August 2010 Baystate Parent Magazine by baystateparent magazine

AUGUST 2010

FREE

baystateparent Massachusetts’

Premier Magazine For Families

TUBING & ZORBING: HAVING A BALL IN AMESBURY

PICK A FAIR, ANY FAIR! YOU CAN’T GO WRONG

NIXING THE NARCISSISM IN OUR KIDS THREE CHEERS FOR SCHOOL STAFF ADVENTURES IN GROCERYLAND • HOW SMART IS YOUR CART? • FUN ON AISLE 5

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH OUR

Fashion Fables

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

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2 AUGUST2010

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SHARE the joy of great

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MUMMENSCHANZ October 26, 2010

A CHRISTMAS CAROL December 17-22, 2010

2010-11 :,(:65

ACCESS HANOVER: Get a sneak peek behind the scenes! Free for members; $10 for the general public 9/25, 10/27, 11/27, 1/26, 2/26, 3/30, 4/30, 5/25, 9/25

AUGUST

5-7 Menopause: The Musical 14 Debora Dias: An Evening of Inspiring Music 21-22 The Taming of the Shrew

NOVEMBER

SEPTEMBER 10 A Night of Tribute, with The Great Escape and Bon Jersey 24 NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing’ Live Tour 30 David Sedaris: When You Are Engulfed in Flames

DECEMBER

8 Mazowsze 17-22 A Christmas Carol

JANUARY

21-23 Mamma Mia!

FEBRUARY 18-20 Grease

OCTOBER

MARCH

1-3 15 22 26

Monty Python’s Spamalot An Evening with Rockapella Rave On! Mummenschanz

10 Mitch Albom: Have A Little Faith 13 Zonkaraz 26-28 The Nutcracker

MAY JUNE

25-27 Avenue Q 11 Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater 10-12 Fiddler on the Roof

All dates, programs, and times are subject to change without notice.

TheHanoverTheatre.org t 877.571.SHOW 2 Southbridge Street t Worcester, MA 01608 Discounts available for groups, members, kids, students, and WOO card holders Worcester Center for the Performing Arts, a registered not-for-proﬁt 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

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August Events

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our special guests Severine Fortin, 12, Hingham captured by Allison Cottrill Photography, Carlise allisoncottrillphotography.com

table

the of the home

FASHION FABLES

baystateparent selected this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back-to-school fashions inspired by childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic stories. Our local models spent a summer day jumping into a fairy tale with us. We think the results are magical...

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

You probably thought this summer has been hot, but Massachusetts is just getting warmed up when it comes to fairs and festivals. Pick a fair, any fair, and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go wrong!

AMESBURY SPORTS PARK

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it like to be a human washing machine? Roll down a hill inside a huge bouncy ball filled with water, or tube on a large plastic slide. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roll is to Essex County, the Amesbury Sports Park.

AUGUST 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ VOLUME 15 â&#x20AC;˘ NUMBER 4

in every issue 8

WELCOME

GUESTBOOK

ON MY PLATE: My Highly Sensitive Family

FINALLY FOREVER: Meant to Be

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS ADOPTION EVENTS

AUGUSTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHILD

MOMS ROCK: Karin Perry of Hopkinton

UNDER MY ROOF: The School Bus

WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COACHING OUR KIDS: Robert L. Manning of Grafton

TAKE GOOD CARE: Nixing the Narcissism

OH, THE PLACES YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL GO: Calendar of Events

JUNKDRAWERS

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROLL: Amesbury Sports Park

something special 44 HOW SMART IS YOUR CART? 48 FUN ON AISLE 5

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

back to school

advertising directories 21 59 64 65 70

OPEN HOUSES BACK-TO-SCHOOL FASHION RETAILERS BULLETIN BOARD PARTY PLANNER ADVERTISING INDEX

18 KINDERGARTEN IS STARTING

AND SO IS MY MIDLIFE CRISIS

20 UNDER MY ROOF: The School Bus 23 THREE CHEERS FOR THE SCHOOL CUSTODIAL AND CAFETERIA STAFF

27 THE VOICE OF THE CHILD

FASHION FABLES: Back-to-School Fashion

sneak peek SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

THE ARTS THINK PINK SPECIAL NEEDS

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

FT <PZT :XSb B\X[T Our warm and kid-friendly office and reception rooms are designed to be welcoming, fun and special for the whole family. Pediatric Dentistry

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& Drilless Dentistry & We also provide Hospital Dentistry for the fearful & special needs child

& Orthodontics for children and adults (Moms and Dads wear braces too)

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e m o c l e W Yes, it’s overdone, but you know the saying, “All I really need to know, I learned in kindergarten?” It’s especially true for a mom of a kindergartner. Your child’s first year of school is training ground for years of dealing with teachers, school administration, coaches and other parents. Needless to say, it can be a little intense.

When my oldest child first started elementary school, I read the book The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz (recommended by baystateparent’s inaugural “Mom Who Rocks,” Dawn Weber). Ruiz’s advice seemed tailored just for moms who find themselves worrying too much about everything. The Four Agreements are: 1. Be impeccable with your word. 2. Don’t take anything personally. 3. Don’t make assumptions. 4. Always do your best. By the time I sent my next two children - my twins - off to kindergarten, I had my “agreements,” which worked to not only calm me, but my children as well. If you have a child starting school this September, by all means, start reading! Before any one of us starts to trade in our children’s flip flops for school shoes, however, there’s still time in August for summer fun. I’m sure you already feel like a human washing machine at times, but there really is a way to do this for sport. It’s called Zorbing, and you can try it in Essex County (page 68). And while this summer has been hot, Massachusetts is just getting warmed up when it comes to fairs and festivals. Pick a fair, any fair, and you won’t go wrong (page 58). August is also typically the time to squeeze in all of your appointments

(haircut, dentist, doctor). Consider visiting a Hair Cuttery salon now through August 15th for your child’s back-to-school cut. For every haircut you purchase, a free haircut will be provided to a disadvantaged child in the care of the Department of Children and Families. For more information, visit haircuttery.com. While we have you in appointmentmode (and your kids with their fresh cuts), why not add photographer to the to-do list. baystateparent is pleased to announce that we will be working with Portrait Simple studios through August 29th , offering your child an exclusive chance to be one of our future cover models! Search our blog at baystateparent.com for all the details. We’re also hoping you’ll take a few minutes to catch the debut of baystateparent on video, a behindthe-scenes look at our most ambitious fashion shoot yet, Fashion Fables. Our very own, Jennifer Antkowiak, sings the vocals (we admit it, we had tears). Share a part of our fairy tale by viewing it on our homepage at baystateparent.com. Here’s to Fairs and Fairy Tales!

Carrie Wattu editor

Meet Our Cover Model

Severine Fortin

Tell us about being made over into The Big Bad Wolf: Before the shoot, I braided my hair into 50 little braids that I had to wear to school. Then the stylist added different colored hair extensions, leaves, twigs, ribbons, pieces of bark and wolf ears. It probably weighed 5 pounds itself. It felt like I was 5 pounds lighter when they took it off. allison cottrill

Was this the most unique style you’ve ever had? I once had my hair turned into a nest and a bird was placed on it. What is something people would never know about this particular fashion shoot? My outfit was four sizes too small for me. Age:12 Entering Grade: 7 Hometown: Hingham Modeling fashions in the character of The Big Bad Wolf from The Three Little Pigs

What is your favorite childhood story? Alice in Wonderland because I love the adventure and how creative it is. My favorite character is the Mad Hatter.

GUEST BOOK

Dear baystateparent, I love the calendar with lists of activities to do each day of the month. I have found some activities and places to visit I had not known about by reading baystateparent. Thanks for the great info! Patti Ortiz, Milford Dear baystateparent, I’ve been a loyal reader and follower of baystateparent on Facebook since I moved back to the area two years ago. When I moved here, however, I realized that it was more difficult to find local sources for quality food (local meats,

8 AUGUST2010

What are some of your favorite books now? I like the Nancy Drew series. I have read all of them two times each. I like that the main character is a girl and it’s a mystery. Often I stay up late reading them wanting to solve the mystery. What is on your back-to-school Shopping list this year? I am saving up for a laptop computer. For my backto-school fashion, I would like a pair of leather boots because they are my favorite type of shoes to wear in the winter. What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming school year? I am looking forward to trying swim team and track and not being the youngest grade in middle school.

butchers, farm-fresh produce, local organics, even sources for things like spices, international cooking ingredients and Kosher and gluten-free foods). I found many sources and “guides” to food in the Boston area, as well as Western MA (where I once lived), but very little for the Central MA region. I finally started centralmalocalfood.com to share local food resources, tips, events, volunteer opportunities and more and hope that you will share with baystateparent readers. Maleah Gustafson Jefferson

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

baystateparent publisher GARETH CHARTER 508-749-3166 x153 gcharter@holdenlandmark.com

editor CARRIE WATTU 413-265-1202 editor@baystateparent.com

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

calendar editor LESLIE CASTILLO 508-877-6446 calendar@baystateparent.com

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

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

sales & business development manager STEPHANIE PEARL 774-364-0296 stephaniep@baystateparent.com account executive STACI LaTURNO 774-364-5073 stacil@baystateparent.com account executive ANNE BRIDGE 617-620-9402 anneb@baystateparent.com

ING COM N SOO

Arts • The k Pink s in h • T cial Need e 070 • Sp 65.7

account executive EMILY RETTIG 774-364-4178 emilyr@baystateparent.com

s 08.8 Rate Call 5 ertising v d For A

contributing writers PHOEBE GLICK LAURA RICHARDS JIM KEOGH AMANDA ROBERGE MARY JO KURTZ KATE SCARLATA SUE LOVEJOY WAREEN B. SEILER JR., MD DONNA MORIN Illustrators photographers HANNAH GREGUS ALLIE COTTRILL BEE JOHNSON BRITTANY DURGIN ERIK RILEY STEVEN KING EDWIN SCHWARTZ SHAWN REED ANDREA SERVIDONE presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

baystatestateparent 117 Elm St., Millbury, MA 01527

508-865-7070

www.baystateparent.com campguide.baystateparent.com www.massfieldtrips.com baystateparent Inc. is published monthly with a main office at 117 Elm Street, Millbury, 01527 508-865-7070 Fax 508-865-7979 It is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts. www.baystateparent.com • info@baystateparent.com Distribution Agency: Insight Distribution Management 978-728-7785/603-661-8370 • Insightdm@yahoo.com

14 Parenting Publications of America Awards, 2009 4 New England Press Association Awards, 2009 6 Suburban Newspapers of America Awards, 2009 Including 1st Place in Community Service Voted Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007 & 2008 Suburban Newspapers of America

Dear baystateparent, I just wanted to thank you and your staff for giving the students at Toni&Guy a fabulous experience. Rahsaan M. Gomes, Director of Education Toni&Guy Hairdressing Academy,Worcester Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: The talented (and super nice) students at Toni&Guy styled the makeup and hair for 11 models in our back-to-school fashion shoot on page 35. Dear baystateparent, I greatly enjoyed reading the July issue of baystateparent. I always enjoy the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moms Rock!â&#x20AC;? feature in particular, and this month was no exception. I found Ms. Ives to be very inspirational, especially because I am also striving to be more â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? in my living. I noticed, however, a funny typo in the article that a spellchecker could not have caught: I feel quite sure that the summertime food that she looks forward to eating is mussels, not muscles! Catherine Crow Ashland CORRECTION: baystateparent incorrectly spelled Britney Gengelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name in our July story, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be Like Brit.â&#x20AC;? We deeply regret the error. If you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a chance to read the story about Britney and the work her parents are doing to build a Haitian orphanage in her name, visit baystateparent.com and search the archives.

bouncers, car seats, etc.). Unfortunately, in my experience, this wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so simple. My boy had a funky noggin. We tried moving his head; he moved it back. We tried tummy time. He freaked out. My son was diagnosed with positional plagiocephaly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;flattened head syndrome.â&#x20AC;? The flattening can be caused, as in my sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case, when the child prefers to keep his/her head in the same position while resting. The flattening, however, can also result from a condition called torticollis, a shortening of the neck muscles on one side of the neck, which in turn makes it difficult (or impossible) for infants to turn their heads. While my son did not struggle with torticollis, Dr. Gibsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article does not mention it, and as parents, the more information we have, the better choices we can make for our kids. Treatment options differ for infants with plagiocephaly caused by torticollis, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to consult with your physician. After tryingâ&#x20AC;&#x153;repositioning therapyâ&#x20AC;? for six weeks with little results, we looked into having him wear a cranial remolding band. It was a like a football helmet only way less cool. The full-time helmet wearing began when he was four months old. And just in case you think full-time means eight hours a day, try twenty-three. 23. Twenty plus three. HOURS. It was a tough three months. We saw progress within the first two weeks of fulltime wearing, and at the end of three months, our little guy had only four millimeters discrepancy from one side to the other (as compared to 18 when he started). The doc even used the word symmetrical to describe the noggin. To the strangers who smiled, asked questions and expressed their curiosity, some telling me how beautiful our son was, talking to him and making him smile, I am grateful. I am also grateful to those parents, aunts and uncles who, upon seeing my son, told me stories of their sons, daughters, nieces and nephews who had just finished with their helmets and had great results. I now do the same; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re part of the same club. My son is now fifteen months old. His noggin is perfect and so is he. Michelle Kaelin West Boylston

WINNERS!

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DItance Up!

Worcester Tornadoes Family Four-Pack Christine White, Rutland Helen Cherry, Worcester

Lowell Spinners Family Four-Pack Stephanie Cahoon, Acton Heather Smith, Framingham

Dear baystateparent, In the March 2010 issue of baystateparent, Dr. Timothy Gibson posed an important question about the relationship between back sleeping and infantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; misshapened heads. Dr. Gibson cites the American Academy of Pediatricsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recommendation that all children have â&#x20AC;&#x153;tummy timeâ&#x20AC;? and that parents alternate the direction their infants face when sleeping (and by extension, sitting in swings,

OPEN DAILY

Meet some of bspâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent winners and check out our frequent giveaways at baystateparent.com as well as updates on Facebook (we are a friendly and helpful group of 1,000 and growing strong!).

FORE!! Clothing Bess Batt, Holliston Christene Riendeau, Northbridge Tabitha Brand, Shirley Esther Maria Rest, Wayland Jessica Ancello, Westborough

Frederick Kaelin

5 ,. 5

Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same Hardcover Books Arlington Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center Maria Gross, Hopkinton Alicia Lapomardo, Rochdale Thoughts on our August issue? Email your comments and suggestions to editor@baystateparent.com. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Please include your full name and town for publication.

36 N o r th M ain S *Massachusettsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;1st Ever Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aerial Ballet Nutcracker in association with The Hybrid Movement Co. of NYC, Hanover Theater, Dec. 4th. Ongoing auditions for Irish Step & Hip Hop. *Character Dance Ages 11 & Up Stylized theatrical representation of traditional folk/national dance. *Specialized Classical Ballet Program Ages 8 & Up. Build a strong classical technique. Learn different genres. Training for the serious student.

t ., N

orth G rafton, MA 01536

*Dance â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;N Play ÂŠ Ages 2.5 to 4 Uniquely Magical Movement Program providing learning and fun. *Team Dance It Up! Ages 7 & Up Non competitive, innovative performance ensemble. *Plus Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop & Irish Step! Visit us at www.danceitup.com, call (508) 839-1648 or email danceandplay@gmail.com.

Classes begin September 7. Please register early!

BAYSTATEPARENT 9

ONMY

Plate My Highly Sensitive Family BY

A Number’s Game

carol haagensen

Two years ago, when my son and daughter were 3 years old, I enrolled them in a weekly playgroup. I thought we’d have a great time, but things did not go as I expected. We met in a large auditorium, which loudly echoed the noises of the group. On arrival, my twins, Jack and Melinda, froze, backs to the wall, staring around the room. My kids, who spent most of their time at home painting, cutting and coloring, sat motionless at the arts and crafts table. They kept staring at the teacher, but ran away when she got close to them to show them what to do. They would not sit with the other kids for circle time and insisted on sitting on my lap. After the third week of not joining in games and activities, I wondered what was up. I did not think there was anything “wrong” with my children but something just seemed different about them. As I drove home, I remembered a puzzling comment my sister had made about my nephew refusing to wear socks with seams at the toes and pants that were not sweatpants. She said, “He’s that ‘slow to warm up’ thing.” At home, I Googled and found that the new term for “slow to warm up” was “highly sensitive child” on the Highly Sensitive Persons’ Web site (hsperson.com). There I also found a “quiz.” I checked off the items that were accurate descriptions of my children. “Startles easily?” Yes. “Is bothered by noisy places?” Yes. “Performs best when strangers aren’t present?” Yes. Each “scored” as a Highly Sensitive Child. I felt a twitch of panic but found reassurance on the Web site “[High

Shooting Stars Performing Arts Registration 8/21,23,25 •11-5 or anytime on line www.shootingstarsholden.com

Classes begin Sept. 13 79 Reservoir St, Holden, MA

508-829-5700

www.shootingstarsholden.com 10 AUGUST2010

Sensitivity] is an inborn temperament or style that is found in about twenty percent of children and of nearly all animals.” I agreed that my son and daughter are “quick to grasp subtle changes,” and were “easily overwhelmed by high levels of stimulation, sudden changes and the emotional distress of others.” I learned that “shyness, inhibitedness, fearfulness, fussiness” were common but inaccurate labels for children like mine, who I knew were actually very interested in people; they were bold, brave and goodnatured in their own ways.

I Had Better Read the Book I ordered “The Highly Sensitive Child” book right away, but it wasn’t until I started having a real problem picking up the kids from daycare several months later that I truly needed it. They were quite eager to go home, but when we tried to get ready to leave, they would both completely fall apart, often to the point of screaming and rolling on the floor, refusing to get on their coats or get in the car. When we got home, they could not focus on eating dinner, and they screamed and hit us and each other. They could not calm down and fall asleep until 11:30. I would like to say that I handled all this gracefully, but I was very upset that they “freaked out” in front of the other families. So after a long hectic day of my own, I would end up having my own temper tantrums. After a few nights of this, I thought “I had better

3rd Annual

Barbara J. Walker Butterfly Festival at Broad Meadow Brook Saturday, August 14 10am-4pm (raindate August 15) Celebrate the beauty of butterflies with butterfly walks and talks, children’s crafts and games, garden tours, face painting, music, food, art, and more.

$5/person admission

Mass Audubon Broad Meadow Brook, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA 01604 508-753-6087 www.massaudubon.org/broadmeadow

has always had strong negative reactions to being touched by strangers. In this case, he screamed so loudly and with intensity that the poor kid who tagged him started screaming in terror – which brought the whole party to an uneasy halt. I can’t help but laugh about it now but no one was happy as we huddled in the corner for the rest of the party, waiting for the goody bags to be distributed so we could go home.

read that book.” Through reading, I figured out that because the weather had turned cold, the children weren’t waiting for us outside on the playground. Instead, daycare ended with 30 children running, screaming and jumping in a small “gym” that was so noisy that even I found it to be intensely

The rest of that day, my kids were quiet, sad and subdued about what had happened at the party. I thought I should try to help them understand what was going on. I knew that they would not be able to grasp the theory that Highly Sensitive people were important to the evolution of humans and to our ongoing survival and prosperity, that as Dr Aron states “[High sensitivity] serves an important purpose for the individual sensitive person and for the larger society—for example, sensitive persons sense danger and see the consequences of an action before others do.” But my kids could count so I explained to them that out of every group of ten kids, two kids would be more cautious about people and events and more bothered by

I did not think there was anything “wrong” with my children but something just seemed different about them. unpleasant (this book made me also realize for the first time, that at 35 years old, I am also a highly sensitive person). So I changed my pick-up plan. I made sure to pack up the kids’ papers and things first so I could focus on the kids when I got to them. I made sure to get out of that gym and into the quiet hallway as soon as possible and always before we tried to get their coats on. When we arrived home, instead of starting dinner, we sat down and read books, as many as it took so that they could unwind.

The Challenge of Birthday Parties Understanding that my children are Highly Sensitive has helped me manage many typical family events which are challenging for us. Birthday parties are a good example since they are usually loud events in unfamiliar large places with lots of new faces, all things that make us uncomfortable. One recent sports-themed party at a gym stands out as a particularly tough experience. It started with a foam obstacle course. My kids were happy to climb it, but insisted I had to walk right next to them. When the activities changed to competitive games with a large number of children running and throwing balls in all directions, my kids refused to participate until I coerced my son into joining a game of freeze tag. Jack stepped onto the gym floor, and one of the kids tagged him. Jack

loud noises and hot or cold temperatures than the other eight. I asked them which group they thought they were in, and they both stated “the two.” I asked them to name other kids that they thought would be in that “two” group. Not surprisingly, the kids they picked were also some of our favorite companions. We still have lots of things to figure out. I am haunted by our visit to the really loud cafeteria that they will have lunch in every day this fall when they go to kindergarten. I know that we must be an odd sight when we go new places, because we all just freeze and stare while we try to get acclimated. But I am getting comfortable being noticed for this. We have met some very cool parents and kids who stand next to us doing the same thing. So if you do see us in the back of the party, or hesitating in the entrance, come on over and say hello. Don’t be offended if my kids look at the floor and don’t say hi back. And don’t be afraid to stay there with us if your little HSC needs to be there too. Carol Haagensen and her family live in Westborough. What’s on your plate, moms and dads? Do you have a story, viewpoint, experience or something else you’d like to share with local parents? Here’s your chance, and you don’t have to be a published writer. Send all essays for consideration to editor@baystateparent.com.

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FINALLYFOREVER

Meant to Be BY

donna morin miller

he first phone call came during a hectic time in my life. Scrambling to finish a master’s degree, decorate a baby’s room and submit an article by deadline, I answered the phone in a fog. “Mrs. Miller?” “Yes…”

“This is Carol from the agency.” I don’t remember much about the call after that. In fact, I have managed to block out most of what happened in the month after that call. A match… a boy…not connecting with birth parents…match falling through. If the adoption process is like a

Circle of Friends HIGHLIGHTS OF AUGUST’S ADOPTION-RELATED EVENTS

Adoptive Family Mixer

Mondays: Together in Motion, 1 Broadway, Arlington. 9:30 – 11 a.m. Together in Motion offers a play area with a padded floor filled with soft play blocks, stairs and slides, modules, balls, tunnels and other age appropriate equipment for children up to six years old. There is a separate lounge area filled with seating and tables for snacks or building block play. Discounted rate: $5 per child. 781-643-1377 or togetherinmotion.com.

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Mon., August 9 – Thurs., August 12 and Mon., August 16 – Wed., August 18: Adoption Community of New England, 45 Lyman St., #2 South Terrace, Westborough. 9:30 a.m.– 12 p.m. Seven morning sessions for girls entering grades 6 – 8 to promote self-esteem and resilience by increasing internal resources that fortify healthy teen development, building skills for managing

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pregnancy, a match that doesn’t survive is like a miscarriage. We wept, we grieved, we grew doubtful, but through the miracle of time, we were able to find hope again. After all, I knew we were really meant to have a girl. Like all expectant parents, we shopped. I researched baby products online, wondering which car seat would provide the most safety. Which of the twenty different bottle brands would cause the least amount of gas? Was it the colorful gym mat or the blackand-white choice that would ensure our baby’s future academic success? When the choices became too much, I turned off the computer and set out to rummage sales. It was at one of these sales that I found an antique print of a sleeping baby. I brought it home to hang above the crib. Now, all we needed was

the sleeping baby in the crib. Weeks later, the second call came. “Hello?” “Mrs. Miller?” Not a match, but a request. Could the agency send our profile to a young couple on the West Coast? This baby was due a month after my graduation. They did not know the gender yet, but I knew it was a girl. This baby was The One. The next couple of weeks were probably the longest of our lives. Thank goodness, I had final papers to write and more deadlines to meet. I called my husband at work almost daily just to talk. “Can you believe it? We are going to be parents!” “What should we do about a name?” “Who should we call first to announce our wonderful news?” My heart jumped when the phone rang late one night. Our agency was on West Coast time. We ran to different phones to pick up a receiver. “Hi, Donna. Hi, Frank. Sharon again. I have great news. Are you ready? The couple chose you!” I don’t know how many heartbeats that muscle is allowed to safely make in your body during a minute’s time, but I think mine came close to setting some kind of record. We were nervous about the call to

the ups and downs of peer relationships, fostering abilities to resist cultural pressures to be perfect and developing supportive inner talk to counter self-criticism. Course fee applies. 508-366-6812, AdoptionCommunityofNE.org

to explore and discuss aspects of their teenager’s development which are associated with being an adoptee. Issues such as transitions, family dynamics, identity and loss related concerns from a developmental, social and emotional framework will be addressed. Pre-register: $10 per person.508-366-6812. For more information about this workshop and many other offerings, visit AdoptionCommunityofNE.org.

School and Your Child

Tues., August 17: Adoption Community of New England, 45 Lyman St.,, #2 South Terrace, Westborough. 7 – 9 p.m. Learn about the educational needs of adoptees and how to defuse issues that may come up at school. $35NM. 508-366-6812. For more information about this workshop and many other offerings, visit AdoptionCommunityofNE.org.

Adoption and Your Teenager

Thurs., August 19: Adoption Community of New England, 45 Lyman St.,, #2 South Terrace, Westborough. 7 – 8:30 p.m. This workshop will provide parents of adopted teens an opportunity

Gay & Lesbian Adoptive Family Study Seeking Participants: Gay and lesbian individuals or couples who have adopted a child to complete a web-based survey. For more information, contact Dr. Scott Ryan at 850-644-9747 or email him at sryan@fsu.edu.

Please submit September’s adoption-related events by Thurs., August 5 at baystateparent.com, Calendar, “Submit an Event.”

Gina and Tom, the birth parents. It would be a three-party call to include the agency, and Sharon would ask most of the questions. This would be the most important blind date of our lives. It seems cliché to boast when you know right away that something is right, but that’s just what happened the night of that phone call. Gina and Tom were soulmates, a brother and sister in another lifetime. Sharon continued to talk with us after Gina and Tom hung up, coaching us about the process afterward. She agreed that the conversation went really well

AUGUST’SCHILD

and was certain it would result in a match. Then Sharon gave us more information. Prior to being offered our profile, the birth parents had chosen another couple for their child, but it turned out that couple had wanted a girl. This baby was a boy. She also told us that she probably wasn’t supposed to have called us about this baby. Because our previous match had not worked out, a note had been placed in our file to give us some time before setting up another match. Sharon was new to the agency and had not seen

that note. Before hanging up, Sharon let us know that Gina’s birthday was coming up. “Oh, really?” I said. “What is the date?” “June 26.” I nearly dropped the phone. June 26 is my birthday. Our little guy recognized us the moment we saw him. Born only hours before, his eyes grew wide and his gaze rarely left ours. The month after that was a blur of hotel rooms, plane trips, baby bottles, burping, diapers and little sleep. But one quiet night is forever engraved on my heart. While watching over our

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beautiful baby boy asleep in his crib, I studied that antique print again. The sleeping baby, as angelic and peaceful as our own at that moment, was snuggled in a blanket. I smiled while I stared at the color of that blanket. It was blue. Donna Morin Miller is a freelance writer and adoptive mom living in Wrentham. Excerpted from Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families, Copyright © 2009 by F+W Media, Inc. Used by permission of Adams Media, an F+W Media, Inc. Co.

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CHRISTOPHER, AGE 10 Christopher, who is of Latino descent and will soon be turning 11, is described as very artistic with a lot of interests. He loves to play “sarkel” and challenge his math skills, as well as “toss-up.” He especially enjoys working with his hands and molding figures from clay, finding it very therapeutic. Chris also enjoys dancing and tumbling and will be participating in a 10-week gymnastics/trampoline class this summer as well as having fun swimming, riding his bike and scooter and going on nature walks with a walking stick he made. Chris also likes playing basketball and football as well as video games. Chris is a picky eater, so he usually doesn’t have a big appetite. However, he does like rice and beans, and most Spanish food. He also likes chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers. Chris is in excellent health, but does wear glasses for near-sightedness. Chris is in the 5th grade and does well academically. He likes math and reading, and hasn’t yet decided what he wants to be when he grows up because he has a sad world view and hasn’t yet learned how to look that far into the future. Chris is very likeable, and responds to, and thrives on, one-on-one attention from adults. He has experienced a great deal of trauma in his young life and tends to be very “guarded,” and does not believe that anyone will do what he or she says. On the other hand, he is also very nurturing and protective of others. Christopher has been in the care and custody of the Department for almost three years and is now legally free to be adopted. He does have a maternal grandmother and sister whom he enjoys visiting on a regular basis, and this contact would need to continue after placement. Chris would probably do best in a single or two-parent family with one or two much older siblings, who are willing to “hang tough” at building a trusting relationship with Chris. If you would like to make a difference in Chris’ life, and want to hear more about him, or ifnyou would like general information about adoption and/or foster care, please call Barbara Ford at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) at 508-929-2143.

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MOMS ROCK!

Karin Perry of Hopkinton BY

laura richards, steven king photographer

Age: 48 Occupation: Teacher Single Mom of: Andrew, 16

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classroom of giggly kindergarteners at Hemenway Elementary School in Framingham share a secret with their teacher, Karin Perry: “You can’t tell your mom and dad that you’re having so much fun all day long at school!” Motivating students in a fun way is something Karin embraces right down to her toes. Since kindergarteners are often seated at her feet, she once taught a visually impaired student struggling to learn his colors by painting her toes a different hue each week. It did the trick, and he learned through her red, green, pink and blue nail polish. Karin says, “as a mother of a kid with special needs I often have to go outside the box and this naturally extends into my teaching.” Karin also teaches a hugely popular winter enrichment after school class called, “Rockin’ With Miss Perry” where the kids form a band, make homemade instruments and ultimately perform for friends and family on stage. For Karin, fun and learning go hand in hand. “I feel very lucky to share my days with the children in my class. I take my job teaching them very seriously, but I also care very much about their happiness and well being.” Karin’s exuberant spirit extends beyond her students as she champions several causes including breast cancer and helping those with craniofacial differences. Karin’s son, Andrew, was born with a craniofacial condition, a challenge that has brought the single mother and teenager close together.

“Andrew and I share a special bond that most mothers (luckily) don’t have the opportunity to share,” says Karin. The difficult experiences they’ve been through have prompted them to adopt a positive attitude about everything they do. For example, when they await a surgery, Karin’s positive spin might be, “‘How great is it that we won’t have to worry about your small chin anymore… it’s so cool that after this you’ll have a bigger chin!’” Andrew, who volunteers in the summer at the local Y, shares a spirit of gratitude and giving just like his amazing mother. Karin sees life’s challenges with her son this way: “Everything we go through makes me a better mom.” Freelance writer Laura Richards of Framingham was fortunate enough to get to know Miss Perry as her son’s kindergarten teacher. “We bonded over the fact that we both had a child with special needs,” Laura says.“Karin is a gifted educator who is fun and can find the humor in anything. I’m so glad she is being featured in bsp!”

Take 15 with Karin 1. The most hip thing about you: My extensive shoe collection! I also love my cute outfits and accessories. 2. The most unhip thing about you: I’m a homebody. I don’t love going out. I love being home cooking, reading books or just hanging out.

3. Your true passion is: The people in my life…my family and friends. I also love being involved in causes that touch my life. I am a volunteer for two national organizations for people with facial differences, and I enjoy talking to other families with children with facial differences. I remember how hard it was for me to find information when Andrew was born. The internet has changed the way we network…. It’s awesome. The other cause I feel passionate about is breast cancer. I have walked in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer for the past two years, and our team has raised nearly $50,000 for the cause. I have always been interested in walking because some of my very dear friends and colleagues are battling the disease. Recently, I have had several abnormal mammograms, as has one of my sisters, so it just made sense to do it. I walked this year for my dear friend Helen who got her diagnosis one month after I completed last year’s walk. I hope our efforts to find a cure will keep one of us from being the next statistic. 4. I never thought as a parent that: I would become my mother! I hear her words come out of my mouth and I’m so shocked. 5. Why raising a child in Massachusetts is great: We are very lucky to have excellent schools, tremendous resources, amazing hospitals and so many wonderful places to share with our children…beaches, museums, so much history….it’s amazing!

mom genes tell you everything you need to know….trust them! 11. There’s no such thing as: Putting limits on your child. When Andrew was born, they told me that he would never talk or eat and that he would be limited in so many ways. I remember telling the doctors that neither they nor I would tell my son what he could or could not do. I remember saying that with all due respect; they were not God…and my son and God would decide what greatness he was capable of. 12. What is the #1 challenge you face in the classroom? Having enough time!

There is so much to be done and not enough time. It’s also really difficult to meet the needs of all the children in my charge. I totally rely on parent volunteers to assist me so that I can work with small groups of children who are not able to work independently. 13. What do you have to tell parents over and over? That their children are doing well and that everything is going well. Sometimes I wonder why parents are looking for something to be wrong. 14. What do you have to tell kids over and over? Please sit on your bottoms and put on your listening ears! Gosh, they

have a lot of energy! Seriously, the kids are wonderful, but sometimes it’s hard to get them to listen. 15. Any back-to-school tips? Prepare your child by being excited about school. Instill in your child a sense of joy about school and learning. Let them know that learning is important in your family. The best students are the ones that come to school ready and excited to learn. Seeing the good in what moms do is what our monthly “Moms Rock” feature is all about. Tell us about an inspiring mom that you know: editor@baystateparent.com.

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6. My son taught me: That beauty comes in many forms and that perfect isn’t necessarily beautiful. Andrew also taught me what it is to be brave and courageous. He is truly my hero. 7. My mom outfit is: Non-mom jeans, cute sweater and cute shoes, of course! 8. What makes me a better mom: I think that having difficulty getting pregnant made me appreciate my pregnancy so much more. I felt it was truly a blessing. I have thought of my son as a gift from the moment that I met him. 9. I always tell my son: Believe in yourself. There is nothing you can’t do. 10. A message for other moms: Trust your instincts; you know your child better than anyone. I have had arguments with doctors about my son where I have been right. Your

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O T K C BA L O O H SC 18 20

KINDERGARTEN IS STARTING AND SO IS MY MIDLIFE CRISIS UNDER MY ROOF: THE SCHOOL BUS

23 27

THREE CHEERS FOR THE SCHOOL CUSTODIAL AND CAFETERIA STAFF

FASHION FABLES BACK-TO-SCHOOL FASHION

THE VOICE OF THE CHILD

BAYSTATEPARENT 17

BACKTOSCHOOL

KINDERGARTEN IS STARTING... AND SO IS MY

MIDLIFE CRISIS BY

laura richards

Someone once told me about raising kids, “The days are endless, but the years fly by.” When my twins started kindergarten, I thought to myself, “The years have flown by! They are finally in real school.” Now what? For me, it was kindergarten that pushed me into a major reassessment of my life. Sure, I still had a 2-year-old at home, and the twins would roll back into the mix at 3 p.m. each day, but I surprisingly questioned decisions I had made years before. Questions like, why did I major in psychology when journalism really excited me? Was this a midlife crisis? Until then, one hundred percent of my energy was focused on the boys. Now that they were big elementary school kids hurtling towards independence, I was left to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. Turns out the experience ultimately thrust me into a writing career that I love, but it was a tough process. Sarah Feather, 38, a mother of two from Framingham, was shocked when the start of kindergarten rallied her stay-at-home mom friends to go out and start looking for jobs. She thought, “Did I now have to go out and get a job? That wasn’t part of my plan! How dare they know what they wanted to be when they grew up as I didn’t have the slightest idea!”

Mixed Emotions Needless to say, kindergarten surprised Sarah. “I didn’t feel old enough to have a

child old enough for school.” But it was watching her small son get on a huge school bus that turned out to be the real shock for her. She says, “He nearly had to climb up onto the bottom step with his knee to get in.” Mother of three, Sherri Couillard, 42, of Westford, remembers making a conscious decision to focus on her daughter’s state of mind versus hers. “She was a shy, tiny girl so if she could still be happy and ready, why couldn’t I? “ Jen Alizio, 37, a Bellingham mother of three, also felt nervous. She says, “Compared to my son’s preschool, the building seemed huge. I was also sad he was ‘grown-up.’ I even followed the bus to school!” Framingham mom of three, Lara Beatty, 37, says, “I was surprisingly not upset when my oldest entered kindergarten but excited for him as well as scared. It was a new step in my parenting to let him start his life and see what was out there.”

Newfound Time And while new faces and challenges are out there for your “baby,” so is a little extra time for you, too. When my twins were in kindergarten, I would put my youngest son down for a nap and write without interruption. This helped me to feel whole and productive. Lara can relate as she enjoyed the feeling of freedom and the ability to work more hours at her job. Jen relished newfound quality time with her other child, but once the newness wore off a bit, she says,

“I did start going to the gym and allowed myself some ‘me time’ too. “ Sherri, who left a corporate career after her second son was born, started a business with a friend when her son went to kindergarten. She says, “It was amazing to be working again while raising three children. I felt more alive and tired than ever!”

Transitions My youngest is entering kindergarten this fall, so I will now have three children in full-time school. I don’t expect to be blindsided like I was with the twins, but I am prepared just in case it pushes me into yet another direction emotionally. I’m looking forward to having more time to write and take on more work. Carving out time for exercise is a priority too as I’m sick and tired of my darned “mummy tummy!” Sarah’s youngest son will also start kindergarten this fall. She says, “While I’m so excited to have some time to

myself, it’s similar to when my youngest went on his first mommy-free play date when all of a sudden I realized that he was an independent human being. I had been with him nearly every minute of his life and there I was, letting him go off without me! It was the start of his life being separate from my life.” Parenting is a journey with twists and turns and the experience you have with one child may not hold true with your other kids. When Jen’s middle child entered kindergarten, her feelings were totally different from the first time around. “I was excited for him. I knew he would love it and that I would love the much needed me time to make me a better parent.” “Each child’s entry into kindergarten affected me differently,” says Sherri, “but definitely affected me.” She found it was most emotional with her youngest child. “I felt a big sense that it was the end of an era and that made me sad and nostalgic.” Sherri overcame this by keeping busy and

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BACKTOSCHOOL

Roots and Wings “Roots and wings, baby, roots and wings. You have to trust yourself to have done the best job you could for the first five years, and now give them a chance to shine, to build their self-confidence and start their own lives,” says Sarah, “It’s

hard to realize that your children have a whole life outside of you now. You have to trust them to behave the way you’ve taught them, to stand up for themselves and ask for help when they need it and remember their jackets.” Sarah says she works really hard to keep the lines of communication flowing so that she can help her children figure out problems and cheer their successes while she is not with them. “We talk every day after school over a snack.” Despite the challenges that kindergarten brings, the start of school is a great chance

for kids and moms to branch out, try new things and come back to each other at the end of the day with something to share. Thanks to her “watershed kindergarten moment,” Laura is now a freelance writer residing in Framingham with her husband, three boys and two cats. She still fantasizes about working for Anderson Cooper at CNN but for now spends her days writing, tackling mountains of laundry and telling her boys to eat with their mouths closed.

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enjoying the moments she did have with her children versus missing them while they were away from her at school. “It was a period of personal rediscovery for sure!” she says.

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hannah gregus illustrator

BACKTOSCHOOL

Y M R E D UN ROOF Seeing YELLOW BY

jim keogh

Many years ago, the newspaper I used to edit was preparing to run its first-ever color photograph. At the time, color photos was just being incorporated into newspapers after more than a century of black-and-white pictures, and we were excited by the possibilities of offering something more vibrant. The first beautiful photo was slated to appear on the front page of our annual back-to-school issue the last week of August 5 but what would that defining image be? It had to be something to capture the school theme and also be colorful enough to justify our printing investment. And then it hit us: a yellow school bus. Is there anything that shouts “School has started!” more clearly than the appearance of a school bus trundling up the road to haul away the neighborhood kids? Those 20 AUGUST2010

vehicles are the representation of school for many people who are removed from the system — buildings get updated, teachers come and go, but a school bus is a school bus is a school bus. As familiar and comforting as the sight of a school bus can be, one of the small pleasures of summer is not getting stuck behind one as it makes its rounds. Without the yellow buses cluttering the roads and stopping every few feet to load their precious cargo, Worcester seems virtually deserted in the early morning, post-apocalyptic even. That may sound creepy, but not when you’re coasting to work. School buses always seem to be fighting an image problem. Every so often the nightly news will air grainy footage shot on a bus showing a kid getting beaten up or a driver being threatened.

Sometimes a young child is dropped off at the wrong stop or has fallen asleep on the bus unbeknownst to the driver, who has left for the day. The parents express their outrage to the TV cameras, the school district promises an investigation, and life goes on. Those are unfortunate things, but I think they give the wrong idea about school buses. Consider that hundreds of thousands of buses hit the roads nationwide every day, transporting millions of children safely to school, on schedule. Operations of this magnitude will be flawed; there will be abuses, there will be bad drivers. But overall, given the responsibility the school bus operators are handed every day, they do a fine job — a job I don’t want, and, I suspect, you don’t either. That’s not to say the world of the school bus is always a smooth ride. Some days stuff gets thrown around, insults are hurled, feelings hurt. Tough guys sit in the back, and everybody else tries to sit as far away from them as possible. I remember a representative from the bus company boarding our bus one morning and reading us the riot act after somebody tossed a peeled banana out the window and onto a car windshield. Unfortunately the windshield belonged to a police cruiser. Our newspaper eventually did run a great photograph of kids waiting for an approaching school bus in all its yellow glory, heralding our entrée into the Age of Color. We captured a moment of posterity, but perhaps one of history as well. One day, students will be teleported to school, like William Shatner getting beamed aboard The Enterprise in “Star Trek.” Or they’ll do all their learning remotely via computer without having to step into a classroom (a sad day). Until then, all hail the school bus, whose wheels continue to go round and round. Jim Keogh is an award-winning editor and writer. He lives in Worcester with his family.

First Ride on the BUS BY

amanda roberge

After a long, sordid and not entirely amicable relationship with the school bus, we squared off about five years ago and it changed me forever. My oldest daughter was attached to me so tightly from the minute she was born that I never returned to work full time, so great would have been the trauma (for both of us). Additionally, I never showered alone, hired a babysitter or had my lap to myself. As a baby, she bawled when being held by anyone other than me. At first flattering, and later suffocating, it was our reality. As a toddler, she took to sobbing “Mama….mama…” like a lost sheep when I went to work.

When my husband required an emergency middle-of-the-night surgery and a friend had to come take my place in my daughter’s twin sized bed while I held stoic court in a sterile hospital waiting room, she cried for seven straight hours until I returned. I put her down for a nap and cried for the next seven just so we’d be even. Such was life for the two of us, pushing and pulling, against each other and toward each other, searching for freedom and connection all at once. There was a day that I dreaded almost from the beginning: sending her off to school. Predictably, kindergarten began to loom large and the thought of that big yellow bus coming to take her away from me – even for half a day – blared its horn, hit the accelerator and rolled over me with its giant black wheels. Also quite predictably, when I dropped my daughter off at school on that first day – prying her screaming body from me and depositing her quickly into Mrs. C’s soft embrace – something broke inside of me. I shuffled quickly home and handed off my toddler and newborn to my dumbfounded husband, flung myself across the bed, sobbing, until it was time to go to the bus stop. I hated the bus and I hated the bus stop even more. I had unpleasant memories of older boys teasing me, fights with my sister and jockeying for top dog with the kids at the end of the street. Just the sound of its heavy engine roaring up the road gave me mild anxiety throughout the years, a fact I have concealed from all of my children with relative success. After a lifetime of despising the bus and avoiding the very sight of it, I now wrung my hands, eagerly awaiting its arrival. What on earth was taking so long? I continually peered around the corner, anticipating the moment when I would be reunited with my child. When the big yellow school bus finally rounded the bend, I took the first deep breath I’d taken since I had dropped her off. She barreled down the steps and flew directly into my arms. And what nobody could see was that when she threw her body against mine and nuzzled her face into my neck, she started to tremble and I felt her warm tears running down my shoulder. Or were those my tears? I suppose that once again, we were even. My daughter and I had made it through a day of firsts – first afternoon at kindergarten, first postpartum emotional breakdown and first ride on the bus. At that moment, I forgave the school bus for all of its past transgressions. After all, it had delivered my baby safely home to me that day. Ever since then, we’ve been on much better terms. Amanda Roberge is a freelance writer living in Leominster with her family. Each month in “Under my Roof,” two parents, writers Jim Keogh and Amanda Roberge, explore one family topic from their different perspectives (and families).

BACKTOSCHOOL

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Chickeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance World September 1, 2 & 9 from 4pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm. 67 Millbrook Street Worcester, MA 01606 508-792-0959 www.Chickeesdanceworld.com Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Academy August 17 at 5pm in Worcester; August 19 at 5pm in Westborough. Space is limited. Call to reserve your spot. Contact Deanna Wong 508-898-3888 www.childrensmusicacademy.org

Positively Preschool August 3 from 6pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8pm; August 10 Pizza Party from 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; noon; August 16 through August 20 Scholastic Book Fair everyday from 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2pm, Wednesday August 18 from 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2pm & 5pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm. 222 Turnpike Road, Suite 1 Westborough, MA 01581 Contact Renee Thompson 508-366-0300 www.positivelypreschool.com

Dance It Up! August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 5pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm; August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 2pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm. 36 North Main Street North Grafton, MA 01536 Contact Joyce Vigeant-San 508-839-1648 www.danceitup.com Elite Dance August 21 from 12pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm. 910 Boston Turnpike (Park Nine West) Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Contact Lauren Mangano 508-842-5500 www.elitedance-ma.com Indian Hill Music School September 11 from 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3pm. 36 King Street Littleton, MA 01460 978-486-9524 www.indianhillmusic.org

Worcester Academy of Music September 11 from 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm. 11 Irving Street Worcester, MA 01609 Contact Sarah 508-635-6900 www.worcesteracademyofmusic.com

To add your Open House listing to baystateparent Magazine, contact Stephanie Pearl at StephanieP@baystateparent.com

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22 AUGUST2010

BACKTOSCHOOL

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE FLOORS SO SHINY, THE LUNCH, SOOO GOOD AND OUR SCHOOL SO NICE!

THREE CHEERS FOR THE SCHOOL CUSTODIAL

AND CAFETERIA STAFF BY

laura richards bee johnson illustrator

had barely made it through the first two weeks of summer break before lamenting to my boys, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am NOT a short order cookâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a restaurant!â&#x20AC;? Overwhelmed with feeding and cleaning up after my own family of five, the idea of doing the same for hundreds of children makes me start to sweat. But after interviewing custodial and cafeteria staff from the Framingham Public Schools, I learned that most custodians and cafeteria workers are quite happy in their professions, with several clocking 10-15+ years in the job. And who knew that most of the food served on a daily basis is made from scratch? Surely parents are aware of the principal and teachers in their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school but have we really paused to think of the other people who keep the school running? baystateparent asked school custodians and cafeteria workers about their jobs and our messy, yet sometimes helpful, kids.

CUSTODIANS John Woodrum, Head Custodian, Hemenway Elementary School, Framingham, MA I am responsible for the 65,000 square foot facility and the 14+ acres of land. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my job to keep the school and grounds clean and safe for the students. We custodians move furniture, clean vents, mow lawns, remove snow, disinfect rugs, set up for and dismantle programs, clean up after accidents, set up for and clean up during and after school lunches and so much more. We have been told by teachers, the principal and parents over and over again that they could not do what they do without us. How long have you been in this position? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been at Hemenway seven years. Before that I was at Juniper Hill School in Framingham for 17 years until it closed.

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What do you wish students knew about your job? I wish they knew how much we head custodians need to know about the operation of the plant. We are responsible for the boilers, for safety assessments, for vandalism prevention etc. The job requires us to be organized, observant

and knowledgeable about construction, plumbing, HVAC units, chemicals and codes. Sometimes I think that the children see the job as much less complex than it is. What do you wish parents knew about your job? I think the parents here realize that every program and every event requires the hard work and preparation by a custodian. Many times weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re setting up or preparing for an event while also being responsible for our regular daily work at the same time.

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What kind of contact do you have with the students? I am in daily and constant contact with the students. I know many of them by name and love to see them in the hall and cafeteria.

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BACKTOSCHOOL What do you wish fellow school staffers knew about your job? A lot of people just don’t realize how many hours we’re here like on holidays, nights and school events. We sometimes get called at 2 a.m. about a broken window or an alarm going off. I’ve spent every Cabbage Night and Halloween here since I started. We’re here to guard against vandalism. I’ve spent so many Sundays, Friday nights and Saturdays here for events over the years that I’ve lost count. It’s all part of the job, and I love it, but I wish more people realized that that’s what we do. What do you think parents would be surprised to know about their kids in general? Well I’d say that many would be surprised to know that their little one is throwing wet tissue up on the bathroom ceiling or maybe stuffing wet paper towels in the sink. I also think some would be surprised to know that their child loves to smash mustard and ketchup packets in the cafeteria or to pour their milk into the trash barrel. Another thing that might surprise parents is how often children offer to help me here with my job. I bet that the same children rarely if ever offer to help mom clean at home. Do you feel appreciated? Oh definitely, that’s one thing I’ll say is that people are quick to say “thank you.” In fact, here at Hemenway there’s actually a ritual where at the end of an event, parents and children stay and help put up the chairs! Everyone pitches in. I really appreciate it; it makes the job a lot easier. So, on those not-so-good days, I remember the good and it balances out. What is the biggest misconception about your job? I think that people think there are more of us on the job than there really are. I’ll hear, “custodian to room 9 please” and two minutes later, “custodian to the café please” while at the same time, the office is beeping me because an inspector needs to be escorted around the building. I don’t think people realize that there are fewer of us now. What is your biggest challenge?

Hemenway is fifty years old. It requires constant care and attention. My biggest challenge is to make sure that it is always clean and sparkling and welcoming for all of our visitors and students even though we have the original floors, walls, classrooms etc. What is your biggest reward? The camaraderie with the kids and the staff. Everybody here is so nice and all of us feel like a team. I had an opportunity to change assignments, but I chose to stay here because I’m one of the team. Tom Mesite, Senior Custodian, Walsh Middle School, Framingham, MA I work with and supervise five men, cleaning the school and maintaining the grounds. I do routine maintenance on the boilers, roof exhausts and classroom univents, grease/oil, change filters and belts etc. and keep maintenance records, and report any mechanical problems to Buildings and Grounds. I do a building and fire inspection once a month, fill out work orders for repairs and do weekly payroll records for my crew. How long have you been in this position? 3 years What kind of contact do you have with the students? Unless I am unjamming a locker, or searching through the lunch trash for a dental retainer, I don’t have a lot of contact with the students. Sometimes they help stack chairs when we have to clear the cafeteria for a dance. What do you wish students knew about your job? That although custodians clean the building, keeping it clean is everyone’s responsibility. The cleaner the school is at the end of the day, the cleaner it will be for you the next day. We don’t sit at that desk in the classroom or use the student bathrooms. You keeping it clean is for your benefit. What do you wish parents knew about your job? All the preventive maintenance that we do. When things break, it costs money to fix or replace it so we try to keep all the HVAC motors running efficiently and take care of

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the cleaning equipment so everything runs well and lasts as long as possible What do you think parents would be surprised to know about their kids in general? Speaking as a parent, I think you might be surprised that the kid we see in school is different from the kid you see at home. Nothing bad for the most part, just another side of his or her personality, and if you talk to your kid often enough about school, every now and then, you’ll get a glimpse of it. Do you feel appreciated? Yes, for the most part. What is the biggest misconception about your job? That all we do is take out the trash and sweep up the dirt. What is your biggest challenge? Summer cleaning. How well we are able to clean the school during the summer determines how well we can maintain it during the school year. What is your biggest reward? Cleaning something and having it stay clean but it rarely happens. John Halliday, Custodian, Framingham High School, Framingham, MA How long have you been in this position? 11 years What do you wish students knew about your job? It would be nice if they knew that what they do every day affects what has to be

done every day. What do you wish fellow school staffers knew about your job? Sometimes teachers think that they are the only ones we have to take care of. They don’t realize that there are additional teachers in the building. What do you think parents would be surprised to know about their kids in general? How messy they can be and also sometimes very helpful. Do you feel appreciated? Mostly the administrators and teachers do appreciate us. What is the biggest misconception about your job? Most people think we have the summer off but that is when all the heavy cleaning and re-waxing floors happens. What is your biggest challenge? Manpower and having the occupants of the building realize that. What is your biggest reward? I feel very rewarded every year when we graduate the senior class.

CAFETERIA SERVICES Linda Kinney, Cafeteria Manager, Hemenway Elementary School, Framingham, MA I order, prepare and serve breakfast and lunch to students.

BACKTOSCHOOL How long have you been in this position? 2 years What kind of contact do you have with the students? Daily contact serving breakfast and lunch What do you wish students knew about your job? As much as they love nacho day, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not one of my favorite days. What do you wish parents knew about your job? The Director of Food Services has made great strides in changing the lunch options to offer a healthy menu and a variety of fresh fruits. What do you think parents would be surprised to know about their kids in general? They actually really like the broiled haddock with crumb topping! Do you feel appreciated? Most definitely. What is your biggest challenge? Serving hundreds of children in such a short time period. What is your biggest reward? Hearing the kids say â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank you.â&#x20AC;? Carolann Nordfeldt, Cafeteria Manager, Walsh Middle School, Framingham, MA I am responsible for my school, two other middle schools and three elementary schools. My school is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cooking schoolâ&#x20AC;? which means we prepare the meals and send them out to the schools. How long have you been in this position? I have been in this position for 17 wonderful years. What do you wish students knew about your job? How much effort is being put into preparing their lunches per day to please the majority of the students. What do you wish parents knew about your job? That the food does not come in prepared. We cook the foods in-house; a lot of the food is made from scratch like macaroni and cheese, American chop suey, spaghetti and more. We also make our own meatballs and prepare the meat for the nachos. What do you think parents would be surprised to know about their kids in general? The children really like it when we have the super nachos and the homemade pizza,but a lot of the students like the cut-up fresh fruit like fresh strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, watermelon, etc. Do you feel appreciated? Yes, I do.

What is the biggest misconception about your job? When you hear the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;lunch ladyâ&#x20AC;? people assume all you do is make sandwiches and serve. People donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize that the hot foods and cold foods have to be maintained to the proper temperature before they can be served. We also have guidelines and procedures that we have to follow for the handling of food to ensure the safety of the students. What is your biggest challenge? Trying to change the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eating habits to a healthier choice. That is why we offer the fresh fruit, and have switched over to wheat bread, pasta and whole grain chicken nuggets. What is your biggest reward? Smiles on the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; faces when the lunch they are purchasing is what they like.

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How long have you been in this position? 11 years What do you wish fellow school staffers knew about your job? That we strive to please them and give them food they want and address any problems they have.

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What do you think parents would be surprised to know about their kids in general? A lot of kids actually choose the healthier choice for lunch, and they take a lot of fresh fruit. Do you feel appreciated? Yes, at times. What is the biggest misconception about your job? That the job is easy. A lot of work goes into preparation and getting the meal ready on time. What is your biggest challenge? Coordinating the workers to get the food ready for lunch. Also, getting the kids through the line as quickly as possible so they have time to enjoy lunch. What is your biggest reward? Having a parent or student tell us they like the food. Laura Richards is a freelance writer residing in Framingham, MA with her husband, three boys and two cats. Laura still remembers Mr. Teso, the custodian at her childhood elementary school in Wellesley, MA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He acted like a grump and all of the kids thought he lived in the boiler room,â&#x20AC;? says Laura, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but looking back he was a softie and could be seen peeking behind the stage curtain during events. Deep down he really cared about the kids.â&#x20AC;? Today every time Laura sees a custodian say hello to her child by name, she is struck by their care and dedication.

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BACKTOSCHOOL

Open House A Community of Learners Pre-K through 8th

Saturday

November 6, 2010

from 1-3 pm

Join us for an opportunity to connect with faculty and current parents

Learning is not only acquiring a body of information but a process and mode of inquiry.

Our goal is that students will be learners and seekers throughout their lives.

to learn more about our program and philosophy and to explore classrooms with your family. Please email cfsadmission@cfsmass.org or leave a message on our event line at 617.354.3880 x 244 to RSVP.

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August OPEN HOUSE Monday-Friday 9 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 pm

26 AUGUST2010

BACKTOSCHOOL

the

VOICE of the CHILD WHAT CAN YOU OFFER THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SURROGATE PARENTING PROGRAM (SESPP)?

sue lovejoy

“I found my calling both personally and professionally,” says Special Education Surrogate Parent Janet Duncan of Falmouth. As the mother of a child with special needs, she learned to navigate the ins and outs of the public education system and, like many other parents, dove in feet first to become familiar with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Suddenly evaluations, diagnoses, therapies, 504 plans, education laws, annual review meetings, impromptu team meetings and seemingly endless paperwork became the agenda of every day. So when the opportunity arose to volunteer her expertise for the Special Education Surrogate Parenting Program (SESPP), Duncan dove in once again. Over the past eight years, she has been instrumental in determining and securing education services for 29 Massachusetts children. The background stories are often unhappy ones; in fact, many are distinctly sad and disturbing. From the abused and neglected teenager to the malnourished

or abandoned child, youth in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) face hardships most of us will thankfully never know. A number of children also have diagnoses that directly affect their learning, thus requiring special education services. When a child is removed from parental custody, the parent(s) forfeits the right to make special education decisions. But, by law, children are entitled to educational representation. The question begs, who will be the voice of the child? “SESPP is a federally mandated program serving approximately 2500 children across the state,” says Program Director Michelle Poulin. “Most of the children… are in group homes, residential homes or STARR Programs,” some for crisis intervention, assessment, stabilization and treatment. Based in Westborough and financed by Federal Discretionary Funds, SESPP is responsible for training and assigning volunteers to act as educational decisionmakers, representing children in the care of DCF. These “Surrogate Parents” take on the parental role regarding a child’s education by doing what is necessary to ensure that particular child receives an appropriate education: understanding legalities, reviewing case files, assessing programs and therapies, initiating and attending meetings, etc. By law, all children who have been evaluated and deemed eligible for special education are assigned an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team consisting of teachers, therapists and specialists. This team works in partnership with parents or guardians to determine a ‘plan of action,’ documented as an IEP. IEP meetings occur annually and in certain circumstances, several times a year. Parents are integral to the Team, bringing

with them in-depth knowledge of their child, often unknown to educators. For children in DCF custody, however, Special Education Surrogate Parents step into this role and through documentation, visits, meetings and inquiries, familiarize themselves with children’s backgrounds, strengths, weaknesses and interests. Prior to implementation, an IEP plan requires the signature of a parent, guardian or Special Education Surrogate Parent. Unsung heroes of the special education system, surrogate parents ensure that children receive the education to which they are entitled. “There is no typical case,” says Elizabeth Farwell, SESPP Volunteer Training and Support Coordinator. Students’ needs are as varied as are students themselves. “Some cases do not take a lot of time, and some can be hugely consuming,” adds Duncan. Although always thrilled if a student makes it to graduation, Duncan emphasizes that success for a surrogate parent “…is not based on how the student performs in school. Success is really measured in small increments.” For example: - Transitioning a child through one of many moves with minimal educational disruptions - Identifying an overlooked problem or need - Maintaining a beneficial educational program or situation “Provide an education, change a life,” is a motto expressed by Farwell during a recent training session at the RFK School in Lancaster. A SESPP volunteer is someone over the age of 18 who wishes to play a crucial role for a child in need. He or she should have prior knowledge of special education or a willingness to train on the subject. First steps to enter the program

include completing an application, providing references and submitting a CORI check. For those interested in training, the program offers initial four-hour courses at various venues throughout the year. Numerous support opportunities in the form of monthly trainings, conferences, mentors and experts-on-call are available. Volunteers determine their own time commitments. The majority of surrogates known to Duncan are also parents of children with special needs. In addition, “a tremendous number of volunteers are retired teachers or school administrators.” Regarding her full plate, Duncan says, “There’s satisfaction in making a difference…It’s a good busy.” Sue Lovejoy is a Holden-based freelance writer.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SURROGATE PARENT Personality Traits Dedicated Team player Strong advocate Good communicator Organized General Responsibilities Maintain communication with collaterals Review student records Attend team meetngs Advocate for students services Sign the IEP * Michelle Poulin, SESP Program Director Additional information regarding the Special Education Surrogate Parent Program is available at sespprogram.org or by calling 508-792-7679.

While we see youngsters and adults anytime

Thursday, August 19 will be

#BDL UP 4DIPPM %BZ Exams will only be scheduled for school aged children (ages 5 to 17) Our thorough eye examination includes a vision exam, a complete eye health assessment, and a binocular vision evaluation.

By appointment ONLY. (617) 484-1414 231 Belmont Street Belmont, MA 02478 www.belmontoptometrists.com BAYSTATEPARENT 27

BACKTOSCHOOL 28 AUGUST2010

BACKTOSCHOOL

Charles River School Small School. Big Difference. An independent school for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8

Children thrive in an educational environment with: D Small class sizes D Challenging and Engaging Curriculum D Strong community D Extended Day Program

Open Houses Sunday, October 24 ~ 2- 4 pm Sunday, November 14 ~ 2-4 pm Learn More Schedule a tour Contact Admissions Director Mimi Earley 508-785-8213

For directions go to www.charlesriverschool.org

SPRINGS BROOK PARK SWIM AREA

Thursday, October 21st 6-7 p.m.

Sandy Beaches, Spray Park, Waterslide, Swim Dock, Bathhouse, Concession, Picnic Grove with Grills, Playground, Volleyball, Basketball. Red Cross Swim Lessons Available

Currently Enrolling Limited spaces are available for the 2010/2011 school year

Open House

“Where bright minds come together!” Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Six

The Brighton School is a non-proﬁt, private, independent elementary school dedicated to providing a quality education that addresses the individual needs of students. • Gifted and Talented Program • Individualized Curriculum • Small Class Sizes • Nurturing Environment • Specialized Instruction in: Spanish, Music, Art, Science, Computer, Physical Education and Yoga

Located at 181 Springs Road in Bedford, MA Hours: June 10 - Aug 15,10 - 7:30 • Aug 16 - Aug 29, 11 - 7 Fees: Weekdays $7 person / Weekends $9 per person Summer Memberships available from $85 - $305

Call 781-275-1392 or for full information visit www.bedfordrecreation.org

360 Water Street, P.O. Box 3204, Framingham, MA 01705 1-508-344-9007 • www.brightonschoolofma.org BAYSTATEPARENT 29

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We are Panera. We are bakers of bread. We are fresh from the oven. We are a symbol of warmth and welcome. We are a simple pleasure, honest and genuine. We are a life story told over dinner. We are a long lunch with an old friend. We are your weekday morning ritual. We are the kindest gesture of neighbors. We are home. We are family. We are friends. For locations, visit us at www.panera-boston.com or ďŹ nd us on Facebook: Panera Bread of Greater Boston.

While you're busy at work, your child is busy at 40% = â&#x20AC;˘ Family owned and run â&#x20AC;˘ Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs â&#x20AC;˘ EEC Licensed Teachers â&#x20AC;˘ Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, 52 weeks a year â&#x20AC;˘ CompuChild, Music & Movement, Tumblebus, Lil' Sports and Mad Science programs on site â&#x20AC;˘ Indoor Gym

NOW ENROLLING FOR TEN KINDERGAR 2010

â&#x20AC;˘ Sibling Discounts â&#x20AC;˘ The Letter People Curriculum â&#x20AC;˘ Lively Letters Curriculum

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BACKTOSCHOOL

Walk-In Medical Care Afternoons, Evenings and Weekends We accept most health insurance plans*. 222 Boston Turnpike (Route 9 East), Shrewsbury, MA

508.831.4080

www.readymed.org

Check our website for estimated wait times. *Contact your insurance plan for referral requirements. BAYSTATEPARENT 31

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32 AUGUST2010

August 28th â&#x20AC;˘ 2-5pm (rain date Aug. 29th 2-5pm)

Monument Sq. Downtown Leominster Join us for one last day of FUN before the new school year begins! Entertainment includes a bouncy house, games, arts and crafts, and big prize wins! Be here for our ďŹ rst ever bed parade! [B.Y.O.B â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bring Your Own Bedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;] A winner will receive $800 credit from Gariepy Furniture! Swap, donate or sell your school accessories for a new something for sure! Visit local kid friendly businesses, clubs and organizations! Sign up for different activities after school! Bring your friends and family! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to pick up a tasty treat and stay cool! * Contact Kelly Woodland for additional info (978) 534-7500 or kwoodland@leominster-ma.gov Bed must be complete with headboard and on wheels, and carry at least one passenger. Winner will be awarded based upon creativity, uniqueness and kidfriendly fun appeal. Preregistration preferred. Sign in will be at Gariepy Furniture at 1:45pm on Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 33

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Kids Day

BACKTOSCHOOL

Come to Back At It! at a Simon Mall near you!:

Monica Rao, D.M.D. Monaf Alyassi, D.M.D., M.S.

Family Dental Care • General & Preventive Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry (Veneers/Whitening) • Root Canal Treatments • Crowns & Bridges • Dentures/Partials • State of the Art Sterilizing Techniques

ATRIUM MALL AUBURN MALL BURLINGTON MALL CAPE COD MALL

Saturday, August 28th 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.

Saturday Appointments Available.

EMERALD SQUARE MALL

Parking Available in the back of the building.

LIBERTY TREE MALL

We Welcome Your Call & Invite Your Questions

MALL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE PHEASANT LANE MALL

Most Indian Dialects Understood

33 No. Main St., 5 Englewood Street No. Grafton, MA 01536 Webster, MA 01570

SOLOMON POND MALL

Join us for a for a back-to-school event for all ages. Featuring:

We accept most Insurances

508-839-4233

508-943-6908

SOUTH SHORE PLAZA SQUARE ONE MALL

2010 Fall Fashions OUR SERVICES

Free Gift Bags* Free entertainment, games, and educational information Special store offers

• Pregnancy Tests • Prenatal Care • Infertility • Digital Mammmography MA License #M383 • In Ofﬁce Gynecologic Surgeries Accredited by the American College of Radiology

Prizes and more! *while supplies last

New Patients Welcome Follow your favorite mall: 34 AUGUST2010

Main Ofﬁce Worcester 508-755-4861 Marlborough 508-485-1056 Webster 508-949-3600 www.whcma.com

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH OUR

Fashion Fables PAULA MONETTE ETHIER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR CARRIE WATTU, EDITOR ALLISON COTTRILL, FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER TONI&GUY速 HAIRDRESSING ACADEMY, HAIR & MAKEUP PHOTOGRAPHED ON LOCATION AT PARKERVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE, WESTFORD

Meet Our Models

Little Red Riding Hood EMILY, 5, LEXINGTON

ALLISON, 6, LEXINGTON

Hansel and Gretel HUDSON, 6, WINCHESTER

Jack and the Beanstock IAIN, 5, CARLISLE

CHARLIE, 8, WINCHESTER

Goldilocks and the Three Bears GEORGIA , 7, CHARLESTOWN

ADALIA, 15 MONTHS, CONCORD

The Three Little Pigs SEVERINE, 12, HINGHAM

ABIGAIL , 5, ARLINGTON

ISABELLA , 5, WALTHAM

SOLANA, 4 1/2, CAMBRIDGE BAYSTATEPARENT 35

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Little Pig, Little Pig, let me come in. Not by the boots on my shinny, shin, shin! THE BIG BAD WOLF IS PERFECTLY CUNNING (IN BOTH MEANINGS OF THE WORD!) IN UNIQUE, CONTEMPORARY WEAR BY ONE KID: PLUM RUFFLE JEAN SKIRT, PLUM HEATHER FAUX FUR VEST AND PATTERNED TIGHTS. ONEKID.COM

36 AUGUST2010

BACKTOSCHOOL OUR THREE PINK PIGGIES MODEL CLASSIC YET ORIGINAL HARTSTRINGS MOD SQUAD OUTFITS (IN PINK OF COURSE): COTTON SWEATER DRESS WITH LEGGINGS, COTTON CORDUROYS WITH WHITE FLOWERED SHIRT AND CARDIGAN “INTERLOCK” AND COTTON JUMPER WITH TIGHTS. EVERY PIG WORTH HER WALLOW IN THE MUD ALSO NEEDS A RESPECTABLE PAIR OF BOOTS. THESE COORDINATING RAINBOOTS ARE PROVIDED BY HARTSTRINGS TOO. HARTSTRINGS.COM

BAYSTATEPARENT 37

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My, what a nice coat you have! LITTLE RED VISITS GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE IN A GORGEOUS 100% BOILED WOOL AUSTRIAN GIESSWEIN RED HOODED COAT, VINTAGE-STYLED PUEBLO DENIM SCHOOLHOUSE DRESS DESIGNED BY MIMI & MAGGIE (CLOTHING FOR SPIRITED GIRLS) AND ACORN EARTH SHOES AND TIGHTS BY RUGGED BEAR. LITTLE RED’S STALKER MAY BE A WOLF BUT SHE’S DRESSED IN BEAR... RUGGED BEAR THAT IS, MODELING A LONG BLACK SWING COAT AND BLACK STRETCH PANTS. GIESSWEIN.COM • MIMIANDMAGGIE.COM • RUGGEDBEAR.COM 38 AUGUST2010

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Fee Fi Fo Fum Look how handsome I look Mum! BAYSTATEPARENT’S “JACK” SHINES LIKE THE GOOSE’S GOLD IN HIS SPIFFY RED-STRIPED SHIRT WITH BLUE BANDANA BY AMSTERDAM’S COUTURE DESIGNER, SCOTCH SHRUNK, AND QUALITY, CLASSIC RUGGED BEAR JEANS AND MERRELL SHOES (PROVIDED BY RUGGED BEAR). SHRUNKSTORE.SCOTCH-SODA.COM RUGGEDBEAR.COM

BAYSTATEPARENT 39

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We make our mark with breadcrumbs as well as back-to-school styles.

STORYBOOK SIBLINGS, HANSEL AND GRETEL, WALK THE TRAIL IN TRADITIONAL FASHIONS PROVIDED BY RUGGED BEAR RIGHT DOWN TO HANSEL’S MERRILL SHOES. RUGGEDBEAR.COM

40 AUGUST2010

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The last skirt was just right! GOLDILOCKS FLOUNCED ON THE SCENE IN A PINK BLUSH TIERED SKIRT AND TURF NECKLACE TOP COMPLETE WITH COORDINATING TIGHTS, ALL FROM ONE KID. PINK COWBOY BOOTS FROM TARGET COMPLEMENT THE GOLDEN GIRL. BABY BEAR IS WEARING A MINK COUTURE COAT (COMPLETE WITH EARS) FROM BEARINGTON BABY COAT COLLECTION AS WELL AS RUGGED BEAR CORDUROYS. ONEKID.COM • RUGGEDBEAR.COM BEARINGTONCOLLECTION.COM

BAYSTATEPARENT 41

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FASHION FABLES

leven local models, ages 15 months to 12, including two sets of siblings, were transformed into fairy-tale characters for baystateparentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fable-inspired fashion spread by the creative and talented students of Tony&Guyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hairdressing Academy of Worcester. The stylists turned a one-room schoolhouse in Westford, MA into a happening salon as baystateparentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative team, along with childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion photographer, Allison Cottrill, used props, clothing and photography to create the literary world you see here. We thank the children for spending a hot summer day jumping into a fairy tale with us (even while modeling wool coats and turtlenecks). We are especially looking forward to the August 1st debut of our behind-the-scenes video, shot and directed by Brittany Durgin, online editor of our sister publication, Worcester Mag. The video includes beautiful vocals by baystateparentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own promotions coordinator, Jennifer Antkowiak. Please take a peek at baystateparent.com.

E D N I H E B S E N E C S THE brittany durgin photography

Team Toni&Guy LEFT: Rahsaan M. Gomes, Director of Education BACK: Lesa Ross, Michael King, Angela Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alessandro, stylists and Dawna Salkiewicz, instructor FRONT: Elizabeth Spencer and Nicole Fontaine, stylists

A Way with Hair and Words: Not only can Elizabeth Spencer do hair and makeup, she also came up with many of the creative headlines featured in our fashion pages.

Outstanding Insight: Once again, Allison Cottrill brought outstanding creative insight and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion photography to baystateparent. Thank you Allie for your countless hours re-reading fairy tales, sketching, finding new props, ripping looks out of magazines and so much more.

Fresh Face: Nicole Fontaine has loved everything about makeup since she was a young girl. Here, Nicole gives editor Carrie Wattu a morning makeover.

Ready for School? Get Ready for Less! Mall OutďŹ t = Mall Prices

Mall OutďŹ t = Cutieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prices

Ashland, MA

Backpa ck

ch Lun

Enroll your child before Aug 31 at our affordable member rates and receive a $180 credit toward your new Temple membership (non-member rates also offered)

Jeans

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42 AUGUST2010

Lunchb

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Hebrew School Enrollment Special for 2010/11

Backpack

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Total =

Mon. - Sat., 9-6, Thurs. 9-7, Sun. 10-5

www.everythingcutie.com Johnny Appleseed Plaza, 1021 Central St., Leominster 978-534-6604

s 4OTS 'RADE "AR "AT -ITZVAH PREPARATION s (EBREW *EWISH CULTURE TRADITIONS AND HOLIDAYS TAUGHT IN A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT THAT MAKES LEARNING FUN.

For more info: school@shaareishalom.org WWW SHAAREISHALOM ORG s

BACKTOSCHOOL

FASHION FABLES

SHOPPING DIRECTORY MIMI & MAGGIE AND ONE KID RETAILERS POLLYWOGS (CARRIES ONE KID ONLY) 1024 GREAT PLAIN AVENUE NEEDHAM, MA 02492 781-444-0876 www.pollywogskids.net

BUNDLE OF HOPE 146 FRONT STREET SCITUATE, MA 02066 781-545-4673 www.bundleofhope.net ELITE BEBE 438 COMMON STREET BELMONT, MA 02478 617-484-7997 www.elitebebe.com

Music Man: Michael King makes some mean curls. He also coined the title â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fashion Fablesâ&#x20AC;? in addition to pumping the whole team up with some great tunes during the nine-hour shoot.

SCUPPERS 79 WASHINGTON STREET MARBLEHEAD, MA 01945 781-631-5221 www.scuppersforkids.com

FRITZ & GIGI, THE CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SHOP 79 MAIN STREET CONCORD, MA 01742 978-369-3253 www.fritzandgigi.com

VILLAGE BABY 23A HARVARD STREET BROOKLINE, MA 02445 617-232-4900 www.villagebaby.com WILD CHILD 5 MEDFORD STREET ARLINGTON, MA 02474 781-483-3566 www.wildchildgear.com

KIDSTUFF 381COMMERCIAL STREET PROVINCETOWN, MA 02657 508-487-0714 www.kidbitsptown.com KIWI BABY 1636 WASHINGTON STREET BOSTON, MA 02118 617-247-2229 www.kiwibabyboston.com

Helpful Hands: Angela Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alessandro was as helpful styling our models as she was with less glamorous tasks of serving lunch and clean up. Thanks Angela!

Impressive Work: Lesa Rossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; storyboards for the two wolves she styled were almost as impressive as the wolvesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hair themselves.

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Mention this ad to receive 50% off registration fee

ACTON NORTH BEVERLY ANDOVER NORWOOD BEDFORD SUDBURY CHESTNUT HILL WELLESLEY HANOVER WESTBOROUGH HYANNIS www.ruggedbear.com MEDWAY

www.oliviarosechildrensboutique.com

Create. Enrich. Inspire. Now Enrolling for Fall Classes Openings Still Available All Ages â&#x20AC;˘ All Instruments Private and group lessons, classes and ensembles

Preschool programs for 2.9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 yrs Unique Toddler program 15 mos â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2.9 yrs

199 West Mountain Street, Worcester 01606 NEW telephone number 508-453-2772 www.mrsbspreschool.com

OLIVIA ROSE 1945 OCEAN STREET MARSHFIELD, MA 02050 781-834-8851

RUGGED BEAR SHOPPING DIRECTORY

FALL REGISTRATION in Aug 16-19 â&#x20AC;˘ 10am-5pm

;OaaOQVcaSbba >`S[WS` 2O\QS AbcRW]

Registration is ongoing throughout the summer by appointment only

ELITEDANCE.-MA.COM â&#x20AC;˘ 508-842-5500 910 BOSTON TURNPIKE (PARK NINE WEST PLAZA) SHREWSBURY, MA

Worcester Academy of Music 11 Irving St., Worcester 508-635-6900 worcesteracademyofmusic.com BAYSTATEPARENT 43

HOW

SMART R U O Y IS ? T R CA QUICK TIPS TO BECOME A SAVVY LABEL READER BY kate scarlata andrea servidone & shawn reed, photographers

ver feel like shopping at the grocery store requires a PhD in nutritional science? Moreover, food manufacturers seem to enjoy bamboozling us into thinking their products are chock full of good nutrition. The nutrition facts label is a good starting point for checking the overall nutrient content of the food you are about to purchase for your family, but take a peek at the ingredient list as well to see what additives, artificial colors, hidden trans fats and salt may be lurking in the product.

How to become a food label detective • Always observe the serving size and be sure you calculate the nutrition facts based on the amount you intend to eat. For instance, a 16-ounce Very Fine apple juice contains two servings- not one! If you drink the entire bottle, double the calories, sugar etc. noted on the label. • Minimize intake of fat as it is a big source of calories. The American Heart Association recommends that 30% or less of your calories come from fat to keep the heart healthy. Based on an 1,800 calorie diet, that would be 60 grams of fat per day. • Be sure your food choices contain zero grams of trans fats. Even if the nutrition facts label states a food contains “0 g” of trans fat, be careful if the ingredient list includes “partially hydrogenated oils.” This means that the product does indeed 44 AUGUST2010

contain trans fats. Food manufacturers are allowed to claim a food item has “0 g” of trans fats if it contains 0.5 grams of trans fat or less per serving. The American Heart Association recommends intake of trans fats to be less than 1% of total calories or 2 grams per day ( 0-1 grams for little children). So take that extra step and look at the ingredients! Of all fats, trans fats are the worst fats as they clog arteries the most! • Cholesterol intake should be less than 300 milligrams per day. Choose foods with minimal cholesterol to keep your heart healthy. Animal products contain cholesterol; plant foods do not. • Sodium is added for flavor and preserving of our foods. A low sodium food choice contains 120 milligrams or less of sodium and a high sodium food item contains greater than 480 milligrams. Why do we care? A high sodium diet is linked with high blood pressure. • Total carbohydrates on the food label denote complex carbohydrates such as whole grains as well as added sugars. Carbs provide our body with energy so the more active you are, the more you need. According to the Institute of Medicine, adults should get 45 percent to 65 percent of their calories from carbohydrates. Per 1,800 calories that translates to 202 - 293 grams of carbohydrate per day. • Fiber falls under the total carbohydrate heading. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that helps keep us satiated, maintains the health and movement of our digestive tract, lowers cholesterol and

regulates the sugar in our bloodstream. The recommended intake for total fiber for adults ranges between 25-35 grams per day. Experts recommend children older than 2 years old consume 5 grams of fiber plus their age, so a 3-year-old should consume about 8 grams of fiber per day. A good goal is to choose bread and cereals with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. • Sugar is difficult to assess on a food label as the label does not distinguish between added sugars compared with natural sugar in the product. For instance a plain yogurt without added sugar has 10 grams of sugar represented on the food label. This sugar is the naturally occurring milk sugar, lactose, not added sugar. The American Heart Association recommends most women should limit their sugar intake to 100 calories, or about six teaspoons, a day; for men, the recommendation is 150 calories, or nine teaspoons per day. If you are concerned about your intake of sugars, make sure that added sugars are not listed as one of the first few ingredients. Ingredients are listed in order of prevalence in a product. Beware of sugar disguises including: corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, maltose, dextrose, sucrose, honey and maple syrup. • Protein intake should be about 10-35% of calories. Most Americans consume plenty of protein. Good sources include: meat, fish, chicken, eggs, beans, tofu, yogurt, peanut butter, nut butters, cheese and milk. • % DV (daily value) stands for the percentage of a certain nutrient in the product compared to the amount recommended based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Any nutrient that has 5% DV or less is low in that nutrient where as 20% DV indicates that the product is a good source of that nutrient.

Take a closer look at the labels of family-favorite food items Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup For starters, take a peek at the serving size. A measly ½ cup is the serving, with 2 ½ servings in the can. Hmmm….I don’t think so! Although this soup’s directions tell you to add a can of water, I find most people don’t add any and consume the whole can. Note the sodium on this label, 890 milligrams per serving, yet indulging in the entire can, the sodium intake would be 2,225 milligrams! Most experts are now recommending daily intake for most adults should not exceed 1,500 milligrams, the equivalent of about two-thirds of a teaspoon of table salt per day. Food items containing greater than

20% DV for sodium are considered high in sodium; this label notes sodium intake is 37% DV, just in ½ a cup!

Newman’s Own Marinara Pasta Sauce For a “package sauce” this tomato sauce is a bit high in salt, note the DV% is 21. But, what I like about this sauce is that the ingredient list contains recognizable ingredients. The only slightly unusual ingredient is citric acid, which according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), an advocacy group that utilizes scientific evidence to educate the public and promotes government policies to improve public health, is a safe and widely-used ingredient. For a lower sodium sauce make a fresh sauce with fresh chopped tomatoes, garlic, fresh, chopped basil and just a dash of salt—yum!

Kraft Light Catalina Reduced Fat Dressing This sweet dressing is low in fat, but has the equivalent of about 2 ½ teaspoons of sugar in the 2 Tablespoon serving size. Artificial color, red 40, sneaks in too, along with a few preservatives. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, red 40 can cause allergic-like reactions. For a healthier dye-free alternative with less sugar, try Newman’s Own Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing.

Old El Paso Taco Dinner Kit Let’s start with the taco shells, which have TBHQ, added as a preservative. What the heck is that? TBHQ stands for tertiary butyl hydroquinone, a preservative added to foods to extend shelf life. BHA, BHT and TBHQ are all added preservatives and some experts feel all of them may be linked with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The taco seasoning mix in this dinner “kit” boasts even more preservatives, monosodium glutamate, partially hydrogenated fats (trans fats) and includes salt as the second ingredient. An easy and healthier option is to make your own seasoning mix, add 1 ½ Tablespoons chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoon cumin, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. paprika, and a dash of salt and pepper to a pound of your favorite lean ground beef, chicken or turkey breast. And your kids (and their growing bodies) will say, “muchas gracias!”

Unlike many commercial brands of peanut butter, this one does not contain any partially hydrogenated oils, A.K.A., trans fats, the most deleterious to your arteries. There is a bit of added sugar and salt but the quantities are not over the top, making this a kid-friendly favorite. The all natural peanut butters without added sugar, salt or fats such as Smucker’s Natural No Added Salt Peanut Butter is a notch healthier, with only one ingredient: peanuts. Well, that makes label reading easier, doesn’t it? In general, don’t be fooled by the term natural, which is barely regulated in this country. Bruce Silverglade Director of

Quaker Instant Oatmeal The label boasts natural and artificial flavors! Why should your morning cereal be artificial anything? The second ingredient in this food item is sugar, as ingredients are listed in order of prevalence in a product. This item boast a bit too much sweetness. On the upside, the product contains 3 grams

of fiber. Most Americans fall short in their fiber quota, so any cereal with 3 grams or more is a great start to the day. How about trying a bowl of quick oats topped with a tsp. of brown sugar and fresh berries or ½ sliced banana. That would make a healthier breakfast bowl without artificial flavors, caramel color or artificial flavor! Try your best to choose foods with recognizable ingredients. If you fill your cart with more foods found in nature versus those in a bag or box, you will be well on your way to having a smart cart. Kate Scarlata, RD, LDN is a Boston-based private practice dietitian and mom of three children. Her latest book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Well with IBS,” Alpha 2010, details the most up-to-date science on Irritable Bowel Syndrome and dietary symptom management with over 160 delicious IBS friendly recipes. Follow Kate on twitter @beegood or katescarlata.com.

NOW SHOWING BEHIND-THE-SCENES

Autism Research Study

FOOTAGE OF OUR

BACK-TO-SHOOL

FASHION FABLES

Goals: We are studying the possible causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Two Chances to Meet Eric Carle! Cocktails & Conversation with Eric Carle Photo by Paul Shoul

Skippy All Natural Peanut Butter

Legal Affairs at CSPI, notes, “the Food and Drug Administration has no official regulations defining the term ‘natural’ - it can be slapped on almost any food the FDA regulates and the agency has no plans to issue official rules for the term ‘natural.’” Even products made with high fructose corn syrup can bear the label “all natural” which we all know is a far cry from nature.

August 13, 2010 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm 5:00 pm Presentation $65 (Members $50) Presentation and champagne reception $125 (Members $100)

Meet Eric Carle: Book Signing August 14, 2010 10:00 am (9:00 am for Members) Free with Museum Admission

We depend on the participation of families like yours to better understand ASD, hopefully leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment. Who we are: A team of doctors and scientists at Children’s Hospital Boston. What we do: We collect behavioral and genetic information

on children 24 months and older with a diagnosis of ASD, as well as their families. Afterward, families receive a detailed report of our cognitive, behavioral, and developmental observations.

Contact our research team: 866-982-5826 (toll free) ASDresearch@childrens.harvard.edu

Visit www.carlemuseum.org for details The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art 125 West Bay Road, Amherst MA 01002

www.baystateparent.com

www.carlemuseum.org BAYSTATEPARENT 45

WHO’S COACHING OUR

KIDS

steven king

g n i n n a M . Robert L Age: 49, Hometown: Grafton, Family: Mary (the heart and soul of our family), daughter, Jacqui (14), son, Ryan (11) Coaching: Pop Warner football, 5 years, and Little League baseball, 10 years Occupation: Sergeant, Massachusetts State Police

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AAU requires from families. I think that because it is a fall sport and we have to start practice in August that it gets a bum rap. Yes, we practice four nights a week in August but that includes a week of conditioning and then three weeks of practice before the season and school starts. Remember we have the largest number of players on any team sport. It requires a minimum number of practices to get the kids ready to play at a safe and fundamentally sound level. We only practice during the fall season unlike other sports where kids play year round.

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Why coaching? I actually coached back in college for several years because I have a great love for working with kids. When I had a family, it was a great way to do what I love plus spend valuable time with my kids as they learn the lessons that sports bring to a young athlete. Plus it bothers the heck out of me when I see an adult coach who “just doesn’t get it” (coaching kids). Is youth football really as intense as it seems? I think intense is the wrong word; commitment is a better choice. Football is not even close to the time that hockey, soccer and now baseball with

Ever have a girl sign up for football? I have never experienced it during my involvement with Pop Warner, but we have played against two or three teams in the past couple of seasons that have had a female player. It was awesome to watch the boys react when the female player made some good plays against us. Something your players wouldn’t know about you: I hate to talk loud (lol). The punch line here is that I am a very vocal coach (but totally into positive reinforcement). Biggest pet peeve as a coach: I think it is extremely important to make sure you keep the drills safe and match the players up so that they can get the most positive experience to perform the drill the right way. Negative pet peeve would be the small minority of parents that create issues and produce zero positive energy to the success of the child and the team’s season.

What you’ve noticed about football parents: Football parents are great. They come and watch their child at practice all the time and then show up on game day with energy and enthusiasm. We played in the Div 11 Central Mass Super Bowl last year and the parents and family members were unbelievable. We had several hundred fans cheering us on. Highlight of coaching career: One is a personal moment I experienced this year watching my own son grow up in the middle of a game. My son had made a terrible mistake in a game but was able to put everything we coaches talk about and try to teach the kids to use in a very short time. He was able to regroup and become instrumental in winning a game, but it was the experience of watching him grow up in adverse conditions that I will always remember. Final Thoughts: I would just like to take the time to thank all the parents who have trusted me (and will) to be involved with their child’s life and the ability to work with them at such a delicate learning time. It is a privilege and one that I do not take lightly at all. To be able to spend time doing two things I love, sports and working with kids, is a great opportunity and one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. If you know a coach baystateparent could profile, please email editor@baystateparent.com.

TAKEGOODCARE

NIXING

THE NARCISSISM Why Self-Centeredness Isn’t Caused by What You Think— and What You Can Do to Counteract It in Your Children

Does it ever seem like your kids are their own biggest fans? The reason for this problem may surprise you. Read on for the common mistake most parents make when it comes to nipping narcissism in the bud—and some of the simple steps you can take to fix it. BY

warren b. seiler jr., m.d.

hink about the narcissistic people you know: the “friend” who calls you every day (while preening in the mirror, no doubt) to talk only about her life; the coworker who sucks up all the credit for the big project; the relative who steamrolls over the rest of the family to get her way. Now, imagine your own child growing up to be one of those self-centered creatures. It’s a cringe-worthy thought for sure. And if you assume that narcissistic kids are the products of an overindulgent culture, think again. That’s right. “Spoiling” kids doesn’t cause narcissism. The problem is actually a lack of attention and emotional nurturance. Constantly giving a child everything he might want can certainly spoil and thus contribute to the development of true narcissism. However, after seeing similar cases time and again, I am confident that spoiling a child in the common sense of the word is the least common cause of the problem. To the contrary, in my experience narcissism most likely develops when one or more of a child’s needs are not being met. As any parent knows, from the time a child is born, there are many needs that must be met—emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual—and that’s just to mention a few! If any one of those needs is not met, the child begins

focusing all of her energies on herself and on getting her needs met, which can lead to narcissism. If a child has to focus his energies more than occasionally on getting his needs met as he grows up, that process becomes reflexive. As a result, when pain is encountered or when needs arise throughout his life, his automatic response is to focus only on himself. As you can imagine, this can quickly lead to the assumption that a child is spoiled or self-centered rather quickly. If you suspect your own children may be showing the early signs of narcissism, there are a number of simple rules that you can follow to stop the self-centeredness and raise kind, empathetic adults. Some of these are as follows: • Make sure their needs are being met. The first step in solving the problem of self-centeredness (and arguably the easiest!) is to try and identify where it may be originating from. If you can figure out what it is your child is overcompensating for, then you can work to fulfill it yourself, allowing him to focus his energies on other, more positive ventures. Think about the common complaints or repetitive squabbles that occur in your household, and what underlying issues may be the true cause (keeping in mind that some squabbles and complaints are normal within any family). Is it a lack of attention? Are you failing to recognize your kids’ accomplishments or reward good behavior? Do your children clearly recognize and emotionally experience the fact that you value them above all else? If you recognize the problem before it becomes a habit, then a simple fix may give you the lasting solution your children need. • Quality time with your kids may not be enough. With all of the obligations that are crammed into your life, it’s all too easy to let quality time with your children fall to the back burner—even though children need as much of your time as you can possibly devote to them.

Quality time can actually be one of two things: time spent with children during which everyone has fun and enjoys being together, and time that facilitates significant discussions. The latter can promote learning about many important life issues, which encourages emotional, psychological and spiritual growth. Of course, both of these types of quality time are valuable and desirable. It’s the combination of both quality and quantity of time that is most important, because without enough quantity of time, quality time may not occur as often as necessary. No matter what else is on your schedule, make as much time as possible to spend with your child as often as possible. It will be a chance for her to satisfy her need for an emotional connection with her parent. Use this time to talk with your child—it will give you great insight into the things that are important to her, what she worries about and the emotional cues that will help you to meet her needs more effectively. And if you are the parent of multiple children, make a point to spend this time with each of them individually as often as possible. • Is it okay to say no? Believe it or not, children and adolescents whose needs are adequately met on all of the important levels (i.e., physical, emotional/ psychological, and spiritual) by genuinely loving and nurturing parents accept “no” fairly easily from about 5 or 6 years of age and older. And that’s good, because our reasons for saying “no” to the nonnarcissistic child typically have to do with A) finances or cost of the request, and/or B) the appropriateness of the request given the child’s maturity level and sophistication. Make sure to take as much time as necessary to explain your reasons and views to your children, listen to theirs carefully, discuss and explain further if necessary and then make a final decision. Sure, your explanations won’t always be met with agreement and appreciation, but such is life! Our family (my wife of 37 years and our three healthy adult children) did not start

as a democracy. It began and continued for many years as a “benevolent dictatorship” in which the truly good king and queen always put their “subjects’” well-being above their own. There was a gradual shifting of power, autonomy and authority over time, and we’ve had a democracy for quite a number of years now. Here’s the bottom line: children and adolescents know on some level whether or not their parents genuinely and selflessly love them. When their conclusion is negative, they begin to defy and rebel overtly or covertly, and they refuse to accept “no” for an answer. • Lead by example. Over time, children will naturally model their behaviors after those who are caring for them. And they begin to direct their energies the way those who care for them direct theirs. The up-side to this phenomenon is that you can create a positive result in your children. They will naturally direct their energies toward the welfare of others and toward being aware of and ministering to the feelings and needs of others to the degree their needs are completely met by their parents. Most of the narcissistic children I have worked with over the years have parents who are baffled as to how their children have become so self-centered, selfish or underachieving. As they see it, they’ve worked hard to provide a good life for their children. For the most part, these parents have simply lost sight of the fact that the most important investments they can make for their children don’t cost a dime. Warren B. Seiler Jr., M.D., author of Battling the Enemy Within, has over 30 years experience as a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist to open a private practice in his field in Arkansas, a practice that has now spanned more than 30 years. He has devoted his career to understanding the concepts and developing the tools to facilitate healing in oneself and others. For more information, visit battlingtheenemywithin.com. BAYSTATEPARENT 47

fun on aisle 5

adventures in groceryland BY

48 AUGUST2010

carrie wattu, erik riley illustrator

Taking kids grocery shopping is an adventure, a weekly errand promising samples of cheese, lobster encounters, colorful fruits and vegetables and... temptations. “Can we buy soda? Pleeeaaasseee!!” Some of our readers shared how much they enjoyed the time spent at the supermarket with their children; others preferred not to chance a meltdown and viewed food shopping as quiet time alone.

a food product survey. Another great place to look for coupons is on the actual Web site for the items you use the most. Lastly, use your supermarket shopping card to get additional store coupons when you first enter the store, and quickly check the service desk for any additional coupons the store may offer. Shop by recipe: Lisa Moura of Franklin reads cookbooks before shopping and makes her grocery list by the meals that

are low on Monday mornings before 10 a.m. or on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and early afternoons.

It’s magnetic: Buy a magnetic notepad and stick it on the fridge so that the whole family can track items you need.

Recycle. Make sure to bring your recyclable bags to receive a small discount off of your bill. Grab your cans every time you shop so that you can also use the deposit money.

Multitask: Keep your plastic bags in a convenient area at home so that you can recycle them when you grocery shop. If you do have to bring your children shopping, make it work for you. Kelly Woodland of Leominster will sometimes do her grocery shopping when her baby needs a nap. “He sleeps in his infant seat inside my shopping cart while I get my shopping done. The car puts him right to sleep, and I get to get two things done at once!”

Straight to the meat. Since managers sticker the meat with discounts first

the early morning and late-evening hours, Leominster mom of two, Christina Brodeur, can be found multitasking. OK, technically, she is food shopping for her family, but she’s also getting in her metime (so let’s not bother her!). She encourages other moms to do the same if they can. “Do not take the kids. Heck do not even take your spouse! You’ll get out quicker and cheaper that way.” She’s right, says Tara R. Johnson of Spencer, who finds herself getting in “a zone” when she is able to food shop alone. “ It’s a time to be by myself and focus on nothing other than what the meals of the week should be.” This meditative effect is something Heather Williams of Holden can relate to. “It’s my time to be away without the kids and walk up and down every aisle.” Mother of two, Patti Ortiz of Milford, says, “Grocery shopping gets me out of the house for some much needed time to myself. However, it is time consuming and sometimes I’d rather just be hanging out by the pool or reading a book or the newspaper.” But everyone needs to eat, and we’ve heard from plenty of you that if you can shop with kids in tow, you’ll be able to save any alone time for other, less obligatory pursuits. Like the pool, book and paper. So whether your “fun on aisle 5” means sipping your coffee while contemplating the newest salad dressings in peace (my, how motherhood has changed our definition of fun) or teaching your kids about math as they learn to weigh produce, here are some tips and tricks to help you shop easier (and smarter), so that only your groceries, and not you, check out at the supermarket. Use coupons in new ways: It’s nothing new that we should be using coupons to save money on our grocery bill, but did you know that most grocery stores accept competitor’s coupons? All of those coupons you find on receipts, flyers, in Entertainment books, at stores like Target, Babies R Us and Toys R Us, are accepted by many supermarkets. You can also use coupons after the fact. Bring in your receipt with the coupon, and the store should honor it by paying you the difference. Have you also tried getting coupons online? Web sites such as coolsavings. com, smartsource.com and valupage.com will offer you savings after you complete

Track your spending: Scanning groceries with self the scanners available in some stores may slow you down, but it’s a great way to track expenses. Don’t buy two. If an item is 2 for $5, you don’t have to buy both items to get the sale price. Did you know that? Shop fruits and veggies first. baystateparent reader, Jennifer Alizio, prides herself on all the hard work she puts into grocery shopping. “I always shop the fruits and veggies first. That way the sugary treats and junk food are last and usually doesn’t ‘fit’ into the carriage.” Shop monthly. It could save you time as you will only have to make quick trips during the week for milk, eggs, etc.

Taking kids grocery shopping is an adventure, a weekly errand promising samples of cheese, lobster encounters, colorful fruits and vegetables and...temptations. “Can we buy soda? Pleeeaaasseee!!” she plans to make. A great place to find recipes is allrecipes.com. You can even create a shopping list from the recipes you’ve selected. Create a shopping pool. Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other. With cell phones and texting, it’s never been easier to coordinate and maximize your shopping. Shop when it’s slow. Pauline O’Brien of Templeton, a single mom who works full time, hates grocery shopping. Pauline has even challenged herself by stopwatch to see how fast she can get her shopping done. “My best time yet is 20 minutes for a week’s worth of shopping,” she says. Her tip is to always ask the check-out person about the store’s slowest times and shop accordingly. Typically, crowds

thing in the morning, head there early for your best deals. Check your receipt. Look for mistakes after you have paid, but before you leave the store. If you find a mistake on your receipt, stop at the customer service desk, and in most cases, you will receive a full refund of the product. If you see an incorrect price while the teller is scanning your order, the price will be adjusted and you will not receive a refund. Go for the gas. Shop at stores that offer discounts for your car’s gas tank. Count on rain. Take advantage of rain checks, and get out-of-stock items for the sale price the following week.

Take a load off. Valerie Mavrikis spoke for many mothers when she said, “I don’t mind shopping for the groceries but putting them away is such a chore!” One way to make this a bit easier for you is to take along a refrigerator bag. Have the teller pack all your cold foods in it so that you can easily transfer them when you get home. Also, try to wipe out the fridge and do a quick clean-up of counters and the table before you shop. Make him a little shopper: Give your child his own list, basket and money to shop alongside you. If grocery stores could talk, we’d hear some great stories. Esther Rest of Wayland thinks fondly about shopping with her two boys dressed as knights, including capes and masks, as they pretended to tour a medieval market. And still for many, grocery shopping is all about enjoying that rewarding cup of coffee. “It’s something to look forward to,” says Cristina Couture of Sutton. “it’s the little things in life I enjoy so much.” While grocery shopping is no little thing these days, it’s the adventures that make it so interesting. Carrie Wattu is the editor of baystateparent. After the birth of her twins, freelancer writer, Trish Reske, a mother of four, called to check in. “Are you getting any time to yourself?” she asked. Before Carrie could answer, Trish added, “And I hope you’re not going to say your alone time is being spent in a grocery store!” She knew! BAYSTATEPARENT 49

OH, THE GO

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

hardwick fair

PLACES YOU’LL

GO SPINNERS! baystateparent Day at the Lowell Spinners is Sunday, August 15th at 1:35 p.m. In between innings, a child gets to “Race the Gator!” lowellspinners.com. 50 AUGUST2010

GO GREAT! Alexanderia the Great will escape from a recycling bin in which she will be shackled and submerged underwater. Why a recycling bin? It’s Boston’s GreenFest held at City Hall Plaza, August 19th through the 21st. bostongreenfest.org.

steven king

meg birnbaum

john comeau/lowell spinners

GO FAIRLY (AND FESTIVELY)! Get a jump on fair and festival season by visiting the oldest fair in the United States: the Hardwick Community Fair, August 20 and 21st. hardwickfair.com

GO COOL! Sooo cool on a hot night: With the kids, or without, don’t miss Jason James and his popular rockabilly band, the Baystate Rockers, as they perform a special outdoor concert at Goodale Field in West Boylston, 7 p.m. Adults are $10, Children Under 12 are FREE. wbaf.org.

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

1SUNDAY FREE A Broadway Salute: Summer Concert Series. Quabbin Community Band, Harding Allen Bandstand, Barre Common, Barre. 6 p.m. Free concerts featuring many well known and loved Broadway hits. Right across from the common. 978-355-9879, quabbincommunityband.com. FREE Annual Art Encampment. Boston Harbor Island Alliance. Bumpkin Island. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Experience art in nature as nearly 40 artists colonize Bumpkin to create amazing art installations with only the materials they carry on their backs. 617-558-5371, bostonharborislands.org. FREE Toe Jam Puppet Band: The Green Show. Boston Harbor Island Alliance. Georges Island . Noon – 2 p.m. Through music, song, and puppetry children will learn about the importance of recycling and how everyone must keep the earth clean. Inquire about ferry schedule and rates: 617-558-5371, bostonharborislands.org. Music in the Park on Spectacle Island featuring ensembles from Berklee College of Music . Boston Harbor Island Alliance. Spectacle Island, Boston. Noon – 4 p.m. Relax on the Spectacle Island porch to the sounds of big bands, folk music, swing and jazz ensembles. bostonharborislands.org. Puppet Shows. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Sundays, 1 p.m. in August. Shows are between 45 minutes and one hour in length. $10pp. 617-731-6400, puppetshowplace.org. FREE Sunday Parkland Games. The Charles River Conservancy & the Department of Conservation and Recreation, The Weeks Footbridge, Cambridge at the base of DeWolfe St. 2 - 5 p.m. Free, fun outdoor activities. Each Sunday afternoon through Sept. 19. Games such as badminton, bocce, volleyball and more. Also free yoga sessions at 5 p.m. along the river following the games. 617-300-8172, thecharles.org. Date with Dad. American Girl. Natick Collection. 4:30 p.m. An extra-special meal, plus a commemorative photo and keepsakes to take home as a reminder of the memories made during your special day. Also includes a memory book creation activity. $30 PP. (gratuity not included). For girls 6 and up. Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com Paper Caper. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St. 1 – 3 p.m. Families create paper flyers and send them soaring. Ages 5 – 11. Program free with $8.50 Museum admission; under 12 months free. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org Animal Adventures Exhibit at Kimball Farm. 400 Littleton Rd., Westford. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Throughout August 31). Live animal shows daily: meet alligators, giant snakes, ring-tailed lemurs, coatis, kinkajous and many more! $6 PP. 978-779-8988, AnimalAdventures.net. Heritage Market Opens. Community Plaza at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville. Noon – 3 p.m. Runs every Sun., except Labor Day weekend, through Sept. 19th. Hosted by ValleyCAST!, Blackstone Valley culture, arts, science…Together, this market will be a unique blend of history and open air offering local fresh produce, food, flowers, arts and crafts, demonstra-

Have a ball Sundays through September 19, 2 - 5 p.m. at FREE Sunday Parkland Games, The Weeks Footbridge in Cambridge. thecharles.org tions, music and more. The Plaza is surrounded by historic buildings including the original 1826 Paul Whitin Mill and the Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery, which features on-going art exhibitions. Rain location: Singh Performance Center.508-266-6502, alternativesnet.org. Kids Day at the Woods Hole Film Festival. Redfield Auditorium, 53 Water St. 2 – 4 p.m. “Singing Trooper” Dan Clark hosts two hours of world-class and award-winning animated shorts followed by free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Films include For a Fistful of Snow, The Happy Duckling, The Cow Who Wanted to Be a Hamburger by Bill Plympton, Bob, The Hen House, The Legend of Ol’ Goldieand Ride of the Mergansers. A $10, C $5. 508-495-3456, woodsholefilmfestival.org

2MONDAY Junior Zookeeper Camp. Animal Adventures, 336 Sugar Rd. Bolton. Offered Aug. 2 – 6, 9 a.m. - Noon. What’s it like to work in a ZOO? Find out at this hands-on, behindthe-scenes Zoo-Camp! Mammals, reptiles, birds & inscects! Ages 5-13. $40 per day. 978-779-8988, AnimalAdventures. net. Also Aug. 9 – 13. Fishing 101. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 10 a.m. – Noon. Cast a line and see what you can catch off the boardwalk! Weather Permitting. A $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, BostonChildrensMuseum.org Rope and String Games. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Every Mon. through September 5. Games for one, games for all, inside, outside, tiny games and huge games, games for groups and games for families every day of the summer! Game Factory: Make your own game using recycled materials from The Recycle Shop. $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, BostonChildrensMuseum.org

3TUESDAY FETCH! Lab Hands-On Science Challenges. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Various drop-in times every Tues. and Thurs. Experiment in the new FETCH! Lab, inspired by the PBS KIDS GO! series! $10.50 PP admission to both museums, under 1, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

Relaxation Day. Boston Children’s Museum. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn new ways to relax around the Museum. $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org FREE Storytime. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 11 a.m. Children ages 1 to 6 and their caregivers are welcome for stories and snacks. 617- 499 -2000, thecoop.com. FREE Open House Exploration. Dean College Children’s Center, 144 School St., Franklin. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Explore the various activities, arts, sensory, building blocks, dramatics throughout the open house day. 508-541-1598, dean.edu FREE An American Girl Debut. American Girl. Natick Collection. Noon – 2 p.m. Personalized crafts for girls and dolls, and fun activities designed to let your girl’s inner star shine. Plus, she can learn about American Girl’s all-new virtual world—created just for girls and their dolls! For girls 8 and up. americangirl.com Dazzling Doll ’Dos for Fancy Occasions. American Girl. Natick Collection. 2:30 p.m. Give her doll a special hairstyle for a fancy occasion. Stylists will share tips and tricks for creating a crown veil or ponytail veil hairdo. Each girl will also receive a special goody bag with doll hair accessories and styling instructions. $24 PP. For girls 8 and up. Reservations required: 877-247-5223, americangirl.com Dance ‘n Play for a Day and Intro to Dance for a Day. Dance it up! Dance Center, 36 North Main St., North Grafton. Dance ‘n Play, 10 - 11:30 a.m.; Intro to Dance, 10 – 11 a.m. (Also Aug. 10, 17, 24). Dance ‘n Play for ages 2.5 - 4 is designed to gently encourage exploration of moving through imagination and to instill a love of music and movement. Uses a variety of gross motor tools and props. Includes a rest-time area for a story and snack. Intro to dance for ages 4-5: through imagination & self expression, develop coordination, rhythm, flexibility and a love of music & dance. Ballet-based with a 15-minute section of tap to develop musicality. Dance n’ Play $25/day and Intro to Dance $15/day. 508-839-1648, danceitup.com Ice Cream and Bats. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 7:30 – 9 p.m. What’s better than ice cream on a summer night? Join the adventure and look for flashing fireflies, listen for the songs of frogs and katydids and use a “bat detector” to

find our local bats. Pre-registration recommended. A $14, C $9. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org Awesome Robb the Magician. NextDoor Theater, 40 Cross St., Winchester. 10 a.m. Awesome Robb returns to the NextDoor Theater after last summer’s incredible performance! The NextDoor Theater in Winchester has a different children’s entertainer every Tuesday at 10 a.m. all summer long! $10 PP. 781 729 NEXT, nextdoortheater.org

4WEDNESDAY FREE Inside/Out Performances at Jacob’s Pillow Dance. 358 George Carter Rd., Becket. Wed. - Sat. through Aug. 28. 6:15 p.m. Free performances by emerging and established dance companies, sneak previews and presentations by dancers of The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Includes classical ballet, tap, jazz/musical theatre dance, hip-hop, flamenco, traditional Korean dance and India’s bharata natyam. Performances are family-friendly and are followed by a brief question and answer session with the audience.413-243-0745, jacobspillow.org. Musical Games and Fishing 101. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. See Aug. 2 listing for details. FREE Family Games Night. The Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, North End Parks and Chinatown Park, Boston. On Wednesday nights, 5 - 7 p.m. A night of free games in association with Knuckle Bones: bocce, Chinese yoyo, lawn tennis, jump rope, koob and more. rosekennedygreenway.org. FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. Featuring “Ladybug At The Beach.” 617-247-6959, bn.com. FOR PARENTS Understanding and Dealing with Separation Anxiety. COMPASS for Kids, The Cottage Children’s Center, 197 Union St., Marlborough. 7 – 9 p.m. Separation anxiety is a normal occurrence in a young child’s development. In this workshop, explore the developmental foundations of separation anxiety and discover strategies that will help the child, parents and teachers all successfully navigate through this difficult period. A $25. 781-8624446, compassforkids.org BAYSTATEPARENT 51

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO FREE Wee Care Infant Oral Health Program. Melvin “Dr. Mel” Ehrlich, D.D.S., 223 Walnut St. Suite 22, Framingham. 10 a.m. Children under 3 are invited to register for this free seminar with examination designed to help parents assure a cavity-free child. The informal format assures that all parents’ questions will be answered by this pediatric dental specialist. Space is limited. Register 508-875-KIDS(5437),WeeCareAtMels.com FREE MoCo Reads. Mothers and Company, 140 Worcester St., West Boylston. 10:30 – 11:30. (Also August 11). Keep cool this summer and promote early literacy with this free weekly drop-in series for children, birth to age 3 (siblings are welcome). mothersandcompany.com.

Grafton Farmers Market. 1 Grafton Common. 2- 6:30 p.m.. Vegetables, fruit, plants and baked goods. A family-friendly event and perfect spot to let the kids run wild while you get your veggies (and cookies too)! graftonfarmersmarket.com Friends of Leominster Library Book Sale. 40 West St., Leominster. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Also Aug. 12, 19, and 26). Paperback and hardcover books including fiction and non-fiction for all age groups. Also CDs and DVDs are available. Free admission. 978-534-7522 x 112 or mfoley@cwmars.org.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ferry rates and schedule: ostonharborislands.org

Young adults 13-17 yrs old of all acting levels who want to work as actors in movies will perform scenes from film and TV shows under the direction of legendary casting director Carolyn Pickman of CP Casting. A dramatic or a comedy piece will be recorded and played back at the end of the workshop at which time helpful hints and advice will be given. These will relate to what actually happens on a production set as you and others perform and interact with directors and crew. Parents are invited near the end of the session to view the final taping and participate in a question and answer forum focusing on getting started in the business of acting in film. Headshots and resumes are welcome, but not required. Advance registration req. C $50. 508-495-3456, woodsholefilmfestival.org

Make Origami Cranes for Peace Day. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St. 6 – 8 p.m. Make your own peace crane and think about world peace! $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, BostonChildrensMuseum.org Local Harvest. Boston Children’s Museum. 6 – 8 p.m. Local food taste-testing all year-round. $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org Puppet Show. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Sundays, 1 p.m. in August. Shows are between 45 minutes and one hour in length. $10pp. 617-731-6400. To view a complete schedule, visit puppetshowplace.org. The Villain’s Moustache. The Cape Cod Center for the Arts Cape Playhouse, Dennis. Performances at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Tickets: $11.75 - $9.95. 877-385-3911, capeplayhouse.com.

5THURSDAY

Tie Dye II. The Children’s Museum in Easton. 9 Sullivan Ave. 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bring a 100% white cotton t-shirt or a pillowcase or pair of socks for this perennial favorite. Plus, the Mix 104.1 Ice Cream Truck will be stopping by from Noon – 2 p.m. with free samples. White tshirts will also be available for purchase at the museum for $5, otherwise all activities are free with admission. $6 PP, 1 and under, free. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston. org/SummerDropInDays.asp isabella stewart gardner museum

Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m. Do you love to learn about dinosaurs and other animals that lived a long time ago? Come explore how Mary Anning’s childhood passion for collecting fossils resulted in great discoveries in the field of paleontology. Listen to a reading of the book Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter by Sally M. Walker, touch some real fossils and make your very own fossil rubbings book. Free with admission. $10.50 PP admission to both museums, under 1, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org FREE Summer Night Concert Series. The Rose Kennedy Greenway, Wharf District Parks, near the Rings Fountain, Boston. 5 – 7 p.m. Every Thurs. through Aug. 26, rosekennedygreenway.org. The Worminator. Boston Children’s Museum. 11 a.m. – Noon. (Also Aug. 19 and 26). Explore the big bad world of worms. Plus sidewalk chalk and playground games, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org

High Peaks Comedy Juggling. The Cape Cod Center for the Arts Cape Playhouse, Dennis. Performances at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays in August. Tickets: $11.75 - $9.95. 877-385-3911, capeplayhouse.com.

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 444 A Broadway, Saugus. 10:30 a.m. Do you love to watch the birds? If you do ,you’ll love this morning’s stories about birds and feathers and nests. 781-231-4711, bn.com Film Acting and the Business for Ages 13 – 17. Woods Hole Film Festival, Woods Hole Community Hall, 68 Water St., Woods Hole. 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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Fishing 101 and Circle and Hoop Games. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. See Aug. 2 listings for details. FREE The History and Adventures of Tom Thumb. Boston Harbor Island Alliance. Georges Island, Boston.

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7SATURDAY Wardrobe Remix. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Build and create with recycled clothes. $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, BostonChildrensMuseum.org Family Field Trips: Boston Harbor Island Excursion. New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston. Time will depend on Ferry schedule. Start the day at the New England Aquarium and then head out to explore the shoreline of one of the Boston Harbor Islands. Check neaq. org/family for an updated schedule closer to the date. Aquarium educators will provide the expertise, field guides and equipment to explore some of the different aquatic

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Half-Price Friday Nights at The Discovery Museums. 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30 – 9 p.m. Theme – Summer’s Night Sky. Every Friday night during the summer. Pack a picnic and your PJs, and enjoy the museums at night! The VeeBop ice cream truck will serve frosty treats. $5.25 PP, under 1, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org

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FREE Music Concert Series. Sweetwilliam Farm, 153 North St., Upton. Fridays, 7 – 8:30 p.m. through October. A FREE weekly outdoor concert series featuring a variety of fine local, regional and national performing artists. A relaxing evening; listen to wonderful music and view spectacular sunsets. Adults hang out at tables while children play in a protected lawn area. 508-529-2000, sweetwilliamfarm.biz

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FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 444 A Broadway, Saugus. 6:30 p.m. Learn about Library Lil in this fun story by S. Williams. 781-231-4711, bn.com

6FRIDAY

PROGRAMS

Snow White. The Southshore Music Circus,130 Sohier St., Cohasset. 10:30 a.m. Also Goldilocks and the Three Bears on Aug. 13 and Jack and the Beanstalk on Aug. 19. Most seats $8.25 each. 800-745-3000, themusiccircus.org.

Shakespearean Sword Fights. An Interactive Stage Combat Workshop. Plimoth Plantation. 2 p.m. Plimoth Planatation Players demonstrate the art of stage combat with a focus on choregraphed sword fighting. Discover techniques used to create a believable duel for the stage. Highly entertaining, some audience participation. Every Thurs., Fri. and Sat. at 2 p.m. during the summer. Weather permitting and free with museum admission. plimoth.org.

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FREE Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 280 The Fenway, Boston. 5 – 8 p.m. Go on a friendly adventure as you hunt for and learn about the museum’s animal guardians and other formidable creatures. Be enchanted by amazing animal stories, magnificent works of art and delightful live music. Tickets are free but limited and may be picked up in advance at the museum’s front entrance the week of each event. 617-566-1401, gardnermuseum.org.

An animal-themed adventure and live music beckons families to a FREE Neighborhood Night at the magical Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, Thursday, August 5, 5 - 8 p.m. Info about free ticket pick-up: gardnermuseum.org

FREE Sandal Bookmark Craft. American Girl. Natick Collection. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn how to make a funky flipflop bookmark! For girls ages 8 and up. americangirl.com

habitats in New England. Most programs begin and end at the field site. Trips are for families with children ages 5 and up. $40 PP (includes Ferry rides to and from Boston, does not include Aquarium admission). 617-973-5206, neaq.org FREE Island Yoga and A Bug’s Life Program. Boston Harbor Island Alliance. Spectacle Island, Boston. Yoga: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. A gentle hatha yoga class appropriate for all ages and abilities. Bring a mat or towel. Meet at Spectacle Island Visitor Center. First come, first serve. Bug Program: 12:15 – 2 p.m. Join scientist Jessica Rykken in collecting and examining bugs native to the Boston Harbor islands. Recommended for ages 10+ (and the non-squeamish). bostonharborislands.org. FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. 617-247-6959, bn.com. Fife and Drum Concert by the Boston Alarm Company. The Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston. 1, 1:45 and 2:30 p.m. Alarm company members play marches and beat out cadences used to warn citizens of impending attack. A $3.50, C $1. 617 523-2338, paulreverehouse.org FREE Storytime. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 11 a.m. Celebrate sea serpent day with a story and craft. 617- 499 -2000, thecoop.com. FREE. Magic by Scott Jameson. Arts Alliance & Hudson Division of Recreation, Cellucci Park, 37 South Street, Hudson. 2 p.m. Outdoor entertainment for the whole family! (Rain location: Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main St., Hudson) Bring blankets, lawn chairs, cold drinks, skateboard, strollers, bikes, picnic, friends. Located by Assabet River Rail Trail, splash pad, playground equipment. An hour of innovative magic and juggling. 978-562-1646, upwitharts.org. FREE Yoga in the Park for All Ages. DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln. 10 a.m.: ages 2-6; 11 a.m.: ages 7-11; 12 p.m. adult class with musical performance by the Grass Gyspies. Register with Stil Studio by Thurs., Aug. 6 in Dedham. 781-407-YOGA (9642) or decordova@stilstudio.com. The Wonders of Butterflies & Dragonflies. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., (Rt.16), Natick. 1- 2:30 p.m. Walk and explore the fields and other habitats looking for Broadmoor’s many dragonflies and butterflies and learn more about these beautiful creatures. Pre-registration required. A $12, C $8. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org FREE Model Boat Building Workshop. The Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex St., Salem. 1 – 3 p.m. Join PEM’s maritime volunteers for the third annual model boat workshop and build a 19th century New England coastal schooner. For Children ages 10 and up. Reservations by Aug. 5. Note: Unclaimed reservations will be released five minutes after the program start time. A $15, Students $11, C, Free. 978-745-9500, pem.org Magician Weekend at Davis’ Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. 3 p.m. You never know what will happen next. Fun for parents and kids alike! Show times at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 978-422-MOOO for admission costs and details.

Redcoats and Rebels. Old Sturbridge Village. Also Aug. 8. The largest military re-enactment in New England -- more than 800 soldiers portraying British, Hessian, Irish, Welsh, Scots, French and Colonial troops. Mock battles, cannon demos, fife and drums and more. The Village is transformed into a military camp focusing this year on the period of the War for Independence, as it was known in early New England. Come see what it was really like for those who fought to win America’s freedoms. Great fun for the entire family. Times and prices: osv.org

8SUNDAY FREE This and Some of That Summer Concert. Quabbin Community Band, Harding Allen Bandstand, Barre Common, Barre. 6 p.m. 978-355-9879, quabbincommunityband.com Explore Collections. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Put on white gloves to explore the Museum’s treasures. $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, BostonChildrensMuseum.org. Vintage Base Ball. Boston Harbor Alliance. Georges Island, Boston. Noon and 1:30 p.m. Step into the 1860s and watch Civil War-era baseball games played at historic Fort Warren with original rules and uniforms. bostonharborislands.org Puppet Shows. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Sundays, 1 p.m. in August. Shows are between 45 minutes and one hour in length. $10pp. 617-731-6400, puppetshowplace.org. FREE Sunday Parkland Games. The Charles River Conservancy & the Department of Conservation and Recreation, The Weeks Footbridge, Cambridge at the base of DeWolfe St. 2 - 5 p.m. See Aug. 1 listing for details. Magician Weekend at Davis’ Farmland, Sterling. See Aug. 7 listing for details. Redcoats and Rebels. Old Sturbridge Village. See Aug. 7 listing for details. Heritage Market Opens. Community Plaza at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville. See Aug. 1 listing for details.

9MONDAY Junior Zookeeper Camp. Animal Adventures, 336 Sugar Rd. Bolton. Offered Aug. 9 – 13, 9 a.m. - Noon. What’s it like to work in a ZOO? Find out at this hands-on, behind-thescenes Zoo-Camp! Mammals, reptiles, birds & inscects! Ages 5-13. $40 per day. 978-779-8988, AnimalAdventures.net. Fishing 101 and Staff Favorite Games. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. See Aug. 2 listing for details.

Animal Ambassadors. Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham. 10 – 11 a.m. For children accompanied by an adult. Meet an amazing array of animals, each with a story to tell. After the program, you are invited to walk through the Garden, free of charge. Rain or shine. $5 for ages 3 and up. Pay at the door or call for pre-registration. 508-877-7630, newfs.org FREE Mothers & More Discussion: The “Sandwich” Generation. MetroWest Mothers & More, The Community Room at Whitney Place, 3 Vision Dr., Natick. 7:30 – 9 p.m. Are you trying to raise your own children while also caring for a parent? Join other mothers for a helpful discussion about what it means to be so much to so many. Non-mobile infants welcome.metrowestmothersandmore.org Musical History Tour. Newburyport Chamber Music Festival. 10 – 11 a.m. A multi-media music appreciation presentation with costumes by Charles Speicher. 978-4654428, npl@mvlc.org.

10TUESDAY

open discussion. Those have recently welcomed a new baby through adoption are also welcome. Feel free to bring your lunch - why eat alone? mothersandcompany.com. FREE La Leche League Meeting. Phelan Center, 551 Pleasant St., Worcester. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Get information and support to help you breastfeed. Babies and children are welcome. Gently used maternity clothes on sale for just one dollar per piece. 508-523-5720, llleus. org/web/WorcesterMA.html

11WEDNESDAY Having Fun with Fossils & Dinosaurs! Featuring Paulette Morin. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m. Also Aug. 27. Dressed for digging and protected by her pith helmet, intrepid fossil hunter Paulette Morin introduces children to the wonders of our prehistoric past and dinosaurs using her five-foot tall storybook and an assortment of real fossils the children can explore. For ages 4+. $10.50 admission to both museums, under 1, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org

FREE Storytime. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. See Aug. 3 listing for details.

Fishing 101. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. See Aug. 2 listing for details.

FOR PARENTS Fostering Young Children’s Friendship and Social Skills. COMPASS for Kids, Cole-Harrington Children’s Center and Family Childcare System, 605 Neponset St., Canton. 7 – 9 p.m. Identify specific social challenges faced by young children and explore strategies to help children learn how to make friends and interact appropriately with others. A $25. 781-862-4446, compassforkids.org.

FREE Family Games Night. The Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, North End Parks and Chinatown Park, Boston. See Aug. 4 listing for details.

FREE An American Girl Debut. American Girl. Natick Collection. 4 – 6 p.m. Personalized crafts for girls and dolls and fun activities designed to let your girl’s inner star shine. Plus, she can learn about American Girl’s all-new virtual world—created just for girls and their dolls! For girls ages 8 and up. americangirl.com FREE Newburyport Chamber Music Festival Free Children’s Concert. Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St.,Newburyport. 4 p.m. Well-loved stories from around the world narrated with musical accompaniment by members of a string quartet. Tickets available after Aug. 1 from the Children’s Library, 978-465-4428, npl@mvlc.org. American Girl Tea Party. Smolak Farms, 315 South Bradford St., North Andover. Noon – 2 p.m. Back by popular demand, an afternoon of tea and crumpets for you and your American Girl doll. Stories, games, food and fun for kids of all ages. $20 per child (adults free). Reservations: 978-687-4029, smolakfarms.com. Dance ‘n play for a Day and Intro to Dance for a Day. Dance it up! Dance Center, 36 North Main St., North Grafton. See Aug. 3 listing for details. FREE New Moms Group. Mothers and Company, 140 Worcester St., West Boylston. Just drop in: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. All moms of all babies welcome. Meet other new moms and talk about all that is changing in your universe. Each session introduces timely topics and allows time for

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. 617-247-6959, bn.com Teddy Bear Clinic. Children’s Museum of NH, 6 Washington St., Dover, NH. 10 a.m. – Noon. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed friend to this annual fun event followed by a Teddy Tea Party from Noon – 12:30 p.m. This event can help children who may be anxious about visiting the doctor. Health professionals from Portsmouth Regional Hospital will be on hand to issue each animal an ID bracelet, perform health check-ups and conduct minor surgery on furry friends in need of repair. A $8, C $7. 603-742-2002, childrens-museum.org FREE Kaya’s Parfleche Craft. American Girl. Natick Collection. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn how to make and decorate a parfleche, a small envelope like the one Kaya might have made for her doll in 1764. For girls ages 8 and up. americangirl.com FOR PARENTS Designing Meaningful Curriculum for ALL Infants. COMPASS for Kids, Whitney Place, 3 Vision Dr. (Route 9 West), Natick. 7 – 9 p.m. What is “developmentally appropriate” for infants? In this workshop, discover how to create a physical and emotional environment that transforms everyday routines and experiences into learning opportunities for all infants. A $25. 781-862-4446, compassforkids.org.

12THURSDAY FREE Summer Night Concert Series. The Rose Kennedy Greenway, Wharf District Parks, near the Rings Fountain, Boston. See Aug. 5 listing for details.

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OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO Can of Worms in PlaySpace. Boston Children’s Museum. 3 -3:30 p.m. Explore real squiggly worms - for babies and toddlers. A $12, C (1-15) $9, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The Southshore Music Circus,130 Sohier St., Cohasset. 10:30 a.m. Also Jack and the Beanstalk on Aug. 19. Most seats $8.25 each. 800-745-3000, themusiccircus.org. Stevesongs Family Concert. The Cape Cod Center for the Arts Cape Playhouse, Dennis. Performances at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays in August. Tickets: $11.75 - $9.95. 877-385-3911, capeplayhouse.com. Dog Days of Summer II. The Children’s Museum in Easton. 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. A day devoted to man’s (and kid’s) best friend showcasing dogs who perform important service jobs and those who just “wanna” have fun. See some amazing Frisbee performances and a freestyle dance routine. Dog Behavioral Therapist and Trainer Dick Norton of Bark Busters will demonstrate dog training the Aussie way. All events are free with admission. $6 PP, under 1, free. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org Grafton Farmers Market. 1 Grafton Common. See Aug. 5 listing for details.

princess jessica

baystateparent cordially invites parents and daughters, ages 4 - 8, to join us at the Boston Sports Club In Wellesley Friday, August 13 from 2 – 4 p.m. for a magical Princess Party with the Ellie Fund. Join Bianca de la Garza of WCVB-TV5 and Princess Jessica & Friends for a fun party complete with singing, dancing, facepainting, manicures, photos and gift bags with 100% of proceeds to benefit The Ellie Fund and help families fighting breast cancer. elliefund.org.

Friends of Leominster Library Book Sale. 40 West St., Leominster. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. See Aug. 5 listing for details. Dazzle Your Doll. American Girl. Natick Collection. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Girls can dress their dolls for a spectacular summer vacation at this special four-hour event. Plus, every girl will enjoy a meal and take home a doll-sized travel booklet. For girls 8 and up. $50 pp. (gratuity not included). Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com Summer Stars and Meteors. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. An evening with the Perseids meteor shower and summer star constellations. With a mostly dark sky, Broadmoor will be a fantastic place to view this summer astronomical event! For adults/children 12 and up. Pre-registration recommended. $15 PP. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 444 A Broadway, Saugus. 10:30 a.m. 781-231-4711, bn.com Hairspray. Reagle’s Robinson Theatre, 617 Lexington St., Waltham. Starring Broadway’s Marissa Perry as Tracy Turnblad August 12 – 22. This toe-tapping musical comedy makes its Reagle debut. Can a larger-than-life adolescent manage to vanquish the program’s reigning princess, integrate the television show and find true love (singing and dancing all the while, of course!) without mussing her hair? A show truly for all ages, Hairspray spans generational gaps in its appeal with something for the whole family.Times and tickets: 781-891-5600, reagleplayers.com.

13FRIDAY Half-Price Friday Nights at The Discovery Museums. 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30 – 9 p.m. Theme – Boston GEOBLOCK. See Aug. 6 listing for details. Brrrrrr! Cold As Ice! The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Make chilly discov-

eries when you put salt, coins, and food coloring on a 300pound block of ice. Learn about the chemistry and unique characteristics of this solid state of water as you experiment with ice cubes and play a creative ice cube board game. Outdoor program. $10.50 PP admission to both museums, under 1, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org. Goldilocks and the Three Bears. North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly. 10 a.m. Also Jack and the Beanstalk on Aug. 20. Tickets $8 - $12. nsmt.org. Fishing 101. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. See Aug. 2 Listing for details. Sugar Free Friday Nights. Boston Children’s Museum. 6 – 8 p.m. Yummy and healthy alternatives to sugary foods. $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Original Play by Stage Two. Arts Alliance’s Summer Drama Workshop, Hudson High School Auditorium, 69 Brigham St. 1 p.m. Enjoy an original play created by area students in grades 1-6. Air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible. Plenty of free, easy parking for school buses, vans. $6 PP. 978-562-1646, upwitharts.org. Bee a Poop Detective. The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. At 1 p.m., get the Scoop on Poop from the folks at Animal World Experience. A member of the Bristol County Beekeepers Association will be buzzing around teaching all about bees. All activities are free with admission. $6 PP, under 1, free. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston. org/SummerDropInDays.asp FREE Fashion Fun Paper Doll Craft. American Girl. Natick Collection. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn how to make your own paper doll clothing! Use stencils of clothing designs, patterned paper and decorations to create original outfits for your own paper doll. For girls ages 8 and up. americangirl.com Princess Party. The Ellie Fund of Needham is hosting this event at the Boston Sports Club, Wellesley. baystateparent is a proud sponsor! 2 – 4 p.m. Parents and daughters ages

Stay Cool on a Hot Day Call now about our week long summer programs in August (Ages 8 & up) - 10-3 Tuesdays & Thursdays (Ages 4-7) - 10:30-12 Check website for details & registration forms

Est 1974

FREE Introductory Class Come see what we are all about! August 17th Worcester Studio

54 AUGUST2010

Monday & Tuesday: 10am - 5pm • Wednesday & Thursday: 10am - 9pm Friday & Saturday: 10am - 10pm • Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

1/2 Off Studio Fee for Adults on Wednesday nights 6-9

August 19th Westborough Studio

Bring your own food and beverages any night!

childrensmusicacademy.org

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

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

4-8 are most cordially invited to join Bianca de la Garza of WCVB-TV5 and Princess Jessica & Friends for a fun party. Singing, dancing, facepainting, manicures, photos and gift bags with 100% of proceeds to benefit The Ellie Fund and help families fighting breast cancer. $25 A/C, $10 each additional child. 781-449-0100, elliefund.org.

FREE Storytime. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 11 a.m. Black Cow Day â&#x20AC;&#x201C;cow stories, cow craft and ice cream treat. 617- 499- 2000, thecoop. com.

FREE Fun Friday at Sturbridge Village. 9:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Free Fun Fridaysâ&#x20AC;? program invites Massachusetts residents and tourists to visit for free a designated museum or attraction over ten Fridays this summer. Please note that you do not need to register or obtain a ticket. Just show up and enjoy. osv.org.

The PuppeTree presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caps For Sale.â&#x20AC;? Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. 2 p.m. This simple folk tale of a hat seller whose inventory of hats is lost to mischievous monkeys while he is napping is told around the world in every culture that has monkeys. $8pp. amazingthings.org.

FREE New Moms Group. Mothers and Company, 140 Worcester St., West Boylston. Just drop in: 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2:30 p.m. All moms of all babies welcome. Meet other new moms and talk about all that is changing in your universe. Each session introduces timely topics and allows time for open discussion. Those have recently welcomed a new baby through adoption are also welcome. Feel free to bring your lunch - why eat alone? mothersandcompany.com.

FREE Family Concert featuring David Polansky. Union Common, corner of Bolton Street (Rt. 85) and Main St., Marlborough. 11 a.m. This award-winning performer brings his sparkling trumpet, versatile keyboard and amazing voice to both young and old in a beautiful green space in downtown Marlborough. 978-562-1646, upwitharts.org

barefoot bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship store, concord

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 444 A Broadway, Saugus. 6:30 p.m. Read, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Did it Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Sorry,â&#x20AC;? a humorous look at admitting mistakes and saying sorry. 781-2314711, bn.com

FREE Family Concert with Steve Songs. Barefoot Books Flagship Store and Community Center, 89 Thoreau St., Concord. Across the street from the Concord train depot. 11 a.m. Steve Songs, acclaimed family songwriter and musician will be performing a free concert for families, open to the public. 978-369-1770, barefootbooks.com

14SATURDAY Barefoot Books invites you to a FREE Family Concert with Steve Songs, Saturday, August 14, 11 a.m., at their brand-new flagship store and community center in historic Concord. barefootbooks.com

Ocean Detectives at the New England Aquarium. Central Wharf, Boston. 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:30 p.m. Children will work with parents and peers to unlock the secrets of the deep while developing their math, science and literacy skills. For children ages 5-7. Augustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme: Lobsters. C $30. Adults are included in the cost of each child. 617-973-5206, neaq.org

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. 617-247-6959, bn.com

Kitchen Science: Foil Molds. Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Make a mold of something in the Museum! A $12, C (1-15) $9, under 1, free. 617426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org

Kamishibai - Japanese Storytelling. Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum. 11a.m., Noon and 1p.m. Urashima Taro story about a man and an undersea palace. $12 PP, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org

Hammered Dulcimer Concert. The Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m. Award-winning musician Dave Neiman plays jigs, reels and Baroque and Renaissance tunes that Paul Revere and his family may have enjoyed. A $3.50, C $1, Included with admission. 617 523-2338, paulreverehouse.org

Balls and Tracks. Providence Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum, 100 South St. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m. Families construct roller coasters that send marbles rolling and spinning down tracks and chutes. Ages 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11. Program free with $8.50 admission; under 12 months free. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org Family Field Walk: Deception and Illsion in Tide Pools. The Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex St.,Salem. 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10:30 a.m. Explore color, camouflage and adaptation and search for life in the rocky tide pool exposed by an extra low tide. Bring a midmorning snack to enjoy at this beautiful state park. For families with children ages 5 and up. Directions sent upon registration. $10 PP. 978-745-9500, pem.org Textile Weekend. Old Sturbridge Village. Also Aug.15. This event celebrates the intricate artwork of

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Balls and Tracks. Providence Children’s Museum. See Aug. 14 listing for details.

early 19th-century New England needlework. Join an OSV historian for a gallery tour of The Labour of My Youthful Hands, a new exhibit featuring OSV’s collection of young ladies’ needlework and ornamental arts. See demonstrations of popular 19th-century needlework techniques such as whitework embroidery, stitching a sampler and creating a yarn-sewn hearth rug. Help a costumed historian to begin a stuffed-work bureau cover or make your own thread winder. Make a penny rug ornament or a yarn-sewn mat. For prices and schedule of events: osv.org

FREE Art & Nature Story Time: Gnome Homes. The Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex St., Salem. 2 – 3 p.m. What’s Up, What’s Down by Lola Schaefer. Explore the world from different perspectives - deep underground and way up in the sky. Then, follow the viewpoint of a gnome to the garden to build your own little home out of natural materials. For children ages 3 to

FREE Fantastagorey: A Children’s Day. Edward Gorey House, 8 Strawberry Lane Yarmouth Port. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Games, story telling, writing and illustration contests, food, and more! 508-362-3909, edwardgoreyhouse.org

17TUESDAY Mayor Menino’s Movie Night. Franklin Park, Boston. Dusk. Bring the whole family to see a family-friendly movie

The Big Yellow School Bus. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m. Have you ever been inside a big yellow school bus? Now is your chance to climb aboard and take a closer look. Free with admission.$10.50 PP, under 1, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org. Night of the Living Beauty Pageant. Barre Players Summer Youth Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. August 19 – 22. 7.30p.m weekdays. 2p.m Sunday. Performed by 7-14 year olds. Hilarious comedy about a teenage beauty pageant staged by two hucksters. How can they succeed with no sponsors and a theater owner trying to evict them? A $14, C $7. 978-355-209, barreplayers.homestead.com.

FREE How Suite it Is Summer Concert. Quabbin Community Band, Harding Allen Bandstand, Barre Common, Barre. 6 p.m. 978-355-9879, quabbincommunityband.com.

“Birthday Party” at Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum. 21 Prichard St., Fitchburg. 2 p.m. Katharine and Orville Wright were both born on August 19, though not the same year, and the Museum first opened to the public on August 19, 2000. Each year, the Museum celebrates these “birthdays” on the Sunday closest to the 19th. 978-342-2809. FREE Kaya’s Parfleche Craft. American Girl. Natick Collection. 3 – 5 p.m. Learn how to make and decorate a parfleche, a small envelope like the one Kaya might have made for her doll in 1764. For girls ages 8 and up. americangirl.com Kaya’s Celebration Day. American Girl. Natick Collection. 4:30 p.m. Learn about Kaya’s life with the Nez Perce tribe in 1764. Have fun with your favorite girl as you learn a few phrases in the Nez Perce language and enjoy a delicious meal. Includes a keepsake booklet with activities and journaling pages. For girls 8 and up. $26 PP (gratuity not included). For girls 8 and up. Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com

Peace out this summer at The Saori Bridges of Elm Park Worcester as you view 66 banners hand-woven by Saori freestyle weavers from all over the world. FREE, August 25 - 29, saoriworcester.com.

FREE Summer Night Concert Series. The Rose Kennedy Greenway, Wharf District Parks, near the Rings Fountain, Boston. See Aug. 5 listing for details. Jack and the Beanstalk. The Southshore Music Circus,130 Sohier St., Cohasset. 10:30 a.m. Most seats $8.25 each. 800-7453000, themusiccircus.org. Grafton Farmers Market. See Aug. 5 listing for details.

6 with accompanying adult. FREE with museum admission. Reservations by August 13. A $15, Students $11, C Free. 978-745-9500, pem.org Textile Weekend. Old Sturbridge Village. See Aug. 14 listing for details. Heritage Market Opens. Community Plaza at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville. See Aug. 1 listing for details.

16MONDAY Take-Aparts Potluck. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. drop-in. What makes things work? Gears, levers, magnets, resistors and circuit boards are some of the components you’ll find inside household electronics. $10.50 admission to both museums, under 1, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org

1JDL :PVS 0XO 1FBDIFT BOE &BSMZ "QQMFT Ride the trains and enjoy our Children’s Play Area with moon bounce, caterpillar rides and hay pyramid. Weekends include face painting and live kids’ entertainment. OPEN WEEKENDS 10:00 – 5:00 • OPENING DAILY AUGUST 9th Please call our U-Pick Hotline to verify our fruit availability.

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Summer Explorers. Boston Children’s Museum. 11 a.m. – Noon. See Aug. 4 listing for details.

19THURSDAY

15SUNDAY

FREE Sunday Parkland Games. The Charles River Conservancy & the Department of Conservation and Recreation, The Weeks Footbridge, Cambridge at the base of DeWolfe St. 2 - 5 p.m. See Aug. 1 listing for details.

FREE Family Games Night. The Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, North End Parks and Chinatown Park, Boston. See Aug. 4 listing for details.

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. Featuring, “Diary of a Worm,””Diary of a Spider” and Diary of a Fly.”617-247-6959, bn.com

Barbara J. Walker Butterfly Festival. Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Masasoit Rd., Worcester. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. A full day to celebrate the 78 species of butterflies at Broad Meadow Brook’s urban wildlife sanctuary. Music, games, butterfly crafts, tours of the butterfly garden, live caterpillars, butterfly walks and talks led by naturalists & members of the Massachusetts Butterfly Club, and much more! Rain Date: August 15. $5 PP, age 3 and older. $20 maximum per family. 508-753-6087, massaudubon.org

Puppet Shows. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Sundays, 1 p.m. in August. Shows are between 45 minutes and one hour in length. $10pp. 617-731-6400, puppetshowplace.org.

18WEDNESDAY

in the park. Title to be announced in the coming weeks. franklinparkcoalition.org FREE Storytime. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. thecoop.com FREE An American Girl Debut. American Girl. Natick Collection. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Personalized crafts for girls and dolls, and fun activities designed to let your girl’s inner star shine. Plus, she can learn about American Girl’s all-new virtual world—created just for girls and their dolls! For girls ages 8 and up. americangirl.com Braids & Bows. American Girl. Natick Collection. 4:30 p.m. Learn the basics of braiding! Doll Hair Salon stylists will share secrets for pulling off a variety of super styles for long or short hair, from fancy braids to ribbon twists. Each girl will also receive a special goody bag with doll hair accessories and styling instructions. $24 PP. Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com Dance ‘n play for a Day and Intro to Dance for a Day. Dance it up! Dance Center, 36 North Main St., North Grafton. See Aug. 3 listing for details.

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Friends of Leominster Library Book Sale. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. See Aug. 5 listing for details. FREE Magic by Scott Jameson at the Leominster Public Library, 25 West St. 3 p.m. This lively, interactive program involves magic, music, juggling and lots more! Suitable for all ages. No registration required. leominsterlibrary.org Music Making. The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. At 11 a.m., come make music with Master Drummer Tony Fonseca of All Hands Drumming. Move to the beat, make noise and play along with a variety of different instruments. All events are free with admission. $6 PP, under 1, free. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org. Bitty Bear’s Story Time. American Girl. Natick Collection. 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and their parents can hear a reading of Bitty Bear’s Story Time, then enjoy an art activity and tasty treats. $10 PP. For girls 3 and up. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com FREE Bitty Twins Animal Safari. American Girl. Natick Collection. Noon – 2 p.m. At this fun event, preschoolers

can punch-out and color paper animals to take home. For girls ages 3 and up. americangirl.com First Ever Family Overnight Onboard Mayflower II. Plimoth Plantation. Be one of the few to actually sleep onboard Mayflower II. This premier maritime overnight program includes a short jaunt around Plymouth Harbor onboard the shallop or ship’s boat; samples of ships’ food and dinner and breakfast onboard! Learn 17th century maritime skills and spend some quality family time! 508-746-1622, x 8359 for more information. (weather permitting). plimoth.org FREE Berry Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 444 A Broadway, Saugus. 10:30 a.m. 781-231-4711, bn.com Cars and Trucks and Things-that-Go. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St. 4 – 7 p.m. See the Transportation Station Exhibit come to life with a variety of vintage vehicles in the museum’s parking lot for you to explore. Refreshments available. Free with Museum Admission. A $7, C $5. 978-468-2377, wenhammuseum.org

20FRIDAY Half-Price Friday Nights at The Discovery Museums.177 Main St., Acton. 4:30 – 9 p.m. Theme – Earthbound Learning Center. See Aug. 6 listing for details. Gardening, Scarecrows and Chickens--Oh My! The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 5:30 – 9 p.m. Garden and nature explorations for families with children of all ages. Don’t miss this kick-off event featuring an evening of vegetable and flower gardening activities, an interview with a chicken, a family campfire, music, a live scarecrow, healthy living snacks and more! This special event is part of The Discovery Museums’ Half-Price Friday nights, running all summer. $5.25 PP admission to both museums, under 1, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org. Jack and the Beanstalk. North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly. 10 a.m. Tickets $8 - $12. nsmt.org. Under The Big Top. The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave. 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Magician, Awesome Robb, will show how he transforms into a clown. See a demonstration and try your hand at juggling, hula hooping and other circus tricks. All activities are free with admission. $6 PP, under 1, free. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org. FREE Open Playgroup. MOMS Club of Hubbardston Area. Held the 3rd Fri. of each month. Location TBD, 10 a.m. MOMS Club® of Hubbardston serves Barre, Hubbardston, Princeton and Templeton. RSVP: momsclubofhubbardston@yahoo.com. FREE Flower Power Frame Craft. American Girl. Natick Collection. Noon – 2 p.m. Create flower-inspired picture frame keepsakes using special paper and plenty of stickers. For girls ages 8 and up. americangirl.com FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 444 A Broadway, Saugus. 6:30 p.m. Spot Visits. Bring your camera for a photo with Spot the Dog and read Spot’s favorite stories. 781-231-4711, bn.com

20SATURDAY Critter Day: Audubon Ark. Boston Children’s Museum. 11 a.m. -1p.m. Meet animals from right here in Massachusetts. A $12, C (1-15) $9, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org

Migis Lodge on Lake Sebago (It’s kind of like being in a movie.)

FREE Eating Theme Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. 617-247-6959, bn.com Colonial Basket Weaving. The Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston. 1 – 4 p.m Fred Lawson weaves and sells reproductions of period baskets used to store items like cheese, candles, and even chickens! A $3.50, C$1. 617 523-2338, paulreverehouse.org. FREE Storytime. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Dog Days of Summer with a visit from Spot the dog (costume character). 617- 499 -2000, thecoop.com. Family Fun Saturday. Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. Noon – 4 p.m. What do anthropologists and archaeologists study? Head into the galleries to explore the Maya. Learn about their glyphs and murals, their use of chocolate, jade, and more. In the Discovery Room, enjoy hands-on artifacts from around the world and make your own take-home project. A$9, St., $7, C (3 – 18) $6. 617-496-1027, peabody. harvard.edu. Friends Annual Open House and Picnic at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. 2 p.m. 978-8403276, sholanfarms.com FREE. Outdoor Steel Drum Concert by Pan Loco. Arts Alliance & the City of Marlborough, Union Common, intersection of Main Street & Bolton (Rt. 85) St., Marlborough. 11 a.m. – Noon. Enjoy calypso, reggae and island music from the Caribbean performed by professional musicians from Berklee College and University of New Hampshire. Bring the neighborhood, along with blankets, dancing shoes, cold beverages, lawn chairs, picnics and scooters. It’s a party! 978-562-1646, upwitharts.org. Take Flight. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St. 1 – 3 p.m. Build a hoop glider and send it flying in the FETCH!™ Lab, an interactive science station. Ages 5 – 11. Free with $8.50 Museum admission; under 12 months free. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org Children’s Seasonal Consignment Sale Event. Déjà vu Couture ~ Children’s Consignment Sales. Oakhurst Retreat & Conference Ctr., 120 Hill St., Whitinsville. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Also, Aug. 22, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Sale items include: kids’ clothing items (newborn through teen), toys, games, books, furniture, shoes, baby equipment, sports equipment and maternity clothing. 508-234-5198, dejavucouturesales.com

21SUNDAY FREE Dixieland Summer Concert. Quabbin Community Band, Harding Allen Bandstand, Barre Common, Barre. 6 p.m. 978-355-9879, quabbincommunityband.com Continued on page 62

by carrie wattu Is it like Dirty Dancing? It’s a frequent question the Portas, who have owned their Maine family retreat since 1978, have heard over the years. The answer? Not exactly as there is no sweaty dance instructor embracing his inner Swayze, there is no end-of-the summer show, and there are no secret afterhour staff parties (that we know of at least) but you may, however, just have “the time of your life” (couldn’t resist that one) at this upscale, rustic resort about 2 and a half hours from Boston. While it’s not Dirty Dancing, staying at the Migis Lodge is kind of like being in a movie. The kind of black and white classic movie that conjures up a simpler era, one of romance, timeless friendship and magical summer memories. The staff is charming and sophisticated as well as very down-toearth; they seem to truly enjoy that you are there. The seasonal five-course meals do not disappoint, and the cottages with front porches and fieldstone fireplaces, are quintessential Maine. Who doesn’t want a vacation where they feel like they are in that kind of a movie? It’s lakeside luxury with wood wrapping its pine around you -- inside and

out of your cottage-- like an embrace. Ocean purists take note, the water is so serene, so still and quiet. There’s nothing quite like it. It’s the kind of place where everyone kicks back during the day, fishing, boating, reading, and then gathers on the front porch of the main lodge for drinks before dinner. It’s the kind of place where men are gentlemen who even wear jackets to dine; in fact, it’s required, but somehow, it’s not a big deal. It feels casual and relaxed, even special. Parents will especially like the daily supervised children’s activities which include a special “Zoo Meal” so that you can enjoy dinner out as a couple without kids. Other things your child will enjoy are waterskiing, belly boarding, jumping off the dock, boating, meeting new friends and more! All accommodations, meals and activities (which include boating, waterskiing, fitness, supervised children’s activities and more) are included in one per-person price. Prices start at $268 per person/per night. Reservations book quickly as Migis Lodge is a popular vacation spot for extended family vacations (guests typically rent the same cottage for generations). For more information, visit migislodge.com.

Come Soon. Come Often! www.rwpzoo.org

NEW THIS SUMMER - TAKE A “JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILD!” Fun, free programming like puppet shows, story times & more - every day! (Free with Zoo admission; see website for complete schedule.) BAYSTATEPARENT 57

PLAY

Fair! BE

Festive! AT THIS SEASON’S FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

efore heading out, you’ve probably already checked fair/festival directions, the weather, if the kids have to go to the bathroom and a hundred other things. We also ask that you please confirm event details as things do and can change. Now go! Have fun and eat some cotton candy. Make sure you’ve got wipes for sticky hands too!

Listings compiled by Phoebe Glick. Illustration by Edwin Schwartz August 1: Annual Newburyport Yankee Homecoming. Downtown Newburyport. Shows, tours, golf tournament, juried craft show. Mostly free. For daily schedule visit, yankeehomecoming.com. August 6 & 7: Experience Gardner Summer Festival. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Downtown Gardner turns into a pedestrian mall filled with vendors, entertainers, raffles, games for the kids and more. downtowngardner.com. August 6 – 8: Adams Agricultural Fair. Bowe Field/Off Route 8A, Adams. Agricultural and horticultural competitions, Midway, country music and petting zoo. 3-Day pass: $10, A$5, C$1. adamsfair.com. August 6 – 8: Littleville Fair. 15 Kinnebrook Rd., Chester. Fri., 4 – 10 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m. -7 p.m. Midway with kids water slides and bounce house, exhibit hall, horse & oxen draws, truck pull, dairy & beef cattle shows, adult

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& youth sheep show, rabbits & poultry, petting zoo with pony rides, horse drawn wagon rides, live bands, magician, clowns, face painter, dining hall, crafters & vendors, raffles and more. A$6, Sr. $5, C (10 and under) free. 413-667-3987. littlevillefair.com

from Front Beach in Rockport. Noon – 6 p.m. Blues, folk, jazz, world and bluegrass music played in the park across from a scenic beach. All are welcome to attend this free and family-friendly event. RockportFestival.com.

August 7: Heritage Days Maritime Festival. Derby Wharf, Salem Waterfront. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 21st year of free family fun. Dance to the Sea Shanties, board a vessel, crafts and demonstrations. 978-7401650, salemmainstreets.org.

August 15: August Moon Festival. Held annually around the Boston Chinatown Gateway arch on Harrison Ave., Boston. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Food vendors, Chinese dough art, Chinese opera, children’s Chinese folk dance, martial arts performances, lion dances. chinatownmainstreet.org.

August 7: 13th Annual Massachusetts Marketplace Festival. Elm Bank Horticulture Center, 900 Washington St., Wellesley. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Featuring the finest products from the region’s fields, farms, gardens and kitchens. Over 60 vendors offering new and locally produced food products, crafts, garden ornaments and gifts, Plant sale and garden tours. A $6, C Under 12 $2. Tickets are available onsite the day of the event. 617-933-4982, masshort.org. August 7: 26thh Annual The Beast of the East Massachusetts State Chili Cookoff. Bentley Field, Grove St., Winchendon. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. A fun-filled, family event with competitors from across the nation, chili tastings, music, games and family fun. 978-2971815, appleseed.org. August 8: Wachusett Valley Folk Festival. Wachusett Village Inn, 9 Westminster. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Artists include Ashbrook Haynes, Brooks Williams, Don White, Maeve, Mustard’s Retreat, Pesky J. Nixon, Susan Werner, and Vance Gilbert. Tickets $30 after August 1, $90 VIP. Call Denise Hurley at 978-365-2043, wachusettmusic.com. August 11 – 15: Bolton Fair at The Fairgrounds at Lancaster, Route 117. An old-fashioned agricultural fair with animal shows and contests, an exhibit hall, entertainment, fireworks and an expanded midway. “Midway preview night” on Wednesday, fair opens Thursday. Free parking. For up-to-date hours and events, visit boltonfair.org. August 12 – 15: The Sorrento Cheese Fisherman’s Feast. North End of North, Lewis & Fleet Streets, Boston. Boston’s oldest continuous Italian festival. Traditional processions, enticing food, cooking demos, entertainment and free children’s events. 617-248-0066, fishermansfeast.com. August 14 – 15: 30th Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival. Stage Fort Park, Jct. Rtes. 127 and 133, Gloucester. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Gorgeous Seaside Setting! Lobster Bake & more! capeannvacations.com or waterfrontfestivals.com. August 15: The 31st Annual Rockport Acoustic Music Festival. Millbrook Meadow, directly across

August 16 – 20: Annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival. Starting at 10 a.m. Five days of activities for children and their families, including magic and talent shows, mini-golf, free ice cream and much more! On Fri., Aug. 20th, enjoy a children’s parade – a giant costume parade where every child wins a prize. hamptonbeach.org August 20 - 21: Boston GreenFest 2010. Boston City Hall Plaza, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Interactive exhibits, workshops, presentations and special features: continuous live entertainment on three stages, Time Tunnel, Project Eco-Runway (green fashion shows), GreenFilmFest for children and adults, eco-games, One Gallon Challenge – a “race” starting at 11 a.m. August 19th from Greenfield to GreenFest for cars that can drive 100 miles on 1 gallon of gas, lots of great kids’ activities including puppet shows and yo-yo shows, great food, and much more. bostongreenfest.org. August 20 – 21: 248th Hardwick Community Fair. Town Common. The Oldest Fair in the U.S. Friday from 5:30 p.m. Fair supper, quilt exhibit, lumberjack contest, pony and hay rides and more. Saturday from 7:30 a.m. Pancake breakfast, mountain bike races, tennis tournament, cattle judging, children’s parade and more. Tickets $9 PP. Reservations: 413477-6518. hardwickfair.com August 20 – 22. The 93rd Annual Heath Fair. Hosmer Rd., Heath. Fri., 5 – 11 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m.11 p.m., Sun., 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Three days of family fun - music, fireworks, kids games, horse draw, tractor & truck pulls, crafts, exhibits, demonstrations, animal judging, chicken BBQ, square dancing. Most everything is free with admission. A$7; Sr. $4; C 10 and under free. 413-337-6626, heathfair.org. August 20 – 22: Westfield Fair. Russellville Rd., Westfield. Fri., 5 – 10 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sun., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits, live entertainment on stage, craft barn. horse show, kids day Sat., free bike raffle, pedal tractor pull, kids games, truck pull Fri. night, oxen pull & demolition derby on Sat., tractor pull & oxen pull on Sun., Idol competition on Sun. A$7, Sr.$5, C 12 and under free with paid adult. Free parking. 413-562-3001. thewestfieldfair.com.

August 20 – 29: Marshfield Fair 2010. Daily Entertainment (subject to change): Lon Cerel - Balloon Magic, fiesta shows, blacksmith shop, frontier show, Rick Madden - organic gardening demonstrations and workshops, Ed & Geraldine - fiddler and guitarist, stilt walker, raptors - exhibit and demonstrations and more. For tickets, hours and complete schedule of events: marshfieldfair.org. August 21: The 5th Annual West End Children’s Festival. Thoreau Park, Blossom St., Boston. Noon – 4 p.m. Offers a full schedule of entertainment all day. This year’s theme is International Flavor. Free, but sign-up is required. westendchildrensfestival.org. August 21: Verrill Farm Corn & Tomato Festival. 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This popular event features corn and tomatoes - two of summer’s most popular crops. A great day at the farm for all ages. Tastings of corn and tomatoes, live music, hayrides and pony rides (small fee) and more! A$8.50pp, C under 10 $4.50. 978-369-4494, verrillfarm.com. August 21: 14th Annual Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival. Esplanade and Sampas Pavillion, Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell. Traditional dances, boat races, games and activities, international food, and arts and crafts from Southeast Asia. lowellwaterfestival.org. August 21: North Orange Village Fair at Goddard Park and Community Church of North Orange and Tully, Main St., North Orange. Appleseed.org. August 21: Latin American Festival. City Hall, 455 Main St., Worcester. Noon – 9 p.m. Live Latin music on stage, children’s tent and activities, food, dancing. worcesterlatinfestival.com. August 21 – 22: 36th Annual Templeton Arts and Crafts Festival. Templeton Common, Rte. 2A, Templeton. Thousands of annual visitors view more than 100 vendors. Free admission and parking. templetonartsandcraftsfestival.com. August 28: Holden Days Celebrate America. Main St., Holden. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Includes free performances by Blind Tiger Swing Posse and Wildest Dream; a food court and marketplace business booths; a farmer’s market, chicken barbecue, storytelling and sing-a-longs in the Kids Court featuring the Roaming Railroad, along with archery, face painting, games and contests and much more. 508-829-9220, holdenareachamber.org. August 28: Tomato Festival. Red Fire Farm, 7 Carver St., Granby. 12 – 5 p.m. Taste over seventy varieties of organic tomatoes, run or walk in a 5K Tomato Trot, live music and dance, lessons from professional chefs and food preservers, hayrides, Pick Your

Own Tomatoes, food vendors, local artisans, kids activities and more! Call for ticket prices. 413-467-SOIL or redfirefarm.com. August 28: Yankee Street Fair at First Congregational Church, 138 Main St., Ashburnham. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Held for the past 65 years, the Yankee Street Fair offers food, games, a silent auction, bargains, entertainment and the always-popular strawberry shortcake. Call 978-874-5790 mornings. August 28 & 29: Antique and Classic Boat Festival. Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White St., Salem. Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. A rare chance to see vintage motor yachts and sailboats of all kind. Craft fairs, artists, children’s activities, parade of boats, and more! $5 donation, C under 12, free. boatfestival.org. August 28 & 29: 9th Annual Opening Week. at Sholan Farms. 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Live entertainment, apple picking, hayrides, hiking and good old-fashioned fun. Great food and numerous free interactive children’s events. 978-840-FARM, sholanfarms.com. September 2 - 6: Spencer Fair. Smithville Road, Spencer. Animal, vegetable & horticultural competitions & exhibits, stage shows, hypnotist- Dan Candell, The High Flying Pages, demolition derbies, truck pull, and children’s entertainment area. A $7, S and C ages 7-12 $6, under 7 free. 508-885-5814, spencerfair.org. September 3- 6: Three County Fair. Bridge St., Northampton. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Major events this year are three Monster Truck shows on Sat., Sun. and Mon. at 1 p.m. Demolition Derbies to be held on Fri. and Sat. at 6:30 p.m. New this year is an entertaining and fascinating show featuring Adam Burck’s royal and white Bengal tigers. Where can you find a show that has illusions, juggling, mind-reading, fire-eating, bunnies, doves, a python, escapes, balancing, hypnotism and more? Right here at the Three County Fair, where the Kent Family Circus puts on an amazingly exciting show! Plus, Grannie’s Racing Pigs, midway, and more! For hours and admission: 3countyfair.com. September 3 – 6: 26th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival. Races, parade of sail, deck, tours, public sails, lighted boat parade and other maritime activities. 978-283-1601, capeannvactions.com/schooner.

To submit a fair or festival to baystateparent, please fill out our calendar form at baystateparent.com. Click “Calendar” and “Submit an Event” by August 5th for September, September 5th for October and October 4th for November.

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See Website for schedule of events, entertainment, prices & hours www.boltonfair.org The Fairgrounds at Lancaster, Rt. 117, Exit 27 off Rt. 495

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BAYSTATEPARENT 61

Continued from page 57 Puppet Shows. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Sundays, 1 p.m. in August. Shows are between 45 minutes and one hour in length. $10pp. 617-731-6400, puppetshowplace.org. FREE Sunday Parkland Games. The Weeks Footbridge, Cambridge at the base of DeWolfe St. 2 - 5 p.m. See Aug. 1 listing for details. FREE Montessori School Open House. Sunrise Montessori School, 31 Hayward St., Franklin. 2 – 4 p.m. Families are welcome to attend this admissions open house, tour the classrooms and meet the teachers. Sunrise Montessori School provides preschool & kindergarten programs for children ages 2.9 to 6. 508-541-8010, MySunriseMontessori.com Julie’s Seventies Party. American Girl. Natick Collection. 4:30 p.m. Join this special party event to learn about Julie’s life in the ‘70s. Have fun with your favorite girl while playing 1970’s trivia and enjoy a delicious meal. Includes a keepsake booklet with activities and journaling pages. $26 PP (gratuity not included). For girls 8 and up. Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com

25WEDNESDAY

Friends of Leominster Library Book Sale. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. See Aug. 5 listing for details.

FREE Family Games Night. The Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, North End Parks and Chinatown Park, Boston. See Aug. 4 listing for details.

FREE Sandal Bookmark Craft. American Girl. Natick Collection. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Make a funky flip-flop bookmark! For girls ages 8 and up. americangirl.com

Summer Explorers. Boston Children’s Museum. 11 a.m. – Noon. See Aug. 4 listing for details.

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 444 A Broadway, Saugus. 10:30 a.m. Ready for School? Read “Kindergarten Rocks” and “Kindergarten Cat.” 781-231-4711, bn.com

FREE Back-to-School Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 800 Boylston St.,Boston. 11 a.m. Featuring, “First Day Jitters”, “The Night Before Kindergarten” & “The Night Before First Grade.” 617-247-6959, bn.com FREE The Saori Bridges of Elm Park. Saori Worcester, Elm Park. Dawn to dusk daily. Through August 29. The Saori Bridges of Elm Park is a Community Peace

27FRIDAY Half-Price Friday Nights at The Discovery Museums. 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30 – 9 p.m. Theme – Paint like Pollack. See Aug. 6 listing for details.

Take Flight. Providence Children’s Museum. See Aug. 21 listing for details.

23MONDAY

FREE Flicks on the Field 2010. Parent Talk, Claxton Field, Central Ave., Needham. 6:30 p.m. Movie: Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (PG). Bring your comfy lawn chairs, cozy blankets and picnics and enjoy a free movie under the stars. Rain date: Aug 29. 617-257-3012, parenttalk.info

Glass Xylophones. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St. 1 – 3 p.m. Kids make cool melodies with glasses of water in the FETCH!™ Lab, a hands-on activity center. Ages. 5 – 11. Free with $8.50 Museum admission; under 12 months free. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org

Five-Minute Doll ’Dos. American Girl. Natick Collection. 2:30 p.m. She’ll learn to do super-fast styles, including a braided headband, twisty bun and game-time ponytail. This class is taught by Doll Hair Salon stylists. Each girl will also receive a special goody bag with doll hair accessories and styling instructions. $24 PP. For girls 8 and up. Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com Dance ‘n play for a Day and Intro to Dance for a Day. Dance it up! Dance Center, 36 North Main St., North Grafton. See Aug. 3 listing for details. Fancy Nancy Soiree. 132 Main Street, Wenham. 1 – 3 p.m.Wear your most glamorous frock and sparkly accessories to a spectacular party with Fancy Nancy’s swanky neighbor, Mrs. Devine. Discover the ins-and-outs of being fancy, the proper way to greet your guests and nibble on refreshments. Make a fabulous butterfly to take home. Kids ages 3+. Pre-registration req.: $14 pp. 978-468-2377, wenhammuseum.org. 62 AUGUST2010

Quill Pen Writing and Drawing. The Paul Revere House,19 North Square, Boston. 1 – 4 p.m. Dressed in colonial garb, R. P. Hale uses early American teaching techniques to instruct museum visitors in the art of writing and drawing with quills. A $3.50, C $1, Included with admission. 617-523-2338, paulreverehouse.org.

10th Annual Opening Week at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Also on August 29). Live entertainment, apple picking, hayrides, hiking, and good old-fashioned fun mark the start of harvest season. 978-840-3276, sholanfarms.

Sing Along with Dale Freeman. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m. Dale provides a great beat and different musical styles to go along with exploration. Rain date: Mon., Aug., 30 at 10 a.m. $10.50 PP admission to both museums, under 1, free. 978-264-4200 discoverymuseums.org

FREE Storytime. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. See Aug. 3 listing for details.

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. Featuring, “Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School,” “Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come.” and “Froggy Goes To School.”1617-247-6959, bn.com

Day Out With Thomas. Edaville USA, 7 Eda Ave., Carver. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Also August 29). Take a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine™ through the beautiful scenery of the pine groves and cranberry bogs! Children will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy live children’s entertainment, play and create with MEGA Bloks ® in the Imagination Station, and of course enjoy Edaville USA’s fantastic amusement rides! $18 PP. 508-866-8190, edaville.com

Heritage Market Opens. Community Plaza at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, Whitinsville. See Aug. 1 listing for details.

24TUESDAY

FREE Play Date: Positively Captivating Portraits. The Institute of Contemporary Art., Boston. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admission on the last Saturday of each month for families of four. See Charles LeDray’s unusual and amazing works, crafted carefully by hand, then step into the Bank of America Art Lab to create individual or family portraits. Ready for more fun? Visit the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater for films and performances by guest artists. icaboston.org.

FREE Back-to-School Storytime and Craft. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 617- 499-2000, thecoop.com.

Children’s Seasonal Consignment Sale Event. Whitinsville. See Aug. 21 listing for details.

FREE Breastfeeding Support Group. Mothers and Company, 140 Worcester St., 1st Floor, West Boylston. 1 – 2 p.m. Facilitated by a breastfeeding counselor who will elicit questions and solutions from the group as well as share her knowledge. Just drop in! mothersandcompany.com.

28SATURDAY

It’s another FREE family playdate at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, on Saturday,August 28, filled with exhibits, hands-on art, and films and performances by guest artists. icaboston.org Installation consisting of 66 banners, hand-woven by Saori freestyle weavers who live locally, across the 50 states, and around the world. The banners will be draped over these two iconic bridges of Worcester by Saori artist Mihoko Wakabayashi. The event marks the 25th anniversary of the bridges’ restoration. Park visitors can view and even touch the work from dawn to dusk daily, enjoying it from a distance or by walking on the bridges. 508-757-4646, saoriworcester.com/elmparkbridges.htm

26THURSDAY FREE Summer Night Concert Series. The Rose Kennedy Greenway, Wharf District Parks, near the Rings Fountain, Boston. See Aug. 5 listing for details. Miss Candy’s Petting Zoo. The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Plenty of bunnies, ducks and chickens as well as some larger critters like a miniature horse, llama, or a goat. All activities are free with admission. $6 PP, under 1, free. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org Grafton Farmers Market. See Aug. 5 listing for details.

Having Fun with Fossils & Dinosaurs! Featuring Paulette Morin. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. See Aug. 11 listing for details. Movies on the Milk Bottle. Boston Children’s Museum. 8:15 p.m. Watch a program of short, kid-friendly films. A $12, C (1-15) $9, under 1, free. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org FREE Rebecca’s Movie Star Craft. American Girl. Natick Collection. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Your girl can bring Rebecca’s love of acting to life by decorating a dazzling starshaped nameplate to hang on the door of her own “dressing room” at home. For girls ages 8 and up. americangirl.com

Domino Madness. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St.1 – 3 p.m. Families use 1,000 dominos to make amazing chains that spiral, zigzag and snake. Ages 5 – 11. Free with $8.50 Museum admission; under 12 months free. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org Rainforest Weekend at Davis’ Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. If you love creepy crawly creatures, then slither your way to Davis’ Farmland. See gators, lizards, snakes, frogs and even a giant tortoise! Call 978-422-MOOO for admission and more information. Jason James and the Baystate Rockers Outdoor Concert. Goodale Field, Crescent St., West Boylston. 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and some glow-sticks and toys for the kids. Mellowmafia opens for this popular rock-abilly band. A$10, C (13 – 21) $5, Under 12, FREE.. wbaf.org. All proceeds help to save arts and music for West Boylston students. Rain Location: Major Edwards Elementary school

29SUNDAY

Rebecca’s Movie Fun Day. American Girl. Natick Collection. 1 p.m. Learn about Rebecca’s love for acting and the movies. Enjoy a delicious meal together and a keepsake memory booklet to help commemorate this special day. For girls 8 and up. $26 PP (gratuity not included). Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com

Puppet Shows. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Sundays, 1 p.m. in August. Shows are between 45 minutes and one hour in length. $10pp. 617-731-6400, puppetshowplace.org.

FREE School Days Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 444 A Broadway, Saugus. 6:30 p.m. Hear school tales including, “The Sandwich Swap”. 781-231-4711, bn.com

FREE Sunday Parkland Games. The Weeks Footbridge, Cambridge at the base of DeWolfe St. 2 - 5 p.m. See Aug. 1 listing for details.

Day Out With Thomas. Edaville USA, 7 Eda Ave., Carver. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. See Aug. 28 listing for details. 10th Annual Opening Week at Sholan Farms, Leominster. See Aug. 28 listing for details. Delicious Desserts for Girls & Dolls. American Girl. Natick Collection. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Learn to bake special girl- and doll-sized treats with the chefs at American Girl. $35 PP (gratuity not included). For girls 8 and up. Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com Domino Madness. Providence Children’s Museum. See Aug. 28 listing for details. Rainforest Weekend at Davis’ Farmland, Sterling. See Aug. 28th listing for details. Heritage Market. Community Plaza at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, Whitinsville. See Aug. 1 listing for details.

30MONDAY Classic Autos at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. Sholan Farms and the Mid-State Antique Auto Club (midstateaac.org) welcome owners of classic and antique vehicles to participate. 978-840-3276, sholanfarms.com. Dazzle Your Doll. American Girl. Natick Collection. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. See Aug. 12 listing for details. Float My Boat . Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St. 1 – 3 p.m. Load tinfoil boats with penny passengers and see how long they’ll stay afloat in the FETCH!™ Lab, an interactive science station. Ages 5 – 11. Free with $8.50 Museum admission; under 12 months free. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org

31TUESDAY FREE Storytime. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. See Aug. 3 listing for details. “A Smart Girl’s Guide to Money” Workshop. American Girl. Natick Collection. 11 a.m. She’ll get smart about saving and spending in this workshop based on the American Girl book A Smart Girl’s Guide to Money. This fun, educational event features a career quiz, tips on saving and a money-smarts game with twenty-five pretend dollars to spend. $24 PP. For girls 8 and up. Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com

Submit an Event

For best results, fill out our form at baystateparent.com. Keep in mind, our deadline for September is Thursday, August 5 at 6 p.m. E-mail Leslie Castillo at

calendar@baystateparent.com

It’s FREE.

31 st Fall Festival Annual

Waters FARM Days Sat. & Sun.

October 2 & 3, 2010

10 am - 4 pm at Historic WATERS FARM West Sutton, MA www.watersfarm.com 508-865-0101

Familcytivities

A r Children fo FuEnspe& cially

Affordable Beautiful setting Face/pumpkin Painting Pony/all-terrain Train Rides 4-H Animals, Mini Horses Music Food/AppleCrafts Crisp Historic Buildings Demonstrations Tractor Pull site Check our web for activities and NEW events.

J U N K D R AW E R S A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT

Say GOOD-BYE to MEAL PLANNING and GROCERY SHOPPING Dinner! Not again... baystateparent recently visited with Sue Schochet, the lovely owner of Healthy Habits Kitchen in Wellesley, a company dedicated to helping busy families eat healthy by providing pre-made nutritionally-balanced meal kits. Order off the menu, which changes monthly, and pick up freezer-friendly meals (no planning, shopping or assembly required). Meals reflect USDA recommended serving sizes (this is educational for sure) and can be prepared in under 30 minutes (the directions are so simple that Sue says it’s a great way for pre-teens to begin cooking a nice meal for the family). Plus, Sue is committed to using

fresh, local all-natural ingredients whenever possible. The antibiotic and growth-hormone free chicken Sue uses is delicious! August meals include Bloody Mary steak tips, bourbon glazed salmon, peachy chicken and pomegranate walnut chicken. Private parties held in the Kitchen’s stylish lounge are a fun twist on “home vendor parties” as guests BYOB and nosh on staffprepared apps, entrees and dessert. At the end of the night, guests take home prepared meals. For the complete “dish” on Sue’s convenient dinner service, visit healthyhabitskitchen. com. They even deliver.

It’s NOON: Time for your DAILY GROMMET You’re gonna thank us the next time you need a gift with some personality. baystateparent is hooking you up with the very clever folks (comprised mostly of moms) of Daily Grommet, an online marketplace headquartered out of a Victorian home in Lexington, MA. Every day at noon, they share one of their fresh finds and tell us a story about it. Just one product and one story. That’s it. And it’s so cool... Members of the Daily Grommet team are constantly and thoroughly checking out new products, whether it be the Pumpanotor, a water balloon pumping station, the Mouth Man Animated Shark and Gecko Hoodie (you have to see this!), Ann-Made Art, handcrafted, recycled soda tab jewelry and more. They bring these items into their homes. They test them. They work with product creators and give them feedback. They consult with experts. Then, they choose one product that they all sincerely love, and at noontime each day, they share this product and its personal story via Facebook, email and the Web. It’s all very smart, engaging and interactive complete with You Tube video stories and reviews. The Grommet team is likeable and sincere. You’ll want to hear what they have to say. And if you have any questions, the creators of each and every product that Daily Grommet features are conveniently accessible, their photos, emails and all. And if you happen to fall in love with a product too, just click and purchase. To get your daily grommet today (and to find out what a grommet even is anyway), visit dailygrommet.com.

CALLING All OPTIMISTS There’s still time before school starts to earn VGP status this summer! Boston’s very own Life is good® company is reaching out to some very good families to earn VGP status this summer. The popular (and positive) apparel and accessories company is hosting a two-day music festival at Blue Hills in Canton, September 11 and 12. The musical line-up includes many top-notch musicians for parents and children alike such as Jason Miraz, The Laurie Berkner Band, Ziggy Marley, They Might Be Giants and more. And for the first time, Life is good has set a goal to raise $1 million through festival ticket sales and fundraising to heal and strengthen children facing life-threatening challenges. Attendees who raise money will receive VGP perks and privileges (Life is good’s version of a VIP is a VGP — a Very Good Person). VGPs will have the opportunity to access exclusive hospitality, preferred viewing, artist meet and greets and other prizes. Additionally, Life is good will donate 100% of its profits from ticket sales, sponsors and onsite apparel and merchandise sales to the Life is good Kids Foundation. For more information on the festival, visit lifeisgood.com.

Junkdrawers strives to highlight the products, people and places of Massachusetts. Have an idea? E-mail editor@baystateparent.com BAYSTATEPARENT 63

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â&#x20AC;˘ Learning Disability Evaluation â&#x20AC;˘ Psychoeducational Testing â&#x20AC;˘ Educational Advocacy â&#x20AC;˘Cognitive Behavioral Therapy â&#x20AC;˘ Child Psychiatry And more!

508-835-1735

296 Main Street, Oxford 508-987-6111 Summer Hours Tues 2-6, Wed-Fri 10-5 Sat 9-3,Closed Sun & Mon Start Your Back to School Shopping Here!

www.pbhealth.org

Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley in Lowell, MA

One-day-per-week, reasonably priced Religious School

Open House September 26 , 11am-1pm Warm, welcoming atmosphere Progressive & independently thinking High Holiday Services for adults and children

Find out more at temv.org or Email rabbi@temv.org

DAYCAREPRESCHOOL

â&#x20AC;Śwhere a loving and warm environment comes naturally!

â&#x20AC;˘ Offering a 2, 3, 4 and 5 day morning program â&#x20AC;˘ Flexible schedule to ďŹ t the needs of BUSY families â&#x20AC;˘ Morning program for children enrolled in after school public programs â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays offer a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lunch and Playâ&#x20AC;? program

St. Mary School Music TogetherÂŽ, Keyboard Class, Suzuki Violin, Lessons & Ensembles

www.pakmusic.org Up The Hill from Holy Cross College

Ć&#x2030; (508) 791 - 8159 Ć&#x2030;

Saint Spyridon Nursery School Where the growth & development of each individual child is nurtured

now enrolling! children 2.9 - 5 years old Call for Details (508)752-5354 102 Russell Street, Worcester j.ward@spyridoncathedral.org

Solid curriculum to prepare for Kindergarten Miss Toni and Miss Judy Call for an appointment to speak with us, and visit our program in action!

114 Main Street Worcester, MA 508-752-5520

AUGUST2010

Accredited by the N.E. Assoc. of Schools & Colleges

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Find a class near you at: www.musictogether.com

Be part of a miracle The rewards are more than financial Seeking women 21-43 non-smoker with healthy pregnancy history

888-363-9457

www.reproductivepossibilities.com

TUTORING Longfellow Learning Group Let Your Student Excel!

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Classes in Auburn, Bolton, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Charlestown, Framingham, Groton, Harvard, Hopkinton, Hudson, Maynard, Millbury, Northborough, Sterling, Somerville, Stow, Sturbridge, Sudbury, Westborough

Surrogate Mothers Needed

email:kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

with full & half day child care

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-USIC -OVEMENT FOR )NFANTS THROUGH +INDERGARTENERS WITH THE 'ROWNUPS 7HO ,OVE 4HEM â&#x201E;˘

HELP WANTED

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

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60 Great Road, Acton, MA 01720 978-635-1000 www.actonpediatricdental.com

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Tutoring and Test Prep Elementary School - Middle School - High School - College Serving Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts

Fall Special - First Session Free!

EARLY EDUCATION ARTS PROGR AM

Call for Details 774-364-2304 info@longfellowlearning.com www.longfellowlearning.com

ANNOUNCING

Morning schedule includes: Learning! Laughing! Movement! Singing! Arts and Crafts!

16 Summer St., Shrewsbury 508-842-1601 www.stmarysparish.org

PEDIATRICDENTAL MINUTES OF 052% &5. WITH YOUR CHILD EVERY WEEK

SURROGACY

Accepting Applications: Pre-school â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 3 programs A.M. & P.M. Full Day Kindergarten Grade 1 through Grade 8

NURSERY

(Free and open to allâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no tickets!)

Play-Learn Preschool

SCHOOLS

Pediatric Behavioral Health, LLC

Rt. 140, West Boylston

â&#x20AC;˘ Clothes for Baby, Kids & Juniors â&#x20AC;˘ Maternity Wear â&#x20AC;˘ Equipment, Toys, Books & MORE!

MUSICLESSONS

A PARTNERSHIP WITH

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

ELM PARK CENTER

FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, INC.

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

IN OUR NEW LOCATION 134 Burncoat Street Worcester, MA 01605 508.798.3010 chestnutschool@aol.com chestnutnurseryschool.com

New Consulting Service Being Offered - A Child's Life Coach. 5 Oak Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ Northboro, MA 01532 508 351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org email:kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

rd TUTORING The Knowledge

Quest

Mind Expanding Activities

TUTORING Math • Reading • Writing Study Skills • SAT Prep Algebra Workshops Help with your summer reading! 623 Chandler Street Tatnuck Square, Worcester Tel: 508-797-5050 • Fax: 508-797-5051 www.theknowledgequest.com

FUNdamentals First Tutoring Service

Reading • Writing Language • Math Kindergarten - Grade 3

Party Planner To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com ing Princ es s e s Singare our Specialty C Princess Singer (with Bachelor of Music)

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

Copacabana Entertainment 508.853.4257 www.copacabanaent.com

Holly Cable hcable@comcast.net 978.582.6520 www.fundamentalsﬁrsttutor.com

Kids all love the silliness of my interactive, high energy, and musical shows! Come join the fun! My silly sense of humor and rythmic style will soon have you and your kids giggling, wiggling, dancing, and singing with delight.

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

* Magic * Parties

978-779-6789 mikethemusicman.com

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

Sure, chillin’ out is cool.

But rockin’ out is a blast!

Zumba dance parties for kids ages 4-12. Contact Amy at zumbatomicwithamy@gmail.com or 508-735-8181 www.zumbatomicwithamy.com

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

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

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

Birthdays Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Weddings/Showers Graduations Proms Dances Fundraisers Holiday/Business

BAYSTATEPARENT 65

Party Planner To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com Birthday/ Party Room

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Musician

PARENT’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER Birthday Parties • Concerts Teacher-Parent Workshops

Central Mass’s only dedicated Climbing Facility! Sign up now for our Week Long Summer Camp Programs • 14,000 square feet of amazing climbing walls • 60 different top rope stations • Climbing walls from 15 - 40 feet high! • Massive lead arch, and super long overhangs! • Separate climbing wall just for kids and parents • Classes for beginners: lead and top rope belaying • Rentals and a retail shop for climbing gear • Lounge area, w/ free wiﬁ • A large bouldering area, with top-outs

508-358-1614

Traveling Farm Animals for your Party or Event! Year Round • Inside or Out Fun & Educational Baby Animal Parties, Theme Parties, Living Nativities, Petting Zoos, Animals for Therapy & more!

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

Animal Craze

508-852-ROCK • 299 Barber Ave. Worcester, (Across the street from the Higgins Armory, near Sam’s Club, at the 190/290 interchange)

centralrockgym.com

www.franfriedman.com

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

Maggie the Clown

Ford’s Hometown Services BUG CLUB BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Formerly of Ringling Bros. Circus! Performing over 25 years! • Family Entertainment For Any Event!

All Your Friends Will Say “This Is The Coolest Birthday Party I Ever Went To.”

• Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Juggling, Magic, and More! To Learn More, Call Now or Visit

413-245-1076 www.maggietheclown.com

Fordshometown.com 1-800 649 9992

A Watermelon “Wow” Life is full of celebrations, and there’s just one beautiful, delicious way to bring joy to all of them. Available for pickup or delivery nationwide 7 days a week.

Happiness is always in season.® Visit us and

Save $3

Offer valid on select products. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer code must be used when placing the order. Offer expires 08/31/2010 Code: BATS0831

EdibleArrangements.com

Call or visit a location near you: 156 Worcester Providence Turnpike 72 West Main Street Sutton, MA, 01590 Spencer Ma 01562 508-865-5550 508-885-9777

Fall Gatherings • Birthdays • Thank You • Congratulations Watermelon Festival® with dipped pineapple ©2010 Edible Arrangements, LLC. Containers may vary. Delivery not available in all areas. Available in a variety of sizes. Franchises available; call 1-888-727-4258 or visit eafranchise.com.

AUGUST2010

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

Have your Birthday Party at Babson College Skating Center

BIRTHDAY PACKAGE: $250.00 minimum of 12 guests. Each guest after 12 is an additional $20.00 Includes: Public skate admission and rental skates, Reserved Birthday Room for the duration of public skating. Pizza and 1 beverage per guest. We do not include cake or tableware. For more information please Contact the Babson Skating Center at 781-239-6056

Make your birthday an all-day splash at

Invite your guests & we’ll do the rest! Call Today To Reserve Your Party Date!

508-476-2060 breezysummer.com

Big Joe

the Storyteller Storytelling fun for Birthday Parties, Schools, Daycare Centers, Library Programs, Special Events and TV Featuring: • Original & Classic Stories • Puppets, Props and Surprises For Bookings and Info Call: 617-713-4349 E-mail: BigJoe@BigJoe.com Visit me on the web at: www.BigJoe.com

Dinosaur Adventures

afiretruckforall.com

Å Birthday Parties Å Pre-Schools Å Daycare Centers Your 911 for Party Å Family Days Emergencies! Å Weddings Å Taking Reservations Å Parties Year Round Serving the south shore For Reservations Call: 339-933-0353

Sound the Alarm! The Fire Truck Will Go To:

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See Dinosaur skulls, T-Rex teeth and foot prints, along with today’s living dinosaurs such as Crocodile, monitor lizard, turtle, bird and scorpion. Great fun and learning for any dinosaur enthusiast! *This is a traveling only presentation

www.animaladventures.net 978-779-8988

FOOD

New England’s #1 Traveling Animal Show

n Ed rie uca tional Expe

• Largest variety of reptiles • Largest variety of mammals • Bugs and more • Birthday parties

• Schools • Camps • All occasions Fully Licensed & Insured Education Center Open Year Round!

www.animaladventures.net 978-779-8988

HOMETOWN TOUR

PARKS Have a Birthday Coming Up? Book your party now Call today or visit our website for more info: 781-352-2494 www.mini-athletes.com 290 Vanderbilt Ave. Norwood

MUSEUMS SHOPS

Wanna play tour guide? Show baystateparent around your town, and we may feature the tour in an upcoming issue! To be considered, email editor@baystateparent.com. BAYSTATEPARENT 67

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;SROLL

Tubing and Zorbing:

maryjo kurtz

courtesy amesbury sports park

maryjo kurtz

Having a Ball in Amesbury

68 AUGUST2010

“We are going zorbing! Check it out online at TheOGO.com,” I replied. As Sam typed in the address, his 9-year-old brother Joey rushed in from the kitchen to look over his shoulder. “You mean, someone gets inside of that giant ball and rolls down a hill?” Joey quietly asked as his eyes stayed fixed on the computer screen. “Maybe you,” I teased. “We’re going tomorrow morning at ten. That giant ball is called an OGO, and there is one in Massachusetts at the Amesbury Sports Park. And we can go tubing there, too!” “How do you tube without snow?” they both asked. To find out, they went to the sports park Web site and looked through the pictures. They spent the next half hour reading about zorbing, thinking about rolling inside a huge bouncy ball and wondering how a snow tube can go downhill without snow or water. Curiosity had us all in the car early the next morning. We could see the Amesbury Sports Park to our right as we neared exit 54 on I-495 north. A few tubes were going down the slides, and we noticed several large plastic balls at the top of the hillside. I sensed Joey’s excitement turning to hesitation as he studied the enormous plastic balls perched on the hilltop. “Mom, what if I don’t want to go zorbing?” Joey asked cautiously, still staring out the window. I knew the size of the OGO surprised him. Each ball is eleven feet in diameter. Riders are strapped into a harness in the middle of the ball. The OGO is then launched from the top of the hill where it proceeds to roll and bounce down a hillside to a landing field at the bottom. There, several attendants help the ball

Mary Jo Kurtz is a freelance writer specializing in human interest stories. She can reached at thebluehouse@charter.net or maryjokurtz.com.

AMESBURY SPORTS PARK 12 South Hunt Road Amesbury, Massachusetts 01913 978-388-5788 amesburysportspark.net The OGO and summer tubing is available throughout the summer Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tubing rates are 2 rides for $5, 2 hours for $12, and 3 hours for $17. OGO rates are 1 ride for $20, 2 rides for $35, and 3 rides for $45. All participants are required to sign a waiver, which can be reviewed on the website.

WE ALL

SCREAMED AND LAUGHED AS WE SOARED UNDER THE SUNSHINE TOGETHER. BAYSTATEPARENT 69

courtesy amesbury sports park

my 20-year-old son said as he looked up from his computer.

courtesy amesbury sports park

“What did you just say?”

the hill in the OGO. Some were older like me and many were younger like Sam. “We get people of all ages,” the attendant explained. We watched groups of friends splash down the hill in the H2OGO, looking like a human washing machine rolling by. And we shared smiles with everyone who was zorbing and tubing that afternoon. “This is great!” Joey yelled again as he ran by me for a final run down the slide. I lost count of how many times he screamed those three words to me. One of the things that made the experience great for me is that it appealed to both of my children. There is a notable age difference between my boys often making it tricky for me to find activities that appeal to both of their generations. The Amesbury Sports Park had something for all ages, and that makes it a good summer destination for families. We left Amesbury Sports Park for home well rocked and rolled. We chattered and chuckled. We tubed and zorbed. We - literally - had a ball.

roll to a stop before unloading a well-tossed thrillseeker. A second type of OGO is also available for riders at the Amesbury Sports Park. It is called an H2OGO. Seven gallons of water fill the inside of the ball, and up to three riders can roll down the hill together. The water keeps the interior of the ball slippery enough that riders do not rotate. Instead, the ball revolves around them. This makes for a much less dizzying experience than with the harness ball. A wave of relief came over Joey as we were getting our tickets. General Manager Kevin Jacques explained that riders of the harness ball had to be five feet tall. Joey’s smile returned quickly as he made sure we all knew he was only 54 inches tall. “Well, you are tall enough to ride the water ball,” Jacques offered. Joey said he would think about it, and then he strategically changed the subject by asking where he could get a tube for tubing. We walked towards the two large plastic slides that ran up the hillside. A motorized belt made getting to the top of the hill relaxing. The three of us joined hands and tubes as we made our initial tubing run. Attendants sprayed lubricant to the bottom of our tubes before launching us down the long plastic slide. We all screamed and laughed as we soared under the sunshine together. Joey was the first one out of his tube. He grabbed it and ran to the conveyer belt. “This is great!” he squealed. Over the next two hours, we raced each other and followed each other down the tubing slides without taking a break. It was a great way to spend a summer afternoon. Finally, it was time for Sam to try out the harness ball. David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” played in the background and we could hear the lyrics, “Major Tom to Ground Control” as Sam tightened his straps before his launch. I took a few pictures of him inside the ball before joining Joey at the top of the hill to watch Sam roll away. A large metal gate holding the ball in place opened, and off went the OGO. It rolled and bounced its way down the hill before coming to a stop. Joey and I raced down the tubing slides to meet up with Sam. “That was cool,” Sam smiled as he exited the orb. “I could definitely do that again.” And he did. Now, I would love to tell you that the second time was even better for Sam. But he looked a little pale as he pulled himself from the OGO after a repeat ride. “Are you okay?” I asked. “Let’s just say I should have stopped after one roll,” he laughed. We watched other riders bounce their way down

CLASSIFIEDS

The Ellie Fund

Princess Party When:

Friday, August 13, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Boston Sports Club, Wellesley, MA

You’re invited!

Hostess: Bianca de la Garza, WCVB-TV5 What:

Why:

Parents and daughters ages 4-8 are invited to wear their favorite party dresses and enjoy singing, dancing, and photos with the princesses, plus fun snacks, mini-manicures and gift bags…with all proceeds beneﬁting moms and families ﬁghting breast cancer. To raise money for The Ellie Fund which provides transportation to medical appointments, childcare, housekeeping and meals free of charge to hundreds of women and families each year who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer in Massachusetts.

Tickets: Visit Elliefund.org. $25 Donation per Adult with Child. ($10 for each additional. Free for Breast Cancer Patients and their daughters.)

100% Donated to The Ellie Fund

baystateparent

Boston Princess Parties

Run Like a Mother UPCOMING CAMPS August 16 September 20

The Budget Coach

Surrogate Mothers Needed

Are your bills and spending habits out of control? Call the Coach now and let’s get you fiscally fit! Budget planning, set up and coaching towards your personal goals. Take control of your finances now, it’s time to meet with the Coach!

Established Surrogacy Program seeks loving women ages 21-43, to carry couples’ biological babies. You must be a non-smoker, and prior birth experience is required. Be a part of a miracle. The rewards are more than financial. For more information, please call

thebudgetcoach@aol.com 508-792-9087

888-363-9457 or visit our website:

ADVERTISERS’DIRECTORY Adams Montessori School ........................................ 70 Advanced Water Quality Systems, Inc. ....................... 46 Adventure Boot Camp LLC ........................................ 70 Allison Cottrill Photography ....................................... 31 Attorney James Connors .......................................... 53 Backyard Adventures ............................................... 52 Ballet Arts Worcester ............................................... 21, 55 Becker College ....................................................... 13 Bedford Recreation.................................................. 29 Belkin Lookout Farm ............................................... 56 Breezy Picnic Grounds ............................................. 61 Bringham & Women’s Hospital ................................. 32 Busy Bee Jumpers .................................................. 15 Cambridge Ellis School............................................. 29 Cambridge Friends School ........................................ 26 Canobie Lake Park .................................................. 9 Captain John Whale Watching & Fishing Tours ............ 61 Charles River School................................................ 29 Charlotte Klein Dance Centers ................................... 23 Chickee’s Dance World ............................................ 61 Children’s Garden.................................................... 19 Children’s Music Academy ........................................ 54 Childrens Hospital/ASD Research .............................. 45 City of Leominster................................................... 33 Claytime................................................................ 54 Consign My Closet .................................................. 58 Cornerstone Academy .............................................. 3 Cutie Patutie’s ........................................................ 42 Dance IT UP ........................................................... 9 Dance Prism........................................................... 12 Dancer’s Workshop ................................................. 59 Davis Farmland ...................................................... 6 Decordova Museum ................................................ 33 Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care ............................. 70 Dr. Bruce Fieldman ................................................. 7 Dr. Linda Bennett .................................................... 27 Dr. Mel-Pediatric Dentistry ........................................ 14 Dr. Monica Rao, DMD .............................................. 34 Ecotarium .............................................................. 55 Elite Dance School .................................................. 43 Fallon Ready Med................................................... 31 Faucher Dance School ............................................. 24 Gigueres ................................................................ 67 Girls Inc ................................................................. 21 Guild of St. Agnes Daycare....................................... 21 Gymboree.............................................................. 52 Gymnastics Learning Center...................................... 18 Health Alliance ....................................................... 61 Indian Hill Music Ctr. ............................................... 23

688 Main St. Holden, MA

877-446-3305

www.devereuxma.org (click on Intensive Foster Care)

Find us on Facebook

for more information CoachAlexis@Charter.net

www.AdventureBootCampLLC.com Your Life! Your Body! Your Adventure! 70 AUGUST2010

Iparty Retail Stores Corp. ......................................... 71 Knowledge Quest.................................................... 72 Lexington Montessori School .................................... 26 Life Is Good ........................................................... 6 Little Patriots Early Learning Center ........................... 15 Lowell Spinners ...................................................... 28 Lowell Summer Music ............................................. 45 Mass Audubon Society Butterfly Festival .................... 10 McDonald’s ............................................................ 28 Metro West Ballet ................................................... 22 Mini Athletes.......................................................... 25 Montessori School of Quincy .................................... Mrs. B’s Preschool .................................................. 43 Nature’s Classroom ................................................. 60 Next Generation/Sudbury ........................................ 26 North Central Charter School .................................... 11 Oak Meadow Montessori School ............................... 25 Panera Bread ......................................................... 30 Parenting Solutions ................................................. 46 Paula Meola Dance ................................................. 11 Paula Swift Photography.......................................... 12 Plimoth Plantation .................................................. 16 Portrait Simple ....................................................... 33 Positively Preschool ................................................. 22 Roger Williams Park Zoo.......................................... 57 Saint Bernadette’s School ........................................ 22 Sha’arei Shalom..................................................... 42 Shooting Stars Performing Arts ................................. 10 Shrewsbury Montessori School ................................. 19 Simon Malls........................................................... 34 Skribbles Learning Center......................................... 30 Speech-Language and Hearing Assc of Greater Boston .. 22 The Bolton Fair....................................................... 60 The Brighton School ................................................ 29 The Ellie Fun .......................................................... 70 The Eric Carle Museum ............................................ 45 The Hanover Theatre ............................................... 4,55 TLC Christian Preschool ............................................ 19 Touchstone Community School.................................. 2 Tougas Family Farm ................................................ 59 Wachusett Mountain ............................................... 5 Waters Farm .......................................................... 63 West End Creamery ................................................ 16 Wheelock College Theatre ........................................ 60 Womens Health of Central Mass ............................... 34 Worcester Academy of Music .................................... 43 Worcester Tornadoes ............................................... 16 YWCA of Central Massachusetts ................................ 11

Foster Parents Wanted Toll Free...

508.579.6064

www.reproductivepossibilities.com

SAVE THE DATE Come visit our Open House on August 18th 2010 • 2pm-4pm Seeking families throughout central Mass who are interested in improving a child's life Call now to learn about our $1000 sign-on bonus!

• Montessori Pre-school & Elementary School • Starting at 2.9 Years

Adams Montessori School

• Morning or Full Day Sessions • After Care

Come visit us in the historic Adams district. Adams Montessori School 310 Adams Street, Quincy, MA 02169 617-773-8200 • www.msoq.org

photography by steven king

Compliments of iParty

$ORKD )ULHQGV

ow can you not have fun when your Hawaiian luau looks like this! Treat your friends to a trip to the Big Island by setting the scene with a tropical backdrop. Dress the table in its own grass skirt complete with flamingos, festive glasses, salt and pepper shakers, soda koozies, pineapples, Tiki candles and more. Tell your guests to dress to Hula, limbo, hoop, jam on a ukulele, shake those maracas as well as whack open a Tiki pinata filled with trinkets. Inflatable fish and plastic lily pads look great floating in a pool or let them swim in a colorful bucket of water. Anything goes at a luau as mixing and matching color and decor is all part of the fun!

baystateparent found all of the tropical trimmings for our Hawaiian Luau at ...

Join the Birthday Club! Are you part of the iParty Birthday Club? Well, what are you waiting for?! Sign up today and start receiving iParty exclusive in-store savings and discounts, contest information, FUN party and project ideas along with so much more! Just go to www.iparty.com, complete the form and join the FUN today! BAYSTATEPARENT 71

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All things LEGO® and more — coming to Boston this September!

The LEGO KidsFest is coming to Boston! The LEGO KidsFest is a wildly energetic weekend-long show ﬁlled with interactive, creative and educational activities for the whole family! Don’t miss: s: Dozens of life-sized LEGO sculptures Hundreds of LEGO models on display LEGO build, race and play booths Meet a master model builder online with the cod Video Game Alley e LEGO & DUPLO Construction Zones LEGO “Cool Creations” Contest Discount is off the do or online only. Apply code price and valid LEGO Club member exclusives at Boston tickets go oncheckout. sale Special LEGO Club meetings August 5. Dozens of exhibitors & interactive activities vities Musical acts, artistic performances, fashion shows, and more on our Entertainment Stage! And so much more… Stay informed of the latest details — sign-up g p for f the LEGO KidsFest newsletter at LEGOkidsfest.com! kidsfest.com!

SAVE $4

OFF EACH TICKET

LKF-BSP

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

Saturday, September ber 25 Session I: 9am – 2pm m pm Session II: 3pm – 8pm r 26 Sunday, September m Session I: 9am – 2pm pm Session II: 3pm – 8pm LOCATION:

John B. Hynes Veterans Memoriall r Convention Center et 900 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02115

Visit LEGOkidsfest.com for tickets and more information! LEGO, the LEGO logo, DUPLO, the DUPLO logo, the Brick and Knob conﬁgurations and the Miniﬁgure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. Produced by LIFE Marketing & Events – call 860.953.0444 x146 for sponsorship and exhibitor information. 72 AUGUST2010