April 2012 baystateparent Magazine

Page 1

FREE

APRIL 2012

baystateparent Massachusetts’

Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

CAMPERS WHO CHANGE THE WORLD DON’T LET FEAR KEEP YOU AWAY HOW TO SCREEN A SUMMER CAMP

S’MORE FUN IN YOUR BACK YARD

SLOW DOWN AND SAVOR SPRINGTIME IN THE NORTH END BRAVE KIDS RECEIVE MEDALS FOR METTLE WHAT’S FOR DINNER? THIS TIME IT REALLY IS A MYSTERY

PLAN A SUMMER TO REMEMBER WITH

OVER 70

CAMPS INSIDE Voted Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010

Opening Pre-Kindergarten September 2012 Bancroft’s Pre-K program fully integrates a curriculum that engages children ages 4–5 in a range of new learning environments that sparks imagination, taps into curiosity, and encourages self-discovery.

www.bancroftschool.org/prek imagine

learn

create

lower, middle, & upper schools 2 APRIL2012

discover

110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 508.854.9227 www.bancroftschool.org

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4 APRIL2012

Sky’s the limit. Opening a MEFA U.Fund College Investing Plan account can help put dreams within reach. ®

®

As the official 529 college savings plan of Massachusetts, a U.Fund account may give you tax advantages you may not find anywhere else. And, with our new Multi-Firm Age-Based Strategy, you’ll have the flexibility of investing in a variety of funds offered by Fidelity and several other companies. With the college financing expertise of MEFA and investment guidance from Fidelity, you’ll get the strategies that may help your savings grow with your child.

Managed by:

To learn more, visit Fidelity.com/ufund or call 800.544.2776.

Please carefully consider the Plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Contact Fidelity for a free Fact Kit, or view one online. Read it carefully before you invest. MEFA is a not-for-profit self-financing state authority that works to make higher education more accessible and affordable for students and families in Massachusetts through community education programs, college savings plans, and low-cost financing options. ®

The U.Fund College Investing Plan is offered by MEFA and managed by Fidelity Investments. If you or the designated beneficiary is not a Massachusetts resident, you may want to consider, before investing, whether your state or the beneficiary’s home state offers its residents a plan with alternate state tax advantages or other benefits. Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and may be subject to market volatility and fluctuation. Guidance provided by Fidelity is educational in nature, is not individualized, and is not intended to serve as the primary or sole basis for your investment or tax-planning decisions. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

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6 APRIL2012

BAYSTATEPARENT 7

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like us on

our special guest Eva Marie LaPorte of Spencer Captured by michellevergariphotography.com

table

18

LETS ROLL: SLOW DOWN AND SAVOR THE NORTH END

Eat your way through the North End while “tasting” history and fascinating little shops along your way. This is a great neighborhood to explore on a spring day with the family.

46

CAMPERS WHO CHANGE THE WORLD

70

Nora Kramer was moved by how upstanding and intelligent teenagers are, so she started a camp just for them. Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Camp is for passionate teens who want to develop their skills as young activists and begin to change the world.

GROOVY GUESS-A-MEAL

Ever eat spaghetti with a celery stick before? Host a Mystery Meal party where guests, of all ages, sleuth through every aspect of their meal. Makes a great birthday party!

the of the home

APRIL 2012 • VOLUME 16 • NUMBER 12

in every issue 10 11 12 13 13 14 16

WELCOME GUESTBOOK FINALLY, FOREVER: SERGIO APRIL’S CHILD CIRCLE OF FRIENDS JUNKDRAWERS

28 S’MORE CAMPFIRE FUN IN YOUR BACK YARD 30 CAPTURED: Camp Close-Ups 37 WILL FEAR KEEP YOU AWAY?

46 CAMPERS WHO CHANGE THE WORLD

advertising directories 45 67 70 71

SUMMER CAMP COUNTDOWN PARTY PLANNER BULLETIN BOARD SHOW AND TELL

50 THERE’S A CAMP FOR WHAT?

MOMS ROCK: Chris Quill of Townsend

18 LET’S ROLL: The North End 20 53 54 55 56

summer camp countdown

OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO DIRTY LAUNDRY WITH CHRISTINE HURLEY LOVE MORE FIGHT LESS TAKE GOOD CARE: Autism Faces the Future ON MY PLATE: There’s a Teenager Under all that Autism

64 UNIMPORTANT PLEASURES: Tangerine Tango

something special

sneak peek

58 TAKE BATMAN TO THE GROCERY STORE AND OTHER WORDS OF WISDOM

60 THE MAGIC OF MEDALS4METTLE

70 GROOVY GUESS-A-MEAL

MAY

CELEBRATIONS

JUNE

SUMMER GUIDE

JULY

GRANDPARENTS

Voted Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010

TLC Christian Preschool A Ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church

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Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

baystateparent

e m o c l e W The brownies are wrapped in oddlysquished packages, the Rice Krispie treats are hard as a rock and the lemonade is a potent mixture of fructose and artificial coloring. You can see the neon yellow drink a mile down the road. We are ready for today’s lemonade stand. Today’s 80° weather is the kick-off to a season of lemonade stands. Some we go to the store and prepare for; most are improvised with whatever the kids can find in the cabinet and fridge. One day last summer, I found the kids organizing themselves to sell the week’s groceries on a little card table at the end of the driveway.

“Guys, you can’t sell all the yogurts and fruit. We need to eat this week,” I said. “But we will make money,” they explained. Funny how these lemonade stands always end up costing me big time. The menu on today’s poster board not only includes lemonade for 25 cents a cup but also lists pies. Pies?! Lucky for us, they’ve assigned pie-making to their second-grade counterpart. This should be some interesting competition for our brownies. Worth a stop right there. While the fare may be mediocre, the enthusiasm is not. How anyone can drive past four cheering 8-year-olds, jumping up and down and waving signs, is beyond me. You always stop at the lemonade stand even if you have to put down your iPhone and call your friend back later. It’s just what good people do. However, while I want the customers to stop, a tiny paranoid piece of me wonders how safe waving down total strangers and inviting them into the yard is. They’ll know kids live here. They’ll see how cute and friendly and easy-to-lure these girls are. My children will be talking to strangers! My children’s safety in this informationoverload world makes me crazy, and I am right there, overanalyzing every customer’s motive. baystateparent discusses these protective tendencies this month as they pertain to summer camp: “Will Fear Keep You Away?” on page 37.

While both The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association both say that sexual abuse is not uncommon today, the article provides important tips on how to screen camps so that we can feel safe about sending our children to day or overnight camp this summer. It put things into perspective for me. Like you, I need to balance caution with the need for children to experience the world and all it has to offer. This afternoon my girls hope the world brings dollars as they dream up the profits their lemonade stand will make, money they will be able to donate to worthy animal causes. Will they save a blue whale? Maybe a white tiger? I suggest local nearby organizations, Worcester Animal Rescue League and Sterling Animal Shelter, and they agree. But an inquiry follows: “Can we just look at the dogs in need of a home too? Just look.” Yup, these lemonade stands always cost me. Enjoy our mega summer camp issue as you plan summer days filled with exciting camps and many a lemonade stand.

publisher GARETH CHARTER 508-749-3166 x153 gcharter@holdenlandmark.com editor CARRIE WATTU 508-865-7070 editor@baystateparent.com

creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-865-7070 baystateparent@holdenlandmark.com

promotions JENNIFER ANTKOWIAK 508-269-1728 jemsa2@charter.net

graphic designer STEPHANIE MALLARD 508-865-7070 srenaud@holdenlandmark.com

sales & business development manager STEPHANIE PEARL 774-364-0296 stephaniep@baystateparent.com account executive STACI LaTURNO BISSET 774-364-5073 stacil@baystateparent.com account executive EMILY RETTIG 774-364-4178 emilyr@baystateparent.com

Carrie Wattu, editor

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contributing writers CHRISTINE GUANIPA FAYE GUANIPA HURLEY CHRISTINE HURLEY SUE LORING MANDY MULLIEZ LAURIE PUHN

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KATHLEEN QUINN TRISH RESKE AMANDA ROBERGE JULIA QUINN-SZCESUIL BONNIE TOOMEY illustrator BRANDON LOVING

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photographers MICHELLE CARR STEVEN KING YULIA ORLOVA MICHELLE VERGARI proofreader BRYAN ETHIER

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

baystatestateparent 101 Water St., Worcester, MA 01604

508-749-3166

www.baystateparent.com campguide.baystateparent.com www.massfieldtrips.com

Meet Our Cover Model

baystateparent Inc. is published monthly with a main office at 101 Water Street, Worcester, MA 01604 508-749-3166 Fax 508-749-3165 It is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts. www.baystateparent.com • info@baystateparent.com

Eva Marie LaPorte of Spencer April is our huge summer camp issue. Have you ever been to camp? I have not been to a summer camp, but if I went, I would like tennis, soccer, horseback riding and watching movies! April 22nd is Earth Day. How does your family help the earth? We turn off the water when brushing our teeth. We have a story this month on the season’s hot color. What is your favorite color? My favorite color is pink and purple because pink is a nice color and I like purple! 10 APRIL2012

Distribution Agency: Insight Distribution Management 978-728-7785/603-661-8370 • Insightdm@yahoo.com

Every month, we feature one awesome mom in our magazine. What makes your mom awesome? She gives me hugs and kisses and wears cool dresses and shoes. Massachusetts' premier magazine for families has earned more than 160 national and regional awards since 2004, including 34 in 2011:

How will you spend April school vacation? I am going to Disney for my 6th birthday this vacation, and I really want to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse and all the princesses plus go on rides and go swimming.

18 Parenting Media Awards 16 New England Newspaper Press Association Awards

www.michellevergariphotography.com

Including Best Parenting Publication in North America 2010

GUESSBOOK Puppy Love: Alexa Paige of Sturbridge celebrates spring with her dog, Ally.

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ur family has hosted 14 exchange students over 12 years, and it has become one of the most profound experiences of our lives. I volunteer for EF Foundation and am on the hunt for new families to host high school exchange students for the next school year. Bringing the world into people’s homes and families is truly what I believe will bring peace closer in our future. We match students to families, providing support and mentoring to both students and families thoughout the experience of exchange. For more information, visit effoundation.org. - Robin Fenwick, Lancaster

I look forward to baystateparent every month and appreciate the weekly emails on weekend activities. - Melanie Robinson, Worcester Editor’s Note: Have you signed up for our weekly email? Visit baystateparent.com and click “weekend fun planner.� Every Thursday, you’ll receive tips on fun things to do with your family for the weekend. I love the posts on Facebook that inform me about events, contests, weekend things to do, etc. Keep ‘em coming! - Tarrah DiGiovanni, Leominster Editor’s Note: Please join us on Facebook! We are a friendly group of parents sharing resources, ideas, concerns and stories about parenting in Massachusetts. I can’t find you guys, and I live in Winchendon. Help! Oh, and I love your Facebook page – the interaction with the parents and questions are very personal. I read through it every day! - Karen Berman, Winchendon Editor’s Note: Readers, visit baystateparent. com and click “Find a Copy� for a map of towns near you. Just click the town for a listing of places to find your copy of bsp.

I am writing to bring your attention to a unique program involving families in Central MA. Each summer, volunteer host families throughout our area (and 13 Northeastern states and Canada) share their hearts and homes with New York City children through the Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Town program. For one or two weeks, host families give these inner-city children a break from the stifling heat and dangerous streets of the city. Fresh Air children get to experience the simple joys of summer -- things like playing barefoot in the grass or gazing at the stars on a clear summer night. This summer, The Fresh Air Fund is seeking additional volunteer hosts to ensure that all of the children who register for the program are matched with a host family. - Vickie Lanyon Fresh Air Fund, freshair.org 508-476-1194, vcoxlanyon@gmail.com

Love the magazine. Great articles. I love the “Captured� section! - Amy Boland, North Oxford Editor’s Note: Send in your photos to be featured in our reader photo page “Captured� each month. For May, we are looking for Sweet 16 photos and June, Father’s Day. Send them to editor@baystateparent.com.

WINNERS baystateparent giveaways are announced at baystateparent.com under “Giveaways� as well as on our Facebook page. We’ve made it easy and quick to enter to win a prize! Some of our recent prizes and winners include:

Treasure Buddies and/or Lady and the Tramp DVDs: Charlene Fona, Boston Emily Van Shute, Clinton Julia Rutledge, Natick Joan izzari, Wellesely Susan Doherty, Westford

Worcester Sharks Family 4-Pack Sarah Tiernan, Leominster Letters should be sent to editor@baystateparent.com and will be edited for clarity and length. Please include your full name and town for publication. BAYSTATEPARENT 11

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Sergio AN EXCERPT FROM MANDY MULLIEZ’S BOOK

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ˆ˜`iĂ€-ÂŤiVˆ>Â? is available Monday-Friday 2,3,4 & 5 day options 8:30am - 12:45pm - morning session 11:45am-3:30pm - afternoon session Afternoon extended day until 6:00pm is available (5:30 p.m. on Fridays)

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12 APRIL2012

Our son is our life. We come from Greek and Italian heritages and big family celebrations are important to us. He is our only child,

about coming from Guatemala to be a part of our family. And each morning, we are reminded that every day with

the only grandchild on both sides of the family, and the only nephew to his uncle. He is a blessing to everyone in our families. We had been married several years before we started the adoption process and we brought him home just shy of 9 months old. When we were in Guatemala, we struggled with many mixed emotions. We were so grateful and happy to finally have our baby, but we also felt like we were taking him away from his birth country. We hoped it was the right thing. Our wish is that one day he will fully understand how much he is loved and wanted by so many people. We are first-time parents and we try to fill his days with wonderful memories as much as we can, keeping a journal so he has all our feelings and thoughts to read when he gets older. We are a loving family‌hugging, kissing and saying “I love youâ€? all the time. Being new parents and waiting so long for a child has made us realize that valuing each moment together is the most important thing to us. Each night, we tell him a special story

* * *

him is a gift.

Mandy Mulliez is a mother of two: son, Louis, age 9, through birth, and daughter, Anna, age 7, adopted from Vietnam in 2006. Mandy’s love for adoption came with the arrival of her sister, who was domestically adopted into her family 30 years ago. She has spent time over the last five years capturing the stories of modern adoption from families of widely varying circumstances and backgrounds. In 2008, she joined with fellow adoptive mother and renowned family photographer, Jennifer Weintraub, to begin documenting the extraordinary families they met along the way in their own adoption journeys. Out of this collaboration, Project: Loved was born, and they have photographed and interviewed over 50 families to date from around the country, forming a beautiful gift book for perspective adoptive families as well as those already well versed in the process. Publishers - take note! They are looking for their perfect fit. Mandy, her husband and two children, live in Needham, Massachusetts.

APRIL’SCHILD Roderick With his dazzling smile, Rod is an active, friendly, African American young man with a kind heart and good manners. Turning 15 this summer, Rod likes what most teenagers like including rock music, video games, paintballing and sports. He excels at football, lacrosse and basketball. He’d love to play sports in college. He is currently in the eighth grade and gets along well with his peers. Rod is doing well in his current foster

home where he has a strong relationship with his foster dad. He would do best with a single male or male/female family that can provide him with clear rules and expectations as well as compassionate nurturance to help him rebuild his self esteem impacted by years of loss and neglect. An outdoorsy lifestyle suits Rod but he could adapt to a family that lives in the city. Legally free for adoption, Rod has a close relationship with his older, biological sister and would like to be able to continue to visit with her. He loves adult attention and would benefit most as the only or youngest child in a family.

For more information about Rod, please call the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Dimock Street Area Office at 617-989-2887. If you have ever wondered about the adoption process, the DCF Worcester Area Office hosts a monthly Adoption Information Session. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 9th from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the DCF Worcester Third Floor Office located at 121 Providence Street (the old St. Vincent Hospital Building) in Worcester. Please call 508-929-2143 to register.

CIRCLEOFFRIENDS Highlights of April’s Adoption-Related Events

FREE Adoption Information Meeting. Wed., April 11, 6 – 8 p.m. Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, Holyoke. Learn about the process of adopting a child waiting in foster care from adoption social workers & MARE staff. Learn about specific children who will be attending the April 22 adoption party in Westfield. Hear from experienced adoptive families. Waiting children will not be present. Refreshments will be served. RSVP by April 6: 617-542-3678, mareinc.org.

**

W.I.S.E. Up Workshop For Parents and Children. Adoptive Families Together. Sun., April 15, 2 – 4 p.m. MSPCC Office, 157 Green St., Jamaica Plain. An award-winning curriculum to teach children ages 6 - 12 how to respond to questions about their adoption experience. $20 per child. Registration required: 617-587-1522 or lbaeumler@mspcc.org. FREE Foster Care Information. Wed., April 4, 6 – 8 p.m. and Sat., April 28, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Home for Little Wanderers, Roslindale. The nation’s oldest child welfare agency and one of the largest in New England, is actively seeking individuals to become part of its foster care team and make a lasting impact on a child’s life. 617-264-5323, thehome.org/ fostercare.

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The 39th Annual New England Adoption Conference. Sat., April 14. Held at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, Marlborough. The keynote speaker is Alison Larkin, author of The English American. adoptioncommunityofne.org.

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FREE Adoption/Foster care- themed Movie Night. Tuesdays, April 17 or May 29th at The South End Branch Library, Boston. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Adoptive Families Together is showing “Preacher’s Sons,� a documentary film about a male couple who built a family with five children through adoption from foster care. An informal discussion and light refreshments follows the movie. preacherssons. com/film/index.htm Register: 617-587-1522 or lbaeumler@mspcc.org. mspcc.org Please submit May’s adoption-related events by Thursday, April 5th to be included in the May edition of baystateparent. Events submitted after the 5th of the month will be included in our online calendar only. To submit an event, visit baystateparent.com and click “Calendar� and “Submit an Event.�

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JUNK D R AW E R S

photo courtesy of fohawx.com

A LITTLE LIT OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT HIP HELMETS

STAFF PICK FOR BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT

photo courtesy of outofprintclothing.com

Give an “Out of Print” T-shirt in sporty classic children’s literature designs. Add the corresponding book, and you have a unique children’s gift. When the shirt is worn, children can spread the love of reading throughout the Bay State and beyond. For each sold shirt, one book is donated to Books For Africa. Unisex sizes are for ages 2 to 6 and are priced from $22 to $24. Out of Print offers adult sizes as well so check it out for unique teacher gifts! Visit outofprintclothing.com.

Q&A

Inspired by a 7-year-old who refused to wear his helmet because it just wasn’t cool, some clever moms invented fohawx. From long flowing strips fashioned like dreadlocks, to wacky and colorful punk shapes and high-top mohawks, kids can wear, collect and swap a wide selection of unique fohawx accessories – easily switching them out and updating their collections. They retail for $19.99 at fohawx.com.

I am looking for resources for a family in my community who is in crisis. So many people want to help, but I don’t know how or where to start! Neighbor Brigade, a Massachusetts non-profit organization, is dedicated to helping families and individuals that experience a temporary crisis, such as an illness or accident. Neighbor Brigade has 24 chapters throughout Massachusetts and keeps growing. The chapters are led by leaders who build networks of volunteers who are willing to help. Once a request comes in, the Brigade works together to provide recipients with meals, rides, household errands and whatever else they might need. When a family is going through a hard time every little bit helps! For more information, visit neighborbrigade.org. Amy Legere Neighbor Brigade

A MEMOIR ABOUT AUTISM EXTRA SAFETY NET StreetSafe is a new service that uses your smart phone’s GPS technology to instantly connect to help before a situation turns into an emergency. StreetSafe’s “Walk with Me” service offers a live connection to a safety advisor to keep you safe when walking in unfamiliar or threatening surroundings and instant access to 911 if needed. Great for kids starting college this Fall, working night hours in the summer and many other scenarios. The service is $19.99 per month. streetsafe.com.

In many senses a modern-day Helen Keller, Carly was unable to speak and remained almost entirely unreachable until age 10, when she unexpectedly reached over her therapist to a computer to type “Mean” and “Help Teeth Hurt.” Soon, the floodgates opened and now Carly shares her experiences with autism with almost 23,000 followers on Twitter and almost 30,000 on Facebook (not to mention the thousands reading her blog at carlysvoice.com), giving voice to those who have not yet found their own. Her father, Arthur, who grew up in Boston, has written a book with his daughter – Carly’s Voice: Breaking through Autism – about their inspiring story. Visit carlysvoice.com for more information.

Junkdrawers strives to highlight the products, people and places of Massachusetts. Have an idea? Email editor@baystateparent.com. 14 APRIL2012

inspired by his tenacity and passion baystateparent honored 34 times in 2011 for editorial and design excellence by the New England Newspaper and Press Association and Parenting Media Association Awards include General Excellence in Advertising Design and distinctions in overall writing and photography photo by Brittany Durgin As featured in our May 2011 issue

BAYSTATEPARENT 15

MOMS ROCK!

Chris Quill Of TOWNSEND Age: 54 Occupation: Physical Therapist Mom of: John, 26; Jared, 25; Jacqueline, 23; Justin, 21; Jeremy, 19 and Julia, 15 BY

bonnie toomey, steven king photography

Meet Chris Quill, the salt of the earth. Her kids may raise an eyebrow when she asks them to unload the dishwasher, but they never baulk when it comes to volunteering. Twenty-eight years ago she and her husband, John, spent their 14-month honeymoon backpacking and volunteering in India. This is when she saw the need of so many children living in poverty. A physical therapist and the mother of six children, she lives with her family in Townsend, Massachusetts. And for the last ten years Chris has planned their family vacations around volunteering in third world countries. In February of 2008 Chris traveled with her husband, John, and their children, Julia, 15, Jeremy, 19, and Justin, 21, to the tiny Savong School in Cambodia where they volunteered to spend a couple of days teaching English to children. Since school is something you have to pay for in Cambodia, many children have to go without this opportunity. The director, Svay Savong, a 23-year-old former monk, conducted eight one-hour classes to kids of all ages and levels in a three room cinderblock building without any furniture. His supplies added up to one whiteboard, a few markers and barely enough pencils and notebooks to go around. The school had no food, no electricity and no running water. But Savong had a vision. He wanted to create a place where kids could live and learn and have a chance at a better life. “The biggest pull on our heartstrings was 16 APRIL2012

when Savong told us about his dream to have an orphanage. Kids who did have parents were either sick or poor; others were homeless or living with relatives. He wanted to take care of these kids. That’s when John and I started to talk. “‘What do you think?,’ we asked each other, and we decided we wanted to help,” says Chris. Between the Quills and John’s company – where he is President of Eiger International Fibers in Lunenburg, Massachusetts – they were able to raise $15,000 to help Savong build an orphanage: a simple building with no furniture, a room for the girls, a room for the boys and bamboo mats. “It was stark and sparse, but wonderful,” says Chris. The orphanage grew to 60 children who needed food, books and medical supplies. Again the Quills helped to raise the funds to add on a small library and a tiny clinic for the village. “Through John’s work, people are reaching out all over the world,” says Chris. The Quills encouraged Savong to start a website, savong.com, to help get the word out about the wonderful work he was doing. “We went back in 2011 in February. Savong, who is married now with two children, had so many kids in the orphanage. He asked us to help with a second orphanage, and we could not say no as he had proven that he could do everything he said he would do.” Our children, Julia, Jeremy and Jared,

who is 25, spent about a week helping to build the second orphanage by hand. “They lugged the water from the well, lugged the bricks, measured with a string – it was crazy!” Because of the expense, the Quill family could not return to Cambodia this year but instead volunteered in Roatan, Honduras. Fifteen-year-old Julia felt like they were “cheating the Cambodian kids” by not returning to Cambodia. Chris explained that there were kids in other places who could use their help as well. Still, the Quills do not forget the Cambodian kids and are currently sponsoring two kids to go to college, which costs $800 per year in Cambodia. “It’s kind of neat when you see people becoming involved. St. Bernard’s Catholic High School in Fitchburg sent over-the-counter health items, along with McNabb’s Pharmacy in Townsend. After a book drive in Townsend, Ashby and at St. Bernard’s High School, 40 boxes of books were donated and mailed. When the Cambodian government wanted to charge Savong the tax – $400 – , John spent almost a year asking the US

Government and the US and Cambodian Embassies for help before the books finally got released without Savong having to pay,” she says. In the end Chris says she’s learned a lot from her own kids. The Quill’s daughter, 23-yearold Jacqueline, is graduating from Northeastern University with a business degree but has decided she wants to give back first. She plans to travel abroad and volunteer. “It makes me feel so happy. I have tears in my eyes – I want my kids to be able to think about everybody else around them and how they can make a difference for others – not to think just about themselves,” says Chris. Visit savong.com for more information. Columnist and writer, Bonnie J. Toomey, is mom to four interesting children and grandmother to two more. She lives with her child-groom of 30 years, and their dog, Molly, in New England. For more information, visit Bonnie’s blog at parentforward.blogspot.com.

photos courtesy of the quill family

Take 10 With Chris

Favorite family past time: Spending time together hiking in the woods, relaxing at the beach, fishing, hunting and playing cards together.

Our family pet: A yellow lab named Sandy. Why we love Townsend. We like the small, safe community that Townsend offers where we have been able to bring up our children. Family philosophy: Dream things…and say ‘why not?’ Best thing a parent can do to teach merits of volunteering is to get kids involved while they are young so it becomes expected of them and something they feel at ease with. Start with fun activities so they enjoy themselves while giving to others. I started coordinating an annual Halloween Party/Haunted Trail in our neighborhood and collected canned food as an entrance fee to donate to the Outreach program in Townsend. My children, along with friends, designed and organized the activities. Once they reached high school, I introduced them to Special Olympics activities and youth sports assistant coaching, which were activities they could do in the community and on their own.

A typical day at the Quills: Chaos!!! Much loved place to Massachusetts: Chatham

visit

in

Favorite local charities: Townsend Ecumenical Council, Special Olympics, Cystic Fibrosis Association, St. Jude and Children’s Hospital Make a Wish Foundation My children’s preferred ways to volunteer: They enjoy doing recreational activities with children with special needs or who live in poverty. Countries in which we volunteer: In Vietnam we worked in an orphanage doing recreational activities with the kids, like volleyball, outdoor games and reading. Some other places we have volunteered are Fiji, China and Thailand. Next stop: We are thinking Nicaragua might be our next destination, unless our hearts get pulled to somewhere else.

Volunteering abroad is a great way to combine seeing the world with helping those in need. What could be better?

were there, we traveled cheaply and visited places like the ruins of Angkor Wat temples near Siem Reap.

How to volunteer abroad: Many people do not realize that if you volunteer in another country, you do not have to pay, although many services out there want to charge you for volunteering. I found that a good resource was a book called Lonely Planet Travel Book. Savong’s School in Cambodia does not charge. While we

Moms Rock is an award-winning monthly profile that celebrates the good that moms do. Do you know a mom who rocks? Email editor@baystateparent.com.

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LET’SROLL

SLOW DOWN

and savor the NORTH END

photos courtesy of northendboston.com

BY

F

julia quinn-szcesuil

or years, I have brought my two girls, Caroline and Jillian, into Boston to explore every inch of the city. I want them to be proud of the area they come from, to know its history and to walk its streets. But I never took them to the North End until recently. Despite it being one of my favorite neighborhoods, I overlooked this part of the city. So off to the North End we went, and we discovered an appreciation for the incredible history of the area, the beauty of its narrow streets, the fascinating shops and the lovely feeling of having gone some place very different from anywhere we had been previously on our trips to the city. Oh, did I mention the food? We ate our way through the North End. We took the easiest way into town – the commuter line right into North Station. From there, we took fast walk to a part of Boston now separated by the Rose Kennedy Greenway. I told the girls tales of when we used to drive right over the place they were sitting. My sister and I were not allowed to talk in the car as my mom concentrated on navigating the curving road and generally jammed traffic on our way to the Cape. There is not a speck of that chaos in sight today as the area right off of Haymarket is adorned with open green spaces, plenty of benches to sit and fountains that invite splashing in warm weather. 18 APRIL2012

Truth be told, I wanted to make a beeline for pastry in the North End. Although I love Mike’s Pastry and know it is an iconic stop for a typical North End tour, I brought the girls to my favorite, Bova’s Bakery, on the corner of Salem and Prince Streets. Bova’s is open 24 hours a day and Caroline and Jillian’s eyes were wide as they studied the luscious pastries behind the glass. A cannoli or a whoopie pie is perfectly appropriate breakfast food when we are at Bova’s. Fortified, we set off to check out the Old North Church, also called the Christ Church, in the City of Boston. Because of the narrow sidewalks, the North End automatically slows you down. At the Old North Church, we reflected on that famous night of April 18, 1775, when light signals from the steeple changed the course of our country’s history. It is one thing to read about it in a book, but the feeling of standing where it all began is awe-inspiring. To the church’s side is a pathway leading to the Paul Revere Mall. We delighted in the fountains and flowers. The Memorial Garden, an art installation of dog tags to memorialize the soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, gave us pause as it did many passersby. At the end of the Mall is the famed Paul Revere statue. Looking at the statue with the steeple of the Old North Church in the background is Boston in all its glory. The North End is considered the most European part of the city, and it does have the atmosphere of being elsewhere. A quick stop in a drugstore and it seemed

like we were no longer in Boston. One foot over that threshold into the Green Cross Pharmacy brought us to a huge display of Italian magazines and kitchen towels with every region of Italy represented. For $10, they make a great mom souvenir! We started out for the Paul Revere House but got sidetracked just outside the Mall when we saw St. Stephen’s Church, designed by Charles Bulfinch and long associated with the Kennedy family. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy’s baptism and funeral were both held here. The church’s interior is remarkable - simple and peaceful. When we finally arrived at the Paul Revere House in North Square we were surprised that it is right on a cobblestone street. The circa 1680 Paul Revere House was owned by Revere from 1770 to 1800 and is where he lived on the night he took his famous ride to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were on their way. Docents can tell you about the large Revere family and show you some of the Revere family furnishings. On display is plenty of Paul Revere silver, the trade he was most famous for, and outside is a Revere bell and mortar. Lunch came early for us! After all that walking, we were ready for something to eat at about 10:30. We poked in a jewelry store and quizzed the owner about the best pizza. I must have forgotten where I was for a minute – pizza is taken seriously here. She wanted to know what did we like – thin crust? Thick crust? Light sauce? I love pizza in any form, but my kids are a little pickier. She said thin crust lovers should really go to Pizzeria Regina, the famed pizza shop found at many malls but that originated in the North End. But we can get that pizza any time. Then she said, “If you want a bargain, go to Umberto’s.” The pizza at this nondescript place is only $1.55 a slice. Bingo! So we walked back up Hanover Street and found the place (they only serve lunch) by the large crowd forming. By the time we arrived, long before most people would ever consider eating lunch, the line was almost out the door and the excitement was palpable. The people waiting were not all tourists either - always a good sign. For under $11 (cash only) we got five big slices of thick pizza and three bottles of water. There are plenty of places to sit and watching the people is great. They have just a few things on the menu including pizza, calzones, arancini (fried rice balls) Egg Collecting

Cow Milking

LET’SROLL and panzarotti, but they bring it out fast and it is hot and delicious. If you prefer to sit down to a fancier lunch, there are so many North End restaurants

Julia Quinn-Szcesuil is a freelance journalist who lives in Bolton with her family. She hopes one day that Italian pastries will become an approved food group.

RESOURCES Parking in the North End is tough on a good day. But there are parking lots on Atlantic Avenue, at Haymarket, on the corner of Commercial and Hull Streets and near Quincy Market. If you can, take public transportation and get off at either North Station or Haymarket. Paul Revere House 19 North Square 617-523-2338 paulreverehouse.org Old North Church 617-523-6676 oldnorth.com St. Stephens Church 24 Clark St. (fronting Hanover St.) 617-523-1230

you are bound to find something appealing. Although we did not get to do it this time, there is a plaque in Puopolo Park on Commercial Street commemorating the great Molasses Flood of 1919. We looked it up online before leaving, so we could talk about it and imagine it (spooky!). I told the girls that for years residents would

Pony Rides

Children’s Activities

Family Farm Vacations

Located less than two hours from Boston! Hay Jumping

Galleria Umberto 289 Hanover St. 617-227-5709 Salumeria Italiana 151 Richmond St. 617-523-8743 salumeriaitaliana.com Bova’s Bakery 134 Salem St. 617-523-5601 Green Cross Pharmacy 393 Hanover St. 617-227-3728

Hiking

Spring Family Farm Day April 23 Farm Animals

If you have foodies in your family, a stop at a deli is worth your while. We poked into the Salumeria Italiana on Richmond Street and found all kinds of interesting foods, fresh breads and a full deli. My daughter Jilly loves salami but, without even a small cooler, we were not prepared to buy a lot of it. The man behind the counter graciously offered her a sample, sliced absolutely perfectly, which she immediately declared the best salami she ever had. This is an excellent place to make a fast lunch with bread, fruit, meats and cheeses and a few drinks. Bundle

Your year-round farm family vacation resort!

Easter Weekend, April 6-8 Step Back in Time, April 13-15 School Vacation, April 15-20 Homesteading Weekend, April 20-22 Cooking with Kids, April 27-29 Connect with Nature, May 4-6 Mother’s Day Weekend, May 11-13

Indoor Pool

swear they could smell molasses on the hottest days of summer. If you go to the Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, it is only a short walk.

that up and head over to Christopher Columbus Park on the waterfront to eat. The history of the North End is very accessible. Nothing we saw took a long time so there was no chance to get bored. Plenty of food makes everyone happy, and the slower pace offers a chance to take a breather and just meander. By doing so, my daughter Caroline spotted a mural we had heard about only the night before. Artist Nate Swain is covering parts of windows with tromp l’oeil photo murals, and we were thrilled to see them with our own eyes. On the way back to North Station, we were captivated by the shiny metal impressions of various fruits and vegetables in the road where Haymarket vendors set up on weekends. Without our slow pace, we might have walked right past them.

Arts & Crafts

Baby Animals

We’ll Get You Through the Day! Find baystateparent on Facebook and Twitter. BAYSTATEPARENT 19

OH, THE

PLACES YOU’LL

GO

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! - dr. seuss

GO DAFFODIL: Wear your daffy hat, watch the car parade, have a tailgate picnic and welcome spring at the Nantucket Daffodil Festival, April 27 - 29. 20 APRIL2012

GO SCIENCE: Interactive and fun science awaits the whole family at the Cambridge Science Festival, April 20 - 29. cambridgesciencefestival.org.

photo courtesy of crwa.org.

photo courtesy of nantucketchamber.org

photo courtesy of cambridgesciencefestival.org

GO FRUITLANDS: Fruitlands, a picturesque museum in Harvard, MA, plans weekly songs, stories and crafts for their littlest visitors. fruitlands.org.

GO BOAT GO: Line the riverbank in Brighton to watch the Run of the Charles with a family festival to finish. Details available at crwa.org.

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination. Although we’ve done our best to assure accuracy at press time, things can and do change… A Adult C Child Y Youth M Member NM Non-Member PP Per Person

1SUNDAY Peter Rabbit Puppet Show. Puppet Showplace Theatre, Brookline. 1 & 3 p.m. Recommended for ages 3 & up. Puppetshowplace.org.

Ashburnham, Winchendon and Athol. 978-334-8789, montachusett-moms.com.

4WEDNESDAY Mom to Mom Program. Trinity Church, Bolton. Meets weekly on Wednesdays through April 11th, 9:15 – 11 a.m. This program is designed to encourage and support all mothers, grandmothers and caregivers with biblically-based teaching on parenting, women’s health and relationships. Refreshments, coffee, guest speaker or video followed by small group discussion. Nursery care is available for infants - kindergarteners. A full schedule of speakers/ topics and registration forms will be available at trinitybolton.org/momtomom.htm. This program is free to newcomers. 978-779-5517, trinitybolton.org. momtomom.htm.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join other new parents for free coffee and muffins every Friday. 617-491-6290, stellabellatoys.com.

5THURSDAY FREE Lemonade Day. Main St., Boston. All day. This free nationwide event encourages entrepreneurship in youth through having a lemonade stand. Registration can be completed online and children can put up stands with a caring adult all over Boston! More information can be found by contacting Nicole Smith at nsmith4@babson.edu or by going to boston.lemonadeday.org. FREE Sing Along. Stella Bella Porter Square, Cambridge. 11 – 11:30 a.m. Every Thursday sing along, dance and move to the music of Jeff Jam. Jeff Jam is a friendly, goofy guy who sings and performs songs for kids of all ages. He travels all over Massachusetts, New England and the world with his acoustic guitar, bringing songs and smiles to children everywhere.stellabellatoys.com.

The Kids & Dogs Project. No Bones About It, 1786 Beacon St., Brookline. 3 - 4 p.m. A dog behavior educational seminar for children ages 6 to 14. Children will learn about dog behavior and how to be safe around dogs. A dog model and a live demo puppy may be available! These interactive hour long sessions are held from the 1st Sunday of every month at No Bones About It in Brookline. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $12 per child; $3 per additional child. Pre-register: 617-803-4086.

photo courtesy of broadmoor wildlife sanctuary, natick

FREE Drop Into Art. Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 2 - 4 p.m. Families are invited to visit the Museum and then create works of art together on the First Sunday of the month. Perfect for children ages 5-10 with adult. Call to confirm. 508-620-0937, danforthmuseum.org. Eye Wonder Family Program. The deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln. 1 – 3 p.m. Eye Wonder is a monthly drop-in program for families which focuses on careful looking and creative art projects. A$14, C (12 and under) FREE. decordova.org. Wild About Reptiles. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick.1 – 2:30 p.m. Learn more about our wonderful scaly friends and take a short walk to see more reptiles in the wild. Fees apply. Pre-registration is required. Email: broadmoorprograms@massaudubon.org

2MONDAY

FREE Craft for Ages 3+. Lakeshore Learning, Newton and Saugus. New craft every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. LakeshoreLearning.com/ FreeCrafts4Kids. ONGOING Baby Animal Celebration. Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield.10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Baby lambs, piglets, calves, goats, ducklings and chicks arrive at the historic Round Stone Barn. Visitors get to meet and greet the baby animals and participate in farm chores, such as helping to feed the animals and to save seeds. They may also participate in fun Shaker-themed craft activities, including basket weaving, making and decorating seed packets, and weaving on a small loom. Admission fees apply. 800817-1137, hancockshakervillage.org. Bunny Bonanzoo. Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Children’s activities include scavenger hunts, crafts, opportunities to meet the zookeepers and other fun surprises. While at the Zoo, families can visit with a special guest, the Easter Bunny, who will be available for photographs. Guests may take photos with the Easter Bunny with their own camera. The suggested photo donation is $5. All proceeds benefit Stone Zoo. Admission fees apply.781-438-5100, zoonewengland.org.

8SUNDAY

9MONDAY FREE Wee Care Infant Care Program. 223 Walnut St., Ste 22, Framingham. Meets every first Wednesday, 10 a.m. Children under 3 are invited to register for this free seminar with examination designed to help parents assure a cavity-free child. The informal format assures that all parents’ questions will be answered by this pediatric dental specialist. Space is limited. Call Dr. Mel to register: 508-875-5437, WeeCareAtDrMels.com.

FREE YOU Youth Group. 51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. Meets every Monday, 5 – 6:30 p.m. YOU is a non-therapeutic youth group for teens between the ages 14 and 19 who are interested in making connections and making a difference while living with mental health, behavioral or emotional needs. Dinner is FREE. 508-767-9725 x204 or email info@ppal.net.

Castle Kids Story Hour. Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester. Every first Wednesday. From damsels in distress to mighty dragons, share tales of adventure, from well-known fairy tales to modern picture books in the setting of a medieval Great Hall. Includes museum admission, program with craft related to the story and a snack. $12 A/C. higgins.org.

Moms’ Club of the Montachusett Area. Peoples Church, South Main St., Ashburnham. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. For mothers and kids in Gardner, Westminster,

7SATURDAY

Learn all about animals at Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick, April 5, massaudubon.org.

Toddler Open Swim. Charles Gardner Lane, Woburn. Weekly Mondays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. until April 30. You can bring your own float or toys are use the many we have available. Lifeguard is on duty! If your child can swim and touch(3 feet) you do not have to go in the water with them but an adult must be present at all times. $3pp. 781-935-3777, positive-place.org.

3TUESDAY

FREE Family Fun Night. Children’s Museum of NH, 6 Washington St., Dover NH. Every first Friday, 5:30 – 8 p.m. 603-742-2002, childrens-museum.org.

Drop in Playgroup. Positive Place Charles Gardner Lane, Woburn. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Ends April 25th. For children uder 5. Bring your little one to play and have fun on indoor slides, trampolines, ride-on toys and more. Call for fees. 781-935-3777, positiveplace.org.

Budding Naturalists. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Discover nature with your preschooler! Each day is its own adventure including animal tracks, furry creatures and much more. Pre-registration required. Fees apply. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org. Nature School: Endangered Species.: Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St.. (Rt.16), Natick. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn about endangered animals, where they can be found and how people are working to help them recover. Preregistration required. Fees apply. 508-655-2296 or email broadmoorschool@massaudubon.org FREE Support Groups for Parents. Wayside Youth, 118 Central St., Waltham. Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Are you the parent or caregiver of a child or young adult with behavioral or mental health issues? Join this confidential group. Email judi_maguire@waysideyouth.org.

6FRIDAY FREE New Parents Coffee Hour. Stella Bella Toys, Inman Square, 1360 Cambridge St., Cambridge.

ONGOING Infant Playgroup. Isis Parenting, Brookline. Every Monday, 4 – 5 p.m. Playgroups are very popular; sign-ins begin no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the start time. Space limited. No preregistration required. $8ppNM. Please confirm before attending! Visit isisparenting.org for a complete calendar of groups meeting in other locations. FREE Marie-Grace & Cécile’s Crafts. American Girl, Natick. 3 – 5 p.m. During this craft event inspired by the fancy costume balls of the 1850s, your girl can stitch a dancer’s silhouette on an embroidery card. She’ll also decorate a paper dance slipper. Ages 8+. americangirl.com. Also May 25.

10TUESDAY ONGOING Paper Zoo. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Ends in September. The show has special appeal for kids, introducing them to celebrated artists in a fun way. The works on view, in many different artistic styles and media, feature all kinds of animals – even a BAYSTATEPARENT 21

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO monumental chicken by Picasso! They’ll even be hung low on the walls, especially for kids. A$22, Y (17 and under) FREE. mfa.org. Dino Day. Boston Children’s Museum. Held on the second Tuesday of every month. Explore dinosaurs in every area! A$12, C (1-15) $12, C (under 12 months) FREE. BostonChildrensMuseum.org FREE Drop-In Playgroup. East End House, 105 Spring St., Cambridge. 10 – 11:30 a.m. Playgroups are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. You do not need to sign-up, just drop by and the enjoy the activities and a light snack. All with children under the age of 5 are welcome and encouraged to attend! For more information contact Dan at 617-876-4444 or dan@eastendhouse.org.

down (or up!) a path around the farm or sanctuary. Each walk will focus on a different nature or farm theme such as spring birds or life of the forest floor. $10ppNM. Register: 781-259-2200. Hands-On Animal Workshop. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth. 3 – 4 p.m. Learn the history of rare breed animals, how to milk a goat, the right way to walk a goat and watch demonstrations on hoof trimming and the grooming of the sheep and goats. Free with museum admission. plimoth.org. MOPs. Heritage Bible Chapel, Princeton. Meets every second Thursday until June 14th, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Find a supportive community of mothers with a wealth of experience to share. Refreshments,

FOR PARENT Boys Will be Boys, Girls Will be Girls, or Will They?: A Look at Gender Identity in Early Childhood. 808 High St., Westwood. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Examine how boys and girls are socialized and look at the stereotypical behaviors often seen in young children. The speaker will discuss children who do not seem to fall within the norm and our role in supporting them. Also discuss young children’s behavior as it relates to gender identity issues. 508-655-3813, email ldavis@tecpa.org and tecpa.org/programs.html. Wicked Big Puddles Homeschool Program. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester. 1 – 3 p.m. All ages. $12NM. Advance registration required: 508-753-6087.

11WEDNESDAY

photo by a. blake gardener

Montachusett Mothers of Multiples. Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1400 Main St., Leominster. 7 – 9 p.m. Meets every second Wednesday until May 9. Join a fun group of parents of twins and multiples who live in the Central Massachusetts area. orgsites.com/ma/mmom/ Splish Splash. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln. 10 – 11:30 a.m. Dip our nets into a pond to see who is stirring. Will tadpoles be wiggling? Are the turtles awake enough to bask in the sun? Are ducks finding places to make their nests? Are dragonfly nymphs crawling around eating mosquito larvae? Join in and find out. $13pp NM. Pre-register: 781-259-2200.

FOR MOMS Rock It, Ladies. Boston Rock Gym, 78G Olympia Ave., Woburn. 12 – 10 p.m. all ladies will receive a climbing day pass for only $5 (rentals extra). 781-935-7325, bostonrockgym.com.

12THURSDAY Spring Discovery Walk. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln. 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Journey

Meet and greet baby animals in Pittsfield at the Hancock Shaker Village’s annual Baby Animal Celebration. conversation, presentation and creative activity. Children (ages 0-5) are welcome in the Moppets program or with you, whatever you feel most comfortable with. 978464-5100, princetonmops.vpweb.com. FREE Support Group for Parents Whose Children Have Emotional Disturbances. 118 Central St., Waltham. 6:30 – 9 p.m. Are you overwhelmed by dealing with “the system,” paperwork and phone calls, or just “burned out?” Do you know how to access medical, mental health or special education services for your child? Do you just need to talk to other parents and caregivers who understand? 781-891-0555 x 34 or email judi_maguire@waysideyouth.org.

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All levels including Elementary, Middle and High School. Have your student come for two subjects Math and English twice a week for an incredible reasonable price. The Knowledge Quest offers a student friendly setting with an experienced tutor available to answer questions.

Our Customized Private Tutoring service is designed specifically to accommodate the needs of your child and is offered hourly by appointment Monday through Saturday

Call 508.797.5050 for details and to reserve your space.

Ongoing Enrichment Workshops

623 Chandler Street, Tatnuck Square, Worcester, MA /i \Êxän Ç Ç xäxäÊUÊ >Ý\Êxän Ç Ç xäx£ > \ÊV Ì>VÌJÌ i Ü i`}i+ÕiÃÌ°V UÊÜÜÜ°Ì i Ü i`}iµÕiÃÌ°V

22 APRIL2012

Seussical the Musical. The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. April 13 – 15. Assumption College’s Department of Art, Music and Theatre will present this musical extravaganza based on the classic children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Approximately 34 Assumption College students and 20 pupils from Worcester public and private schools are members of the cast and crew. thehanovertheatre.org. Need April School Vacation Ideas? Visit baystateparent.com and click “Calendar” for the most up-to-date events.

14SATURDAY

FREE The MOMS® Club of Dudley/Webster Open House. Boys and Girls Club of WebsterDudley. 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. For all stay-at-home or part-time mothers and their children living in Dudley or Webster. Email: dudleywebstermomsvpm@ gmail.com or visit http://sites.google.com/ sitemomsclubofwebsterdudleyma/home.

FREE Playgroup for Children 0 – Age 5. First Church of Malden, 184 Pleasant St., Malden. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Food is allowed, but no peanut butter, please. The group is run by church volunteers, so please take a moment to help clean up the toys before you leave. firstchurchinmalden.org.

expert Frances Spalding. Explore what the Museum has to offer. smith.edu/artmuseum/

13FRIDAY FREE $1 Friday Nights at the Boston Children’s Museum. Every Friday from 5 – 9 p.m. bostonchildrensmuseum.org. FREE Family Day at Smith College Museum of Art. Elm St. at Bedford Terrace, Northampton. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 4 – 8 p.m. Second Fridays at the Smith College Museum of Art are open to everyone, with extended hours from 4 – 8 p.m. From 4 – 6 p.m., try a hands-on activity (ages 4+ with adult), and view Student Picks on view in the Cunningham Center. At 6 p.m., listen to a lecture by Bloomsbury

ONGOING Hobo Express. State Pier, Fall River. 9:45 a.m. April 14-19. There will be five special rail trips in Fall River this April school vacation – on rails not open to commuters since the 1950s! Enjoy an hour-long scenic excursion along the Taunton River. Experience the thrill as the whistle blows, smell the ocean air breeze through your window and relax while our “hobos” provide live entertainment for the kids. Tickets: 508-771-3800 (or at the State Pier before departure). C under 3 free, C (age 3 and older) $14. capetrain.com/train-hoboxpress.php. Open House. Barrett Family Wellness Center, 107 Otis St., Northborough. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Tour and play time in the 1,000 square foot sensory gym. 508898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com. Welcome Back Weekend. Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Meet the newest babies of the farmland family, and say hello to your old friends. Be a part of the first hayride of the 2012 season and join Moo- Moo in some welcomeback fun! Admission fees apply. 978-422-MOOO (6666), DavisFarmland.com. Also Sunday April 15. Seussical the Musical. The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. April 13 – 15. See April 13 listing for details.

15SUNDAY Rebecca’s Charity Box Craft and Movie Fun Day. American Girl, Natick. Ages 8+. FREE craft: 2 – 4 p.m. Rebecca’s family believed that helping others was important—so they collected their spare change in a charity box called a pushka. At this craft

event, your girl can decorate a little charity box of her own. At 3:30 p.m. enjoy a meal together, receive an American Girl book to take home and a keepsake memory booklet. $27pp. Reservations required: 877247-5223, americangirl.com. The Wizard of Oz. Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. 3 – 4:30 p.m.See this favorite classic tale reinterpreted by the talented Miss Voter and the Methuen Ballet Ensemble. Known for colorful costumes and dramatic sets, the Methuen Ballet Ensemble has produced hits such as Coppellia, Cinderella, Treasure Island and of course, The Nutcracker at the Firehouse. Ticket fees apply. 978462-7336, firehouse.org.

Star Wars fan? Come to the library to play games, make a craft and have a snack! Sign up is required and will be limited to 40 children, ages 5-12. 508624-6902, marlboroughpubliclibrary.org.

18WEDNESDAY Moms of Multiples. First Connections, 111 ORNAC, Suite 1009, at Emerson Hospital, Concord. Monthly, every third Wednesday. All moms who are raising multiples are welcome, including expectant moms. Share and gather tips and strategies to ease day-today challenges, and enjoy some uninterrupted adult conversation! 978-287-0221, firstconnections.org.

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO

Marlborough. 3 – 5 p.m. See the first-ever Star Wars movie on the big screen! 508-624-6902, marlboroughpubliclibrary.org. ONGOING Toddler Time. Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center 333 Nahanton St., Newton. Thursdays, 10 – 11 a.m. Ages 18 months – 3 years with adult. Facilitated, toddler-friendly activities and social time in a nurturing and stimulating environment. $8 drop in but call to confirm before attending any group listed in the baystateparent calendar as things can and do change. 617-558-6522. ONGOING Imagination Playground Opens. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI.

Seussical the Musical. The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. Ends today! See April 13 listing for details.

Happy Patriot’s Day! School Vacation! FREE Boston Marathon. Be a spectator at one of the world’s greatest races! Bring oranges and bananas for the runners representing many nations. Get your cheers ready for an inspiring day. baa.org.

Toddler Playgroup. Stella Bella Toys. Inman Square, 1360 Cambridge St., Cambridge. 11:15 – 12 p.m. on Tuesday of each week. Playing, singing and movement with playgroup leader Alice Heller, a local mom and teacher of creative movement and African dance. Toddlers ages 18 months - 3 years welcome. Playgroup is $5 per visit, or $15 for a punch card good for 5. alicehellerdance.com, stellabellatoys.com. Star Wars Party. Marlboro Public Library, 35 W. Main St., Marlboro. 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Are you a

photo by jim higgins

Corn Husk Doll Making. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth. April 16 – 20. 3 – 5 p.m. Come down to the Wampanoag Homesite and have an opportunity to make your own corn husk doll. Guests of all ages are encouraged to join along in this exciting program. Admission fees apply. plimoth.org.

17TUESDAY

FREE Moms Club of Hubbardston. Location TBA. Meets every third Friday. MOMS Club of Hubbardston Area is a chapter of the International MOMS Club, a support group for mothers serving the towns of Barre, Hubbardston, Princeton and Templeton. Email Joanne at momsclubofhubbardston@yahoo.com for details. 508-667-8102. SteveSongs Concert. America Legion Nonantum Post 44, 295 California St., Newton. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join SteveSongs, the multi-talented and awardwinning children’s musician and PBS co-host and his band for a rockin’ concert to benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute! $12 in advance; $15 at the door. C under 1 free. stevesongs.com.

16MONDAY

Patriots Day. Old Sturbridge Village. Celebrates the role New England patriots played in the nation’s birth with musket demonstrations and fife and drum music. “Meet� a Minuteman and a Loyalist and learn about the differences in their uniforms and beliefs. Learn how to march with the militia using the official 1776 drill manual. Admission fees apply. osv.org.

1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends. Agganis Arena at Boston University, Boston. April 20, 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.; April 21, 10:30 a.m., 2 & 5:30 p.m.; April 22, 1 & 4:30 p.m. Come and play before the Show in the Play Zone, which opens one hour before the show. Play Zone is FREE with your Sesame Street Live ticket. $17 and up. agganisarena.com.

The North Bridge in Concord is a great place to be this Patriot’s Day. Check out all the holiday events this month: nps.gov/mima/patriots-day.htm. FREE Drop In Star Wars Craft. Marlborough Public Library, 35 W. Main St., Marlborough. 2 – 4 p.m. Create a Yoda craft. 508-624-6902, marlboroughpubliclibrary.org. Magic Show. Oxford Community Center, Oxford. 11 a.m. - Noon. All ages! Email ppg@puckihuddlepreschool. com with questions including admission costs. FREE & ONGOING Storytime. Tatnuck Bookseller, Westborough. 10 - 11 a.m. Every Wednesday with Miss Tina. tatnuck.org.

19THURSDAY FREE Movie: Star Wars A New Hope. Marlborough Public Library, 35 W. Main St.,

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Enjoy this breakthrough playspace concept designed to encourage child-directed, unstructured play - the kind of free play that experts say is critical to children’s healthy development. Using big blue foam blocks, wheels, spools and tubes, kids construct castles, forts and vehicles that move - the possibilities are endless. Admission fees apply. ChildrenMuseum.org.

20FRIDAY Sakura & World Museum Project. Boston Children’s Museum. 6 – 8 p.m. Participate in this world project for Earth Day! Admission just $1 per person on Target Friday Nights. BostonChildrensMuseum.

Dejavu Couture Consignment Sale. Northbridge High School, 427 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Also Sat., April 21, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Sun., April 22, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Consignor and vendor space available. Sale items include: kids’ clothing items, toys, games, books, furniture, shoes, baby equipment, sports equipment, maternity clothing and for the first time - stylish accessories for mom. dejavucouturesales.com. ONGOING Oliver Twist. North High School, Worcester. April 20 – 22 and 27 – 29. 508-7534383, wcloc.org/wordpress/current-season/oliver/.

21SATURDAY Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock Concert. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 10:30 a.m. Groovy Gustafer Yellowgold is a small, yellow, cone-headed fellow, who came to Earth from the Sun and has a knack for finding himself neck-deep in absurd situations as he explores his new life in the Minnesota woods. Illustrator/songwriter/musician Morgan Taylor developed the “musical moving book� Gustafer Yellowgold experience as equal parts pop rock concert and animated storybook. A$10, C and Sr. $8. gustaferyellowgold.com. Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. Boston Children’s Museum, Boston. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. SAKURA-PINK IT! Celebrate the Japanese cherry blossom flowers, a symbol of friendship and beauty.

It's a Celebration A Grand Opening - HURRAY! Owner: Patricia Niles-Randolph

Welcome to

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www.gardenofgethsemane.net Take the time to visit our on-line store and enjoy walking through each category. You can view Garden of Gethsemane Florist and Landscapingmany services such as landscaping with before and after pictures, property maintenance, silk & fresh oral design for all occasions, container gardens, gift boxes & baskets, and many more.

Quality name-brand, gently used kid’s clothing, toys, baby equipment, nursery furniture, sports equipment & mom’s accessories up to 90% below retail! >/,9,! Northbridge High School, 427 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville >/,5! Friday, April 20th • 11 am - 3 pm Saturday, April 21st • 8 am - 2 pm Sunday, April 22nd • 8 am - 12 pm / 50% OFF Sale &&0 (&/.0 ),(&

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BAYSTATEPARENT 23

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO Enjoy activities and performances! $12pp, C under 12 months, free. BostonChildrensMuseum.org. 1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends. Agganis Arena at Boston University, Boston. April 20, 10:30 a .m. & 7 p.m.; April 21, 10:30 a.m., 2 & 5:30 p.m.; April 22, 1 & 4:30 p.m. Come and play before the Show in the Play Zone, which opens one hour before the show. Play Zone is FREE with your Sesame Street Live ticket. $17 and up. agganisarena.com. FREE & ONGOING Cambridge Science Festival. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. April 21 – 29. Every day the MIT Museum will host a range of performances, classes, receptions, and workshops and activities. Most activities are free. cambridgesciencefestival.org. Annual Spring Indoor Yard Sale. First Parish Unitarian Church of Hubbardston On the Common, Hubbardston. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Chinese auction (spices), toys, games, books, puzzles, perennials, rummage, luncheon, desserts and more. 978-928-5822 or email cwdoane@charter.net. $24 Portrait Session Benefiting Operation Smile. Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arbor Way, Jamaica Plain. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. On April 21 along with other members of Professional Photographers of America, Sarah Hinchey Photography is offering an individual portrait session and a desk sized portrait in exchange for a $24 donation to Operation Smile. 100% of each donation will go to Operation Smile. The photo shoot will take place at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. Call today to schedule a session time: 617-997-6604. Free. Teddy Bear Clinic. Solomon Pond Mall, Marlborough. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Children learn about health and safety at fun and interactive booths. Bring teddy bears or stuffed dolls. umassmemorial.org. Family Fun with Dan Grady and His Marionettes. Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main St., Stoneham. 10 – 11 a.m. This show is a fast-paced, stringed puppet production comprised of routines that have that special something which is sure to tantalize, captivate, enchant and delight all those who attend. stonehamtheatre.org. Celebrate America's Favorite Pastime: Baseball. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham.Little leaguers, ages 4 and up, gear up for baseball season with whacky baseball games, cookies to decorate and a special visit with awardwinning author/illustrator Matt Tavares of Zachary’s Ball: Fenway Park Centennial Edition, a story about the magic of America’s favorite pastime—baseball! Come early and tour Picture This: 90 years of

Storybook Art, an exhibit featuring over 50 original illustrations from classic children’s toy stories and the toys that inspired them. See a display of autographed baseballs and original artwork from Zachary’s Ball. Register by April 17; space is limited. $12pp NM. 978-468-2377, wenhammuseum.org. Singing in the Rain. Weston Town Hall. April 21 – 28. 2 – 4:30 p.m. Enjoy cabaret style seating at the Weston Town Hall and support the second oldest community theatre in the country! Tickets: 617-7952195, westonfriendly.org.

this memorable day inspired by Molly. $27pp. Reservations required: 877-247-5223.

22SUNDAY

Sleeping Beauty: Tanglewood Marionettes. Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport. 3 p.m. A$11, C & Sr. $9. firehouse.org.

1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends. Agganis Arena at Boston University, Boston. 1 & 4:30 p.m.

EARTH DAY

ONGOING Oliver Twist. North High School, Worcester. April 20 – 22 and 27 – 29. 508-7534383, wcloc.org/wordpress/current-season/oliver/.

events

Tuesday, April 17 – Friday, April 20: Earth Week: On the Move! EcoTarium, Worcester. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Interactive activities and demonstrations each day with half-price admission on Friday. Passport to the Universe, the popular film, narrated by actor Tom Hanks, returns to the Alden Digital Planetarium this week. Take a fascinating ride from Earth to the outskirts of the universe and enjoy the epic beauty of space like never before. A$14, C (2-18) $8. ecotarium.org. Friday, April 20: Earth Day Celebration. EcoTarium, Worcester. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The EcoTarium’s annual Earth Day celebration includes activities and programs, family entertainment, and many vendors of environmentally-friendly foods, products and services, as well as all of the regular museum attractions: the indoor and outdoor exhibits, Explorer Express Train, and digital planetarium shows. Admission is half price for everyone. Regular train and planetarium fees apply.Half-price admission: A $7, C (2-18)$4. ecotarium.org.

Dejavu Couture Consignment Sale. Northbridge High School, 427 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Also Sun., April 22, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Consignor and vendor space available. Sale items include: kids’ clothing items, toys, games, books, furniture, shoes, baby equipment, sports equipment, maternity clothing and for the first time - stylish accessories for mom. dejavucouturesales.com. ONGOING Oliver Twist. North High School, Worcester. April 20 – 22 and 27 – 29. 508-7534383, wcloc.org/wordpress/current-season/oliver/.

FREE! 2

23MONDAY FREE Drop-In Playgroup for Mobile Babies (up to age 3). Isis Maternity, Arlington. 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. $8/family for non-Members. Isisparenting.com.

24TUESDAY

Sunday, April 22: Earth Day Celebration. Garden in the Woods, Framingham. It’s half-price admission all day for visitors. Regular admission is A$10, C (3-17) $5, C under 3 FREE. newfs.org.

Recycle Build-Art. Boston Children’s Museum, Boston. This drop-in art activity is for ages 2 through adult in Countdown to Kindergarten. Visitors will use simple recycled materials to “build, create and innovate! $12pp, C under 12 months, free. BostonChildrensMuseum.org. Also May 22 and June 26.

Saturday, April 28: Earth Day. Townsend Town Common. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. It’s a New England animal theme complete with a live wolf demonstration, children’s games and more. townsend.ma.us.

Baby Playgroup. Stella Bella Toys, Inman Square, Cambridge. Tuesdays, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Enjoy an hour of play, singing and movement with our playgroup leader Alice Heller, a local mom and teacher of creative movement and African dance. Open to babies ages 6 months to 18 months. Playgroup is $5 per visit, or $15 for a punch card good for 5 visits. alicehellerdance.com, stellabellatoys.com.

Saturday, May 19: FREE Radio 92.9 EarthFest. Boston Hatchshell, 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Find Earth-friendly Green products and services at this family-friendly event, which includes a fun Kids Planet area. This event is now the largest Earth celebration in New England. myradio929.com/earthfest.aspx

Come and play before the Show in the Play Zone, which opens one hour before the show. Play Zone is FREE with your Sesame Street Live ticket. $17 and up. agganisarena.com. Molly’s All-American Party. American Girl, Natick. Ages 8+. Learn about life on the home front during World War Two. Have fun with your favorite girl while you learn Molly’s favorite dance step and enjoy a delicious meal. Includes an American Girl book to take home, plus a keepsake booklet with activities and journaling pages to help commemorate

$ $

Souvenir Cup of Animal Feed. Expires /30/1 . Not Valid with offer Discounts or Packages. BSP6

Dejavu Couture Consignment Sale. Northbridge High School, 427 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville. 8 a.m. - Noon. Consignor and vendor space available. Sale items include: kids’ clothing items, toys, games, books, furniture, shoes, baby equipment, sports equipment, maternity clothing and for the first time stylish accessories for mom. dejavucouturesales.com.

FOR PARENTS Creating a Sensory Integration Space at Home Workshop, Northborough. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Get tips and ideas on creating a sensory integration space within your home. 508-898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com. F0R PARENTS Research Update on Treatments for Food Allergies. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2012 Washington St., Newton. 7 – 9 p.m.Learn about current research using anti-IgE, herbal and other immunotherapy approaches to improving or eliminatingn food allergies, and a new peanut allergy desensitization study at MGH. Speaker: allergist Wayne Shreffler, MD, PhD., Director, Food Allergy Center at Mass. 781-444-7778, asthmaandallergies.org.

We accept students with:

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24 APRIL2012

25WEDNESDAY FREE Storytime. Stella Bella Toys, Inman Square, Cambridge. 4 – 4:45p.m. Every Wednesday, Erica Lindamood will read classics along with many soon-tobe favorites. An activity follows. Ages 2- 5. stellabellatoys.com FREE & ONGOING Singalong Story Time. Barefoot Books, 89 Thoreau St., Concord. Wednesdays, 4 – 4:30 p.m. All ages. Call to confirm: 978-369-1770, barefootbooks.org.

26THURSDAY FREE 14th Annual Boston College Arts Festival. April 26 - 28 at Boston College, 12 – 10 p.m. daily. Come explore exhibitions and demonstrations in photography, ceramics, painting and drawing. Enjoy performances from a cappella to contemporary theater, dance performances in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, swing and Irish dance and much more. Events for all ages including children’s activities on Saturday. bc.edu/artsfestival.

activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching and seal cruises. 508-228-1700, nantucketchamber.org. FREE Newburyport Literary Festival. A celebration of literature, authors and readers includes an exciting line-up of events and authors for kids from preschoolers to young adults. The festival concludes with the Annual Favorite Poem Project of Greater Newburyport. Poems submitted by students, teachers, parents, and members of the community are read by Newburyport High School students. newburyportliteraryfestival.org. Also April 28. Extreme Makeover. Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Use scrunchies, ribbons, polish and more to makeover a donkey, mini horse, bunnies and goats. Don’t miss the unveiling of Farmlands solar display for Earth

27FRIDAY FREE Melrose Arts Festival. Memorial Hall, 590 Main St., Melrose. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The three day festival is an exhibition and sale featuring original fine arts and fine crafts by nearly 50 juried artist exhibitors from Melrose and surrounding areas. Features live music and catered food by local restaurants. melrosearts.com. Nantucket Annual Daffodil Festival. April 27 – 29. Nantucket’s traditional welcome to spring, when over 3 million daffodils blooms and turn the countryside into a vivid yellow tapestry. Events and festival activities include the annual antique and classic car parade, and the annual tailgate picnic, as well as

FREE Play Date: Ready, Set, Design. Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Boston. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free for families: up to two adults per family accompanied by children ages 6–12. Youth 17 and under are always admitted free to the ICA. icaboston.org.

28SATURDAY Billy Jonas in Concert. Regent Theatre, Arlington. 10:30 a.m. It’s Frank Zappa meets Pete Seeger! It’s Parliament- Funkadelic and Spike Jones meet Mr. Rogers! It’s Miriam Makeba and Igor Stravinsky meet Captain Kangaroo! A$12, C (12 and under) $10. regenttheatre.com. Celebrate the Week of the Young Child. Boston Children’s Museum. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy music, a parade and hands-on activities for kids and grownups! Learn about the Massachusetts

FREE National Astronomy Day: Clay Center. 20 Newton Street, Brookline. Hour vary: Outdoor events begin at 4 with rocket launches, kite flying, Segway rides, robot demonstrations and telescopes Indoor events from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Night telescopes until 10 p.m.Many activities have been planned for families and children of all ages. Admission and most activities are free, although some activities may require the purchase of kit materials, such as in the rocketry clinic. Don’t forget to register so your family is eligible for the free door prize drawings. The event will be held rain or shine since there will be many indoor activities. Children under 12 must be accompanied by parents. No pets permitted on campus. 617-454-2718, dexter-southfield.org/ podium/default.aspx?t=121032. FREE Family Drop-in: Arnold Arboretum. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Special family activities on the last Saturday of each month, April through October. Activities run from 11:00am to 1:00pm and may include scavenger hunts, science investigations, craft activities, stories, guided walks, and more—discover something new each month!

photo courtesy of catchingjoy.org

Meet Women in Science. Boston Museum of Science, Cambridge. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meet dynamic women who love their careers in science and engineering! Hear them describe their work and experiences in fields ranging from archaeology and astrophysics to marine biology and weather forecasting. Then, try out exciting experiments in related fields on the technology tables. Admissio fees apply. mos.org. FREE Creative Arts Festival. Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham. 1 – 5 p.m. This is a day of campuswide performances, family and children’s events, concerts, art exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and more. brandeis.edu/arts/festival/

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO

ONGOING Oliver Twist. North High School, Worcester. April 20 – 22 and 27 – 29. 508-7534383, wcloc.org/wordpress/current-season/oliver/.

Take your daughter to the Ritz for a spring tea party on April 29th. All proceeds benefit Catching Joy. Tickets: catchingjoy.org. Day. DavisFarmland.com. Also April 29. *Sunday, April 29th is Grandparents Day. Kids bring your grandparents admission free all day! Outfit the Kids Consignment Sale. Best Western, 1 Rainin Rd., Woburn. April 27 – 29. Friday, 12 – 8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hours vary. This tot-to-teen consignment event is open to consignors as well as to attendees. If you choose to be a consignor, in exchange for providing your gently used or new items, you will receive a percentage of the total sale price of your items, prices that you set yourself. Free admission and parking. outfitthekids.com.

statewide early childhood education campaign, Brain Building in Progress with researchers and advocacy groups.$12pp, C under 12 months, free. BostonChildrensMuseum.org FREE 14th Annual Boston College Arts Festival. April 26 – 28. See April 26th listing for details. Ben Rudnick and Friends at Belmont Co-op. 421 Common St., Belmont. 11 a.m. Concert, silent auction, pizza, baked goods and chocolate. $16 family max or A$8, C$6. 617-504-0613.

Huge Children's Tag Sale. Congregation Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Ave., Needham. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The West Suburban Mothers of Twins Assoc. invites you to their semi-annual tag sale with over 20,000 items for sale at super low prices, including gently used children’s clothing, strollers, baby equipment, cribs, toys, books, DVDs & more! Cash only. wscmmota.org, 508-309-3324. FREE Newburyport Literary Festival. A celebration of literature, authors and readers includes an exciting line-up of events and authors for kids from preschoolers to young adults. The festival concludes with the Annual Favorite Poem Project of Greater Newburyport. Poems submitted by students, teachers, parents, and members of the community are read by Newburyport High School students. newburyportliteraryfestival.org. SENSEational. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Explore the science of your senses with the Brown University Department of Neuroscience. Try optical illusions and learn how they trick your eyes and test your sensitivity to textures, tastes, smells and sounds. $8.50pp NM. childrenmuseum.org. Earth Day Celebration. Town Common, Rt.119/ Rt.13, Townsend. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. New England

Spring Cleaning and Straightening? We Can Help. Melvin A. “Dr. Mel” Ehrlich, Pediatric Dentist William U. Murthy, Orthodontist for Children and Adults Individualized Preventive Dental and Orthodontic Care for Toddlers, Children through Adolescence, and those with Special Needs

223 Walnut Street, Framingham, MA 01702

(508) 875-KIDS (5437) Call for details about our FREE WeeCare Infant Oral Health Program

WeeCareAtDrMels.com BAYSTATEPARENT 25

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO animal theme: live wolf presentation, informational tables, acts on the gazebo, food, crafters and children’s games. 978-597-5914, townsend.ma.us. 25th Annual Sheepshearing Festival. Gore Place, Waltham. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy demonstrations of sheep-shearing, herding dogs, spinning, weaving and gardening on a beautiful 45-acre estate. Large crafts fair, live entertainment, historic demonstrators, games and farm animals. Wagon rides and museum tours (additional charge). A$15, C 12 and under FREE. goreplace.org. FREE West Medford Open Studios. Various Locations, West Medford. Noon – 5 p.m. This is a special opportunity for visitors to speak directly to artists about their own work. For younger folks, it is a chance to meet working artists living in their midst, to ask questions about how an artist pursues his or her craft and to gain an appreciation for how art can enhance their lives. Many of the artists are teachers as well, and all enjoy talking about their work. Also April 29. Outfit the Kids Consignment Sale. Best Western, Woburn. See April 27th listing for details. Weston Spring Fling on the Green. Town Green, 400 Boston Post Road, Weston. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Children in grades K-4 will enjoy an afternoon of games, crafts, musical entertainment and activities. Hamburgers and hotdogs will also be sold. Tickets for food and activities will be available for purchase on the Town Green for $1 each. All proceeds will benefit the Kasiisi Project. kasiisiproject.org ONGOING Oliver Twist. North High School, Worcester. April 20 – 22 and 27 – 29. 508-7534383, wcloc.org/wordpress/current-season/oliver/.

29SUNDAY FREE Ninth Annual Walk for Affordable Housing. Mass Ave. and Jason Streets, Arlington. 1 – 3 p.m. This family-friendly walk raises awareness and funds for more affordable housing in the Arlington community. Rain or shine. housingcorparlington.org. Catching Joy Spring Tea Party. Ritz Carlton, Boston. 2 – 4 p.m. Includes tea service, children’s entertainment featuring singer Stacey Peasley, arts and crafts and Catching Joy community service project. Please bring NEW art supplies and art kits for the Starlight Children’s Foundation of New England. All proceeds benefit Catching Joy, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit that promotes volunteerism beginning with young children and their families to let them feel the joy of giving. A$40, C$30. 617-319-4812, catchingjoy.org. FREE 30th Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race. Soldiers Field Road, Brighton. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Nearly 1,500 canoe and kayak enthusiasts, professional, amateur, and recreational, from throughout the US and Canada, ages 12 and up, compete in a variety of races, including the $5,000 Professional Flatwater Canoe Marathon, the 24-Mile Relay Race, and 19-, 9-, and 6-mile races. 5,000 – 10,000 spectators line the riverbanks to watch the Run of the Charles. There are corporate and college team challenges. Family fun at the Finish Line Festival with food, live music, awards, outdoor sports demonstrations and post-race picnics! crwa.org. Tyler Foundation at the Groton Road Race. Whether you run or walk, this spring is the perfect

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opportunity to start to make a difference in the lives of one of the 45,000 children under the age of 15 that develop epilepsy each year. tylerfoundation. org/teamtyler. FREE Rabbit Festival. Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen. 12 a.m. - 3 p.m.Are you considering bringing a new bunny into your home? Or do you already share your life with a bun, and you’re interested in learning more? The Nevins Farm Rabbit Festival is the perfect opportunity to brush up on rabbit basics and meet other enthusiasts. From basic nutrition to clicker training demos, we’ve got it covered. 978-687-7453 x6101. Worcester Youth Chorus Concert Presents "Benedicite" by Andrew Carter. First Congregational Church, 19 Church Rd., Shrewsbury. 4 – 6 p.m. The adult choirs of First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, Trinity Church in Northborough and Wesley United Methodist Church of Worcester combine with the Worcester Youth Orchestras, professional players and the FCC children’s choirs to present the English composer Andrew Carter’s Benedicite. Suggested donation: A$10, C$5. Lucky Duck Family Fun Day. Westville Recreation Area, Harrington Hospital, Southbridge. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Duck sales start at 11 a.m. The race starts at 3 p.m. Enjoy a day filled with train rides, children’s games, face painting and more! Call the duck hotline: 508-765-6473. ONGOING Oliver Twist. North High School, Worcester. April 20 – 22 and 27 – 29. 508-7534383, wcloc.org/wordpress/current-season/oliver/. Outfit the Kids Consignment Sale. Best Western, Woburn. See April 27th listing for details.

30MONDAY ONGOING Native Arts. Boston Children’s Museum, Boston. Ends Sept. 9. A stunning collection of current work from Native Communities throughout New England. This group of artists puts a contemporary twist on traditional methods and materials to create beadwork, baskets, paintings and sculpture a unique window into their origins and identities. $12pp, C under 12 months, free. BostonChildrensMuseum.org.

SUBMIT AN EVENT Fill out our form at

baystateparent.com. Our deadline for the May print issue is

Thursday, April 5. All May events listed after the 5th will apper online only.

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R E M M U S AMP N C DOW T N U O C 28 30 37 46 50

S’MORE CAMPFIRE FUN IN YOUR BACK YARD CAPTURED: CAMP CLOSE-UPS WILL FEAR KEEP YOU AWAY? CAMPERS WHO CHANGE THE WORLD

THERE’S A CAMP FOR WHAT? yulia orlova photography, Belmont, yuorphoto.com BAYSTATEPARENT 27

S’M

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

RE CAMPFIRE FUN in your Own Back Yard BY

carrie wattu

Do you have a little one pining to join Big Sister at summer camp? Or a nervous first-time camper? Perhaps you have eager children asking you every day, “When does camp start? When?� Does your child wish that you could join him at camp? Take the edge off excited, reluctant or wishful campers with some summer camp-themed fun. Whether it’s a nighttime game or campfire treat, here’s a sampling of ideas, courtesy of CQ Products, of what you can do as a family right in your own back yard.

Spider Web Magic

How can we play camp?

Look for spider webs in the morning when they are covered with dew. When you find a great web without its owner, collect it on paper. Spray a dew-covered web with hairspray. Quickly sprinkle baby powder on it and spray with hairspray again. Slide a sheet of dark construction paper behind it and lift the paper up to catch the web. If necessary, cut the anchor lines that hold the web in place and let the web dry. Another way to collect a pretty web is to spray it with paint. Be sure you are far away from any buildings. Place newspapers over the plants and ground around the web. Standing a few feet away from the web, spray the web lightly and evenly with the colored spray paint on both sides. Bend a piece of white paper and bring its center toward the center of the web. The web will stick to the paper. Pull paper back carefully so web sticks to it. Snip the anchor lines and let the paint dry. Collect many different patterns and shapes! Don’t worry; spiders build new webs quickly.

becomes a seeker too and they work together to find the other hidden players. This continues until everyone has been found. The game can be played again and again, even though the glow sticks are shining brightly.

Glow Stick Hide and Seek

Make magic wishing powder with powdered coffee creamer or granulated sugar. Just stand back from the fire and toss a handful into the flames to make magical sparkles that disappear quickly. This is a great visual effect when telling ghost stories with magic spells!

Play this like traditional Hide and Seek but give the person who is the seeker a handful of glow sticks. The seeker activates one glow stick and carries it during the search for hidden players. When s/he finds someone hiding, s/he gives one of the glow sticks to that person, who activates it. That person

Glow Stick Scavenger Hunt An adult activates a bunch of glow sticks and hides them in places around the back yard or camping area. Using a timer, players are sent out to find and gather all the glow sticks they can in the allotted time. Players can hunt in teams too. Cautions: It’s helpful if players carry an activated glow stick to provide some light. Avoid all hazards or potential dangers when hiding the glow sticks, such as ponds, running water, drop-offs, loose rocks or low-hanging branches.

Make Campfire Magic

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SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Toasted Wacky Taffies • 6 wrapped caramel squares • 12 Ritz crackers Build a campfire. Unwrap caramel squares and insert one caramel onto the end of a pointed stick. Hold stick so caramel is about 12” to 15” above hot coals. Toast caramel over campfire just until softened, being careful not to melt caramel completely. Place one caramel between two Ritz crackers to make a sandwich. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Banana Chips • 2 to 3 ripe bananas

Campfire TREATS Make ahead of time to enjoy around the campfire or cook while sitting ‘round the fire.

Chewy Gooey Fruit Leather • 2 qts. ripe fresh fruit (apricots, peaches or strawberries) • 1/4 C. sugar or honey

Blueberry Muffin Spheres: • 6 oranges • 2 (7 or 8 oz.) boxes of blueberry muffin mix.

Honey Mustard: Set out four large pieces of aluminum foil. Divide chicken breasts, potatoes, and bell pepper strips onto aluminum foil pieces. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons honey mustard barbecue sauce over each packet. Wrap aluminum up and over ingredients to seal the packets. Wrap packets again in aluminum foil. Place wrapped packets directly in the coals of the campfire and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked throughout. Easy Ranch: Set out six large pieces of aluminum foil. In a medium bowl combine Ranch dressing mix, crushed corn flakes and Parmesan cheese. Dip chicken breast halves into melted butter and roll in crushed corn flakes mixture. Set one chicken breast half on each piece of aluminum foil and top with some of the red bell pepper strips. Wrap aluminum up and over ingredients to seal the packets. Wrap packets again in aluminum foil. Place wrapped packets directly in the coals of the campfire and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked throughout.

Build a campfire. Cut top 1/3 from each orange and scrape out pulp. Eat or discard pulp. In a medium bowl, prepare muffin mix according to box instructions (be sure to pack the extra eggs, oil or milk needed). Spoon muffin mix evenly into hollowed oranges. Replace top peel of orange and wrap each orange in aluminum foil. Place wrapped oranges directly in the coals of the campfire, making sure the oranges sit upright, so as not to spill the batter. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until muffins are done. Using long tongs, remove oranges from fire. Using a hot pad or oven mitt, slowly unwrap oranges and peel oranges to reveal cooked muffins.

Campfire Chicken Recipes

In a large saucepan over low heat, combine fruit and sugar. Cook until fruit is soft. Remove from the heat and pour off juice, reserving it for another use. Cool fruit mixture; press it through a sieve. Place a double layer of waxed paper on a flat surface. Pour fruit mixture on top, spreading evenly. Let it dry for several days. Fruit leather is ready to eat when it peels away from the waxed paper easily. Cut into strips and store in a cool place. (To speed up preparation time, place waxed paper on a baking sheet and place on top rack in oven at 150° with the oven door partway open for 5 to 7 hours or

Ages 3-14 years!

Preheat oven to 150°. Peel and slice bananas into thin rounds. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Spread banana slices into a single layer onto baking sheet. Bake in oven for 4 hours, turning banana slices over with a fork after 2 hours. Banana chips are done when they are hard and unbendable. Let chips cools on a wire rack and store in a Ziplock bag.

Apricot: Set out four large pieces of aluminum foil. Divide chicken breasts onto aluminum foil pieces. Sprinkle paprika, salt and pepper evenly over chicken breasts. Spoon apricot preserves and Dijon mustard evenly onto each chicken breast. Wrap aluminum foil up and over ingredients to seal the packets. Wrap packets again in aluminum foil. Place wrapped packets directly in the coals of the campfire and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked throughout.

Build a campfire and cook your chicken in aluminum foil pouches right on the coals. When done, uses long tongs to remove packets from fire. Also, use a hot pad or oven mitt to slowly unwrap the packets. Lemon: Place 4 lemon slices on a large piece of aluminum foil. Lay chicken breast halves over lemons. Lay 2 lemon slices over chicken and sprinkle with crushed garlic and Italian seasoning to taste. Top with butter. Wrap aluminum foil up and over the ingredients to seal the packet. Wrap packet again in aluminum foil. Place wrapped packet directly on the coals of the campfire and cook for 40 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent. All of the ideas included here and more can be found in two clever little books by CQ Products: Campfire Cooking and S’More Campfire Fun. Order a book directly for $12 a piece at cqproducts.com. Plus, check out their other titles. There were lots of neat guides in addition to summer camp including Mystery Meals, which can be found on page 70 of this month’s issue.

Nobles Day Camp ...more than just another day camp!

“Celebratin g our 65th summer!”

The Owl’s Nest @ Nobles Day Camp

Nobles Day Camp

{For boys and girls ages 3-5 - entering kindergarten}

A non-competitive, experiential program, based on camper choice of over 25 activites. State of the art facilities include 4 heated pools, boating on the Charles River, creative arts centers and award winning athletic fields.

An exciting and engaging introduction to camp, emphasizing the camper’s social, artistic and physical development in age appropriate groups with a staff/camper ratio of 1:4.

{For boys and girls entering grades 1-9}

10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA 02026 • 781-320-1320 • www.noblesdaycamp.org • camp@nobles.edu BAYSTATEPARENT 29

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

CAPTURED

CAMP CLOSE-UPS

DIGGING IN: Eliza Call enjoys Girl Scout camp at Camp Green Eyrie in Harvard.

FUN OVERFLOWETH: MacKenzie Paradis with friends at Camp Smile, North Brookfield.

Off to Camp: Nina Kniska of Longmeadow heads to Go Girls! camp at Bay Path College.

UP AND AT 'EM: Camp Putnam in New Braintree is the summer stomping grounds for Jamie and Delaney Kirkorian.

CAMP CRONIES: Tesa and Niky pal around at the JCC summer camp.

CAPTURED: bsp is looking for reader photos of Father’s day for our June issue. Email yours to editor@baystateparent.com.

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~ For the Love of Learning ~

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2012 - 2013

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Oxbow Schoolhouse

OFFERING AN AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR A RICH AND MEANINGFUL ELEMENTARY EDUCATION Please see our website for our summer program information

$YNAMIC AND THOUGHT PROVOKING CLASSICAL CURRICULUM FOR GRADES )NSPIRED BY 7ALDORF EDUCATIONAL METHODS $EVELOPMENTALLY BASED HANDS ON LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Small class sizes !N EMPHASIS ON THE ARTS !MPLE DAILY OUTDOOR TIME ! FOCUS ON RESPECT RHYTHM AND ROUTINE INTENDED TO PROVIDE THE FOUNDATION FOR A WELL BALANCED LIFE Oxbow Schoolhouse, 270 Barnum Road, Devens, MA 01434 978-772-9500

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www.playatfrenzy.com 253 MansямБeld Ave., Norton, MA

508-622-1294 BAYSTATEPARENT 31

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

2012 t Keene State College

Owl Soccer Camps The Difference is Learning Diversity. FOR QUALITY TEACHING AND TOP COMPETITION

ACT Test Prep Leaders in Training

EAGLE HILL SCHOOL: An innovative approach to LD education in a classic New England boarding school environment.

Summer Session

Directors

Soccer Tots July 9-13 (9-10 a.m.) Boys and Girls ages 3-5

Dr. Ron Butcher, Keene State College Men’s Soccer Coach Denise Lyons, Keene State College Women’s Soccer Coach Rick Scott, Keene State College Associate Men’s Soccer Coach

Little Kickers July 9-13 (9-11 a.m.) Boys and Girls ages 6-8

Our summer programs are for kids age 10-18 and run from July 2-August 3rd, 2012.

Summer College Program

Sessions

Junior/Senior July 15-20 Boys and Girls ages 9-18

Fight regression and build confidence this summer: turn July into an investment in September.

Also accepting freshman, JV, varsity, and travel club teams with 14 or more players

Team Week July 22-27 For teams with 14 or more players

For more information, visit www.ehs1.org/summer or call (413)477-6000.

Goalkeeper training all sessions

JULY IS AN INVESTMENT IN SEPTEMBER.

Information For applications or information: Owl Soccer Camps 229 Main St., Keene NH 03435-2301 Camp phone: 603-358-2813 603-358-2805 or 603-358-2852 rbutcher@keene.edu dlyons@keene.edu rickee09@yahoo.com tnaitove@keene.edu Fax: 603-358-2888

Four options. One summer. Your choice.

Online registration at keeneowls.com

Get up to $100 off when you attend an info session!

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WORCESTER at Assumption College Traditional 9am-5pm Day Camp for children ages 4-12! Beautiful athletic facilities and fields, ample indoor space, nature trails, pool & more! Activities include athletics, fine & performing arts, nature exploration and swim instruction! Camper’s Choice Academies at no additional cost! Hot lunch, transportation, early drop-off & late pick-up available! Early-Start Jr. Camper Program specially designed for 4 year olds! Low camper to adult ratios with college-age staff or older! Flexible enrollment for 2-7 weeks, plus an extension week! Sibling discounts! This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.

32 APRIL2012

Visit us for online registration & more:

WWW.OASISCHILDREN.COM 4/11, 5/9 & 5/30 6:00-8:00pm Assumption College La Masion Salon

Call us at 800-317-1392 to RSVP!

Wonderful

Funderful

Summer Dance! Mass Audubon Nature Day Camps In Central MA Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary 414 Massasoit Rd. Worcester, MA 01604 Camp Director 508-753-6087 x 13 bmbrookcamp@massaudubon.org Serves Children Ages 4.5-16

Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary 113 Goodnow Rd. Princeton, MA 01541 Camp Director 978-464-2712 x 8703 wachusett@massaudubon.org Serves Children Ages 3.5-17

Dance ‘N Play #!, Summer Sizzle Dance

A unique opportunity to learn about the natural world. Meet new friends and have lots of fun! Specialty sessions such as digital photography, teen adventure trip and woodworking. Experienced staff who provide a safe, educational, and noncompetitive camp environment. Small group nature study. An experience that will last a lifetime!

Mass Audubon

Uniquely magical movement program designed to promote preschool readiness. Geared to provide social interaction in a fun, creative, and exciting atmosphere!

A ballet and tap class designed to devolop coordination, rhythm, flexibility and a love for music and dance through imagination and self expression!

.&/ .#.,- !!%, -!, Tuesdays July 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st August 7th, 14th 21st & 28th $'! 9:15- 10:45 am ),- Purchase a class card to fit in your summer vacation schedule! & ,,!,

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To ďŹ nd out more and to download a camp brochure please check us out at

www.massaudubon.org/camps

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CAMP BIRCH HILL TRADITIONAL • OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMP Located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire Boys and Girls Ages 6-16 Two, Four and Six Week Sessions 2012 Two Week Sessions: I- June 24- July 7 • Ii- July 8 - July 21 Iii - July 22 - August 4

To Hear More About Our Evening Programs, Healthy Food Options And Friendly Staff To Schedule A Camp Tour Or Slide Show *VU[HJ[ <Z! , 4HPS )PYJO /PSS! :\TTLY'*HTWIPYJOOPSS JVT *HSS 6\Y 6MĂ„JL! Ask About Our Two Week Teen Adventure Program White Water Rafting - New High Ropes Course

Friendships and Memories of a Lifetime! BAYSTATEPARENT 33

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Experience...

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

DanceThis Summer with the ballet professionals who stage the

NUTCRACKER AT THE HANOVER THEATRE

THE YOUNG DANCERS SUMMER DAY CAMP TH !UGUST n s -ONDAYn&RIDAY TO !UG AGES 7–12 s TO s #LASSICAL "ALLET 0RE 0OINTE -ODERN *AZZ &LAMENCO 3TAGE -AKE UP #OMPOSITION 6ARIATIONS 3TRETCH 9OGA AND CONDITIONING AGES 5-6 s TO s 0RE "ALLET #REATIVE -OVEMENT "ALLET 3TORIES 9OGA &LAMENCO AND #OSTUME MAKING FROM OUR NURTURING STAFF IN A SAFE AND FUN ENVIRONMENT 3UPERVISED SNACK AND break times!

Camp JCC - The Place to Be!

3UMMER CLASSES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

NEW SUMMER DAY CAMPS

Sabra Summer Program

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15 JAMESBURY DR, WORCESTER MA 01609

508.751.8500

Summit Academy Presents: Summer 2012 Therapeutic Enrichment Program For more information: 508-751-8500

or

info@summitacademiesma.com

For children with Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, ADHD, Non-verbal Learning Disabilities, and High Functioning Autism

Developing Skills in:

Girls Inc. Super Camp 2012

Selfregulation

Respect for self and others; manners; empathy and sharing; humor; social interactions

Therapeutic Martial Arts

Core strengthening; ďŹ ne and gross motor coordination; bilateral transfer; goal setting; teamwork and leadership

Social Language

Speaking and personal interactions; use of technology; sharing ideas; understanding others; journaling

“Super Camp� promises a unique experience for girls ages 6 to 15 Locations: Take advantage of our: Urban & Outdoor Environment... at both Winthrop House and Camp Kinneywood! Like us on Facebook @ Girls Inc of Worcester

June 18th-August 24th, 8:00am-5:30pm July 9 thru August 17 9:00-3:00

s 4EEN 0ROGRAMS FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS s ,IMITED lNANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR GIRLS ENTERING GRADES s 3CHOLARSHIPS MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR GIRLS ENTERING GRADES AND ABOVE s %ARLY BIRD AND SIBLING DISCOUNTS &OR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT US AT OR VISIT US AT WWW GIRLSINCWORCESTER ORG 4HIS CAMP MUST COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS OF THE -ASSACHUSETTS $EPARTMENT OF 0UBLIC (EALTH AND BE LICENSED BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH

Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.sm 34 APRIL2012

The program runs Monday through Friday

s THEMED WEEKS FOR GIRLS IN GRADES

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May choose one or all 5 weeks. Siblings of attending students are also welcome to attend.

Summit Academy School is a Massachusetts 766 approved K-12 school that serves students on the Autism Spectrum. The Summer Program is run privately, separate from the school’s Department of Education approved program.

July 9-20 For Students Grades 1st-12th

Franklin Pierce University Summer Baseball Camps

First Unitarian Church

Week 1 July 16-20 • Week 2 July 30-August 3 Ages 7-17

90 Main St. Worcester, MA

For a brochure please visit athletics.franklinpierce.edu and find “camps and clinics” under the baseball page or call 603-899-4084

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At Gymboree Play & Learn classes, songs, stories and play become the basis for a friendship that will last a lifetime.

www.imaginecollective.org Playtime creates meaningful memories for you and your child.

120 Prospect Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 (978)342-6053 www.applewild.org

Taking interest in playtime lets your child know how special he or sshe is and builds confidence!

Applewild is a K-8 coeducational independent day school. THE BOSTON AREA’S PREMIER DAY CAMP

SUMMER CAMP AT APPLEWILD Adventure Camp (Grades K-8) 3 sessions, June 25-August 3;

Play helps your child develop a strong body and happy mind.

General Camp (ages 3-15) Specialty Camps (ages 6-15) Simply Circus, Extreme Sports, Beaver Off-Broadway, High-Adventure, Nature Discovery, and many more

CIT Program (Grades 8-10) offered at each session; Girls’ Field Hockey & Lacrosse Camp, (Grades 5-8) July 9-20; Writing Institute, (Grades 4-8) July 9-20.

Extended day, lunch provided

For more information go to www.applewild.org or call 978-342-6053, x 103 for Adventure Camp and CIT; x 204 for Sports and Writing Camps

www.gymboreeclasses.com

• Chesnut Hill, MA • Call today for a personal tour 617-738-2750 • www.bcdcamp.org

Visit our UPDATED Westboro location 76 Otis Street (Rt 9 Eastbound), Westboro 508-366-1495

Summer 2012

REGISTER ♥ NOW SUMMER & FALL 2012

Dream • Believe • Achieve

Gymnastics Learning Center

Dream •Pride Believe Achieve “Building the Inside Since • 1983”

Help Your Child Learning be Healthy Center and Fit! Gymnastics • American Red Cross Swim lessons in our heated pools • “Gym & Swim” Half and Full day camps • "Funtastic" Themed Camp weeks • Girls and Boys Gymnastics Lessons “Walkers and Up!”

508-792-1551 FREE 7ULDO &ODVV Fall Programs New students only

The Only Nationally Accredited Preschool in Shrewsbury!

Continuous registration for all ages and all seasons!

• Preschool Classes • Full-Day Year Round Care • Half And Full Day Kindergarten Programs

• EEC Licensed Teachers • Music Program • Weekly Gymnastics Lesson

508-792-3535

574 Lake Street, Shrewsbury • www.gymnasticslearningcenter.com

GIVE THEM THE BEST SUMMER EVER! A day camp experience that’s out of this world!

For girls and boys ages 5 to 15

• Exceptional staff UÊ ÝVi«Ì > ÊÃÌ>vv • Lots of choice UÊ ÌÃÊ vÊV Vi • Specialty Programs— UÊ-«iV > ÌÞÊ*À }À> ÃpÊ , L Ì VÃ]Ê ÀVÕÃ]Ê À> >ÊÊ Computer, Theatre, > `Ê Ài Fine Arts and more

•UÊ-Ü }]Ê ÀÌÃ]Ê-« ÀÌÃ]ÊÊ Swimming, Arts, Sports, `Ûi ÌÕÀiÊ> `Ê Ài Nature and Adventure •UÊ i iÀ> Ê> `Ê-i ÀÊ > «Ã General and Senior Camps •UÊ >ÞÊ/À «Ê«À }À> à Day Trip programs •UÊ ÌÊ Õ V iÃÊ> `ÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌ>Ì Hot lunches and transportation

Summer Fenn Day Camp

at The Fenn School in Concord, 516 Monument Street • 978.318.3614 or www.summerfenn.org, email: summercamp@fenn.org • To schedule a private campus tour, please call or email us. BAYSTATEPARENT 35

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

SUMMER CAMP COUNTDOWN

Friendship, laughter and confidence abound when we play together!

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

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Dance with us this summer! Experience the difference at Boston Ballet School

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Summer Programs 2012

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Photos by Igor Burlak, Jared Redick, Sabi Varga ©vargaimages, and Carolyn Rock

36 APRIL2012

Capen Hill Nature Camp Off Rte. 20, Charlton, MA 44 1-Week 1-Week Sessions Beginning Beginning July July11th 9th Ages Ages 4-12 Call or or visit visit website website to to register. register. Call

Get Back To Nature! 508-248-5516

Capenhill.org

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CLASSES BEGINNING IN JUNE! Princess Camp Safari Camp Hip Hop Camp Acrobatic Camp Diva Camp

ELITE SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Camp - Taught by Dee Tomasetta top 30 ďŹ nalist on SYTYCD season 8

Weekly Classes for ages 2-18. Adult Dance Classes and Weekly College Adult Classes Register Today 910 BOSTON TURNPIKE, SHREWSBURY, MA 508-842-5500 %,)4%$!.#% -! #/- s ).&/ %,)4%$!.#% -! #/777 &!#%"//+ #/- %,)4%$!.#% ;OaaOQVcaSbba >`S[WS` 2O\QS AbcRW]

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HiSTo5y Lesson

Your Kids Will Never Forget Register before May 1 and SAVE!

Scan this code with your mobile device to watch a Discovery Adventures video.

Discovery Adventures at Old Sturbridge Village, April 16-20, June 25-August 17 Ages 6-17

Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA, 508-347-0285

Visit www.osv.org/camp

BAYSTATEPARENT 37

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

SUMMER CAMP COUNTDOWN

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

WILL FEAR

Keep You Away? BY

carrie wattu

directors and staff are honest answers that validate our concerns about sexual abuse and other safety issues. We want to hear clearly what steps are in place to ensure that our child will have a safe, healthy and happy summer camp experience. A solid camp provides these answers and more, so that our children do not miss out on what many consider to be a magical part of childhood. “It saddens me to think fear keeps children away from the amazing growth experience at summer camp,” says Heather. But before we begin to ask tough questions of prospective summer camps, we must first make sure we’ve done our work at home.

Vagina, Penis and Other Words Your Child

Needs to Know

H

eather Weller has been sending her 14-year-old daughter to the same resident camp since she entered the third grade. Her worries varied from concerns that her daughter would be homesick or not eat properly to benign issues that her daughter might lose her belongings or not rinse all of the shampoo out of her hair. What didn’t weigh heavily on her mind was that her daughter might be in some kind of physical danger. “Considering how many times more likely a child is to 38 APRIL2012

be molested by a family member or close family friend than a camp counselor, I can honestly say this is one fear that barely was a blip in my mind,” the Worcester mother says. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association both say that sexual abuse is not uncommon today. It is real that parents are concerned about this threat to their children, yet their findings support Heather’s belief: 90% of sex abuse cases are perpetrated on a child by a family member or someone the child knows well: a relative, babysitter or family friend. And

while most sexual abuse impact girls, the AAP cites that at least 10% of victims are boys. Still many of us are haunted by incidents such as Senator Scott Brown’s 2011 allegations of sexual abuse as a boy at the Cape Cod summer camp, Camp Good News, feeding the fear that sex offenders are waiting to prey on our children. And while we may want our children to experience the independence and fun that summer camp can offer, our fears for their safety may be holding us – and our children – back. What we need from summer camp

If you haven’t already created a safe and comfortable place to discuss sexual and safety matters in your home, find a way to start the discussion and follow up frequently. This needs to happen even before your child reaches camp age. Children need to know appropriate names for body parts: penis, scrotum, vagina, breasts and anus. The use of euphemisms can jeopardize your child’s credibility should they someday need to report abuse. Teach your child that her private parts are off limits to others unless that person has a legitimate reason to see these parts, such as a pediatrician. If someone touches your child’s private parts or even asks to see them, tell your child she needs to notify an adult immediately. Reassure your child that she will never get in trouble, no matter what terrible thing the person says will happen. Explain that it is equally wrong if someone tries to show his private parts to your child or asks your child to touch him in an inappropriate way. Make sure that your child knows that he or she did nothing wrong and has nothing to be ashamed of. Explain the difference between a good touch/bad touch and what a secret is and isn’t. Teach your children how to trust their intuition, that uncomfortable feeling they sense within themselves when something is wrong. They must always tell you if someone makes them feel strange or scared. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, children and teens will often not talk about abuse and will protect their abuser, who has groomed the child into a complex psychological relationship with him or her. For this reason, it is often hard to uncover abuse. Parents should be in tune with their children, looking for warning signs, such as eating or sleeping problems and moods swings (A complete list of sex abuse signs in children is available at stopitnow.org). Safety training programs such as Rad Kids offer classes locations throughout Massachusetts to teach children as young as age 5 how to protect themselves against dangers such as sex abuse and abduction. Children are invited to return

to the program for free as many times as they wish throughout their childhood, and parents are encouraged to sit in on all sessions. A program like this can be the helping hand parents need to arm their children with practical safety know-how early on.

Is Licensing and Accreditation

Enough? Just as parents must openly communicate with children about sensitive matters, we also need to ask tough questions to those we are trusting with our children’s care. A starting point is to find out if the summer camp is licensed and/or accreditated, which are two separate things. It may not sound like a difficult question, but if the camp you are interested in is not licensed or accreditated, be bold and ask why. Consider their response when deciding if this is the right camp for your child. In Massachusetts, camps for children must be inspected and licensed by the local board of health in the city or town where the camp is located. In order to be licensed, the camp must meet all regulatory standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and any additional local requirements. Camps must perform criminal record background checks on each staff person and volunteer prior to employment, require proof of camper and staff immunizations and show appropriate training, certification or experience for staff conducting or supervising specialized or high risk activities, such as swimming or horseback riding. To see if a camp is licensed, contact the local health department/board in the community where the program/camp is located. Once you check the licensing, investigate whether the camp is accredited by the American Camp Assocation (ACA). This is different than the required licensing from the state as accreditation is a voluntary process, where a national advocacy group, the ACA, analyzes all aspects of the camp’s operation. Camps pay a fee to participate in this thorough program, which involves a camp investigation of 300 safety and health standards. Parents can (and should) verify the accreditation status of any camp by visiting ACAcamps.org. Carey Rivers, co-director and adviser for Tips on Trips and Camps, a service that helps parents choose the right camp for their child, tells Washington Parent, that roughly only one in five camps are ACA accredited. Why? “ ‘Accreditation can be costly and time-consuming, and many camp administrators think the state licensing procedure to be tough enough,’ ” explains Rivers. However she does add, “ ‘I wouldn’t, as a parent, be afraid of a camp that’s not ACA accredited. Of the 10,000 camps in the U.S., there are only about 2,000 that are accredited.’ ” While the accreditation process can give parents some assurance that a camp makes safety a priority, no certificate completely guarantees safety. Accredidation is just one step in the process. Parents should

cross check the standards listed on the ACA website with the camp director. Confirm that a nurse is on staff at residential camp, or that a day camp has access to a nurse or doctor during the day. Inquire about lifeguard and CPR training. Revisit any ACA standard in which you seek confirmation and assurance.

Background Checks

Scratch the

Surface

The ACA voluntary accreditation process and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) requires that a background check be performed on all camp staff and volunteers. This involves: obtaining and reviewing the applicant’s previous work history, confirming three positive references and obtaining a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). A CORI checks for any offenses that have occurred in Massachusetts only. Unfortunately, if a person has committed a crime in another state, this will not appear on the CORI. The camp must also get a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) report from the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) for all prospective camp staff, including any volunteers. Because a majority of sexual abuse against children goes unreported, some people who have sexually abused children will pass a criminal background check. Just as accreditation is one part of the overall safety picture, so is a clean CORI and SORI. All that these records really indicate is that a person has not been caught committing a crime. To complement the background checks, parents should ask directors: • How is the staff monitored throughout the day while they are supervising children? Do you randomly check areas of camp, or have grids-system sign-offs? • How is your staff screened? Were all of their references checked by making phone calls and having lengthy discussions? Do you screen applicants for potential warning signs? For example, some people who sexually abuse children spend all of their time with children or youth. • Does your staff receive any kind of safety training that has included sex abuse issues and appropriate touches? • Are there clear policies on sexual misconduct in the written employee handbook? • Is there a policy prohibiting one-onone contact between staff members and campers? Lastly, you may want to ask the camp director to describe members of his or her staff to you. Comprehensive answers may be an indicator of strong hiring practices and work relationships and can up your comfort level a few notches.

Beware of Older Campers

and Young Counselors Not all sexual perpetrators are adults. According to The American Psychological Association, an estimated 23% of reported cases of child sexual abuse are perpetrated by individuals under the age of 18. This means that parents need to inquire about how teen counselors are monitored when they are supervising children. Staff members should not be communicating with your child outside of camp via phone, texts or social media. This is not acceptable, is often against camp rules and could be a warning sign of an inappropriate relationship. Additionally, all encounters between campers of varying ages should be supervised, and many camps have a “safety in numbers” rule: three at a time always. Parents should insist that campers are never left alone with a staff member or older camper. The camp should have a policy in place prohibiting one-on-one interactions. As parents tour a camp, it may be helpful to take note of the physical layout of camp. Is it easy for staff to monitor interactions, or are there corners and closets where a child can be taken that is not visible to others?

My Child Needs to

Report a Problem

Most camps do not allow campers to bring their cell phones to camp with them. Cell phones are considered to be distracting and a contributing factor to homesickness. However, it does make some parents wonder if this common policy should be reevaluated so that our children have a safe way to reach out if there is a problem. While research does show that most children do not report abuse to parents, could it help the small minority who do? In the meantime, parents must find out if campers have an anonymous and safe way to report a problem if they have an uncomfortable feeling for any reason. What is the camp’s system for this, and more importantly, is every camper aware of this resource? Addressing fears of sexual abuse is one of the most common questions camp director Teresa Farley, a Middleboro mom of three, gets asked. “I always feel as though being open and honest is the best policy. As a parent myself, I am very strict with my staff and hiring procedures. We have safety rules in place. CORI and SORI checks are first, but they are only a small part of the big picture. What we are doing every day is what makes a difference.” She says that kids are never allowed to travel in twos with each other or with staff. They are not even allowed in the bathroom unless there are three people or more in there and staff is right outside the

door. SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN “If the practices are safe, then potential abusers will think twice about choosing that camp to prey upon,” says Teresa. “We are hypervigiliant and constantly talking about it and holding people accountable.” Exactly what every parent needs to hear.

Helpful websites acacamps.org boston.bbb.org stopitnow.org raddkids.org Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent

Camp Screening

Checklist • Determine if a camp has its state license by calling your local Board of Health. • Choose camps that have participated in a voluntary camp accreditation process by the American Camp Association, an advocacy group that checks over 300 standards at each camp they inspect. ACAcamps.org. • Google the camp and use Facebook and email to network with other parents about a camp’s reputation. • Meet with the camp director for an interview and tour. • Be candid about your true safety concerns and have an honest discussion with the director. • Ask to speak with two or three counselors. • Visit the camp while in session. • Obtain names of other families who have sent their children to the camp, and contact them for testimonials. • Check the camp’s Better Business rating at boston.bbb.org • Make sure that outsiders cannot gain access to camp while in session. Can anyone walk in or is there a sign-in process? • Confirm that the camp prohibits one-on-one interaction between campers of varying ages and between staff members and camper. BAYSTATEPARENT 39

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Give Your Child a Summer to Remember!

Leominster Recreation Summer Youth Programs Something for EVERYONE this July & August!

Full day Programs with:

CONCORD

ACADEMY

summer

camp

Coed Day Camp • Ages 3-15 • 20+ Camps One Location in Greater Boston

Arts & Crafts, Sports, Drama, Reading, Social Time, Entertainment, Swimming & More! Weekdays 7:30am-5:30pm, 6 weeks for ages 2.9-15. Base price $65-$75 per week from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Full day Teen Adventure, Sportsmania, & Conservation Exploration Youth Instructional Programs: Tennis, Lacrosse, Golf, Basketball, Track & Field, Theatre, Cooking, Swimming.

Weekly half-day Enrichment Programs: Lego projects, Hogworts, American Girl Doll Class, Cupcake Decorating, Fun with Books, Scrapbooking, Science Fun, Kulinary Kids, Oceans of Fun, Glee Musical Fan Club & More! 166 Main Street • Concord, MA 01742

Visit www.leominster-ma.gov or call 978-534-7529 for more information on programs available.

(978) 402-2284 camp@concordacademy.org

www.concordacademysummercamp.org

DECORDOVA’S SUMMER 2012 PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPEN!

Summer fun for campers 3.5 to 12 years old

•Sports Options •Half-Day & FullDay Programs •Special Events on Campus Every Week! Left: Jim Dine, Two Big Black Hearts, 1985, bronze, 12’ x 12’ x 33” each, Lent by Hamilton Arts.

Week-long programs, classes, and workshops for youth and teens, ages 5–18 • • •

Drawing and Painting Sculpture Anime

• •

Video Production Stone Carving and more!

Explore the full summer schedule and register online at decordova.org/school.

51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 40 APRIL2012

www.dedhamcountryday.org

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

.

Season Opens April 12th

OPEN SCHOOLk! Vacation Wee

ission 1/2 Price Adms after 2pm April Weekday

It’s hands-on, ! family farm FUN ery Play, Endangered Livestock, Discov es, Water Sprayground, Hay Rid d more. Pony Rides, Apple Picking an r: Sign-up now fo

ALL NEW

SHOW!

s Birthday Parties ers and s Groups s Sleepov s Private Outings.

DavisFarmland.com 978-422-MOOO (6666)

Gr an dm a’s F ar ewell T our !

Tickets Start at $20!* MAR 27 - MAY 13

by a child Adults must be accompaniedis Farmland. Dav at r nge you 12 years or © 2012 DFL/DMM

BSP4

FREE! $2

. Expires 5/28/12. Souvenir Cup of Animal Feed or Packages. BSP4 Not Valid with offer Discounts T S A C H U S E T

G S T E R L I N

M A S S

BOSTON CITY HALL

BUY NOW ! BigAppleCircus.org 888.541.3750 Big Top Box Office Opens Fri, Mar 16 (Boston City Hall - no fees here) * Offer good on select seats and shows. Other conditions apply. Children under 3 are free on the lap of a paid adult, one child per lap.

ENS T P O CASEY AUGUASZE GA M EARL E M S DAVI

DavisMegaMaze.com

978-422-8888 BAYSTATEPARENT 41

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

42 APRIL2012

6KUHZVEXU\ $UWV $OLYH 6XPPHU

Summer Sailing Camp

for Ages 8 - 16 years old

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on Lake Quinsigamond at Regatta Point State Park

Children choose any one of the following CORE programs:

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Day and Residential Programs Summer 2012 July 22-August 11

IT'S NOT OVER YET!

(Choose as many weekly sessions as you want)

baystateparent is just getting started as we continue offering families comprehensive camp advertising in May and June.

Physical Science • Natural Science Performing Arts • Fine Arts Adventure Challenge

•

•

They also enjoy activities like: Rollercoasters, Bubble Bubble, Rockets, Hot Air Ballons, Ultimate Frisbee, Geodome and Grossology - to name a few!

Ventures Charlton, MA

Advertisers, please call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296.

MetroWest YMCA Day Camp &DPS 7RXU 0D\ WK DP SP

For more information 1-800-433-8375 www.naturesclassroom.org

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Register Online Adult Lessons/Memberships also available “I just came back from a sailboat ride with my son (9 yrs old). I am so impressed with the skills my son learned in just one week. Plus, what a confidence booster!� – Suzan U. Northborough Parent

Regatta Point Community Sailing 508.757.2140 www.RegattaPoint.org

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Let your child’s imagination soar this summer.

Back for our 8th year!

Hosted at local schools throughout greater Boston. Call for details!

July 23-27, 2012

Register your child @ www.clubinventionNE.org or or 800.968.4332 800.968.4332

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45 East Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 (508) 435-9345 www.metrowestymca.org

Week long sessions starting June 18 thru August 24 8:45-4:30 Ages 9-16 years old* $239/week Preseason price $199/week

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In partnership with: United States Patent and Trademark Office Š 2011 Invent Now, Inc. All rights reserved.

s -AKE SPORTS ANCHOR TAPES FROM A 46 STUDIO s -AKE PLAY BY PLAY TAPES OF THE 3UPER "OWL ."! &INALS s 4OUR &ENWAY 0ARK AND MAKE REPORTING TAPES INSIDEx AND MUCH MORE

Boys & Girls ages 10 - 18 will have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the industry.

For more information call 800-319-0884 or visit www.playbyplaycamps.com This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health

BAYSTATEPARENT 43

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

presented by Nature’s Classroom

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Performing Arts Center of MetroWestt Join Us for Summer Theater Fun! Grades K-2: Theater Fun! Grades 3-8: Once on This Island Romeo & Juliet You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown Grades 4-9: Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Grades 9-12: Urinetown, The Musical Register Now, Programs Start June 25

Mini-Dance Camps Ages 3-7 Cinderella, Sugar Plum Fairy & More! See Our Website For More Information www.pbdancecenter.com

(508) 875-5554 www.pacmetrowest.org U 140 Pearl Street, Framingham, MA w A

Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures

Unique summer camp for boys, ages 10-14, located in Vermont’s Green Mountains

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO THINK SUMMER! ▲ tipi living ▲ nature crafts ▲ canoeing ▲ archery ▲ wilderness skills ▲ swimming ▲ backpacking ▲ hiking ▲ atlatls & ‘hawks ▲ bison jerky ▲ cooperative work & play ▲ and lots more!

Call 446-6100 (802) 773-7866 Call for for aa full full brochure brochure (802)

Early Education and Care Since 1913

www.guildofstagnes.org All of our centers are NAEYC accredited ♥ Enrolling children from 4 weeks to 12 years ♥ Center Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ♥ Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Provided

Enroll now for Summer Camp 888.798.4567

www.nighteaglewilderness.com Come join the FUN at the Assabet Valley

CAREER DISCOVERY CAMP To register, contact Carolyn Madzar, 508-263-9841 Assabet Valley RTHS 215 Fitchburg Street Marlborough, MA

One Week Only!

August 6th-9th, 2012 Team Buildin g Real World Projects Technical Sk ills Games & Act ivities

For more information, scan here to visit our website, www.assabettech.com

Create lifetime memories for your family this summer on peaceful Lake Fairlee in Vermont. Cozy cabins with fireplaces. Farm-fresh meals. Swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, tennis, crafts, and more. Delighting generations of families since 1905. Imagine your family right here. www.OhanaCamp.org

An indoor play facility and family resource center for all children, including children with special needs ages 2- 16. Programs include • Open REC time • Afterschool 6 days per week • Weekend • Social skills • Vacation weeks & play groups • Monthly Date Nights

www.recreationaleducationcenter.com 44 APRIL2012

Family Care Offices In Devens, Leicester, Whitinsville and Worcester

Ohana Family Camp

The Recreational Education Center, “The REC”

83 Pine Street Suite 102 Peabody, MA 01960 978-717-5062

Center Locations Include Granite St., and Grove St. in Worcester Charlton, Devens, Fitchburg and Gardner

Camp REC begins in June! Choose the number of weeks enrolled, the number of days and the times. The day camp runs on weekly themes which are embedded throughout all of the activities. Our trained behavioral specialists facilitate social skill development, communication skills and play skills throughout the camp experience. Camp REC is an engaging summer experience for all children, including children with special needs.

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ÂœvĂƒĂŒĂ€>ĂŠ1Â˜ÂˆĂ›iĂ€ĂƒÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠUĂŠ iÂ“ÂŤĂƒĂŒi>`]ĂŠ 9ĂŠUĂŠ Ă•Â?ÞÊ£‡£{]ĂŠĂ“ä£Ă“ Camp Altitude is a two-week summer camp experience for children with social cognitive challenges who are entering 6th through 11th grades. We are committed to providing our campers with a rewarding summer experience that promotes growth and enrichment in the areas of social learning, executive functioning, and independent living skills.

www.altitudefamilies.com 914-307-1674 BAYSTATEPARENT 45

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Where Life Skills Develop and Friendships Blossom

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN BY

S R E P M CA E G N A H WHO C

THE D L R WO

amanda roberge

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ora Kramer was a camp kid. Having grown up in the thick of bustling Manhattan for the first decade of her life and the suburbs of Westchester County the second, it was a straight shoot to the north each summer to Camp Emerson, located in the Massachusetts Berkshires. But for as much as she grew to love her summer camp experiences (“At first I felt like my dad was trying to just send me away,” she says), it was never her dream to found and run one of her own. However, as Youth Empowered Action (YEA) camp enters its 4th summer season, Nora, 36, loves camp more than ever. Her camp. The pioneer camp – which comes to the East Coast this summer for the first time – is quite possibly the only one of its kind. And Kramer should know – her initial search for a camp that would be a good fit for some of the more sociopolitically driven students in her 9th grade English class turned up nothing. “I wanted for my students to have not just a place to go for camp, but a place where I felt they would get access to all the things they needed,” she says, adding that YEA Camp is designed for kids ages 12-17. “I didn’t really intend to start one – I just wanted to find one!” Over the years, she says, she has been incredibly moved by how upstanding and intelligent many teenagers are – an image that isn’t always the first one to spring to mind when you think about that demographic. “These kids have concern and they have passion for the issues that matter to them,” she adds. “And I just really, more than anything, wanted a place for them to go to develop their skills as young activists. Many of these kids go back to their schools and start environmental clubs and animal

photos courtesy of yeacamp.org

Harbor Discoveries Camps Dive in and Discover! Register now!

Boating is FUN Camp HOPKINTON STATE PARK SPOT POND, WAKEFIELD UMASS BOSTON

Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing Kids Ages 8-15 Full Day, Half Day & Extended Day Programs

617.299.3392 BoatingCamp.com

Visit www.neaq.org or call 617-973-5206. This camp complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the Board of Health.

46 APRIL2012

$30 Off Full Day Registration with code 30BSP2012 Register Online by April 30

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN rights groups. They’re amazing.� And so she offered a pilot program in the summer of 2009 outside San Francisco and was prepared to tweak what didn’t work. But through her career as a high school teacher and someone who has always been involved in non-profits and in various components of activism, the session flew by without a hitch and she hasn’t altered that initial curriculum much. In subsequent summers, Kramer offered sessions in Oregon and California. This year, YEA Camp comes to New Jersey. At the very foundation of camp are four areas of instruction, she says. Campers learn how to make a positive change in the world as it relates to their “Issue of

difference at mealtimes – which include – like most camps – the good stuff like ice cream sundae night and pizza night‌all vegan. “It was nice to know that I would be at a camp where I didn’t have to ask a lot of questions about what I was about to eat, but where I could focus on being around nice people who share my interests,â€? she says. Karuk, along with her mother, has been actively involved in raising awareness about veganism for most of her life. Furthermore, she has spoken about issues within the walls of her local statehouse – an honor that she takes very seriously. “There are always representatives who come up to me afterwards and say how

Chess Program 16th Annual National Summer Chess Tour Tuition includes tee-shirt, trophy, chess board & pieces & much more.

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CHESS & GAME BUILDER SUMMER PROGRAMS July 30 - August 3, 2012 Fontbonne Academy • Milton, MA Chess • Video Game Creation (Intro & Sequel) • Animation July 30 - August 3, 2012 Cape Cod Academy • Osterville, MA Chess • Video Game Creation (Intro & Sequel) July 30 - August 3, 2012 Fay School • Southborough, MA Chess • Video Game Creation (Intro) August 6 - August 10, 2012 Bancroft School • Worcester, MA Chess • Video Game Creation (Intro & Sequel)

Video Game Creation Program Your child will actually design, develo develop and create a one-of-a-kind video game or animated story. • Intro Video Game Creation • Video Game Creation - The Sequel

• Animation Creation Program Check website for details.

Register Online:

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Importance,� otherwise known around camp as their IOI. In addition to Building Knowledge and working on Skills related to reaching out to the community at large, campers are given intensive training in Confidence Building and, lastly, Building Communication. Campers are encouraged to take what they have learned at camp and go forward into their own lives to make a genuine difference in their community. “Essentially, we measure the success of our curriculum by how the campers integrate what they have learned and been inspired by in their lives,� she says. Past campers have had some significant successes thanks to their honed skills and increased confidence – including one camper who was invited to Oregon from the East Coast to speak at Planned Parenthood’s annual fundraiser luncheon. Over the years, these issues have ranged anywhere from racial equality to gay rights to sustainable farming. But what actually ends up being the draw for many campers, like Jasmine Karuk, 16, from South Windsor, CT, is the fact that all of the food served in the mess hall is vegan. All of the produce is organic and mealtime, as per one of Kramer’s founding principles, is designed to be a very special time of the day. “When we eat together at camp, it’s always a reminder that we’re doing something really special,� Kramer says. “We are creating food that has been prepared thoughtfully and consciously, and we are paying close attention to how our actions are impacting the world.� But according to Karuk, it’s the social environment at camp that makes all the

they like hearing from young people about the issues they feel strongly about,� she says. “They tell me it’s a nice change to see young people who care so deeply.� Kramer is proud beyond measure of the accomplishments of her campers, many of whom return year after year. One highlight is setting up a poster at the start of the week for each camper. Throughout the session, friends and counselors write positive messages for each person, giving them a boost of confidence that lasts a lifetime. “I always laugh when someone tells me they still have theirs,� Kramer says. “We create a really safe environment where kids can – and are encouraged to – take risks in ways that are safe and smart because ultimately, we believe it scaffolds their ability to do so after camp is over.� YEA Camp will be held August 5-12, 2012 at the Murray Grove Retreat Center in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged. The camp is located approximately 1.5 hours from both New York City and Philadelphia. “There are camps for kids who play soccer, and camps for kids who are musically inclined� says Kramer, “but the kids that come to YEA camp are interested in having a positive and lasting impact on their world.� For information on Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Camp, visit yeacamp.org

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Amanda Roberge is a freelance writer and mother of three girls who muses online at ConfessionsofaCurvyGirl.com. BAYSTATEPARENT 47

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Explore. 2012 Family Adventures For an Unforgettable Outdoor Experience. Kids Stay, Play, and Eat Free at Cardigan Lodge this Summer! Families save when they stay with Appalachian Mountain Club this summer. Bring your children to our family-friendly Cardigan Lodge, in NH’s Lakes Region, and their stay is on us! Valid June 24–August 5, with a minimum 3-night stay. New reservations only. Subject to availability. Black out days apply. Must mention promo code KIDSB12.

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Got a kid who wants to run away to the circus? Another who eats, sleeps and breathes the Red Sox? There’s a summer camp for each of them. There’s even a camp for the child who likes Nerf Blasters and zombies, And they’re right in Massachusetts. A partial list of some of the Commonwealth’s most unique camps, organized by interest, follows.

Biking Here at Hillside Meadows we pride ourselves in our versatility and knowledgeable trainers. Exceptionally beautiful and well managed facilities for boarding and leasing. Truck-ins are always welcome. UÊ Õ ÌÊ-i>Ì UÊ7iÃÌiÀ Ê* i>ÃÕÀi UÊ,> V Ê, ` }ÊEÊ6iÀÃ>Ì ÌÞÊ UÊ7iÃÌiÀ Ê> `Ê Õ ÌÊ-i>ÌÊ ÌiÀÃV >ÃÌ V , ` }Ê/i> ÃÊv ÀÊ `` iÊEÊ-iV `>ÀÞÊ-ÌÕ`i ÌÃ

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Boston: Have a preteen or teen who loves to bike? Adventure company, Apogee Adventures, offers an introduction to bicycle touring on Cape Cod & the Islands just for them. Campers will bicycle along bike paths and back roads through beautiful Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Cod. They will also get the opportunity to take a surf lesson and tour the city of Boston by foot. apogeeadventures.com.

Career Marlborough: Students entering grade 6 – 8 can explore careers in culinary arts, metal fabrication, design & visual communications, precision machining, auto collision, biotechnology, and cosmetology at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. Visit assabettech. com for information on their Career Discovery Program.

Circus Newton: Simply Circus, Inc. offers programs for little ones to middle and high school students. Campers can study acrobatics, stilt walking, wire walking, juggling, Aerial Fabrics, clowning and physical comedy. simplycircus.com. Another circus opportunity for campers – age 6 – 16 – is in Reading at the Boston Trapeze School. Children will fly on the trampeze, learn to clown around and perform other circus arts. http://boston. trapezeschool.com. In neighboring Vermont, circus fun abounds at the family-favorite Smirkus Camp. While the 2012 camp session is currently filled, it might be worth checking out for your future circus performer. circussmirkus.org.

DNA Boston: Teens can develop a deeper understanding of basic techniques and concepts related to DNA science at Boston Unversity this summer. While working in teams, the students assume the role of a biotechnology company and work together to design and carry out an investigation to solve problems in biotechnology. Visit bumc. bu.edu/citylab/summerlab/ for more information.

Finances Wilbraham: Camp Start-Up is a residential program at Wilbraham & Monson Academy designed to give teens

Celebrating our 10th Anniversary!

a financial grounding for the rest of their lives. Working in teams, they form a mock startup, produce a business plan, create a stock portfolio and acquire skills for independence and self-confidence. independentmeans.com/imi/index.php.

and conservation. With archaeologists and historians on staff, campers learn about history, literature and mythology. nerfzombiecamp.com.

Handwriting

Boston: Baseball lovers ages 5 - 13 -of all abilities – can enjoy the ultimate Major League Experience for nine weeks in seven locations around the Boston area. The week includes baseball instruction, meeting a current Red Sox player, Fenway Park park and an official Red Sox uniform. http://boston.redsox.mlb.com.

Northborough: Barrett Family Wellness offers an introduction to handwriting to help kids catch up, get ahead or maintain what they have learned from the previous school year. barrettfamilywellness.com.

Nerf Zombie Burlington and Westford: Campers create their own characters as they fight gruesome zombies with Nerf Blasters, solve life-threatening mysteries, protect the fragile land and forage for supplies. It’s not all just running through the woods blasting zombies. Campers learn first aid skills and enhance their knowledge of biology, environmental sciences

WE HAVE THE CURE!

Red Sox

River Groton: Check out a unique adventurebased environmental education canoeing camp. Kids will learn how to control a canoe with precision while they build self esteem and engage in plenty of summer fun. nashobapaddler.com. Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent Magazine.

3,.6Z 4V[VYZ 9VIV[PJZ :[VW 4V[PVU (UPTH[PVU 4V]PLZ *HTWZ MVY )V`Z .PYSZ HNLZ Camps run Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, in Eastern MA & NH towns from late June - mid August

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Voted Favorite Dance Studio

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Mini Dance Camps 2012 A Real Hit! 2- 1 Week Camps • Daily Monday - Friday

Ages 5 -10 years • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. *HTW 0 1\S` [O œ [O *HTW 00 (\N\Z[ [O œ [O A fun filled camp where dancers try all kinds of dance, even Hip Hop! The mornings include crafts, dance games and improvisation and every Friday is "Bring a Buddy Day!"

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SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Martha’s Vineyard and Lowell: Heading to the Vineyard for vacation? Campers, ages 6 – 16, can spend a day filled with creativity, designing and art that will teach the essential principles and elements of clothing design. All sewing is done by trained professionals. Campers will learn to make their own clothing for a fashion show! cherylfudge. com. At Middlesex Community College in Lowell, campers can learn basic fashion design with hand sewing, maching sewing and fashion drawing by Eleni Fashions. Visit elenifashion.com and/ or middlesex.mass.edu/careertraining for details.

SUMMER CAMPS

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simplycircus.org

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COME TO HORSE CAMP! (OW IS #-3 DIFFERENT THAN OTHER SUMMER PROGRAMS 7E ARE !,, (/23%3 !,, $!9 Century Mill offers a hands-on, interactive approach to learning horsemanship that keeps kids and teens active and engaged. Whether you’re coming to the barn for the very ďŹ rst time, or have been riding for years, there is a CMS Summer Camp Program just for you.

cathy taylor school of dance Summer Dance Camps August 6th thru 9th JUNGLE ADVENTURES iĂ›iÂ?ĂŠ ʇÊ }iĂƒĂŠĂ“ĂŠÂŁĂ‰Ă“Â‡ĂŽĂŠUĂŠ iĂ›iÂ?ĂŠ ʇÊ }iĂƒĂŠ{‡x Girls and boys will “flyâ€? with the parrots, “Bonga Congaâ€? with the gorrillas, “Froggericiseâ€?, and do the “elephant marchâ€? 9:00-11:00 - Tuition $110. ($90. if paid by May 15th)

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BROADWAY BOUND Ages 6-8 Learn to be a “Triple Threat� - singing, dancing and acting. Dancers will perform choreography from current Broadway Musicals. 12:00-2:30 - Tuition $120. ($100. if paid by May 15th)

DANCE INTENSIVE

0ACKAGE $EALS AND %ARLY "IRD 3PECIALS 3EE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND TO SIGN UP WWW CENTURYMILLSTABLES COM s 105 CMR 430.190: This camp has complied with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the local board of health.

Boys and Girls, Ages 3 to 12

SUMMER VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES!

2012 EARLY JUNE

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9 weeks: June 25 - August 24

Level I - Ages 9-12 - 3:00-5:30 - Tuition $130. ($110. by May 15th) Level II - Ages 13 & Up - 6:00-9:00 - Tuition $140. ($120. by May 15th) Experience the ultimate in choreography from guest artists and performers ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyric, modern and contemporary. 29 LORNA DR., AUBURNĂŠUĂŠxän‡nÎӇ™Ó™xĂŠUĂŠĂœĂœĂœ°V>ĂŒÂ…ĂžĂŒ>ĂžÂ?ÂœĂ€`>˜Vi°Vœ“

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Nurturing, Supportive, Safe & Fun! www.tenacrecds.org/summer 781-235-3238

info@tenacrecamps.com 80 Benvenue St., Wellesley

TENACRE Day Camp

52 APRIL2012

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realize more and more every day that we, as the collective public, are always at the mercy of a usually very irritated, caustic 16-year-old “customer service” expert whenever we need to purchase something. Yesterday I did my grocery shopping – which I know we all love to do – but what made that visit extra special, almost the icing on the cake, were the amazingly lazy bundle boys. I was actually quite pleased to see that instead of the usual no bagging help to be found, I actually had two cute little guys at the end of the conveyor belt raring to go. Unfortunately each one grabbed separate bundles of my very expensive asparagus and began to joust. Bye bye asparagus heads. Only stalks were to come home with me. Too tired to complain, and not wanting to spend any more time there than I had to (I always run into the mother who never shuts up about her “perfect” kids, and now she has an iphone so we have the added treat of suffering through pictures of these annoying little darlings), off I went. I will fight another day. Last night, at a local fast food restaurant drive-thru specializing in “Mexican fare” I very nicely placed my order into the faceless steel box. I could tell from the monotone “Did you want to supersize that?” followed by an audible sigh that I was not dealing with the Miss Congeniality of the burrito business. “Drive up….” When we got up to the window, there was a collective family gasp from inside our vehicle. This freshfaced little ray of sunshine working the “to-go” had a plethora of piercings and earring holes bigger than anything I have ever seen a tiger jump through at Barnum and Baileys. The teardrop tattoo under her left eye was the most jarring. I’m pretty sure that means she’s done some hard time. I watch “Snapped.” I know these things. As she passed the bag through the window, without making any eye contact, I asked “Can we please have a few extra sauce packets?” God as my witness, she said, “Lady, you are killing me.” I peeled out on two tires and never looked back. I

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had to save my family. I recently ventured to our local mall with my two daughters, ages 14 and 15, to do my favorite thing with my spare time, shop with them. My one and only goal that day: to prevent them from purchasing any kind of “frock” that morphs my sweet little angels into extras in a Snoop Dogg video. Where do those lovely ladies find such interesting swimwear? After a few unsuccessful hours, they finally wore me down enough to go into “the store,” every mother’s least favorite retail experience. Now every parent knows there are some important steps you must take before entering this cave of teenage angst. First, you have to strap on your gas mask to protect yourself from actually breathing in all of the lovely cologne constantly pumped through the air vents. The scent actually wafts into the main corridors of the whole mall. Then simultaneously insert your earplugs to save what hearing you may have left; the so-called music they play in this establishment is always timpanic piercing. I believe this is done so the awesome surfer dude and valley girl employees can pretend they don’t hear you in case you are so pushy as to actually ask them for help. After a lot of trying on, and a lot of “Oh, I don’t think so,” coming from me, the girls and I “kind of ” agreed on two pairs of jeans, a sweatshirt and two very poorly manufactured T-shirts. I then took my place to wait in the checkout “cattle” line with my fellow “deadbehind-the-eyes” parents. “Ummmm, that’s gonna be $290,” snarked the openly-annoyed little chippy behind the counter. My chin made an ungodly plunking sound when it hit the cute little surfboard counter. “Oh, I’m sorry. I only have five items. Could that be right?” This may not be very nice to say, but it really is too bad that our little friend’s eyes didn’t stick when she so nicely rolled them at me. “Yes, that’s right.” It is now during this very awkward standoff, that the 17-year-old “store manager” springs into action. Think

michelle carr photography

with C DECLINED IN THE CAVE OF TEENAGE ANGST

Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. “Hey ma’am, ya know if you sign up for our totally awesome credit card today, we can give you a whole 2.5 percent off.” “Oh, no thank you, young man. Maybe we will come back another time” (only if we fall into a very unexpected, large inheritance, I thought). “Ma’am, you should really do it. It only takes a few minute to fill out and you will be entered into our super awesome club and get some cool free stuff.” At this point, I am pretty sure I suffered some type of mini-stroke, because before I knew it, I was shouting out my name, rank and serial number like a POW with bamboo under her fingernails. “Date of birth?” “11...2...64.” “Is that 1964?” our little Mensa candidate, with all the dressing room keys, asked me. “No dear,” I said, “that’s obviously 1864.” Really? God help us all. “Okay Mrs. Hurley. This just takes a minute.” And then it happened. For probably the first time in this genius’ life, he actually spoke over the screeching music just loud enough for everyone in this store and Annie’s Pretzels next door to hear. “Oops. Hey, sorry Mrs. Hurley. You’ve been declined...” This monthly humor column is about day-to-day life raising kids. Basically it’s about not being afraid to air out the “dirty laundry” and say it like it is, making the rest of us not feel so alone. Dirty Laundry columnist Christine Hurley is a Plymouth mother of five who was first runner up in the nationally televised “Nick at Nite’s” search for America’s Funniest Mom contest. Christine was honored last month as one of the best humor columnists for 2011 in regional parenting publications in the country by Parenting Media Association. To book comedian Christine Hurley, contact Dawn Christensen at Loretta LaRoche Productions: Dawn@lorettalarocheproductions.com or 508-746-3998 x 15.

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• Offering a 2, 3, 4 and 5 day morning program • Flexible schedule to fit the needs of BUSY families • Morning program for children enrolled in after school public programs • Wednesdays offer a “Lunch and Play” program Morning schedule includes: Learning! Laughing! Movement! Singing! Arts and Crafts! Solid curriculum to prepare for Kindergarten Miss Toni and Miss Judy Call for an appointment to speak with us, and visit our program in action!

114 Main Street Worcester, MA 508-752-5520 BAYSTATEPARENT 53

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HAS A NEW NEST! nd us us at fifind at 101 Water 101 Water St., St., Worcester, MA Worcester, 01604 MA 01604 508-749-3166 sales ext. 151 508-749-3166

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to Give a Perfect Apology laurie puhn

Have you ever heard the words, “I’m sorry,� and instantly thought, “Oh no you’re not.� You knew the apology sounded insincere from the moment your spouse opened his or her mouth. Or maybe you were the one who put your foot in your mouth when you criticized your spouse during dinner with friends or perhaps you revealed something personal to your parents that embarrassed your honey. Whatever your error, don’t allow it to ruin a nice evening or a good relationship. When a simple “I’m sorry� isn’t enough, it’s time for you to use the perfect threestep apology, which will give you the forgiveness you want in five minutes or less.

Step 1: Make a mountain out of a molehill While it’s our natural instinct to minimize our mistakes by saying “I didn’t really mean it,� or “It’s no big deal,� doing so will only aggravate your partner. Instead, if you go big and maximize your error with a comment like, “I made a huge error,� or “It was really awful of me to do that,� then your mate would be relieved knowing that you get how wrong you were, and that sentiment will go a long way toward reducing the anger.

Step 2: Use the “because� clause

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When someone is mad at you for your wrongdoing, it’s because they feel disrespected, insulted, hurt or ignored. What seems like a small thing, such as telling your children about your husband’s flaw (like his forgetfulness), is more than that to your husband. It’s disrespectful and rude to put him down to your children, or anyone, for that matter. So dig deep and say you’re sorry for the deeper value that was undercut. Use the word “because,� to share exactly how you hurt your mate, as in “I’m sorry I talked

negatively about you to our children because it was disrespectful of me and it makes them think they can put you down too.�

Step 3: Prevent and repair This is the crucial part of a perfect apology. Without this step, you won’t win forgiveness. Complete your five-minute apology conversation by explaining to your mate how you will fix the damage done or offer a plan of action to prevent the mistake from recurring. For instance, if you opened your big mouth to your children, you can’t fix the damage. But you can assure your mate that in the future you will share your frustrations directly with your mate, not with the kids. Plus you can grant your mate permission to interrupt you and remind you of your agreement, if you say something negative about him/her. But what if you’re not the guilty party and instead, your mate is? Since that person doesn’t know the three steps in a perfect apology, you can coach him or her into telling you what you need to hear. Tell the wrongdoer that a quick twoword “I’m sorry� doesn’t work for you and that you need to know exactly what he or she is sorry for. After he or she lists some reasons, ask how this mistake can be prevented from happening again. You will probably need to offer some suggestions here. Once your mate agrees to a practical prevention plan, bury the mistake and move on to enjoy your time together. Use this perfect apology strategy to fight less, love more and keep your homefront a peaceful loving place. Laurie Puhn is a Harvard-educated lawyer, couples mediator, and bestselling author of Fight Less, Love More: 5-Minute Conversations to Change Your Relationship Without Blowing Up or Giving In, who frequently appears on CNN, Good Morning America, and The Early Show to offer relationship advice. Visit her at fightlesslovemore.com

members of our community; it is our hope that baystateparent readers will support this aim.

TAKEGOOD TAKE GOODCARE CARE

Run or Walk for Autism Awareness

AUTISM

Faces the Future BY

Sue Loring Director of The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts

In the past 20 years, we have seen autism increase from 1 in 2,500 births to 1 in 110 births, and all indications are that the new prevalence figures by the Center for Disease Control will yet again be higher. This does not bode well for families who have seen supports provided to them by Massachusetts cut annually over the past five years. Since 2009, Respite and Family Support has been cut 25% and while the current administration has been supportive and able to minimize cuts, 11,000 families have lost support services. In turn, families have had to forgo work to provide care for their children themselves. This results in loss of income, which further impacts the state’s economy. Another cause of concern in the autism community is that The American Psychiatric Association is currently working on a revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSMV), which is used in the United States by clinicians, educators and health insurers to determine eligibility for services. Under the proposed revision, the diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorders may well exclude some who are currently diagnosed as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder. While this may adjust the numbers for prevalence, it will not change the needs of those who carry a diagnosis. A change in how we diagnose autism may well limit the

ability of some individuals who currently receive services that help them. After years of being denied coverage, families impacted by autism have successfully secured coverage for treatment of the disorder. Many are worried that the door to help may well be slammed in their faces once again. For many with ASD, early identification and intensive treatment can change the course of their lives. We know through long-term studies that investment in these children pays off in improved outcomes. There is no cure at this time for autism, but ongoing research holds the promise of improved treatments and hope for productive futures for these children. Many do, with help, become interdependent and independent members of our community. This year, 730 students, many who have ASD, will turn 22 and leave the public school systems. They will need ongoing day, employment and/or residential services. The number of students who are graduating each year who are eligible for and in need of services through the Department of Developmental Services has increased each year while the allocation of funds to the Department to meet those needs has remained level funded. Without adequate funding, families are left to be the primary providers for many hours of the day. Furthermore, without ongoing

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Join Us on Beacon Hill As we mark Autism Awareness Month, we ask that the greater community recognize that our families not only have to cope individually with the day-to-day challenges that autism presents but also that families need their support to improve our human services so that our loved ones can live safely with dignity. On April 9th, The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts will be on Beacon Hill to meet with legislators for Autism Awareness Day. Meeting with legislators allows families to put a face on autism, so that legislators can make informed decisions as they craft a budget. I will be there not only as a concerned parent but also as a citizen, as it is my duty to help create a society where all are valued, protected and nurtured to grow. The message of autism awareness is not so much what autism is but to create awareness in the greater community of the impact autism will have on the community, so that funding for programs that improve the functioning and independence of individuals will decrease the need for lifelong public support. Individuals with ASD can be contributing

The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts, a program of HMEA Inc., is one of seven centers across the state funded, in part, by the Department of Developmental Services to support families raising children with autism spectrum disorders. The Center offers information and referrals, support groups for parents and Sibshops for siblings, educational programs and parent trainings as well as monthly recreational opportunities and summer camp programs. Every April we hold a 5K run and walk to raise awareness and funds to further the mission of the Center. This year’s walk will take place on April 29th at Quinsigamond Lake Park in Worcester. We invite anyone who would like to support our community to participate by going to firstgiving.com/arccm and create a fundraising page. We anticipate over 2,000 participants this year. To learn more about the Center, and what it offers to our families or for more information on our our 5K Run & Walk please visit our website at autismresourcecentral.org. Families who have a child with autism who would like to become part of the center can call 508835-4278. For those of us who have a family member with an autism spectrum disorder, we live with autism awareness 365 days of the year. We ask for your understanding and support as we work to change the world into a more understanding and accepting place for our loved ones. Sue Loring is Director of The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts and has worked at the center since 1998. Sue is a Registered Nurse, serves on the North Central Area Citizen’s Advisory Board for the Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Advisory Board for CANDI at UMass Medical, The AUCD Massachusetts Act Early Task force, the Executive Board of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts and is a member of the Governor’s Special Commission Relative to Autism. She and her husband, Bill, have three adult children, including a son with autism. Autism is a family affair as Sue also has a niece and nephew on the spectrum.

Autism Research Study WHO WE ARE: A team of researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston

collaborating with the Simons Simplex Collection and the Autism Consortium

WHAT WE DO: Collect behavioral and genetic data on children

aged 18 months and up, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) ASD) and their families. Afterwards, families receive a detailed report of our cognitive, behavioral and developmental observations. GOALS: To better understand ASD for earlier diagnosis and better Treatment WHAT YOU CAN DO: Spread the word. Please refer your interested families to our research study at 617-355-9152.

Contact our research team: (617) 355-9152 ASDresearch@childrens.harvard.edu BAYSTATEPARENT 55

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UNDER ALL THAT AUTISM

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THE RUNNER

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56 APRIL2012

Strategies Training

In another life he might have been a high school track star. He runs with a single-minded focus. Impervious to pain or cold, his endurance is impressive. His long strides make him almost elegant to watch and nearly impossible to catch. I have seen many try. Sam is a runner. If the stars had lined up differently, I like to think he could have been Olympic. He is that fast. But the stars didn’t quite line up and this isn’t another life. Sam runs for reasons known only to him, usually with little warning. At 16 he is big, strong and impossible to stop. He can defeat almost any lock. Weather is no deterrent: he runs barefoot in frigid conditions, and on a bad day, scantily clad in underwear. On an isolated worse day, naked. He doesn’t consider safety. He certainly doesn’t consider propriety. His sole mission is to flee. Flee what? Sam offers no explanations. A behavior near impossible to control, we’ve gone from running as a daily event to having months, even years without a run, almost lulling us into a false belief we are finally safe, only to be abruptly reminded we are not. We are fortunate Sam often follows predictable routes. We find him, cold and sad, always contrite, unable to explain his distress. We warm him,

knowing we were lucky – this time. And we hope. Maybe one day we will have more answers; maybe one day Sam will really know peace and safety and no longer need to run.

DINING WITH SAM Dining out with Sam can be tricky business. Though he has some basic civilization skills and loves to eat, he dislikes the loud noise inherent to restaurant dining. Ever the resourceful kid, he has a solution: overpower all noise with a much louder noise of his own. This begins what I like to think of as dueling tables: neighboring parties escalate their volume followed by Sam escalating his until some sort of crescendo is reached, making us quite unpopular with family, most friends and other diners. Faced with a possible eternity of dining alone, I decided to work on dining skills at a new trendy spot one Tuesday night. To my delight we arrived to an empty restaurant. So far, so good. Everything continued to go well until two older women entered. Well groomed and elegantly dressed, they were seated two tables away from us. I felt a sense of doom quickly descend. The women began to chat, paying little notice to us. Sam happily took this as his cue to start talking and drown them out.

I leaned into Sam and asked for a quiet voice but unfortunately Sam had left that voice at home. I glanced at the neighboring table, knowing we wouldn’t go unnoticed much longer. I quickly resorted to plan B: Eat quickly and leave. Sam, who normally inhales food, suddenly embraced the concept of leisurely dining and refused to rush – all while chattering endlessly. “SHUSH!� I said a little exasperated. Sam responded by giggling loudly, “Be quiet!� I could see from my peripheral vision the two women were now watching us. Finally, the older of the two women leaned over and surprised me by saying, “Honey, stop shushing that boy. Clearly he has something important to say.� Smiling she added, “I have friends that talk way more than he does and they aren’t nearly as interesting.� Addressing Sam she said, “Now what’s your name? Sam? Don’t you listen to your mom. You talk as much as you want. I want to hear everything you have to say.� Turning to me she added, “You have a delightful boy. Relax and enjoy your dinner – and don’t let him skip the chocolate cake. It’s divine.� Sam smiled. Finally someone was asking him to do what he did best: make noise and eat chocolate cake. It turned out to be the perfect night – I met two wonderful women who were clearly heaven sent; Sam found the chocolate cake to be heavenly, too. I will always remember those two lovely ladies. Their kindness meant the world to a stressed out mom.

THE BIG DANCE

I keep the conversation moving and ask a mindless question. This time convincing myself, it’s just a dance. Just a dance. As I hang up the phone and walk to the kitchen, Sam is playing music. We dance with abandon as we often do. And though it isn’t the same, or even close, I hear his laughter as we twirl. I find myself smiling and realize, this will do.

It is a random phone conversation of no significance. She mentions the big dance at a local boy’s school: the first big dance of the year. I didn’t know about the dance. I listen to who is going, kids I know and some only vaguely. “It’s a pretty big deal; it kicks off the social for the whole school year. You remember how it was about the first dance,� she says. I smile to myself. Yes, I remember. A couple of boys are not going. I suggest they are only freshman and maybe just not emotionally ready. “No,� she responds. “They really should go. They meet other kids. Those social connections are important.� Though Sam is the same age as most of the kids named, he isn’t going. He has never gone. But I don’t say those words out loud. The obvious reason is that he doesn’t go to the school and boys outside the school are not invited. But that isn’t the only reason of course. Quite unexpectedly I feel a brief wave of nausea. I want to stop listening but I don’t. I realize I have stopped breathing for a moment. It’s just a dance, I remind myself. Just a dance with teenage kids. But neatly tucked away are my youthful memories of the first dance. I want Sam to experience that. But he likely can’t. He likely won’t. Why does this particular milestone catch me by surprise? I don’t want to care. But I do.

ABA

Janet Amorello lives in Holden with her husband, Tony Tomasiello, and their son, Sam. Janet’s blog “Blending with Autism: Taking it a Day at a Time� can be found at http://janetamorello.blogspot.com.

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Maybe one day we will have more answers; maybe one day Sam will really know peace and safety and no longer need to run.

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It’s OK to go Shopping with Batman and Other Words of Wisdom BY

Look at your relationship with your children as an investment - a savings account, one you start making deposits in when they are infants. You love them, nurture them, support and encourage them, and all this contributes to the savings account, which grows bigger and bigger. Later, during rougher periods, there may be some “withdrawals” (cough 58 APRIL2012

kathleen quinn, licsw, brandon loving illustrator

-teen years- cough) where there may be rejection and frustration, but with proper “regular deposits,” you can be reassured knowing you will have established a strong “nest egg” to fall back on, and the account won’t be depleted. Kids don’t forget what you do for them and how you love them, no matter how much they may try to convince you otherwise.

Some investment suggestions: Make Regular Dates with your Child Kids need attention. This means they need one-on-one attention with each parent. Don’t get hung up on amount

of time or money involved, it’s more important to keep it a regular occurrence, including both with new activities and established rituals. Established rituals can be as simple as picking up donuts or fresh bulkies on a weekend morning, mommy/daughter pedicures or weekend hikes in the local state forest with Dad. Invite them to participate in some of

your preferred activities, like Tae Kwon Do or water painting, but don’t push it if they aren’t interested at this time. New activities can focus on encouraging child’s interests. Local libraries have plenty of discount museum passes, and children are surprisingly interested in simple things, like stopping by a local park they drive by often or trying a new flavor of ice cream. Also, make sure you label the time for your child – kids need to be aware and reminded of it, and it helps to identify and acknowledge it for them. “Hey, buddy, want to have a Daddy/Son morning?” They won’t remember if it is 30 minutes or 5 hours, but they will remember the special alone time they share with you. Kids love routine, consistency and regular attention. It gives them a sense of safety and security in their relationship with you.

parents who work part time! Children also often think housework comes before them. Every day, give kids lots of verbal reassurance. Notes in lunchboxes, texts, emails, messages, little prizes, ways to let them know that they are special, they are thought of, they are valued, and they are important. Practice what you preach, go to their games, meets, school concerts. Show them they are valued, and they will value and respect both themselves and you.

can go through and know that kids change quickly. What works one month won’t work the next. These little people are rapidly growing and shifting; learn and understand how the changes their bodies goes through affect their behaviors. Spilling drinks, falling out of chairs, refusing to go to bed, fears of the dark or the ocean, unwillingness to show public affection – children go in and out

Kids need one-on-one attention with each parent. Don’t get hung up on amount of time or money involved, it’s more important to keep it a regular occurrence, including both with new activities and established rituals.

Let Them Wear the Batman Costume to the Grocery Store Kids need to feel like they are able to make choices in their lives as they so rarely have control. Encouraging your child to make choices promotes independence, confidence and self esteem. Young children can “choose” whether to wash their hands in the kitchen sink or bathroom sink. Ask for children’s opinions – my daughter loves “helping” me choose fashion accessories. Many parents are concerned with their kids’ wardrobes, and I encourage parents to let kids have lots of choices here. Warning, parents must be “preventative” – if you ask your daughter to “go pick out a long sleeve shirt” from her closet, all long sleeve shirts must fit and be appropriate for wearing outside the house! Young children, especially ages 2 - 4, love to wear costumes (see suggestion number 4 about developmental norms about this). I always say “Hey, if they aren’t going to school, who cares? Princess or Batman costume in the grocery store? Why not?” If you indulge some of your children’s whims, they will go through them and get over them. When you continue to struggle over “the small stuff,” you will end up with a child constantly battling you. “Why do they refuse to do anything I say?” Kids need choices and they need to feel that their opinions are valued (though not always honored, they are valued!). This helps them gain confidence and independence, and also helps them see you as a helpful consultant instead of evil dictator.

Tell Them Your Job and Housework are Not #1 Kids need safety and security to feel valued as a person. They need to both hear and feel physically reassured every day that they are important and loved. A hug, kisses, tickles, but also “You are the most important thing in the world to me. You are number one. You, your dad and your brother are what is most important - more than my job, more than anything.” You’d be shocked how many children think their parents’ jobs come before them, even

Read Up on your Child’s Developmental Stage Kids need to feel understood. Have age-appropriate understanding and expectations of your child – this is extremely important. Read up on developmental norms, understand the “quirks” kids of different ages

of different stages of motor, social and cognitive growth and lack the ability to verbally tell us what is wrong, but their behavior often speaks volumes. Strive to understand your child’s stage of development. Kids need to feel supported and understood, especially when they don’t understand themselves, and this helps them develop self esteem.

Your Child Did Not Create the Best Painting You’ve Ever Seen Give a child real and specific compliments. Don’t say “That is the best painting I have ever seen! You are the best artist ever!” Say “I love all the different colors you used! You spent a lot of time working on that painting. Good job!” If you tell children that they are the “best ever” at something, they will eventually learn it’s not true and devalue your compliment. Children need their true strengths reflected back at them to gain true self esteem and confidence.

Let your Child Be the Dictator Try 15 minutes of “non-directive play” a day (or a few times a week). This is a good way of providing all of the above: attention, choice, strengths and understanding. Non-directive play allows you to step into a child’s world. Whether it’s blocks, dolls, Legos or video games, ask a child if you can watch and participate. Make sure there is no judgment and no education involved! Some children enjoy being observed and narrating their play, as if they are sportscasters: “Look, the car is going up the street! Now the truck is coming!” while other children enjoy dictating what you do, “OK Mom, you be this doll. She should drink her tea and say ‘Yummy’ Mommy.” Some children merely enjoy being observed quietly. Let the child dictate the play. With older children, you can observe a video game or music they like, ask questions and comment. Again, no judgment! Look into a child’s interests, and experience their world. Learning how to see their worldview now can help you gain a window into their worldviews later, when the influence of peers and school becomes stronger. You are letting them know you value them, their interests and their life view. You are “switching roles” and allowing them to dictate play, which gives kids a sense of pleasure and confidence, and a sense that you are safe enough to allow into their world. Much of parenting is investing in now, for later, and if you invest in your relationship with your child now, it is sure to pay off in dividends later. Katherine Quinn McGonagall is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) and married mother of two children -- Owen, 3, and Bridget, 6. She shared her blog in baystateparent’s November Special Needs issue, which struck a chord with parents across the Bay State. Her blog http://mysonsaretard.blogspot. com shows how Katherine processes and copes with her son’s Fragile X diagnosis. She has a love/hate relationship with the blog, similar to how most people feel about therapy – it hurts to go there but feels better after. Katherine lives and works in Central Massachusetts.

BAYSTATEPARENT 59

The Magic of

Medals4Mettle

Doctor D octor d donates onat Disney medal to disabled boy for bravery and courage BY

trish res reske, s steven king photography will ever do at a marathon.� That child is 11-year-old Ben Noble of Marlborough, MA. Ben’s parents, Ken and Susan Noble, are overwhelmed and honored by Ken’s gift. “To me, it means so much that someone would take a symbol of an enormous amount of work and commitment and perseverance and give that to Ben as a symbolic gesture to encourage him,� Susan says.

AN ACT OF COMPASSION

Dr. Ken Abrams donates his first marathon medal to someone facing a much greater physical challenge: 11-year-old Ben Noble of Marlborough.

W

hen Dr. Ken Abrams, a veterinary ophthalmologist from Rhode Island, completed his first marathon in 2009 —The Disney Marathon — it was magical. He crossed the finish line in 3:34:52, qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and proudly accepted the Mickey Mouse finisher’s medal that was placed around his neck. The magic didn’t end there.

Ken was inspired to donate his Disney medal to Medals4Mettle, an organization that facilitates the gifting of hard-earned endurance race medals to sick patients displaying “mettle� as they battle life-threatening illness. Since then, Ken has run two additional Disney Marathons and donated his medals to the organization. In the letter accompanying his latest donation, he wrote, “I trust you will find a new home for my medal around the neck of a child who is making it through way more suffering than I

Medals4Mettle (medals4mettle.org ) began with a simple gesture of compassion and friendship. In 2003, Dr. Steven Isenberg from Indianapolis was visiting Les Taylor — a colleague with prostate cancer—in his hospital room the day after Dr. Isenberg had completed the Chicago Marathon. On an empathic impulse, Dr. Isenberg reached in his pocket, pulled out his marathon medal and placed it around Taylor’s neck. “I want you to have this,� he said. “You are running a much more difficult marathon than the one I completed.� This was the first gifting of a hard-earned finisher’s medal of what would become Medals4Mettle. Since Dr. Isenberg’s founding of the organization in 2005, nearly 20,000 half marathon, marathon and triathlon medals have been collected and gifted to children and adults worldwide battling serious illness. Medals4Mettle “celebrates our collective human courage, and our innate desire to reward and support each other as we all face life’s challenges.�

SO MUCH MORE THAN HIS DISABILITIES Ben Noble has faced numerous health challenges in his young life. He was diagnosed at birth with Spastic Quadriplegia —a severe form of cerebral palsy. Ben is

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wheelchair-bound, vision-impaired, suffers from seizures and requires a feeding tube. He’s had seven major surgeries and at least 50 hospitalizations in the last 11 years. Ben’s latest medical hurdle was a full spinal fusion surgery in March to correct severe scoliosis. Ben faces months of recovery from the surgery. Despite his challenges, Ben is a friendly and engaging boy who “lights up the world with his smile,” according to his mom. He is an engaging, loving and sometimes mischievous big brother to his two younger sisters, Joelle (age 10) and Makenna (age 8). “He’s captivating,” says Susan. “Ben is so much more than his disabilities. People just see a kid in a wheelchair and they don’t always see how hard his life is. You can’t grasp it unless you are around him to understand it. He can’t speak but he’s got a lot to say. He’s really trapped in a body that doesn’t work.” Ben’s disabilities haven’t stopped him from participating in local road races, including the annual Team Hoyt 5K Road Race. “Ben understands what it takes from running races with me —and laughing hysterically as I huff, puff and spill water on him,” says Susan. “He was super excited about receiving the Disney medal from Ken.”

MEDALS4METTLE IN MASSACHUSETTS As the Massachusetts chapter coordinator for Medals4Mettle, Julie McLucas of Westborough, has been awarding hard-earned finisher’s medals to pediatric patients like Ben for the past three years. “It’s the perfect volunteer job for me,” says Julie, a clinical social worker who specializes in oncology. “I get to combine my love for running with my professional life.” To date, Julie has enabled the gifting of around 300 medals – including Boston marathon medals from legendary

“Boston Billy” Bill Rodgers. She coordinates the gifting of medals to pediatric chemotherapy patients at UMass Memorial, and other times to individual recipients like Ben who are recommended to the program. “Every medal has a story behind it. And every recipient has a story as well. It’s the pairing of these two stories that makes the Medals4Mettle so powerful,” she says. One of those stories happened in Worcester in 2010,

that was amazing. It was humbling.” It’s these stories that keep Julie committed to the cause. Nearly every day, she receives medals by mail at her home in Westborough. She sees her job as connecting two people on different ends of the health spectrum who understand the courage to persevere. “To me it’s the epitome of the peak of health joining with the struggle with health,” she says.

A MEDAL FOR BEN

“Be brave as you go into the hospital, OK? I know you will,” Dr. Abrams tells Ben.

when Westborough firefighter Chris Knight awarded his Bay State marathon medal—along with a genuine firefighter’s helmet signed by Westborough firefighters— to a young boy finishing chemotherapy treatment for leukemia. “He put the medal on and the helmet. It was fantastic,” Chris says, recalling the event. “He was the one who really ran the marathon. Just to be able to give back like

Ten days before Ben’s spinal surgery, over 50 friends and family gathered at the Noble’s house for Ben’s Medals4Mettle ceremony. Ken Abrams drove from his home in North Kingstown, RI to award Ben his Disney marathon medal in person. Julie McLucas said a few words about the Medals4Mettle program, explaining the compassionate mission of the organization. Then Ken Noble spoke for a moment about his son. “This ceremony is an opportunity for us to all give Ben the courage to go into the hospital,” he said. “This medal was earned through a lot of hard work and training by Ken. Hopefully it will encourage Ben as he takes it with him to the hospital — and let him know he can make it through.” Then Ken Abrams stepped forward with his medal. “This is for you, Ben,” Ken said as he held up the shiny Mickey Mouse medal now adorned with a bright Medals4Mettle ribbon. “It’s from the Disney Marathon. For me it was only 26 miles. For you it’s a lot more work. That’s why I’d like you to have it. Be brave as you go into the hospital, OK? I know you will.” He placed the medal around Ben’s neck, as Ben broke into a huge smile. Trish Reske is a mother of four and freelance writer. She can be reached at trishreske.com.

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EXPLORATION AND SOCIAL INTERACTION

IN A SAFE AND ENGAGING ENVIORNMENT

· ART,

MUSIC, STORY TIME, DRAMATIC PLAY, GYM, GROSS AND FINE MOTOR ACTIVITIES

· NURTURED

BY OUR WARM AND LOVING TEACHERS

Three Year Olds · COMPREHENSIVE CHILD CENTERED CURRICULUM · NURTURING SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

· CREATIVE PROCESS OF DISCOVERY AND PROBLEM SOLVING · SWIM INSTRUCTION · MUSIC CLASS · COOKING

· DEVELOP

AND STRENGTHEN SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL,

PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EXPLORATION AND CREATIVE PLAY

PRE-MATH & PRE-READING SKILLS - FINE MOTOR SKILLS - CONFIDENCE IN SOCIAL SETTINGS · INCREASING FOCUS ON KINDERGARTEN READINESS · MUSIC CLASS · SWIM INSTRUCTION

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DEVELOPMENT OF COGNITIVE, SOCIAL,

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· MUSIC

CLASS

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IS THE EASTER BUNNY REAL? YOUR CREDITORS ARE! WIPE OUT DEBT • STOP FORECLOSURE COMPLETE BANKRUPTCY AND DIVORCE SERVICES

WE UNDERSTAND AND WE CAN HELP!

LAROCHE LAW 978-632-1633

338 ELM STREET | GARDNER, MA OFFICES IN FITCHBURG, GARDNER AND ORANGE NIGHT & WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS FREE CONSULTATIONS-PAYMENT PLANS BAYSTATEPARENT 63

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Tangerine Tango! In an effort to encapsulate the spirit of 2012, Pantone, a leading company in printing colors and ink, released their much anticipated “color of the year�: Tangerine Tango. This splashy, happy color will set the standard for everything from clothing, design, home decor and even toys. Manufacturers and designers will use this color to create a fresh look to stock the shelves of our favorite stores. Tangerine Tango is a bit exotic but in a friendly,warm and exciting way. Add a little to your family’s life this spring!

Retro outfit your little one in this perfect preppy bowtie in tangerine dots by Plumlovies: plumlovelies.etsy.com.

Energize your interior spaces with patterned home accessories like this “ElemenOPillows� cover: etsy.com/shop/elemenopillows.

Store and tote your little one’s toys in a patterned fabric bin by Baffin Bags: etsy.com/shop/baffinbags.

Style your spring parties by creating your own Tangerine Tango Tissue Paper PomPoms by Annabelle Noel: annabellenoel.com.

Christine Guanipa and Faye Hurley are a mother-daughter team from the suburbs of Massachusetts schooled in the fine arts and with an insatiable love for DIY (do-it-yourself) design, fine arts, unnecessary shopping, flea market finds, accessories, and of course coffee and chocolate! Together, they bring a monthly taste of simple pleasures that are often overlooked, mostly unnecessary, but always inspiring.

Create summer

memories at CLAYTIME!

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Join us for our week-long themed summer programs ages 4 & up Can't wait until summer? Join us during April school vacation! Don't forget to create something great for Mom in time for Mother's Day

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(508)798-9950

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icked big fan of baystateparent chiever atural communicator eam player xcellent organizational skills etail oriented

These are just a few qualities we are looking for in our next baystateparent advertising account executive. If this describes you, call Stephanie at 774.364.0296 or email sales@baystateparent.com

Pediatric Occupational and Speech Therapy

Our Programs Include:

• Individual Occupational and Speech Therapy • Pragmatic Language and Social Groups • Parent and Educator Workshops • 1,000 sf Sensory Gym with Suspension Equipment

EaZVhZ 8dbZ id djg 6ccjVa DeZc =djhZ Saturday, April 14, 2012 • 10 AM - Noon Play in our 1,000 sf sensory gym, take a scavenger tour, and enter our prize raffle!

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HeVXZ Vi =dbZ Ldg`h]de Tuesday, April 24,2012 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Barrett

For more information, check out www.barrettfamilywellness.com or call 508-898-2688

Beginning with a brief introduction to sensory processing disorders, arousal levels, and how our senses effect us; the class will spend the majority of time on space, mood and equipment considerations and how to design a sensory space in your home.

107 Otis Street, Northborough, MA 01532 P. (508) 898-2688 info@barrettfamilywellness.com www.barrettfamilywellness.com BAYSTATEPARENT 65

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To advertise call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com

BEHAVIORALSERVICES

MUSICCLASSES

New England Behavorial Services Know a child who needs some help, a family who is frustrated? We provide Behavior Analysis services to help children diagnosed with autism, DD, Mental illness, or has any other behaviors that make life difďŹ cult.

nebehavioralservices.com 781-499-2775

CPRCLASSES CPR Training & Re-certification CPR Angel Professional/ Healthcare provider level CPR AED /First Aid

Vocational child care training with CPR certification EMS Safety Certified instructor A.H.A. and Red Cross guidelines exceeded

www.cprangel.com 978-424-5483 Serving the baystate Classroom and mobile training available.

LACTATION

The milc room is mother to mother breast feeding support with professional help by appointment or referral â?¤ Peer support, lactation guidance â?¤ Referrals for lactation follow-up care, classes â?¤ On-site resources: baby scale, reference library Open Thursdays 10am - 12noon Thom Worcester Area Early Intervention Glavin Regional Center-Child Development Building 214 Lake Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-845-8466 www.themilcroom.com Recommended by Pediatricians and run by CertiďŹ ed Lactation Consultants.

We welcome ALL mothers who want to breastfeed their baby.

66 MARCH2012

SCHOOLS

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We work in a respectful, family-centered way. Insurance or Sliding Scale Fees Accepted

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Speech and Language Therapy Services, LLC.

Speech and Language Private PracĆ&#x;ce now accepĆ&#x;ng new clients. • Specializing in pediatric populaĆ&#x;on (birth-18 years old) • Providing diagnosĆ&#x;c tesĆ&#x;ng and evidence based speech and language therapy in a 1:1 seĆŤng • Experience treaĆ&#x;ng a wide-range of diagnoses • We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, and private pay • Inquire about home visits Located in Easton Industrial Park 5 Hampden Dr. South Easton, MA 02375 p: 508-230-8181 f: 508-230-8182 www.letstalkspeech-mass.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!!

ACADEMIC EARLY EDUCATION A Readiness Program for 4 & 5 year olds. 623 Chandler Street Tatnuck Square, Worcester Tel: 508-797-5050 Fax: 508-797-5051 www.theknowledgequest.com

1]`\S`ab]\S /QORS[g Tutoring Service Available for Grades K-6

5 Oak Avenue • Northboro, MA 01532 508 351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org email:kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

he tPARTYPLANNER

ing Princ es s e s Singare our Specialty C Princess Singer (with Bachelor of Music)

C Our Original Singing Princess has enchanted children since 1994 C Costume Characters w/ Karaoke, games, face painting and balloon sculpture

Singing Princess 508.853.4257 www.copacabanaent.com

Mystery Dinner Host a themed Mystery Dinner for your child’s next birthday! It’s a great way to permit the sillies at mealtime as each guest has to sleuth and improvise his or her way through dinner. For details, see page 70 of this month’s issue.

Winterhill Kennel & Driftaway Mushing

“All Live� Insects, Small Reptiles & Animals

offer unique dog & adventure-lover birthday parties. Packages include puppy parties and mushing parties (no snow, no problem!)

www.winterhillkennel.com www.driftawaymushing.com

The Coolest Party EVER! There’s Nothing Else Like It. Fordshometown.com 1-800-649-9992

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(508) 943-4549 Email: Karaoke4kidz@Yahoo.com www.Karaoke4Kidz.com

Tons of Bricks Tons of Fun LEGOÂŽ Themed Birthday Parties for all ages. wwww.brickapalooza.com Check our website for current class offerings, summer camp offerings and drop-in play times. 164 Westford Rd. Tyngsboro MA 01879 978-649-2654

Ride the train to our Children’s Play Area and

your private party room.

$BUFSQJMMBS 3JEFT t )BZ 1ZSBNJE -JWF $IJMESFO T &OUFSUBJONFOU Private Party Room " Petting Zoo &WFSZ 8FFLFOE t #VSMBQ .B[F Train or Hay Ride " NEW Children’s .PPO #PVODF t .VDI .PSF Play Area " Much, Much More! 1MFBTBOU 4USFFU t 4 /BUJDL ." t

Theatre Programs, Classes and Workshops for Ages 4 to 18 Call us or visit the web for more info... info@bostonchildrenstheatre.org 617-424-6634 www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com BAYSTATEPARENT 67

Traveling Farm Animals for your Party or Event! Year Round • Inside or Out Fun & Educational

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508-358-1614

978-297-1221 animalcraze@ymail.com www.animalcraze.info

Animal Craze

www.franfriedman.com

Rock!

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Baby Animal Parties, Theme Parties, Living Nativities, Petting Zoos, Animals for Therapy & more!

All Ages. Birthday Parties, Schools, Fairs, Day Care Centers, Etc.

adven Techntures in ology! www info .icamp @ M ct A (617 wbosto .com n.co ) 395 m -752 7

www.rosalitaspuppets.com 617-633-2832

Earth Day

Kids all love the silliness of my interactive, high energy, and musical shows!

Throw an Earth Day party! Gather up some kids to clean the town playground, school parking lot or a neighborhood. Celebrate your stewardship with water or homemade lemonade and a frozen yogurt bar with trail mix toppings, berries and real whipped cream.

Come join the fun! My silly sense of humor and rythmic style will soon have you and your kids giggling, wiggling, dancing, and singing with delight.

Mike Slattery Children’s Entertainment * Songs * Puppets * Concerts * Schools

Birthday Parties

* Magic * Parties

978-779-6789 mikethemusicman.com

Have you ever wanted to pet, hold or just touch a turtle, ball python or bearded dragon? Reptile Circus connects kids to reptiles Birthday Parties, Preschool & Camp Visits 617-407-7533 reptilecircus.net

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Offering Beading, Mosaics, Stuff-Your-Own Animals, Paint Me Tees, Silver Clay and PaintYour-Own Pottery Parties

!$23 !(13'# 8 / "* &$2 1.4-# %1$$ &(%3 %.1 !(13'# 8 "'(+# >

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BYO CDs, Cake, Soda, Pizza Etc. Offering 2 Large Private Party Rooms

Rt. 9 (next to White City East), Shrewsbury • 508-798-9950 • www.claytimestudio.com

68 MARCH2012

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com

✺ Spin Art Studio NOW OPEN! SPIN ON US ✺

the

PARTY

PLANNER Big Joe

the Storyteller Storytelling fun for Birthday Parties, Schools, Daycare Centers, Library Programs, Special Events and TV Featuring:

Make Your Child’s Party One To Remember! Call To Book Your Next Event!

• Original & Classic Stories • Puppets, Props and Surprises For Bookings and Info Call: 617-713-4349 E-mail: BigJoe@BigJoe.com Visit me on the web at: www.BigJoe.com

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New England’s #1 Traveling Animal Show

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PARTIES, EVENTS, BIRTHDAYS Call To Find Out More!

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To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296

Take a Swing... Enter to Win a Red Sox Prize Pack Contest rules available at www.iparty.com/official-rules

Contest is open March 12 until Noon on April 20, 2012.

Enter at www.iparty.com/promotions BAYSTATEPARENT 69

April Fool’s Mystery Meal with the baystateparent family and sister publication: Staci Bisset, account executive; Kevin Koczwara, Millbury Sutton Chronicle editor; Stephanie Mallard, graphic designer (sitting next to her husband Nick Mallard); Emily Rettig, account executive

GROOVY GUESS-A-M INVITE YOUR FRIENDS FOR A ROCK ‘N ROLL M BY

carry on the spirit of April Fool’s, add a little humor and frivolity into your family’s life. Host a mystery meal party for your extended family, adult friends or for your child’s birthday. It was Stephanie Mallard, baystateparent graphic designer, who first attended an adult mystery meal hosted by friends. We had never heard of a mystery meal dinner party before and were intrigued. The concept goes like this: Guests are served three to four courses of a meal. Each course is eaten and cleared completely before the next course is served. The catch is that guests have no idea what foods are being served because the items they order have fictitious code names based on a theme and are served according to how the guest orders. Even eating utensils, napkins and toothpicks are listed with fake names. This means that if guests do not order an eating utensil for each course of their

To

courtesy 70 APRIL2012

cts.com

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carrie wattu; paula monette ethier, creative director; steven king pho photog

meal, they have to come up with an inventive way to consume dinner. Ever eat spaghetti with a celery stick before? Stephanie’s party was perfect timing for my daughter’s 11th birthday, and we decided to try a Halloween Mystery Meal on her friends. My husband and I selected easy-to-prepare foods such as carrots and dip, melon balls, mozzarella sticks and French fries, and renamed them to gross out our guests. As each course was served, party guests had to improvise eating things like chocolate pudding with straws or toothpicks while they envied friends who had lucked out and ordered spoons. We used paper goods, had a trusty team of two little sisters and a younger cousin in the kitchen to clear each course, pick up a new round of menus and serve while my husband and I plated the items. It was a lot of fun! In planning her party, we found some mystery

Dinner Menu for

Classic Rock Mystery Meal

April 27-29 Friday 12-8 Saturday10-6 Sunday 10-1 HALF PRICE SALE! Select items at 50% off

Where Smart Moms shop for brand name kids stuff at bargain prices!

Best Western - Woburn Just off I-93 and Montvale Ave!

For details visit our website Bacon Rolls Toothpicks Lettuce/Dressing Pizza Slice #1 Pizza Slice #2 Parmesan Cheese Red Pepper Flakes Fruit Salad Ice Cream Sundae

A-MEAL

Chocolate Chip Cookies Cola Ice Cubes Knife & Fork Spoon Napkin

It’s Only Rock and Roll Light My Fire Come Together Pick up the Pieces American Pie Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On Hot Fun in the Summertime Tutti Frutti Groovin’ on a Sunday Afternoon Will It Go Round in Circles Black Water Cold as Ice Happy Together Love Bites Wipeout

OLL MYSTERY MEAL

www.OutďŹ tTheKids.com Now accepting new consignors! It’s so easy to Turn your kids’ outgrown toys, clothes, & gear into cash! Earn up to 70% of the prices YOU set!

The Village Child & Family Development Inc. It Takes A Village To Raise A Child...Let Us Be Yours

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t %PFT ZPVS DIJME TUSVHHMF XJUI IBOEXSJUJOH JO TDIPPM meal templates online, but had to basically make our party from scratch to suit the occasion and our needs. Coincidentally, what made its way into the baystateparent mailbox a few weeks later? A handy little Mystery Meal guide with nine copyready menus and instructions for hosting a meal! There was a Haunted Halloween template in addition to other themes such as Tropical Luau, Fairy Tales and Mexican Fiesta. For April Fool’s baystateparent chose a classic rock theme from the book to try on our staff. We used vinyl record place mats, lava lamps and costumes for added fun. You can ask your guests to come dressed according to the theme or have some props available when they arrive. Hosting a Mystery Meal party is a great way to surprise your guests with a twist on dinner as you throw etiquette out the window and have fun sleuthing through your meal.

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Your child may have a developmental delay Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent. To purchase nine copy-ready mystery meal menus and tips for organizing your own mystery meal, visit cqproducts.com and click the “Mystery Meals� book. The book retails for $12 plus shipping and handling. Also feel free to email editor@baystateparent.com with any questions.

Call The Village now GPS B free consultation & TDIFEVMF BO JO IPNF FWBMVBUJPO GPS ZPVS DIJME

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We have Free Checking. Really, really Free Checking. And now, get up to $75. Our Free Checking account is just that: free. There’s no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. Plus, you can choose to get $751 - it’s as easy as 1-2-3. 1 Get $25 when you enroll in Direct Deposit. 2 Get an additional $25 when you make 10 debit card purchases. 3 Get another $25 when you sign up for e-statements and make three online bill payments.

Nedal Azzam Goldstar Branch Manager Phone: 508.797.6971

For just $10, open a Free Checking account and receive a generous offering of perks. )UHH 9,6$® Debit Card )UHH 2QOLQH %DQNLQJ )UHH 2QOLQH %LOO 3D\ )UHH &RPPHUFH&HQWVSM Savings Service & RQYHQLHQW +RXUV Monday-Friday 7:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. Saturday 8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.2 9 (5,%$1&® “Blue Ribbon Bank” Award Recipient for Financial Strength and Stability3 Switch to a free checking account that’s better than free. Call us at 800.698.BANK(2265) or stop by any one of our convenient locations today. At Commerce Bank, we’ve got you covered.

GET $25 WHEN YOU ENROLL IN DIRECT DEPOSIT

www.BankAtCommerce.com

This is a special limited time offer. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer and is limited to one incentive per customer. Offer does not apply to second or multiple personal accounts; business accounts excluded. Up to $75 worth of incentives available to new checking accountholders as follows: (1) Get $25 when you enroll in Direct Deposit; (2) Get $25 when you use your debit card for the new checking account to pay for at least 10 purchases from a merchant; (3) Get another $25 when you sign up for e-statements and use our online bill payment service to pay three bills from your new checking account. Maximum $25 incentive available to existing checking accountholders as follows: Get $25 when you enroll in Direct Deposit. If currently enrolled, you will not receive an additional $25. No incentives are paid for debit card usage or online bill pays. Checking accountholders who meet all of the terms of the offer will receive incentive(s) within 90 days of the qualifying transactions(s); incentive(s) will be deposited directly into the Commerce Bank checking account. 2 All Drive-Ups open 7:00AM-7:00PM weekdays and Saturdays 8:30AM-12:30PM except 386 Main Street (open 8:00AM-5:00PM weekdays only; no Saturday hours). 3 Veribanc’s rating and Blue Ribbon accommodation is for the quarter ending September 30, 2011. Please contact Veribanc, 800.442.2657, to determine if this is the most recent rating. Other featured words or symbols used to identify the source of goods and services are the trademarks of their respective owners. Commerce Bank is a registered service mark in Massachusetts of Commerce Bank & Trust Company. ©2012. Commerce Bank & Trust Company. Commerce Bank member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. All rights reserved. 1

72 APRIL2012

PARTY WITH YOUR FAVORITE MOUSE! Oh boy, it’s time to party! From favors to papergoods and everything in between, we have it all for a super fun party. Plus, now you can find Turkey Hill ice cream cakes conveniently located inside select iParty stores.

Visit us at www.iparty.com to find a store near you!

For valuable coupons and to join our Kids’ Birthday Club visit us at www.iparty.com! BAYSTATEPARENT 73

CLASSIFIEDS Planning for a vacation without having the money to pay for it? Does your budget include a savings plan? Meet with the Budget Coach and take charge of your money now! Call 508-792-9087 or go to www.thebudgetcoachhelp.com. Surrogate Mothers Needed Earn up to $28,000. Established Surrogacy Agency seeks loving women ages 21-43, to carry couples biological babies. You must be a non-smoker, and prior birth experience is required. Be a part of a miracle. For more information, please call 888-363-9457 or visit our website: www.reproductivepossibilities.com

INDEX

What could an extra $300 - $500 per month do for you? Seek motivated self-starter to work flexible hours from home representing a public company. TRAINING & SUPPORT PROVIDED. Joanne Ryan • 978-270-0256 Baby Sign Language can benefit your baby and family in so many ways! Classes starting soon! Contact: MichelleTric@Gmail.com To place your classified ad contact Stepanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or stephaniep@baystateparent.com

Hand Crafted Italian Ice Gelatis Soft Serve Hot Dogs Birthday Parties

Come e Meet Coco Every Tuesday Tues in April from 12pm to 1pm! 1 Swanson Rd. Auburn, MA 01501

(508) 407-8787 www.cocostropicalice.com

A Place To Grow.....................................................................................61 Actors Shakespeare Project......................................................................36 Adventure Bootcamp...............................................................................17 Alpha Tae Kwon Do................................................................................31 Applewild School...................................................................................35 Appalachian Mt Club...............................................................................49 Assabet Financial Associates....................................................................44 Attorney James Connors...........................................................................64 Backyard Adventures..............................................................................54 Ballet Arts Worcester...............................................................................34 Bancroft School..................................................................................2,75 Barrett Family Wellness..........................................................................65 Beaver Country Day Camp......................................................................35 Becker College.................................................................................13,57 Beverly Schoool for the Deaf.................................................................24 Big Apple Circus...................................................................................41 Boating in Boston.................................................................................46 Boston Ballet.......................................................................................36 Boston Children’s Hospital......................................................................55 Boston Children’s Museum.......................................................................6 Boston Children’s Theatre......................................................................63 Camp Altitude......................................................................................45 Camp Birch Hill....................................................................................33 Camp Everwood...................................................................................49 Camp Invent.......................................................................................43 Camp Quinebarge................................................................................50 Camp St. John....................................................................................43 Capen Hill Nature Camp........................................................................37 Cathy Taylor School of Dance................................................................52 Century Mill Stables.............................................................................52 Charter...............................................................................................76 Chess Camp........................................................................................47 Children’s Music Academy......................................................................56 Children’s Technology Workshop iCamp...................................................48 Claytime.............................................................................................64 Coco’s Tropical Ice................................................................................74 Commerce Bank..................................................................................72 Concord Academy..................................................................................40 Concord Museum..................................................................................26 Consign My Closet..................................................................................8 Cornerstone Academy........................................................................3,52 Creative Behavorial Solutions.................................................................44 Criterion Child Enrichment.......................................................................8 Curious Jane........................................................................................48 Cutie Patutie’s......................................................................................26 Dance It Up!.......................................................................................33 Dance Prism.........................................................................................22 Danforth Museum.................................................................................30 Davis Farmland.................................................................................24,41 deCordova Museum...............................................................................40 Dedham Country Day Camp....................................................................40 Deja Vu Couture.....................................................................................23 Discount Characters................................................................................26 Dr. Mel - Pediatric Dentistry......................................................................25 Eagle Hill School....................................................................................32 Ecotarium..........................................................................................7,31 Elite Dance Academy..............................................................................37 Fay School.......................................................................................49,63 Fidelity...................................................................................................5 Finagle A Bagel.....................................................................................65 First Unitarian Church.............................................................................35 Franklin Pierce.......................................................................................35 Frenzy..................................................................................................31 Garden of Gethsemane...........................................................................23

Girls Inc................................................................................................34 God’s Little Children’s Preschool................................................................35 Guild of St. Agnes Daycare.......................................................................44 Gymboree.............................................................................................35 Hillside Meadows...................................................................................50 iD Tech Camps.......................................................................................47 Inn At East Hill Farm..............................................................................19 iParty..............................................................................................69,73 Judge Baker..........................................................................................43 Keene State College Soccer Camps...........................................................32 LaRoche Law.........................................................................................63 Leominster Recreation.............................................................................40 Let Go Your Mind...................................................................................51 Mass Audubon Society............................................................................33 Meadowbrook School.............................................................................28 MetroWest YMCA Hopkinton....................................................................43 Nature’s Classroom/Life-Tech...................................................................43 New England Aquarium...........................................................................46 New Horizon Karate...............................................................................55 Next Generation Children’s Center.............................................................62 Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures...........................................................44 Nobles Day Camp..................................................................................29 Oasis Camp...........................................................................................32 Ohana Family Group/Aloha Foundation....................................................44 Old Sturbridge Village.............................................................................37 Outfit the Kids.......................................................................................71 Oxbow School.......................................................................................31 Pakachoag Music School.........................................................................43 Panera Bread........................................................................................73 Parenting Solutions.................................................................................53 Patricia Brosnihan Dance.........................................................................44 Paula Meola Dance................................................................................51 Paul’s Rental..........................................................................................11 Performing Arts Center of MetroWest.........................................................44 Play By Play Camps...............................................................................43 Play-Learn Preschool...............................................................................53 Real Kids Shades...................................................................................37 Regatta Point........................................................................................43 Roche Bros.............................................................................................6 Seeking Sitters......................................................................................25 Skribbles..............................................................................................12 Southeast Advocate Associates.................................................................22 Speech, Language and Hearing Assoc.......................................................56 Spin On Us...........................................................................................69 Summer Fenn.......................................................................................35 Summit Academy...................................................................................34 Tenacre................................................................................................52 The Children’s Workshop..........................................................................37 The Village............................................................................................71 TLC Christian Preschool..............................................................................9 UMassMemorial Medical Center..................................................................4 UMass Medical School............................................................................61 Wachusett Theatre Company.....................................................................42 Whale Camp.........................................................................................48 Wheelock Family Theatre.........................................................................48 Women Earning Six Figures......................................................................57 Women’s Health of Central MA................................................................60 Worcester Academy................................................................................30 Worcester Art Museum............................................................................11 Worcester JCC.............................................................................12,34,62 WSKS..................................................................................................69 WXLO..................................................................................................62 You Attract Wellness..............................................................................17

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