NOV.. 2013
baystateparent FREE
Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996
Voted Best Parenting Publication in North
America 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012
AGGRESSION AND AUTISM: ONE CHILD’S JOURNEY
Giving Thanks This Holiday
Season A DORCHESTER FAMILY HEALS AFTER BOSTON MARATHON BUILD YOUR OWN HARVEST TABLE AT THIS UNIQUE VERMONT EXPERIENCE TWIN MOMS MAKE TURNING 40 COUNT
Holden’s Triple Threat Has Broadway Dreams
Merry moments
she’ll always treasure
Cook up some good cheer at
Make a
Gingerbread House with American Girl!
Reservations at 877-247-5223.
Celebrate the season with a special day of shopping and dining together!
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Book your dining reservation online at americangirl.com. ©/ TM 2013 American Girl
2 NOVEMBER2013 3
Cornerstone Academy Educating all learners in grades K-6
An elementary preparatory school that celebrates the individual. Open House Sunday, November 3rd • 2-4 p.m.
Cornerstone’s education is like organic food, not processed or watered down.
Nourish your mind and body with us! • Offering Transitional Kindergarten and full day Kindergarten through Grade 6th curriculum.
• Highly qualified faculty trained to adapt curriculum to your child’s ability.
• Small classes, individual attention.
• Intellectually enriching environment.
• Solid academic foundation complemented by art, Spanish, music and physical fitness.
• State of the art technology utilized in all classrooms.
5 Oak Avenue • Northboro, MA 01532 • 508-351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org BAYSTATEPARENT 2 3
Fill Your Holidays with FUN and FASHION! Largest in-stock Selection of
at the lowest prices Yes, we can ship your selections!
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• New & Pre-Loved Fashions - Newborn & Adult • Nursery Gear • Toys • Books
4 NOVEMBER2013 5
Serving New England Families Since 1998
everythingcutie.com Johnny Appleseed Plaza, 1021 Central St., Leominster • 978-534-6604 Mon-Sat 9-7pm, Thurs 9-8pm, Sundays 10-6pm
Blossom Station Child Care Center “Daily Discoveries, Endless Possibilities”
Please join us. 222 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720
978-266-2779
www.BlossomStation.com
BAYSTATEPARENT 4 5
Auburn Mall November 16 from 8:30 am - 10 am Santa Saturday with The Children's Place November 24 from 6:30 - 7:30 Pet Photo Night
Solomon Pond Mall November 16 from 8:30 am - 10 am Santa Saturday with The Children's Place November 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 Santa Pet Photo Night Not a member? It’s just $5 to join! Visit Simon Guest Services for details.
AUBURN MALL Exit 9 off I 290 in Auburn Shopping Line 508.832.6000 SOLOMON POND MALL Exit 25B off I 290 or I-495 in Marlborough Shopping Line 508.303.6255
6 NOVEMBER2013 7
T:9”
WORCESTER’S REALLY TAKING OFF.
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Daily nonstop service from Worcester to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando starts today. jetblue.com
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NGCC provides your child with the foundation for a well-rounded experience to help them succeed in every stage of development.
Learn what we offer your child here:
866-711- NGCC • NGCCenters.com BAYSTATEPARENT 6 7
our special guest Tyler Moran, 11 Holden Captured by Steven King
18
Clothing provided by Epiphany Children’s Boutique, 290 W Main St., Northboro
table
AUTISM & AGGRESSION
One local boy is fighting to find his voice while overcoming his challenges with autism.
the of the home
NOVEMBER 2013 • VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 7
in every issue 9 10 12 13 13
24 THE TABLE THAT JACK BUILT
WELCOME GUESTBOOK
26 A FAMILY HEALS AFTER BOSTON MARATHON BOMBINGS
FINALLY FOREVER NOVEMBER’S CHILD CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
22 LET’S ROLL: Montreal 31 OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO 40 CAPTURED 44 JUNK DRAWERS
e st BPARENTING
in advertising and design
in North America
EXCELLENCE New England Newspaper and Press Association
28 MAKING 40 COUNT 30 A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING TURNS 40 AND OTHER THANKSGIVING FACTS
sneak peek DECEMBER
THE HOLIDAY ISSUE & THE GIFT OF TECHNOLOGY
JANUARY
EDUCATION: PRE K - COLLEGE
voted
f iINrstGENERAL
placed
giving thanks
PUBLICATION
Local Media Association
FEBRUARY
HEALTH & WELLNESS
22
KID-FRIENDLY MONTREAL
Just a few hours to the north, there are many kid-friendly spots in Montreal, Canada.
26
A HEALING FAMILY
The Richard Family shares their triumphs as their family heals.
something special 11 16
TAKE 8 WITH TYLER MORAN HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS: More Flexible Than Flexible Spending Accounts
18 FINDING A VOICE FOR YOUR CHILD: Aggression in Children 42
GIVING KIDS A SHOT AT SUCCESSFUL ADULTHOOD
advertising directories 48 PARTY PLANNER 49 bspADvantage 50 ADVERTISING INDEX
Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996
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so tim op ha alb sa an ca so ch fav L ab ac to ar ar gr O th ab
1. ot bu pu yo
2. W W 8 NOVEMBER2013 9
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Welcome I’m taking on a challenge this month. I came across a “Be Thankful” album that I can do every day in November. Each day I will take one photo of something that I’m thankful for and then include it in a digital scrapbook album. I’ll upload each photo and write a brief description of what it means to me. Life can get so busy, and I feel sometimes that I don’t take the time to be grateful for what I have as opposed to focusing on what I don’t have. I’m hoping this scrapbook album will help me to slow down and savor the moments with my children and family. The items I document can be an experience, an object or something as simple as holding my child’s hand as we walk through our favorite park. Life can sometimes be about more about perception and not about what actually is happening. I am so blessed to have to happy and healthy boys that are thriving in all that they do. They are amazing and I love watching them grow and learn. One lesson I’ve learned throughout the years is to change my thinking about a situation. Two local mothers
and sisters looked at a huge milestone in their life and decided to reframe it. As they were turning 40, they decided to give back and go on a mission with their church to Alabama where families were rebuilding after the tornadoes of 2011 where more than 300 people died. They were both a bit hesitant to go because they had never done a mission trip before, but the experience made a huge impact on both of them. This month, we also share a heartwarming update from the Richard Family, of Dorchester, who were severely injured in the Boston Marathon bombings in April and lost their son Martin from this tragedy. But the rest of the family are recovering from their injuries and have moved back home together. Their journey has been long since April, but with each successful surgery and treatment, they are getting stronger every day. Local mom Amy Gebru, of Ayer, shares her son’s journey as he’s struggled with medical issues and aggression surrounding his autism diagnosis. As a mom, she’s never given up and continues to try and find the right therapy and school environment that works for him. He is currently in a residential school where he is receiving intensive therapy. She shares her successes and how she has navigated through diagnoses as well as the school district and getting help from her insurance company. It has not been an easy road, but she continues to fight and be an inspiration for other parents. Eleven-year-old Tyler Moran, of Holden, is heading to take the lead in an off-Broadway performance
of Oliver in New Jersey where he will perform during the holiday season. Being dubbed a triplethreat, this young man is bursting with talent as he has being singing, dancing and acting since he was 3. With the new health care bill being voted by Congress, there are some changes to the flexible spending accounts for parents who are hoping to off-set their children’s medical bills. There are some limits in place, but there are other options available to parents who want to put money away pre-tax that can help with rising medical costs. As the holiday season begins for many families, we had some fun with an anniversary of the Peanuts’ Thanksgiving special that turns 40 this year. Stylist Kayleigh Lucci brought the Peanuts’ characters to life as we celebrate Thanksgiving. A family from Gardner traveled to Vermont last year and made a harvest table out of repurposed hardwood. They gathered with those who helped them build it and shared a meal on it before it was delivered to their home where they can share holiday traditions with their family for years to come. As Thanksgiving approaches, take some time to count your blessings and be grateful for all the joys that surround you every day. No matter how small, it is important to focus on the good in life. I am committing to look at life in a more positive way and focus on the good as opposed to rehashing the negativity in life.
Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families
baystateparent publisher KIRK DAVIS
interim associate publisher KATHY REAL 508-868-9293 sales@baystateparent.com
creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-865-7070 ext. 221 baystateparent@holdenlandmark.com
editor JENNIFER LUCARELLI 508-865-7070 ext. 201 editor@baystateparent.com
graphic designer STEPHANIE MALLARD 508-865-7070 design@baystateparent.com
director of sales REGINA STILLINGS • 508-865-7070 ext. 210 regina@baystateparent.com
senior account executive EMILY LAVOIE • 774-364-4178 emily@baystateparent.com account executive NELLIE LIMA • 774-364-5073 nellie@baystateparent.com account executive AMY LeBLANC • 978-660-3227 amy@baystateparent.com
contributing writers LISA HANSON HEATHER KEMPSKIE DOUG PAGE CARRIE WATTU ELIZABETH YELLE
copy editor BRYAN ETHIER photographer STEVEN KING presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS
Happy Thanksgiving! Jennifer
baystateparent 22 West Street, Millbury, MA 01527
508-865-7070
MEET THE COVER MODEL
www.baystateparent.com campguide.baystateparent.com
Tyler Moran
placed
f iINrstGENERAL
AGE 11, HOLDEN
EXCELLENCE in advertising and design
New England Newspaper and Press Association
1. What advice to do you have for other children starting out in show business? Try your hardest, always put your best effort forward, follow your dreams and believe in yourself. 2. What is your favorite book? Where the Red Fern Grows by Wailson Rawls.
3. What do you like best about school? Learning.
voted
e st BPARENTING PUBLICATION
in North America
Local Media Association
baystateparent Inc. is published monthly with a main office at 22 West Street, Worcester, MA 01527 508-865-7070 It is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts. www.baystateparent.com • info@baystateparent.com
4. What do you want to do when you grow up? I’d like to be an actor, singer and dancer so in other words, “Neil Patrick Harris.” steven king
BAYSTATEPARENT 8 9
GUESTBOOK November 27 through January 5 Closed December 2 & 3
On Oct. 4, Boston Children’s Museum President and CEO Carole Charnow, with special help from Montilio’s Bakery who created a 1,200-pound cake replica of the Museum, kicked off a weekend of music making and movement to mark the 100th birthday of the Museum. Thousands celebrated over three days with a playful family festival of visual and performing arts, science, engineering, fitness and more.
New England’s premiere holiday lighting experience! ADMISSION Monday - Thursday: $18/Car Friday - Sunday & Holidays: $21/Car Buses: $150 • Mini-bus: $70
413-733-3800 www.brightnights.org Like us on 10 NOVEMBER2013 11
Carrie Wattu met with Zev in the woods, at a place where he has taken many photographs. She asked some good questions, but perhaps more importantly, she listened well and understood much. Her article expresses that insight. Zev and Carrie talked about how to nurture creativity. Perhaps the only way to really excel at something in particular is to have the gift of time to explore the things we love to do. Thank you for a beautiful article. -Michele Gutlove (AKA Zev’s Mother) Natick
WINNERS:
Music and dance performances were led by the ICA DJ Collective, Urbanity Dance, Lil’ Phunk and Boston Children’s Chorus. Activities included dance lessons and dance battles, a grand procession with a dragon and lion dancers and the 500 member Boston Children’s Chorus singing “I Am a River of Hope” written and composed specifically for the 100th Birthday of the Museum. New Balance Games and a National Grid Tinker Tent engaged kids and families in physical activities and hands-on science and engineering activities. For more information, visit bostonchildrensmuseum.org.
Doc McStuffin’s DVD: Tarah DiGiovanni, of Leominster Ann Simao, of Charlton Sonia Beshiri, of Charlton Wii Planes Game: Dawn Godek, of Wales Summertime with Max & Ruby DVD: Melissa Doyle, of Worcester Kathy Stevens, of Worcester Rebecca Bigwood, of Auburn Modern Family the Fourth Season DVD: Ana Gomez, of Wilmington Tamara Walsh, of Ashburnham
Thomas the Tank Engine Tickets: Linda Del Negro, of Ludlow Monika teckchandani, of Quincy Linda Jensen, of Worcester
Strawberry Shortcake Berry Bitty Mysteries DVD: Kathleen St. Denis, of Sturbridge Mary McKinnon, of Sutton Julie Siciliano, of Lunenburg
Epic Blu-Ray: Joei Palumbo, of Millbury Dawn Marttila, of Leicester Molly Butler, of Shrewsbury
Ringling Brothers Circus Family Four-Pack of Tickets: Connor Andrews, of Holden
Meet Tyler Moran
baystateparent cover model and triple threat! Tyler Moran will be performing off-Broadway in Oliver this winter in New Jersey. He is from Holden and was represented by Karon Shea Model Management of Worcester who brought him to the International Modeling and Talent Association in New York. He is now being represented by Shirley Grant Management in New York. Oliver is playing at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, N.J., from Nov. 21 to Dec. 29.
6
Take 8 with Tyler:
1
What was your first role? Michael Darling at Mount Wachusett College.
When did you start singing and dancing? I always loved singing and dancing, but I really started when I was 3.
4
What has been your favorite role to play? Gavroche in Les Miserables and Oliver right now….it’s an awesome show – both are!
Are you nervous about moving to New Jersey over the holidays? What will you miss most? I am not nervous, but more excited. I will miss my family and friends.
What are you most excited about for your new role as Oliver at the Paper Mill Playhouse? I am excited for the great new opportunity and also, I’m looking forward to meeting the new cast and directors.
7
How long and where have you been studying dance and voice? I’ve studied both for about four years, and I studied dance at Central Mass Dance Academy. I studied voice with Trapper Felides in New York City.
5 steven king
3
2
What is your dream role? Billy Elliot.
Tell us something that not everyone would know about you…. I love to write stories.
8
BAYSTATEPARENT 10 11
FINALLYFOREVER
“Let Your Passion Show” How One Adoptive Mom Found Her Son
By Elizabeth Yelle
his personality in action. If they were still interested, they could meet him at MARE’s “Adoption Option” party at Jordan’s Furniture in October. Marti hung up the phone in awe. She couldn’t believe she had finally connected with a social worker. “That phone call made a huge difference,” Marti says. “Having a social worker make a personal connection meant a lot to us and moved the match forward. I was very grateful.” Marti encourages prospective families to let their passion for a child show and to get their homestudies out to social workers.
trying to keep up with the two of them. They made plans with Mariel to fly back again in Marti and Josh Barrett, from Virginia, started the November for another visit. They stayed for three adoption process hoping to adopt an older child, days around Thanksgiving, met Jesse’s foster family preferably a boy. The majority of children waiting and had a great time. for adoption are boys (60 percent) and ages 6-18 (85 Mariel was convinced that the Barretts were the percent) in foster care in Massachusetts. right match for Jesse, so she started the paperwork The Barretts have a 13-year-old daughter and for an out-of-state adoption. “Mariel was on it,” felt that a boy, 9 or older, would fit well in their Marti remembers. She wanted to get Jesse with his family. They went through the Virginia training and new family as quickly as possible. She knew Jesse homestudy and were approved. Then, they started wasn’t the type of child who could “keep his head hitting road blocks. Marti inquired about a lot of and heart in two places at once,” she says. local children. But there The goal was to move weren’t many Virginian Jesse to Virginia by children to inquire Christmas. He flew down about online and those to be with his forever she heard back about family on December 21. were not a match for her “Christmas was the big family. bonus,” Marti says. That’s what led her to The Barretts still can’t the Massachusetts Adopbelieve that a relationship tion Resource Exchange’s with Jesse that started at (MARE) website. She Jordan’s Furniture on found the site easy to use October 21 resulted in and engaging, and there him flying to Virginia to were a lot of children join their family exactly posted on the Online two months later. Photolisting page. She Jesse is thriving in became a frequent visitor, his new home. He tried checking back every now public school for a couple and then to see if there of months, but with so were new kids. many changes to adjust to, On September 17, Marti decided it would be 2012 she saw a new face: best to homeschool him. an 8-year-old boy named She already had 12 years Jesse James (JJ). She of homeschool experience Marti and Josh Barrett adopted their son Jesse after an adoption party at Jordan’s Furniture. clicked to learn more with her daughter. and learned that Jesse Homeschooling has made “loves Chucky Cheese” an enormous difference and “wants to be a police officer when he grows up.” “Even though your social worker works hard to for Jesse’s emotional stability and academic growth. There was something about him that the Barretts find a match, yours may be a click away,” she says. “He is like night and day,” she says. really liked. So, Marti got in touch with a Child For Mariel, reading the Barretts’ homestudy was “I would encourage more social workers to look Services Coordinator at MARE who gave her his enough to know that they were a potentially great for families who homeschool. They can be hands-on social worker’s email address. match for Jesse. “When I’m recruiting a family for with children 24/7,” Marti says. Marti sent their family homestudy in a personal children on my caseload, I try to match them with The Barretts look forward to helping Jesse grow email to Mariel Lisboa, Jesse’s worker. Since she the adoptive family they desire. It’s about finding the into an independent young man. “Raising a happy hadn’t gotten much response in the past, Marti was child their ideal family.” and healthy boy, that’s my goal,” his adoptive mom worried that she wouldn’t hear back. The Barretts watched Jesse’s Wednesday’s Child says. She was floored when, pulling into the driveway clip and that confirmed their interest in him. Less Elizabeth Yelle is on the communications team at the a few days later, her phone rang, and it was Mariel. than a month later, the family flew to Massachusetts Mass. Adoption Resource Exchange. In conjunction with Mariel said that she had read the Barrett’s homestudy for the “Adoption Option” party. They found Mariel the director of public relations & fundraising, she manages and said, “I think we have a match.” among the crowd and she introduced them to Jesse. marketing and public relations initiatives that spread Mariel encouraged the Barretts to watch the “I have a family I’d like you to meet,” she told him. the word about adoption from foster care throughout Wednesday’s Child feature Jesse had just taped. She The Barrett’s daughter and Jesse hit it off right Massachusetts. For more information about adoption, explained that the clip could give them a chance to see away. Marti and Josh spent the rest of the morning visit mareinc.org. 12 NOVEMBER2013 13
NOVEMBER’S CHILD
CIRCLEOFFRIENDS Adoption from Foster Care Information Open House. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 4 to 6 p.m. Mass. Department of Children and Families (DCF)Springfield, 140 High St., 5th floor, Springfield. For more information, call 413-452-3369. Boston Adoption Informational MeetingsDCF. Wednesday, Nov. 20, 4 to 5:30 p.m. DCF Boston 451 Blue Hill Ave., Dorchester. Learn how you can change the future of a child in need by becoming a foster or adoptive parent with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. For more information, call
MAPP Training at Children’s Friend. Starts Thursday, Nov. 14 (a 10-week training session), 6 to 9 p.m. Children’s Friend, 21 Cedar St., Worcester. For more information, call Sue Uryasz at 508-753-5425. Westfield Boys & Girls Club Adoption Party. Sunday, Nov. 3, 1 to 3:30 p.m. 25 South Broad St., Westfield. Join in for an afternoon of woodworking, hip hop dance, arts & crafts
and pizza. Open to families at any stage in the process. Orientation starts at 1 p.m. and all families with waiting children can attend from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. To register, visit mareinc.org. MAPP Training at DCF Northern Regional. Ongoing through Dec. 3. DCF Northern Regional, 280 Merrimack St., Lawrence. For information, call Stephanie Frankel at 978-557-2734. Please submit December’s adoption-related events by Friday, Nov. 1 at baystateparent.com (click calendar/submit an event).
Demo Play Set Sale!
David An active Boy Scout, 12 year old David loves all things Scouting. With brown hair and brown eyes, David has a slight build for a boy who just turned 12. He enjoys reading, playing with Legos, playing games on the computer, and, of course, video games. This summer David gained a great deal of confidence by developing his swimming skills. At first David comes across as very guarded. He has been let down in the past and has trust issues. He is very likeable and engaging, but keeps his relationships at a superficial level. Although he is eager to have a family of his own, it will take time for David to feel comfortable and let down his guard. David has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) through the public school system. He receives support in math and accommodations for his social/emotional needs. He participates in therapy to deal with past losses. Legally free for adoption, David would do well in a home with no other children or only older children. A family made up of a mom and dad, two moms or a single mom would be considered. David is the last of his three siblings to find a forever home. It would be important to David to keep in contact with his siblings that already have found families. There also is an open adoption agreement in place with his birth mother. For more information about David please contact Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adoption Supervisor Grace Kirby-Steinau at (508) 929-2033. DCF holds monthly meetings for people wishing to learn more about the adoption process in general. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Please call (508) 929-2143 for more information about this meeting.
Marsha Donovan, LCSW at 617-989-9209. No registration is required.
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umpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty’s enrolling next fall. Kids grow up fast. Help your college savings keep up. With tuition rates continuing to rise, it’s never too early to start ® ® saving for college. When you open a MEFA U.Fund College Investing Plan account, you can take advantage of all the benefits the official Massachusetts college savings plan has to offer. • It’s
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Managed by:
To learn more, or to open an account, visit Fidelity.com/ufund or call 800.544.2776. Please carefully consider the Plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information on any 529 college savings plan managed by Fidelity, contact Fidelity for a free Fact Kit, or view one online. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. MEFA is a not-for-profit self-financing state authority that works to make higher education more accessible and affordable for students and families in Massachusetts through community education programs, college savings plans, and low-cost financing options.
The U.Fund® College Investing Plan is offered by MEFA and managed by Fidelity Investments. If you or the designated beneficiary is not a Massachusetts resident, you may want to consider, before investing, whether your state or the beneficiary’s home state offers its residents a plan with alternate state tax advantages or other benefits. Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and may be subject to market volatility and fluctuation. MEFA, MEFA UFund Massachusetts 529 Plan, and U.Fund are registered service marks of the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority. The Fidelity Investments and pyramid design logo and the navigational line and directional design are service marks of FMR LLC. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917 © 2013 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
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health SPECIALPEOPLE
AVINGS ACCOUNTS:
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W
ith the high costs of caring for children with special needs a concern among many parents, setting aside money in a tax-free account may help defray the cost of their child’s medical care. Parents of a special needs child, just like other parents, can set aside money tax-free in a Flexible Spending Account, commonly referred to as an FSA, to help pay for their child’s medical care, but they might also consider something with fewer restrictions that can also enhance their own wealth, a Health Savings Account (H.S.A.). Families can contribute as much $6,550 a year into an H.S.A. and reduce their taxable income by the
same dollar amount if they hold a high deductible health insurance plan policy. Single parents can set up an H.S.A., too, and contribute as much as $3,300 a year into the plan, again, as long as they, too, hold a high deductible health insurance plan policy. High deductible health plans vary, but financial executives say they have an annual premium of about $4,000 for a family policy and include what’s called “out of pocket costs.” “Out of pocket costs” are charges your insurance company may require you to pay for medical care that are above and beyond the annual premium. “Out of pocket costs” on a family insurance policy can run in excess of $12,000 a year. Thus, between the deductible and the out of pocket charges, there’s a possibility your family’s medical care with this kind of health plan could cost you more than $16,000 a year. Unlike Flexible Spending Plans, however, money placed into an H.S.A. account will not go away. Money
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can be kept in the account and increase in value each year, through contributions or payroll deductions, by earning interest, like a standard savings account, or being invested in mutual funds. “There’s a suite of funds, from conservative to most aggressive, that are usually offered (for H.S.A. accounts),” says Merrill Lynch’s Ramzi Nuwayhid. FSAs, under new federal tax laws,
deductions the following year. “It’s use it or lose it,” says Bancorp Bank Senior Vice President Jill Kelly. Executives within the financial industry say money in an H.S.A. is free of taxes, even when funds are withdrawn, as long as the money is used for medical expenses, whether for prescription drugs or fees incurred from seeing a doctor or a dentist, or time spent at a hospital or a medical facility.
Executives within the financial industry say money in an H.S.A. is free of taxes, even when funds are withdrawn, as long as the money is used for medical expenses. are limited to $2,500 a year. That means people may only set aside $2,500 each year in these types of accounts; if it isn’t used, it goes away and must be replaced through payroll
“It has some nice features,” says Bob Kaiser, a Bank of America senior vice president overseeing the bank’s health benefits programs. He says about 11 million Americans
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have a Health Savings Account. This type of account was established in 2003, and it’s not expected to change or go away under the new, federal health law requiring adults to hold a medical insurance policy. A Health Savings Account can be set up through a number of banks, even those without branches in Massachusetts, like Wells Fargo and Bancorp Bank, just by going online. Parents should find out if their employer offers Health Savings Accounts and if they make contributions to them. If an employer puts money to an H.S.A., parents need to take that contribution into consideration so their payroll deductions for their H.S.A. do not exceed the limits allowed under the law. Each bank has its own way for consumers to access H.S.A. funds, including checks or debit cards or both. Some H.S.A. debit cards are sophisticated enough to automatically tell consumers which products and services can be purchased with them. Some banks allow consumers to access their H.S.A. accounts online and pay their medical fees in the same manner. In addition to the differing financial limits, FSAs, unlike H.S.A.s, require their owners to keep their receipts so they can show how the money was used each year. Bancorp Bank Senior Vice President Jill Kelly says people are expected to spend more than $200,000 for healthcare during their retirement years, making an H.S.A. account a valuable savings tool. Finally, parents with an H.S.A. account can keep it after they retire and continue to use the money, tax free, for their medical expenses. In addition, says Bank of America’s Bob
Kaiser, unlike 401(k) plans or other individual retirement accounts, there’s no requirement that money be taken out of the account once the owner turns 70 ½ years old. Parents with special needs children might also want to check out the website from Merrill Lynch listed below, which includes a special needs calculator to help families figure out how much money they need to set aside for their children. The company has a practice in Boston focusing on special needs families, led by a special needs dad, Ramzi Nuwayhid. Here are some websites for H.S.A.s and special needs that parents might find useful: Bank of America: saveituseit.com Citizens Bank: citizensbankhsa.com/pub/hsa/ individual/ Bancorp Bank: thebancorphsa.mybankingservices. com/hsa-learning-opportunities/ Wells Fargo: wellsfargo.com/investing/hsa/ Merrill Lynch: wealthmanagement.ml.com/wm/ pages/Special-Needs-FinancialServices.aspx Special Needs Alliance: specialneedsalliance.org/home Academy of Special Needs Planners: specialneedsplanners.com Doug Page lives in Medfield with his wife and two children.
Call to learn more about our riding lessons, small animal care, and mini horses for our youngest children.
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BAYSTATEPARENT 16 17
SPECIALPEOPLE
Finding
a Voice for your
Child:
Aggression in Children by jennifer lucarelli
T
hough autism is more well-known now than ever, there are still aspects of autism that aren’t openly discussed and some families are struggling behind closed doors. Amy Gebru of Ayer hopes to change that. Her son Yaacob, 8, who was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 years old, has been become more and more aggressive towards others as he’s gotten older. “He had some complications when he was born – he was diagnosed with a rare lung problem,” she says. “He spent 354 days in the hospital. He had a tracheotomy, ventilator and needed a feeding tube and as a result he was developmentally delayed moving forward.” 18 NOVEMBER2013 19
The family received nursing services at home and they were able to get Yaacob off oxygen and the ventilator. But by the time Yaacob was 2, his eye contact was slowing down and he started to lose his ability to track things. “He wouldn’t look at a camera and socially, he withdrew,” she says. “Doctors said I should just relax, and that I was pushing him too much, but then Yaacob was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, which is on the autism spectrum.” Yaacob then began receiving early intervention services, which included Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which Amy says she hoped would help him while at school and at home. He started school with an individualized education plan (IEP), and she had high hopes he would do well in the public school environment. “Our district has been wonderful to work with – they have been there for us every step of the way,” she says. “I know other people have had difficulty working with school districts, but we’ve had a good experience.” As time went on, though, Yaacob began becoming more aggressive. “At about 3 years old, he would pull my hair or the therapist’s hair, and then around 4, he began hitting caregivers,”
she says. “It was so frustrating for him because he couldn’t speak. Over time though, he began hitting, kicking and began to pinch if we put any demands on him.” Yaacob is now 8 years old and has been placed in a residential facility because other school options have not been a good fit. “He had a feeding tube up until about a year ago, which was quite an obstacle for him,” she says. “We fought and won against the insurance company to get the surgery approved, and now he’s eating solid foods.” The family received intense therapy in Baltimore after his surgery. When the family returned home, they continued the ABA therapy, but it was not enough for him. “He’s lost a lot academically throughout the years, and we found if we weren’t right with him at all times, he would become aggressive,” Amy says. “He needed to work on his behavior before his social skills and his academics. Sometimes it felt like we were living in a war zone.” For eight weeks following the surgery, he received intensive therapy and he improved, but then his aggressive behaviors increased, Amy says. As a family, Amy had to come up with a better solution because she
has two other children with needs as well. “He couldn’t stay with us during my other kids’ activities because he couldn’t tolerate it,” she says. “His behaviors were becoming the focus of the family.” Amy began researching, learning and becoming an advocate for her child. “I was already well-versed on what agencies were out there because my older son has medical issues,” she says. “I knew the signs and what needed to be done.” Because Yaacob’s needs were so intense, the district needed to place him out of district. “He was at a private school for a while. He made some significant strides, and he only had occasional aggressions,” she says. “But now I feel like we’ve exhausted all the options in Massachusetts.” In the fall of 2012, Amy approached the school to discuss where they could educate Yaacob and everyone agreed he needed more intense services and they decided on a residential facility in New Hampshire. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” she says. “The school was right there with us the whole way and our family as a whole knew this was the right step for us.” Yaacob now attends a facility in New
Hampshire during the week and on weekends he is home with his family. “They take him out in the community and on the weekends he does two nights with us,” she says. “He’s still my son, but he needs time in a residential setting right now.” Before deciding on a residential facility, Amy says they tried different medications to help with the aggression. “We saw that he was sleeping way too much, and that wasn’t the kind of life we wanted for him,” she says. “At times, we also ended up in the emergency room looking for help and many emergency rooms do not have the resources to help families with children with aggression issues.” She says there are so few facilities with available beds for children with aggression and sometimes you have to wait days in the emergency room. “We’ve heard some horror stories from other parents, but thankfully we found a residential facility in New Hampshire with openings,” she says. Amy says that even though she is a single mom, she and her ex-husband have worked together to make things happen. “He has not been an absent parent,” she says. “And I am close to my parents and the rest of my family is very supportive.” Throughout the years, she has
connected with other parents and attended conferences. “I continue to advocate for Yaacob while still trying to maintain normalcy for my other two children,” she says. Amy says that other parents going through the same situation need to be an advocate for their child. “It’s either going to get better or get worse,” she says. “You need to get in touch with the services that can help your child. You know your child – if things aren’t going well, don’t settle for anything.” She says it requires a lot of work, but she’s blessed for all the help she’s received and how supportive the school district has been for her family. “It’s a journey and you’ll get through it,” she says. “I just wanted to make it better for my child.” One of the agencies that have been a great resource to Amy and her family is The Autism Resource Center of Massachusetts, which has locations throughout the state. “Aggression is a difficult issue for families to discuss,” says Sue Loring, director of The Autism Resource Center of Massachusetts. “It’s not openly discussed and it further isolates people because they are afraid to talk about it.” Sue says that especially since the violence of the Sandy Hook School
Shooting, people have become more afraid. “Violence isn’t a symptom of autism,” she says. “It’s a behavior and you need to find out why they are acting that way.” She says a lot of non-verbal children have pain like gastro-intestinal issues that they can’t communicate and that leads to meltdowns. And some of the therapies offered to children with aggression problems are not covered by insurance and can be costly to families. Through The Autism Resource Center of Massachusetts, families can access help to navigate through all the services offered and how to help pay for the services needed. “Parents need to be their child’s advocate, but they also have to reach out for help,” Sue says. “We offer workshops as well as programming for children with autism. And we help parents access whatever funding is available for them to offset the costs of therapies and supplies for their children.” Throughout the state, there are seven family support centers and they give parents the tools to help families in need. They also have camps in the summer as well as activities for families throughout the year. “Most of our activities are just for an hour or two because we know most of
our children can’t handle more than that,” she says. “We also encourage parents to bring their children to our day camps – some children can handle staying for an hour, while others can make it through the day.” Sue says that it’s important for parents to have a Plan B and a safety plan if things go wrong, but she encourages them not to stay away from programming that may be beneficial to their child. “Parents can feel overwhelmed and they may think they can’t do this, but all they need is help and education,” she says. “And then they find they can do it.” When parents are in a desperate situation like having to stay at an emergency room for a couple of days Sue says their organization reaches out. “We have parents who have been in that situation who are available to talk to parents at any time,” she says. “And that has been a great resource to families.” It’s about knowing where to go and where to call, she says. “Sometimes it takes a metropolis to help families,” she says. “It’s a village here and we help parents make a connection that gives you that village of support.”
BAYSTATEPARENT 18 19
For more information about The Autism Resource Center, visit www.autismresourcecentral.org. More Autism Resources: Early Intervention massresources.org/early-intervention. html
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GET HEALTHY AT THE Y AT Y MASSACHUSETTS YMCATHE OF CENTRAL YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
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Consumer Empowerment Funds mass.gov/anf/employment-equalaccess-disability/disability-info-andresources/dev-disabilities-info/grantinfo/council-empowerment-fundsprogram.html
Autism Waiver mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/disabilityservices/services-by-type/intellectualdisability/support/autism-spectrum/ developmental-services-autism-waiverservices.html Mass Advocates for Children (legal resource) massadvocates.org/autism-center.php Disability Law Center (legal resource) dlc-ma.org Health Law Advocates healthlawadvocates.org
Catastrophic Illness Fund mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/ dph/programs/family-health/cicrf/ Federation For Children With Special Needs fcsn.org/index.php
Autism insurance coverage information disabilityinfo.org/ARICA/ aricafaqs.aspx spedchildmass.com/autism_aspergers
Mass Family Voices fcsn.org/mfv/
Access to affordable specialized equipment massmatch.org/find_at/borrow.php
State Insurance programs (Mass Health) mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/ masshealth/
Pass It On (equipment lending program) passitonforkids.org/Home_Page.html
PCA Through Mass Health massresources.org/masshealth-pca. html
Divorce Mediation If you can’t save your marriage, you can save your divorce.
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Mediation allows you to save time and emotional energy. Protect your rights while preserving your family’s resources. certifieD by: AAML since 1991, Norfzeiger Institute since 1981 eDucation: St. Bernard High School, Assumption College, University of Paris - Sorbonne, Suffolk University Law School Languages: English, French, Spanish Articles: Divorce and the Wheel of the Addiction, Demystifying Divorce instructor: ABA family law section, MBA family law section, WBA family law section, Massachusetts Supreme Court study on Addiction and the Court, Mt. Wachusett Community College, Law Education Institute MeMber of: Fitchburg School Committee 2002-2010, Board of Directors - Montachusett Alcohol Committee, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Spectrum Health Services, Fay Club
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BAYSTATEPARENT 20 21
LET’SROLL
Kid-Friendly
MONTREAL by jennifer lucarelli
Thomas tackled the obstacle course at Horizon Roc in Montreal (above). He loved the balls and ramps exhibit at the Montreal Science Centre (top middle), and the Montreal International Fireworks Competition was a huge hit (top right).
Mixing old world charm and quaint neighborhoods, Montreal is a great destination for a weekend getaway or a longer trip with the family. The city is just a five-hour drive north from the Massachusetts border or a quick 45-minute flight out of Logan Airport. Though natives of Montreal predominantly speak French, they are also taught English in elementary school, so it’s a place where you can feel comfortable traveling with kids even if you don’t speak French. One of the first places we visited was Mount Royal, the largest peak in the city. There are walking trails that wind around the mountain as well as bike trails. You can see the entire city of Montreal from
the top, which is more than twice the size of New York City. While sharing the rich history of Montreal and taking us through the many quaint and cozy neighborhoods, our tour guide took us for one of Montreal’s best treats: a Montreal bagel. The bagels are more cake-like than the New York bagels I’m used to, but they are made fresh throughout the day, which made them warm and yummy. While traveling through the city, we weaved through many streets that are lined with bike paths for the many commuters that travel to work on bikes. It makes driving by car a bit more difficult, but there are many places to park and ride bikes throughout the city. There are also
Nurturing Care For Your Child Designed by Experienced Child Care Professionals who are also Moms
Limited Openings for the Fall Learn more and take a tour:
508-751-6985 childrensgarden@vnacarenetwork.org The Children’s Garden features: • Continuum of care for ages 8 weeks to 5 years • Serving families living and working in Central Massachusetts since 1989 • Convenient location at 120 Thomas St., Worcester, near downtown and I-290 “Since the first day we brought (our son) to the VNA, it has felt like a second family. He has grown so much over the years with the warmth and guidance of all of the teachers and staff.” – Laura and Ray “I am going to stay here forever and ever ‘til I’m a mom.” – Elise, age 4 Child Care Center
22 NOVEMBER2013 23
120 Thomas St., Worcester (Close to St. Vincent’s and MCPHS)
underground malls that include shops and apartments that were built recently in the city, which also connect to the Metro. After a quick lunch, we checked out the Montreal Science Centre, located just outside Old Montreal on the seaport. My son, Thomas, 9, enjoyed the many interactive displays, which included mirrored exhibits, a water table where you could interchange clear pieces that changed the flow of the water and a wind display where you can make blades turn above you. Thomas’ favorite, along with many kids visiting the science center, was the ball and ramp exhibit where you move various size ramps within an area to see how far you can make the ball travel. At the idTV exhibit, Thomas became a news editor and made his own video with interviews from experts as well as recording his own voice and ideas about information technology, biotechnology, engineering, health and the environment. Thomas loved making the video and emailing it to his grandparents for them to see. At the Mission Gaia exhibit, Thomas and I worked together on an interactive game to help save the planet by making choices about ways to conserve energy and recycle. They also had the latest IMAX movie, which was showing Planet Sharks: Predator or Prey. After leaving the Science Centre, we wandered through the gardens across the street, which had a small pond and ducks. Before our dinner at BEVO Bar & Pizzeria, we took a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, watching street performers and checking out the quaint, local shops. Then we headed to the Notre-Dame Basilica for their “And Then There Was Light” display, which included a video shown on white sheets hanging around the inside of the church. The video described the church’s rich history starting with the first settlers and once the video ended, the sheets dropped and the amazingly ornate basilica was revealed. Our hotel was right near the Olympic Tower, which was built in 1976 for the Olympics in Montreal, so we headed there the next day. The OIympic Tower is the tallest and most inclined tower in the world with a 45-degree angle (in comparison, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is only a 5 percent angle) and the sports center at the foot of the tower has seven aquatic pools as well as a multi-sport facility. Our first stop was to tour the biodome, which was converted from the bicycle track around the base of the tower. It houses five distinct ecosystems of the Americas with animals from the rainforest, the Laurentian Maple Forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Labrador Coast and the Sub Antarctic Islands. The most amazing part of the exhibits was how included you feel in the displays. The lush rainforest made you feel like you were in South America, and the area at
the top of the biodome made you feel like you were perched at the top of the world looking out at miles of water. After going through the biodome and spying all of the animals, we stopped at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, located just next door. With bean bag chairs in the center, we become immersed in the show about the power of space. Thomas was so excited about staying near the Olympic Tower that he wanted to not only go to the top and see the picturesque views after a large glassed-in cable car ride, but also swim in a pool where Olympic swimmers had once competed. We were able to take a dip in one of the training pools because the other pools were being renovated. From the Olympic Stadium, we took a cab to the Horizon Roc Climbing Centre, which offers rock climbing, an indoor zip line and a ropes course that is three stories above ground. I had thought Thomas would be hesitant to try the ropes course because of how high it was, but he got strapped in and with very little encouragement from me, he made it around the obstacle course and was so proud of himself when he completed it. He liked it so much, he went around twice. And then he was able to do the zip line twice as well. Then we stopped to get dinner and headed to La Ronde, A Six Flags Amusement Park for the Montreal International Fireworks Competition. The fireworks display we saw was the finale from the week, which included a choreographed display to music from U2. Thomas and I had never seen a fireworks show like it – it was amazing. On our way out of the festival, there was even time for Thomas to hop on his favorite ride (the swing ride) before we headed back to our hotel. Montreal is a great place to visit as a family, and it has so many wonderful familyfriendly options. For more information about travel, visit QuébecOriginal.com. Mount Royal 1260 Remembrance Road montreal.com/parks/mtroyal.html Montreal Science Centre 2 Rue de la Commune Ouest montrealsciencecentre.com Notre-Dame Basilica 110 Notre-Dame St. W basiliquenddm.org Biodome 4777 Pierre de Coubertin Ave. espacepourlavie.ca/biodome The Olympic Tower 4141 Pierre-De Coubertin Ave. tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-Do/ Attractions/montreal-towerolympic-park La Ronde A Six Flags Amusement Park 22 Chemin Macdonald laronde.com
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A Family Heals after Boston Marathon Bombings Last April, Boston, the state and the nation mourned those lost and injured in the Boston Marathon bombings. Dozens were injured and three died from their injuries including Martin Richard, 8. Since his death, his family has shared updates on his family’s recovery and successes. Below are excerpts from their blog.
under her own power. She has since received her prosthetic leg. And while she is getting more comfortable with it, she is also limited with how much she can wear it at any one time. When she is able to have it on, she struts
weight primarily on the other leg, is absolutely priceless. As for the rest of us, we are still dealing with our injuries and their impact on our lives. But we are also making progress, and just like Jane,
August 15, 2013 Today marks four months since our family, and indeed our community were savagely and cowardly attacked for reasons we remain at a loss to understand. While we have made progress with our physical injuries, the emotional pain seems every bit as new as it was four months ago. An hour doesn’t go by that we don’t feel the agony of Martin’s death and the senseless way it came about. The pain is constant and even the sweetest moments can become heartbreaking when we are struck by the realization that “Martin would have loved this…” But it is not all heartbreak for our family, as we are making progress on this long, difficult and painful road forward. After three months in hospitals and hundreds of hours of physical therapy and other work at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Jane was discharged a few weeks ago. That night was the first time any of us slept at home in our own beds since before the bombings. We left home together on April 15th, and we were determined that none of us would sleep at home until all of us could do so. As so many things have been, returning home without Martin certainly made that important milestone bittersweet, but we know he was with us, as he is every moment of every day. Jane continues to be an incredible source of inspiration - and exhaustion. The loss of her leg has not slowed her one bit, or deterred her in any way. As we knew she would, when we finally returned home, Jane walked into the house with the aid of her crutches, but 24 NOVEMBER2013 25
this summer, having attended a few cool overnight camps and occasionally sneaking away to spend time with close friends. Henry and Jane both look forward to getting back to school in a few weeks. Bill and Denise look forward to their return to school as well. The change in schedule will permit us to both look back on the thousands of loving and generous gestures sent our way since this nightmare began, and also start to look forward. We hope to honor Martin’s memory in a meaningful and impactful way, and this fall we intend to start exploring ways to do that. Throughout all that has happened, we have worked hard to maintain our bond as a family. With the love and support of family and friends, including those who were total strangers just four months ago, we feel like we are succeeding.
May 23, 2013
Jane Richard walks out of Spaulding Rehabilitation Center after months of surgeries and rehabilitation. On the top right, Bill, Denise, Henry, Jane and Martin Richard are all photographed together. On the bottom right is Martin Richard at the Boston Bruins game the week before the Boston Marathon bombings.
around on it with great pride and a total sense of accomplishment. Her strength, balance and comfort with the leg improve every day. Watching her dance with her new leg, with her
we each endure the occasional setback here and there along the way. Henry has continued to be strong, attentive and protective of all of us. He has also managed to be busy
We are pleased to share news that Jane was discharged from Boston Children’s Hospital this morning. She was hospitalized in the ICU there for 39 days, during which time she underwent 12 surgeries. Today Jane is in good spirits and looking forward to beginning the next phase of her recovery. We all shared very emotional goodbyes with the doctors, nurses and staff at Children’s, who have taken such good care of not only Jane, but all of us. Jane was transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital where she will undergo rehab to regain her strength, balance and stamina. Jane and her body will ultimately dictate the timeline for her stay at Spaulding. Jane’s stay will serve as a bridge to what will be the “new normal” for Jane and our family going forward. While we remain devastated over Martin’s death and all that has happened to us, Jane’s determination for getting better is an inspiring
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source of strength for the entire family. We will also be moving from the Longwood Medical Area to accommodations that allow us to remain close to Jane.
May 9, 2013 Last evening, just 23 days after the bombing attack on Boston, our 7-year-old daughter Jane underwent her eleventh surgery. While she has more trips to the O.R. ahead of her, last night’s operation marked an important milestone, as doctors were finally able to close the wound created when the bomb took her left leg below the knee. Part of the procedure involved preparing Jane’s injured leg to eventually be fitted for a prosthesis. By closing the wound, the incredible medical team at Boston Children’s Hospital laid the groundwork for Jane to take an important step forward on the long and difficult road ahead of her. One of the things we have learned through all of this is to not get too high or too low. We take today’s development as positive news and look ahead with guarded optimism. If things go well, Jane could be ready to transition to the rehabilitation stage of her recovery in the next few weeks. Getting to this point has not been easy for Jane. In addition to all of the surgeries, she has also had to fight off infections and other complications. After not being able to communicate with Jane for the first two weeks, she woke up with difficult questions that needed to be answered. There are not words to describe how hard sharing this heartbreaking news was on all of us. As for the rest of the family, Bill and Denise were discharged from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center a week after they were admitted. While no sight has returned to Denise’s injured eye, her doctors have been pleased with how she is healing from her surgeries. Bill is healing from the shrapnel wounds and burns to his legs, and we remain hopeful there will be improvement over time from the hearing loss he suffered. It will be several months before we know what, if any improvement Denise or Bill will experience. Henry is back at school, which gives him a needed sense of routine and normalcy. We will continue to stay together in the Longwood Medical Area until Jane is discharged. Our focus as a family remains on healing from our injuries, both physical and emotional. We would like to take this time to also acknowledge the strength we draw from the community. The outpouring
of support from friends, family and total strangers has been incredible, and it is uplifting to our family in this most painful and difficult time. Wellwishes reach us, and they help more than anyone can know. From the moment of the attack, all of us have been in the hands of welltrained people who are incredibly good at what they do. We thank the courageous first-responders and Samaritans who stabilized and comforted us on the scene as well as the medical staff at the hospitals for quick action and life-saving care. We particularly want to thank the people who quickly got to Jane and addressed her injury in the street because they saved her life. We also salute those who stood guard over Martin’s body so he was not alone. Those officers will never know how comforting that was in our very darkest hour. The doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, technicians, orderlies, volunteers and administrators at both Boston Children’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have been incredible. We will recover because of these dedicated and talented people. People near and far have made loving gestures and poignant remembrances. We are aware of tributes and vigils across the area and around the world. Martin was a big sports fan and what has taken place across the sports world – from our local teams to our arch rivals, by teams and by individual players – reminds us why. Martin was “Boston Strong,” and now we must all be for him and for all of the victims of this senseless attack as well as their loved ones who are going through a hell we wish we never had to know. Many of you feel an incredible need to do more, which is understandable and gracious. We will need help, as we cannot get through this tragedy on our own. We know how difficult it is to stand idle when something terrible happens, so we thank you for respecting our privacy and giving us space to not only recuperate and rest, but also to ensure the one thing the attack does not break is our bond as a family. As hard as it is for us to do so, we ask for your continued patience as we work through something for which there is no roadmap, and there are no instructions. To read more about the Richard Family, visit richardfamilyboston.tumblr.com. To donate to the One Fund Boston, visit onefundboston.org. Since April 15, the One Fund has raised more than $60 million for the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombings.
Does your child have Attention & Sensory Integration Difficulties? Social Interaction Vulnerabilities? Executive Functioning Difficulties?
Wednesday, November 20th 10 - 11:15 a.m. Wellesley Public Library www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org Free Talk and Q & A. Ask our expert panel questions regarding interventions for school children that may have learning or social differences. The panel includes a psychologist, the director of Social Thinking® and a trained legal expert.
Co-hosted by Dr. Silvana Spinelli, a Neuropsychological Evaluation specialist. For more information or to be on our guest list, call 305-781-7160 or write to silvana_spinelli@yahoo.com
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(508) 831-4080 ReadyMED accepts most health insurance plans, cash, personal checks, VISA® and MasterCard® Please note our Rt. 12 location in Auburn will continue to be open 1:00pm – 9:00pm Mon. – Fri., and 9:00am – 9:00pm on weekends.
BAYSTATEPARENT 24 25 13-236 ReadyMED ShrewsHours BayState.indd 1
10/2/2013 2:21:29 PM
The Table that Jack Built GIVINGTHANKS
by carrie wattu, photos courtesy of the naked table project
“...Craig and Jack Roscoe took a weekend getaway to Hardwick, Vermont to attend a unique workshop called The Naked Table Project.” 26 NOVEMBER2013 27
Naked Table Project describes this part of the weekend as a We were married for one year when my husband’s high “critical fresh-air break from the workshop that will change dschool was torn down. An elementary school would be the way you see furniture forever, and your local woods.” built in its place, and a new high school erected across Craig and Jack hiked with their group to pick out a Sugar town. As it went, discards of the academic life inside — Maple. While this was not the actual tree that was used for sinks from the chemistry lab, school clocks and bleachers their table, they were able to see the process from forest from the school gym — piled up and looked wide-eyed into to table and watch the oxen pull the great log out of the the future wondering what would become of them. woods. “Tractors would disturb the earth,” explained My husband filled his truck with souvenirs, a few clocks, Craig, “and part of the experience is to leave the forest as odds and ends and multiple boards of Mahogany — turns undisturbed as possible.” out that under the wads of gum and scratches of initials, Back at the workshop, the pair sanded, assembled and the bleachers were made of this fine reddish-brown timber. glued their table, finishing their creation with Vermont The bleachers were sanded away and planed– the history Natural Coating’s whey-based finish, a by-product of of each Clinton Gael amounting to nothing more than a cheese-making that is said to provide a protective finish fragrant pile of sawdust on the floor of my dad’s garage. that will last a lifetime. By the hands of my father, seats that supported athletes During their free time, father and son visited antique and graduates were turned into a dining room tabletop, stores with Craig’s wife and Jack’s mom, Tammy, and a simple farm table, with rounded corners so his enjoyed restaurants in the quaint Vermont town. However, grandchildren wouldn’t poke an eye on the sharp edges. the meal of the weekend was when workshop participants Soon after, he made a buffet to match. completed their tables and joined them together into one Nowadays, the kids stretch homework up and down its stretch dining room table, celebrating their creations with smooth surface, writing, erasing, gluing and stapling. The table is etched no more in teenage dramas but Sharpies a “localvore” feast, a meal made completely of locally grown and prepared ingredients. The community was invited to the kids were not supposed to use and a chew mark where join including the forester, logger, parts machinist, saw our new dog took a nibble. Eventually, teenage dramas will miller and the furniture makers from Shackleton Thomas. make their mark again as our three girls turn all-too-soon Since the start of the project in 2008, Shackelton Thomas into teenagers themselves. The table is the cornerstone of birthday celebrations, says, “the table has come to symbolize our community’s holding stories such as when our daughter, Mary, turned connection to our local environment and our ability to 2 and cried when her big sister blew out her candle. It make something of it.” tells the story of Derek, who turned 40, and didn’t want You and your family can “make something of it” too and a party, but had one anyway. He refused to blow out his sign up for a workshop by visiting the website, nakedproject. candles and gave his wife a dirty look when everyone sang. com. If you’re interested, sign up quickly as spots fill up fast! You can also host a workshop in your community – at It holds the story of family holidays including the first a school, business, or non-profit – and Shakelton Thomas Thanksgiving we ever hosted. The timing of the turkey will come to you. was an hour off, our 10-month-old twins stayed in their At the end of the weekend, Craig put the table into his jammies for the entire day and the table centerpiece was a truck and drove away with the best souvenir father and son feather and glue-sticked turkey made out of a milk jug by could ask for: a weekend of memories and an heirloom our then 4-year-old daughter. table they made together. It holds Tammy’s crafts now, but Since pieces of your high school alma mater are probably waits for Thanksgiving, for turkey and trimmings; it waits hard to come by, there’s an opportunity in neighboring to be surrounded on all sides by Craig and Jack’s family Vermont waiting for you “and the whole family” to create and friends. a handmade tradition of your own, a table with a story to tell, a table that will continue to foster stories. For more information, visit nakedtable.com or call This past July, Craig and Jack Roscoe took a weekend 802-672-5175. getaway to Hardwick, Vermont to attend a unique workshop called The Naked Table Project. Started by renowned furniture maker and designer, Charlie Shakelton, the Carrie Wattu is a freelance writer residing in Project welcomes individuals and groups to a two-day Central Massachusetts. workshop to make their own furniture and learn about furniture making basics and sustainable forestry principals from experts. Craig and his 8-year-old son are not new to woodworking. The two bonded over birdhouse building, and Jack has watched his father renovate their antique home in Gardner. However, whether you have a birdhouse or not under your belt, this workshop is appropriate for all ages – little children to older folks — with experience and without. “It’s a great family project,” says Craig. “The people at Shakelton Thomas who run the program are wonderful and walk you through each step.” The table begins in the forest, of course. Guided by expert foresters and sawyers, participants learn how to identify Sugar Maples as well as learn about their unique qualities for furniture making and the principles of low impact forestry. The Participants of a recent Naked Table Project workshop. BAYSTATEPARENT 26 27
GIVINGTHANKS
Making 40 Count by lisa hanson and heather kempskie
28 NOVEMBER2013 29
“W bef sm
“We did things we had never done before and tried to make even the smallest difference in one crushed corner of the world.”
E
very year, it starts off with a simple question: How are we going to celebrate our birthday? As twin sisters, we had celebrated the past 39 with an assortment of childhood parties, beach excursions and dinners with family. But this birthday was a big one: The 4-0. It had to be epic. Naturally, we thought big. How about a weeklong spa trip? Should we fly to Hawaii? What about a cross country trip? The more we debated the clearer it became. The past four decades already had been epic - filled with awesome memories and boundless blessings. What if we attempted to return the good? Give back as a way of celebrating 40 years? The mission trip idea was born and the spa brochures were scrapped. In late January, our mission was mapped. We would join 27 others from New England Chapel, based in Franklin, on a week-long mission trip to… wait for it…Alabama! Our job was to help restore homes affected by a disastrous tornado that was responsible for the deaths of more than 337 people in 2011. The massive twister zig-zagged through small towns in Northern Alabama for more than 40 minutes causing millions of dollars in damage. There had been a steady team of volunteers heading to the region for restoration purposes since 2011. Our group was to be the final one. We have never built much of anything, but were assured there was plenty of work to be done regardless of carpentry skills. Through friends and family, in lieu of any birthday cards or presents, we raised more than $2,000 to cover travel, room and board. To be clear, we were told room and board meant a self-supplied air-mattress in the corner of a church classroom with about five roommates and the showers were available in a trailer in the parking lot. To say we were stepping outside our comfort level would be an understatement.
The Destruction
Miles of crushed trees, broken fences and scattered debris still littered the landscape of Northern Alabama neighborhoods. It had been three years since the tornado, but the view could
easily lead most to believe it had only happened the night before. Each morning, we awoke to get our day’s assignments. The list was large and challenging – a floor needed to be replaced, a deck needed to be built, an exterior of a home needed to be painted, a roof needed to be tarred. A barn needed to be pulled down, and debris needed to be picked up. Separate groups were assembled, and we piled into minivans with bottled water and a bag lunch and left for an 8-hour work day. A team of 10 headed to one home that needed a fresh coat of exterior paint. Eager to get started, we fumbled for a few hours before we got into a rhythm of negotiating ladders and paint brushes. At one point, a few people were assigned to bee and wasp patrol to warn others if we were under attack. We discovered that many extended families – grandparents, adult children, their children, aunts, uncles and cousins- have homes in close proximity and in many cases right next door. That was the case of one family we met on the first day. Young and old had decided at the last minute to head to a storm shelter. When they emerged 30 minutes later their four homes had vanished. They said they sat silent for hours, stunned and helpless. Their homes were rebuilt, but what used to be a two-door garage remained a heap of old memories in the form of broken fishing poles, old photos and shattered dishes. We spent the afternoon sweeping away the final fragments of that storm. Before we left, we placed a license plate we found on their front steps. It read “Frank & Angie Forever.” Although there is never an ideal time for disaster, one man had truly unfortunate timing. He had just completed building his new home in Tornado Alley when the tornado hit. His home was picked up and thrown into the field behind his land. The sky cleared and he “set about looking for his neighbors’ bodies.” We built a deck there. When the job was done, we found him in his shed sitting quietly. After
placing down some tools, we wished him many years of happiness in his new home. Without looking up he replied with a tearful voice, “You all have been a blessing.” We headed to several homes that had requested clean up help. One elderly woman had no work to be done, but asked us to come anyway. She “could sure use the company.” Another home got a fresh coat of exterior paint and a new ceiling in the living room. At night, our team would retreat to the church, tired and covered in dust, paint or tar. We d bond over our experiences and the intimate conversations moved us from strangers to family. We moved around the kitchen seamlessly preparing our meals while rocking out to the sounds of Sweet Home Alabama. We did things we had never done before and tried to make even the smallest difference in one crushed corner of the world. This trip gave us perspective. It allowed us to be present. We didn’t have to orchestrate car pools or school lunches or harried meeting schedules. We were just…there. It’s embarrassing now to admit how nervous we were about going. Would we have wi-fi? Would the food be ok? Would our husbands and kids survive without us? The people we met had suffered through years of unknown, of chaos and brokenness. Yet, they persevered and welcomed us to their homes with gracious smiles, fried chicken and the best blueberry pies we’ll ever eat! A trip to Hawaii would have given us some nice memories, but the memories of the people we met, the skills we learned and how our hearts could be filled all at once with such sadness, joy and perspective…that will last us at least 40 years or more. Lisa Hanson and Heather Kempskie are twin sisters and freelance writers. They are both married with two children and live in Bellingham. They are authors of the Siblings Busy Book. BAYSTATEPARENT 28 29
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Turns 40 and Other Thanksgiving Facts Styling by Kayleigh Lucci, www.kayleighluccistylist.com Hair and Makeup b Lesli Patroch, www.leslipatroch.com Photography by Steven King
Aaron Snyder of Boston as Schroder
When Lucy asked Linus about getting rid of his blanket, he said that he would make it into a sports coat in the future. The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924. At the time, employees dressed in costumes, bands and animals from the Central Park Zoo all walked in the parade. Giant helium balloons were added to the parade in 1927 and continue to be a big hit for parade viewers.
Taylor Decoteau of North Brookfield as Lucy Daniela Graffeo of Millbury as Marcy
The first Thanksgiving feast lasted an entire three days in Plymouth. An estimated 46 million turkeys were eaten at Thanksgiving, though little is known about what the pilgrims ate on the first Thanksgiving.
Each year since 1934, the Detroit Lions have played football in the Thanksgiving Classic. The only time the Lions didn’t play was during World War II when the NFL was on moratorium.
Charles Shultz created A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in 1973. When it aired in 1974, it won an Emmy. Traditionally, the show has aired every Thanksgiving night.
In the end of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Woodstock wins the wishbone by pulling apart the bigger piece.
Since Harry Truman, every president has pardoned a turkey for Thanksgiving. From 2005 to 2010, the pardoned Thanksgiving turkey was flown to Disney World or Disneyland where it served as the grand marshal for their annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Male turkeys gobble and hens do not – they make a clucking noise. The gobble is a mating call for turkeys. Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly.
The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds. The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog. Kobi Polisky of Plymouth as Snoopy Tristan Cibeira of Templeton as Charlie Brown
248 million turkeys were raised in the United States in 2011. That’s 7.11 billion pounds and were valued at $4.37 billion.
The Children’s Workshop Quality Child Care & Early Education Since 1990 Now Enrolling! Infants . Toddlers . PreSchool . PreK Kindergarten . Before & After School Programs Visit Us at www.ChildrensWorkshop.com Westborough (508)366-2148 30 NOVEMBER2013 31
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Waltham . Norwood . (781)466-8640 (781)769-2363
North Attleboro (508)643-3458
photo courtesy of the hanover theatre
OH, THE
PLACES YOU’LL
GO
GO CLOWN AROUND: Don’t miss Wunderle’s One Man Circus at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline on Saturday, Nov. 2. Tickets start at $8.
GO MARCH: Celebrate Veterans Day at Old Sturbridge Village. All active, veteran and retired members of the military and their families receive free admission (up to six people).
photo courtesy of the hanover theatre
photo courtesy of old sturbridge village
photo courtesy of the coolidge corner theatre
GO PLUNDER: Don’t miss Disney Junior Live On Tour: Pirate and Princess Adventure at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester on Friday, Nov. 15. Tickets start at $37.
GO FLY: Don’t miss the Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, on Friday, Nov. 22. BAYSTATEPARENT 31
tale, Dr. Henry Jekyll undertakes experiments aimed at separating the best parts of his personality form the worst. When the result is the disastrous creation of his alter-ego, the savage Edward Hyde, Dr. Jekyll comes face-to-face with the very nature of good and evil. The San Francisco Chronicle calls Hatcher’s adaptation of this classic “a smart, tense, and suspenseful new take.” Ongoing through Nov. 10. Tickets start at $45. stonehamtheatre.org.
MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination. Although we’ve done our best to assure accuracy at press time, things can and do change…
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photo courtesy of the coolidge corner theatre
Adult Child Youth Member Non-Member Per Person
oh, the places you’ ll go
A C Y M NM PP
Come to Billy Kelly & The Blah Blah Blahs at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline on Sunday, Nov. 10. Tickets start at $8.
1 friday FREE First Friday Nights. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join in with free admission and explore the museums at night on the first Friday of every month! They will gratefully accept donations for the Acton Food Pantry. Sponsored in part by Emerson Hospital with additional support from and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Billerica, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Harvard, Hudson, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Maynard, Waltham, Wayland, and Westford. 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Both museums open. discoverymuseums.org. Music and Movement with Miss Bernadette. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Explore sound through singing and playing. Move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout! Music improves your child’s memory, cognitive development, learning skills, and ability to express emotion. Plus, it’s fun! Miss Bernadette is a professional musician, a licensed Kindermusik Educator, and serves as a faculty member at Indian Hill Music School. 10 a.m. at the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org. Animal Adventures! The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join in as the museum welcomes Animal Adventures to The Discovery Museums! Meet some exciting animals as an Animal Adventures Guide shares interesting stories and information about each one. Get up close and learn all about some fascinating, unique animals. For more information about Animal Adventures, visit their website animaladventures.net. Drop in from
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. ONGOING The Hobbit. Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway, Boston. Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit portrays the mythic ‘hero’s journey’ following the quest of Bilbo Baggins and his dwarven companions to win a share of the treasure guarded by the terrifying dragon Smaug. The journey takes him from his rural home into a larger world of magic and danger. Ongoing through Nov. 24. Tickets start at $20. wheelockfamilytheatre.org. ONGOING Romeo & Juliet. The Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd., Boston. Setting the bar for all love stories to come, Romeo & Juliet is the iconic and universal tale of passionate young love, unfettered violence, soaring poetry, bawdy shenanigans, and a tragically heartbreaking denouement. The fate of the two young lovers rests on the dramatic intersection of intransigence, revenge, and the clash of generations as the play hurtles toward its inevitable end. Ongoing through Nov. 3. Tickets start at $28. actorsshakespeareproject.org. WeeMuse: WeeRead Pajama Party. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Wear your favorite set of PJs and get cozy at the museum for a night of storytelling and reading. Each gallery will feature a different story and story teller. Special guest readers will be announced. Families will receive free copies of the books being shared while supplies last. Admission is free. 5 to 7 p.m. berkshiremuseum.org. ONGOING Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main St., Stoneham. Is there a good and evil side to everyone? And can you always tell the difference? In this new adaptation of the classic
ONGOING DinoTracks. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. The hunt for dinosaurs begins here! Step into their footprints, hear and feel their footsteps, and come face-to-face with some of the dinosaurs who made them. DinoTracks starts where scientists first began studying dinosaurs (at their feet). Focusing on fossil discoveries, the exhibit engages visitors of all ages in trying out hands-on scientific study methods and getting down on the ground to put their new skills to work. ecotarium.org. ONGOING Memphis The Musical. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Turn up that dial. From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, Memphis The Musical is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves -- filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Ongoing through Nov. 3. hanovertheatre.org.
2 saturday FETCH! Under Pressure. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Can you support a book using just one sheet of paper? Give your paper a workout and make it stronger to find out! © 2013 WGBH Educational Foundation. 1 to 4 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses - Second Quest. Citi Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston. ‘Second Quest’ brings Zelda fans and symphony-goers alike an exciting multimedia experience presenting over 25 years of music from The Legend of Zelda series as never before, including fresh new material exploring additional chapters from the Zelda franchise. Those new to Symphony of the Goddesses will have the opportunity to experience the beautifully orchestrated fourmovement symphonic work from last season, which chronicles fan-favorite moments from the franchise’s rich and storied history, carefully and expertly timed with a gorgeous, larger-than-life orchestral score. Tickets start at $38.75. citicenter.org. National Stuttering Association Family Fun Day. Boston University, Academic Speech, Language & Hearing Center Sargent College, Room SAR 102, 635 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. This one-day event will provide information and support to kids,
Family Science Adventures. Springfield Science Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. Explore the Science Museum and find the Roving Scientist. You never know what kind of demonstration they have in store for you! Free with museum admission. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. springfieldmuseums.org.
Kids’ Shows: Wunderle’s One-Man Circus. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Featuring the rich and time-treasured delights of expert juggling, astounding ladder balancing, sensational plate spinning, teetering rola bolas, daring unicycle antics, mesmerizing bubble routines, magnificent magic and hysterical comic buffoonery. This interactive show aims to dazzle and delight young and old alike. Tickets are C$8 and A$10. coolidge.org.
ONGOING Dog Days. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. Old Sturbridge Village extends to OSV members the privilege of bringing their dog to Old Sturbridge Village during the first weekend of the month in January, February, March, April, and November. Ongoing through Nov. 3. Members only. osv.org.
Families Around the Bay – Salt Marsh Exploration. Little Bay Marsh, 1 Edgewater St., Fairhaven. Get your whole family exploring and learning in the outdoors during Families Around the Bay, a series of three free outings on Saturdays in October and November. Through fun games and hands-on activities, your whole family can learn about Buzzards Bay’s animals, plants and habitats. Recommended for families with elementary school-aged children. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. savebuzzardsbay.org. FREE Season Transition Bonfire Event. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. Free, but donations accepted. Set the night ablaze with us at Fruitlands, as we host our 2nd Annual Bonfire Night. But be aware, this may not be your ordinary bonfire. Come join in for s’mores and celebration. 7 p.m. fruitlands.org. Weekends in November at Southwick’s Zoo. Southwick’s Zoo, 2 Southwick St., Mendon. Southwick’s Zoo grounds may be closed for the season but the Skyfari Sky ride and a Free Petting zoo along with the Purple Peacock Gift Shop will be open weekends weather permitting in November. Skyfari and Petting zoo open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Purple Peacock Gift Shop is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Christmas. southwickszoo.com.
(photo courtesy of leventhal-sidman jcc
teens, their families, and speech-language pathologists. Kids and teens will have the opportunity to meet others who stutter while parents can learn from respected professionals in the stuttering community and connect with other parents in a supportive environment. 9 a.m. to noon. westutter.org.
AKFCS Holiday Craft Fair & Family Fun Day. 6 New Bond St., Worcester. 70+ crafters & vendors, storytime and pictures with Santa, fantastic raffles, food, holiday bake sale, kids craft table. No admission fee. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. dns1@earthlink.net. Saturday Nature Play. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Join in on the first Saturday of every month for “Saturday Nature Play with the Worcester Children’s Museum.” On November 2, we will have fun with “Nature Art,” using clay and other materials. This drop-in activity is designed for children ages 2-8. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free with admission ($14A, $8C, $10 seniors). ecotarium.org. ONGOING Science + You. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Get ready to experience Science + You, a ground-breaking exhibit where children become scientists for the day! Designed as a real-life -- but child-sized -- laboratory, Science + You allows children to explore how scientists impact health and wellness. Through interactive machinery, processes and technology, it opens a window into the world of the research scientist and, through fun activities, shows how science keeps our bodies healthy. Put on your lab coat and join in for a fascinating, hands-on journey through the laboratory. Learn how our bodies fight germs by playing with magnetic balls in the “antibodies” activity. ecotarium.org.
Come to the Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical on Monday, Nov. 11 at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC in Newton Centre. Tickets start at $10.
3 sunday The Pirate, The Princess and the Pea. Crabgrass Puppet Theatre, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. A swashbuckling pirate and princess adventure! A pirate’s life isn’t all “yo-ho-ho and a bottle of grog,” ya know. It’s hard work searchin’ for treasure, what with avoidin’ the sea monsters, keepin’ the crabs from eatin’ your nose, and fallin’ overboard just in time to meet the local shark. But it’s worth it when ya haul in that treasure chest . . . but the treasure in this chest happens to be a princess . . . a princess who doesn’t even believe you’re a pirate! And how do you prove you’re a real pirate? Arrgh. Well, ya start with a whole lot o’ mattresses! 1 p.m. Tickets are $9 for students, A$11. firehouse.org.
ONGOING Fall Restaurant Week. Various restaurants throughout Salem, Salem. Salem Fall Restaurant Week features the best local cuisine at value pricing. For 10 days only, November 3-7 and 10-14, participating Salem restaurants will offer either a two or three course prix-fixe dinner menu. Expect a wide variety of delicious foods - from steak to seafood, American to ethnic, there is something for everyone. Restaurants offer multiple choices for appetizers, entrees as well as desserts. Reservations are encouraged, please contact the restaurants directly. Mention “Restaurant Week” when making your reservations. 5 to 10 p.m. salem-chamber.org.
4 monday ONGOING Ghost Hunting 101 for Children. 31 North St., Plymouth. Daytime
Egg Collecting Cow Milking Pony Rides Children’s Activities Hiking
Family Farm Vacations! As Featured on “Chronicle” Fall s Serie
www.BayStateSkatingSchool.org Non-Profit
Brookline Cambridge Medford Newton/Brighton Quincy Somerville South Boston Waltham West Roxbury Weymouth
Step Back in Time, November 1-3 Veteran’s Day, November 8-11 Thanksgiving, November 27-December 1 Fall Family Farm Day November 11 Create lasting family memories. Reconnect with your family. Enjoy an authentic farm experience. Your year-round farm family vacation resort located less than 2 hours from Boston!
Indoor Pool
Farm Animals
Hiking
Arts-n-Crafts
Baby Animals
BAYSTATEPARENT 32 33
oh, the places you’ ll go classes 2 hours Times 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00pm reservations required. Learn how to ghost hunt. Slide show equipment used. Learn how and where to research and investigate two haunted houses. Snacks provided and bring your cameras. Ghost Hunting Certificate given out upon completion. Tickets are $20 for the first child and $10 for second or third child or parent. Call for reservations or information 508-2772371 or visit deadofnightghosttours.com.
5 tuesday Try It Out Tuesday. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. What’s it going to be? Provide your expert opinion and help us prototype a new idea, program, or exhibit component. Participate in shaping our future programs and spaces. 10 a.m. at the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org. Exploring Nano: The Smallest Science. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join in for hands-on educational activities about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Get futuristic as you imagine up a flying car or space elevator. Explore how technologies and society influence each other, and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the
nanoscale. Sponsored by Genzyme. Drop-in 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org.
leaving us with wonderful mirror image paintings. 10 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org.
ONGOING We Will Rock You. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. From London’s West End, the worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton comes to Boston for a limited engagement! We Will Rock You features the greatest hits of the legendary British rock group, Queen. Ongoing through Nov. 10. bostonoperahouseonline.com.
Home School Day. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. The Home School Days offer you and your children the opportunity to explore the Village and participate in hands-on activities. This is a great opportunity for children to gain exposure to many aspects of 1830s New England life in an interactive way. $5-10 per activity (first come, first served); some age and safety restrictions apply. osv.org.
6 wednesday Autumn Tree Walk. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. The trees and hillsides are changing from shades of green to calico! Learn about these special plants from educator Frank Meehan. Make a mini collection of leaves, learn to preserve them, and bring home resources to identify trees in your own backyard. Rain or shine, please dress appropriately. Note: the outdoor portion of the program is not handicap accessible. 2:30 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. Make a MESS: Mirror Image Painting. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Many butterflies, plants, and flowers have amazing and beautiful symmetry. You will experiment with painting half of an image that can be mirrored,
CastleKids StoryHour. Higgins Armory Museum, 100 Barber Ave., Worcester. From damsels in distress to mighty dragons, join in on the first Wednesday of every month and share tales of adventure, from well-known fairy tales to modern picture books in the setting of our medieval Great Hall. Great for ages 3 to 5. $12 for adult w/one child ($8 for museum members). Includes admission, program with craft related to the story, and a snack. higgins.org. Preschool and Toddler Wednesdays. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Each week, enjoy a storytime, meet a live animal and get creative with a supervised craft activity -- all geared especially for little ones aged 3 and under. The story and animal circle is held at 10:30 and 11 a.m. Drop-in craft time continues
from 10:30 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. Free with museum admission. ecotarium.org.
7 thursday Dinosaur Discoveries. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Touch a real dinosaur fossil and pretend to be a paleontologist digging for dinosaur bones in our mock excavation site. 10 a.m. at the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org. Thursday’s Tales – Bessie’s Books. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join in for our weekly story time. Today we’ll be reading some of our favorite dinosaur stories! 11 a.m. at the Children’s Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. ONGOING Lego Club. Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. Create and build using the Lego Blocks that we provide. Don’t bring your own unless you are prepared to leave them. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Weekly on Thursdays until Aug. 1. For more information, call 978-8291789 or email fplref@cwmars.org.
FREE Ocean Frontiers: A Special Movie winter in New Event. 14 E Central St.,It’s Natick. At a time when Englan conservation is equated with letjobusdestruction help you learn to and our nation is paralyzed by a code of no-
Our specially-trained instructors will make sure your children not only learn, but have fUN, too! At any age and at any level, we’ve been teaching kids how to have
This year, let us teach
Under the leadership of new Director Thom Norton, the Wachusett Mountain Ski & Snowboard School instructors are among New England’s finest. ScHOOl bREAkS
• Polar Kids – an ideal teaching
• Dev Team – children learn the skills and
• vacation Clubs – the perfect
techniques that move them to a new level of skiing and riding.
way to keep kids active during the holidays.
• XTreme Team – competition training for
more experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Sign up now at wachusett.com/kids! 34 NOVEMBER2013 35
ETT HUS MT
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environment for ages 4-12 with our kid-friendly teaching areas, the Polar Playground, Ollies and Easy Rider carpet lifts.
________
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SEASON-lONg PROgRAMS
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We have a program that’s perfect just for your child! DAIly PROgRAMS
compromise, a new film called Ocean Frontiers is returning common sense to these troubled times. Ocean Frontiers takes a balanced, bipartisan approach to both the problems people face in managing our oceans and the solutions at hand. The film features on-the-ground reporting from places across the country that are at the forefront of implementing promising new approaches to ocean and coastal management. 7 to 9 p.m. Preregistration is available. massaudubon.org.
Explore buoyancy by experimenting with various objects to discover why some things float and others sink. You will take advantage of the fall harvest season, using some of nature’s bounty to make our discoveries. There are two identical sessions each month. Please pick up a ticket for your session at the Information Desk when you arrive at the museum. Limited to first 10 adultchild pairs per session. 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. ecotarium.org.
ONGOING Here the Wild Things Are. The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. Make a nature inspired art project at the Children’s Museum in Easton during the new program, Here the Wild Things Are. Turn over a new leaf and connect with the nature in the Wild Place! Each week you’ll take a peek into the Museum’s garden to uncover something new, and then make a craft based on our discovery. Here the Wild Things Are is held Thursdays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Free with museum admission. Ongoing through Nov. 21. Inclement weather means the class will be held inside. childrensmuseumineaston.org.
FREE Story Time, Milk and Cookies. Panera Bread, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Children of all ages are invited to come and enjoy a story, complimentary mini-cookie and mini-milk. Preregistration Required: call Watertown Free Public Library, 617-972-6435.
Budding Scientists. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Curious little explorers conduct simple, safe, science and nature experiments in the EcoTarium’s Budding Scientists program. Held on the first Thursday of every month, you and your child will learn basic scientific principles while having fun with hands-on activities.
8 friday FETCH! Eat Like a Bird. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. What does a turkey like to eat on Thanksgiving? You eat different foods – crunchy, chewy, crisp, and soft. What about birds? Test different shaped and sized bird beaks to discover what it really means to “eat like a bird”! © 2013 WGBH Educational Foundation. Drop-in 1 to 4 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. ONGOING PEEP Preschool Science. The Children’s Museum of Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave.,
North Easton. Explore the world around you through science at the Children’s Museum in Easton, Fridays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Like Peep and the Big Wide World®, the Emmy® Award-winning public television series, the Peep Preschool Science invites children to become young scientists. Museum educator Krissy Cannizzo will encourage children to ask questions, ponder the unknown and test ideas, giving them an edge up on science-based skills they will encounter later in school. This program does not require registration and is free with paid admission to the museum. Ongoing through Nov. 22. childrensmuseumineaston.org.
9 saturday SteveSongs in Concert. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. Get ready to rock out with children’s performer and PBS Kids co-host ‘Mr. Steve’ Roslonek of SteveSongs. Join in as he and his band take children along on another incredible, musical journey! This will be a rockin’ band featuring Steve with Anand Nayak on electric guitar and vocals and other surprises! regenttheatre.com. Parading Around. 539 Tremont St., Boston. This November, 9th at the Mills Gallery at the BCA join us for Saturday morning art-making and movement workshops as we explore current exhibitions and performances. Be part of a mini-
oh, the places you’ ll go parade at the BCA. Make banners, decoration and simple instruments inspired by exhibiting artist HONK! 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. For ages 2 to 4. bcaonline.org. ONGOING Apples and Wine Festival. Russell Orchards, 143 Argilla Rd., Ipswich. Come experience fruit wines and hard ciders in full splendor. Award-winning wines crafted on the premises in small batches using our own fruits from the orchard. Taste just a few or several. Delicious gourmet foodie treats to complement the wine selections. Apples are also the star of the show! Taste all of our varieties, make your own apple pie, and press your own cider. Hayrides, live music, and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ongoing through Nov. 10. russellorchards.com. Families Around the Bay – Forest Exploration. Flora B. Peirce Nature Trail, 100 Falmouth St., New Bedford. Get your whole family exploring and learning in the outdoors during Families Around the Bay, a series of three free outings on Saturdays in October and November. Through fun games and hands-on activities, your whole family can learn about Buzzards Bay’s animals, plants and habitats. Recommended for families with elementary school-aged children. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. savebuzzardsbay.org.
BAYSTATEPARENT 34 35
of service will be honored with free admission to Battleship Cove. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. battleshipcove.org.
photo courtesy of zinghoppers.com
The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical. Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton St., Newton Centre. Come on down to Bear Country! Based on the beloved series of children’s books by Stan and Jan Berenstain, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! brings everyone’s favorite bear family to life in a thrilling theatrical experience that kids and adults will treasure for years to come. Tickets start at $10. bostonjcc.org.
Don’t miss the Zinghoppers’ A Superhero Learning Adventure at the Regent Theatre in Arlington on Saturday, Nov. 16.
An Evening of Illumination. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. Experience the charms of a New England evening in much the same way as early New Englanders did. Enjoy a guided tour around the Common, with shops and homes lit only by the glow of candles, oil lamps, and firelight. Samples of Village-period food and drink will be served at the Bullard Tavern, where music and entertainment await to top off this once-a-year evening event. 6 to 9 p.m. osv.org. Take a Closer Look: Take a Seat. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. Explore chairs of all shapes and sizes from the OSV collection, from specialized chairs like wheel chairs and high chairs, to the many uses for a humble kitchen chair. 10 a.m. Members only. osv.org.
10 sunday
Magic Show with Rupayan Neogy. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join in as local young magician Rupayan Neogy shares his talents with us! Showcasing a variety of tricks, he will confound and amaze in an interactive performance geared toward family audiences. For more information about Rupayan’s magic, visit his Facebook page at www.facebook. com/rneogymagic. Sponsored by Genzyme. Noon at the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. Kids’ Shows: Billy Kelly & The Blah Blah Blahs. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., 36 NOVEMBER2013 37
Brookline. A fun, clever and silly morning of music not to be missed. Songs about milk, pine cones, springtime, 18-wheelers, the moon, and just about anything else you can think of, in a style described as “Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld (writing) lyrics for all-ages music played by an acoustic Weezer.” Tickets are $8C, $10A. coolidge.org. ONGOING Art Investigations. The Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square (161 Essex St.), Salem. Get hands on in the galleries! Each month, look for our interactive Art Cart and explore more! Touch objects, experiment with art-making techniques and discover stories about the art around you. Subject to change. Free with museum admission. Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m. Included with museum admission. pem.org.
11 monday Make a MESS: Celebrate National Aviation History Month. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. November is National Aviation History Month! Come celebrate by making paper airplanes and other high flying contraptions. Test out different paper airplane designs or come up with your own. Fly them high. Fly them low. How far can they go? Drop-in 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. Veteran’s Day at Battleship Cove. Battleship Cove, 5 Water St., Fall River. Free admission for Veterans: all active duty, retired and reserve military personnel who show proof
The Puppet People. Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. A thrilling comic rendition of Washington Irving’s haunting tale. Focusing on themes of bullies, jealousy and superstition, this show features hand-crafted marionettes, two life sized puppets, special lighting effects, and both classical and traditional folk music. Join The Puppet People in this masterful marionette production, but be careful not to lose your head! Seating is limited.1 p.m. Free with museum admission. springfieldmuseums.org. Veterans Day. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. All active, veteran and retired members of the military and their families* receive free admission on Veterans Day. (*up to 6 people.) To celebrate Veterans Day, Old Sturbridge Village will present special activities celebrating the nation’s military history. See how lead musket balls were cast in the Small House, and get your initials stamped on your own musket ball at the Blacksmith Shop. Children will get an opportunity to drill with toy muskets under the command of the Captain of the Village militia. osv.org.
12 tuesday Peep Science Adventures: Making Things Bigger. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Using magnifying glasses we will take a closer look at some everyday objects. What kinds of details will we notice when we observe them in a different way? © 2013 WGBH Educational Foundation.Sponsored by Hologic and MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments. 10 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org. Try It Out Tuesday. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. What’s it going to be? Provide your expert opinion and help us prototype a new idea, program, or exhibit component. Participate in shaping our future programs and spaces! Sponsored by Genzyme. Drop-in 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. FREE 6-Week First-time Moms Group. First Connections, 111 ORNAC, Concord. This facilitated group focuses on issues that are
unique to becoming a mother for the first time. The same moms attend each group, with a different discussion topic and handouts each week, including: adjusting to your new role as a mother, infant care concerns, making the return-to-work or stay-at-home mom decision, changes in your relationships, and connecting to your community. Limited to 10 moms. Please register in advance. Held on the Emerson Hospital campus. firstconnections.org.
13 wednesday ONGOING Sleeping Beauty. Paramount Theatre, 559 Washington St., Boston. Journey into the fantastical land of fairy tales as Colla Marionette’s incredible puppetry takes on Sleeping Beauty. This legendary Italian marionette company – considered the best in the world – depicts the beloved classic, using Tchaikovsky’s score and intricately involved puppet technique to breathe new life into the story. Fantastic visions unfold showing visual movement that no book of fairy tales has ever contained, such as a luxuriant forest that rises up to protect Sleeping Beauty’s world. Ongoing through Nov. 16. artsemerson.org.
14 thursday
Moms Rock! Sponge Painting. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Moms—and grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and others—are amazing and spectacular! Using a palette of tempera paints and an assortment of sponge shapes and rollers create an image that shows one of the many ways in which they rock. Take your artwork home with a special message for mom about staying healthy and strong. Sponsored by Hologic. 10 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org. Thursday’s Tales. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join in for a weekly story time. They’ll have the books; you bring your imagination! 11 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. FETCH! Under Pressure. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Can you support a book using just one sheet of paper? Give your paper a workout and make it stronger to find out! © 2013 WGBH Educational Foundation. Drop-in 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. ONGOING Little Shop of Horrors. The Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The musical is based on the lowbudget 1960 black comedy film The Little
photo courtesy of the citi wang theatre
Your ticket to family fun!
Don’t miss A Christmas Story, the Musical at the Citi Wang Theatre in Boston starting on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. Ongoing through Nov. 16. Tickets start at $10. merrimack.edu. National Theatre Live: HAMLET by William Shakespeare. Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main St., Rockport. National Theatre Live’s 2010 broadcast of Hamlet returns to cinemas as part of the National Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Tickets start at $12, youth are free. rcmf.org.
15 friday Music and Movement with Miss Bernadette. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Explore sound through singing and playing. Move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout! Music improves your child’s memory, cognitive development, learning skills, and ability to express emotion. Plus, it’s fun! Miss Bernadette is a professional musician, a licensed Kindermusik Educator, and serves as a faculty member at Indian Hill Music School. 10 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. 51st Annual Massachusetts Mothers of Twins Convention. 319 Speen St., Natick. The 51st Annual Massachusetts Mothers of Twins Convention is an opportunity for mothers of twins from around the state to come together for approximately 24 hours of fun, friendship, learning & lots of laughs! For more information, email Lisa.Hicks@fmr.com. Murder Mystery Dinner Theater “Tess and Tommy’s Rehearsal Dinner.” Salem
Cross Inn, 260 West Main St., Route 9, West Brookfield. Tessie and Tommy are getting married and we hope that you will be joining them for the special rehearsal dinner the evening before the long awaited marriage. The only problem is, the parents of the bride and the groom are not as thrilled with the union as the love birds are. The tensions the parents bring to this dinner can only spell trouble for the loving couple. 6:30 p.m. salemcrossinn.com.
Christmas Festival of Lights November 22 through January 1 Weekdays 4-9 pm and Weekends 2-9 pm (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
$19
Deerfield Christmas Sampler Craft Festival. Eastern States Exposition’s Better Living Center 875 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield. 26th annual, award-winning event features 200 juried exhibitors from 14+ states who display and sell crafts. Colorful, booths display a full range of crafts including collectible Santas, warm winter clothing, and handcrafted holiday gifts. Holiday decorating & cooking demos. Hours: Friday noon to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. deerfield-craft.org. Disney Junior Live On Tour: Pirate and Princess Adventure. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Grab your tiaras and doubloons and join us for Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure. Mickey and Minnie are taking their seats too at this never-before-seen live show featuring your favorite characters from Disney Junior’s hit series, Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Get swept up in the excitement as Sofia and her family prepare for a royal celebration that helps us all learn the true meaning of being a princess with a special appearance by Cinderella. Tickets start at $37. hanovertheatre.org.
The Polar Express™
(Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
Reservations Required
$34
Tickets on sale now at www.edaville.com or by calling 508-866-8190 BAYSTATEPARENT 36 37
oh, the places you’ ll go
16 saturday Especially for Me! Free Evening for Families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join in all the fun during this special free evening for families with deaf or hard of hearing children in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Children’s Hospital Boston. Pre-registration required. Visit tinyurl. com/EspeciallyforMe2013-12 to register. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Funding provided by Hologic, Yawkey Foundations, Genzyme, DCU for Kids, and Morgan Stanley. discoverymuseums.org. Make a MESS: Stained Glass Creations. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Explore the art of stained glass by making your own “stained glass” craft to take home with you. Discover the surprising connection between medieval stained glass artisans and nanotechnology. Drop-in 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. A Superhero Learning Adventure. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a high-energy multi-media stage and screen show, featuring the lovable Zinghoppers! Hosted by J-Star (co-creator/co-
star of The Zinghoppers EMMY Award winning TV series), this show utilizes state of the art sound and projection, for an extravaganza that invites your kiddos on a superhero learning adventure! J-Star wonders if all you need to be a superhero is a cape. Who has the answer? Your kids! They’ll encourage him to go on a magical adventure to learn what it means to be a real superhero. zinghoppers.com. Nerissa & Katryna Nields Family Show. 47 Palmer St., Cambridge. What does a folk-rock sister duo write about after twenty years in the music business; a career which produced fifteen CDs, three books, a DVD, a thriving children’s music educational empire, four children and two husbands (one apiece)? The full catastrophe of course. Tickets start at $20. nields.com. Shrewsbury Child Development Committee Toy and Baby Gear Sale. Sherwood Middle School, 28 Sherwood Ave., Shrewsbury. The Toy and Baby Gear Sale is an event not to be missed. It’s a giant yard sale under one roof. Vendors will be selling various children’s items (toys, clothes, games, books, etc) and baby gear items (strollers, carseats, pack n plays, etc). Cost is $25 for a single table and $45 for a double table. This is a huge event and hundreds of people are in attendance! 9 a.m. to noon. scdc.org. Scout Day. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. Scout Days at Old Sturbridge Village are one of the special Scout programs offered by OSV and provide Boy
Worcester Common Oval Opening December 6, 2013 Public Skating December to February Weekends & Holidays Located behind City Hall – 455 Main St.
For more information visit www.worcestercommonoval.com
38 NOVEMBER2013 39
and Girl Scouts, and their families and friends, the opportunity to learn about America’s proud past. Special programs and hands-on studios designed around a specific theme help Scouts earn requirements toward badges, meet other Scouts, and make lasting memories. osv.org.
17 sunday Exploring Nano: The Smallest Science. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join in for hands-on educational activities about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Get futuristic as you imagine up a flying car or space elevator. Explore how technologies and society influence each other, and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale. Sponsored by Genzyme. Drop-in 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. Kids’ Shows: Magic by Scott Jameson. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Join magician and juggler Scott Jameson at the Coolidge for an extraordinary performance that will have you laughing out loud and perched on the very edge of your seat. Umbrellas will be plucked from thin air, a drawing will come to life, basketballs will be spun and juggled, and a member of the audience will unlock telekinetic abilities. Tickets start at $8. coolidge.org.
Family Show: Body Music: For All Ages. The Arts at Wellesley at Jewett Auditorium, 106 Central St., Wellesley. From tundra to tropics, people snap, clap, and step music. Featuring artists from the 2013 International Body Music Festival, this is a performance of music you can SEE, dance you can HEAR. Cost is $3–$5/person, $20 max per family, no one turned away for lack of funds, space permitting. Reservations required to guarantee seats. internationalbodymusicfestival.com.
18 monday
Knee High Naturalists. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon. This is a drop-off program where your three-year old child can explore the wonders of Moose Hill once a week, all season long. Children have the freedom to play and interact with their environment under the guidance of trained staff. Each week will offer a new nature or science-related theme to explore and discover through games, songs, art, and outdoor, hands-on/minds-on experiences. Registration is required. massaudubon.org.
19 tuesday Try It Out Tuesday. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. What’s it going to be? Provide your expert opinion and help us
prototype a new idea, program, or exhibit component. Participate in shaping our future programs and spaces! 10 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org.
20 wednesday FETCH! Eat Like a Bird. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. What does a turkey like to eat on Thanksgiving? You eat different foods – crunchy, chewy, crisp, and soft. What about birds? Test different shaped and sized bird beaks to discover what it really means to “eat like a bird”! © 2013 WGBH Educational Foundation. Drop-in 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. ONGOING A Christmas Story, the Musical. Citi Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston. Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas: an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. A Christmas Story, The Musical is the hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas. Directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, this new musical based on the classic 1983 movie, which itself was based on stories by legendary radio humorist Jean Shepherd, features funny and heartfelt songs by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
and a faithful yet inventive book by Joseph Robinette. Ongoing through Dec. 8. citicenter.org.
21 thursday Squawking Turkeys! The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Help us make a whole flock of noisy turkeys to celebrate the holiday! 10 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org. Take Aparts. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Are you curious about what’s inside telephones and computers? Discover resistors and capacitors as you uncover the inner workings of everyday objects. Sponsored by Analog Devices, Inc. Drop-in 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. Thursdays Tales: Turkey Time. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join in for the weekly story time. They’ll be reading books about food and family. 11 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. ONGOING A Little Princess. Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd., Dorchester. A beautiful story of heart and imagination in a multicultural world, ‘A Little Princess’ is the perfect family outing for the holidays. The Fiddlehead Theatre Company has a 20-year history of presenting professional
THE HOBBIT
Tolkein’s epic fantasy adventure
theatre and educational programming for the Boston area and is committed to producing theatre that uplifts while engaging audiences in current issues. Ongoing through Dec. 8. strandboston.com.
22 friday Make a MESS: Reaction Station. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Imagine yourself a chemist and use real laboratory tools to do experiments. Try your hand at doing wet chemistry in a model glove box and learn why some chemists use glove boxes and hoods. Chemistry activities for the young and the young at heart. Drop-in 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org.
most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Ongoing through Jan. 1. edaville.com.
Peep Science Adventures: Making Parachutes. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Explore science today by making parachutes and letting them drop. How fast will your parachute fall? What makes it go faster or slower? © 2013 WGBH Educational Foundation.Sponsored by Hologic and MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments. Drop-in 10 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org.
ONGOING The Polar Express. Edaville USA, 5 Pine St., Carver. Take a magical ride to the North Pole for the 50-minute Polar Express experience. Before and after, enjoy the Christmas Festival of Lights and unlimited amusement rides. Inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book, The Polar Express comes to life at Edaville this Christmas! Take a magical ride to the North Pole where Santa will board the train, greet each child, and hand them their own first gift of Christmas. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served on the train by costumed staff while pajama-clad guests enjoy a live reading and carols. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for this 50-minute adventure. Ongoing through Dec. 28. edaville.com.
ONGOING Christmas Festival of Lights. Edaville USA, 5 Pine St., Carver. Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the
ONGOING America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration. Downtown Plymouth & Waterfront, Plymouth. The Parade
Nutcracker_2013_BSP-Cookies&Tea 10/7/13 7:18 PM Page 2
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND N OV E M B E R 2 9 T H – D E C E M B E R 1 S T
Oct 25 - Nov 24
For Ticket Information TheHanoverTheatre.org 877.571.SHOW
Jennifer Agbay, Artistic Director
Tickets: $15 - $35 617-879-2300 • tickets@wheelock.edu www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org
Classes and workshops for kids and teens A professional theatre located on the campus of Wheelock College in Boston’s Fenway Cultural District
www.WheelockFamilyTheatre.org
Cookies & Tea With Clara SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2013
Book Signing 1:00-2:00 pm Mini Performance 2:00-3:00 pm Westborough Shopping Center Route 9 and Lyman Street 508.366.4959
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH 12:00 – 4:00PM CALL 508.791.3233 FOR RESERVATIONS $12 per person Limited Seating
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
BAYSTATEPARENT 38 39
photo courtesy of the discovery museums
you can take home to expand your experience, wherever you live. Up to three children ages 4-6 with an adult, but no backpack babies, please. 1:30 to 3 p.m. A$10m/$12nm, C$10m/$12nm. Registration is required. massaudubon.org.
Bring the kids and take apart different machinery like printers at the Discovery Museums in Acton on Thursday, Nov. 21. Drop in anytime between 2 to 4:30 p.m.
begins Saturday at 11am at Holmes Field on Court St. in N. Plymouth along Main Street to Water Street. Saturday from 11am-4pm sample chowders, soups, desserts & more at the New England Food Festival. Saturday & Sunday visit the heated Crafter’s Pavilions & Kids Activity Tent. Concerts are held on Friday & Saturday night at Plymouth’s Memorial Hall. Ongoing through Nov. 24. usathanksgiving.com. ONGOING Castleberry Holiday Arts & Craft Festival. DCU Center, Foster Street, Worcester. Come on out and meet the artisans and buy American made gifts this holiday season. Over 225 of the regions finest Craftsmen and women will display and sell their American made crafts with a decidedly “holiday” theme. Friday 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. castleberryfairs.com. ONGOING Cirque Dreams Holidaze. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Now in its fifth th year of touring multiple simultaneous productions, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE is “so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil” according to the New York Daily News and “stuffed with so much holiday cheer and audacious acts, Scrooge would exit with a big ol’ smile on his face” proclaims the Erie Times News about this Broadwayworthy spectacle. Ongoing through Nov. 24. thehanovertheatre.org.
23 saturday Especially for Me! Free Evening for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main 40 NOVEMBER2013 41
St., Acton. Come join in all the fun and explore both museums during this special free evening for families with children on the autism spectrum. Visitors may also drop-in for a workshop with Romy Wilhelm, a practicing music therapist from Indian Hill Music. Many studies have shown that music therapy is an effective tool for reaching this population, as it engages and fosters their capacity for flexibility, creativity, variability, and tolerance of change. Pre-registration required. Visit tinyurl.com/EspeciallyforMe2013-13 to register. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Both museums open. discoverymuseums.org. Test Your Taste with Stop & Shop Nutritionist, Julie Menounos, MS, RD, LDN. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Seeing (or smelling) is believing! From apples to green beans, everything we eat and drink has its own unique taste. Some foods taste better than others but have you ever thought about how taste really works? It’s more complicated than you think! Explore your taste buds and learn clues for figuring out the key to tasting flavors. Drop-in 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org.
24 sunday Kinglet Birders: Turkey Tales. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. Share with your child the exciting and fascinating world of birds. Meet some of Drumlin Farm’s birds up close and explore field, forest and wetland looking for the birds that make these habitats their home. Learn activities that
Turkey Trot. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon. Thanksgiving is almost here and it’s time to learn about turkeys. Search for turkey habitats during this afternoon program. Make a special turkey project that can brighten up your holiday table. Take home turkey trivia to amaze and astound your dinner guests. Join Patti Austin for a gobbling contest and try to sound like a real turkey. 1 to 2 p.m. A$5m/$8nm, C$5m/$8nm. Registration is required. massaudubon.org.
25 monday Fall Explorations. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. What turns the leaves into a glorious rainbow? Why do some birds leave when the weather turns cold? How do rabbits and squirrels keep warm as winter rolls in? We’ll explore the fields and forests of Drumlin Farm as autumn leaves turn gold and red. We’ll check out how thick the wool is on the sheep - will they be warm enough this winter? Are the hens laying eggs as the days get shorter? Each week we will explore someplace different to enhance our understanding of the natural world and share ideas and activities that we can take home to our own backyards. For more information, visit massaudubon.org. Discovering Nature as a Preschooler. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. This six-week series of nature classes is designed for young children ages 4 to 5 unaccompanied by a parent. Each week brings a new focus, but we’ll always begin indoors with games, activities, or crafts, and then explore the great outdoors on Broad Meadow Brook’s clearly marked trails. This is a wonderful opportunity for young children to learn about nature and meet other children, in a safe, caring environment. C$100m/$125nm. massaudubon.org.
prototype a new idea, program, or exhibit component. Participate in shaping our future programs and spaces! Sponsored by Genzyme. Drop-in 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org.
27 wednesday Diggin’ It. The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. Dig into the fundamentals of gardening with Karen Cacciapuoti at the Children’s Museum in Easton Wednesdays from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Explore plants, nature and green living through handson activities, stories and games designed to introduce children and caregivers to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Free with admission to the museum. Admission is $7.50 per person, members and children under 1 are free. childrensmuseumineaston.org.
28 thursday Thanksgiving Day in America’s Hometown. Throughout the streets of Plymouth, Plymouth. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit Pilgrim Hall Museum and Plimoth Plantation, Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock, National Monument to the Forefathers, Jabez Howland House & more! 10 a.m. - “The Pilgrim Progress” Procession A reenactment of the Pilgrims’ march to their original church site followed by a short worship service. This annual Thanksgiving Procession begins at the Mayflower Society House at the foot of North Street. uaine.org or pilgrimhall.org/ daymourn.htm. Thanksgiving Weekend. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. Costumed historians at Old Sturbridge Village demonstrate hearthside cooking in early New England. Learn that proper 19th century table manners required eating from one’s knife. After dinner, the men will demonstrate a target shoot. Later in the weekend, witness a traditional early New England wedding. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. osv.org.
26 tuesday 29 friday Moms Rock! Collage. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Moms’and grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and others are amazing and spectacular! Dig through our collection of paper in different sizes, shapes and colors to collage an image that shows one of the many ways in which they rock. Take your artwork home with a special message for mom about staying healthy and strong. Sponsored by Hologic. 10 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org. Try It Out Tuesday. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. What’s it going to be? Provide your expert opinion and help us
Build It! The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. LEGO building for toddlers! Bring your imagination to build, stack, and sort using our enormous collection of DUPLOS. Construct your own architectural wonder or work together to build a museum-community sculpture. Drop-in all day in the Children’s Discovery Classroom. discoverymuseums.org. LEGO ZONE. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. You bring your imagination and they’ll supply the LEGOs. Try your hand at one of our LEGO challenges or build your own unique creation. Add to our community board to inspire your fellow visitors. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Drop-in all day in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org. ONGOING Nutcracker. Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, 36 Charter Rd., Acton. Share the magic of the season as Clara’s dream comes to life with humor, musicality and exciting dancing. The lavish sets, colorful costumes, and a magical Christmas tree that grows to unbelievable heights set the stage for the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Journey to the Snow Kingdom and join Clara in her dream of a magical land of holiday sweets and greet sparkling dancers, Mother Ginger, glittering flowers and the Dew Drop Fairy. Ongoing through Dec. 1. commonwealthballet.org. ONGOING Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. For this special engagement, a restored 35mm print of the classic 1964 film has been customized with on-screen lyrics so that audiences can join in the fun by singing along. A movie host will introduce the film and lead the crowd through audience participation activities and demonstrate the use of the complimentary bag of interactive props. To complete the Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins experience, audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite Mary Poppins character – or in a costume inspired by the movie. Ongoing through Dec. 1. Tickets start at $12.50. regentheatre.com. ONGOING A Christmas Carol, with Charles’ Dickens’ Great Great Grandson. Vaillancourt Folk Art, Blaxton Hall, 9 Main St., Sutton. Gerald Charles Dickens will be performing his one man show of “A Christmas Carol” again this holiday season! Dickens adopts different voices, expressions and mannerisms to portray each of the story’s 26 characters in this acclaimed one-man show. Show time approximately one hour and is not recommended for children under the age of 8 years old. Ongoing through Nov. 30. valfa.com. The Nutcracker. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Jump start the holiday season with the Nutcracker presented by Ballet Arts Worcester and the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. Share the magic and beauty of this beloved Worcester production with your favorite loved ones! Tickets start at $24. Ongoing through Dec. 1. thehanovertheatre.org.
30 saturday LEGO ZONE. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. You bring your imagination and they’ll supply the LEGOs. Try your hand at one of our LEGO challenges or build your own unique creation. Add to our community board to inspire your fellow visitors. Sponsored by Genzyme. Drop-in all day in the Science Discovery Museum. discoverymuseums.org.
LL NO O R W EN
ONGOING Bill Cosby. The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., Boston. One of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums and bestselling books such as Fatherhood. His comedy transcends age, gender and cultural barriers. Ongoing through Dec. 1. Tickets start at $49.50. thewilburtheatre.com. Lowell City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration. Merrimack Street, Lowell. Celebrate the coming holiday season in Lowell with festivities including family activities, music and a hot chocolate competition as well as a holiday parade featuring local and regional floats and marching bands. Noon to 4 p.m. lowell.org./pages.cityoflights.aspx. To Submit an Event Fill out our form at baystateparent.com By Nov. 1.
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GIVING KIDS A
SHOT AT
successful adulthood by doug page
Children with a passion for life and achievement might become as successful as some of the country’s leading entrepreneurs, like Amazon. com’s Jeff Bezos, Starbucks’ Howard Schultz or New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Better yet, says Massachusetts psychiatrist and child development expert Edward Hallowell, successful attitudes are teachable using a fivestep plan he developed. “Henry Ford use to say, ‘If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right’ either way,” Dr. Hallowell said while addressing a group of parents at the Riverbend School in Natick last month. In addition to counseling children and adults, the Sudbury-based doctor has also authored a number of books, one of the latest entitled The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness. “What predicts whether children will do well (as adults) are the attitudes they are taught,” says Dr. Hallowell. “Grit, confidence, the ability to get along with others, industry and initiative are teachable attitudes.” Novelist John Irving, Dr. Hallowell says, wasn’t much of a student, but he learned discipline and perseverance while on the wrestling team at Phillips Exeter Academy, which paved the way for his success. “If someone has a fixed mindset that their level of achievement is hindered by their race, gender and income, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy,” he says. He warns that many parents follow an obsolete model that those who do best in life are those who do best in childhood. “It’s not true,” he says. “Being number one in the 5th grade does not mean someone will be number one 42 NOVEMBER2013 43
in their profession or in life, when they’re 35 or 40 years old.” Some of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs, like Apple’s Steve Jobs, Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg were college dropouts. The five steps, Hallowell says, that will make children successful adults involve connection, play, practice, mastery and recognition. “Connection,” he says, is really another word for love. In other words, he says, children with a strong sense of love from their parents are resilient, optimistic and more likely to take risks. So how does a parent build this connection?
genuine adults and form genuine and sincere relationships and friendships with other people,” Dr. Hallowell says.
Playtime It’s important for children to play with other kids, he says, because it builds imagination, teaches them how to cooperate and develops problemsolving skills. While Dr. Hallowell worries about the demands of some sports teams – some of which, he says, practice four times a week during the school year – he says the advantage of team sports is, “They teach loyalty and players having each other’s back.” In fact, he says, an advantage to
“A passionate devotion to what the task might be and what is useful to the world makes kids and adults passionate about life,” Dr. Hallowell says. “Have fun with your children,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to be goofy and silly with them. That’s how you build connection and create that magical force field.” Childhood, he says, “should not be about the grim march to 800s on the SATs.” A parent putting in time and loving energy into their relationship with their children, he says, makes them know they’re important and, thus, makes them more successful. “They will like themselves, become
participating in team sports, as well as other organizations or activity groups, is that it makes children feel connected to other kids, their parents and, in many ways, the world at large.
Practice Anything any child wants to learn, whether it’s playing a musical instrument or learning a foreign language or a sport, starts with practice. Practice requires discipline and responsibility, Dr. Hallowell says,
and also teaches children how to receive help and coaching. Dr. Hallowell says parents should encourage their children to practice whatever it is they wish to master because it’s much more motivating than telling children they’re lazy. The bottom line, says Dr. Hallowell, is that the attitude parents want in their children is that anything can be accomplished.
Mastery Self-esteem, says Dr. Hallowell, increases when people master something that’s been challenging. “As someone makes progress – whether it’s playing an instrument or learning a subject – others will notice,” he says. Dr. Hallowell says that mastery will increase a child’s optimism, which they will then carry into their adult years.
Recognition People who think big, says Dr. Hallowell, are enthusiastic about life while those who don’t are cynics. Parents, by encouraging their children to practice what they want to learn and then praising them when they achieve their goals, can deepen their connection to their children and increase their chances of success in adult life. “A passionate devotion to what the task might be and what is useful to the world makes kids and adults passionate about life,” he says. To learn more about Dr. Hallowell, visit drhallowell.com. Doug Page lives in Medfield with his wife and two children.
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JUNK DRAWERS A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT
FALL CREATIONS After Monika Turek moved to the United States from Hungary, she wanted to continue her family tradition of creating decorated gingerbread cookies for Christmas. Her designs were unique and her friends encouraged her
to make more. She started using different icing colors and with a variety of dough. Now she creates cookies for parties, special occasions and gifts. She uses a couple of different recipes; sugar cook-
PUMPKIN CUSTARD PIE
¾ tsp. nutmeg 4 eggs ½ cup sugar
special she will come up with a unique design for the occasion. She promotes her business at www.etsy.com/shop/ miszisz/ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CookmunkCookies/.
SHINING BRIGHT
Crust: Prepare an unbaked 9-inch pie shell Filling: 1 cup light cream 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup milk
ies are for party favors and gifts, and the traditional Hungarian honey cakes are great for decorative pieces like candle holders and ornaments for Christmas. If a customer has a need for something
½ tsp. salt 1 cup cooked and pureed or whipped pumpkin or squash
Pumpkin pie too spicy for you? Try this milder custard pie for a change. Use either pumpkin or squash. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Brush the inside of curst with slightly beaten egg white. Scald the cream and milk together and set aside. Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl, then stir in the sugar, salt, vanilla, nutmeg and pumpkin. Stir in the milk and cream and pour into the pie shell. If desired, sprinkle a little additional ground nutmeg over the top. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees and continue to bake for 25-30 minutes or longer or until the custard tests done with a knife (when you insert the knife into the custard, it comes out clean). Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. *Recipe courtesy of wilsonfarm.com
GRATEFUL FOR THE SEASON With her twins off to college, Laurie Keenan found herself with free time and a void larger than the Grand Canyon. In addition, her job as a family childcare provider was hectic with transitions. Her husband decided a weekend getaway was in order. During their Maine getaway, she visited a small gift shop. While browsing she happened upon a beautiful beach filled ornament. Although beautiful, she felt it needed a little something more. Her favorite beach phrase came to mind, “It is always ourself that we find at the sea.” Upon returning home, she purchased the supplies needed to make the beautiful ornaments and tweaked them with beach phrases. She opened “Simply Seasons,” (www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySeasonals) in August of 2012, filling over 100 orders by Christmastime. Wanting to offer more than beachthemed ornaments, she recently opened a second shop, Express In Vinyl (www.etsy. com/shop/ExpressInVinyl). This shop offers personalized ornaments as well as baby, wedding and holiday themed items like this Grateful Thanksgiving jar.
Jenell Thurston, of the Old Sterling Candle Co., has always loved the warm glow of a candle in her home, but didn’t like the harsh chemicals and soot that most candles produce. She cares about the environment, particularly the one her family breathes in every day. So she learned how to make her own cleanburning candles. And when her kids became older, independent teens with lives of their own she turned her hobby into a thriving business. She pours pure soybean wax into replica antique mason jars. Soybean wax produces a beautiful creamy white, clean-burning candle with great scent-throw. Soy wax is produced right here in the United States and using it supports American farmers. She also makes raw beeswax candles. Beeswax is colored by pollen and fragranced by honey and flower nectar and produces a warm honey aroma when lit. She sells her candles and her RAW Aromatherapy Bath & Body products in her shop at the antique Cider Mill in the center of Sterling (15 Waushacum Ave.) and on her website at www.oldsterlingcandle.com.
GOBBLE GOBBLE Handmade With A Mothers Love is a knitting business owned by Denielle Morin, a stay at home mom living in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. At 12, Denielle’s grandmother, Lois, taught her to knit, but being 12 Denielle retained very little. After Lois’s passing, Denielle regretted never taking the time to sit down with her and learn again. So one day Denielle picked up some needles and taught herself to knit again as a way to feel closer to her grandmother and remember the memories made while knittin What became a hobby Denielle loved quickly became something people requested on a regular basis. And with that Handmade With A Mother’s Love was born. The shop offers novelty hats for babies, toddlers, children and adults alike, as well as mittens, purses, afghans and other wonderful items all made with a mother’s love. Please visit www.etsy.com/shop/bitsybeans005 to see the items available for purchase.
Junk Drawers strives to highlight the products, people and places of Massachusetts. Have an idea? Email editor@baystateparent.com. 44 NOVEMBER2013 45
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Seeing Double SO CUTE: Emma and Lily Busa, 3 weeks old, of East Bridgewater, snuggle up together.
SWING FUN: Amelia and Madison Dunker, of Worcester, love playing in their backyard.
AWESOME AUTUMN: Addisyn and Dylan Harvey, 3, of Grafton, love running through the leaves in the fall.
AMERICAN GIRLS: Emma and Lauren Larose, 7, of North Grafton, enjoyed a visit to Time Square in September for their birthday with their two favorite American Girl dolls.
MORE THAN DOUBLE: Two sets of twins, Eliza and Zachary Todd, 8, and Henry and William Todd, 2 ½, of Carver, love playing at the beach.
BUNNY HOP: Gabriella and Brooke Muth, 4, of Lunenburg, love dressing the same especially during Easter.
BEACH BUDDIES: Shane and Cole Ryan, 4, of Scituate, love the beach.
ALL SMILES: Aditi and Mahati Jayendran, 3, of Westborough, dress the same and are two peas in a pod.
46 NOVEMBER2013 47
photo credit: j carbonneau photography
TWO BUDDIES: Riley and Tyler LaPlante, 2, of Charlton, love hanging out together.
CUPCAKES: Ava and Alana Budzinski, 3, are all smiles.
Baystate_Layout 1 9/13/13 9:49 AM Page 1
C O M M O N W E A LT H BA L L E T The P R E S E N T S
SNUGGLING UP: Zachary and Adrian Sawyer, 2, of Northbridge, are all hugs and kisses.
CARROT TOPS: Liam and Lucas Berard, 7 ½, of Shrewsbury, love hanging out together.
Nutcracker
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SAY CHEESE: Cameron Joseph and Haley Ann Courtney, 8, of Sturbridge, are two buddies.
READY FOR SCHOOL: Lucas and Hunter Yourk, 10, of Fitchburg, love going to school.
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we are
award winning premier an
INDEX American Girl �������������������������������������������������������������������2 Applewild School ������������������������������������������������������������43 Athletes 4 Autism �����������������������������������������������������������19 Attorney Connors ������������������������������������������������������������20 Backyard Adventures �������������������������������������������������������13 Ballet Arts Worcester �������������������������������������������������������39 Bay State Skating School ������������������������������������������������33 Blossom Station ���������������������������������������������������������������5 Boston Ballet School �������������������������������������������������������21 BrainCore Therapy ����������������������������������������������������������16 Button Tree Kids �������������������������������������������������������������52 Children’s Dentistry of Northborough ����������������������������������41 Children’s Music Academy ������������������������������������������������41 The Children’s Garden/VNA ����������������������������������������������22 The Children’s Workshop ��������������������������������������������������30 City of Worcester ������������������������������������������������������������38 Common Ballet ��������������������������������������������������������������47 Cornerstone Academy ��������������������������������������������������������3 Cutie Patuties Consignment �����������������������������������������������4 EcoTarium ����������������������������������������������������������������������38 Edaville USA ������������������������������������������������������������������37 Epiphany Children’s Boutique ��������������������������������������������35 Fay School ��������������������������������������������������������������������22 Fidelity Investments ��������������������������������������������������������14
The Hanover Theatre ����������������������������������������������������8,48 Inn at East Hill ���������������������������������������������������������������33 Jam Time ����������������������������������������������������������������������41 JetBlue ����������������������������������������������������������������������������7 The Learning Zone ����������������������������������������������������������15 Little Hands Academy ������������������������������������������������������21 Magay & Barron Eye Center ���������������������������������������������43 Music Together ���������������������������������������������������������������15 Next Generation Children’s Centers ��������������������������������������7 Perkins School ���������������������������������������������������������������17 ReadyMed ���������������������������������������������������������������������27 The Riverbend School ������������������������������������������������������51 Salvadore Auto ���������������������������������������������������������������43 Seven Hills Charter Public School ��������������������������������������47 Simon Malls ��������������������������������������������������������������������6 Skribbles �����������������������������������������������������������������������43 Smuggler’s Notch �����������������������������������������������������������23 Speech-Language & Hearing ��������������������������������������������17 Dr. Spinelli ���������������������������������������������������������������������27 Spirit of Springfield ���������������������������������������������������������10 Wachusett Mountain �������������������������������������������������������34 Wheelock Family Theatre �������������������������������������������������39 Wicked Local �����������������������������������������������������������������45 YMCA of Central Massachusetts ����������������������������������������20
education DON’T MISS OUR
ISSUE
PRE-K - COLLEGE Parents spend a lot of time and money on their children’s education. This January issue will be read cover-to-cover featuring everything from choosing the perfect pre-school, camps and saving for college.
parenting publication
in Central and Eastern MA.
Sounds like like aa Sounds
p e r fe c t match. send your outstanding resume to Regina Stillings regina@baystateparent.com
baystateparent 50 NOVEMBER2013 51
PERFECT FOR • Banks and Credit Unions • Camps & After School Programs • Community Colleges & Universities • Dance Schools
• Day Care Centers • Financal Planners • Pre-Schools • Private Schools • Private Instruction • Tutors & More!
For advertising information contact Regina Stillings at regina@baystateparent.com or 508-865-7070 ext. 210. Ad space deadline for this special January issue is December 12th
baystateparent Massachusetts’ Premier
Magazine For Families Since 1996
inspire. achieve.
discover ... THE RIVERBEND SCHOOL Academic Excellence. Montessori Philosophy. The Best of Both Worlds. 15 MONTHS - GRADE 8
www.TheRiverbendSchool.org/JoinUs
6 BAYSTATEPARENT 50 51
Cute as a Button
At Button Tree Kids, we offer the finest clothing, toys, and gifts for your child. All Your Favorite Brands Andy & Evan Brio Bunnies by the bay Catimini Eeboo Episencial Green Toys Gund Hape Puzzles & Games Arts & Crafts Handprint Educational Toys Puzzles & Games Jean Bourget Educational Toys Cuddly Plush for Newborns Jellycat November 12-23 Joe’s Jeans 10% total sales will be donated to The Worcester JCC’s youth programs. KidCuteTure Kiss my Face Kids Coat Drive Manhattan Toy Through January 18 Melissa & Doug Bring a gently worn kids winter coat for donation and we’ll Oilily give you 20% off a new coat in store. Collections will be Petit Ami donated to Abby’s House emergency shelter. Putumayo Room Seven Schylling Squishable Tea Thames & Kosmos Weleda Zubels
Newborn - Toddler And Big Kids Too!
1102 Pleasant St. Worcester, MA • 508-926-8710 info@buttontreekids.com • Hours: Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm MORE DETAILS: facebook.com/ButtonTreeKidsTatnuck
52 NOVEMBER2013