bands and a mix of soloists (独奏者), guests, and presentations. The guest group will be Sarah Hanahan Quartet — alto sax, piano, bass, drums.
Noon-2 p.m.: Two fantastic student bands are playing in Baxter Great Hall.
7:30-10:30 p.m. evening concert: Featured guest group Sarah Hanahan Quartet, student bands, and the Williams Jazz Orchestra led by director Kris Allen.
Date: Sat., Nov.4, 2023 Venue: Chapin Hall
1. Where will the Afro-modern dance technique be discussed?| A．At Chapin Hall. | B．At Baxter Great Hall. |
| C．At ‘62 Center for Theatre Dance. | D．At Thompson Memorial Chapel. |
| A．Calm and peaceful. | B．Wild and crazy. |
| C．Mysterious and fantastic. | D．Relaxed and informal. |
| A．Listen to mini-lectures. | B．Dance to marimba music. |
| C．Watch active jazz shows. | D．Learn some performing skills. |
6 . Chicago Botanic Garden Events
Whether you’re attending the hands-on workshop at the Midwest Fruit Explorers or admiring artfully arranged daffodils (水仙花) at the Midwest Daffodil Society Show, you’re bound to take home plenty of inspiration for your home garden as you enjoy the best shows at Chicago Botanic Garden. Here are some of the Chicago flower and garden shows that you won’t want to miss this spring.
●Midwest Fruit Explorers
The Midwest Fruit Explorers presents this hands-on workshop with step-by-step instructions on how to graft (嫁接) and care for fruit trees.
When: March 31 — April 10, 1 p.m.— 4 p.m.
●Midwest Daffodil Society Show
The Midwest Daffodil Society Show puts hundreds of daffodils on exhibition that will be judged by the society. The show includes flower design and photography competitions.
When: April 22 — 28, 10 a.m. — 4: 30 p.m.
●Ikebana International Show
The Ikebana International Show presents an exhibition of traditional Japanese flower arranging.
When: May 11 — 19, 9 a.m. — 3: 30 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday only)
●Gardeners of the North Shore
The Gardeners of the North Shore hosts this annual show. This show includes a judged exhibition with more than 500 entries of anything that a home gardener can grow, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, and house plants.
When: June 27 — 30, 9 a.m. — 4: 30 p.m.
Garden tours & trams:
Enjoy a tram tour for an overview of popular areas. Return each season to experience different views.
| Prices | Members | Non-members |
| Adults | $7 | $8 |
| Children (3 — 12 years) | $5 | $6 |
| Children (2 and under) | Free | Free |
| 10-visit pass | $50 | $60 |
Accessibility at the garden:
※Service animals are welcome. No pets please.
※Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent in the Visitor Center on a first come, first served basis. The following fees apply: members: $15, non-members $20. ECVs will not be rented for indoor use.
※Wheelchairs are available free at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center.
Daily Hours: 8 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Garden View Cafe: 8 a.m. —4 p.m.
Garden Shop: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
1. What can visitors do at the Midwest Daffodil Society Show?| A．Grow house plants indoors. |
| B．Learn about fruit tree planting. |
| C．Take part in the photography competition. |
| D．Admire traditional Japanese flower arranging. |
| A．$14. | B．$16. | C．$19. | D．$22. |
| A．Renting ECVs for indoor use. |
| B．Visiting the garden with their pets. |
| C．Using wheelchairs for free if they need. |
| D．Having free coffee from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
7 . Imagine carrying in a fish that is longer than your height. Each winter, thousands of people attempt to spear (用矛刺) a huge fish out of Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Th season begins on the second Saturday in February and lasts for 16 days. Hundreds of families take part in the annual sturgeon-spearing adventure.
Olivia Mathwig, a 12-year-old from Fond du Lac, was one of the successful hunters who landed a sturgeon during her first year of eligibility (资格). The sturgeon she caught was 84 pounds and 69.5 inches(176.5 cm).
Olivia is a member of the extended Muche family, a long line of sturgeon hunters. The family started spearing sturgeon in 1968. “I’ve wanted to get involved ever since I was a little girl,” Olivia said. “It’s such a great experience, and hearing everyone’s stories is exciting on and off the ice.”
For the sport of sturgeon spearing, outdoor enthusiasts set up tents on the frozen lake. They cut a hole in the ice and drop a spear when a large sturgeon swims by.
The sport is not just for experts. Anyone who knows the lake can spear. “When you do spear one,” Olivia said, “your body really does shake with excitement.”
There are two types of sturgeon in Wisconsin: the lake sturgeon and the shovelnose sturgeon. The average lifetime for a male sturgeon is 55 years. A female can live up to 150 years. Lake Winnebago has one of North America’s largest lake sturgeon populations. Each winter, the seas or gives people a chance to harvest sturgeon, the largest and oldest fish species. This February, more than 1, 400 sturgeon were caught Olivia and her family are a big part of the sport and the annual festival. This year, they speared 16 sturgeon. Olivia enjoyed her spearing event this year, especially since she caught a sturgeon. “My favorite part is making new memories and spending time with family,” she said.
1. What can we know about the extended Muche family?| A．It has caught the most sturgeon. | B．It is the largest and oldest one. |
| C．It has the youngest girl hunter. | D．It has a long fishing tradition |
| A．To spear sturgeon. | B．To put up their tents on it. |
| C．To go winter swimming. | D．To check where the sturgeon is. |
| A．Its delicious taste. | B．Its big size. | C．Its strange shape. | D．Its fast speed |
| A．Time-consuming. | B．Difficult. | C．Pleasant. | D．Dangerous. |
8 . Spring Break Camps for Kids
Treasure Trunk Theatre
Ages: 3-6
Tel: 718-210-1720
This year Treasure Trunk Theatre is holding several Outdoor Lion King spring break camps for kids. Kids will get the chance to learn choreography (编舞艺术), act out stories, work on art projects, and more. Everything will be inspired by the Disney classic movie. This camp will help kids build confidence and get them excited about theatre.
Aviator Sport
Ages: 5-14
Tel: 718-758-7510
Aviator Sports has created a safe space where kids can take part in small group activities that will keep them active all day long. Their activities include soccer, tennis, kickball, and other team-building exercises. It’s a chance for your kids to enjoy sports and activities without worrying about their performance, so instead they can just focus on having fun.
Ant Lab
Ages: 6-12
Tel: 718-447-8667
Your kids can practice their painting and other art skills here at Art Lab. It helps kids study some of the most influential artists, and gets them inspired to create their own work. It is offering courses both online and in person so kids can increase their art skills from anywhere.
The Brooklyn Strategist
Ages: 6-15
Tel: 718-576-3035
The Brooklyn Strategist has created a board game (棋类游戏) camp for kids to enjoy during their time off. Your kids will get the opportunity to play some of their favorite classics, learn new games, and even start creating their own. Playing these board games with other kids will help your kids increase their social skills and work through basic problem solving. It’s a unique camp that kids will remember for along time.
1. Which number should a parent call if his kid is interested in physical activities?| A．718-210-1720. | B．718-758-7510. | C．718-447-8667. | D．718-576-3035. |
| A．It offers online courses. | B．It connects kids to nature. |
| C．It is run-by influential artists. | D．It helps kids improve their social skills |
| A．Enter the world of Disney movies. | B．Create non-competitive activities. |
| C．Develop their thinking skills. | D．Learn the basics of painting. |
9 . Whether you’re attending potting workshops at Navy Pier or admiring artfully arranged orchids(兰科植物) at the Chicago Botanic Garden, you’re bound to take home plenty of inspiration for your home garden as you enjoy the best blooms in town. Here are some of the Chicago flower and garden shows that you won’t want to miss this spring.
Macy’s Flower Show
The store will be filled with deep-sea flowers and amazing marine life, including coral reefs and mythical sea creatures, all fashioned from flowers. A wonderful array of free workshops, culinary (烹饪的) classes, floral and gardening demos and other related events round out the flowery fun.
When: March 22-April 5 Tickets: Free
Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden
The annual Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden features more than10, 000 flowers from all over the world, instantly transporting you to the tropics. The event also includes orchid classes, evening events with tastings of local spirits and specialty cocktails(鸡尾酒), a morning music series, special photography events, and even a plant marketplace where you can buy a potted(盆栽的) orchid to bring home.
When: Feb 14-March 22
Tickets: $14 for adults;$ll for seniors, ages 62+;$11 for children, ages 3- 12 Lincoln Park
Conservatory Spring Flower Show
Journey back in time to the Renaissance era as you wander the Lincoln Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show, where plants and flowers are artfully arranged in a way that replicates(复制) the still life paintings produced during the 15th- 16th centuries.
When: Feb 14-May 10 Tickets: Free
Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show
This year’s Spring Flower Show, themed Golden Hour, will celebrate the golden light of dawn and dusk with colorful displays of azalea, hydrangea, and calibrachoa. Two new displays will be unveiled at this year’s show: a series of immense hanging baskets overflowing with spring flowers, and two rope-art displays depicting(描绘) the rays of the sun.
When: Feb 14-May 10 Tickets: Free
1. What may be the theme of the Macy’s Flower Show?| A．Golden Hour. | B．Voyage to the Ocean. |
| C．Springtime in Paris. | D．A Trip to the Renaissance era. |
| A．Attend cooking classes. | B．Learn to draw potted orchids. |
| C．Taste cocktails in the evening | D．Enjoy rope-art displays. |
| A．Macy’s Flower Show. |
| B．Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden. |
| C．Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show. |
| D．Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show. |
10 . Interesting Exhibitions Held in Four Different Museums
Name: The British Museum
Phone: 020-7323-8000
Website: www.britishmuseum.org
Opening hours: daily 10 a.m.—5.30 p.m.
Price: Free
This exhibition aims to show the mysteries of mummification(干尸化). From a king`s daughter to a temple doorkeeper, the displays explore the identities of eight people, using their bodies to discover clues about how they lived. By using new methods, such as CT scanning and 3D visualization, the British Museum has been able to build up a picture of life in the Nile valley over 4000 years, from prehistoric Egypt to Christian Sudan.
Name: The Fashion and Textile Museum
Phone: 020-7407-8664
Website: www.ftmlondon.org
Opening hours: daily 11 a. m. —5.30 p. m.
Price:￡8.80 adults, ￡5.50 students
This Fashion and Textile Museum is housing the first-ever exhibition on classic Mexican shawl(披肩), which became famous in the 20th century. Mexican artists, photographers and fashion and textile designers will be exhibiting their colorful works there.
Name: The Victoria and Albert Museum
Phone: 020-7907-7073
Website: www.vam.ac.uk
Opening hours: Mon., Thur., Sat., Sun., 10 a. m.—5. 30 p. m.; Fri.10 a. m.—10 p. m.
Price: Free
The Victoria and Albert Museum has dug out some of their most charming wedding dresses to record their history during the past two centuries. White wedding dresses were made popular by Queen Victoria in the nineteenth century. See beautiful wedding dresses made by famous designers.
Name: The Science Museum
Phone: 0870-870-4868
Website: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Opening hours: daily 10 a. m.—6 p. m.
Price: Free
This four-day festival displays the latest exciting gadgets(小装置)and introduces their inventors. Visitors can explore electronics, build robots, get hands-on with new technologies and have a go at 3D printing. There will be displays taking place throughout the festival, which is suitable for anyone aged ten and over.
1. Which number would you call if you’re interested in exploring history using modern technology?| A．020-7323-8000. | B．020-7407-8664. |
| C．020-7907-7073. | D．0870-870-4868. |
| A．The British Museum. | B．The Fashion and textile Museum. |
| C．The Victoria and Albert Museum. | D．The Science Museum. |
| A．The exhibition will last a week. |
| B．It displays CT scanning technology. |
| C．Visitors themselves can try new technologies. |
| D．More information can be found at www.vam.ac.uk. |
