May 2012 baystateparent Magazine

Page 1

MAY 2012

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

FREE

EVERY CHILD DESERVES BIRTHDAY WISHES You Can Help

DOUBLE TIME: Mom Of Twins Tells All WHEN MOMMY CRIES The Invisible Disability

bsp turns Sweet 16 CELEBRATE WITH OVER

$3,200 WORTH OF

GIVEAWAYS SEE PAGE 34

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 MAY2012

discover

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

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Cornerstone Inspires Children to be Well-Balanced Individuals

Academic Diverse Balanced

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4 MAY2012

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

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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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We appreciate your steadfast commitment to our community. Davis Farmland recognizes local heroes May 19 & 20 with FREE admission for Active FireďŹ ghters, Police OfďŹ cers, Armed Forces personnel and their families (ID required). We hope you can join us. Adults must be accompanied by a child 12 years old or younger.

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8 MAY2012

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.

our special guest Jakaa Campbell age 16 of Dorchester John Robert Powers, Boston Hair and Makeup: Tony&Guy® Hairdressing Academy

14

Captured by Justin Mayotte of Flash House Studios, Worcester www.flashhousestudios.com

table

M AY

2012

•

28

WHEN MOMMY CRIES

A staggering number of children wrestle with their parents’ invisible disability, depression. Fitchburg mom, Crystal Godfrey LaPoint, writes a direct and sensitive book explaining a parent’s depression to children.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HOMELESS

34

It’s heartbreaking to know that a child does not have the opportunity to celebrate his birthday. Host a birthday party for Massachusetts homeless children --- there are 22,500 of them. It’s a great way to volunteer with your child.

MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY

Become one of our Sweet 16 and enter to win 16 fabulous prizes. We’ve made it quick and easy for moms to enter!

the of the home

VOLUME

17

in every issue 10 WELCOME 11 GUESTBOOK 12 DIRTY LAUNDRY WITH STEPHEN RICH

14 TAKE GOOD CARE: When Mommy Cries 18 OH THE PLACES YOU’ LL GO 33 ON MY PLATE 36 MOMS ROCK: Mel Robbins of Sherborn *Some of our regular features, such as Finally, Forever and Let’s Roll, will appear in next month’s Summer Guide.

•

NUMBER

1

advertising directories

celebrations 24 MEET BSP’S BIG BROS 25 YOUR DRESS MADE THE PAPER 26 CAPTURED: Birthdays

28 HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HOMELESS

39 46 47 53

SUMMER CAMP COUNTDOWN BULLETIN BOARD PARTY PLANNER SHOW AND TELL

30 CAUGHT LAUGHING AT HE SAID SHE SAID

sneak peek something special 16 DOUBLE TIME

34 MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAYS

JUNE

SUMMER GUIDE

JULY

GRANDPARENTS

AUGUST

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

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

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Sweet 16! My son, Dylan, and I, were flattered to get the call, although we should have seen it coming. Spring marks two important milestones dating back to 1996, and Carrie Wattu, our editor, had a notion… baystateparent Magazine is celebrating its 16th birthday, and it just so happens that my son, Dylan, is turning 16 too. Although I didn’t start the magazine, I was fortunate to acquire it from Kelley Small (thanks so much Kelley) in 2002 when it was called Today’s Parent. My wife, Laurie, and I have proudly stood by our great team ever since, while enjoying much-appreciated support from readers and advertisers. Looking back over the past decade of owning baystateparent, it’s been overwhelmingly a family affair. Over the years, my son Dylan, now 16, and daughter Skylar, 9, have each graced the cover – twice.

Each photo shoot had a unique story, including a cover shot at Fenway in which we captured Dylan with Jason Varitek, our former Red Sox catcher. My wife, Laurie, and I chronicled our beautiful adoption experience, where after a year of planning and praying, we were blessed to travel to China with Dylan, and return with our daughter, Skylar. We were so deeply inspired by our adoption experience that we sought to include more coverage in the magazine for adoptive families. Over the years, our kids have read the magazine with much pride, offered their comments on our covers (we feature only local kids) and made numerous other suggestions. In fact, Skylar recently expressed an interest in writing a feature for young kids in each month’s issue. But this month, it seemed rather appropriate that I engage Dylan, my soon-to-be 16-yearold, to add some perspective about, well, turning 16, right? Not really.

As far as Dylan is concerned, turning 16 years old is not the new 18 or 21. Sure, he looks forward to learning to drive (yikes!), but as I searched for some deeper meaning from him on the passage of 16 years, well, he struggled. In exactly his words, “Pop culture has put this almost mystical stamp on turning 16, as if you finally start ‘living’ once you turn 16. I find that ridiculous because a kid who just turned 16 has no more ‘freedom’ than an old 15-year-old.” Despite the impressive sentences Dylan put together for baystateparent, they weren’t quite the magical sentiments we were counting on, but kudos to Dylan for keeping it real. As far as he is concerned, turning 16 is no biggie. I can’t say the same. You see, I am proudly witnessing firsthand Dylan’s transition to, let’s say, young manhood. While he has his moments, and I’m told they all do, what an amazing young man he is. He inspires me every day. He’s an incredible person, musician, student, and most importantly, brother and son. How fitting that I can pay a small tribute to him in this issue – our family business no less. As I think more about this milestone for baystateparent, I must thank our staff. This is where I’ll reveal my “soft,” rather than “sweet” spot. When you spend so many years publishing a parenting magazine and talking with staff about the kinds of issues families face, you become family. There is so much care and passion in the way our staff works on this product every day that I can’t help but be humbled by them. No surprise to me that they have consistently earned recognition for publishing one of the best – often the best – regional parenting magazines in the United States. Finally, 16 years - what about a wish? Let’s start with another sixteen years, and then some. Kirk Davis, baystateparent Owner Dylan Davis also contributed to this column (in so many ways)

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

baystateparent publisher GARETH CHARTER 508-749-3166 x153 gcharter@holdenlandmark.com editor CARRIE WATTU 508-749-3166 x251 editor@baystateparent.com

creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-749-3166 x 351 baystateparent@holdenlandmark.com

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

graphic designer STEPHANIE MALLARD 508-749-3166 x 351 srenaud@holdenlandmark.com

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

contributing writers LINDSEY MEAD AMANDA ROBERGE TRISH RESKE JANE ROPER STEPHEN RICH illustrator CRYSTAL ELDRIDGE

proofreader BRYAN ETHIER

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photographers MICHELLE CARR EMILY HORNSBY STEVEN KING JUSTIN MAYOTTE

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

baystatestateparent 101 Water St., Worcester, MA 01604

508-749-3166

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

MEET THE COVER MODEL

Jakaa Campbell AGE 16, DORCHESTER baystateparent turns 16 this month! How did you celebrate your 16th birthday? I went on a safari at Six Flags New Jersey. What is the best part of being 16? I get to date and work, but the worst part is I’m still too young to drive. 10 MAY2012

Massachusetts' premier magazine for families has earned more than 160 national and regional awards since 2004, including 34 in 2011:

Tell us about baystateparent’s Sweet 16 photo shoot. It was one of the most fun shoots I’ve ever done! I loved the props and the people. I would definitely want to do it for baystateparent’s 32nd birthday 16 years from now.

18 Parenting Media Awards 16 New England Newspaper Press Association Awards justin mayotte of flash house studios, worcester

Including Best Parenting Publication in North America 2010

Perfect Present: Did you know that there are well over 22,500 homeless children in Massachusetts? (Source: Birthday Wishes) baystateparent celebrates our 16th birthday by giving dozens of these children the birthday parties they deserve. baystateparent publisher, Gareth Charter, donates $1,000 to the Boston nonprofit that makes these parties happen: Birthday Wishes. The check is accepted by Julie Stanwood, Birthday Wishes Central MA Coordinator. For more information on helping homeless children of Massachusetts celebrate birthdays, see page 28 of this month’s issue. Also visit birthdaywishes.org.

In

May 2010, baystateparent featured Kidz b Kidz, a local non-profit that use children’s artwork in products sold to foster healing and comfort in a child’s hospital. This month, we congratulated founders Nancy Corderman and Jan Weinshanker for their May 2012 feature in Family Circle magazine. The Kidz b Kidz response was too perfect not to share: “Thanks so much baystateparent! But you know, a feature in Family Circle is like a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, but baystateparent is home to us.” Kidzbkidz.org My name is Hannah Castner. I am 11 years old, and my mom rocks. My mom started a summer theatre camp [Nashoba Summer Theatre Camp] for me and my sister when the camp we had been going to canceled. This is the third year she

is running it. At the camp, she has to control 70 kids ranging from ages 8 – 17. She starts working on the camp in January and doesn’t finish until September. She does not even get paid. My mom also has two children with Aspergers. Hannah Castner, Lancaster Editor’s Note: This is a great tribute to your mom for Mother’s Day! We’ll keep an eye out for the production she directs this summer.

The Budget Coach Spring cleaning for your finances! Meet with the Budget Coach now to organize your budget and get fiscally fit. It's time to meet with the Coach! Call now 508-792-9087 or visit TheBudgetCoachHelp.com

On December 29, 2011, Matthew Chasse was tragically killed in an automobile accident. A graduate of Wachusett Regional High School in 1989 and Becker College in 2001, Matthew was an exceptional teammate and athlete. To commemorate Matthew Chasse’s legacy, we welcome you to the First Annual Matthew Chasse Memorial Golf Tournament to be held at Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston on July 16, 2012. The proceeds from this event will go to Matthew’s two sons, Patrick and Christopher, along with a contribution to the college fund of his special friend Lilly. Please go to wachusettcc.com to register. Dinner and after-golf event tickets are $40.00 pp. If interested in more information, including sponsorship opportunities and donating raffle items, please email mattycgolf@comcast.net or call Hollie Lucht at 978-422-2930. Holly Lucht, Sterling

Toast the Mallards: It’s our Celebrations issue, so baystateparent would like to congratulate bsp graphic designer, Stephanie Mallard, as she celebrates her one-year anniversary on May 21 with her husband, Nick.

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: The Muppets DVD: The Rohrs, Franklin The Pecias, Holyoke The Cees, Sudbury The Baby Nurse Bible by Carole Arsenault Shawna Rohr, Franklin Tara Kalinowski, Holden Carol Prezioso, Revere Erica Lasorsa, Westminster Vickie Lourenco, Worcester 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

is Bringing Sexy Back! Ella O’Mahoney, age 1, catches up on her bsp while grocery shopping with her mom.

CORRECTIONS: In our April Mom Rocks feature, John Quill's company that helped to raise $15,000 for a Cambodian orphanage is Ecological Fibers. Kathleen B. Quinn, LICSW's name was incorrectly listed at the end of her article her article “It’s OK to Go Shopping with Batman and Other Words of Wisdom" (April 2012.) We regret both of these errors.

CLASSIFIEDS

Brad Smith Photography

GUESTBOOK

There’s nothing more attractive than a loving hands-on father. A great dad is where it’s at when it comes to sex appeal. Help us find the hottest dads in the Bay State. Email a photo and an introduction to editor@baystateparent.com by Friday, May 4th.

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

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*Dads will need to visit baystateparent’s Worcester studio for a photo and brief interview the second week of May. BAYSTATEPARENT 11

michelle carr

DIRTYLAUNDRY

with Stephen Rich

THE MOTHER’S DAY GIFT

T

he guilt started 12 years ago when I first met Big Mama. I knew right then and there that if I was going to land her, there was only one way to do it, the old-fashioned way: lie!

First, I told her we’d have an amazing custom-built home with waterfalls and a circular driveway (she actually got a house that looks foreclosed). I bragged that we’d go on nice family vacations (we go to Dairy Queen). Then I said

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we’d have a cool car (we have an SUV with 4-month-old spilled milk and dead earthworms stuffed in the seats). I made a pledge that this year’s Mother’s Day would be good, especially after I got her a vacuum last year. Big Mama was mad. When she pulled out of the driveway and left a patch of rubber, my 48 calls went right to voicemail. Plus she came home way after the kids were fed and in bed. LOL – she probably wanted a new microwave! This year had to be better or we were going to be sitting in front of a judge, splitting our assets. Since we lack the “bling” (we have to borrow money from our kids), I had to be creative. It hit me: I could baby-sit our kids! If Michael Keaton could do it in Mr. Mom, so could I. I could do it all month: get the kids to practice, make dinners, do laundry. Plus this would totally fit the budget. During the first week of my gift, I was reprimanded in one of those group emails by a psychotic coach who did not want the kids to show up a half hour into the game. I got pulled over for speeding while trying to make the game “on time” (really coach, he just sits on the bench anyway!) Thankfully, the next few days went surprisingly well, and I told my hot bride she could go to the gym (no, I did not say “you look like you could use it”), and I would make dinner. So there I was making sweet potato fries and rockin’ some Journey song. The kids were outside fighting peacefully and throwing rocks at our lamppost light when I had one of those mommy moments: ”OHHHMYGOSHH...it’s 20 past 5.” I was in full-panic Code Red. I was supposed to pick up my crazy 6-yearold diva from dance class. “No, that’s on Tuesday,” I realized. I calmed down. Then Code Red again! I threw the spatula, spraying olive oil all over

the walls. Tuesday was tap class, but Monday was pole dancing or something. I sprinted out of my house, and in my haste, put my hand – followed by my face – through the screen door. I screamed as the screen cut my face. Then the two cats – who are supposed to stay indoors – ran right past me and into the great blue yonder. I swear they were giggling. “Everyone (yes, I had extra kids over): lock and load. We’re 20 minutes late.” We raced off to dance class. When we pulled up, she was looking out the window of the place, cute as anything, like a pet trying to get adopted. Super-Daddy-Mom didn’t forget his kid after all (for too long any way). As we drove down our street with the windows down singing Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitions” we noticed our neighbors gathered at the bottom of our driveway. I beeped, waving and rocking out. They just pointed. Three firetrucks jammed onto my lawn and driveway, their hoses running through the windows of our house. Guys in gigantic rubber boots walked around with axes. My kids cheered in the backseat, “Cool. Daddy, the fire department is at our house.” I got out of the car and entered my house. It was like walking into a movie set: cabinets dangling from the wall, all blackened; my microwave melted; huge fans blowing a burnt plastic smell everywhere. I was in shock, completely overwhelmed. I usually spruce the place up before Big Mama gets home. It’s one thing to have some dishes piled up in the sink, but I was pretty sure she was not gonna like this. I started to panic. Could I hide the kitchen from her? Would she see the broken glass and water and the smashed stove? In the midst of my panic attack, my 10-year-old “know-it-all” found a way to remind me of what was truly important: “Dad, can you take me to the arcade tonight? You promised.” It was then that I realized two things: I had better call my wife and tell her to pick up one of those already-cooked whole chickens from Stop and Shop, and I had better return my stupid babysitting gift and pick up a Coleman camping grill for Mother’s Day instead. Dirty Laundry columnist Stephen Rich is a Plymouth father of four. He tells baystateparent that all of his stories, including this one, are true, and unfortunately, not exaggerated. Dirty Laundry is a monthly humor column about day-to-day life raising kids. 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. To book comedian Stephen Rich, contact Dawn Christensen at Loretta LaRoche Productions: Dawn@lorettalarocheproductions.com or 508-746-3998 x 15.

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TAKEGOODCARE

My mommy loves me when the morning sun is glowing warm and bright My mommy loves me when the silver stars are glist’ning in the night

When Mommy Cries BY

C

rystal Godfrey LaPoint meets me at a quaint café in Fitchburg – a city she has only called home for a year. Within 10 minutes, as she recites a passage from her newly-released children’s book about a little girl coping with her mother’s depression, my throat is burning and I am wiping the tears from my eyes. It isn’t my finest professional moment, but emotions can be hard to control sometimes and I have stopped apologizing for it. To some degree, my response has surprised me. I didn’t have a mom who suffered from depression, and I don’t suffer from depression either. But Crystal does, and her kids have endured a childhood and adolescence full of uncertainty and fear because of it – just like Crystal once did when growing up. And maybe the fact that I have just met this woman should make my heart a little harder, but motherhood is a strange sorority and

And I know my mommy loves me still when her eyes are filled with tears.

amanda roberge, crystal eldridge illustrator

pretty soon I am wishing every child had a copy of her book. “This book is blatantly autobiographical,” she admits readily, recalling not only her childhood but also her experience raising three kids while dealing with chronic depression, a highly stigmatized mental illness – a perception she seeks to play a part in changing. But the reality is that there were days she didn’t get out of her bathrobe. Days she was paralyzed by her own sadness, unable to drive her kids to baseball practice or home from a friend’s house. Days when her children – like the young narrator of her book -- had to console her. “I have felt that guilt about feeling like I am not a good parent, and I have also felt that fear and confusion of being a child in the same situation. We’ve come a long way, but it is still so shameful.” It is estimated that one in three women is dealing with depression, and the numbers are just as grim for men. And

“...there were days she didn’t get out of her bathrobe. Days she was paralyzed by her own sadness, unable to drive her kids to baseball practice or home from a friend’s house. Days when her children – like the young narrator of her book -- had to console her.” 14 MAY2012

Through every changing season, she loves me all the year

according to LaPoint, the statistics only reflect the people who come forward to seek help – entire segments of the population still believe depression to be a form of weakness. Indeed, she says, the prevailing mindset among those who have never experienced crippling depression is that people should “snap out of it” or “stop acting like crybabies.” “There are a staggering number of

children whose parents are wrestling with this invisible disability,” LaPoint says. The powerful stigma attached to depression in our society, she says, “silences so many of its victims.” LaPoint’s strategy in dealing with her depression was to be completely honest with her children and to always let them know what was going on. “It was important to me that even

on my darkest days, my kids knew that it wasn’t their fault – and that there would always be good days to follow.� One frightening episode found LaPoint, an accomplished pianist and composer, unable to summons the fine motor skills to play her piano. “My 12-year-old walked in and saw me sitting there at my piano, unable to move my fingers,� she says, adding that the experience was a side effect of one of the many trial medications she has used to gain the upper hand over her condition. “There I was, a virtuoso without the ability to play, and I knew there was no hiding what was going on.� And so LaPoint’s children –her two now-20-something sons Tait and Kyle and her 18-year-old daughter Genevieve – understood one very simple thing: “There were good days and then there were days where mom retreated into darkness. And none of it was their fault.� In order to appeal to the widest range of children, the child who narrates the story is nameless and almost genderless. “I wanted the book to be as universal as possible,� she says. “It doesn’t exclude anyone.� Her goal, in creating and self-publishing the book, is to bring a sense of social justice into the world of mental illness and help kids to come to terms with what it means to have a parent wrapped up in a world of depression and sadness. “And it’s not just the kind of chronic and clinical depression that affects families – it can be situational too, whether they are dealing with grief or divorce or any number of circumstances. It’s important for kids to know they are still loved, even through hard times.� There are two aspects of the book that make it stand out, and this is not to mention the fact that there is no other children’s book that tackles this delicate subject matter in such a direct and sensitive way. The manga-esque illustrations were done by a friend of LaPoint’s daughter, and LaPoint credits the art as being a strong component of the book. And as it turned out, young artist Crystal Eldridge has a connection of her own to the story. “I called her to ask if she was interested in the project and I read her some of the text I had written,� says LaPoint. On the other end of the line was a silence that contained a barely audible catch in the throat. “She whispered ‘This is my life.’ And I told her ‘It’s my life too’.� But making the book even more meaningful, LaPoint has included a CD that contains a recording of the text sung enchantingly to music – piano music, of course. LaPoint’s own composition – a form of art that is so deeply personal LaPoint can’t help but dream that children will be able to use it to soothe themselves through the days “when my mommy cries.� “Music enhances the emotional impact,� she says. “And the thing about music is that we remember words that are set to music more than we do words that we read, and this way children can really carry the message in their hearts.� It is LaPoint’s dream that school

counselors, children’s therapists and parents alike can use her book to help children cope with the sadness they are exposed to at home. She has already received positive feedback from people who went looking for a book just like it and were relieved and delighted to find that it actually existed. “The book allows children to take a familiar situation out of the immediate players,� she adds. “It’s a way to express love, support and reassurance during tough times without having to focus on the source of grief directly.� When My Mommy Cries is available

through Amazon and Barnes & Noble online, and costs $19.99. Amanda Roberge is a freelance writer and mother of three girls who muses online at ConfessionsofaCurvyGirl.com.

Dealing with Depression and Sadness There are many resources for parents dealing with depression and sadness. Helpguide.org suggests the following basic tips:

• Cultivate supportive relationships. • Challenge negative thinking. • Take care of yourself. • Get regular exercise. • Eat a healthy mood-boosting diet. • Know when to get additional help. Other online sites, says LaPoint, can be a great resource for parents. She suggests visiting bringchange2mind.org and psychcentral.com as two great places to start.

**

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unrecognizable to myself? I never found that book. So, three years later, when my fraternal twin daughters were approaching their third birthdays, I decided to write it myself. I had shared some of my own personal parenting experiences—as well as my struggles with clinical depression—on my blog, Baby Squared on Babble.com, which I still write today. But I wanted to tell my story in a less piecemeal way. And so, my memoir Double Time was born, after a one-year labor. (No epidural, just lots of coffee!) I hope that Double Time is a reassuring and entertaining read for anyone who is—like I was—eager for a glimpse into what parenting twins is really like. I also hope it’s comforting to anyone facing the enormous challenge of parenting while clinically depressed. I’d love to hear what you think.

mara brod

What Boston mom Jane Roper really craved when she was expecting twin girls was a book about the personal side of mothering twins. She couldn’t find one, so she wrote the book herself.

Jane Roper writes the popular Baby Squared blog on Babble. com and is the author of Eden Lake, a novel. Her writing has appeared in Poets & Writers, Salon, Slate, and The Rumpus, among other publications, and she holds an MFA from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. Jane lives in the Boston area with her husband, singer-songwriter Alastair Moock and their twin daughters. Visit Jane at janeroper.com.

DOUBLE TIME BY

jane roper

Minnesota may have the twin cities. But Massachusetts has the twins. A study by the National Center for Health Statistics reported that in 2009, nearly 5% of births in the Commonwealth were twins—the second highest twinning rate in the nation. (Top honors go to Connecticut.) And between 1980 and 2009, the twin birth rate in Massachusetts doubled. The reason for the increase is twofold: many assistive reproductive procedures are covered by insurance in Massachusetts, and more women are having babies past the age of 30. I never thought that I—or, more accurately, my children—would end up contributing to these statistics. Even in the midst of treatment with ovulation drugs for infertility, which carried with them a 20% chance of multiples, I assumed I’d beat the odds. I never even prepared myself for the possibility of twins. So when I found out, about six weeks into my

pregnancy, that I actually had, as the ultrasound technician put it, “two pregnancies,” you could have knocked me over with a feather (had I not already been lying down). Once the initial shock subsided, and I was faced with the reality of preparing for my impending twin motherhood, I began seeking out advice, tips, stories—anything to help give me a glimpse of what life with two babies was going to be like. I joined my local mother of twins club. I bought a couple of books about twin parenting, with information on what to buy and how to nurse for two. But what I really craved was someone’s first-hand account of mothering twins. And not just the nitty-gritty, logistical details, but the more personal side of the story: was it hard to bond with two babies at once? How could I help nurture my twins’ individuality? And would the chaos and challenge of suddenly having two children crowd out my personal and career life entirely? Would I become

A Dose of Double Time An Excerpt from Jane Roper’s New Book about Parenting Twins. It got suddenly very quiet in the exam room. I was just over six weeks pregnant, at the fertility clinic for a follow- up ultrasound to make sure my pregnancy was on the right track: not ectopic, not an empty egg sac, not a false alarm. There were five of us crammed into the tiny room: a young doctor doing the ultrasound; the senior

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/ sex life over? And, dear God, what if I just don’t have what it takes to be a mother of twins? I’d been nervous enough about the prospect of one baby, but this? This was ridiculous. But the only question I could manage to choke out was: Could I really not eat cold cuts? Because of the bacteria or nitrates or what ever the reason was you weren’t supposed to eat them when you were pregnant? Because I ate a lot of turkey sandwiches. “You’re probably OK with turkey,” the younger doc said. “But I’d stay away from the more processed stuff , like olive loaf.” The older doctor nodded sagely. “I’d definitely stay away from olive loaf.” By the time my daughters were six months, people had regularly started referring to me as a Mother of Twins. “This is Jane,” a friend or colleague might say when introducing me to someone else, “and she’s a mother of twins!” I always found this odd. I was a mother, yes, and gradually knitting this new part of me into my sense of self. But I didn’t think of myself as a different species of mother— as other people seemed to— simply because I happened to have carried both of my children in my womb at once. I don’t mean to disparage anyone who has referred to me as a Mother of Twins or will in the future; I know it’s meant in

of shopping cart and say a brief, silent prayer of thanks to whomever it was who came up with this brilliant design innovation—perhaps some pencil- necked engineer in a skinny black tie and short-sleeved shirt, circa 1958. Love that guy. It occurred to me somewhere in the produce section that I probably should have sanitized the handle of the cart, but I was hoping that the bacteria would cut me a break. The shopping itself wasn’t that difficult. When Elsa started to get fussy, I gave her a graham cracker (the girl always was and continues to be easily placated by carbohydrates). To reach anything on the low shelves, I had to remember to squat straight down, not bend over, lest Clio go tumbling out of the backpack onto a shelf of canned goods. Above all, I had to keep moving. One does not linger thoughtfully in a grocery store, carefully scrutinizing labels and comparing prices, when one is accompanied by two small ticking time bombs in diapers. To my great satisfaction, the trip was a success. In fact, the only thing that slowed us down was a handful of twinlookers, but they were of the most harmless sort. They just smiled and waved at the babies, asked if they were twins, and moved on. In one case, eager to practice my crapola Spanish, I was the one who struck up a conversation, with a young Spanish- speaking couple that

"...I was managing to successfully mother my twins -- an accomplishment in and of itself -- and still do other things that were important to me."

a fond, almost adulatory way. The way someone might say, “She’s the first violinist in the New York Philharmonic!” or “She’s an astronaut!” (Well, not quite like that, I guess.) I always liked it better when people said things like, “She’s a writer and a copywriter and a blogger and she’s a mother of twins on top of all that!” Because for me, this was the real accomplishment: that I was managing to successfully mother my twins— an accomplishment in and of itself— and still do other things that were important to me. I did, however, begin to think of Mother of Twins as a subcategory of my identity. I started to own it. I think it was in large part because I was getting better and more confident in the whole stereo mothering thing. I learned to anticipate what the various challenges in any given scenario would be, even if I wasn’t always able to surmount them with grace or even success. I felt less intimidated by my own children and more comfortable with (and accustomed to) chaos, in public as well as at home. Case in point: when the girls were 8 months old, I went to the grocery store with them, by myself, and didn’t have a nervous breakdown in the process. This was, in part, a training exercise. My husband, Alastair, a professional singer/songwriter, would be going on tour in Europe for a few weeks the next month, and although I would have help from parents and sitters, I would also be on my own with the girls for significant stretches of time. I wanted to be sure that I could handle doing errands with them if necessity demanded. I planned for our outing like it was a trek in the Himalayas. Gear: backpack baby carrier, bottles, snacks and an extremely detailed shopping list. Pretrip prep: feed babies, put on clean diapers (them), pee (me). Game plan: park right next to shopping cart return area and obtain cart; open rear door of Subaru Forester and place baby backpack at edge of cargo area; put lighter baby (Clio) in pack, squat down, and put pack on; retrieve heavier baby (Elsa) from car seat and place in seat- shelf thingy at back

mara brod

doc who’d overseen my fertility treatments; a nurse; my husband, Alastair; and me— lying on the table with my feet in stirrups and an ultrasound wand plunged up into my ladyparts. Seconds earlier, the doc wielding that wand had been providing a running commentary on what we were seeing on the screen— a friendly little tour of my reproductive organs: “Right here’s your cervix, here are your ovaries, and this, you can see, is your uterus— nice thick lining there— and right here . . . we should be able to see the . . . uh . . .” There was (forgive me) a pregnant pause. I held my breath and waited for the bad news: the embryo was gone or dead or implanted in the wrong place. This was going to be just one more disappointment, one more defeat. Who was I to think that my subpar reproductive system could actually sustain a pregnancy? And what had we been thinking, telling our parents the good news the same day we got a positive pregnancy test? Stupid, stupid, stupid. The doctor now maneuvered the wand until it felt like it was horizontal inside me. “OK, so,” he finally said. “We appear to be looking at two pregnancies.” Two pregnancies? I thought. What the hell does that mean? How can one person have two pregnancies at the same time? Unless . . . “It’s twins?” I said, idiotically. “Yep,” said the doc. “Congratulations.” I looked up at Alastair, dumbstruck. I might have smiled a little, in a “holy crap, can you believe it?” sort of way. Mostly, though, I was searching for reassurance, proof that he didn’t hate me for this. After all, it was my lazy ovaries, and their subsequent dosing up with fertility drugs, that had gotten us into this. And anyway, why had I been so eager to start down the road of fertility treatments? We’d only been trying for a year before we went the intervention route. We could have kept at it a little longer on our own. It might have happened. Looking at him, I wondered if he was thinking all of these same things, hoping he wasn’t. But I’ve known the man since I was 18 years old, and there are still times when I find his face difficult to read. For a man as funny and often downright silly as Alastair is, his smiles are surprisingly few and far between. And although his eyes have an impressive capacity for twinkling—one of the qualities that drew me to him in the first place— his poker face is equally good. He gave me what could be vaguely interpreted as a smile, squeezed my hand and then squinted back at the ultrasound screen. The older doctor, who had been sitting silently on a stool near the sink this whole time, finally spoke. “It’s really something, isn’t it?” His smile was thoughtful but smug, as if he’d known this all along. And maybe he had; my HCG numbers from the blood pregnancy test a few weeks earlier had been through the roof. Come to think of it, maybe that’s why he was here in the first place. I looked back at the ultrasound screen, and there they were: two little black beans in a field of fuzzy gray, each with a small white spot in its center where a heart would soon grow. Something about the fact that there were two of them made them seem more alive, more human, than I think would have been the case if there were only one. They were hanging out together. Keeping each other company. How strange. How utterly surreal. The doc at the controls hit a button and the image froze. “We’ll give you that shot to take home as a souvenir,” he said. Then he looked over my shoulder at Alastair and said, very seriously, “Are you OK? Do you need to sit down? You look kind of pale.” “No, I’m OK,” Alastair said, this time smiling for real. “But you’re sure there are only two in there, right?” Before we left the exam room, the doctors asked if we had any questions. Any questions? I had about a million, tumbling and vaulting through my brain: Can my (rather petite) body handle this? Will I be OK? Will they be OK? What if they’re born premature, with all kinds of terrible complications? And while we’re at it, how are we going to afford this? Am I going to have to quit my job? Are our careers / social life

I heard say, “que lindas!” as they smiled at the girls. “Son gemelitas!” I said, extremely proud of the fact that I knew the word for “little twin girls.” At which point the couple launched into a series of questions in rapidfire Spanish. I could handle names and ages, but I’d never learned the Spanish words for “fraternal” and “identical,” so I smiled apologetically, played the “sorry, no entiendo” card and moved on to paper goods. Every item in my list was successfully added to the cart. And once we’d made it through checkout (“identical or fraternal?”) and into the parking lot, I even took a picture of the occasion, for posterity: Elsa, sitting in the carriage, with a sack of basmati rice on one side of her and jug of laundry detergent on the other. (Clio, you’ll recall, was on my back.) Only I took it with my lousy, no- frills cell phone, and when I sent it to myself it was about a half-inch square, and I couldn’t increase the size without it turning all blurry. But I still have it, saved on my computer: a tiny, less-than-postagestamp-sized reminder of a very large accomplishment. In fact, I started to sort of dig the challenge and adventure of this kind of solo outing with the girls. The times it didn’t go horribly awry, that is. It was as if the part of me that used to love making packing lists and poring over Lonely Planet guidebooks to map out a course for my next travel adventure had found a new outlet. One that involved diapers and wipes instead of a money belt and a Swiss army knife. Double Time goes on sale May 8. Jane Roper will appear at Brookline Booksmith in Brookline on May 8, at Newtonville Books in Newton Center on May 17 and at Club Passim in Cambridge on June 1 (along with Steve Almond and with music from her husband, Alastair Moock).

BAYSTATEPARENT 17

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 BACK IN TIME: Get ready for Zoorassic Park this summer at the Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. franklinparkzoo.org. 18 MAY2012

GO QUACK: Dress your little ducklings for the Annual Duckling Parade on Mother’s Day in Boston. friendsofthepublicgarden.org.

photo courtesy of moock.com

photo courtesy of joy surprenant

photo courtesy of franklin park zoo

GO PMC: Get your kids’ wheels turning and choose 1 of 33 Pan-Massachusetts Challenges this summer...just for kids! kids.pmc.org.

GO MOOCK: This Memorial Day, family-favorite, Alastair Moock, puts on a fun folk concert at the JFK Library & Museum. jfklibrary.org.

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO

and appropriate for everyone. Experience a magical afternoon! 781-862-1907, williamdiamondjrs.org.

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…

Toad of Toad Hall. Littleton High School Performing Arts Center, Littleton. 7:30 p.m. Performed by students from the Imago School. Based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic novel The Wind in the Willows, the play focuses on Toad’s obsession with moving vehicles, the trouble this causes for him and his friends’ (Rat, Mole, and Badger’s) attempts to “cure” him. A$8, St. $5,$25 family. 978-897-0549, imagoschool.org.

A Adult C Child Y Youth M Member NM Non-Member PP Per Person

1TUESDAY Moms Club of the Montachusett Area. Peoples Church, South Main St., Ashburnham. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Monthly, every first Tuesday. For mothers and kids in Gardner, Westminster, Ashburnham, Winchendon and Athol. 978-334-8789, montachusett-moms.com.

2WEDNESDAY FREE Wee Care Infant Oral Health Program. 223 Walnut St., Ste 22, Framingham. 10 a.m. Monthly, every first Wednesday. Children under three years of age 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. 508-8755437, WeeCareAtDrMels.com. 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 for A/C pair. Confirm before attending. higgins.org.

3THURSDAY FREE Support Group for Parents with children who have emotional disturbances. Wayside Youth, 118 Central St., Waltham. Meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdsays, 6:30 – 9 p.m. 781-891-0555 x 34 or email judi_maguire@waysideyouth.org.

4FRIDAY American Girl Historical Character Scavenger Hunt. American Girl, Natick. Take a scavenger hunt throughout the store, collecting fun facts about each historical character along the way. Discover what it was like to grow up in America’s past, and find hidden clues to solve a fun puzzle. Free American Girl Poster. Visit americangirl.com for more details.

5SATURDAY FREE The Lexington Fife & Drum Muster and Colonial Concert. The Minute Man National Historical Park Visitor’s Center, Route 2A, Lexington. 12 – 5 p.m. This event features 30 fife and drum corps from around the country. The uniformed musicians, representing different time periods in American History, perform our nation’s historical music in an outdoor concert. This free event includes a parade, colonial vendors, reenactors and more. Enjoyable

Frogs, Pollywogs & Fairies...Exploring the Vernal Pool. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 1 – 2:30 p.m. Discover some of the fantastic creatures that inhabit Broadmoor’s vernal pool. From frogs and tadpoles to fairy shrimp, explore what hides under the water and lives around this seasonal pool. Fees apply. 508-655-2296 or email broadmoorprograms@ massaudubon.org. Parent Talk Semi-Annual Used Clothing, Toy & Equipment Sale. Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave., Needham. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. parenttalk.info FREE 14th Annual Somerville Open Studios. Noon – 6 p.m. Visit nearly 400 artists in over 100 venues who will open their homes and studios for you to explore everything from fashion to interactive art. somervilleopenstudios.org. Also May 6. Farm Machinery Weekend. Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids can climb on tractors, operate dump buckets, beep tractor horns and meet the farmers who operate these machines every day. Admission fees apply. 978-422MOOO (6666), DavisFarmland.com. Also May 6. FREE Westborough Spring Festival. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. A wide variety of events for all ages from a fishing derby, music festival, dog show, food festival, 5K road race, carnival, vehicle fair and more. westboroughrotary.org/WSF.html. Also May 6.

6SUNDAY PMC Bolton Kids Ride. Florence Sawyer School, 100 Mechanic St., Bolton. Noon – 3 p.m. Open to cyclists ages 2 to 14. There is a $10 registration fee and a suggested $25 fundraising minimum. Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Kids Rides need tots, teens and in-betweens to spin their wheels and raise money for cancer research and treatment. To register, visit kids.pmc.org. For more information, call 800-WE-CYCLE. Family Fishing Festival. Brookline Reservoir, Rte. 9 at Sumner Rd., Brookline. 9 – 12 p.m. Cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. $5 per family. 508-389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us. Total Wellness for Inspired Pregnancy. You Attract Wellness, 697 Washington St., Newton. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Prepare for ecstatic birth! Enhance and expand your entire experience of pregnancy to one that is deeply fulfilling. This will be a full day of therapeutic treatment and education to nurture you in your pregnancy. Massage, yoga and pilates will be incorporated with teaching to empower and support you during this precious. Course fees apply. youattractwellness.com/courses/ Mommy and Me Tea Party. Paint Your Own Pottery, Northborough. 9 – 10:30 a.m. Tea and yummy treats. Epiphany Children’s Boutique will display their Tea Clothing Collection to offer a special promotion. $25 per couple plus pottery pieces ($10 minimum.) 508-393-3100, pyopstudio.com.

FREE Westborough Spring Festival. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. A wide variety of events for all ages from a fishing derby, music festival, dog show, food festival, 5K road race, carnival, vehicle fair and more. westboroughrotary.org/WSF.html.

7MONDAY FREE Minizicians with Musician Jackie Landry. Leominster Public Library. 10 - 11 a.m. Kids ages 6 and under are invited for an interactive musical concert with musician Jackie Landry. No registration required. leominsterlibrary.org. Parent Group Tour. Oak Meadow Montessori School, 2 Old Pickard Lane, Littleton. 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. Prospective parents for the 2012-2013 school year are presented with an overview of the fundamental principles of the Montessori Method as well as the philosophy of this independent school serving students from age 3 through grade 8. oakmeadow.org.

8TUESDAY 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 Bitty Twins Animal Safari. American Girl, Natick. Your little girl can join the Bitty Twins for an imaginary animal adventure! At this fun event, preschoolers can punch-out and color paper animals to take home. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 3 and up. americangirl.com. FREE Sample Music Together Class. Trinity Church, 440 Main St., Shrewsbury. 9:15 – 10:30 a.m. Join Gina from Music Together for singing, dancing, instrument play and more with your infants, toddlers and preschoolers. RSVP required at applecountrymusictogether.com .Other sample dates available. 978-729-3697. Fashion and Image: A Mother/Daughter Workshop. Roudenbush Community Center, 65 Main St., Westford. 6:30 – 8 p.m. During this lively, interactive workshop that includes an art component, moms and daughters will discuss challenges they might have with current fashions and explore the importance of creating a signature style. Take-aways include a customized wardrobe checklist and tips on how to shop for clothes that are appropriate for school, work or special events. Course number RCC-E9089. $25 per family. 978-256-9391, roudenbush.org.

9WEDNESDAY Garden Discovery Program for Ages 3-5 with Adult. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 – 11 a.m. Begin inside with an activity and storytime. Then step outside for a short walk to discover what (or who!) is new in the garden. A/C $8 NM. For more information, email thbg@towerhillbg.org. Montachusett Mothers of Multiples Monthly Meeting. Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1400 Main St., Leominster. 7 – 9 p.m. Described as a “fun group of parents of twins and multiples who live in the Central Massachusetts area.” montymoms.org. Preschool Playtime. Barrett Family Wellness Center, 107 Otis St., Northborough. 9:15 – 10 a.m. An integrated playgroup designed for children of all abilities ages 2.5 to 5. Parent participation is welcome, but not required. The therapist-led 45 minute session will

incorporate fun-filled gross and fine motor activities in the 1,000 sf sensory gym and fine motor room. 508-898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com.

10THURSDAY Thursday’s Tales. The Discovery Museums, Acton. At the Children’s Discovery Museum, 11 a.m. Admission fees apply discoverymuseums.org. Preschool Playtime (Ages 3.5-5 years). Barrett Family Wellness Center, 107 Otis St., Northborough. Weekly on Thursdays, 9:15 – 10 a.m. Enjoy an integrated playgroup designed for children of all abilities ages 2.5 to 5. Parent participation is welcome, but not required. The therapist-led 45 minute session will session will incorporate fun-filled gross and fine motor activities in the 1,000 sf sensory gym and the fine motor room. 508-898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com. MOPS meeting (Mother of Preschoolers). Heritage Bible Chapel, Princeton. Meets every second Thursday, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. A typical meeting includes refreshments, conversation, a presentation relevant to motherhood and some type of creative activity. Children (ages 0-5) are welcome to come or attend an exciting Moppets program. princetonmops. vpweb.com Story Hour at the Old Sturbridge Village. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. Weekly on Thursdays, 9 – 10 a.m. Story and open play time with old-fashioned toys. Admission fees apply. 508-347-0244, osv.org. FREE Parent Support Group in Worcester, Worcester. PPAL Office: 51 Union St., 3rd Floor/ Suite 308, Worcester. Monthly, every second Thursday. ppal.net.

11FRIDAY Meet Mercedes the Therapy Dog. The Discovery Museums, Acton. At the Children’s Discovery Museum, 10 a.m. Come meet Mercedes and her handler Christine Macdonald from the Pets & People Foundation. Learn about people therapy through pets and all about Mercedes’ role in the organization. Mercedes is a standard poodle and she’s ready to greet you! petsandpeoplefoundation.org, discoverymuseums.org. FREE Fort Point Art Walk Spring Open Studios. 300 Summer St., Boston. 4 – 7 p.m. Sat. and Sun., Noon – 5 p.m. May 11 – 13. Hours vary. Explore the studios of painters, jewelers, ceramicists, photographers, sculptors, textile artists and more. Explore Boston’s changing Fort Point and see the unique waterfront warehouse district that is one of New England’s largest arts communities. Artists’ demonstrations, talks, hands-on activities. Visitors to Open Studios pick up a map and directory brochure, and can walk from building to building, exploring our historic warehouse neighborhood. FREE parking. 617-423-4299, fortpointarts.org.

12SATURDAY March of Dimes’ March for Babies. Registration: 11:30 a.m. The nation’s oldest walk fundraiser honoring babies born healthy and those that need help to survive and thrive. A memorable and rewarding day for the whole family including live music, costume characters, face-painting and more. 800-525-9255, marchforbabies.org. FREE Fort Point Art Walk Spring Open Studios. 300 Summer St., Boston. Noon – 5 p.m. See May 11 listing for more details. BAYSTATEPARENT 19

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO The Art of Craft. Fayerweather Street School, 765 Concord Ave., Cambridge. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. A familyfriendly arts experience. This indoor/outdoor open market of contemporary and traditional arts, crafts and artisanal foods celebrates local artists. Children are invited to participate in many activities from dancing or listening to live music by local musicians, having their face painted or grabbing a snack at one of the Fayerweather “Food Truck” booths. In celebration of the ever-growing food truck scene in the area, the children and parents have been inspired to run a faux food truck of their own. $5 per person; $20 per family. 617-876-4746, fayerweather.org. Yard Sale to benefit Why Me?/Sherry’s House. Hosted by the MOMS Club of Charlton/Southbridge at St. Joseph’s Church, 10 H. Putnam Ext., Charlton. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 508-784-1543. Flooky & The Beans. Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. 2:30 p.m. This popular children’s music group is the brainchild of Bay State illustrator, Rob Zammarchi. Ages 3 – 6. $10pp. flooky. com, amazingthings.org. Fun Fair. NGES, 46 Waterville Street, North Grafton. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Games, pony rides, bounce houses, paint your own pottery, crafts, face painting, DJ music by Josh Briggs, balloon sculpting by Andi the Clown, Interactive stations from Best Buy and food donated by Pepperoni Express, Swirls and Scoops and other local businesses. grafton.nges.schoolfusion.us/ May Day Celebration & Puppet Show. The Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts and Humanities (QVCAH), 111 Main St., Southbridge. Events include May Pole dancing, mask making and flower wreath/ tiara workshop, puppet show at 2 p.m., May Queen Pageant, live music and more. qvcah.org. Spring Open House. Worcester Academy of Music. 2:30 – 5 p.m. FREE Musikgarten classes so you can try out the classes before signing up. Nature’s Music (newborn to age 2) will be from 3 – 3:30 p.m. and Cycle of Seasons (ages 3-5) will be from 3:45-4:15 p.m. 508-635-6900, worcesteracademyofmusic.com.

13SUNDAY Celebrate Mothers! The Discovery Museums, Acton. At the Children’s Discovery Museum, 10 a.m. Create a beautiful necklace out of colorful pasta to give to your mother. Admission fees apply. discovermuseums.org. FREE Fort Point Art Walk Spring Open Studios. 300 Summer St., Boston. Noon – 5 p.m. See May 11 listing for details.

FREE 104th Lilac Sunday. Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Join lilac enthusiasts from all over New England to celebrate a beloved Boston tradition. Delight your senses with a hillside of heavenly fragrances and dazzling colors. There will be tours, live outdoor music, art, children’s activities and food vendors (picnicking is allowed on this special day only). 2012 Lilac Sunday T-shirts and other and other merchandise will be for sale. arboretum.harvard.edu/news-events/lilac-sunday/. Family Art-Making Workshop. ICA Boston, Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. Three sessions: Noon – 1:30 p.m.; 1 – 2:30 p.m.; 2 – 3:30 p.m. Begin with a short tour of the exhibition Figuring Color with a family programs educator (approx. 20 min.), then work with color, design, and layered construction to create a 3-D collage that represents your family, using color as the main ingredient. $40 (2 adults/2 children). 617-478-3100, icaboston.org.

Mother’s Day Festival. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Films, animal presentation, illustrated talk on Mother’s Day traditions, flower pounding drop-in art, sing along, brunch and more. A$15, Sr. $13, St. $11, Y (16 and under) FREE. pem.org. Mothers Spa Day at Davis Farmland, Sterling. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pamper Mom at this complimentary spa day, while kids make Mom a Mother’s Day surprise. Moms receive free admission all day. 978422-MOOO, DavisFarmland.com.

14MONDAY

Annual Duckling Parade. Boston Common Public Gardens. Registration, 10:30 a.m.; Parade, Noon. Children can parade through Beacon Hill dressed like characters Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey and end in the Public Garden near the famous duckling sculptures. Prior to the parade there will be plenty of family entertainment including a face painter, balloon artist and a magician. Mayor Menino will greet families at the end of the parade and actors from the Wheelock Family Theater will do a dramatic reading from the book. Family registration fee: $35 advance; $40 on the day of the event. 617-267-7366, friendsofthepublicgarden.org.

FREE Eric Carle Celebration. Marlborough Public Library, 35 W. Main St., Marlborough. Ages 2 – 8. Stories, games and crafts. Sign up is required; space is limited. 508-624-6902, marlboroughpubliclibrary.org.

Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. Town Field Park, 1565 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester. 7 – 10 a.m. Began in 1996 for families who have lost their children to violence. mothersdaywalkforpeace.org.

15TUESDAY

Storytime at the Danforth Museum School of Art. 123 Union Ave., Framingham. All ages are welcome, but stories and songs are geared for ages 3 – 6. 508-620-0937, danforthmuseum.org. Half-Price Admission for Moms at Southwick’s Zoo, Mendon. southwickszoo.com. 35th Annual Birds and Breakfast. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. Walks at 7, 8, 9 or 10 a.m. Guided 90-min. bird walks followed by a homemade breakfast at the Nature Center. Pre-register: 508-655-2296 or email broadmoorprograms@massaudubon.org. Oceans Are Talking! Firehouse Center For The Arts, Newburyport. 3 p.m. This musical call-to-action recorded and performed by Sam Lardner is to enlighten K-6 children and their families about the most critical issues facing the world’s oceans. These live concerts are powerful educational drivers to help families take

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action in protecting the oceans. Students will leave with big smiles on their faces, but also with some new understanding about the challenging, real-time, environmental issues that will shape so much of their future. A$11 St. $9. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.

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.

Drool Baby Expo. Sponsored by Magic Beans. 6 - 9 p.m. The Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, Boston. Sample new products, win incredible prizes and walk away with an amazing gift bag. For parentsto-be and new parents, too. Bring grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who are looking for the best products for babies. droolbabyexpo.com.

16WEDNESDAY 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. ONGOING Aloft! The Wonder of Kites. American Textile History Museum, Lowell. Wed. - Sun. 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m. Ends May 27. Kites have entertained children and adults for thousands of years, but have also had a profound impact on history as objects of artistic expression, cultural and religious symbols, tools of war and instruments of science, technology and mathematics. Celebrate the history, the significance, and the fun of these tethered aircraft in three fascinating exhibits. Plenty of hands-on kite making and kite flying activities for all ages. 978- 441-0400, athm.org. FREE Westford Kiwanis Apple Blossom Festival & Carnival. Abbot School Grounds, 25 Depot St., Westford. May 16 – 20. Wed. - Fri., 5 – 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun., Noon – 5 p.m. 603-474-5424. Poking in Ponds. Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester. 10 a.m. If you are between the ages of 3 and 5, bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity and a naturalist-led walk. Registration is required: 508-753-6087.

17THURSDAY FOR PARENTS Beyond Sibling Rivalry. Olin College, Needham. 7 – 9 p.m. Parent Talk, the community-based organization in Boston’s Metrowest area dedicated to families with young children, invites parents to listen and learn with clinical psychologist and author Peter Goldenthal, Ph.D. Do you wish your children got along better? Are you tired of being your kids’ personal referee? Discuss root causes of sibling rivalry and give practical guidance to resolving conflicts. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. $20 advance; $25 at the door. parenttalk.info. FOR MOMS Ladies Night Out. PYOP STUDIO, 290 W. Main St, Northborough. Grab your girlfriends, food, drink of choice and get half off your studio fee from 6 – 9 p.m. 508-393-3100, pyopstudio.com.

18FRIDAY Friday Evening Hayride and Campfire. Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln. 4 p.m. Watch for birds flying at dusk and evening fireflies as you ride a hay wagon through the meadows. Stop at the campfire for stories, s’mores and a special night time visitor. Watch for the glorious colors of the sky as the sun begins to set. Visit massaudubon. org for prices and more information. 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. FREE Admission. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 5 – 8 p.m. 401-273-5437, ChildrenMuseum.org. Family-friendly Drum Circle. First Congregational Church, Corner of Main St. and Rt. 140, Shrewsbury. An unusual drumming circle, one of the very few locally to encourage families and intergenerational participants. 774-614-9620, pakmusic.org. Charlotte’s Web. Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. 7 p.m. Aso May 19 & 20, 1 p.m. General admission tickets: $10pp. 617-9262787, watertownchildrenstheatre.org.

19SATURDAY Especially for Me! Free Evening for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Visit http://tinyurl.com/ EspeciallyforMe2012-4 to register. Zoo 100 Day. Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Zookeeper encounters, entertainment and more! Watch as some of the animals, including the tigers, African wild dogs, keas and others, receive birthday themed enrichment items including ice treats and paper mache “cakes� filled with treats. The first 1,000 visitors to the Zoo will receive a complimentary mini cupcake or frosting shot, courtesy of Sweet Cupcakes! A$17, Sr. $14, C (2-12) $11, C (under 2) FREE. 617-541-LION, franklinparkzoo.org. FREE Boston Kite & Flight Festival. Franklin Park Playstead, Dorchester. 1 – 4 p.m. Bring your kite or make one in the park, “rent� a bike for free, play games and have a spring picnic. An event for all ages! franklinparkcoalition.org. PMC Brookwood School Kids Ride. Brookwood School, 1 Brookwood Rd., Manchester. 9 a.m. - Noon. Open to cyclists ages 2 – 15. Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Kids Rides need tots, teens and in-betweens to spin their wheels and raise money for cancer research and treatment. $10 registration fee; $25 fundraisin minimum. To register, visit kids.pmc. org. 800-WE-CYCLE.

Heroes Weekend. Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Farmland thanks our local heroes this weekend by inviting firefighters, police officers, armed service personnel and their families to Davis Farmland ADMISSION FREE with a valid I.D. Kids can put out a pretend fire, climb onto a fire truck and even check out the inside of a real police car! Meet Smokey the Bear and talk with other local heroes about what they do in your town. Admission fees apply. 978-422-MOOO (6666), DavisFarmland.com. Charlotte’s Web. Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. 1 p.m. General admission tickets: $10pp. 617-926-2787, watertownchildrenstheatre.org. Also May 20, 1 p.m. Concord ArtWalk. Concord Center, Thoreau St., Depot Area, West Concord. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. See local artist displays, demonstrations, performances and more at this annual celebration of the arts. concordchamberofcommerce.org. Meet Abby Kelley Foster’s Family. Liberty Farm, 116 Mower St., Worcester. 2 – 5 p.m. Go back to the mid-1800s to meet radical abolitionist and woman’s rights activist Abby Kelley Foster, her husband Stephen Foster and their daughter Alla. Tour their family home, Liberty Farm (a National Historic Landmark) and celebrate Alla’s 165th birthday. Children’s activities. Suggested donation $5, Children FREE. Email info@wwhp.org or call 508-767-1852. FREE North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival. Old North Andover Common. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Activities include sheep shearing and herding demonstrations, pony rides, craft fair, food vendors and more! 978-685-5320, 978-682-5212.

20SUNDAY Cadillac Day: Larz Anderson Auto Museum. 15 Newton St., Brookline. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A$10, C (5-12) $5, C (6 and under) FREE. 617-522 6547, larzanderson.org. FREE 5th Annual Celebration of the Dr. Martin T. Feldman Children’s Room! Leominster Public Library. 1:30 – 4 p.m. Guest performances by

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Helping Parents in New England Give Their Children with Special Needs a Future Southeast Advocate Associates helps families of children with special needs in steering their way through the complicated network of education, medical and legal systems to obtain adequate and appropriate educational services for their children in both public and private schools. Cheryl Follett – 30 years experience advocating for children with disabilities t XXX TPVUIFBTUBEWPDBUFBTTPDJBUFT DPN

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Wild About Amphibians. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 1 – 2:30 p.m. Learn about frog and salamander friends and take a short walk to the marsh and vernal pool to see more animals in the wild. Fees apply. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org.

FREE 6th Annual General Aviation Fun Day. New Bedford Regional Airport, New Bedford. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Something for everyone: local dance studio performances, karate demonstrations, Mad Science of Southeastern Mass, formation flying, aircraft displays, skydivers, airplane rides, Buttonwood Park Zoo’s Zoo Choo, and so much more. Donations welcome. Fees will be charged for rides. atlanticaviators.org/funday.

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musician Stacey Peasley, LuckyBob, the Yo-Yo People and live animals from Animal Adventures! Enjoy drop-in crafts, temporary glitter tattoos, balloons, and refreshments. Open to residents of all communities! No registration required. leominsterlibrary.org.

p.m. $8/family for non-Members. Confirm before attending: Isisparenting.com.

FREE Outdoors with Kids Boston. Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 2 – 3 p.m. Join the Appalachian Mountain Club and Mass Audubon for outdoor fun as local author Kim Foley MacKinnon discusses her new book Outdoors with Kids Boston. This information-packed guide from the outdoors experts at AMC focuses on 100 close-to-home outdoor experiences in and around the city. Enjoy Foley MacKinnon’s picnic-blanket talk while your kids take part in the Nature Play Date, digging in the dirt, making dams in the stream or building a shelter. Afterward, join a guided naturalist walk along the scenic Snail Trail. Rain or shine. Email: mtobin@outdoors.org.

22TUESDAY

Geared Up For Kids 2012. DCR Cutler Park, 140 Kendrick St., Needham. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bike ride, 5K Run/Walk, family fun. Help raise money for children’s brain cancer research. 617-872-2850, kintera. org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=483266. PMC Shrewsbury Kids Ride. UMASS South Street Campus, directly behind BMW of Shrewsbury 750 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. 9 a.m. - Noon. Open to cyclists ages 3 to 13. Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Kids Rides need tots, teens and in-betweens to spin their wheels and raise money for cancer research and treatment. There is a $10 registration fee and a suggested $25 fundraising minimum.800-WE-CYCLE, kids.pmc.org. PMC Natick Kids Ride. Belkin Lookout Farm, 89 Pleasant St., South Natick. 8 – 11:30 a.m. Open to cyclists ages 2 to 12 There is a $10 registration fee and a suggested $25 fundraising minimum. 800-WE-CYCLE, kids.pmc.org. Charlotte’s Web. Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. 1 p.m. General admission tickets: $10pp. 617-926-2787, watertownchildrenstheatre.org. LUK’s 2nd Annual Run, Walk, Stroll for Fun. Quinsigamund State Park, Worcester. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This fun, flat 5K course is for all abilities. Family fun includes food, music, raffles, bounce house and more. Help to raise funds for services to the youth and families of Central Massachusetts, and to raise awareness of mental health issues. Rain or shine. $25 advance registration: 978-345-0685, firstgiving.com/ luk/luks-2nd-annual-run-walk-stroll-for-fun.

21MONDAY FREE Drop-In Playgroup for Mobile Babies (up to age 3). Isis Maternity, Arlington. 4:30 – 5:30

HomeSchool Meet & Play. Boston Children’s Museum. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Homeschool families who are interested in connecting with one another can drop in to Countdown to Kindergarten to meet, share ideas, talk and play! Admission fees apply. bostonkids.org. Also June 18.

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 June 26. Understanding the Connection between Vision and Learning. Needham Public Library; 1139 Highland Avenue, Needham. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Learn all the ways that vision issues affect a child’s learning and behavior. Find out about the growing field of behavioral optometry. Learn to identify red flag behaviors which might provide clues to a child’s unidentified vision problem. Presented by Dr. Abbondanza. 508655-3813, tecpa.org/programs.html. Visting Day. Walnut Park Montessori School, 47 Walnut Park, Newton. 9 – 10:15 a.m. The day will consist of an introduction of the school, tour of the school, classroom observation and a Q&A session with the Head of School. Walnut Park is an authentic Montessori school for children 2.9- 6 years of age. 617-202-9772, jacksonwalnutparschools.org.

23WEDNESDAY FREE Just Twos Storytime. Leominster Public Library. 10 – 10:30 a.m. Every Wed. Stories and musical activities for children, age two, and their adult caregivers. Registration is not required. leominsterlibrary.org. FREE Make Way for Ducklings Walk. California Street near Watertown Square by the Charles River, Watertown. 10 – 11:30 a.m. Dress your little ones in yellow like ducklings, decorate your stroller or carriage and join the Watertown Family Network as you walk along the river looking for geese, ducks and turtles. Enjoy music with Beth and perhaps have a little picnic. Rain date: May 30th. 617-926-1661, watertown.k12.ma.us/wfn.

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val brings together all the talented street performers who make shopping and dining in Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also known Quincy Market, so much fun. You’ll see jugglers, mimes, acrobats, stiltwalkers, musicians, magicians - and more!

24THURSDAY Budding Naturalists: Spring Explorations for Preschoolers. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Explore different habitats around the sanctuary and watch for the creatures that inhabit them. Maximum of 8 pairs. Pre-registration is required. 508-655-2296

FREE Play Date. 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. FREE Family Activity at the Arnold Arboretum. Harvard University, Cambridge. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drop in for a family activity such as a scavenger hunt, science investigatin, craft, guided walk, etc. 617-384-5209, my.arboretum.harvard.edu. Also June 30, July 28 and Aug. 25.

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.

FREE Craft for Ages 3+. Lakeshore Learning, Newton and Saugus. New craft every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. LakeshoreLearning.com/ FreeCrafts4Kids.

25FRIDAY

AIS 44th Annual Memorial Powwow. 4H Camp Marshall, 92 McCormick Rd., Spencer. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Rain or shine. Bring lawn/camp chairs for seating. Enjoy MA Northern & Southern Drums, seminars, Gourd Dance, afternoon and evening intertribal dance sessions, children’s activities, Saturday evening feast, artifact sale, traders and more! A$15, Y$7, C (12 and under) $4. Email JasonLantagne@yahoo. com or call 508-528-6885. Also May 27th.

FREE Kids Jam. Boston Children’s Museum. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Free admission every Friday night. An all-ages dance party in Club Common! Led by kids Supported by adults. bostonkids.org. Also June 29. FREE New Parents Coffee Hour. Stella Bella Toys, Inman Square, 1360 Cambridge St., Cambridge. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join other new parents for free coffee and muffins every Friday. 617-491-6290 stellabellatoys.com.

26SATURDAY FREE Street Performers Festival at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Downtown Boston. This 3-day festi-

Wool Days. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. May 26 – 28. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sheep get their annual hair cuts and historians demonstrate how wool is processed from shearing, scouring and carding to dyeing, spinning and weaving (in other words, from sheep to shirt). Try your hand and test your history IQ at our textile

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exhibit. Memorial Day is also the official kick-off to summer activities like period games, 1830s base ball and French & English tug-of-war contests. A$20, Y (3 – 17) $7, C under 3 FREE. 800-733-1830, osv.org.

27SUNDAY Fairy Circus by Tanglewood Marionettes. Puppet Showplace Theatre, Brookline. 1 – 2 p.m. The Fairy Circus features classic trick puppets and beautifully handcrafted marionettes. The puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the music of favorite composers! Ages 4+. $10pp. puppetshowplace.org. AIS 44th Annual Memorial Powwow. Spencer. See May 26 listing for details.

28MONDAY FREE Memorial Day Open House. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. mfa.org. FREE Alastair Moock Concert. John F. Kennedy (JFK) Library & Museum, Columbia Point, Boston.10:30 - 11:30 a.m. jflibrary.org. Toe Jam Puppet Band. Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford. 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Zoo admission (A$6, Sr. & teen $4.50, C (3-12) $3, C under 3 FREE + $5/family. bpzoo.org. FREE Newburyport Spring Fest. .newburyport. com/events/springfest/.

29TUESDAY FREE Hatha Prenatal Yoga with Jessica. Destination Maternity, Natick. 5:15 - 6:30 and 6:35 – 7:50 p.m. Confirm before attending: destintationmaternity.com.

30WEDNESDAY 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.

31THURSDAY Fun at the Discovery Museums. Acton. Build It! 10 a.m. at the Children’s Discovery Museum LEGO building for toddlers! Weekly storytime at 11 a.m. Take Aparts, drop in from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org.

Need more family fun ideas? Visit baystateparent.com and click “Calendar� for the most up-to-date events. SUBMIT AN EVENT at baystateparent.com.

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CELEBRATIONS!

Big Brothers

Who’s been there for baystateparent the past 16 years? Our creative director, Paula Monette Ethier, who helped to launch the magazine on May 1, 1996. For the past 16 years, Paula has referred to baystateparent as her third child. Paula has two boys, Nick and Bryan, who were just 10 and 8 when the magazine was founded. Now they have a sister in baystateparent. Growing up with their “sibling” meant having tempting food in their refrigerator with “Photo Shoot” sticky notes warning them to not eat. It meant early-morning luaus and other productions staged in their home as they tried to sleep. And because we work in advance, it meant their mom was probably so over Christmas in October. In the early days, Nick and Bryan’s photos appeared throughout the pages of baystateparent - an ad here, a feature story there. Today, the two young men, now ages 25 and 23, are in the publishing fields themselves, Nick as sports editor for Stonebridge Press and Bryan as an undergrad majoring in English. Both have contributed feature stories to bsp, and Bryan is currently our proofreader. “As someone who for a time wanted to go into graphic design, I’ve always appreciated the layouts, and the way my mother makes eyecatching covers. I also like that bsp isn’t afraid to tackle serious and controversial topics in their issues,” says Bryan. As bsp celebrates its Sweet 16, here’s a few words from her big bros: What was your perception of your mom’s job when you were a kid as compared to now? When I was younger I imagined her job as being a lot of fun, and I was proud that she worked on a widely-circulated magazine. I still feel the same way today, but now I know how much hard work goes into what she does. - Bryan

Bryan Ethier

Nick Ethier

When I was younger I thought my mom would sift through pictures and decide where to put them in the paper. Now I realize her job entails so much more — planning photo shoots, assisting the photographer on said shoots, working with the editorial staff on what the paper will look like and laying the paper out. - Nick

Do you have a favorite cover? My favorite cover is the one with my cousin Christopher on it [January 2003]. He is a very brave, strong and happy boy who has been through far too much for someone his age. - Bryan Editor’s Note: Christopher, who has Down syndrome, is a cancer survivor. I would like to say that the cover I was featured on is my favorite [November 1997], but there is some bias there and the magazine was still in its early stages. Over the past few years the covers have looked much better, and I really liked the one with the female boxer [September 2011]. - Nick Were you protective of baystateparent growing up? Growing up, I loved seeing bsp in stores or seeing people reading it. It made me happy to know that my mom worked on a magazine that helped people in their lives. I still get a thrill when I see it today. - Bryan There was always a bundle of baystateparents at the grocery store I worked at in high school. I would get a little ‘mad’ when people would pass it by. However, I would frequently see people grab a copy on their way out. This always made me smile and realize that this is why my mom does what she does — to give people parenting tips, let them read good stories and see good photos and to make people happy through the magazine. - Nick

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CELEBRATIONS!

YOUR DRESS

Made the Paper! Paper

That special gown, from your little girl’s christening right up to her Sweet 16 and wedding, can “make the paper” when artist Aimee Empey of Paper, Gowns, & Glory works her magic. Aimee uses special occasion attire as inspiration for stunning keepsakes and

works of art. Aimee, who has a background in children’s rooms interiors, first began to design exquisite tiny sculptures for weddings, miniaturizing brides and couples in white paper to the last stitch and wisp of hair. These sophisticated

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and elegant works of art serve as cake toppers and paper sculpture gifts. Recently, a fan of her bridal work asked, “Do you make these in color?” and commissioned her to recreate her daughter and niece’s Sweet 16 gowns. baystateparent followed suit, asking Aimee to create a christening gown for this month’s Celebrations issue. Both miniatures are pictured here. Not only will Aimee recreate any dress for her clients, she can make a custom floral bouquet for any occasion using Japanese, Italian, recycled and local handmade papers. Your bouquet will never wilt and looks just as stunning as the real thing! More of Aimee’s designs can be found at her website for Paper, Gowns, & Glory: papergownsandglory.com. Paper, Gowns, & Glory is located at the Stove Factory Studio, 523 Medford St., Charlestown, MA 02129. 617-669-9647,

papergownsandglory.com. Aimee’s work can be found at Children’s Hospital, the John Raimondi Gallery, on the streets of the City of Boston and in homes throughout New England.

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Ask about our mother & daughter parties BAYSTATEPARENT 25

CAPTURED

Birthdays!

Princess: Photographer Nubia Sarmiento has met many a princess,

Home Run: Maxwell Surprenant, 8 years old,

like the one pictured here, at elaborate Sweet 16 parties.

celebrates his birthday at Frozen Ropes in Natick.

1st Smoosh:

All Eyes On Me: Bella Coghlan shines

Make a Wish: Madeline Spinney kicks off

Sydney Freeman celebrates the big one last July.

on her first birthday in Shrewsbury.

age 2 with a Dr. Seuss party.

Giddy Up: Brody Holister turns 4 at the Holyoke

Two Cute: Samantha Smith turns

Another Year Older: Tyler Jones celebrates his

Merry-Go-Round.

2 in West Boylston.

6th birthday in Grafton. This May 22nd, he turns 7. Happy birthday Tyler!

CAPTURED: bsp is looking for photos of grandparents for our July issue and back-to-school for September. Email photos to editor@baystateparent.com by May 10th. 26 MAY2012

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CELEBRATIONS!

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CELEBRATIONS!

22,500 Homeless Children in Massachusetts 22,500 Birthdays How will they Celebrate?

Happy Birthday and Homeless BY

Patrick Connaster

atrick Connaster has been waiting all week for his 8th birthday party. The celebration is held on the grassy front yard of the Worcester homeless shelter that he has been living in with his mother and three siblings since June 2011. There are balloons, cupcakes, goody bags, games and presents, the usual fare. But what’s missing? Patrick’s family and friends from Essex County where he has lived most of his life. Shelter rules prohibit him from inviting hometown friends and family so he celebrates with his parents, three siblings and shelter friends as well as dozens of girl scouts from Troop 73798 in Hopkinton and Clark University

P 28 MAY2012

volunteers. And if it weren’t for Newton mom Lisa Vasiloff he may not be having a party at all. Ten years ago, Lisa co-founded Birthday Wishes, a Massachusetts-based non-profit that hosts birthday parties for homeless children. It started as a simple family volunteer project, as Lisa was frustrated that she couldn’t find a meaningful place to volunteer with her sons who were then ages 7 and 10. “I just called a shelter in Newton and asked if we could come in once a month and throw birthday parties for the kids. It was great. We decorated and did party games. I’d bring my boys and their friends and they’d help do the temporary tattoos,” says Lisa, who took turns with friends hosting parties. She continued

carrie wattu, steven king photography

for 8 months at one shelter, stockpiling gifts and party supplies in her basement. When she got a call from another shelter and then another, her volunteer project steamrolled and she incorporated Birthday Wishes in 2004, adding her first paid staff in 2005. Today there are nine staff members, two of whom are full time. “We still operate on the very same model. It’s very grass roots and the parties are thrown by all volunteers,” says Lisa. Today, it’s all about Patrick, who brings a week’s worth of excitement to his party. His stepfather Robert travels 3 ½ hours from Salem by public transportation to watch his son race around, a twisted balloon sculpture on his head, as he goes from limbo to parachute to hula hoop.

Patrick beams during the birthday song, but is too excited to eat his cake. He receives a personalized backpack with a ball, Frisbee, books, Mad Libs, badmittion set and Star Wars PJs. When he pulls out a new bat, he lights up and turns to his brother, “Cody, a bat! A bat!” His shelter friend, Cameron, wants Patrick to play. Patrick is eager to share, “Look, you can play with my ball! Here!” He is hoping for a sleepover in Cameron’s room that night so that he can wear his new Star Wars PJs. Patrick says thank you to everyone. Patrick shares the spotlight with three other children celebrating their birthdays this month. Their birthdays provide entertainment and hope for

shelter families, all of whom are invited. At Patrick’s shelter, parties typically attract 30 plus children, and today there are three who stand out. Three sets of big brown eyes and full cheeks peek behind a broken shade, playing hide and seek with us, smooshing their lips onto the window. They look about 2, 4 and 6. We all laugh and wave and beckon them to join us, but they watch the entire party from inside the shelter, smiling shyly, too scared to join the fun. It is this image we’d like to photograph, but safety regulations prohibit us from taking their picture. “It’s so hard to watch. I really wish they would come out,” says Julie Stanwood, who has been a Birthday Wishes party planner and coordinator for six years. Julie, a Northborough mother of five, became involved in Birthday Wishes so that she could volunteer with her children. She and her children ran birthday parties at their assigned shelter every month for a year and a half. “It doesn’t take a ton of time – about four hours a month,” she says. “It makes a huge impact.” The impact is two-fold. Julie recalls a 9-year-old boy she met who had never had a birthday party and had no idea what to do. “Some of these kids have never had that warm and fuzzy birthday feeling,” says Julie. But she also sees the effect Birthday Wishes has had on her family. Her children’s birthday parties are now much simpler than they used to be, and her older children often pass on the presents, preferring that guests bring gifts for the homeless children Birthday Wishes serves instead.

Sadly, many homeless children – almost 3,000 families – are not placed in shelters, as there is simply no room. The state must house them in scattered sites, motels across the Commonwealth. These families are often isolated – without transportation – sometimes hours from their hometowns. Party coordinators deliver a Birthday in a Box to these families, but coordinators – and any guests for that matter – are not allowed into state-funded motel rooms, so they meet families in their motel parking lot. Out of the trunk of a car, families receive their child’s present and all of the supplies to throw a party in their motel room. While inviting others into their room to enjoy the party is breaking state rules, and the state has restrictions on the amount of belongings each family can have at any one time, parties are kept simple.

mother’s care so that parents can do errands is not always feasible as there are no guests of any kind allowed in motel rooms. Often, families rely on nonperishable junk foods to fill their bellies. Keep in mind, most motels do not have safe outdoor areas for children to play. Life for the homeless child living in a motel is often a lot of TV, junk food and more TV. While it is hard not to jump to conclusions about a situation in which many of us do not understand, Lisa says, “Suspend your judgment. You have absolutely no idea what these people have been through. Nobody wants to be homeless. People have different capacities to deal with things.” She also tells us that a lot of parents are dealing with mental illness. “Getting out of bed in the morning in itself is a victory,” she says. She reminds us, “We just don’t know.

who are less fortunate. “To me, it’s my shelter, my kids,” she says. “It’s heartbreaking to know that a little child hasn’t had a birthday.” For the one-hour party she throws every month, Sherry tries to find out what the child’s niche is and shops for the supplies. “My friends pitch in,” she says. One of her neighbors, a little girl, even handed her a bag of coins and said, “Could you give this to another little girl who needs it?” When a birthday child gives her a hug and thanks her for coming, Sherry always responds, “I wouldn’t miss it.” After the party, she sits in her car, taking a few minutes to reflect, thinking, “I made a difference.” She looks forward to when her 4-year-old son is old enough to volunteer with her. “I am so proud to be part of this. More people need to hear about this,” she says.

Get Involved with Your Kids

CELEBRATIONS!

Birthday Wishes is always looking for volunteers. A party coordinator is assigned to one shelter, receives thorough training and makes a one-year commitment so that one person knows the culture of the shelter. But help is also needed behind the scenes, on a committee, in the office, stuffing goody bags, raising money....anything. “It is an absolutely amazing way to make a real impact on a child because even though it’s not food, shelter, clothing, it’s bringing a child recognition on the day they were born and making them feel special,” says Lisa. Birthday Wishes creates two hours of laughter and fun for families that are in a traumatic living situation. “It’s something when all of the homeless families in the shelter come together. We are serving a totally unmet need Evelyn Rodrigues, a case and we’re doing it with our kids,” Patrick Connaster make a wish, cheered on by his brother Cody (L) and Birthday Wishes volunteers. manager at Friendly House says Lisa. in Worcester, says that before As Patrick’s stepdad takes a Birthday Wishes began to help families picture of his son, surrounded by his It’s about making kids happy. Granted at the shelter, parents would just have to siblings, he turns his head and comments, some of them have had long histories figure out how to celebrate on their own. “When they’re happy, we’re happy.” Imagine living in a single motel room of substance abuse and violence, and Now her party coordinator comes once Patrick gets his mother’s attention, with your children in an unfamiliar city some of them are just on the edge, kids a month to celebrate all of the month’s holding up something small and says, far from family and friends. Children are kids. They are polite and helpful and birthdays. “I’m keeping this.” He tucks his treasure, often make the long ride back to their want to help. Their resilience is what Parents are encouraged to attend parties a single blue birthday candle, into his original school in a state-funded shuttle. is incredible. Thank goodness they are and participate in crafts and games with goody bag. Since homeless families often move resilient.” their kids. These parties are actually around, it is often best for the child to teaching tools for parents. Today, a For more information on Birthday be kept in one school system. The state’s dad makes a duct tape headband for his Wishes, visit birthdaywishes.org or call expense to transport these children is daughter, his shirt pocket stuffed with 866-388-9474 ext. 1. Executive Director, exorbitant. “Mommy, the ‘birthday girl’ is here!” handmade bookmarks. Lisa Varioff, can also be reached at lisa@ This motel room has no kitchen, just a This is the nickname that Birthday “We have simple parties to model for birthdaywishes.org. dorm fridge and microwave in which to Wishes party coordinator, Sherry the parents how to make paper bag prepare the family’s meals. Since many Robbins, has received from the children puppets and play freeze dance so that Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent. She is parents do not have a car, their only in the Leominster shelter in which she they know they can do it when they get proud to celebrate baystateparent’s 16th birthday groceries are delivered by the food pantry volunteers. The West Boylston mom has out of shelter,” says Lisa. by raising awareness of homeless children once a week. If parents are fortunate, been volunteering for Birthday Wishes Birthday Wishes sets a $35 - $40 limit in Massachusetts who deserve birthdays. She they may be in walking distance of a for three years. “When you walk in, they on gifts to keep the program consistent encourages families to donate excess birthday gifts store, but if they are caught walking have no problem giving you a hug, and for all children. and supplies to Birthday Wishes. baystateparent along a dangerous road – such as Route that’s why I keep doing it,” she says. Every child leaves with a goody bag, and donated $1,000 to Birthday Wishes this month. 9 – with their children to get groceries, Sherry, who works in a transitional for those children not in attendance, bags the children will be considered at risk. homeless program for pregnant women, are left with the shelter coordinator. Leaving children in another homeless feels she has a lot to share with people

How Parties Work

Just Imagine

Meet The Birthday Girl

BAYSTATEPARENT 29

Caught Laughing at

CELEBRATIONS!

He Said She Said, Thursday, March 29th, The Hanover Theatre of Performing Arts, Worcester Still laughing over Christine Hurley's tactic for getting her kids on the right sports team? So are we! baystateparent had a pre-birthday bash at the beautiful Hanover Theatre of Performing Arts in Worcester on March 29th. Teaming up with Loretta Laroche Productions, we kicked off our 16th birthday with baystateparent's hilarious columnist, Christine Hurley. Highlights of the night included the meet and greet with Christine Hurley and our other favorite humor columnist, Stephen Rich, as well as a fabulous raffle. Thanks to the generosity of our raffle sponsors and all of you who participated, we raised nearly $1,000 in just 50 minutes for Birthday Wishes. Our 16th birthday is a lot sweeter knowing that we raised funds to provide birthday parties for dozens of local homeless children. For more information, visit birthdaywishes.org baystateparent columnists, Stephen Rich and Christine Hurley

Amanda Roberge and Sara Schweiger

Tracy Poplawski and Steve McCann Comedian Michael Petit, comedian Chr

bsp account executive Emily Rettig

Judy Doherty, Gary Ethier, Nick Mallard bsp columnist Stephen Rich

Shawna Mead, Carrie Wattu, Missie Silva, Christine Hurley 30 MAY2012

Jim and Cara Cahn

Trish and Dave Reske

CELEBRATIONS!

Special Thanks to Our Generous Raffle Sponsors

Julie Stanwood, Birthday Wishes

Chris Zito and comedian, Paul D’Angelo

Emily Rettig and Neil Abramson

Birthday Wishes raffle goers

Stephen Rich, Carrie Wattu, Christine Hurley

Erin and Andy Beardsley

Anna’s Taqueria Aura Cutie Patuties Ecotarium Exhale Spa Fitchburg Art Museum Mashantucket Pequot Museum Music Worcester New England Aquarium North Shore Music Theatre Peabody Essex Museum Portrait Simple Spirit of Boston The Hanover Theater Wachusett Mountain Wicked Good Cookies Worcester Art Museum YWCA of Central MA Zoink’s Fun Factory Zoo New England

photos by steven king

edian Christine Hurley

Readers mingle at baystateparent's Meet and Greet before the show.

Bob and Donna Goyette

Readers mingle at baystateparent's Meet and Greet before the show.

baystateparent publisher, Gareth Charter; Dawn Christensen, Loretta Laroche Productions BAYSTATEPARENT 31

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3

ONMY ON MYPLATE PLATE

In Diapers Was Not as HARD As This BY

sarah beevers

I still remember it like it was yesterday. My 9-year-old was very sick, and I didn’t even know it. I thought I was taking him to sick call at the pediatrician’s office and then back to school. I never knew his life was going to change so drastically that day ten years ago. Matthew had been wetting the bed more than once a night. I had no idea what was wrong with him, but I knew something was not right. The nurse practitioner told me that Matthew had a lot of glucose in his urine. She believed it was caused by juvenile diabetes and that he needed a specialist. I thought we would make an appointment for some time over the next couple of weeks, but we were instructed to go immediately.

I had no idea what diabetes was, and I thought for

sure that they were wrong. He had eaten three bowls of Frosted Flakes for breakfast, and I was positive that this was why his glucose level was so high. He begged me for a donut on the way to the specialist, but I wouldn’t let him have one. My biggest regret that day is not buying him that donut. At the specialist’s, my husband and I learned that Type I diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the pancreas no longer produces an adequate level of insulin. When there is not enough insulin present, the body is unable to use the food eaten as energy, and blood glucose levels rise. Insulin must be injected into the body to make up for the pancreas not working. My husband and I had to learn how to measure shots and give them to our son, whom we had to hold down. We also had to learn how to read blood sugar levels and to count carbohydrates to keep

track of every piece of food that went into his mouth. Since that day, Matthew has pricked his finger and taken his blood glucose level over 20,000 times. I had just given birth to my fourth son. Before the day Matthew was diagnosed, I would have told you that having four kids (three in diapers) was the hardest thing I had ever managed. Today I say that diabetes has been the hardest. You can never just run out of the house; you always have to make sure you have a blood glucose meter, extra sugar and snacks with you. You also never stop worrying. I worried that his sugar level would go down while he was sleeping. I worried that it would go down while at his friend’s house, and I really worried every time he stepped on the ice to play hockey. So many factors can affect your blood sugar when you have diabetes: the amount of food you eat, your activity level and even the cold weather. One of my biggest worries arose when Matthew got his driver’s license, as he has to check his sugar level every time he gets in the car to drive. Like every other thing I tell him to do, it doesn’t always happen. We had a scare one morning when I heard him leave for hockey practice. A few minutes later, I heard him walking around the kitchen. I got up to see what he was doing and discovered that he had no idea what was going on. I gave him a juice box, and his level jumped back up. He insisted on going to practice while I insisted on driving the car. When we got to the rink, I saw the blanket from his bed. He had no idea why or even how it got there. It scares me to think

what would have happened if he drove to practice that morning. He could have seriously hurt himself or, God forbid, someone else. Matthew is now a sophomore in college and life with diabetes has gotten easier. He no longer needs to give himself shots because he is on an insulin pump which continuously gives him a small amount of insulin and then more when he eats. However, Matthew doesn’t live his life like every other college student. He has to remember to check his level and know how many carbs he is eating at all times. This is not easy for him living on his own, and he doesn’t always do what he is supposed to. I worry every night. To help the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation find a cure, our family and friends have participated in the Walk to Cure Diabetes for the past ten years. Walks are held in October in Agawam, Boston and Worcester. For information on JDRF please visit jdrf.org. Sarah Beevers is a North Shore mom of four boys who spends most of her time in the hockey rink watching them play hockey and the rest of her time doing their laundry. “On My Plate� is a forum for Massachusetts parents. Do you have a viewpoint you’d like to express, a story or experience you’d like to share? It can be serious, humorous, persuasive, informative...whatever you’d like to share with an audience of 100,000 parents. You don’t have to be a published writer to be considered. Please submit essays to editor@baystateparent.com for consideration.

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Become one of our Sweet 16! Enter to Win Mother’s Day FREEBIES at baystateparent.com. Sixteen moms will win 16 fabulous prizes this month. It’s quick and easy to enter – no need to register or remember passwords! Enter at baystateparent.com/giveaways. We’ll choose 16 winners on May 31st.

$74.95 value candlewick.com

Baby Deedee Sleep Nest $33 - $48 value babydeedee.com

Uno Chicago Grill, Various Locations Five $5 gift certificates unos.com 34 MAY2012

Good Luck. The First Years Stroller from Cutie Patutie’s, Leominster $45 value

Kaya’s Kloset Mommy & Me Slippers

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Wooden

Standing Art Easel and Supplies Cutie Patutie’s, Leominster $100 value *For pick-up in baystateparent’s Worcester office only

everythingcutie.com

2 – 3 Meals from Healthy Habits Kitchen, Wellesley $58 - $66 value healthyhabitskitchen.com

The Elegant Flower Mixed Flower Bouquet, Marlborough $25 value * For pick-up in Marlborough

everythingcutie.com

$40 value kayaskloset.com/adult.html

ElegantFlowerShop.com

Bean Sprout Bowtique Gift Certificate

Baby Bird Handknit “Mom” Hat

Simply Gifted Personalized Shirt

$25 value etsy.com/beansproutbowtique

$22 value babybirdknits.etsy.com

*For pick-up in baystateparent’s Worcester office only

for Ages 1 Month – 1 Year $18 value simplygifted3.etsy.com

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BAYSTATEPARENT 35

MOMS ROCK!

Mel Robbins Of SHERBORN Age: 43 Occupation: Radio Personality, Television Host Mom of: Sawyer 13, Kendall 11 and Oakley 6 Married to: Chris Robbins, Co-founder of Stone Hearth Pizza BY

If

trish reske, steven king photography

you’ve heard her on The Mel Robbins Show or seen her on A&E’s reality show, Monster In-Laws, you know one thing about her: Mel doesn’t mince words. Mel Robbins has made a career of tackling issues through no-nonsense, thought-provoking conversations that challenge people to think. And she’s done it with a singular mission: to help people get what they want out of life – personally and professionally. The down-to-business talk show host and self-made businesswoman is also down-to-earth in person. Raised in a small Michigan town with strong family roots, Mel is as unpretentious and welcoming as her Sherborn farmhouse. And, like her renovated home, Mel’s family life is a mix of tradition and modifications to create just the right fit. It’s in Sherborn that Mel and her husband of 15 years, Chris Robbins, are raising their three children, Sawyer (13), Kendall (11) and Oakley (6). The small-town, rural feel of Sherborn and supportive neighbors are a perfect fit for the Robbins family. Mel’s life philosophy, “It Shall Be,” is tattooed on her wrist and ingrained in everything she does. 36 MAY2012

“If you believe it, and if you force yourself to take steps to make it happen, it shall be. That’s the philosophy of how I parent; it’s the philosophy of my business, of how I live my life,” she says. Mel speaks from experience. A Dartmouth Law School graduate, Mel began her career in New York City as a trial lawyer. After moving to Massachusetts in 1997, Mel decided the legal profession wasn’t for her, and got a job at a start-up internet company. She began to explore career options with Handel Life Coaching co-founder Lauren Zander, when Zander encouraged Mel to become a coach herself. Mel went on to launch her own, one-woman executive coaching business, where she coached high-powered executives from Fortune 500 companies to reach their professional and personal goals. Mel’s coaching led to TV appearances, which ultimately kindled her fascination with the media business, particularly radio. “I love radio. Radio is my passion,” Mel says. “Nobody edits me. It is a very intimate medium because you are in someone’s car, kitchen or headset.” Others have described Mel as a “breath of fresh air” in talk radio, which is a primarily male-dominated industry. Last year, Mel extended her no-

nonsense advice to TV. As the relationship expert of A&E’s reality show, Monster In-Laws, Mel tackles thorny, real-life family relationships. Mel moves in with a troubled family for a week and tries to restore failing relationships through life coaching skills with creative tactics. “It’s my job to force these families to talk about the stuff they don’t want to talk about and to hammer through it. And to remind people on a very guttural level what’s truly important, which is their familial relationships,” she says. If you can’t hear or see Mel in action, you can read her inspirational advice in her book, Stop Saying You’re Fine. The books gives practical, how-to advice on overcoming self-imposed obstacles and achieving success in life by understanding the neuroscience behind the inertia that holds people back from achieving their dreams. Mel is as passionate about her kids as she is about her career. Her “can do” attitude extends to her parenting philosophy. “It’s important for kids to understand that in a family, it’s not a ‘momocracy,’ it’s a democracy,” she says. “Mom has a life, too. What I believe is healthy is for my kids to see a loving relationship between Chris and I first, then to see a

loving relationship with myself.” She describes her children as uniquely different. The oldest daughter, Sawyer, is “thoughtful, serious and has the most infectious belly laugh that you will ever hear.” Kendall is “deeply curious, deeply emotional and amazingly interesting.” Oakley, the youngest is “a typical boy – he bops all over the place. He’s a polite little kid,” she says. With two entrepreneurs as parents, the Robbins household gets hectic, as the massive family calendar tacked on the wall shows. Mel and Chris have managed to keep their family close and cohesive by simplifying tasks like grocery shopping, delegating chores to the kids and making time for family dinners, weekends away and time together. “Chris and I both grew up in families that had family dinners. The majority of families only meet together two to three times per week. Having family dinner together is huge,” Mel says. Mel and Chris hold a family meeting every Sunday night to go over their schedules and put the kids’ activities on the tack board. Even with the best organization, though, Mel says their parenting is “very fluid, it’s a mosaic of different things.” “The second you set your schedule and

you think that you’ve got things nailed, one of your kids no longer wants to do karate,� she laughs. While some two-career families hire a nanny to help with the kids and household, Mel and Chris don’t. Instead, they tap into teens in the neighborhood for help. When she’s not on the road for Monster In-Laws, Mel broadcasts her radio show from her home office. “I do radio because it allows me to be there for my kids,� she says. Mel hopes to continue in what she’s described as her life’s passion—radio – while being able to be present for her kids. “We want to make sure our kids are interested in other people, that they’re respectful, that they’re kind, and that they do their job, whatever that might be,� she says. For Mel, her job is “having real conversations,� a job that she describes as her life’s passion. “I’ve found what it is I want to do for

the rest of my life,� she says. “Now all I need to do is show up and earn the privilege of doing it.� For more information, visit melrobbins. com. Check out her show on Mondays on A&E, atv.com/monster-in-laws/, or learn more about her book at amazon. com/Stop-Saying-Youre-Fine-Discover/ dp/0307716724. Trish Reske is an award-winning freelance writer, business owner, blogger and mom of four fabulous kids. She and her family currently reside in Westborough, MA. You can follow her on Twitter@trishreske or catch her latest blogposts at trishreske.com.

Take 12 with Mel Life Philosophy: “It Shall Be.� If you can figure out what you want and have the courage and the sheer will to feel

scared, you will make anything happen in your life.

What Drives me Nuts: Myself. I drive myself bananas.

Favorite Family Pastime: Family dinner

Current Family Obsession: Dancing. The kids love to stand on the mantle and put on dance parties.

Inspiration: My husband, my mom, Howard Stern, J.K. Rowling, Judge Judy‌ I’m inspired by anyone who has the gumption to go for what they want and keep pushing forward. Wish for My Kids: Happiness

Biggest Parenting Surprise: How it solidified incredible lifelong friendships. Friends are the family you choose. We have a very tight extended family here in Sherborn.

What Monster In-Laws has Taught Me: That every human being wants to feel like they matter. If you’re being a pain with other family members, it’s because you’re in pain. We all need to hear why we’re important.

One Sentence to Describe Me: How about one word? Real.

Favorite Thing about Being a Mom: Experiencing the endless capacity for love. It just keeps expanding. It surprises and overwhelms me.

Best Part of My Day: When the kids run off the bus

Favorite Massachusetts Activity: Going on a walk at Rocky Narrows with my family and the dogs

You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Healthy Smile! Melvin A. “Dr. Mel� Ehrlich, Pediatric Dentist William U. Murthy, Orthodontist for Children and Adults

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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 37

While you're busy at work, your child is busy at PLA Y !

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 • Family owned and run • Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs • EEC Licensed Teachers • The Letter People Curriculum • Lively Letters Curriculum • Indoor Gym • Sibling Discounts, Military Discounts • Optional Lunch Program • Music & Movement, Tumblebus and Lil' Sports programs on site 172 Otis Street (behind Walmart) Northboro, MA • (508) 393-0798

New:

Half day Preschool and PK programs at the Otis Street location.

348 Main Street (Rte 20) Northboro, MA • (508) 393-2100

www.skribbles.com

Happy Birthday to baystateparent! New Hours: 7:00 AM TO 6:00 PM, 52 weeks a year

38 MAY2012

HZZ Djg LZWh^iZ [dg >c[dgbVi^dc VcY K^YZdh dc i]Z ;daadl^c\ Egd\gVbh/ Preschool Playtime Next Session May 2 Ages 2.5-3.5 • Wednesdays, 9:15-10AM Ages 3.5-5 • Thursdays, 9:15-10AM Creative Yoga Next Session May 12 Ages 4-7, Saturdays, 1-2pm

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;gZZ 7ji =dl 9d > JhZ >i4 Ldg`h]de Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 6:30-8:30 PM at Barrett

Are you aware of the many interactive and engaging apps that you can play with your For more information, check out children to facilitate and teach language? Please join us for this FREE workshop to www.barrettfamilywellness.com, discuss some apps that are helpful in click on this QR code, facilitating natural language development. Please pre-register by calling 508-898-2688. or call 508-898-2688

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

CAMP

THE BOSTON AREA’S PREMIER DAY CAMP

COUNTDOWN! MetroWest YMCA Day Camp Camp Open House June 23, 2012

10:00am-1:00pm Come join us on June 23rd for the open house at camp and to meet the counselors of the summer of 2012. Limited space still available for our traditional camps, check our website for availability! Spaces still available for our Teen Adventure Plus Progams. Campers graduating grades 7&8 Enjoy a traditional Camp with the emphasis on Adventure! Challenge yourself on our 30+ element challenge course, explore the outdoors, and spend the day taking a field trip with your friends Trips may include kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, the beach, sailing, bouldering and more! For more information, please check the website or give camp a call.

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

Summer Dance & Early Fall Registration May 21-24 ~ 5-8PM

Summer Sailing Camp

(also by mail or appointment) s 0RINCESS 0RINCE #AMP 7EEKS s 7EEKLY )NTENSIVES !GE )NTER !DV s !BSOLUTE "EGINNER 7ORKSHOP 7EEKS s -ASTER #LASSES W 'UEST !RTISTS s (IP (OP !CRO 4UMBLING 7ORKSHOPS #LASS SIZES ARE LIMITED

1UALITY TRAINING IN A PROFESSIONAL FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE 3& 3TATE OF THE !RT &ACILITY 3ELECTED "Best of Auburn 2011" )N $ANCE )NSTRUCTION

on Lake Quinsigamond at Regatta Point State Park Week long sessions starting June 18 thru August 24 8:45-4:30 Ages 9-16 years old* $239/week Register Online Adult Lessons/Memberships also available “We discovered Regatta Point almost accidentally, and it is now the driving force behind our summer schedule. My nine year old son has the kind of unfettered, fresh-air fun there that we all dream of for summer-sailing, canoeing, swimming, swing off of ropes. He comes home exhausted and happy, smelling of lake air and water. I immensely appreciate the focus on education and responsibility that the kids receive-that they sweep the deck and take care of the riggings and practice their knots in bad weather. In general, I find the staff and older teens to be exactly the kind of people you want your child to be hanging around and serving as role models. It was a very happy accident when we found Regatta Point Community Sailing, and we can’t wait for our daughter to sail, too.� – Juliet F. mother of 2011 camper

Regatta Point Community Sailing METROWEST YMCA HOPKINTON

3OUTHBRIDGE 3TREET 2T !UBURN -! $IRECTOR *EN &AUCHER s WWW FAUCHERDANCE COM s FACEBOOK COM FAUCHERDANCE

508.757.2140 www.RegattaPoint.org

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

Summer 2012

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Gymnastics Learning Center

“Building the Pride Inside Since 1983�

Help Your Child Learning be Healthy Center and Fit! Gymnastics UĂŠ “iĂ€ÂˆV>Â˜ĂŠ,i`ĂŠ Ă€ÂœĂƒĂƒĂŠ-ĂœÂˆÂ“ĂŠÂ?iĂƒĂƒÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠÂ…i>ĂŒi`ĂŠÂŤÂœÂœÂ?Ăƒ UUĂŠÂş ޓÊEĂŠ-ĂœÂˆÂ“ÂťĂŠ >Â?vĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?ĂŠ`>ÞÊV>Â“ÂŤĂƒ UUĂŠ¸ Ă•Â˜ĂŒ>ĂƒĂŒÂˆV¸ĂŠ/Â…i“i`ĂŠ >Â“ÂŤĂŠĂœiiÂŽĂƒ UĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Â?ĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ ÂœĂžĂƒĂŠ ĂžÂ“Â˜>ĂƒĂŒÂˆVĂƒĂŠ iĂƒĂƒÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŠÂş7>Â?ÂŽiĂ€ĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ1ÂŤtÂť U

508-792-1551 FREE Trial Class Fall Programs New students only

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

The Only Nationally Accredited Preschool in Shrewsbury!

Continuous registration for all ages and all seasons!

UĂŠĂ“]ĂŠĂŽ]ĂŠEĂŠxĂŠ`>ÞʍÀiĂƒV…œœÂ?ĂŠÂŤĂ€Âœ}Ă€>Â“Ăƒ UĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?‡ >ÞÊ9i>ÀÊ,ÂœĂ•Â˜`ĂŠ >Ă€i UĂŠxĂŠ`>ÞÊ*Ă€i‡ ÉÊ ˆ˜`iĂ€}>Ă€ĂŒiÂ˜ĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ*Ă€Âœ}Ă€>“Ê­Â…>Â?vĂŠ>˜`ĂŠvĂ•Â?Â?ĂŠ`>ގ UĂŠ ĂŠ ˆViÂ˜Ăƒi`ĂŠ/i>VÂ…iĂ€Ăƒ

UĂŠ Ă•ĂƒÂˆVĂŠ*Ă€Âœ}Ă€>“ UĂŠ7iiÂŽÂ?ÞÊ ĂžÂ“Â˜>ĂƒĂŒÂˆVĂƒĂŠ iĂƒĂƒÂœÂ˜ UĂŠ ÂœĂœĂŠ"vviĂ€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ ivÂœĂ€iĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ vĂŒiÀÊ-V…œœÂ?ĂŠ >Ă€i

508-792-3535

574 Lake Street, SÂ…Ă€iĂœĂƒLÕÀÞÊU www.gymnasticslearningcenter.com BAYSTATEPARENT 39

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

SUMMER

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

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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]

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 UĂŠ Ă?ViÂŤĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜>Â?ĂŠĂƒĂŒ>vv • Lots of choice UĂŠ ÂœĂŒĂƒĂŠÂœvĂŠV…œˆVi • Specialty Programs— UĂŠ-ÂŤiVˆ>Â?ĂŒĂžĂŠ*Ă€Âœ}Ă€>Â“ĂƒpĂŠ ,ÂœLÂœĂŒÂˆVĂƒ]ĂŠ ÂˆĂ€VĂ•Ăƒ]ĂŠ Ă€>“>ĂŠĂŠ Computer, Theatre, >˜`ĂŠÂ“ÂœĂ€i Fine Arts and more

Summer Fenn Day Camp

•UĂŠ-ĂœÂˆÂ“Â“ÂˆÂ˜}]ĂŠ Ă€ĂŒĂƒ]ĂŠ-ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂƒ]ĂŠĂŠ Swimming, Arts, Sports, `Ă›iÂ˜ĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂŠ>˜`ĂŠÂ“ÂœĂ€i Nature and Adventure •UĂŠ i˜iĂ€>Â?ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ-iÂ˜ÂˆÂœĂ€ĂŠ >Â“ÂŤĂƒ General and Senior Camps UĂŠ >ÞÊ/Ă€ÂˆÂŤĂŠÂŤĂ€Âœ}Ă€>Â“Ăƒ • Day Trip programs •UĂŠ ÂœĂŒĂŠÂ?Ă•Â˜VÂ…iĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂŒĂ€>Â˜ĂƒÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ Hot lunches and transportation

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.

Summer Fun at the Worcester JCC!

âœť Sabra Summer Program âœť Children ages 2-5 years Traditional camp activities include: Instructional swim, music, nature, art and sports State of the art, air conditioned facility, indoor/outdoor pools June 11 – August 17 1 week sessions 2, 3 or 5 days with half and full day options

Don’t Miss The Fun! Worcester JCC 633 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609 For more information and free brochure

call 508 756-7109 x258 www.worcesterjcc.org The JCC is open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or economic condition. The Center is handicapped accessible. Scholarships available.

40 MAY2012

8 one-week sessions June 25 - August 17, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. AM/PM extended day options

Give Your Child a Summer to Remember!

Come to an Open House! Saturday, May 19 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

CONCORD

Open House attendees will be registered for our drawing to win a free week of camp!

Choice All Day! Build your own schedule - choose from many activities each day

Fay

Specialty Workshops

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Day Camp for Ages 3 - 15

ACADEMY

summer

camp

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

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Discovery

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SOUTHBOROUGH, MA

www.fayschool.org/summer

166 Main Street • Concord, MA 01742 (978) 402-2284 camp@concordacademy.org

www.concordacademysummercamp.org

The Difference is Learning Diversity.

ACT Test Prep Leaders in Training

EAGLE HILL SCHOOL: An innovative approach to LD education in a classic New England boarding school environment. Our summer programs are for kids age 10-18 and run from July 2-August 3rd, 2012.

Summer College Program

Summer Session

Fight regression and build confidence this summer: turn July into an investment in September. For more information, visit www.ehs1.org/summer or call (413)477-6000.

JULY IS AN INVESTMENT IN SEPTEMBER. Four options. One summer. Your choice.

BAYSTATEPARENT 41

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

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

6800(5 &$03 $7 $33/(:,/' -XQH ± $XJXVW $GYHQWXUH &DPS &,7 3URJUDP *LUOV¶ )LHOG +RFNH\ /DFURVVH &DPS :ULWLQJ ,QVWLWXWH

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Dance with us this summer!

Open House: May 12, 2:30-5pm

Experience the difference at Boston Ballet School

Free Musikgarten Classes during event - see website for more information.

*Summer Music Lessons and Classes *All Ages and Abilities *All Instruments and Voice 11 Irving Street, Worcester 508-635-6900 worcesteracademyofmusic.com *Use your WOO Card for discounts!

*Not affiliated with Worcester Academy

DanceThis Summer with the ballet professionals who stage the

NUTCRACKER AT THE HANOVER THEATRE

THE YOUNG DANCERS SUMMER DAY CAMP !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 FUN ENVIRONMENT 3UPERVISED SNACK AND BREAK TIMES 3UMMER CLASSES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

OPEN CLA CLASSICAL BALLET CLASSES SESSION I s JUNE I s 5-28 Wednesday Tuesday, We & Thursday, 7:00-8:30 pm

Summer Programs 2012 June 25 – August 10

SESSION II s JULY II 10-AUGUST 16 Tuesday & TThursday, 7:00-8:30 pm Open to age ages 12 through adult Registration required

NEW! ADU ADULT INTENSIVE

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*5.% s 0Open to Beginner & Advanced Dancers Call for more information.

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42 MAY2012

*ENNIFER !GBAY Artistic Director balletartsworcester.com Photo’s by Emily Glick

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

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SUMMER PROGRAMS

Mutimedia

Summer Treatment Program for Children with ADHD

Robotics Co-ed Soccer Co-ed Basketball Girls Volleyball

AW ARD - WINNING P ROGRAM P ROVIDING S TATE - OF - THE -A RT TREATMENT FOR C HILDREN ADHD AND B EHAVIOR P ROBLEMS

WITH

Visual Arts

• For boys and girls, 6 – 12 years old.

Sports Camp

• Children will learn to control their behavior through g praise, positive reinforcement, and reward systems.

Arts Camp (WASA) Science

• Parents will participate p p in a weekly parenting group to learn skills to help their children.

Football

• Monday, y July 9th – Friday, August 17th (8:30am – 3:00pm) The days will fly by as kids make friends and learn new skills! Space is limited, so apply now!

WORCESTER ACADEMY 81 Providence Street, Worcester • 508.754.5302 www.worcesteracademy.org/summer

For More Information:

www.jbcc.harvard.edu/STP stp@jbcc.harvard.edu 617.278.4286

BAYSTATEPARENT 43

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

IT’S THE SUMMER TO DISCOVER Day Camp YMCA of Central Massachusetts Register Today - Space is Limited!

Campers will develop skills through a diverse curriculum of traditional camp activities that encourage healthy living and social responsibility. We strive to ensure that campers develop leadership skills and self-esteem, and grow personally through character-building opportunities in a structured, positive environment.

For camp details contact: Boroughs Family Branch—Alex-508 -870-1320 Central Community Branch—Rosa-508-755-6101 Greendale Family Branch—Christina-508-852-6694

Let your

creativity

%/220 at CLAYTIME Visit claytimestudio.com and check out our summer programs: Week-long themed sessions for ages 8 yrs & up Day sessions for 4-7 yrs and 8 & up

(Inquire About Sibling Rates.) Mention this ad, sign up for camp by May 31 and enter to win ONE FREE WEEK OF CAMP! One entry per household. Expires 5/131/12

Have A Smart Phone? Visit www.ymcaofcm.org Financial Assistance Available

paint your own pottery & bead studio Route 9, Shrewsbury (Next to White City East) s (508)798-9950

Visit WWW.CLAYTIMESTUDIO.COM for more information about us! 44 MAY2012

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Where Can You Save a City, Explore the World or Discover a Planet?

V ocal A rts F estival Ages 10-13; 13-18 in Shrewsbury

Musical Theatre

Let your child’s imagination soar this summer.

Grades 3/4, 5/6 in Shrewsbury K, Gr. 1, 2 & 3 in Auburn

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

Suzuki Quick Start Auburn & Shrewsbury

Register your child @ www.clubinventionNE.org orr 8 800.968.4332 o 00.968.4332

Jazz Ensemble ~ Flute Choir Fiddle Class ~ Private Lessons

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

Ages 4, 5, 6 & 7

M u sic & Mvt. S ummer S amplers Auburn, W. Boylston Saturday class for children with and without special needs.

Programs in Auburn & Shrewsbury

www.pakmusic.org/summer.php

Sue Carlsen - Preschool Director sue@boroughsjcc.org 45 Oak Street, Westborough, MA www.boroughsjcc.org Phone: (508)366-6121

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

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

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

www.massaudubon.org/camps

Tae Kwon Do ••• Goju Ryu Karate ••• Karate Weapons ••• Hapkido

After-School Program •••

NINJA SUMMER CAMP ••• Adult & Parent Classes ••• Teens & Kids Classes

ALPHA MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

40 Vinal Square, N. Chelmsford, MA 978-251-1331 www.alphatkd.com BAYSTATEPARENT 45

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

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ACADEMIC EARLY EDUCATION A Readiness Program for 4 & 5 year olds.

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5`ORSa 9 $ A quality education founded on the four foundations (Education, Character, Social Responsibility and Family) that are the Cornerstones to Life.

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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.

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623 Chandler Street Tatnuck Square, Worcester Tel: 508-797-5050 Fax: 508-797-5051 www.theknowledgequest.com

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Tutoring Service Available for Grades K-6

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5 Oak Avenue • Northboro, MA 01532 508 351-9976

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

www.cornerstoneacademy.org email:kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

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.

46 MAY2012

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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

Winterhill Kennel & Driftaway Mushing

Outdoor Movie Party Hang a large white sheet across the back of your home and project a movie onto the sheet. Decorate the backyard with light lanterns and pass out the popcorn.

“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 47

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PARTY PLANNER

1"3&/5 4 $)0*$& "8"3% 8*//&3 #JSUIEBZ 1BSUJFT t $PODFSUT Teacher-Parent Workshops

508-358-1614

www.franfriedman.com

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

* Magic * Parties

978-779-6789 mikethemusicman.com

Birthday Parties that

Rock!

Vid Anima eo Game Des ti ig Catap on, Pixellatn, ult, & i other on,

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

A Half Birthday Party Does your child have a winter birthday? Throw a half birthday with a half theme this spring and summer. Serve half a birthday cake; sing half of happy birthday; wrap the gifts halfway!

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

We’ll Get You Through the Day! Find baystateparent on Facebook and Twitter. 48 MAY2012

the

PARTY

All Day Family Fun‌nearby!

PLANNER Big Joe

the Storyteller Storytelling fun for Birthday Parties, Schools, Daycare Centers, Library Programs, Special Events and TV Featuring: • Original & Classic Stories • Puppets, Props and Surprises

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Opening Weekend June 2nd & 3rd, 2012 Open Full Time June 9th thru Labor Day

For Bookings and Info Call: 617-713-4349 E-mail: BigJoe@BigJoe.com Visit me on the web at: www.BigJoe.com

(weather permitting)

520 Northwest Main Street, Douglas, MA

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New England’s #1 Traveling Animal Show

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˜ˆ“>Â?ĂŠ `Ă›iÂ˜ĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂƒĂŠ,iĂƒVĂ•iĂŠEĂŠ-Vˆi˜ViĂŠ iÂ˜ĂŒiÀÊ"ÂŤiÂ˜ĂŠ9i>ÀÊ,ÂœĂ•Â˜` ™Çn‡ÇǙ‡n™nnĂŠUĂŠĂŽĂŽĂˆĂŠ-Ă•}>ÀÊ,`°]ĂŠ ÂœÂ?ĂŒÂœÂ˜]ĂŠ ĂŠUĂŠä£Ă‡{ä ĂœĂœĂœ°>˜ˆ“>Â?>`Ă›iÂ˜ĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂƒ°Â˜iĂŒ

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

Graduate in Style Enter to Win a Graduation Fun Gift Basket Contest rules available at www.iparty.com/ofďŹ cial-rules

Contest is open April 20th until Noon on May 25th, 2012.

Enter at www.iparty.com/promotions

BAYSTATEPARENT 49

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.

Nikole Nolle Main Street Branch Manager Phone: 508.797.6800

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 December 31, 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

50 MAY2012

Is your child struggling with anxiety, depression, or disruptive behaviors? At Clinical Care we provide state of the art cognitive behavioral assessment and treatment for children 4-17 years old with: Anxiety D e p re s s i o n P o s t - Tr a u m a t i c S t re s s D i s o r d e r Disruptive Behaviors We ttai ailo lorr tr trea eatm tmen entt to the t he u uni niqu que e need ne edss of e eac ach h ch chil ild d an and d fa fami mily ly..

For more information about our services: (617) 278-4288 clinicalcare@jbcc.harvard.edu w w w. j b c c . h a r v a r d . e d u / c l i n i c a l c a r e Cli

nica l Ca re

an affiliate of

Comprehensive and Caring Early Intervention Services for Children Birth to 3 Years Old Early intervention is crucial for a child whose development is delayed. Criterion programs provide support, education and individualized therapy services to help parents and caregivers promote their child’s maximum development. We offer a full range of programs in the home or at our EI centers located in communities statewide. Our services include: s $EVELOPMENTAL %VALUATION s $EVELOPMENTAL %NRICHMENT 'ROUPS s (OME 6ISITS s 0ARENT 'ROUPS s 0HYSICAL /CCUPATIONAL and Speech Therapy s 2ESOURCES AND 2EFERRALS

Where Creativity Comes to Play New locations in

(855)EI4-KIDZ

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criterionchild.com

& 2 ! - ) . ' ( ! - s ' ! 2 $ . % 2 s - ! , $ % . s - ) , & / 2 $ s 0! , - % 2 s 3 / 5 4 ( ( ! $ , % 9 s 7 / " 5 2 . s 7 ( ) 4 ) . 3 6 ) , , % s 7 % 3 4 2 /8 " 5 29 BAYSTATEPARENT 51

A great beginning starts from a great opportunity. Science and Nature - A visit to the Farm

Field trip - Boston Aquarium

NASHOBA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2.9-Kindergarten Observations by Appt. 94 Main St., Lancaster, MA

978-368-3555 The Nashoba Montessori School is a non-proďŹ t corporation, and does not discriminate against race, religion, political beliefs, cultural heritage, marital status, sexual orientation, color, ethnic origin or disability.

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Boston Financial District

The Hanover Mall

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Burlington Crossroads Shopping Ctr.

Hingham Derby Street Shops

Saugus Fellsway Plaza

Danvers Liberty Tree Mall

Hyannis Capetown Plaza (Rt. 132)

Dedham Plaza

Needham

Everett Gateway Center Franklin Village Shopping Ctr.

Plymouth Shops at 5

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52 MAY2012

Stoughton RK Plaza Waltham Plaza Watertown The Arsenal on the Charles

SHOW &TELL ADVERTISING PROMOTION Paint Your Own Pottery Studio

▲

Paint Your Own Pottery Studio handprints make great Mother’s Day and Father’s day gifts. Walk in anytime; seating for 50.

290 W. Main St., Northborough, MA 508-343-3100 www.pyopstudio.com

Cutie Patutie’s Consignment Mom’s favorite stroller; lightweight (11lbs), easy to maneuver with double wheels, but sturdy enough for kids up to 50lbs! Storage tray for adults with handles higher for comfort, basket underneath, and shade canopy.

Not Just Any Old Day Moms everywhere cherish certain events and dates in their lives forever, especially the birth of a child. The remembrance of these special occasions always bring smiles and happiness! Now, moms can keep these special dates close to their heart with a calendar key pendant, calendar necklace, bracelet or ring from Not Just Any Old Day featuring a beautiful inscribed calendar marked with the special date and stone of your choosing. Choose from gold/silver or brass plated.

▲

1021 Central Street, Leominster, MA 01453 978-534-6604 www.everythingcutie.com

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www.NotJustAnyOldDay.com

Psi Bands - Quells the Queasies

▲

Claytime Daddio of the Patio: June 2nd 10:30am - 12:00pm. Staff provide step by step instruction to help the child create Daddy the perfect Father’s Day gift! Dish, Dine and Design: Birds in Blue Tea Pot May 10th 6:30pm - 9:00pm. Mommy’s Night Out! Bring your favorite friends, snacks and beverage and join us for an evening of creative fun. ClayTime staff will provide you step by step instruction to create your own masterpiece!

▲

Prices starting at $15 www.psibands.com 831/373-7712

▲

Route 9, Shrewsbury, MA 508-798-9950

Whether it be by car, plane, boat, or even amusement park rides, your summer travel plans can quickly turn sour unless you are prepared for motion sickness. Psi Bands are FDA-cleared accupuncture wrist bands for the relief of nausua due to motion sickness, as well as morning sickness, chemotherapy and anesthesia. Psi bands are uniquely drugfree, stylish (five fun designs), adjustable, comfortable, and waterproof (no more soggy bands!). You can find Psi Bands at your local RITE AID and select CVS/Pharmacy stores, Big Y and Babies”R”Us, or visit www.psibands.com to find a retailer closest to you. Breate a “psi” of relief!

Tiny Tags Mommy Necklace As seen in Glamour, People.com and many more. Our simple and chic necklaces are the perfect Mother’s Day Present. Wear name or initial of your child along with birthday or anniversary date. Also available in 14k Gold and 14k Gold Filled. Tiny Tags also has Grandma bracelets! Please use code “Bay12” for 20% off. 855-MOM-TAGS www.TinyTags.com BAYSTATEPARENT 53

GOT PAIN? FREE 19-Point HEALTH SCREENING

Our doctors have extensive training to treat and care for many different areas of the body. Our primary focus is based on proven Chiropractic treatment methods in conjunction with progressive rehabilitation delivering trackable results! The Chiropractic office has gentle, caring chiropractors that work side by side with friendly massage therapists (LMTs) We focus in the following areas: Neck Pain/Stiffness Carpal Tunnel Sports Medicine Arthritis Muscle Tension Fibromyalgia

Low Back Pain Leg Pain Balance/ Vertigo Nutrition Migraine Auto Injuries and more

Whether or not you feel pain right now, let our team of doctors ďŹ nd out for sure with a 19-point detailed service screening that’ll identify even the smallest of problems. THERE IS NO OBLIGATION. Just call and you’re guaranteed to get in today! Once we track down your pain, we’ll work on getting you back to doing things you love – FAST! P.S. Be one of the ďŹ rst 10 people to call and receive a relaxing 1–hour massage. Start on your road towards recovery TODAY! Limit 1 per person, Valid for NEW patients. Appointment required and subject to availability. Valid at participating clinics. All services must be redeemed during 1 visit. Expires May 31, 2012.

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(OP 6WUHHW :RUFHVWHU HS of Shrewsbury Dr. Craig Hokanson (508) 842-4774

HS of Stoughton Dr. Damon Gangemi (781) 344-8878

HS of Littleton Dr. Aaron Deans (978) 486-9531

HS of Norwood Dr. Andrew Smyth (781) 255-5565

www.healthsourcechiro.com Ranked the #1 Health Services franchise three consecutive years by Entrepreneur Magazine.

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HAPPY 100 BIRTHDAY th

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5(' 62; Turkey Hill Ice Cream Cakes & Cool Dog ice cream treats available in select stores. Visit www.iparty.com to ďŹ nd a store near you!

For valuable coupons and to join our Kids’ Birthday Club visit us at www.iparty.com! 54 MAY2012

Celebrate with the best selection of Red Sox products this side of Yawkey Way!

Summer Programs A rounded education. A grounded experience. Bancroft students in K-12 explore the world in a safe, exciting, and nurturing environment. They retain their curiosity and expressive nature as they learn by imagining, questioning, and creating.

Register online at: www.bancroftschool.org/summer

lower, middle, & upper schools

110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 508.853.2640 www.bancroftschool.org BAYSTATEPARENT 55

THE INTERNET CONNECTION YOUR DEVICES HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR. Experience the power of Charter 30 for 30. Internet speeds up to 30 Mbps for, you guessed it, just $30 a month.* With ten times more power than standard DSL, there’s enough bandwidth for all your devices to play nicely.

1-888-GET-CHARTER / CHARTER.COM/POWER ©2012 Charter Communications, Inc. Offer good through 6/24/2012, valid to qualified residential customers only who have not subscribed to applicable service within the previous 30 days & have no outstanding obligation to Charter. *Purchase of additional services required. Standard rates apply after promotional period. Taxes, fees, surcharges, equipment, install extra. Available Internet speeds may vary by address; Internet Plus includes speeds up to 30 Mbps; small percent of customers will receive lower than advertised speeds. Service is subject to all applicable service terms & conditions, which are subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Charter Internet Plus compared to standard 3 Mbps DSL. Restrictions apply.

56 MAY2012

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