0814bspwest by baystateparent magazine

AUG. 2014

baystateparent WESTERN MA EDITION

FREE

Massachusetts’ M assachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

WIN OVER THE SKINNY ON JUICING DIETS MEDICAL PROS SHIFT STAND ON VBAC

OUR ANNUAL

Back to

School

ISSUE

FRESH FASHION FOR KIDS HOW SOCIAL MEDIA BENEFITS SMALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS MY TEACHER HATES ME!

$750 IN PRIZES! FAMILY PORTRAIT, WIGGLES TICKETS, FASHION SPREE, AND MORE!

Customer Appreciation Days In August! Look for the Ice Cream Truck in your town offering free treats for all. Please visit countrybank.com or stop by a branch location for dates and times. A drawing will also be held at each branch for a “Dog Days of Summer Package.” We want to thank all of our customers for their continued support, loyalty and friendship. Country Bank – For You!

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No purchase necessary to enter or win. Must be age 18 or older to enter. One entry per person. Drawing on August 30th. Employees of Country Bank are not eligible to win.

2 AUGUST2014 3

your child off on the path to success!

This summer, set

Imagine that next school year includes:

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Meet our team and talk with parents who have found success for their child, at our open house on Thursday evening, August 21, 7-9pm. Call 413-737-5439 to RSVP BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 2 3

august 23 saturday

2:30pm, Ozawa Hall Family Concert featuring the Boston Cello Quartet Supported by a gift from The Edward Handelman Fund.

tanglewood for kids

free lawn tickets Tanglewood is pleased to offer free lawn ticket to kids 17 and younger. family day at tanglewood • july 27 sunday Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, musical demonstrations, balloon animal creations, and a gift bag will be provided to every child. watch and play Children ages 3–10 can engage in an interactive Tanglewood musical experience. Watch and Play is offered at 1pm on July 6, 12, August 3 & 10. Tickets to the Sunday performance are required. kid's corner Children may take part in musical and craft activities, 9:30am on Saturdays, and Noon on Sundays. Tickets to the Sunday performance or Saturday morning open-rehearsal are required.

boston symphony orchestra june 27–august 31 4 AUGUST2014 5

888-266-1200 tanglewood.org

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 4 5

table of contents AUGUST VOLUME 1

1. 2.

2014

NUMBER 6

things we learned

while making the august issue

Attitudes among medical professionals about vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) have shifted over the past five years. Find out why in The Choice for VBAC: Women Weigh the Risks, page 10.

If you are planning a return to the workforce after time off to raise kids, there are 4 moves that will give you an edge in the job market. Read more in Opting Back In: Finding Career Success PostKids on page 11.

Win a $250 shopping spree for back-toschool fashion! See fun, fresh looks on page 26.

in every issue 7 7 8 9 17 23 44 44

WELCOME: A letter from our editor

45 46

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: Area adoption events

TAKE 8 with Rania Kfuri, the woman behind Free Like Birdie

Bay State Doing Better at Going Local

DISHIN’ WITH THE DIETITIAN: The Skinny on Juicing

BITES: Add Local Flavor to Dinner

6 AUGUST2014 7

Back to School Fashion Down on the Farm

Be“Tween” Options for Afterschool Care

Classrooms Without Walls: Social Media Levels the Playing Field

My Teacher Hates Me! Solving School Struggles

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS BSP ONLINE OUT & ABOUT: August calendar of family events LET’S GO: I Spy Butterflies! FINALLY FOREVER: US Adoption Stats AUGUST’S CHILD: Meet Hanna

OUR AUGUST FAVORITES: Facts, finds and freebies

advertising directories

Our Back-to-School Issue

OUR SPECIAL GUEST: Meet cover model Alexiana Ramos

DANCE, GYM & ENRICHMENT EXPLORE & LEARN PARTY PEOPLE PRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

voted

e st BPARENTING PUBLICATION

in North America

Local Media Association

meet team

welcome to

baystateparent

baystateparent publisher KIRK DAVIS

creative

Happy New Year! For many of us, the first day of school is like New Year’s Day. We make it a celebration of a new year — buying new clothes and school supplies, signing up for new activities and sports, welcoming new friends and teachers, and setting new goals. With that in mind, our August issue is packed with end-of-summer ideas and new year inspiration. To celebrate this fresh start, we planned a back-to-school fashion field trip to the farm! With a crew of eight local kids, we traveled to Red Fire Farm in Granby. Our fashion shoot took place in July on one of the hottest days of this summer, so each of our young models gets an A+ for cooperation.

Now we’re ready for some showand-tell! Turn to page 25 to see our friends modeling retro-inspired styles with vibrant fall colors and unique detail. It’s old-fashioned meets new fashion. We love the dress designs from decaf plush, an American clothing company. The company’s stylists tell us the bold appliques are unique in texture and design, a hallmark of the fall line. We also like that one lucky baystateparent reader will win a $250 gift certificate to shop at decafplush.com. Find details in our fashion spread. Also in our magazine this month, we have prizes for Mom — including a designer diaper bag from House of Botori and fashion jewelry from Haute Sprout. And for the entire family, we are giving away a 4-pack of tickets to see The Wiggles at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester next month! Information on all of these giveaways and a few more can be found on page 46. If the new school year has you considering a return to the work force after being home with your

children, journalist Malia Jacobson has some advice. Turn to her story Opting Back In: Finding Career Success Post-Kids on page 11. She shares four important tips to consider if this is a decision you plan to make in the next year. And for those of us hoping to squeeze in one last magical afternoon with the kids before the chaos of a new year begins, see page 23 to read I Spy Butterflies! The article shares information about four Massachusetts butterfly gardens that will mesmerize all ages. Each is a perfect end-ofsummer destination — before we all cozy into our fall cocoons. So, as you prepare for the start of school, I hope you take a minute to stick your toes in the sand one last time and take in the view of the lake before heading home. Pour a glass of lemonade and let’s toast to the new year.

MaryJo Kurtz

editor in chief MARYJO KURTZ 508-865-7070 ext. 201 maryjo@baystateparent.com creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-865-7070 ext. 221 pethier@holdenlandmark.com senior graphic designer STEPHANIE MALLARD 508-865-7070 design@baystateparent.com

advertising director of sales REGINA STILLINGS 508-865-7070 ext. 210 regina@baystateparent.com western mass sales manager JESSICA O’MALLEY 413-437-4673 jessica@baystateparent.com

In Association With advertising director BETH BAKER 413-283-8393 ext. 245 bbaker@turley.com presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS copy editor BRYAN ETHIER

meet our special guest

Alexiana Ramos

photographers STEVEN KING JENNIFER ROSE SHAWNA SHENETTE

baystateparent • Over 50,000 readers

Our cover model this month is 4-yearold Alexiana Ramos of South Hadley, who we hear was thrilled that she was chosen for our cover this month! Alexiana is one of eight kids who took part in our back-to-school fashion shoot at Red Fire Farm in Granby. See the pictures on page 26. What grade are you going into this year? “Pre-K.” What was the best part of your summer vacation? “Swimming at Jim and Paulette’s.” What are you looking forward to the most about the new school year? “Seeing my brother Jasiel.”

• 25,000 copies distributed monthly

Do you have any brothers and sisters? “Yes. Jasiel, Davian and Ajanai.”

• Find us in ALL Big Y stores PLUS 400 other locations

Do you have any pets? “My rabbit, Cocono.”

• distribution manager TOM SIGNA 508-865-7070 ext. 112 tsigna@holdenlandmark.com

What activities do you enjoy outside of school? “Playing on slides, gymnastics and dance.” How long have you been modeling? “I just started, like two days.” What tips can you offer others who want to model? “Do whatever the girls say, and smile pretty.”

baystateparent cover photo

JENNIFER ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

is published monthly with a main office at 22 West Street, Millbury, MA 01527

www.baystateparent.com

jenniferrosephotography.org BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 6 7

Meet Our August Contributors Massachusetts mom Kimberlee Arnold offers solutions for parents who are looking for afterschool care for tweens. As a one-time middle school English teacher, Kimberlee noted the many ways working parents juggled afterschool options. She shares her tips and insight on page 30. In addition to her work as a teacher, Kimberlee is also experienced in marketing communications and is Mom to two juniors: one in high school and one in college.

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Amanda Collins, a transplant from California who now lives in Sturbridge, is a full-time reporter and freelance writer who lives with her boyfriend, Jonathan, and two one-eyed rescue cats, Sophie and Daryl. She enjoys reading, hiking and biking, and being “the fun aunt” to her six young nieces and nephew. In her article Classrooms Without Walls, page 34, Amanda shows how social media is taking students around the world — and outside of it, too! Malia Jacobson is an award-winning parenting and health journalist, sleep coach, and mom to three young children. In this month’s issue, she shares two articles. Her first, Opting Back In: Finding Career Success Post-Kids on page 11, offers four important steps to take if you are planning to return to the job market after an absence. Her second article, My Teacher Hates Me on page 36, includes strategies to use with kids of all ages who are struggling with a teacher. When she’s not writing, Malia co-organizes a parenting group, digs in her garden, and explores local hiking trails with her family. Trish Reske shares the allure of butterfly gardens in her article I Spy Butterflies! on page 23. Trish said she learned a lot about butterflies while traveling in Costa Rica. “[I think] the short life of the butterfly, just a few weeks, is fascinating,” she said. Her article includes information on four butterfly exhibits that span the state, each offering family-friendly displays worth a flutter by (oh, we couldn’t resist…). In addition to writing, Trish is a Westborough mom, popular local blogger, running coach and business owner. When it comes to VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section), attitudes among medical professionals are changing. Journalist Amanda Roberge investigates the reason behind the change and factors that women must consider before making a decision for VBAC. See her article The Choice for VBAC: Women Weigh the Risks on page 10. Amanda is a busy Leominster mother of three daughters. In addition to her work as a writer, she is a henna artist and early childhood educator.

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As we take our August 2014 issue to press, our most popular feature on baystateparent.com is a blog by Jen Bouchard, To Anyone Who Has Had a Miscarriage or Knows Someone Who Has. In Other Words, To Everyone. This blog captured the sentiments of many as Jen wonders out loud if we are doing a disservice to ourselves and other women by keeping a pregnancy secret for the first three months. She writes: “Women don’t even want people to know they are pregnant until after the first three months in case they miscarry. This way they don’t have to talk about it when it happens. This seems backwards. If no one knows we are pregnant, no one knows our loss, our sadness. So no one can help. From what are we protecting ourselves?” Read her entire blog on baystateparent.com.

On Facebook, we have been sharing summer getaway ideas and chatting about the Life Swap blog that appears on baystateparent.com. For those who haven’t yet discovered the Life Swap blog, it is the follow up to our July story by Heather Kempskie of Bellingham. She writes of her family’s decision to trade houses with strangers in Denmark for a month to discover life in Europe. Her adventures are chronicled in her blog. To read Life Swap, visit baystateparent.com. To join the Life Swap discussion, follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/baystateparent

Join our baystateparent.com community today for information on: • area family events • places to discover • news that impacts your life • intriguing bloggers • giveaways!

Thank you for your sweet tweets and follows! A big shout out to some of our newest @baystateparent Twitter followers: Bella @bellalitta Casanova @jerodub Matti Kovler @mattikovler Carey Lee @gohome188 I’m a Cuban Mama @imacubanmama Leighann Dreyer @Tulipzag Massachusetts EEC @MassEarlyEdCare Mike Dyer @PointMenino Giles Parker @YourIslandPark AbRockMariner @AbRockGuy

Are you a Massachusetts blogger looking to expand your audience? Have you always wanted to blog about family life, parenting, relationships, or motherhood? If you have an interest in joining our growing team of baystateparent.com bloggers, contact editor@baystateparent.com.

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WOMEN’S HEALTH

The Choice for VBAC: Women Weigh the Risks BY AMANDA ROBERGE

Following the release of a report from the National Institutes of Health in 2010, the attitudes among medical professionals towards encouraging women to attempt giving birth vaginally following a Cesarean section have shifted. The practice – commonly known as VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) – was once considered a substantial medical risk, indicated the report, but upon closer consideration by a panel of 15 professionals with no conflict of interest, the conclusion calls for a higher level of research with a focus on helping women to get the

care they need in order to achieve successful VBACs. Dr. Carolyn Delk, D.O., who practices in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Wesson Women’s Group in Springfield, said that many practices have taken that message to heart and have been very committed to producing better outcomes for women looking to successfully VBAC. In fact, she added, the policies regarding VBAC have changed for her practice’s parent organization, Baystate Health, making it easier for the individual practices to offer better care.

“We have been working very hard to put the policies in place that take away the option for elective inductions,” she said, adding that the practice of attempting to induce a baby before natural labor begins has long been thought to be a leading cause of C-section. One of the most heavily cited risks for VBAC, she added, is uterine rupture – where the previous incision from the surgery ruptures and presents a very serious situation for the birthing mother. However, said Delk, the rate of uterine rupture is around .9 percent – which makes the risk

factor much lower than the risk of a repeat surgery if all other factors are consistent. Additionally, the risk of uterine rupture is much higher when induction is a factor – giving providers another reason to steer clear of induction when at all possible. According to the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), “Induction can increase the risk of uterine rupture and women who undergo an induction of labor with a prior cesarean have a 33 to 75 percent risk of requiring another Cesarean.” According to a research study

One of life’s most precious, amazing moments is the birth of your baby. That’s why our hospitals provide special, personalized care. To learn more, sign up for our free Parent Care E-Letter customized for your week of pregnancy at baystatehealth.org/babymail. For a free tour of our birthing units or a referral to an obstetrician or certified nurse-midwife on staff at Baystate Medical Center or Baystate Franklin Medical Center, call 1-800-377-4325.

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conducted in 2009 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality under the US Department of Health & Human Services, while some providers believe that elective induction of labor may increase the length of labor and the risk of cesarean section, others believe it poses a minimal risk and may be clinically useful in preventing complications that may arise at a later gestational age. But regardless of what the medical opinions are, the fact is that women are rising up in great numbers and demanding to at least get the opportunity to try. While finding a hospital to allow, encourage and support a VBAC can pose a challenge, self-advocacy is an important tool in accessing the best care. ICAN is devoted to helping women overcome the barriers to VBAC and said that while hospital bans on VBACs can present an obstacle for women, there are ways to approach the medical facilities. According to content on the ICAN website, “These bans do not mean that the woman must submit to a repeat Cesarean. Every patient has the right to refuse treatment. This includes the right of a pregnant woman to refuse another Cesarean. Even if a ban is in place, a hospital cannot turn away a mother in labor and will be forced to care for her to the best of their ability, despite her refusal of the Cesarean.” NIH figures indicate that while the Cesarean delivery rates in the United States declined between 1990 and 1996, they rose markedly from 21 percent in 1996 to 32 percent in 2007 – figures which have leveled off in the meantime but with no significant recorded decrease. Delk encourages women to assess whether they are a good candidate for what is commonly referred to as “trial of labor.” While practitioners have access to an assessment tool that allows them to ascertain – through a series of questions about a woman’s age, birth history and the presentation (position) of the baby – it is generally agreed upon in the medical community that the best candidates for a successful VBAC are women whose initial C-section was a result of a circumstance with the baby’s positioning or heartrate, as opposed to their own anatomy (including pelvic size) or medical complications. For many women who have undergone a C-section prior to attempting a vaginal delivery, just being empowered to try is often enough. “Whether a woman is successful or not at a VBAC, they are generally happy to have given it an effort,” said Delk. “It can be incredibly

frustrating not to have the option.” Allison Fambro is a mother of four who endured an emergency C-section for the birth of her second child after her appendix ruptured during labor, but went on to have two successful VBACs at Women & Infants hospital in Providence, RI. However, happy endings aside, finding a doctor who would work with her was a challenge of no small proportion. “I was flat-out told by several doctors not to even bother,” she said. “No one wanted to take me on because of the circumstances of my C-section.” Because of her experiences with

labor and delivery in the context of the medical realm, she has some advice for mothers considering a VBAC that differs slightly from the advice that comes from within the medical community. “Get a doula,” she said, firmly and without hesitation. Doulas, or women who assist birthing mothers – not as a medical professional or spiritual guide, but as an advocate and helper devoted to promoting and upholding the birthing mother’s wishes to the extent circumstances allow – are not covered by insurance but Fambro said it is money well spent when it comes to your physical

well-being. For Fambro and her husband, who do not have family in the area, a repeat C-section would have had a dire effect on her ability to care for her other children after giving birth and that alone was motivation to make the VBAC happen. “Having a doula was not covered by our insurance and it was hard to scrape the money together for us, like it is for most people,” she said. “But both my husband and I agree that we would pay it over and over and over again every time.”

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 10 11

MOM MATTERS

Opting Back In: Finding Career Success Post-Kids BY MALIA JACOBSON

Before kids, Lorraine Wilde had a great job managing supplies for a chemistry lab in a vibrant college town. It was the kind of job she’d trained for when she earned her master’s degree in environmental science, the kind of job she thought she’d have forever. But her plans changed in a heartbeat—or, more precisely, two heartbeats—when she found

ilde has lots of company on the on-again, off-again career track of early motherhood. Though over 70 percent of moms with kids under 18 participate in the labor force, the number drops to 63.9 percent for moms with kids under six, and just 56.5 percent for moms with infants, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That means a sizeable population of parents put work on hold to raise children before hopping back into the professional arena. 12 AUGUST2014 13

And when they do, many find a postkids professional landscape that looks different than the one they’d envisioned. When parents optback, can they keep their career on track and get the flexibility they want? Or will they pay a penalty for temporarily stepping off the career train?

Paying the Price With our competitive, fast-paced job market and little in the way

out she was expecting twins nine years ago. Wilde planned to work after having a child, but with two babies on the way, the picture was less certain. Full-time childcare for two infants would eat up much of her salary, and her employer wasn’t offering much flexibility. Ultimately, she decided to trade her dream job for full-time twin duty.

of protective leave policies for parents, those who take time off can pay a steep price. One study found that American women who take between four and 12 months off work after the birth of a child slash their chances of being promoted by 15 percent, compared to women who take a shorter maternity leave. The same study also found that having more children increases the career penalty: after having two or more children, women are more likely to make a downward career change than an upward one. Working moms bring home

less bacon, too. According to US government reports, women earn 78.7 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Research from the American Sociological Association found that moms face a 7 percent wage penalty per child. Another study found that for every two years a woman is out of the labor force, her earnings fall by 10 percent. Most moms can’t count on governmental policies to safeguard their careers—job-protected parental leave is far from universal. Though some parents receive 12

weeks of job-protected, unpaid parental leave through the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the law only applies to employers with more than 50 workers and employees must work 1250 hours over the preceding 12 months to qualify. Based on these stipulations, only 45 percent of working women qualify. On paper, prospects look grim for American working moms. But certified human resources professional and career coach Amy McGeachy thinks the stats tell only part of the story. True, some studies may show downward mobility or wage penalties for moms with young kids, but the moms themselves are initiating many of those career changes. “A number of moms are actively choosing to take a step back in their careers,” she said. “They may only be willing to work 40 hours a week instead of 65, or they may not want to travel for work anymore, and they’re willing to accept less compensation. They want to balance a career and family, so these are changes they want.”

Finding Flexibility Though studies suggest that moms want career flexibility— recent surveys have shown that around 60 percent of moms with young children would prefer part-time employment—many, like Wilde, find that part-time pickings are slim. And flexible work arrangements (including flextime, job sharing, compressed workweeks, and telecommuting) can exist in a number of industries, but whether or not a mom will be successful in creating flexible work arrangements depends on her boss: without extended, legislated job protection, most employers are free to decide whether or not they’ll offer job sharing or perks to moms. If a mom isn’t getting the career flexibility she wants or needs, should she jump the track and train for a new career? Not so fast, said McGeachy. “If you switch industries, you not only have to overcome the learning curve, but you have to then convince people to give you flexible work options. If you love what you’re doing, and you can try to figure out how to do it in a scaled-back way, that’s ideal,” she said. What if a pre-kids career is no longer a good fit? Career switches are highly common—modern workers hold more than 10 jobs during their prime working years, according to the BLS. But whether moms take a new career path or a familiar one, they will face changes

in the workplace, especially if they’ve taken time off. One surprise for many is the heightened importance of social networking. Job seekers can’t afford to underestimate the value of LinkedIn, said McGeachy. “Companies have lots of search tools at their disposal, and this is the number-one tool they use.” Keeping an up-to-date profile and checking it regularly is essential. McGeachy recommends taking advantage of social networking months before career re-entry. “Six months to a year before you’d like to start actively searching, update your LinkedIn profile and

start attending networking events in your field.” Simply creating a resume and sending it out without doing any prepwork or networking isn’t a sound strategy, she said.

Forging a New Path After struggling with feeling like a failure for stepping off the science career track, Wilde found part-time career happiness as a freelance writer. These days, she works 15 hours a week in between volunteering at the twins’ school

and managing the household. Nearly any career change requires retraining (she’s invested in writing courses and dozens of books on the topic) as well as a new mindset, she said. “I grew up with the idea that you try to find the job you can retire in. It took a while to convince myself that another job could be fulfilling.” It’s something that she’s still working on, she admits. But at this point, she’s thrilled to once again be working in a field she loves. continued on page 14

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Ramping back on the career track? Follow these 4 essential steps:

1. Plan Your Move Before you dust off your old resume, consider whether your old career is still a good fit. If you need to invest in education or training for a job change, begin researching options at least a year or two before you’d like to step into a job search.

2. Refresh Your Skills Even if you’re not planning to change careers, consider a course in networking, interviewing, or social media. Community colleges offer non-credit courses on career-related topics.

3. Build Your Network Six months to a year before a job search, create an up-to-date LinkedIn profile and start attending networking events in your field.

4. Be Engaged and Informed An informational interview with a professional in your field is one of the best ways to get a foot in the door. Ask for recommendations and advice (just don’t ask for a job—an informational interview faux pas). Remember to send a thank you note.

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FAMILY EVENTS AT THE UMASS FINE ARTS CENTER 2014-15 Get your family engaged with some great experiences that are Fun, Meaningful and Affordable! Youth tickets range from $10 - $20. NATIONAL ACROBATS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Thursday, November 6, 7:30 pm

This troupe is renowned for their super-human physical feats and nail-biting stunts. Adults $40, $35, $15; Youth 17 & under $10

MUMMENSCHANZ Sunday, December 7, 4 p.m.

This pioneering performance troupe creates a playful yet compelling experience that sparks the imagination. Adults $40, $30, $15; Youth 17 & under $10 JUST FOR FUN! Join us for a Family Fest celebration in the lobby at 3 p.m.

TAIYUAN PUPPET THEATRE FROM TAIWAN Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m.

A Sea of Puppets is a traditional Taiwanese glove puppet show with live music for all ages. Adults $15; Youth 17 & under $10

Thanks to our FAC Season Sponsors: Visit ﬁneartscenter.com/family for a guide on age appropriate performances.

For tickets or more information visit www.ﬁneartscenter.com or call (413) 545-2511

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 14 15

Great Wolf Lodge® New England is here! Or should we say, heah? America’s premier indoor waterpark resort has finally come to Central Massachusetts. Families can whip down waterslides, play MagiQuest®, our interactive adventure game, and get manicures at Scooops® Kid Spa. Waterpark passes, as well as use of our Howlers’ Peak Ropes Course, are included free with your stay. It’s fun on top of fun on top of fun.

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16 AUGUST2014

Howard Hoople

OUT& ABOUT

On Tuesdays through August 26, the Norman Rockwell Museum is holding a Summer Sketch Club for ages 7 and up. The program takes place 10 a.m. to noon.

On Thursday, August 7 at 7:15 p.m., Black Marmot performs folk tunes as part of the Summer Concert Series at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard.

Photo courtesy of Stanley Park

Sarah Edwards

Photo courtesy of Fruitlands Museum

The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield is hosting its Butterflies Exhibit and Pavilion through October 26. As part of the program, a Winged Art class takes place at the museum on Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m.

Rick Golden presents music and puppets in a family-friendly show at Stanley Park in Westfield on Friday, August 8 at 10 a.m. BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 17

OUT&ABOUT 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…

Blacksmiths will showcase their art. The event will be highlighted with scavenger hunt for children, interpretive talks and tours. Museum admission: $18 for adults, $17 for seniors, $8 for ages 13 to 17, free for children 12 and under. 413-443-0188. hancockshakervillage.org.

Tanglewood in Lenox will host a family concert on Saturday, August 23 at 2:30 p.m. featuring Boston Cello Quartet. Tickets are $10. Kids under 18 are free (limit four per family).

1 Friday New England Herb Show: Herbs of Magic and Mystery. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. Friday, August 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, August 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover culinary, medicinal and aromatic qualities of herbs. Admission is $12 adults, $9 seniors, $7 ages 6 to 18, free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. WeeMuse Adventures. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Fridays, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Program designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years includes songs, stories, scavenger hunts and playtime based on a weekly theme. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Hairspray JR. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. July 23 through August 10. Check website for various dates and times. Presented by the Barrington Stage Company’s Youth Theatre. Appropriate for ages 5 and up. Rated G. Tickets $16 for adults, $12 for ages 5 to 18. 413-236-8888. berkshiremuseum.org. Connecticut Summer Classic Horse Show. Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. July 31 through August 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. World, National and Regional American Saddlebreds, Hackney ponies, Morgan and Friesian horses competing in the Coliseum. Free. 860-749-3007. thebige.com. 18 AUGUST2014 19

John Ferrillo

Art Lab. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. A museum educator will guide a hands-on art experience for you and your child. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. Register at 413-443-7171, ext. 10. berkshiremuseum.org.

Terry A La Berry & Friends Presents “Braver to Be Kind.” Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield. 10 to 11 a.m. Features songs from a positive tone appropriate for children from pre-K through age 9. 413-5689312. stanleypark.org.

2 Saturday Bob Staake: Picture This. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 1 p.m. Experience a behind-thescenes look into some of his most notable picture books, as sketches, doodles, rejected covers, and final book spreads are shared and discussed. Book signing to follow. Museum admission applies: $9 for adults, $6 for ages 1 to 18, $6 seniors and teachers, $22.50 for family (2 adults and 2 youth). carlemuseum.org. Special Storytime: Greg Pizzoli. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 3 p.m. Join author/illustrator Greg Pizzoli, 2014 recipient of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for The Waterelon Seed, as he reads his new book, Number One Sam, about a champion racecar driving dog who learns a lesson in sportsmanship while on the racetrack. Book signing to follow. Museum admission applies: $9 for adults, $6 for ages 1 to 18, $6 seniors and teachers, $22.50 for family (2 adults and 2 youth). carlemuseum.org. Age of Iron Blacksmithing Weekend. Hancock Shaker Village, 1843 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield. August 2 and 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chow Time. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Saturdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Join museum staff in the aquarium for an interactive look at what it takes to feed the reptiles and fish. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Redcoats & Rebels. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Largest military reenactment in New England with nearly 1,000 soldiers portraying British, Irish, Spanish, Scottish, French and Colonial troops. Kids 17 and under free in August when accompanied by an adult paying full admission. Admission $24 for adults, $22 for seniors. 800-733-1830. osv.org

3 Sunday Glamour Girls. Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield. 6 to 8 p.m. Features songs from 40’s swing era through today. 413-568-9312. stanleypark.org.

4 Monday Caterpillar Chat. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Mondays, 2 to 3 p.m. Take a close look at caterpillars. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org.

5 Tuesday Story Thyme in the Garden. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. Tuesdays through August 19, 11:30 a.m. to noon. All ages are invited to visit the Youth Garden for a story. Admission: $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 6 to 18. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. Tanglewood on Parade. Tanglewood, Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox. 8:30 p.m. The day inludes pre-concert activities and ends with the traditional finale, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with fireworks. Tickets $21 to $106. bso.org.

Summer Sketch Club. Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge. Tuesdays through August 26, 10 a.m. to noon. On-location drawing and painting class for ages 7 and up. Admission $6. 413-298-4100. nrm.org.

6 Wednesday Mini Meads Reads. Mead Art Museum, Amherst College, 41 Quadrangle Dr., Amherst. 10:30 a.m. Children and parents are invited to join educators for half hour story time designed for children ages 2 to 7. Free. 413-542-2000. amherst.edu/museums/mead. Breastfeeding Support Group. Baystate Health, OB Classroom at the Birthplace, 164 High St., Greenfield. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon. Breastfeeding support with lactation consultant. Includes group discussion of the challenges and benefits of breastfeeding. Free. No registration is required. baystatehealth.com. Keeping Baby Safe Class. Baystate Health, 361 Whitney Ave., 1st floor, BRL Conference Room, Holyoke. 6 to 9 p.m. This class teaches basic life support, infant CPR, first aid for choking, poison prevention, baby-proofing your home, and car seat safety. $35 per couple. Register at 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.com. Evening at the Beaver Ponds. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd., Lenox. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Evening in the valley visiting the beaver ponds. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Adults $7, children $4. No registration required. massaudubon.org. Creating Together: A Parent-Child Experience. Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge. Wednesdays through August 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 4 and up and their caregivers are invited to explore the galleries together during this interactive art experience. $6 per person. 413-298-4100. nrm.org.

7 Thursday Dig In! Family Drop In Program. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. Thursdays through August 21, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Activities in the garden for all ages. Admission $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 6 to 18, free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. Free First Thursdays. Fitchburg Art Museum, 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. Free admission on the first Thursday of the month. 978-345-4207. fitchburgartmuseum.org. Summer Concert Series. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 7:15 p.m. Featuring the folk tunes of Black Marmot. $15 per car. 978-456-3924. fruitlands.org.

OUT&ABOUT

Winged Art. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Thursdays, 2 to 3 p.m. Each week will feature a different family-friendly art project. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org.

8 Friday Berkshire Crafts Fair 2014. Monument Mountain Regional High School, 600 Stockbridge Rd., Great Barrington. Friday through Sunday, August 8 to 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event showcases nearly 90 artists. Admission $7, free for children aged 12 and under. berkshirecraftsfair.org. Free Fun Fridays. Children’s Museum at Holyoke, 444 Dwight St., Holyoke. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission provided by the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program. 413-536-5437. childrensmuseumholyoke.org. Free Fun Fridays. Volleyball Hall of Fame, 444 Dwight St., Holyoke. Noon to 4:30 p.m. Free admission provided by the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program. 413-536-0926. volleyhall.org. East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Friday, August 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, August 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trade show open to the public featuring mineral specimens, fossil specimens, decorator pieces, gems, jewelry, beads and related items. Admission $6 for adults, free for children under 12 with adult admission. 505-867-0425. thebige.com.

Nappy’s Puppets Presents Father Goose’s Tales. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 1 p.m. Nappy’s Puppets presents Father Goose’s Tales. Admission $5 in addition to museum admission: $9 for adults, $6 for ages 1 to 18, $6 seniors and teachers, $22.50 for family (2 adults and 2 youth). 413-658-1126. carlemuseum.org. Special Storytime: Author Nicole Groeneweg and Illustrator Hazel Mitchell. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 2 p.m. Author Nicole Groeneweg and illustrator Hazel Mitchell will share their book One Word Pearl, a story about a little girl who collects words, but one day her words are blown away in a wind storm. Book signing to follow. Museum admission is $9 for adults, $6 for ages 1 to 18, $6 seniors and teachers, $22.50 for family (2 adults and 2 youth). carlemuseum.org. Chow Time. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Saturdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Join museum staff in the aquarium for an interactive look at what it takes to feed the reptiles and fish. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Bridge of Flowers 10K. Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls. Registration opens at 7 a.m., 3K charity run/walk begins at 8:15 a.m., 10K Classic starts at 9 a.m. Prices vary. bridgeofflowers10k.com. 7 Annual Barbara J. Walker Butterfly Festival. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is August 10. Nature workshops, performances, live caterpillars, butterfly art, face painting, children’s activities, tours, butterfly plant sales, food. Admission $4, free for children under 2. Registration is required. 508-753-6087. massaudubon.org. th

Rick Goldin Presents Music and Puppets for Children Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield. 10 to 11 a.m. Original and familiar songs, puppets, movement, and childparticipation appropriate for pre-K through age 10. 413-568-9312. stanleypark.org.

10 Sunday

Free Fun Fridays. Clark Art Institute, 225 South St., Williamstown. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission provided by the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program. 413-458-2803. clarkart.edu.

11 Monday

9 Saturday Nappy’s Puppets Presents Sing-A-Long. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11 a.m. Nappy’s Puppets presents some of the silliest songs around. Admission $5 in addition to museum admission: $9 for adults, $6 for ages 1 to 18, $6 seniors and teachers, $22.50 for family (2 adults and 2 youth). 413-658-1126. carlemuseum.org.

Donna Lee’s Tribute to Connie Francis. Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield. 6 to 8 p.m. Features songs from the 50s to the present. 413-568-9312. stanleypark.org.

Caterpillar Chat. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Mondays, 2 to 3 p.m. Take a close look at caterpillars. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org.

12 Tuesday Story Thyme in the Garden. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. Tuesdays through August 19, 11:30 a.m. to noon. All ages are invited to visit the Youth Garden for a

Photo courtesy of Mead Art Museum

Party in the Park. Noel Field, behind Steeplecats baseball diamond, North Adams. Thursdays in August, 6 to 8 p.m. Annual summer concert series. Free. explorenorthadams.com.

Mead Art Museum at Amherst College presents Mini Meads Reads, a free story hour for children on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. through August 13.

story. Admission $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 6 to 18, free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. Garden Sprouts Summer: Salad Celebration. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 to 11 a.m. Class for preschoolers through kindergarten will introduce the world of plants. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $15 adult/child pair. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. Summer Sketch Club. Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge. Tuesdays through August 26, 10 a.m. to noon. On-location drawing and painting class for ages 7 and up. Admission $6. 413-298-4100. nrm.org. Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show. Eastern States Exposition, Coliseum, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. August 12 through 16, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. More than 400 Morgan horses competing in a wide variety of athletic events including English & Western pleasure, pleasure driving, carriage driving, dressage and more. 413-246-8757. massmorgan.com.

13 Wednesday Mini Meads Reads. Mead Art Museum, Amherst College, 41 Quadrangle Dr., Amherst. 10:30 a.m. Children and parents are invited to join educators for half hour story time designed for children ages 2 to 7. Free. 413-542-2000. amherst.edu/museums/mead.

Garden Discovery Program for Ages 3 to 5 with Adult. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 to 11 a.m. Activity followed by garden walk featuring the theme “Frog Songs.” Museum admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 6 to 18, free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. Breastfeeding Support Group. Baystate Health, OB Classroom at the Birthplace, 164 High St., Greenfield. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon. Breastfeeding support with lactation consultant. Includes group discussion of the challenges and benefits of breastfeeding. Free. No registration is required. baystatehealth.com. 18th Annual Downtown Celebration. Main, Eagle, Holden and the northern portion of Ashland streets, North Adams. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Rain date August 14. Vendors, contests, live music, food. explorenorthadams.com. Creating Together: A Parent-Child Experience. Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge. Wednesdays through August 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 4 and up and their caregivers are invited to explore the galleries together during this interactive art experience. $6 per person. 413-298-4100. nrm.org.

14 Thursday Dig In! Family Drop In Program. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. Thursdays through August 21, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Activities in the garden for all ages. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 6 to BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 18 19

OUT&ABOUT

summer Family Series July 7-August 15

Spectacular

Position correct size and version of MassMutual logo in this position. DO NOT SCALE LOGOS!

Featuring a mini-residency by the Tanglewood Marionettes and live performances by

award-winning singer-songwriter Mister G,

Grammy® nominees The Pop-Ups and many others. 2014 Premier Sponsor

SIX WEEKS PACKED WITH GREAT FAMILY FUN Enjoy the region’s best children’s entertainers, plus art and science activities, live reptile programs and more. Most activities are free with museum admission. Visit our website for the full schedule.

BLOCKBUSTER SPECIAL EXHIBITION

See stomping, roaring, robotic dinosaurs and life-like Ice Age mammals come to life, including Maiasaura, Apatosaurus, and T-rex, along with a Woolly Mammoth and a family of Smilodon saber-toothed cats. $5 special exhibition fee for all visitors ages 3 and up.

21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103 • 413.263.6800 springfieldmuseums.org • /springfieldmuseums 20 AUGUST2014 21

18, free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org.

15 Friday Free Fun Fridays. Historic Deerfield, 80 Old Main St., Deerfield. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free admission provided by the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program. 413-775-7214. historic-deerfield.org.

16 Saturday Countdown to Kindergarten. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Story time and activities geared to support children as they get ready for their first day of kindergarten. Museum admission is $9 for adults, $6 for ages 1 to 18, $6 seniors and teachers, $22.50 for family (2 adults and 2 youth). carlemuseum.org. Special Story Time: Lita Judge. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 2 p.m. Join author and illustrator Lita Judge as she reads her latest book, Flight School, about a penguin who has the soul of an eagle and wants to fly. Book signing to follow. Museum admission is $9 for adults, $6 for ages 1 to 18, $6 seniors and teachers, $22.50 for family (2 adults and 2 youth). 413-658-1132. carlemuseum.org. Family Fun Day. Mead Art Museum., Amherst College, 41 Quadrangle Dr., Amherst. Third Saturday of each month., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop-in craft activities, gallery talk at 1 p.m., picture book reading. Intended for ages 3 and up. Free. 413-542-2000. amherst.edu/museums/mead. Silver Kingdom Renaissance Faire. 120 Northside Rd., Charlton. Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artisans, face painting, storytellers, live performances. Admission $15 for adults, $10 for children 5 to 12, free for children 4 and younger. silverkingdomfestival.com. Forest Sensory Walk. Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Hampden. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Use your five senses to explore Laughing Brook. Suitable for ages 4 and up. $5 per person. Registration required. 413-584-3009. massaudubon.org Chow Time. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Saturdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Join museum staff in the aquarium for an interactive look at what it takes to feed the reptiles and fish. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Country MusicFest. Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Music, food, drinks. wachusett.com.

Rug Hooking Exhibit. Shelburne-Buckland Community Center, 53 Main St., Shelburne Falls. August 16 and 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extensive exhibit of hooked rugs with demonstrations of the early American art form. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family. shelburnefalls.com. First Annual Touch-a-Truck. MassMutual Center, Exhibition Hall, 1277 Main St., Springfield. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children will be allowed to get up close and personal with vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Free. 413-787-6610. massmutualcenter.com. Templeton Arts & Crafts Festival. Town Common, 1 South Rd., Templeton. Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17. Arts and crafts, vendors. Free. templetonartsandcraftsfestival.com.

17 Sunday Boot Camp for Dads. Baystate Health, Wesson Building, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. 1 to 4 p.m. This class for expectant fathers covers such topics as forming a new family, the changing role of fathers, and how to meet the needs of the new mom. $20, includes class booklet. Register at 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.com.

18 Monday Caterpillar Chat. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Mondays, 2 to 3 p.m. Take a close look at caterpillars. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org.

19 Tuesday Story Thyme in the Garden. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. Tuesdays through August 19, 11:30 a.m. to noon. All ages are invited to visit the Youth Garden for a story. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 6 to 18, free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. Child Car Seat Clinic. Greenfield Fire Department, 412 Main St., Greenfield. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about proper car seat installation and have your child’s car seat inspected by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Call to schedule an inspection. 413-794-2255. baystatehealth.com. Summer Sketch Club. Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge. Tuesdays through August 26, 10 a.m. to noon. On-location drawing and painting class for ages 7 and up. Admission $6. 413-298-4100. nrm.org.

20 Wednesday Mini Meads Reads. Mead Art Museum, Amherst College, 41 Quadrangle Dr., Amherst.

OUT&ABOUT 10:30 a.m. Children and parents are invited to join educators for half hour story time designed for children ages 2 to 7. Free. 413-542-2000. amherst.edu/museums/mead. Breastfeeding Support Group. Baystate Health, OB Classroom at the Birthplace, 164 High St., Greenfield. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon. Breastfeeding support with lactation consultant. Includes group discussion of the challenges and benefits of breastfeeding. Free. No registration is required. baystatehealth.com. Creating Together: A Parent-Child Experience. Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge. Wednesdays through August 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 4 and up and their caregivers are invited to explore the galleries together during this interactive art experience. $6 per person. 413-298-4100. nrm.org. Elm City Kennel Club Dog Show. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. AKC all breed dog show. Free. 203-771-1072. thebige.com. Explore the New Wilson Meadow. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 to 4 p.m. Explore one of few remaining meadows in Worcester. Suitable for ages 8 and up. Adults $12, children $8. Registration required. 508753-6087. massaudubon.org.

21 Thursday Dig In! Family Drop In Program. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. Thursdays through August 21, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Activities in the garden for all ages. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 6 to 18, free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. Free Admission. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 5 to 8 p.m. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Pittsfield’s Third Thursday. Downtown Pittsfield. 5 to 8 p.m. Live music, street performers, art. discoverpittsfield. info/3rdthursdays. Newtown Kennel Club Dog Show. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free. 203-266-5496. thebige.com. Northeast Reining Horse Show. Eastern States Exposition, Coliseum, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. August 21 through 24, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Premier reining horse competition in Massachusetts. Free. 603-553-5803. nerha.com.

22 Friday Free Fun Fridays. Emily Dickinson Museum, 280 Main St., Amherst. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free admission offered by the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program. 413542-8161. emilydickinsonmuseum.org. Oz with Orchestra. Tanglewood, Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox. 8:30 p.m. With The Wizard of Oz on the big screen, moviegoers will be treated to the film accompanied by the Boston Pops playing new transcriptions of Harold Arlen’s lost scores. Tickets $22 to $121. bso.org. Free Fun Fridays. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission offered by the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org.

FALL 2014

“Where a kid can be a star!” Open House • Aug 28th 5-8 p.m. Prizes, free giveaways, free classes Check out website for more info

ENROLLING NOW FOR FALL CLASSES Acrobat, Lyrical, Ballet, Tiny Tots, Hip Hop, Acro/Ballet, Acro/Jazz, Tap/Jazz, Adult Tap, Mommy and Me, Zumba Highly qualified instructors! Fun, rewarding and family-like atmosphere at all times!

23 Saturday First Child in the Woods/Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 10 to 11 a.m. Get exercise and learn about natural world. Suitable for caregivers with children up to 5-years-old. Adult $7, child free. Registration required. 413-583-3009. massaudubon.org. Energy Tools to Rock Your Life. Heywood Hospital, OBS Conference Room, 242 Green St., Gardner. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This session will help give you the tools you need to experience your own energy, and how to be centered, focused and excited about your journey. $49. Registration required. 978-630-6248. heywood.org. Family Concert. Tanglewood, Lenox. 2:30 p.m. Featuring Boston Cello Quartet. Tickets $10. Kids under 18 are free (limit four per family). 888-266-1200. bso.org.

“Where everyone shines like a star” 209 Root Road , Westfield, MA 01085 allstarsdancecenter.com 413-572-1122

FIVE STAGES

www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org (413) 997-4444

24 Sunday 2nd Annual Ride for Your Life. Monty Tech Regional Vocational Technical High School, 1050 Westminster St., Fitchburg. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Three hour ride through North Central Massachusetts with stops at local motorcycle shops along the way. $20 for riders, $15 for passengers includes lunch, maps, entertainment, on-route refreshments. Walkers/runners $10, children 12 and under $6. Registration required. ggsuicideprevention.org Prenatal Yoga. Baystate Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Sunday mornings, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Learn how to relieve common symptoms such as back pain, swelling and shortness of breath. $12 per class, $60 for six-

music by Stephen Flaherty lyrics by Lynn Ahrens book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty co-conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle based on the works of Dr. Seuss directed by Travis G. Daly music direction by Mark Gionfriddo choreography by Kathy Jo Grover

at The Colonial Theatre 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 20 21

OUT&ABOUT week yoga card. Call to find out about schedule exceptions. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.com. Motorama. Main, Holden and Eagle streets, North Adams. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, music, raffles, food, shopping. 413-664-6180. explorenorthadams.com.

Photo courtesy Tower Hill Botanic Garden

25 Monday

The New England Herb Show takes place at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston on August 1 and 2.

26 Tuesday Summer Sketch Club. Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge. Tuesdays through August 26, 10 a.m. to noon. On-location drawing and painting class for ages 7 and up. Admission $6. 413-298-4100. nrm.org.

27 Wednesday Mini Meads Reads. Mead Art Museum, Amherst College, 41 Quadrangle Dr., Amherst. 10:30 a.m. Children and parents are invited to join educators for half hour story time designed fro children ages 2 to 7. Free. 413-542-2000. amherst.edu/museums/mead.

28 Thursday 1760 Boston Road Springfield, MA

413-301-8444

NOW OPEN!

Three County Fair. 41 Fair St., Northampton. Friday through Monday, August 29 to September 1, gates open each day at 11 a.m. Agricultural fair also features rides. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and vets, free for children 11 and other. threecountyfair.com.

Party Packages starting at $159.99

GROUPS WELCOME! • Senior Centers • Day Care Centers • After School Programs All Walk-Ins Are Welcome! 22 AUGUST2014

29 Friday Free Fun Fridays. The Mount: Edith Wharton’s Home, 2 Plunkett St., Lenox. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission offered as part of the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program. 413-551-5111. edithwharton.org.

Every Day 10:00am to 9:00pm Plaster Art - For All Ages 10% School Fundraising Program Birthday Parties are What We Do Best. Book Your Party With Us Today!

DownStreet Art. Downtown North Adams. DownStreet Art galleries and the venues stay open late along with stores, restaurants and businesses. downstreetart.org.

Free Fun Fridays. Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. As part of the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program, the Norman Rockwell Museum offers free admission throughout the day.

413-298-4100. nrm.org. Free Fun Fridays. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission offered as part of the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program. 508-929-2700. ecotarium.org.

30 Saturday Tom Knight Puppets. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Songs and skits about animals, the environment, food, and books for children of all ages. Admission $4 in addition to museum admission: $9 for adults, $6 for ages 1 to 18, $6 seniors and teachers, $22.50 for family (2 adults and 2 youth). 413-658-1126. carlemuseum.org. 118th Fall Old Home Day Weekend Celebration. Town Common, Charlton. Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1. Entertainment, Saturday fireworks, craft fair, art show, flower show, car show, contests, food, soap box derby, road race, parade. Free. townofcharlton.net. Chow Time. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Saturdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Join museum staff in the aquarium for an interactive look at what it takes to feed the reptiles and fish. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Helping Wildlife: Monarch Butterflies. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 1 to 3 p.m. Tag monarchs, learn about fall butterflies. Suitable for all ages. Adults $8, children $4. Registration required. 978-464-2712. massaudubon.org. Family Fun Days. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with games, crafts, puppet show and more. Kids 17 and under free in August when accompanied by an adult paying full admission. Admission $24 for adults, $22 for seniors. 800-733-1830. osv.org.

31 Sunday Three County Fair. 41 Fair St., Northampton. Friday through Monday, August 29 to September 1, gates open each day at 11 a.m. Agricultural fair also features rides. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and vets, free for children 11 and other. threecountyfair.com.

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Massachusetts

Butterfly Gardens Show Kids Metamorphic Magic

LET’S GO

I SPY BUTTERFLIES! BY TRISH RESKE

ho isn’t amazed at the captivating beauty of a butterfly, or the unique metamorphosis that transforms a caterpillar into a graceful and gorgeous winged insect? While you don’t have to travel much farther than your backyard to spy New England butterflies, there are opportunities for your child to learn about and see a variety of both local and tropical species up close at one of four indoor gardens in Massachusetts. “The way a butterfly moves

through the air is magical for people of all ages. The fairy-like beauty of their wings, with all the colors and patterns, and their seemingly fragile nature captivate a child’s imagination,” said Maria Mingalone, Director of Interpretation at the Berkshire Museum. The museum’s current Butterflies exhibit combines first-hand experience of a butterfly pavilion with culturally related arts and objects from around the world. Butterfly gardens enable children to learn about and see up-close butterflies living in a re-creation of

their native environment. Butterfly gardens give visitors an up-front view of the four stages of the butterfly’s short life. Adult butterflies lay their eggs on a plant specific to their species, so that when the larvae (or caterpillars) hatch from the eggs, they can begin to eat the right food for them immediately. Butterfly eggs are extremely tiny, but the hungry caterpillar will instantly start eating the leaves or stalks and begin growing on the plant on which they were born. Once they are fully

grown, caterpillars form into a pupa (or chrysalis), a hard casing that protects the butterfly while it undergoes metamorphosis. Quite literally, the caterpillar transforms its tissue, limbs and organs while inside its cocoon, and when done, emerges as a winged butterfly or moth. Most butterfly gardens have a chrysalis nursery, or box, where butterfly pupa are pinned on display until the butterfly emerges. If you and your child are lucky, you may see a butterfly emerge from its

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Massachusetts

Butterfly Gardens Show Kids Metamorphic Magic

LET’S GO

I SPY BUTTERFLIES! BY TRISH RESKE

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Western Mass Martial Arts Academy Karate and Judo/Jujutsu Schools in Monson, Ludlow & Hampden

Come try a class or two at no charge. Be part of a tradition that has spanned hundreds of years. We have been teaching both children & adults for 24 years.

Train with some of the best martial artists in New England. Learn an art that will remain with you for your lifetime. Shobukan Karate and Judo/Jujutsu Children from age 4 through 12 Adults from 13 through ? Training suitable for all ages.

Call Shihan Mark Pearlman 413-519-4574 for class schedules and locations. www.shobukan.net

Muddy Brook Farm 646 West Street, Amherst, MA

THE TOTAL EQUINE EXPERIENCE Fall Riding Lessons for Children & Adults Join the Muddy Brook Farm Middle School or High School IEA Team Muddy Brook Farm Show Team Groups – Beginners thru Advanced Horse Shows Aug 30th & Nov 1st www.muddybrookfarm.com muddybrookfarm@comcast.net 413-253-7702 24 AUGUST2014 25

butterfly hanging from the pupa encasement, pumping blood into its soft new wings, (a 3 to 4 hour process) so that it can fly. Julianna from Littleton, with 3-yearold daughter Sierra, recently visited The Butterfly Place in Westford. “It was amazing for her to see the caterpillars and butterflies up close,” she said. “She loved watching them. I learned a lot about butterflies myself. I was surprised by how much I didn’t know. I hope she remembers this experience as she gets older.” Adult butterfly behavior is also fascinating to watch. Kids can observe how butterflies eat: butterflies have a long coiled straw, called a “proboscis” that uncoils to suck up sweet liquids and nectar. Butterflies live on an all-liquid diet. Since a butterfly’s life is short — just one month on average, and sometime even just a week or two — you may see butterflies with tattered wings. This means they are approaching their end of life, and tiny scales are falling off their wings. Butterflies with brilliant, in-tact wings are ones that have recently undergone their metamorphosis. You can spy butterflies up high and down low, so keep a sharp eye out and tread lightly — some butterflies may be resting on the ground. If you want a butterfly to land on you, wear white or light clothing, although this is not a guarantee that you or your child will have this special encounter. However, you should know that butterflies should not be handled. Their wings are fragile: the best way to experience butterflies is to look and watch their behavior as a non-intrusive observer, respecting them in their habitat. “It’s all about observation, said Sylvia Leslie of The Butterfly Place. “Just to have one new thing you or

your child sees that says, ‘Wow I never knew that, I never saw that or thought about that.’ It’s surprising how many people become aware of dangers for extinction, for example, because of our choices for our own environment.” Butterfly gardens are lush indoor spaces thriving with tropical plants, an indoor temperature that mimics their habitat, and sometimes glassenclosed exhibits that show and tell the life story of the butterfly. Since butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature dips below 86 degrees, butterfly gardens are hot and humid, so be sure to dress accordingly, even if you visit in the middle of winter. Butterfly exhibits generally entertain but also educate about the endangered future of butterflies. For example, if the host plant that a butterfly depends on for laying eggs begins to become scarce or disappear, that population may be endangered, especially if the butterfly is a migrating breed like the Monarch. Many people consider their host plant, the milkweed, as an undesirable weed, and it is being cut down. This is threatening the species. Learning about butterflies is a multifaceted way of understanding this unique insect in our imagination, our specific habitat, and our world. There are four specific butterfly places you can visit with your child to discover and see these magical creatures.

1. The Butterfly Garden at the Museum of Science in Boston The Butterfly Garden at the Museum of Science is a wonderful, affordable way to learn and experience butterflies up close in the context of a Museum of Science exhibit. You can add a tour of the Butterfly Place to your museum admission, and learn the four stages of the butterfly life cycle, other interesting facts about butterflies, and most importantly, see up close many butterfly species in a tropical environment tucked into the top floor of the MOS. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; www.mos.org

2. The Butterfly Place in Westford The first butterfly place built in Massachusetts and the fourth in the country, The Butterfly Place in Westford is the result of one family’s passion for butterflies that has captivated thousands of visitors since its opening in 1990. The owner, George Leslie, saw an article in the Smithsonian Magazine about butterfly gardens and decided to start his own. The Butterfly Place has tropical birds and koi fish as well in a beautifully landscaped, indoor garden. The Butterfly Place also

carries butterfly feeders, books, and butterfly hatching kits, where children can watch caterpillars morph into butterflies in their own home. Summer hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; www.butterflyplace-ma. com

3. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens in South Deerfield See close to 3,000 free-flying butterflies enclosed in an 8,000 square foot conservatory, including a waterfall and Japanese Koi. There are educational videos on butterflies, as well as a restaurant (Monarchs Restaurant) and outdoor butterfly garden (weather permitting) and gift shop. Magic Wings has “Flight Attendants” on staff to answer all your questions about butterflies. Summer hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; www. magicwings.com

4. Butterflies Exhibit and Pavilion at the Berkshire Museum in Berkshire This limited-time exhibit and pavilion combines history, art, and first-hand experience of butterflies in one exhibit., which has been recently extended until October 26, 2014. The pavilion of live butterflies is at the heart of the exhibit and features butterflies diverse in variety and habitat, including both native and exotic breeds. The exhibit features works and artifacts from around the world and includes information about the butterfly lifecycle and protection of species from extinction. Regular admission is $13 adult, $6 child. Children under 3 are free. Admission to the Butterfly Pavilion is an additional $2 per person. Summer hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. www.berkshiremuseum.org

Back to

School 26

Back to School Fashion Down on the Farm

Be“Tween” Options for Afterschool Care

Classrooms Without Walls: Social Media Levels the Playing Field

My Teacher Hates Me! Solving School Struggles

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Back to School Down on the

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ool Fashion he Farm

Our back-to-school field trip takes place at Red Fire Farm in Granby, where these friends share some show-and-tell fashion fun! For the boys, the lesson is all about layering. Stripes and solids and plaids in coordinating colors. Collars, hoods, caps and cuffs. The look is both traditional and fresh â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and affordable. Pair a cotton shirt with his favorite tee, and he is sure to earn a top grade in Style. Our girls are wearing designs by decaf plush (decafplush.com), a colorful and modern collection that is retro-inspired. We especially love the felt appliques. The company reports that no two are alike, because cutting & stitching methods change daily. As a special back-to-school bonus, the good folks at decaf plush are giving away a $250 fashion spree to one lucky baystateparent reader! To enter this giveaway, send your name and address to editor@baystateparent. com. Put DECAF PLUSH GIVEAWAY in the subject line. One entry per email address. Entries accepted through August 31, 2014. Winner will be randomly chosen from all eligible entries. Winner will receive a digital gift card with no expiration date. Balance may be used in multiple visits/transactions. No product or sale exceptions.

Photography by jenniferrosephotography.org, Granby Hair and Makeup by Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy, Worcester Art Direction by Paula Monette Ethier baystateparent

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 26 27

Getting Ready for S What are you most looking forward to this school year? “Meeting my teacher, seeing my friends and making new friends.” — Allyson “Meeting new friends and reading new books!” — Braylon “Arts and crafts!” — Emersyn

Pressley Lashua, age 5, Fitchburg 28 AUGUST2014 29

Alexiana Ramos, age 4, South Hadley

Brandon Cekovsky, age 6, Westfield

Isabel Rodriguez, age 5, Chicopee

for School ... What do you want to learn at school this year? “I want to learn how to read and write better.” — Isabel “How to read books.” — Alexiana “Telling time and how to spell better.” — Allyson “To read books by myself so I can read to Mommy at night.” — Brandon

What is your favorite book? “If You Give a Moose a Muffin.” — Isabel “Madagascar.” — Alexiana “The Berenstain Bears books.” — Brandon “Ivy and Bean, Take Care of the Babysitter” — Allyson “Hop on Pop” — Braylon

“More math skills.” — Braylon

Camden Lashua, age 7, Fitchburg

Emersyn Carpenter, age 5 Westfield

Brayon Jarrett, age 6, Southampton

Allyson Quinn, age 6, Sudbury BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 28 29

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Be “Tween” Options for Afterschool Care BY KIMBERLEE ARNOLD

orking parents juggle huge “to do” lists that change once school is back in session. For moms and dads with children at middle school, what to do about the afterschool hours is a challenge. Adding to that is that children at this age are at various stages of independence. According to the Afterschool Alliance, a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of afterschool programs, some preteens “feel ready for more independence and autonomy, while others still desire the structured and nurturing environment found in elementary school. Most students are too young to work, yet feel that afterschool programs are designed for younger children and are unwilling to participate.” Indeed, while many Massachusetts public, charter, and private schools offer extended day programs for their Kindergarten and elementary students, middle schoolers — students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade — are often left on their own. So what’s a parent to do? Here are three popular options.

1. Programs At School According to the Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership, advocates focused on increasing afterschool and expanded learning opportunities for Massachusetts’ 1,066,834 schoolage children, 26 percent — more than 274,000 — of students are alone and unsupervised during the hours after school. Some districts have answered the need by offering 30 AUGUST2014 31

afterschool options. In Swampscott, for example, a Teen Center opens every day at the middle school after dismissal and offers a safe and comfortable environment where students have an opportunity to do homework, learn life skills, and participate in sports and creative activities. Similarly, the Youth Making a Difference program operates at the Adams Middle School in Holliston from 2 to 6 p.m. This daily program includes hobbies, sports, games, life skills, and homework help. At the Advanced Math and Science Academy charter school in Marlborough, a Homework Club is available to students in grades 6 to 8 daily from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Not only is this club a place where students receive the quiet time and support they need for their assignments, it also facilitates volunteers from its National Honor Society to offer homework help.

2. Off-site Centers Community centers, churches, Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as YWCAs and YMCAs sponsor a variety of afternoon drop-in programs for tweens and teens. “For sixth, seventh, and eighth graders [after school] is less about needing care,” said Pam Suprenant, Regional Associate Executive Director, Central Community Branch of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. “Rather, it is about focusing on things they are interested in and providing the opportunities to explore.” At centers like Montachusett Community Branch in Fitchburg, middle school-aged kids can be a

part of a formal class but “also have the freedom to be at the center on their own,” Suprenant said. After getting off the school bus at this Y Branch, for example, students “help each other with homework, start a club, work out at the Wellness Center, or connect with teen and adult counselors. The mix of structured and unstructured time fits between a teen’s sense of wanting freedom but knowing we are here for them, too.” This is a balance important at the Boys & Girls Club, as well. At both locations in Lawrence, middle schoolers find a place where a focus on academic success is interwoven with sports, technology, and community service. Executive Director Markus Fischer described how one sports league works. In our “Academic Basketball program, for fifth graders through high school boys and girls, the number one requirement is that practice on the court includes one hour of study time. The number two requirement is that a weekly report card comes back from their teachers showing positive behavior and effort at school.” Afterschool for tweens at this Boys & Girls Club is also a place for exploring creative ways to use technology, said Fischer. Kids use the computer labs “for digital arts, video and music production, and animation with same academic requirements of participants in the Academic Basketball program.” Director of Program Services Manny Ayala said that beyond academics, “we take a holistic approach to kids.” Other programs “focus on healthy life decisions including physical fitness, proper

nutrition, and high risk behaviors like drugs, alcohol and teen pregnancy. Relationships are being built here,” he said. “We see the same kids from elementary school through middle school and high school, and we help them understand that they’re part of a larger picture and have a responsibility to give back and participate in their communities in a meaningful way.” Combining academic support with a growing sense of self is also important at the Teen Zone in North Attleboro, a Hockomock Area YMCA site open from 2:30 to 8 p.m. every day for kids ages 11 to 17. According to Dawn DaCosta, Teen and Community Outreach Director, in addition to offering tutoring, “we try to offer something different every day – games, a craft project, or a meal – which keeps kids active and encourages them to make new friendships.” In addition, community service is important. “We have a project each month like putting up a bulletin board or working at a community garden.” Afterschool programs need to recognize kids are unique at this age,” DeCosta said. The key, she added, is variety. Off-site programs like these are available at no cost or very low cost via affordable annual Youth or Teen memberships ($240 at the YMCA of Central Massachusetts) and financial assistance is available.

3. Afterschool A La Carte Despite these on- or off-site options for extending a middle school students’ day for several hours, not all towns have access to such broad programs. Middle schools

presenting intramural sports, clubs, or STEM-focused teams, such as robotics or mathematics, often only fill an hour or so after school. Many of these programs only last for a few weeks instead of the entire school

year. As a result, parents use a more “a la carte” approach to create an after school schedule, combining resources with the help of school, family, and friends. Joann Cambrola of Milford, working mother of three, has managed after school time with her husband, the help of her mother, and playing the sibling card. “My youngest, who is now 11-years-old, actually gets home before his high school brothers. He gets a snack and even though there’s an adult on the property — my mother lives in our in-law apartment — he needs his own down time,” she said. As they were growing up, the boys helped each other out before a parent got home from work. She said that has changed now that her children are older and busier with sports. “I have friends who carpool to practices and who rely on extended family.” Active grandparents, even aunts and uncles, are great resources for older children who need to get to a lesson or a practice, Cambrola suggested. Finally, having a high school or college- age student who can stop by the house for a few hours is a way of providing companionship without the feel of “babysitting.” Consider adding this type of “house check” to the arsenal of afterschool care.

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“I like St. Mary’s because instead of pushing you to reach the curriculum, the teachers give you actual information that will help you to reach your goals when you are out of high school and in life.” Faith Wang, 8th grade “I like that all the teachers are very welcoming and explain their lessons in easy and fun ways. All the kids know each other and are friends.” Cole Viamari, 7th grade “I like that St. Mary’s gives you a jump start on college, so when you get there you are a step ahead.” Jessica Crosby, 6th grade

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BACK TO SCHOOL

“Be part of a school where your success is everyone’s goal.”

Social media levels the playing field between school districts and around the world

BACK TO SCHOOL

Classrooms Without Walls BY AMANDA COLLINS

It was a June afternoon towards the end of the school year when students in Douglas settled in to the auditorium at the Intermediate Elementary School for the school trip of a lifetime. They were heading where only handful of humans have ever been before: 230 miles above the earth on a floating habitable satellite called the International Space Station. The sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who had been learning about outer space were meeting up with NASA scientists who were orbiting the earth.

34 AUGUST2014 35

But they didn't need rockets or space suits to get there – instead, just the click of a button put the kids face-to-face with three astronauts in the middle of a mission. Through a NASA downlink, students watched as the astronauts floated weightlessly through their satellite, got a tour of the station, and chatted live from their school's auditorium with men and women suspended in space. It's incredible, but not uncommon, as the various social medias that are changing our day-to-day lives are also making their way into the classroom. It used to be that class trips included bus rides and bagged lunches, head counts and permission slips. But today, teachers are armed with a slew technologies that can bring students to ends of the earth – and beyond – without ever leaving the classroom. Social media applications like Facebook, Twitter, Skype and YouTube are changing the way teachers teach and are allowing students new experiences that once seemed like science fiction. “Ten years ago this would have been completely different,” Bev Bachelder, principal of Douglas Intermediate Elementary School said of the school's Space Week unit, which culminated with students having a live question-and-answer session with in-flight astronauts Karen

Nyberg, Chris Cassidy, and Luca Parmitano. “Ten years ago we would have been making dioramas and reading about this from a book. But with this new technology, here we are, this little town in the middle of Massachusetts, chatting with astronauts in space.” The connectedness of today's world has created classrooms without walls. Teachers are using online social tools as a way to directly link students to what they're studying. At the Beaver Country Day School, in Chestnut Hill, students have used Skype, an internet phone service that allows users to communicate via instant messaging and voice chat, to speak with other pupils across U.S. and the globe. They've discussed and debated current events with students in all corners of the world, and even virtually met Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. “We have Skyped with Afghan students about NATO forces in Afghanistan, with Pakistani students about drones and the

Taliban, with Egyptian leaders about the situation in their country, with Syrian students about their country, and we also debated with German students about military intervention in Syria,” said Kader Adjout, the school's Global History Department head. “Interactions are very courteous and well prepared on both sides, but it does get heated when students debate.” Adjout said these interactions have brought authenticity to the classroom and have made teachers at the school focus on real-world learning. “This brings a global perspective and empathy to our students. It really allows them to work on authentic problems,” he said. The tools are replacing some of the more traditional ways of the classroom. Guest speakers no longer have to be able to physically come in to the school. Students can Tweet their favorite author and get an instant response, as opposed to sending out a letter and perhaps never hearing back. Entire classes

"Today, teachers are armed with a slew technologies that can bring students to ends of the earth – and beyond – without ever leaving the classroom. Social media applications like Facebook, Twitter, Skype and YouTube are changing the way teachers teach and are allowing students new experiences that once seemed like science fiction."

news. They use these tools to post everything from photos of “Students of the Month,” to alerting parents to snow delays or school closings. Just as social media has changed our every day life, its use is changing the way school administrators communicate, the way teachers teach, and the way students learn. “Students have access to the knowledge online, so this has clearly redefined the role of the teacher, not as someone giving away knowledge, but as someone who collaborates with students,” said Adjout.

know what will take off,” he said. Since most social media applications are free, using them in the classroom has also “leveled the playing field,” said Bachelder. “It's allowed us opportunities that we wouldn't have otherwise in a district like Douglas,” she said. “A small town school and one in a city with everything at their disposal are on the same level with these tools.” Outside the classroom, schools are using social media to connect with parents and the community. Districts such as Northbridge, Uxbridge, and Dudley-Charlton have created Twitter and Facebook accounts to offer followers the latest school

WORCESTER ART MUSEUM have created closed Facebook pages where teachers can make a post to promote a discussion. “Technology as a tool has helped us take the lessons out of the classroom,” said Adjout. Social media has also introduced new curriculum in classroom that students are truly engaged in and excited about. As an end-of-the-

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www.PAMcares.com Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine - truly privileged to help you care for your children.

Significant funding for the Higgins Armory Collection Integration has been provided by The George I. Alden Trust, Fred Harris Daniels Foundation, Inc., The Fletcher Foundation, The George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation, The Stoddard Charitable Trust, and The Manton Foundation. Additional support has been provided by the Hoche-Schofield Foundation, the Rockwell Foundation, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Exhibition sponsors:

Helmutt design by Veronica Fish

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 34 35

BACK TO SCHOOL

year project at the Southbridge Middle/High School, kids in a communications media class made their own video on YouTube. They edited months of film of students and staff dancing and singing into a threeminute music video to Pharrell's infectious hit song, “Happy.” It hit the web on the last day of school, and by the next day, had gone viral. The teacher behind it, Michael Montigny, said the video created a buzz in the school and and sparked an interest in the school's media program. “Students saw that all it takes is a camera and free software program to make something, and you just never

BACK TO SCHOOL

My Teacher Hates Me! Solving School Struggles BY MALIA JACOBSON When a child dislikes a teacher — or feels disliked by one — school becomes a daily struggle. Just ask Constance Zimmer. Her stepston Harrison, now a happy fourth grader, got off on the wrong foot with his first-grade teacher. “He felt picked on and singled out,” she recalled. “He began to act out in class and refused to participate in projects and assignments.” Fortunately, teacher-student traumas are often highly fixable. Read on for ways to smooth the bumps for a better school year.

35th Annual Mainstream Conference Two days of workshops for professionals and parents on maximizing success for students with hearing loss.

Tuning In and Tapping Potential

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 and WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

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LEGO® is a registered trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse these programs.

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7/17/14 2:29 PM

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PRESCHOOL YEARS, Ages 3 to 5: Slow and Steady

When a preschooler appears to dislike a teacher, longtime early childhood educator and co-author of Monday Morning Leadership Evelyn Addis warns parents against jumping the gun and hastily switching classes or schools. When a child first begins preschool, he may be responding negatively to the overwhelming experience of school rather than a specific teacher. “Allow a period of adjustment for your child in any new classroom setting,” said Addis. “It takes time for classes to come together as a group.” Most schools welcome parents to observe a child’s classroom in action, particularly when a concern arises. But beware: a short classroom observation doesn’t present a true picture of an entire instructional day, and a parent’s presence can alter a child’s behavior. If complaints about a teacher persist, document your concerns and set up a conference with the teacher. Brainstorm a plan for addressing the problem areas, along with a plan for daily or weekly communication to monitor the situation, advised Addis.

GRADE SCHOOL YEARS, Ages 6 to 12: Detective Duty

When a grade-schooler complains about a super-strict teacher, don’t impulsively jump to calling the principal or filing a complaint, said child and adolescent psychologist Kristen Wynns, Ph.D. Instead, go into detective mode: gather information about the conflict with a log. After a few weeks of documenting the problem, request a meeting with the teacher to talk about a solution before you consider alternative options like changing teachers. Sometimes, there’s more to the “mean teacher” situation that meets the eye. Constance Zimmer’s stepson Harrison felt targeted by his teacher, but it turned out that he had undiagnosed attention deficit disorder. “Once the problem was treated, he made progress in leaps and bounds, and realized that it wasn't a matter of the teacher not liking him, but his own perceptions about his lack of progress in school,” Zimmer said.

TEEN YEARS, Ages 13 to 18: Obstacle Course

Most teens will run into a teacher conflict at some point, said

Wynns. “Any parent knows if you go to school long enough, it’s inevitable you’ll have that ‘really mean’ or demanding teacher.” While those experiences aren’t always fun, they can teach teens valuable lessons about dealing with difficult people, she noted. After ensuring that the class in question isn’t too easy or too advanced for the teen’s academic abilities, Wynns advised parents to avoid automatically “rescuing” teens who find themselves in a tough spot with a teacher. When parents encourage teens to continue in the class instead of granting them the easy way out, (like dropping the course) it

conveys a strong message about the parent’s confidence in the teen, said Wynns. Teenagers who see that a parent believes they can handle a tricky situation will often rise to the occasion.

Reading List Check out these books about teachers and students to help foster positive feelings about your child’s instructor.

BACK TO SCHOOL • First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg and Judith Dufour Lov • The Best Teacher Ever by Mercer Mayer • Teacher Appreciation Day by Lynn Plourde and Thor Wickstrom • Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea (chapter book)

• My New Teacher and Me! by Al Yankovic and Wes Hargis

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BACK TO SCHOOL

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Bay State Doing Better at Going Local BY MARYJO KURTZ Massachusetts is improving its commitment to local foods, according to the 2014 Locavore Index, a ranking of each state’s commitment to promoting and providing locally grown foods. The report ranks the Bay State 11th in the country, up from 12th last year and 28th in 2012. “There are many good reasons to eat locally produced foods, the first among them that they’re very good for us,” said cardiologist and professional chef Michael S. Fenster, MD, (www.whatscookingwithdoc. com), author of Eating Well, Living Better and The Fallacy of the Calorie. “There’s a direct relationship between our food, our environment, our genetics and our health. Eating locally grown foods gives us our

most nutritious meals, most flavorful meals. Few choices have as many personal ramifications as that which we decide to stuff into our gob.”

Rating the States The Locavore Index is compiled annually by Strolling of the Heifers, a Vermont-based local food advocacy group. By releasing its report, the group hopes to encourage families, restaurants, schools and other groups to commit to eating fresh. Four sets of data were used to evaluate a state’s commitment to local foods: • number of farmers markets • number of consumer-supported agriculture operations (CSAs) • number of food hubs

• percentage of each state’s school districts with active farm-to-school programs The data was compared on a percapita basis. In Massachusetts, with a population of nearly 6.7 million as estimated by the US Census Bureau in 2013, there are a reported 292 farmers markets, 227 CSAs and 13 food hubs. In addition, 77 percent of the state’s schools participate in a farm-toschool program. These numbers were reported by the United States Department of Agriculture in March 2014. Topping the list of states this year are Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire respectively. At the bottom are Arizona, Nevada and Texas.

4 Benefits of Going Local Fenster believes the report is an important measure of where communities are doing well and where they can improve. He said there are four important reasons that families should make an effort to eat local: 1. Money — “Finding healthful produce at venues like a local farmer’s market can result in prices that are at least comparable, if not substantially less than, those at the megamarket, which have the additional costs of shipping from the nether regions,” he said. “By purchasing items produced locally, your money strengthens the local economy and helps sustain BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 38 39

the people producing the types of food stuffs that you wish to sustain yourself upon,” he said. “That is the smiley face circle of life.” For additional savings, Fenster recommended buying fresh, local seafood instead of paying for flashfrozen fish. He also suggested buying produce that is in season and locally overstocked.

He added that by taking advantage of seasonal changes in locally produced foods, the family menu will naturally offer variety.

Small Changes for Big Improvement

2. Freshness — Fenster noted that almost 60 percent of the modern Western diet is prepackaged, preserved and processed. “Any time we manipulate our comestibles in such a fashion, we add compounds that are not naturally found in them or remove parts that are,” he said. “Those precut vegetables in the supermarket may be convenient, but they started losing nutritional value and flavor as soon as they were sliced and diced.” 3. Variety — “There is ample evidence that the reason we as a species became the smartest kids on the block is that we took advantage of a varied diet. This hardwired drive for diversity in dining is also one reason why restrictive diets that seek to severely limit what we consume almost always, ultimately fail,” Fenster said.

the importance of sustainability and noted that local foods are healthier, better for the environment and economically positive.

4. Sustainability — “With enough people acting locally, the impact becomes regional and if enough people demand control over their foodstuffs then, like a crazy cat video gone viral, it can have a global effect,” he said. Strolling of the Heifers also stressed

To get started with a family commitment to eating more fresh, locally produced foods, consider some of these opportunities: Visit your local farmers market. For a list of markets in your area, visit baystateparent.com. See our list of area farmers markets in Farmers Markets Make It Easy to Eat Fresh, http://www. baystateparent.com/June2014/Farmers-MarketsMake-It-Easy-to-Eat-Fresh/. Take advantage of area CSAs. Most offer affordable family shares of local produce, and some offer plans that include a volunteering commitment. This enables you and your children to experience the first-hand benefits of growing local food, and you get to taste the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor.

Explore the many pick-your-own farms in the Bay State. From apples to strawberries to blueberries and more, the variety of crops changes with the season. For a list of pickyour-own farms in Massachusetts, visit baystateparent.com. See our list of pick-your-own farms in Pick Your Own Summer Fun, http://www. baystateparent.com/June-2014/PickYour-Own-Summer-Fun/. Start a family garden. Whether you only have room on your windowsill for a few small pots of herbs or a stretch of backyard for tomato plants and pumpkins, growing fresh food not only teaches basic horticulture to your children but it can creates delicious results. Cook together. Share ideas and recipes with your family and make plans to cook together. Share new ways to incorporate fresh produce into a meal plan. The experience provides lifelong skills for children, introduces a variety of food, and turns meals into memories. All of these options increase commitment to local foods and ultimately increase a commitment to healthy living. By knowing where your food comes from and considering what it contains and does not contain, Fenston noted, you take a proactive step in health and wellness for both you and your family.

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Dishin’ with the Dietitian

The Skinny on Juicing BY CARRIE TAYLOR, RDN, LDN

I’ve been seeing a lot about juicing programs as a healthy way to lose weight. I am wondering your thoughts on a diet plan based on juicing fresh fruits and vegetables. My daughter (14) and I both need to lose some weight and we like this idea, but is it safe? — Andrea, Plymouth

A: Congratulations to you and your daughter on wanting to make a change! Embarking on a new adventure to make your lifestyle work for you, versus against you, can be a very exciting time. The best way to ensure you accomplish your goal of weight loss while staying nourished (and left able to maintain the weight loss you achieve!) can be summarized with two words: lifestyle behaviors. In the nutrition world, we tend to treat the word diet as a “four-letter” word. Dietitians are not necessarily fans of diets, regardless of their premise — juice cleansing, food demonizing or nutrient skipping. Reason being, these eating regimes tend to fail the individual attempting them — not the other way around.

Severely restrictive eating isn’t maintainable (nor recommended) for most individuals. Additionally, the diet in question could potentially leave you missing key nutrients such as protein in the case of juicing. While juicing offers a way for some individuals to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their meal plan, it does tend to be a higher source of calories and sugars (albeit naturally-occurring sugar) while providing less vitamins, minerals and fiber. For this reason, I recommend eating fruits and vegetables in their whole form over consuming them as juice. In lieu of attempting to lose weight by juicing, learn how to live a healthy lifestyle as a family. This is especially important given your daughter’s age. She would not be recommended to follow a dieting routine. As healthful lifestyle behaviors become the norm in your household, weight loss may in fact prove a secondary side effect. To get started, here are a few steps to follow:

gov/myplate/index.aspx) you can learn what daily Food Group goals are recommended for someone your size, age, gender and activity level. One great thing about ChooseMyPlate.gov is that it meets you where you are now and offers you an alternative meal plan for weight loss or weight gain if necessary. Another great attribute is that it talks in terms of food. I don’t know about you, but I prefer to look at my meals in terms of food rather than numbers — it’s much more satisfying and fun! What sounds tastier? A plate of chicken with sautéed vegetables and brown rice or 32 grams protein with a side of 35 grams carbohydrates? To compare what you eat to what is recommended, sign up for SuperTracker (link: www. supertracker.usda.gov). It will not only remind you of your Daily Food Plan, it will also show you how your current food choices match up with daily Food Group goals.

Step #2: Move It, Move It, Move It! Any weight loss program promising you won’t need to move a muscle to lose weight is setting you down a path of failure. Since your goal is not failure, nor continually yo-yo dieting, focus on maintainable success and healthful behaviors that balance the foods you eat with the energy you expend.

However you like to move, do! Like to dance? Great! Do that. Like to ride bikes? Super! Giddy up. Whatever activity you find enjoyable, do it.

Step #3: Work with an Expert If you find you are in need of support to keep you on track (Who isn’t?), consider hiring a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in wellness coaching. Many insurance companies will pay for a few visits to a registered dietitian, but you truly want to be able to work with someone on a regular basis throughout your weight loss journey, not just for one or two consults. Carrie Taylor is the lead registered dietitian nutritionist for the Living Well Eating Smart program at Big Y Foods. Have a nutrition question? E-mail livingwell@bigy.com.

Your question might be featured in a future issue of baystateparent and Dishin’ with the Dietitian! Send it to: editor@baystateparent.com.

Step#1: Where are you and where should you be? Are your current food choices helping to meet daily nutrition needs? Find out at ChooseMyPlate. gov. By visiting their Daily Food Plan page (link: http://choosemyplate. BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 40 41

Bites Recipes Add Local Flavor to Dinner

The key to taking advantage of local products is to be flexible and adaptable. These recipes use fresh grouper, but feel free to substitute any fresh fish that is available. The tropical relish is a tasty topping

on fresh tuna. The citrus-miso glaze makes salmon sizzle. If you don’t have fresh beets, zucchini are at peak this month — so slice some of those and put them into the slaw.

Coconut Grilled Grouper with Tropical Relish Ingredients: Fresh Grouper Fillets, Marinade, Tropical relish

Grouper Marinade

Tropical Relish

Ingredients: • ¼ cup dark rum • ¼ cup coconut water • 2 Tbs chopped unsweetened coconut • 1 Tbs fresh grated ginger • 1 Tbs chopped cilantro • Juice of 1 grapefruit • Juice of 2 limes • ¼ tsp vanilla • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp pepper • 2 Tbs basil Directions: Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Marinate the grouper in the mixture for about 2 to 4 hours, refrigerated. The fish can then be cooked on the grill on alder wood or other wood planks, but you can also simply use a fish basket. Once the fish comes off the grill, top it with the relish, pile on the sides and enjoy!

Ingredients: • 4 tomatoes, seeded and chopped • Juice of 1 lemon • Juice of 1 lime • 1 avocado, chopped • 2 Tbs parsley, chopped • ½ medium sweet onion, chopped • 1 roasted poblano chili, seeds removed • (if additional heat desired) 1 Serrano pepper (with seeds for extra heat) • 2 prickly pear cactus fruits, chopped (can substitute 1/3 cup chopped watermelon) • 1 mango, chopped • 1 Tbs coconut (unsweetened) • 1 clove garlic, chopped • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp pepper Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. The relish can be done ahead and refrigerated overnight. Allowing the relish to rest at least four hours in the refrigerator, preferably overnight, allows a delightful depth of flavor to develop.

Carrot and Roasted Beet Slaw Ingredients: • ½ head red cabbage • 3 to 4 medium carrots • 3 medium beets • 2 Tbs apple cider vinegar • 2 tsp honey • 1 tsp celery seed • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp fresh ground pepper • ¼ cup mayonnaise 42 AUGUST2014 43

Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a shallow roasting dish place the washed beets. Cover with a drizzle of olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the tip of a knife or tines of a fork easily pierce the flesh. Remove and allow to cool. Peel the beets and finely dice. Using a mandolin, or slicing thinly, cut the carrots and cabbage into thin slices. Combine with all the ingredients.

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Creamy Roasted Corn and Swiss Chard

Ingredients: • Kernels removed from 2 ears fire roasted corn • 1 bunch Swiss Chard (stems separated and par-boiled*) • 1 Tbs butter • 1 Tbs flour • ½ cup milk • 2 Tbs mascarpone cheese (sour cream can be substituted) • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp pepper Directions: In a large sauce pan, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk together to form a roux. Add the milk, chard and corn. When the liquid starts to thicken, add the cheese and whisk in, remove from the heat, season and serve.

*Chard stems and the leaves require different length of cooking time. The easiest way to address this is to par-boil the stems and leaves ahead of time. This allows you to quickly sauté all the vegetables together and serve a piping hot side right along with the main course. To parboil, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Separate the leaves from the stems. Place the stems in the boiling water and allowed to cook for about six minutes. Add the leaves and cook another two minutes. Remove the chard from the water in place in ice bath to arrest the cooking process. Remove from the ice bath, drain off the excess moisture (you may want to squeeze the leaves) and they are ready to use.

Citrus-Miso Glazed Grouper Ingredients: • Citrus-Miso Glaze (recipe follows) • Fresh grouper fillets • 1 tsp. sesame oil • 1 tsp. salt • ½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper • 1 Tbs. finely minced cilantro (for garnish)

Citrus-Miso Glaze Ingredients: • 3 Tbs miso paste (fermented soybean paste; active culture is best) • Juice 1 grapefruit • Juice of 1 lime • 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger • 1 garlic clove; finely minced • ¼ cup mirin* • 1 Tbs honey • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard • ½ tsp. star anise • ¼ cup soy sauce • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar • 1 tsp. Sriracha sauce (if some heat desired) Directions: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spread half the sesame oil on the bottom of an ovenproof baking sheet. Sprinkle half the salt-andpepper on top of the oil and lay the grouper fillet on top of that. Rub the remaining oil on the top of the fillet and sprinkle the remaining salt-and-pepper on the top of the fillet. Set aside. While the oven is preheating, prepare the citrus-miso glaze. Mix all the ingredients in a small sauce pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce by approximately one third, until the glaze has thickened and will coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Prior to placing the fillet in the oven, generously coat the top with the glaze. The total baking time will depend on the thickness of the fillet but will generally be about 10

to 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, re-apply the glaze if needed. Once the fish is done, place the broiler on high for about thirty seconds. Remove, allow to rest for 2 to 3 minutes and serve topped with finely minced cilantro. *If you do not have mirin, you may use any white wine and add an additional teaspoon of honey. Recipes courtesy Michael Fenster, MD, author of Eating Well, Living Better: The Grassroots Gourmet Guide to Good Health and Great Food.

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 42 43

FINALLY FOREVER

By the

Numbers:

1.5

US Adoption*

million The number of adopted children under 18 in the US. This number represents 2.4% of all American children under 18.

29,636

The number of adopted children in Massachusetts under the age of 18 as of 2010, 2.3 percent of this age group.

147,547

The number of adopted children between the ages of 5 and 18 in the US reporting at least one disability.

51%

219,692

The percentage of all foreign-born adopted children who were born in Asia.

The number of adopted children between ages 5 and 18 in the US reported to be living in poverty.

*Statistics reported in Adopted Children and Stepchildren: 2010 Population Characteristics by Rose M. Kreider and Daphne A. Lofquist. issued by the US

25% The estimated number of adopted children who were adopted internationally, according to the National Survey of Adoptive Parents.

Census in April 2014. The report cites numbers from both the US Census and the American Community Survey. See www.census.gov.

Meet August’s Child:

Hanna

Hanna will celebrate her fourteenth birthday this month. This Caucasian young lady enjoys painting her nails and trying out make up as well as new hairstyles. She has many interests including swimming, singing, bike riding and yoga. However, Hanna’s true passion is animals. She hopes to attend college one day and find a job working with animals. Things are going very well for Hanna. She succeeded in seventh grade with the support of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Hanna is thriving in her 44 AUGUST2014 45

current foster family that allows her to fully be part of the family and provide her with consistency. Hanna’s social worker feels she would do best in a two-parent home that would help her continue to build her selfesteem. Hanna is legally free for adoption and would like to remain in contact with her younger sister who will be adopted separately. For more information on Hanna, please call Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adoption Supervisor Rukaiyah Saforo at 508-929-2095. DCF hosts monthly informational meetings about the adoption process in general at The Worcester Adoption Office. For specific details about the next meeting please call 508-929-2143.

Circle of Friends • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 Western Region Adoption Info Meeting. DCF, Western Regional Office, 140 High St., 5th floor, Springfield. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Presented by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Registration not required. 413-452-3351. www.mass.gov. • THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 Adoptive Families Together Support Group. Worcester MSPCC Office, 335 Chandler St., Worcester. 7 to 9 p.m. AFT provides education, advocacy, training and support to families, professionals and communities about the unique circumstances inherent in the adoption experience. Free. No registration. www.mspcc.org. • SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 Western Mass Annual Summer Picnic. Controy Pavillion at Burbank Park, Lakeway Dr., Pittsfield. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For families who have adopted, are in the process of adopting and those considering adopting from Western MA, Eastern NY, Southern VT and Northwestern CT. Bring your own lunch. If possible, please bring a dessert to share. Free. www.whfc.org. • ONGOING Child & Family Services, 28 North Maple St., #4, Florence. Support services for adoptive families. 413-320-4680. 1-800-972-2734. child-familyservices.org/ florence/. • ONGOING Child & Family Services, 21 Cedar St., Worcester. 508-753-5425. 1-800-9722734. child-familyservices.org/worcester/. If your group or organization is holding an adoption information or support group, and you would like to have information posted for readers of baystateparent, please email editor@baystateparent.com.

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Get ready to dance, sing, laugh and WIGGLE! WIN a family 4-pack of tickets to see The Wiggles at The Hanover Theatre! Ready Steady Wiggle appears on September 24 at 6:30 p.m. Find out how to get your family tickets today on baystateparent.com. The Massachusetts Department of Educationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011-12 Teacher Salaries Report (the latest year of published data) shows that the average salary for a Bay State public school teacher is $70,962.

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take eight

with Rania Kfuri

Westfield mom and entrepreneur Rania Kfuri is the woman behind Free Like Birdie, a line of travel accessories launched last year and designed to simplify travel with young children. baystateparent met with this mother of two (ages 2 and 5) to learn more about how she balances her roles as mother and mompreneur.

What is Free Like Birdie? Free Like Birdie designs and manufacturers travel accessories for infants and toddlers. Our company helps families feel more efficient when they are on-the-go with their little ones. The Free Like Birdie Travel system includes 3 bags: the Quick Change Diaper Pouch with Deluxe Changing Pad, Quick Change Clothes bag and Weekender bag. All bags have waterproof interiors to prevent leaking and are double seamed to contain odor. The Free Like Birdie Travel System is phalate free, pvc free, lead free and chlorine free. Our bags are reusable and ecofriendly. Through social media and our Birdie Blog we are always sharing travel tips and suggestions. Free Like Birdie is not just about the product line but about the whole concept of making travel easier for families with young children.

How did the idea begin for this business? When we were visiting Amsterdam, Birdie (my daughter) saw me using plastic bags to organize our clothes and diapering items. She looked at me and she said “Mama, using plastic bags is so bad for the Earth.” And then she looked me right in the eye and said, “You need to find a better way.” I realized she was right, but I couldn’t find what I needed as far as functional travel gear for young children in the marketplace, so I decided to develop a reusable product line myself.

What are the greatest lessons you have learned from starting a business? Every day there is something new to learn through each new business relationship you form. I feel like I am always learning. The more open you are to learn from others, the stronger your company will be. Also, celebrate your every day achievements. In business, thing take time to develop, so I have learned to be proud of the big and small advancements our company makes because each step is important.

What did you find most surprising about becoming a mompreneur? I have loved meeting other moms (and dads, too) who are developing amazing new products and taking them to market. I have been most surprised at the unspoken bond we have in this community and the support we show for each other. It is amazing! 48 AUGUST2014 49

What advice do you have for other women who are considering starting a business? Be organized. I know that is ironic coming from me since we make bags to keep families organized but, truly, this is an important piece of advice, especially when it comes to your budget. There will be many opportunities to spend money on things like advertising, trade shows, etc, but keep focused on the important investments for your company to grow. Also, be your own biggest fan. Starting a new business can be very challenging and keeping positive and focused on the mission of your company will help you push through more difficult moments. How do you juggle your responsibilities as Mom and business owner? Like with everything in life, balance is key. When I first started Free Like Birdie, my children were mostly at home during the day so I would work in the evenings when they were sleeping. Now that they are going to school, I am able to work more during the daytime hours which has been helpful as our company grows. It makes me extra proud that they love the mission of our company

What is next on the horizon for Free Like Birdie? Free Like Birdie is currently designing new and innovative products we can’t wait to share. We are always working to develop problemsolving solutions for families on the go. It is an exciting time for our company as we are starting to expand our product line.

Where can readers go to learn more about this product? They can visit our website www.freelikebirdie.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWNA SHENETTE

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