February 2013 baystateparent Magazine

baystateparent FREE

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

FEBRUARY 2013

PUPPY LOVE Teens & Relationships

A TRIBUTE TO 26 ANGELS KNITTING SOMETHING KNIFTY At Any Age

Let’s l l o R

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO In February OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES For The Entire Family TAKE A BITE Out Of These Food Tours

Voted Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 , 2010 and 2012

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Johnny Appleseed Plaza, 1021 Central St., Leominster

978-534-6604 Mon-Sat 9-7pm, Thurs 9-8pm, Sundays 10-6pm 2 FEBRUARY2013

everythingcutie.com

Cornerstone Academy Educating all learners in grades K-6

An elementary preparatory school that celebrates the individual.

Tours February 12th & 26th at 9:00 a.m.

Visit our website to schedule a tour

Cornerstone Academy educates its students in reading, writing, arithmetic, science, yoga and we practice peace making.

Wishing you a loving and peaceful Valentine’s Day! • Offering Transitional Kindergarten and full day Kindergarten through Grade 6th curriculum.

• Highly qualified faculty trained to adapt curriculum to your child’s ability.

• Small classes, individual attention.

• Intellectually enriching environment.

• Solid academic foundation complemented by art, Spanish, music and physical fitness.

• State of the art technology utilized in all classrooms.

5 Oak Avenue • Northboro, MA 01532 • 508-351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org BAYSTATEPARENT 3

4 FEBRUARY2013

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our special guest Sophia Putney, age 6 Captured by Steven King

18

LOCAL TRIBUTE

A group of kids from New England came together to honor those lost in the Sandy Hook shooting.

table

26

39

OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES

Spend the night at a local museum and get the most out of the experience.

GETTING LOCKED UP

Local camp fundraiser locks up jailbirds for a great cause.

the of the home

FEBRUARY 2013 • VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 10

in every issue 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14

WELCOME

let’s roll 24

GOT SOME SPARE TIME? Then Bowladrome Is Right Up Your Alley

25

TAKE A BITE: Out Of These Food Tours

GUESTBOOK FINALLY FOREVER OCTOBER’S CHILD CIRCLE OF FRIENDS JUNK DRAWERS DIRTY LAUNDRY: Rich In Resolutions

26 SLEEP ON IT: Overnight Adventures For Family Fun 28 30

camp 39 CAMP: Jailbirds Raise Money For Summer Camp

6 FEBRUARY2013

43 44 46 46

PARTY PLANNER BULLETIN BOARD ADVERTISING INDEX OPEN HOUSE

LISTINGS: Take It Outside OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

JUST AROUND THE CORNER: Sex Too Soon

17 CAPTURED: All You Need Is Love 30 OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

advertising directories

sneak peek MARCH

something special 18 26 ANGELS TRIBUTE: New England Children Sing To Raise Money For Sandy Hook 20 21 41

KNIT SOMETHING KNIFTY AT ANY AGE! LOVE IS IN THE AIR WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT PUPPY LOVE?

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CAMPS BABY CELEBRATIONS

Voted Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012

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Advertise to parents of children that attend either day or overnight camps?

E-mail us at camps@baystateparent.com for a media kit and special offer.

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Sending your child or children to day or overnight camps this summer?

Our March issue is now larger and more comprehensive and indispensable. p

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EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CAMPS WITHIN 200 MILES

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Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

Welcome As a mom of two boys, I love celebrating holidays like Valentine’s Day. It’s simply about showing how much you love someone else.

I finally understood what unconditional love truly meant when my first son was born. Those early days of being a parent were so hectic with nighttime feedings and lack of sleep, but every time I looked into his beautiful eyes or watched him sleep, my heart filled with a sense of calm and love.

As he and his younger brother have grown through each new age and stage, my love has grown with them. And one of the most wonderful things to experience from my children is when they show their love to me or others. It is the simple things that mean the most to me – a hug and kiss goodnight, a special picture drawn with love or a craft brought home from school.

Now that my kids are finally old enough

to show their love to me, it is one of the best gifts of parenthood.

We asked our readers to send in photos of what their children love most and the submissions came flooding in. From a special animal to a special friend or grandparent, the kids show their love in our Captured feature.

Darin Haig, a father of three and our newest columnist, shares how important it is not only to focus on the day-today duties of being a parent, but also to remember to show your love to your spouse each and every day. We all know that a grand gesture at Valentine’s Day can make anyone feel special, but he urges us to remember the little things you can do to show you love your spouse every day. As a social worker he sees how stressful family life can become, but this year he and his wife pledge to show their love to each other in simple ways.

We also feature a group of children from New England who came together to show their love and support to the families who lost loved ones in the Sandy Hook shooting by recording an original song and video. Money raised from the video is being sent to the families of the victims.

A mother of three shares her experience traveling to Eastern Europe to adopt a child with Down syndrome. There were a lot of hoops to go through, but adding another child to her family has been a blessing every day for her.

And if you’re looking for something to do during February vacation with the kids, take a look through our special section of fun things to do with the kids.

Have you ever wanted to man a lighthouse for a weekend? How about a sleepover at a local museum? We feature some great places to spend the night, learn about history and get hands-on experience during February vacation, not to mention the rest of the year.

We also highlight some great foodie

tours in Boston and around the state at a grilled cheese stand, a place that makes nitrogen milkshakes and a tour of a famous potato chip factory.

And for those looking for a newly renovated, family-owned bowling alley, we feature a spot that is perfect for kids and families.

For families pinching pennies, we also highlight some inexpensive places to stop with the kids for day trips around the state.

And if you’re looking for a fun activity for the kids to learn, we show why knitting has come back into style. Not only is it an inexpensive hobby for any child, but it’s also easy to learn. Some area knitting shops are even catering classes to kids with small projects like blankets for dolls, iPod cases, hats and scarves. I’ve even heard that celebrities are knitting on the sets of their movies.

As you gear up for this February, I hope you find some fun activities to do with the family, but also take some time to show how much you love your kids. Don’t tell my kids, but I may be making heart-shaped sandwiches for their lunches as well as a special card for them to open at lunch time. And I’m going to follow Darin Haig’s lead, and make a date night with my husband to go out without the kids.

And if you take any of our suggestions for Valentine’s Day or take the kids to one of our picks for February vacation, email me at editor@baystateparent.com and let me know what you think.

Jennifer Lucarelli editor

baystateparent publisher KIRK DAVIS editor JENNIFER LUCARELLI 508-749-3166 x 251 editor@baystateparent.com

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

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

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

sales & business development manager STEPHANIE PEARL 774-364-0296 stephaniep@baystateparent.com account executive EMILY LAVOIE 774-364-4178 emilyr@baystateparent.com account executive NELLIE LIMA 774-229-6272 nellie@baystateparent.com

contributing writers DR. NEGAR BEHESHTI SUSAN DIPIETRO DARIN HAIG KATHERINE JACANTE KIM FOLEY MACKINNON CHRISTINE QUIRK STEPHEN RICH AMANDA ROBERGE

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copy editor BRYAN ETHIER photographers MICHELLE CARR STEVEN KING STEPHANIE PISCITELLI presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

baystateparent 101 Water St., Worcester, MA 01604

508-749-3166

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

MEET THE COVER MODEL

Sophia Putney

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

AGE 6, FRAMINGHAM

Where is your favorite place to travel? What did you like about it? Cape Cod – the beautiful beaches and building sand castles with my sister.

What are your plans for February vacation week? I am going to Brazil with my family. I heard it is a very beautiful country to visit.

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

How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day? I will make Valentine’s cards at home to all my classmates and my family.

18 Parenting Media Awards

Who is the first person you’ll show your February cover of baystateparent to? My mom and my dad.

16 New England Newspaper Press Association Awards

steven king 8 FEBRUARY2013

Including Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2012

GUESTBOOK

Visit us at www.shrewsburychildren.com

Celebrating 30 Years of Caring Now Enrolling All Age Groups Now Enrolling Preschool And Pre-Kindergarten

I just wanted to say thank you! I love the contests that you have â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what great prizes. My 7-year-old is especially happy with the Princess Wii game that I won (for her). She actually studied her spelling words without prompting this week so she could earn some screen time. Thanks again for the early Christmas gift!

Robin (and especially Autumn) Stewart Southborough

Infant (from 12 wks) â&#x20AC;˘ Toddler â&#x20AC;˘ Preschool Pre-Kindergarten â&#x20AC;˘ Full Day Kindergarten

Conveniently located in Shrewsbury 138 North Quinsigamond Ave. â&#x20AC;˘ 508-755-3922

THE FOLLOWING READERS WON FREE TICKETS: Black Watch/Scots Guards Tickets: Amanda Woodward Paxton Jennifer Magliozzi Leominster Maryann DeCell Auburn Free Public Skating at North Star Youth Forum, Westborough: Wendy Tartarini Marlborough Diane Diamond Westborough Jennifer Strong Westborough

6+5(:6%85< 0217(6625, 6&+22/ A special thanks to North Star Youth Forum in Westborough (nsyf.org ) and Music Worcester for donating the tickets.

Check out our website for upcoming giveaways. Go to baystateparent.com and then click giveaways.

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: Submitted letters to the editor should include your name, email address, phone number and town. Please email letters to editor@baystateparent.com by Feb. 5.

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You are invited to join us at our 100 years Celebrationsâ&#x20AC;Ś

Early Education and Care Since 1913 www.guildofstagnes.org

March 23, 2013 April 4, 2013 The Sharks vs. Providence at 7 p.m. Pre-Event Cocktail Party at 5:30 p.m.

DCU Center, Tickets $12.00 at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, High Five the Players Show begins at 7:00 p.m.

October 24, 2013 Cocktails and Dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. at Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Sharon Woodbury at swood016@aol.com

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BAYSTATEPARENT 9

One Family’s Trip To Eastern Europe Brings Home Gift

FEBRUARY’SCHILD Veronica

Veronica is a sweet girl of Hispanic descent who just turned 13. She is very shy with new people but once she warms up, she possesses the gift of gab. Veronica likes playing dress up and playing with her American Girl doll. She loves to wear her hair in bows and clips and would love a mom who could do her hair and play dress up with her.

Diagnosed with mild global delays, Veronica has an extensive Individualized Education Plan. She is excited to be attending junior high and receives services in a specialized classroom. She is slower to process things and needs extra time to understand concepts. Veronica likes school and is well liked by the staff there.

Veronica needs a family that can be a strong educational advocate for her.

She will probably need some type of supportive structure during her life.

Her worker is looking for a single parent or two-parent family without other children or who have only older female children. With a consistent, loving family Veronica can make great gains and reach her full potential. She

BY

is legally free for adoption.

For more information about Veronica please contact Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adoption Supervisor Eileen Griffin at (978) 353-3629.

The DCF Office in Worcester holds monthly informational meetings for people wishing to learn more about the adoption process in general. Please call (508) 929-2143 for detailed information about the next meeting.

Katie booth

Our son was born in 2002, and shortly after he was born he was given a diagnosis of Down syndrome, plus a heart defect known as an AV canal. We weren’t concerned about Down syndrome; we just didn’t want this little baby who smiled at us a lot to die.

Years went by and we learned about Down syndrome, medical issues that can possibly arise, gained medical experience and learned a lot.

Through websites, I found a Down syndrome message board that I liked to visit. I decided to venture into the area of this particular site which had adoptions.

This happened shortly after I had seen a documentary of an Eastern Europe institution which was aimed at children and those with special needs. I could not get the images of those children with Down syndrome out of my mind who were treated like they were just taking up space.

I happened to see a link for

Reece’s Rainbow, which is a listing of international children with special needs and Down syndrome in need of adoption. I thought to myself, “Should I look, shouldn’t I?” and I looked.

I thought I’d just take a quick look at the older children. I saw a picture of a little girl in particular, for which my husband and I have no explanation as to why we kept checking on her. I would check on her through the website to see if she had the words “my forever family found me.”

That never came, and soon she would age out of the baby house/orphanage to an institution.

I thought of the documentary, the medical experience we had, school education plans in America and what we knew about Down syndrome. We weren’t scared at all, as we were living it.

We could give this little girl life, medical care, nutrition and education. We knew her needs would be met, and most of all, she would have a stable loving family that

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Katie Booth lives in Chelmsford with her husband Frank and their three children, two of which have Down syndrome.

CIRCLEOFFRIENDS

would support and accept her.

We talked and kept checking on her through the site. After long talks about adopting her, I contacted Reeceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rainbow, found out where she was and found out what country she lived.

Filling out the dossier and adoption papers became my full-time job. Document after document, all had to be notarized locally, then they all had to be notarized through the state. We took numerous trips into Boston for that, we had a home study, and had assistance with a stateside adoption agency who was working with the facilitator in the country where she lived.

It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy, but we kept moving ahead. I was told to move as fast as we could since the baby house/orphanage would keep her there as long as they knew we were coming soon. We were very fortunate when we got a call to pack and get ready to go. The state department of adoption in the country accepted our papers, and then we had an appointment to be interviewed.

We tied up all the loose ends at home, got the pets boarded and purchased plane tickets for my husband, two kids, and me.

We packed up for four weeks.

When we missed the flight in London, we explored the city for a day and flew out the next morning. Then we had our appointment, were granted her adoption, which would be final after we met her.

We flew into my daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city two days later after being set up in an apartment and we had a driver to take us to the orphanage.

It was quite an old city, but a nice city.

The orphanage, however, made me feel as though we traveled back in time.

We were brought to see her, and I thought immediately that she couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stay there.

There was nothing, a complete lack of stimulation; kids were lunging at us for any human contact. It was lonesome for the kids and they just wanted to be held.

When we left after the first visit, we cried.

After court, my husband and two kids flew back to Boston, and I stayed for nearly two weeks by myself to finish up the adoption documents needed for her country. I got her out of the orphanage as soon as I could.

We finally left on a night train into the capital city with our great adoption worker (we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forgotten her), into the US Embassy, to the international adoption doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appointment. Then we went back to the Embassy, and the process was finally over.

We flew home back to Boston the next day. It felt amazing to touch down at Logan Airport with my daughter. She has been home since July 31, 2009.

We feel she has become attached to us and will us seek out for comfort since she was the one who had to comfort herself in the orphanage. She has thrived considerably since being here, and she is now 10. I believe we have truly saved this childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy, and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pat ourselves on the back. We felt it was the right thing to do.

Northern Regional OfďŹ ce - DCF. Feb. 27, 6 to 7 p.m. 15 Union St., Lawrence. If you plan to attend, please leave a message for Stephanie Frankel at 978557-2734, this will conďŹ rm your attendance. Should the meeting be cancelled it will be posted on the Department of Children and Families website under Massgov.org. Please check the website the day prior to the meeting for the most updated information.

Korean New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., North Boston Korean United Methodist Church, 244 Lowell Street, Andover. Please join in and have fun experiencing Korean traditional activities.

Craft and cooking classes will be offered. For more information, call 781-894-5330.

Adoption Information Meeting. Feb. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wide Horizons for Children, 38 Edge Hill Rd., Waltham. To register, visit whfc.org or call 781-8945330.

Mid-Winter Party. Feb. 23, 3 to 5 p.m. St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church, 67 East St., PittsďŹ eld. Join in for our annual Mid Winter Party. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great opportunity to see old friends and meet adoptive families who live in the Western MA and the Greater Albany area. Please bring a dessert or healthy snack/appetizer to share.

Beverages will be provided. Please RSVP so we know who to expect. Donations are requested to give to St. Stephens for their generous use of their facility. For more information, email jdoane@whfc.org.

BECKER

A COLLEGE STUDENT AND A FULL-TIME PARENT!

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COLLEGE

Accelerated Studies for the Adult Learner http://www.becker.edu/academics/accelerated

www.becker.edu 508.373.9500

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JUNK DRAWERS A LITTLE LIT OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT

THE QUEEN’S CUPS

FUN MOMMY & BABY GIFTS Lauren & Lola welcome babies into the world and keep them and their moms hip throughout childhood. Specializing in personalized blankets, towels, stools, plate and snack sets, travel cases and jewelry, Lauren & Lola provide exclusive gifts and accessories.

Embracing the world of vibrant colors, patterns and designs that go way beyond traditional pink and blue, Lauren & Lola bring fabulous yet functional, posh yet practical gifts and accessories that celebrate little ones and their moms. Lauren & Lola are a Boston mother/daughter team with over 30 years of combined experience in fashion, marketing and making women and children feel great. To learn more, visit laurenlola.com.

Cups’ cupcakes are sure to please. They have varieties including strawberry lemonade, hot fudge sundae, apple pie, double chocolate chip, chocolate fudge and even fluffernutter.

Their shop is located at 238 Millbury Ave., Millbury. She uploads new shots of her latest creations here at: facebook.com/pages/The-Queens-Cups-Renee-King/359939510697621

Q&A

Hidden in a corner on Millbury Avenue in Millbury is a small, adorable cupcake shop that you do not want to miss. Specializing in just cupcakes, The Queen’s Cups had a case full of beautiful surprises that looked so good, it may be hard to choose.

For Valentine’s Day, The Queen’s Cups will be offering free delivery locally to that special someone who you want to show how much you love them. “My brother will be taking the day off from work to help with deliveries,” said Queen’s Cups Owner Renee King.

No matter if it’s for a special holiday or a birthday or other occasion, the Queen’s

Is it too late to get the flu shot?

This flu season has been a tough one, but the good news is that it’s absolutely not too late to get vaccinated against the flu – even now. That’s because here in New England, flu season doesn’t tend to peak until late February or even March – and even then, we continue to see flu cases well into the spring. There is still plenty of flu vaccine in the community at health care provider offices, community health centers, and local pharmacies. In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other simple, common-sense ways that you can keep from spreading the flu: wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizers. Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow rather than your hands. And if you’re sick, stay home from school or work until you feel better.

- John Jacob of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

MOSSY

FOCUS ON ORAL CARE

Follow the story of an unusual turtle with a magnificent garden growing on her shell in Mossy, written by New York Times #1 Best Selling Author Jan Brett.

The story of Mossy was inspired one summer when Brett saw a turtle in a lake with water plants on its carapace. She knew that there were turtles in the wetlands behind her house and built and a turtle pond in her yard. She and her husband, Joe, made sure that there were rocks for sunning, caves to hide from predators, and deep water for hibernation. Lingonberries and strawberries were planted nearby to entice the new turtle residents. Jan Brett lives in Norwell.

In February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

When it comes to cleaning your baby’s teeth it’s all about what’s not going into their teensy tiny bodies.

BabyGanics Say Aahhhh! fluoride free toothpaste promotes great oral health and is specially formulated with natural ingredients.

BabyGanics is available at Babies R Us, BabyGanics.com, Amazon.com and Diapers.com.

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

12 FEBRUARY2013

michelle carr

DIRTYLAUNDRY

with Stephen Rich

Rich In Resolutions 2012 is behind us and another year is placed in the books.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another year where I still have not had a sex talk with my oldest daughter, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weird â&#x20AC;&#x201C; us having to talk with her.

Someone should have a talk with us since we have four kids and no clue what is going on.

We just opened a box that was delivered to our house â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a bow and arrow ordered by my 10 year old son. He opened an account with Amazon and he orders whatever he wants.

I have a 9-year-old who to this very day has never used tooth paste and I have a 6-yearold who wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wear socks and her shoes all smell like fresh blue cheese.

So this year Big Mamma and I decided weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had enough! 2013 is going to be different.

Now we did not come up with an outline or plan of attack. We just knew in our hearts what we knew we wanted for the family and what our vision was, but we just had not found the right time.

Until one night, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at dinner, having the usual dinner conversation: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Why do I have to eat this? I was sitting in that seat first. This is too much spinach â&#x20AC;&#x201C; do I have to eat it all? Why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t I pour? Ewww this is soooo

nasty. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat meat. I only like chicken nuggets, hot dogs and bacon. Why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we go to Wendys?â&#x20AC;?

Then the 6-year-old in her high pitch helium voice says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to live in a normal house!â&#x20AC;? The funny party is that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of what makes the place crazy, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another article.

Then Big Mamma blew up (probably because it was not â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wine Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and had no â&#x20AC;&#x153;wine patientsâ&#x20AC;?) and she screamed â&#x20AC;&#x153;ENOUGH!â&#x20AC;? And to show she meant business she slammed her fork down on our splintery plywood table (kitchen renovation is still not done!). â&#x20AC;&#x153;This family needs to change. You have it so good. Did you know there are kids out there...(big pause she always gets so worked up that she forgets what her original thought was and comes up with some stuff that does not fit)...Did you know there are kids out there that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a nice truck... or a guinea pig (we are all trying not to laugh at this point. I have a napkin over my mouth to hide it but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m shaking, and they all know). â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gonna do here,â&#x20AC;? she continues and finally gets back on track. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to go around this table come up with our new yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions.â&#x20AC;?

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The funny part is that people typically state what their resolution is. Not with Big Mamma. She is telling you what your resolution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a threat, a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;threat-alution.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; She started with the oldest, our straight A angel (who needs a sex talk real soon). â&#x20AC;&#x153;You need to take your plate back to the sinkâ&#x20AC;Śthis is not Bertucciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. And your showers gotta end â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some of your showers last longer than a Kardashian marriage!â&#x20AC;?

Then she goes to the 10-year-old, the knowit-all â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;vegetarian attorney.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want those grades fixed. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m all done with you telling me â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mom, one second,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; which turns into another hour. You use the computer more than Bill Gates. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want you to Skype, type, text, play Minecraft, use Instagram, spam. Nothing until those grades are right.â&#x20AC;?

And then she turned to the fruit fly, our 9-year-old, 42-inch boy who in the past month has developed some weird fetish with tickling peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armpits almost to the point where I may file charges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You need to stop bothering everyone with your tickling or TISHELL-A-TING as you call it. You are actually hurting my pits, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re actually raw right now! And I especially want you to stop getting your sister (the crazy 6-year-old Jersey Girl with blue cheese feet) all worked up.â&#x20AC;?

Then she turned to the Jersey Girl... â&#x20AC;&#x153;And you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come down crabby in the morning yelling â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hate you!â&#x20AC;? You gotta be more flexible getting dressed and not freak out about wearing your Wednesday underwear on Thursday. We have no idea what day it is here! And most

of all when your brother teases you, that does not give you a free pass to chase him around the kitchen with a Cuisinart blade.

And FINALLY this family is going back to Church...Every Sunday.â&#x20AC;?

And with that there was silence...and I sat there and watched everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expressions.

Big Mamma was sort of satisfied with her diatribe, and three of the kids were shocked, but there was one kid who was not.

I looked down the table and saw the untouched plates of microwaved food, which had cooled at this point...and I focused in on the Know it all Attorney because with the attorney itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never over!

I saw that look with his eyebrows that tips us off that there is an offer about to be presented, so I waited for it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ummm Mom, what if we just eat the fish and vegetables? Do we still have to do all the stuff you just said?â&#x20AC;?

And so the offer stands...

2013 is off to a confusing start for my wife and I, so will it be sex talks with the kids or should we make them just eat veggies?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say pass the carrots around!

Dirty Laundry columnist Stephen Rich is a Plymouth father of four. This monthly humor column is about day-to-day life raising kids.

Basically itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about not being afraid to air out the â&#x20AC;&#x153;dirty laundryâ&#x20AC;? and say it like it is, making the rest of us not feel so alone.

To book comedian Stephen Rich, contact Dawn Christensen at Loretta LaRoche Productions: Dawn@lorettalarocheproductions.com or 508-746-3998, x15.

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JUSTAROUNDTHECORNER

SEX TOO SOON? BY

don’t have to agree with your friends’ choices, and you can and should express your opinions, but do so in a supportive way. That is no mean feat for adults, let alone teenagers. I also pointed out that if Joslynn does get pregnant, she will need her friends, not someone who thinks “she should have known better.”

Next, it was unfortunate that Joslynn chose to speak in a relatively public environment. Several girls in the locker room could hear her and in high school that’s the same as announcing you’ve lost your virginity over the public address system. I told Mackenzie that information about what you do or don’t do with your partner is private, to be shared only with your most trustworthy friends. And regardless of the relationship Joslynn has with Noah and how long they “waited,”

to handle a parenting situation, I ask questions of people who know what works better than I. In this case, I turned to Amy Cody, Manager of Parent Education for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM), to ask about ways to speak with your child at any age and specifically how to encourage them to put off having sex.

My first lesson was a new (to me) terminology. Cody describes parents as the “primary sexuality educators of their children.” The distinction between sex and sexuality reflects a broadening of the discussion so it is not limited specifically to sexual behavior. It allows parents to discuss with their children from a young age what does it mean to be male and female, what are healthy relationships, how behavior is connected to feelings,

people will look at her differently now.

My last comment (or my last comment for that very limited timeframe before we got out of the car) was to remind my daughter that at her last physical, the nurse asked for a urine sample as a ploy to get Mackenzie to follow her out of the room so she could ask out of my presence if Mackenzie was sexually active. You cannot tell by age, by physical maturity, or even by emotional maturity who will choose to be sexually active. I told Mackenzie that my hope is that when she considers the decision to be intimate, she will keep in mind all we have talked about over the years, take precautions, ask me anything, and if ever she needs to talk I will listen without judgment.

I thought that all sounded pretty good, but when I wonder about the “right way”

how to be assertive communicators. These early conversations are not necessarily in the context of exploring sexuality. When you ask a 4-year-old to use her words rather than hit the toddler sibling she is mad at, or coach a first grader on how to talk to a friend who has hurt his feelings by saying mean things, you are teaching them about communication, relationships and what you value.

As your child asks questions, be prepared to offer responses that are both age and developmentally appropriate.

When I admitted somewhat sheepishly that I am not exactly clear what information is “age appropriate,” Cody said it is OK to go with your gut, but there are many resources available that can help parents along the way. If we as parents educate ourselves on what is age

katherine jacante, rachel k. pendergrass, illustrator

For teens and tweens, there’s no avoiding the everyday pressures to be sexually curious–or even sexually active– and for some kids, this is happening at a very young. What can you say to promote an open dialog with your child and give him/her the self confidence to make good decisions?

On a scale of one to 10, how talkative is your 7-year-old? Do you have to pull information out of him about his day at school? Does he start talking 90 miles an hour as soon as he sees you? Or is he somewhere in between? How about your 10-year-old?

Now, how about your 14-year-old? Oh, wait, add another element—how talkative is your teen when the subject is sex?

It is not an easy topic, particularly if you have not been talking with your children about their bodies, sexual curiosity, boyfriends, girlfriends, hormones and all that “stuff” since they were small.

I am one of the lucky ones (depending on your definition of lucky). My daughter is in the 90-miles-an-hour category of talkers, whether it’s about chemistry class, the recap of the basketball game she just played in or the ebb and flow of the high school dating scene. I sometimes know who my daughter’s friends are dating before their mothers. I generally keep that information to myself.

Recently my daughter got in the car after practice and started the conversation with “I need to tell you something, and I need you to just listen, no annoying advice or comments.” Gotta love a conversation that starts that way.

Mackenzie* proceeded to rant for nearly 10 minutes about her friend Joslynn who 14 FEBRUARY2013

was speaking unguarded in the locker room about another girl whose actions she disapproved of.

“Did you hear that Beth had sex with her boyfriend after they had been going out just 10 days? At least Noah, and I waited two months.”

This was news to Mackenzie, and she was horrified. Whatever Mackenzie said to Joslynn in the locker room, she did not hold back with me.

“What sophomore in high school thinks it is responsible to have sex? What is she thinking? And then what if she ends up pregnant? Then what? I can’t believe she is this stupid! What is she thinking?!” she said.

There was a lot more, and I will freely, happily admit that I am relieved that my daughter’s initial response was disbelief, though I was not as happy about the judgmental tenor of her comments. I also knew I would not be able to keep my thoughts to myself. Thankfully, her directive for me to stay quiet gave me time to think while she ranted. With so many things to consider, I came up with these gems when she said I could talk.

First, while I was disappointed that a sophomore would chose to have sex, Joslynn is a young woman making her own decisions. Perhaps it was a reasoned decision; maybe she and her boyfriend talked about it, took precautions and are well aware that there are consequences to their actions.

I told Mackenzie that she should tread lightly when judging her friends because the day will come when she also decides to have sex, and there will be people who think she is making a bad decision. You

appropriate and how to share our values, we can be better prepared when the questions start.

At any age, parents can share books that get a discussion going. Cody recommends That’s So Amazing and It’s Perfectly Normal, both by Robie Harris, for younger children, and Talk to Me First

by Deborah Roffman and Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid They’d Ask) by Mark Schuster. These are only a few on many options.

As your child reaches the tween/teen years, you may want to direct them to some of the websites for families or teenagers but only after you have previewed them yourself; some parents may not be comfortable with how the information is presented.

do you think a person is ready?’ Help him/ her articulate what are the elements of a healthy relationship. Ask some questions— does your partner value you, feel lucky to be with you, look out for you? Does he/ she respect your feelings? Can you share your thoughts when you are angry? Are you comfortable enough to be naked with them? Are you afraid they will break up with you if you don’t have sex? Are you aware of the risks and potential consequences of becoming sexually active?”

One of Cody’s responsibilities at Planned Parenthood is presenting Let’s Be Honest: Communication in Families that Keeps Kids Healthy, a program designed to help prepare parents to create an environment of trust and comfort talking about sex and sexuality. The program has a number of age-appropriate workshops, but in answer

“I need to tell you something, and I need you to just listen, no annoying advice or comments.”

Gotta love a conversation that starts that way.

The key, according to Cody, is to “be an askable parent. When your child asks a question, say ‘I am so glad you asked’ or ‘that’s a great question,’ or ‘well what do you know about that, where should I start?’” And while Cody says to answer questions without judgment, parents should absolutely share their values during the conversation. And always impress upon your child that you love them, and you want to keep them safe.

Finally, I asked about how to talk to your child about putting off having sex.

“Setting a timetable is not necessarily the best approach,” according to Cody. “If you say ‘wait until you are 18, (or you are in college, or you are married),’ you are not acknowledging the various elements at play in making the decision to be intimate. Ask your son or daughter ‘when

to my question, Cody directed me to a very specific list of what parents might say to a teen to encourage them to delay having sex (see sidebar). Not surprisingly, the focus of this program and essentially every other book, website, advice column I reviewed was communication.

It’s hard to talk with your children about things that make you uncomfortable.

Sexuality is a normal, healthy, natural part of who we are throughout every stage of our lives, but that doesn’t mean it feels natural to talk about it. Sometimes, I find myself pretending I am comfortable with a topic, or I try to add a little humor to the discussion. That’s not always the most successful route, but my clumsy attempts often give my kids a reason to laugh either with me or at me, and we keep the conversation going.

How Parents Can Help Teens Delay Sex Amy Cody, Manager of Parent Education for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, works with parents every day to establish open lines of communication with their children. If you are parenting teens or tweens, it’s helpful to understand the social reasons teens choose to have sex or choose to wait. Research shows that most teens make decisions based on shortterm social reasons. Here are two of seven common reasons teenagers give for having sex and suggestions for how parents might choose to respond in ongoing conversations with their adolescents.

“Having sex is the best way to show my partner how much I care.” Many teens believe that they will lose their partner if they don’t have sex. Still others fear that they need to have sex to reassure their partner of their affection. Teens may not consider other ways of sharing affection besides sexual intercourse. Possible parent response: “Sex can be a special way of sharing love with someone. But you should be loved whether or not you have sex. Let’s think of other ways of sharing love without having sex.”

“It’s okay if I have sex because everybody is doing it.” Kids have a hard time estimating numbers, especially about people. If we ask them how many kids go to their school, their estimates may be very different than the real number. Similarly, teens often think that many more of them are sexually active than they actually are. Possible parent response: “Less than half of all high school students have had sexual intercourse. It is perfectly normal to wait. The fact that everybody may be talking about it doesn’t mean that everybody is ‘doing it.’” *Courtesy of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts To see the other reasons teens consider having sex, go to: archive.constantcontact. com/fs086/1101394867161/ archive/1109490232112.html Resources for parents pplm.org/parents massteenpregnancy.org/teens/onlineresources-teens cpnonline.org/CRS/CRS/pa_sexed_hhg. htm betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles. nsf/pages/Sex_education_talking_to_ teenagers Sexuality education websites written by teens for teens sexetc.org mariatalks.com mariatalks.com/sex/am-i-ready *The names of the subjects in this series of articles have been changed to protect their privacy.

Katherine Jacante is a writer and mother of two teenagers living in Central Massachusetts.

She uses a pseudonym to protect her relationship with her children and other families who may recognize themselves in these articles.

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All You Need is Love sgrahamphotography.com

DRESS UP: Ashlee, 5, and Kaylee Nutter, 4, of Leominster, love playing dress up, and they decided to get decked out to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

photo courtesy of kelly decoteau

HORSE PLAY: Samantha DeCell,7, of Auburn loves all animals, especially her neighbor’s miniature horse Danika.

PUPPY LOVE: Taylor Decoteau, 3, of North Brookfield, loves playing with her dog, Bob.

HAND-IN-HAND: Maddie Denson, 3, and her cousin Isabel Gemma, 4, both from Clinton are cousins and they love spending time together.

FIRST VALENTINE: Shaylan Chawda, 5, of Needham, moved from the UK and will celebrate his first Valentine’s Day.

TWO PEAS IN A POD: Zoey Boland, 2, of Oxford hugs her best friend Emma Keegan, 2, of Ashland.

SNUGGLING: Gavin Hutchings, 3, of Pembroke loves spending time with his 100-year-old Great Grandma!

bsp is looking for photos of camp for our March issue. Email photos to editor@baystateparent.com by Feb. 5. Don’t forget to include your child’s name, age, town and where the photo was taken.

BAYSTATEPARENT 17

26 Angels Tribute:

New England Children Sing to Raise Money for Sandy Hook BY

jennifer lucarelli

W

hen Justin Cohen heard about the Sandy Hook school shooting, his heart broke for the families who lost children.

Justin was 6 years old when he lost his brother to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

“It really hit home for me, and I can attest to how hard it is to lose a brother,” he said.

“I was talking to my mom about it, and she suggested I write a song as a tribute to those whose lives were lost.”

That’s how the 26AngelsTribute.com video started.

Justin is a singer and songwriter and an alumni of Berklee College of Music in Boston. He shared the song he wrote with Ben Proulx, who directed and produced the video.

“Ben is a long-time friend of mine, and he helped put the video together,” Justin said. “We wanted to have 20 children and six adults from around the state represent those who lost their lives.”

In the video, the musicians are among the six adults who are filmed to represent the adults who died. The other two are Justin’s

parents – his mother is a musician and his father is singing in the background.

A casting call went out in New England and the first 20 children who responded were included in the day-long video shoot.

The first thing the kids did was take placards with the names of the children who died and colored and decorated them with the children’s interests.

Nicole Sarmiento of Worcester was one of the children in the video. She represented Emilie Parker who died on Dec. 14.

“I didn’t want to tell Nicole about the school shooting, but she saw the news and had many questions,” said Nubia Sarmiento, Nicole’s mother. “It is very hard to explain to an 8-year-old who doesn’t know anything about evil. That weekend my husband and I decided not to put any news on because Nicky was scared and sad.”

On the Monday morning after the shooting, Nicole didn’t want to go to school. “She said it was very dangerous to be at the school,” Nubia said. “It was difficult to convince her, but eventually she agreed to stay at school.”

When Nubia heard of the casting call a couple of weeks later, she asked Nicole if she would be part of it. “She never hesitated

to participate in this project,” Nubia said.

“Nicky was very excited, confident and willing to give her all.”

When the video was taped in late December, Nicole cried when singing the chorus. “The song touches my senses deep in my heart,” she told her mom.

Since the video was posted on YouTube in December it has received more than 17,000 hits. The video has helped to raise $1,000 and the group is hoping to raise $50,000 to be given to the families.

The performance was taped at the Collins Center for the Performing Arts at Andover High School. It was a collaboration of many generous professionals who stepped forward to and donate their time and equipment to the project, which was put together in a matter of days.

In order to focus attention onto each individual child, the children represented each victim by holding up personalized name cards one at a time during the video.

Each child involved with the video was given a specific victim to learn about and represent in the video.

“The children were extremely passionate,” Sarmiento said. “The name cards will be given to the victim’s families.”

The video will be distributed through

other channels as well. A Facebook page was created to draw attention to the project and encourage people to like and share the page to help spread awareness and build a global audience for the video.

“Nicky, my husband and I feel very blessed to have been part of this great tribute,” Sarmiento said.

To learn more visit facebook. com/26angelsvideo or 26angelstribute. com.

Twenty children from around New England took part in the video. They are: Braedan Shea, Hartford, CT; Jackson Shea, Hartford, CT; Christopher Siems, Darian, CT; Aingealica Venuto, Billerica, MA; Timmy Decoff, Danvers, MA, Jenna Fiore, Groveland, MA, Katie Roeder, Malden, MA, Sierra Jensen, Norwell, MA; Mia Pecevich, Quincy, MA; Maisy McDermott, Scituate, MA; Kate McDermott, Scituate, MA; Dante Colonero, Shrewsbury, MA; Gianni Colonero, Shrewsbury, MA; Syra Pandey- Shrewsbury, MA; Matthew Thomann, Shrewsbury, MA; Samuel Thomann, Shrewsbury, MA; Nicole Sarmiento Worcester, MA; Phoebe Collins, Auburn, NH; Tovah Duffaut, Raymond, NH; and Samantha Baril, Chepachet, RI.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 19

KNIT something

knifty

at any age!

BY

christine m. quirk

Knitters Sarah Michael, Ryan Hogan, Dianne Mann, Catherine Bue-Hepner, Alex Selvitelli and Amelia Nadeau-daCruz (sitting) enjoy picking up their needles together.

In

today’s world, kids are busy.

There’s homework. There are play dates and music lessons. There’s Scouting and sports practices. Youngsters are often jetting from one activity to another, with little time to relax and be creative.

Enter knitting. Yes, knitting.

“It’s anti-stress,” said Janet Rosetti. “It’s like petting a dog – you can’t pet a dog and be stressed. Knitting is the same way.”

Rosetti is the owner of Knitscape, located in Worcester’s Tatnuck Square. A life-long knitter, she learned the craft from her Aunt Rita, whose picture sits on Rosetti’s desk.

“In some ways, I feel like I’m passing on an oral tradition,” she said. “Knitting can really only be shown. I love to knit. You can never go wrong.”

This past fall, Rosetti offered classes at her shop specifically geared toward kids.

The idea of finding something fresh and interesting drew in Sam Selvitelli, 11.

“I know how to sew,” Sam said. “I wanted to try something new.”

Her friend Amelia Nadeau-DaCruz, 10, said she can “kind of crochet” and wanted to expand her skills. It wasn’t long before Sam’s sister Alex, 9, was signed up, too.

“I dance with Amelia,” Alex explained.

“I came here with her dad to confirm the classes and I decided to try something other than dance.”

“My mom’s a knitter,” said Gina DaCruz, 20 FEBRUARY2013

Amelia’s mom. “Amelia said she wanted to try it out and she loves it. She loves creating.

She’s really interested in it and now she has all these big and new plans.”

The inaugural class was six weeks long, and the girls learned basic knitting stitches and techniques with specialized beginners’ needles, capped on the end to help avoid dropped stitches.

Though the girls said it was a little hard at first – “At first I was a little sad,” Amelia said -- the girls’ instructor and Rosetti likened it to dance and reminded them they couldn’t do it all the right away the first time.

“It took me a while,” Sam said. “I was doing good, but then I had some trouble getting the right number of stitches across, so I came here for help on a Sunday.”

The girls took on scarves, and when Sam finished hers ahead of schedule, she started another which turned into a little purse she gave her mom for Christmas.

“My dad will tease us and say, ‘Look at the old biddies,” Sam said. “But I like being able to say ‘I did this.’ … I like that I can always knit. I like all the possibilities you can do with it.”

Her sister agreed.

“It’s creative and fun,” Alex said. “You can keep your hands moving. It’s something to do and when you’re done, you get that good feeling: I made this myself.”

Knitting is a hobby that can take one into adulthood, and it seems it’s a little like

riding a bike: You never really forget how to do it. Ellen Friend, for example, learned to knit as a child growing up in Worcester.

“I hadn’t knitted in years, but I remembered that I liked it,” she said. “I went to the Sheep Shack because I saw they had classes … and I found I could still knit and purl.”

For the last seven years, Friend and several other women have continued to knit together at the Sheep Shack in Holden and have formed close friendships.

“It got so that every Wednesday [session] we kept signing up,” Geri Bak, another knitter, said. “You can imagine in the course of time most of us were on the verge of retiring or were retired, and then other things would happen in our lives. It became a wonderful support system.”

In fact, Bak said, her knitting friends were a great source of support to her when her husband passed away.

“I never had something to do with my spare time, and I never realized it would occupy such a wonderful spot in my life,” Bak said.

Gail Miller also used knitting as a type of therapy when her husband was ill. She and her daughter knitted in hospital waiting rooms, and now, several years later, it’s a regular part of her life.

“I juggle a lot of things,” Miller said. “I tutor on the weekends and sometimes I’ll pick up my work between kids. You can do

it for 5 minutes or for an hour and you can see results right away.”

“It’s companionship and conversation,” Friend said. “You can knit and talk at the same time. I’ve tried a lot of different crafts in my lifetime, but this really appeals to me.”

Miller, a fourth grade teacher, is teaching her students how to knit.

“I think it’s coming back,” she said. “Now younger people do it, too. There are so many beautiful yarns and easy patterns.”

The Knitscape girls have all signed up for the next class and are planning to make fingerless gloves. Sam, however, has other plans as well.

“I want to make a blanket,” she said. “My great-grandmother made a blanket like a flag. It was so cool.”

She also envisions making a doll set and table place settings for American Girl dolls.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” she said. “It would be so cool to make it.”

“I love working with the kids,” Rosetti said. “They are really up front about what is frustrating them. Then they move on.”

Knitscape is located at 1116 Pleasant St. in Worcester. Call 508-459-0557 or visit knitscape.biz. The Sheep Shack is located at 787 Main St. in Holden. Call 508-829-5811 or visit thesheepshack.com.

Christine M. Quirk is a freelance writer who lives in Central Massachusetts with her family.

Love is in the Air BY

darin haig

February is here and seeing as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the season of Cupid, I was reminded of a wedding toast I gave about two years ago in Los Angeles for a close friend of mine and his bride. I could have given the standard speech, referencing all our old times together, the wild things we had done as younger men and how lucky he was to find such a wonderful bride willing to marry him - the same old stuff recycled in every B-Grade movie.

However, because I regularly find myself face to face with a variety of folks coming into my office looking to repair a fractured relationship I felt compelled to pass on some information for starting a relationship off on the right foot and keeping it strong

over the years.

As parents we can lose track of our â&#x20AC;&#x153;couplehoodâ&#x20AC;? with all the day to day activities of being mom or dad, chauffer, coach, cook, nurse... and countless other things.

Regardless of the commercialized aspect of Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with its chocolate hearts and overpriced cards, I have resolved with my wife to renew our relationship and take some time to remind ourselves that we were two before we became five. Perhaps some of these things will resonate with you in regard to your existing relationship or help with one that is just developing. These resolutions are just as applicable to our

children as well so feel free to apply as often as possible.

Hit for singles not home runs: Love is made up of small things done consistently over time, not one big thing done every now and then. A soft word of encouragement, a surprise card or a flower, even some folded laundry when your partner is exhausted.

This is where long-term loving gets done.

Although home runs are exciting and can really energize a relationship, little hits each day make the difference.

Make more deposits than withdrawals: Most of us pay enough attention to this when it comes to our checkbooks, but perhaps not enough when it comes to our relationships. You only get out of marriage and relationships what you put into them.

There will be trials and tribulations along the way, but if you have made significant deposits into the relationship there is nothing you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to get through together, and your chances of overdrafting with your partner dramatically decrease.

Grow and understand together: There is no better analogy to marriage and relationships than that of a garden. All gardens start with hope. The hope that with the seeds you plant the garden you grow will be beautiful and fruitful. Growing a successful relationship doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen by accident. Scattering seeds in your spring garden and hoping for growth by summer without watering, fertilizing and managing the weeds that come along is an unrealistic expectation. The same rings true in marriage and relationships. Cultivate compassion for one another. Understand that although one may want flowers in the garden and one may want vegetables, you

both want something beautiful. Nurture and water your strengths while you weed out and manage your weaknesses.

Communicate: You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get it if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tell me about your day,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you need someone to listen or to give advice?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;How can I help?â&#x20AC;? All of these questions are ways of keeping the relationship moving in the right direction. But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fooled into thinking that communication is only about the words we use. We communicate just as much with what we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say. The way you look at one another. The way your eyes meet and what you do for one another without a word at all. This may be the single most important part of a successful partnership.

Never close the lines of communication with one another.

I am certain that if you can even pick and choose one or two from this list you will rejuvenate your relationship with your partner and find a deeper level of intimacy. Taking care of ourselves and the relationships we have as parents is crucial.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to show our children how to have lasting and healthy relationships with our partners and it is a way to strengthen our existing support systems for when times get tough. It also keeps Hallmark and FTD in business for another year. Happy Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Darin Haig is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who lives with his wife Chantal and three daughters in the Blackstone Valley. Darin provides clinical psychotherapy out of his private practice in Sutton Mass and can be reached by visiting his website www.woprocounseling.com and clicking the â&#x20AC;&#x153;meet the cliniciansâ&#x20AC;? tab.

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Lets

ROLL

24

GOT SOME SPARE TIME? Then Bowladrome Is Right Up Your Alley

25 26

TAKE A BITE: Out of these Food Tours

28 30

SLEEP ON IT: Overnight Adventures for Family Fun TAKE IT OUTSIDE OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO bellinipics.com BAYSTATEPARENT 23

LETSROLL

Got Some SPARE TIME? Then Bowladrome Iss Right Upp Your Alley BY

amanda roberge

the course of its 40-plus years of existence, the Acton Bowladrome – a long-time fixture of fun in the bustling town – only seriously considered throwing in the towel once. The recession was becoming a road block, and the cost of updating the wellworn maple alleys – which had by that time been sanded down to the nails and could not withstand much more routine maintenance – would be a huge undertaking.

But according to current proprietor Josh Sundberg, who represents the third generation of family ownership, the public outcry was deafening.

“We had people coming in every day begging us – sometimes it felt like every person who came through the door wanted to tell us their story,” he said. “And the story was the same for everyone. They had grown up with us – they came here as kids – and they had started to bring their own kids here. This place was important to their families, for a lot of reasons.”

And as he told me the story, I felt my eyes begin to drift closed, bringing me back to 1982, when my own parents has brought my two sisters and me to the Bowladrome every Saturday morning to bowl a couple strings. I can remember being there even when my feet were too small for the shoes they had available, and I was allowed to bowl in my socks. My parents would have long conversations with Josh’s dad, Bobby,

In

24 FEBRUARY2013

who had run the establishment with his father Robert, who bought the building in the late 1960s.

It is one of the reasons I continue to bring my kids back, for the nostalgia of having something left of my own childhood to share with them.

And while those memories may be what drew us in as my kids became of bowling age, it certainly isn’t what keeps them begging to go back.

While many competing candlepin alleys still smell and feel like 1982, the Sundberg family has done the unthinkable and invested more than half a million dollars in bringing the place up to speed for a generation of kids who thrive on flat screens and black lights.

From automated touch screen scoring units to synthetic alleys that glow in the dark, the Acton Bowladrome mixes oldfashioned fun with current technology and the result is just the same as it was when I was a kid. People love being there.

Among the upgrades is a more intense arcade, complete with a swipe-card redemption system and high-end prizes like a PS3 game system, iPods and Flip Cameras.

Josh also added a second birthday party room, although the times have changed a bit and he finds that so, too, has the business model.

“There was a time when birthday parties were really our bread and butter,” he said, adding that they held about 100-150 parties

each month on average, “but at that time we were the only game in town. Now people have a lot of choices about where to go.”

One of the upgrades that has been a major factor in their growth has been the beer and wine license, which has opened the door to the possibility of corporate events. Major local companies like Monster.com and Intel hold large company-sponsored family events there, along with other companies that come from the Boston area and beyond to experience all that Bowladrome has to offer. And in the same style, people often rent the venue out for fundraisers for their non-profits and small organizations.

While they always offered light fare in a café area on the corner of the building, Josh has added sharp and chic 50s-style décor and a more comprehensive menu – redubbing the space “The BurgerDrome.”

Not surprisingly, The Bowladrome has become something of a destination for families as far away as the north and south shore, and even the Amherst area. For moms and kids looking for a place to go that is unlike anything they have available in their own area, it’s well worth the drive.

With the recession, Josh added, business has even boomed in the summer when families opt for “Stay-cations” and try to squeeze in all the local fun they can find.

For people traveling a distance and wanting to experience other sights in the area, The Acton Discovery Museum is about a halfmile down the road, and there are also

countless recreational parks within a quick drive. Historic Concord Center and North Bridge are just a few miles down Route 2 if the kids need to run around and explore.

The delicious Bueno y Sano is located directly next door.

One offering that is new to the lineup is an overnight birthday party, where kids bowl and play arcade games and eat cake – the usual. But at night, each child unrolls his or her sleeping bag on to their individual alley, and a movie goes up on the screen above their heads. Lights out means they drift off to the soft glow of a black-lit alley.

There are a lot of things in life you might be sad to see change. If you find yourself with your kids in tow and want to show them something you once loved, there are instances where you’d be sorry to see an old haunt having undergone such a major transformation.

But I can tell you with a bit of authority that bowling alleys are not one of them. In this case, the new generation of bowlers wants something fresh and clean and flashy, and it’s all there for the taking at The Drome.

For more information or to make reservations for your bowling time, visit actonbowladrome.com.

Amanda Roberge is a Leominster-based freelance writer and mother of three children.

Enjoy a flatbread pizza at Trade on your Boston foodie Tour.

LETSROLL

TAKE A

BITE Sample cacao nibs on the Taza Chocolate factory tour.

BY

kim foley mackinnon

Just like when we take our children to the farm to see where eggs come from, a food tour is a fun way to show kids how foods are made---and enjoy a great family outing at the same time. No food tour is complete without tasty samples and we’ve picked three in the Boston area that are sure to please everyone in the family, even the picky eaters!

Boston Foodie Tour This 2-year old company has a number of fantastic walking tours around the city, from the North End to the Back Bay, showcasing some of the best eats and chefs in town, but kids will likely love the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Tour best. During school vacation weeks and in the summer, special family-friendly versions of the tour are scheduled. (A regular tour is about three hours; the family-friendly version is two).

Owner Audrey Giannattasio has worked hard to gain access to some of the city’s top spots, many with national recognition. If your family is a fan of the Food Network, you’ll definitely recognize some names, though you don’t need to know anything

Watch as your milkshake is topped with liquid nitrogen at Blue, Inc.

Everyone gets a cupcake from Crumbs to take home on a Boston Foodie Tour.

A worker stir chips at the Cape Cod Chip factory.

Out of These Food Tours about them to enjoy their food.

On the tour, you’ll sample specialties from food trucks parked along the Greenway, like the popular Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, as well as dishes from two celebrity chefs’ restaurants.

Watch your flat bread pizza being made and cooked in the oven at Trade, Jody Adams’s restaurant. At Blue Inc., owned by Jason Santos, kids will be thrilled as they watch their root beer and toasted marshmallow or peanut butter and pretzel milkshake freeze with liquid nitrogen. They’ll also get a kick if Santos is there---he’s got blue hair, which is how the restaurant got its name.

This isn’t a tour where you just get nibbles.

No one leaves hungry. And no one leaves without a treat to take home. That is, if the kids don’t eat their cupcakes before you get there.

The setting of the Greenway can’t be beat, especially in warmer weather. There’s a carousel, plenty of room to run around, art installations, a farmer’s market, and lots of special events. As you make your way along your guided tour, you can make note of what you might like to return to later.

Boston Foodie Tours 617-461-5772 bostonfoodietours.com

Taza Chocolate The Boston area’s only chocolate factory, Taza Chocolate, in Somerville, offers a bit of an adventure in just finding the place.

Located deep in an industrial park, past scrap metal yards with fences topped with razor wire, you might think you’re lost even when your GPS says you’re not. Have faith.

Chocolate is near.

Once you find Taza and open the door to the retail shop and factory, the rich, delicious scent of chocolate greets you. A variety of chocolate products are displayed on tables and shelves and large glass windows allow

visitors to see into the factory. Several times a week, Taza offers hour-long, guided tours for just $5 a person. Despite the low ticket fee, Taza is more than generous with its samples.

The artisanal chocolate company prides itself on the care it takes in every aspect of making its Mexican-style chocolate. It enjoys a face-to-face relationship with the farmers from where it buys its cacao, currently the Dominican Republic, and the company uses handmade stones to grind the beans.

On the tour, you’ll learn that founder Alex Whitmore tasted stone-ground chocolate in Oaxaca, Mexico, and loved the distinctive style so much he decided to open his own chocolate factory in the United States.

Whitmore doesn’t believe in shortcuts though. Rather than hiring someone to grind the chocolate for him, he opted to learn how to hand-carve the granite millstones used to grind the cacao in the traditional way.

Warn your kids that Taza Chocolate is probably not like most chocolates they have sampled before. Because of the stoneground process, the texture is gritty rather than smooth like an average chocolate bar. The company is always playing with ingredients, so you might get to try chocolates flavored with cinnamon, salt and pepper or Guajillo chili, among others.

Willa Wonka would definitely approve.

Taza Chocolate 561 Windsor St., Somerville 617-284-2232 tazachocolate.com

Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory Tour One of the best parts of taking a food tour is learning some little-known facts about a favorite food. The very popular Cape Cod Potato Chip Company has some very humble beginnings. When two

entrepreneurs started the company more than 30 years ago, they operated out of an 800-square-foot Hyannis store front kitchen!

They were lucky to produce 200 bags of chips a day. These days, as many as 350,000 bags can be produced in one day, and there are a number of flavors and varieties.

Cape Cod makes its chips by a unique hand-stirred, kettle-cooking method.

You can see exactly how it’s done at the company’s large plant, where you can take a self-guided tour on weekdays.

The free tour begins at one end of the building, where you’ll pick up a tour leaflet and follow signs along a hallway, which has large windows facing into the factory. Kids love to check out the conveyor belts, giant fryers and salters where the potatoes will be transformed into crunchy snacks.

If you’re curious about where all those potatoes come from---and of course you are---they are the freshest potatoes the company can find. Cape Cod only purchases potatoes at their peak, buying from farmers from Maine to North Carolina at various times of the year when that particular farm’s potatoes are in season.

More than 250,000 people visit the factory annually and the busiest season is summer, when vacationers flood the Cape. But don’t let that worry you. Even though the line can snake out the door to the parking lot, the tour is relatively brief and people move fairly quickly through the building. The tour ends, naturally enough, in a gift shop, where you receive two small bags of chips, and can purchase all your favorite flavors, as well as t-shirts, hats and other souvenirs.

Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory 100 Breed’s Hill Rd., Hyannis, Cape Cod 888-881-2447 capecodchips.com/about-us/factory-tour. html

BAYSTATEPARENT 25

LETSROLL

SLEEP ON IT:

Overnight Adventures for Fa mily Fu n BY

susan dipietro

S

pending a night in a lighthouse, a castle or even on a battleship may seem like the stuff of great imagination or a Disney vacation, but these adventures are real and just a short drive away. Close to home, yet worlds away, an overnight stay at one of these unique museum destinations provides opportunities for learning and creating long lasting family memories.

Keep the Nightlight On Nestled on the edge of an island 1-mile off shore in Narragansett Bay, R.I., Rose Island Lighthouse offers overnight guests the chance to be the lighthouse keepers for a single night or up to a full week.

“It’s a great opportunity for families to learn about conservation and sustainability first-hand, and the beaches are a blast,” says David McCurdy, executive director of the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation.

Because the island is not child-proofed, it is recommended for visitors with children over the age of 5.

During the summer months the Jamestown Ferry operates on a scheduled daily basis.

All other times of the year the Lighthouse Foundation’s boat, the “Starfish”, a 32-foot Jarvis Newman lobster boat, takes visitors 26 FEBRUARY2013

to the island.

The stay begins with a one-hour orientation by the staff. Once they review the responsibilities of keeping the lighthouse, you are officially the keepers.

Your daily duties start with raising the flag then listening to the marine weather on the VHF radio. Next you will record and manage the wind-powered electric system and rainwater gathering system. You will make sure the lighthouse is clean and presentable for the day, greet visitors and collect money from the landing fee boxes and gift shop at the end of the day. Your workday ends by lowering the flag at sunset.

A wind turbine produces electricity for the island and a back-up generator is used as needed. Rain water is collected via the gutters on the roof and is sent to a cistern in the basement, which becomes the only source of running water on the island.

Guests are responsible for how much energy and water they use.

“It’s a great lesson in sustainability,” says David. “Families learn about the consequences of using too much energy or water and they learn to conserve.”

Tim Swigor and his family from Marblehead have been staying at the lighthouse every summer for the past seven years, and will be returning again this year. Cameron, 17 and Chad, 13, have grown up enjoying vacations

on the island without every day comforts such as running water and electricity.

“We leave our iPhones and other electronic gadgets at home, and we try not to leave the island for the week,” says Tim. It’s not all work and no play, however.

“We kayak, catch lobsters, launch rockets, sit around the fire pit, play cards and board games, and we even have our own wiffle ball teams,” Tim says. “Being keepers on the island has been such a memorable experience that Cameron wrote his college essay about it. From a family perspective it’s just a great place to be,” he says.

A Nautical Night Battleship Cove is located on the waterfront in Mount Hope Bay in Fall River. It holds the largest collection of preserved U.S. Navy ships in the world, including a battleship, destroyer, submarine and PT boats.

The group overnight program is now in its 41st year, and after repeated requests, one night a month from April through September is now reserved for families.

Overnight guests are allowed to explore the entire fleet in the cove and participate in hands-on activities and presentations.

“We start with an orientation with a former crew member, and a hands-on knot-tying lesson,” says Paula Hague, Sales Manager

at the museum. “We also alternate between a story teller and a living history presenter who demonstrates gear and weapons used on the ships,” she says.

Dinner and breakfast are served chowline style in the Officer’s Wardroom and are included in the overnight stay price.

After an evening of activities and exploring, guests settle down to sleep in the original bunks that the sailors slept in, then rise and shine the next morning to the wake-up call of the bugle, sounding Reveille.

Steve Comley, of Fremont, NH and his son Jake Comley, 8, along with friend Evan Burke, 9, spent the night on the USS Massachusetts last May. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” says Steve. “It was fantastic being able to crawl around inside the gun turrets, read about all the models and displays and then to sleep on such an incredible military war ship. It was an experience we will never forget.”

Over Knight in a Castle The Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester is the only dedicated museum of armor in the western hemisphere. The collection includes major examples of arms and armor from medieval and Renaissance Europe, Ancient Greece and Rome, Africa, the Middle East, India, and Japan. On

LETSROLL display are two-dozen full suits of armor for battle, jousting, and courtly ceremony, in addition to swords, staff weapons, firearms, and artwork from the age of knightly armor.

The OverKnight Program is an interactive parent-child adventure originally designed for scouts and youth groups, but is now available one night a month January through May for families and smaller groups and is designed for children in grade 1 through 6.

Families set up their sleeping gear in the Castle Quest room. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the hub of the activity. There are helmets and costumes to try on as well as a giant chess board to play with,â&#x20AC;? says Jesse Rives, reservations coordinator for the museum.

Guests then enjoy either a pizza party or Medieval-style dinner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I describe the medieval dinner as a family dinner on Sunday, We serve chicken, carrots and bread and then a cookie for dessert,â&#x20AC;? says Jesse.

The activities begin with a presentation on the arms and armor of a knight and include a hands-on experience in which participants try on pieces of armor and equipment. A tour of the collection followed by a lesson in heraldry and a shield workshop round out the night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The shield workshop is very engaging for families,â&#x20AC;? explains Jesse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They choose various colors and symbols which all hold specific meanings. They do a lot of cutting and pasting and have a unique shield to take with them,â&#x20AC;? he says.

After breakfast the following morning,

everyone returns to the Great Hall for a scavenger hunt to search for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elements of the Chivalric Code.â&#x20AC;? A Knighting Ceremony follows before the conclusion of the overnight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The scavenger hunt gives the families a chance to engage with the collection that they have been learning about, and they are awarded a patch which they take with them when they are knighted. The kids really enjoy it,â&#x20AC;? says Jesse.

Susan Dipietro is a native of Concord, Mass.

Now living in New Hampshire. She is a freelance writer and mother of two.

Rose Island Lighthouse Newport, RI Recommended for children over 5 year www.roseislandlighthouse.org 401-847-4242 (9:00-1:00, M-F) Keeper@RoseIsland.org Battleship Cove Fall River, MA Recommended for children over age 6 www.battleshipcove.org (800) 533-3194 groupsales@battleshipcove.org Higgins Armory Worcester, MA Recommended for children grades 1 through 6 www.higgins.org (508) 853-6015, ext. 20 higgins@higgins.org

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Families are pinching pennies more than ever, so baystateparent wants to give you some inexpensive ideas during February vacation week.

TAKE IT outside

It may be cold outside, so bundle up and head outdoors with the kids.

Here are some fun outdoor activities:

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Snowshoeing If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll teach you how to use snowshoes before heading out onto the trails. They will teach you how to look for signs of wildlife as we enjoy as you enjoy the beauty of the sanctuary in the winter. If Mother Nature doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide enough snow, it will be a hike. Bring your own snowshoes or rent them for an additional $2 a pair. Please wear boots and other clothing appropriate for winter. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available. Please wear boots and other clothing appropriate for winter. Preregistration is required. Call 508-753-6087 to register or visit massaudubon.org.

Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester Suitable for children 5 - 18 years old Fee: Adults $5m/$7nm, Children $3m/$4nm

Holiday Hikes Presidentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day Start your day with an exhilarating walk along Stony Brookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trails with friends and family. We will explore the forest and fields in search of wildlife and their signs. After our walk weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll head into the Nature Center to warm up with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Registration is required. For more information, call 508-528-3140 or visit massaudubon.org.

Monday, Feb. 18, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Norfolk Suitable for children 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16 years old Fee: Adults $3m/$5nm, Children $3m/$5nm 28 FEBRUARY2013

Try It Out - Fun Indoor and Outdoor Experiments!

Do turkeys fly? Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside a seed?

Can owls turn their heads all the way around? Every time you ask a question, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking like a scientist! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take your questions about plants and animals and turn them into fun investigations.

The program is a combination of outside discovery and engaging indoor activities.

Preregistration is encouraged, though walkins are welcome. Registration is required.

Register by calling 617-983-8500 or visit massaudubon.org.

Saturday, Feb. 23, 10:30 a.m. to noon Boston Nature Center, Mattapan Suitable for children 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 years old Fee: Adults $0, Children $5m/$7nm

Free Museum Days Mapparium marybakereddylibrary.org The walk-through globe at the Mary Baker Eddy Library is free for kids under 17 during February vacation week. This Boston landmark is frozen in time in 1935.

Stand in the middle of the world, looking out the three-story, painted glass globe.

Institute of Contemporary Art icaboston.org The ICA is always free for kids 17 and under. Everybody gets in free on Thursday nights between 5 and 9 p.m., and on the

last Saturday of each month â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which this month is the 26, wrapping up the school vacation week.

Boston Fire Museum bostonfiremuseum.com Tucked away inside an old firehouse near South Station, the Boston Fire Museum has a display of antique firefighting apparatus and equipment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Star Gazing There are several state of the art observatories in the area, where you can stargaze through telescopes when the weather is clear.

Coit Observatory at Boston University bu.edu/astronomy Open nights at the Boston University observatory are held Wednesday nights in the winter, starting at 7:30 p.m. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weather permitting; if there are clouds, open night is canceled. The status hotline (617-353-2630) is updated no earlier than 5:30 p.m. on the same day. The telescopes are outside, so dress accordingly.

Mendel Observatory at Merrimack College merrimack.edu If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up north of Boston, you can head to North Andover on Wednesday nights at dusk. Like all of the observatories, viewing is guided by the weather. Call ahead (978837-5011) to check if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open.

Gilliland Observatory at Museum of Science mos.org

LETSROLL On the roof of the museum’s parking lot you’ll find star gazing on a Friday evening.

Weather permitting; the observatory is open from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on Fridays.

Admission is free, but parking carries a fee. Their weather hotline (617-589-0267) is updated at 5:30 p.m.

Yo-Yo Show Watch this dynamic duo perform amazing tricks using a variety of yo-yos and some unusual props. You’ll quickly discover why John and Rebecca Higby hold a Guinness World Record, a 2008 Yo-Yo World Champion title and have performed in more than 20 countries. Visit pem.org for dates and times.

Game Time Stop by the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem for story times, performances and games. Throughout the week, the museum will be offering a full schedule of family activities free with admission to the museum. They include:

Sumo Mice and Power Rice

storytelling performance. Visit pem.org for dates and times.

High-Energy Juggling Jugglers Matthew and Jason Tardy deliver an energetic performance full of humor, music and flying objects. The brothers, who have been touring together for more than 17 years, have performed at the White House three times. Visit pem.org for dates and times.

Our Mega Summer Camp Directory Coming in March

Parents’ Choice Award-winning storyteller Motoko returns to the PEM with this Japanese game-focused, origami-filled

FREE Family Wellness Expo Sunday, February 10 • 1-4pm • Open to all • bostonjcc.org Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton Wellness and fitness activities for the whole family!

BOSTON

JCC

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham

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We offer a full range of programs in the home or at our EI centers located in communities statewide. Our services include: s $EVELOPMENTAL %VALUATION s $EVELOPMENTAL %NRICHMENT 'ROUPS s (OME 6ISITS s 0ARENT 'ROUPS s 0HYSICAL /CCUPATIONAL and Speech Therapy s 2ESOURCES AND 2EFERRALS

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!

- dr. seuss

photo courtesy of feld entertainment/disney on ice

LETSROLL

GO ICING: Harvesting ice 1830s-style, before refrigeration when New England ice was a cash crop at Old Sturbridge Village during February vacation week.

30 FEBRUARY2013

GO PANDA: The red panda is one of the many animals you can visit at the Roger Williams Zoo during the winter. Admission is half price in the winter.

photo courtesy of the ecotarium

photo courtesy of old sturbridge village

photo courtesy of the roger williams zoo

GO DISNEY: Disney on Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After at the TD Garden in Boston from Feb. 15 to 24.

GO TRACKING: Visit the Ecotarium in Worcester and walk over prehistoric footprints, hear and feel dinosaur footsteps, and finally come face-to-face with some of the dinosaurs that made them.

LETSROLL 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

1FRIDAY

2SATURDAY Owl Festival: Up Close and Personal with the Owls of Broadmoor. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St (Rt 16), Natick.

Come explore the wonders of owls with friends and family! Join in for an up close and personal view of some local owl species, including the great horned and screech owl. Following the show, join a guided prowl to listen for owls in the wild. Pre-registration required. Online registration available. 3 to 4 p.m.

A $15M; $18NM, C $8M; $10NM 4:15-5:30 p.m. massaudubon.org.

Animal Tracking at Broadmoor by Snowshoe.

Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280

workshop will provide an overview of exhibition themes by Mary McWilliams, Norma Jean Calderwood Curator of Islamic and Later Indian Art, and gallery activities designed to promote active learning and critical thinking. Admission is free, but space is limited and registration is required. harvardartmuseums.org.

Antique Sleigh Rally. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. A genuine New England Sleigh Rally. See horse-drawn sleighs in action, including cutters and bobsleighs, as they compete for awards. Favorite classes include the Sleigh Dog and the Currier & Ives divisions. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. osv.org.

FREE Art Dice. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., East India Square, Salem. Drop-in art activity with art materials and creative experiences focusing on games.

The Kopecky Family Band/The Eastern Sea. The Red Room @Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St., Boston. Early 2012 finally meant a break in the band’s relentless touring schedule, and the chance to get away to work on their debut full-length album, which had already begun with ideas and songs being hatched whilst on the road. After a co-headlining tour with The Lumineers in April, the family once again bunkered down to put the finishing touches on the album. The result is Kids Raising Kids, a culmination of 5 years of hard work shared amongst friends, family, and fans. The album is due out later in the year. Tickets are $12. 617-747-2261.

Pilgrim Hall Museum Opens, Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court St., Plymouth. Pilgrim Hall Museum, built in 1824, offers a chance to touch an authentic piece of Plymouth Rock! You can view actual 17th century Pilgrim possessions, including William Bradford’s Bible, Peregrine White’s cradle and Myles Standish’s sword. Young visitors enjoy a Treasure Hunt in the galleries with a prize at the end.

Museum shop, free on-site parking, air-conditioning and full accessibility. Pilgrim Hall Museum is open seven days a week. Special programming accredited by the American Association of Museums, Pilgrim Hall Museum is a private, non-profit educational institution. pilgrimhallmuseum.org.

Snug in the Snow. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. What does a chipmunk do in its winter burrow? Does the woodchuck snore? We will start by reading Under the Snow by local author Melissa Stewart. All ages welcome, up to three children per adult. Fees apply to all participants, both adults and children. “Backpack babies” (under 12 months and carried in a backpack or sling) are welcome free of charge, though please mention these participants when registering. The fee for children between the ages of 12 and 17 months is half the regular fee; to receive this discount you will need to call 781-259-2206, Monday-Friday. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Adults $11m/ $13nm, Children $11m/ $13nm. drumlinfarm@massaudubon.org.

5TUESDAY ONGOING Oliver! Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway, Boston. Adapted from the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. The book, music, and lyrics are by Lionel Bart. The play is directed by Susan Kosoff with and musical direction is by Jon Goldberg.

The play is choreography by Laurel Conrad with scenic design by Anthony Hancock and lighting design by Franklin Meissner, Jr. Costumes are designed by Charles G. Baldwin. Tickets start at $20. Ongoing through Feb. 24. wheelockfamilytheatre.org.

6WEDNESDAY

photo courtesy of simon malls

ONGOING Sister Act. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. SISTER ACT is Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it “RIDICULOUSLY FUN,” and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar® winner ALAN MENKEN (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), SISTER ACT tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, SISTER ACT is reason to REJOICE. Running through Feb. 3. boston.broadway.com.

Worcester had skates on yesterday.” When a wave of enthusiasm for group sports swept America in the late 1850s, ice skating became instantly popular. It was the first recreational activity for both men and women promoted commercially and civically. The exhibition, Gliding On Ice, looks at the history of ice skating in Worcester from the skating parties of the Victorian era and the manufacturing of ice skates, to the opening of the Worcester Common Oval in the winter of 2012.

Free with museum admission. Ongoing through Feb. 9. worcesterhistory.org.

The Annual Diaper Derby is being held at area malls on Saturday, Feb. 16.

For more information, visit simonmall.com Eliot St (Rt 16), Natick. Winter is a great time to look for signs of animals as they forage for food and shelter during the cold winter months. Learn to identify the tracks, chews, scat, burrows and other clues left by many creatures including deer, fisher and coyote. Pre-registration required. Online registration available. A $12m/ $15nm. 10 a.m. – noon. massaudubon.org.

FREE Opening Day: Midnight to the Boom: Painting in India after Independence. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., East India Square, Salem. Between independence from Britain in 1947 and the economic boom of the 1990s, a revolutionary art movement in India took form. Mindful of Western modernism’s universal premises, but free from its stylistic and cultural restrictions, three generations of artists engaged with and responded to art from around the world and across time, pursuing hybrid paths toward a broader vision of 20th-century art. Free with museum admission. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. pem.org.

Professional Development Workshop for Middle and High School Educators. Harvard Art Museum/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, 485 Broadway, Cambridge. Held in conjunction with the exhibition In Harmony: The Norma Jean Calderwood Collection of Islamic Art at the Harvard Art Museums, this

Decorate a set of dice to inspire your future art-making.

1 to 3 p.m. Free with museum admission. pem.org.

3SUNDAY JCC All-Camp Fair. Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton St., Newton Centre. JCC All-Camp Fair at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC (333 Nahanton Street) in Newton will be held on Sunday, February 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. Meet the JCC day, overnight and specialty (arts, sports, technology) camp directors and explore the Summer 2013 options for boys and girls from preschool to high school. lsjcc.org.

The Rajah’s Rice: STORY TRAILS. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., East India Square, Salem. The people of Rani’s village are hungry. But when she is rewarded for a good deed she first asks for only a single grain of rice. Will her clever plan save her people? Find out as we read The Rajah’s Rice by David Barry, and then create a colored rice mosiac to take home. Tickets available on day of program. 2 to 3 p.m. pem.org.

4MONDAY FREE & ONGOING Gliding On Ice. Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm St., Worcester. “Half of

FREE Game On! Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm St., Worcester. Experience a new way to learn about history in the fun and interactive exhibition Game On. Exploring the history of toys and games in America, Game On is designed like a board game encouraging children and adults to explore the gallery and artifacts - like LEGOs, the first paper dolls manufactured in America, Toy Soldiers, Puzzles, Barbies, and more - while answering trivia, playing games and having fun. Free with Museum admission.

Ongoing through March 2. worcesterhistory.org.

7THURSDAY Homeschool Class: Behind the Scenes.

Watertown Children’ Theatre at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Theatre artists often begin with written works and bring them to life. Behind the Scenes examines connections between novels, scripts, and theatrical productions, while also providing an introduction to the skills designers use in scenic design, costumes and other technical elements of theatre. Using Lois Lowry’s The Giver, students will have the opportunity for a new look at how theatre is made. $135. watertownchildrenstheatre.org.

Budding Scientists: From Ice to Water. The Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Curious little explorers conduct simple, safe, science and nature experiments in the EcoTarium’s Budding Scientists program. Held on the first Thursday of every month, you and your child will learn basic scientific principles while having fun with hands-on activities.

There are two identical sessions each month. Please pick up a ticket for your session at the information desk when you arrive at the museum. Limited to first 10 adult-child pairs per session. 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. or 11 to 11:30 a.m. Free with museum admission.

A$14, C$8(2-18), $10 seniors and students with ID. ecotarium.org.

8FRIDAY A Valentine’s Dessert Tasting. The James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell.

Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate! A preValentine’s Day party featuring desserts and fine wine pairings. Visit with friends and enjoy decadent BAYSTATEPARENT 31

LETSROLL treats from South Shore bakeries and chocolatiers.

Stone ground organic Taza Chocolate will be featured at this festive evening. Enjoy live jazz, a wide array of desserts and some pre-Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day surprises.

Tickets are $30 at the door / $25 in advance.

Proceeds will benefit the Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; renovations fund. firstparishnorwell.org.

Home School Day. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. Home School Days offer you and your children the opportunity to visit the Village and participate in hands-on activities and participatory programs. This is a great opportunity for children to gain exposure to many aspects of 1830s New England life in an interactive way.

Registration for Home School Day Studios will open one month in advance of Home School Day. The theme of this Home School Day is Winter Pleasures. osv.org.

Marionette Theater and their production of Prokofievâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peter and the Wolf. This performance will feature the superb artistry of NMT who have performed at the Rogers Center every year since we opened our doors.

Tickets are $12, family four packs are $40. The show starts at 2 p.m. merrimack.edu/live/events/872national-marionette-theatre-presents-prokofievs.

Cantor Weiss from Congregation Shaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aray Shalom in Hingham. The kids can watch the movie while the adults enjoy some grown-up conversation. Register

by February 6. Geared for families with children ages 2+ years. Presented by Leventhal-Sidman JCC. Cost is $18/family. Walk-ins are an additional $5. The show is 5 to 8 p.m. bostonjcc.org.

Rebecca Parris Trio - Celebrating a Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tradition. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. Celebrated jazz vocalist, Rebecca Parris,

Animal Footprints and Signs. Mass Audubonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Route 16), Natick. Wondered what animal made

10SUNDAY

Egg Collecting

Cow Milking

photo courtesy of the worcester historical museum

Sandy Hackettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rat Pack Show. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Sandy Hackettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rat Pack Show has been hailed as the next best thing to seeing the Rat Pack themselves. They were style with substance, swing with swagger and a non-stop party that everyone wanted access to. Now audiences can experience this critically acclaimed, hugely entertaining theatrical production which includes exciting new arrangements of the classic songs everyone knows and loves. Full price tickets are $28, $38, and $48, depending on seating location. $5 discount available for members, groups of 15 or more, corporate partners, kids, students, and WOO card holders. 8 p.m. thehanovertheatre.org.

National Marionette Theaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of Prokofievâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peter and the Wolf.â&#x20AC;? Rogers Center for the Arts, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. The show is presented by The Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College at Rogers Center for the Arts. The entire family is invited to join us as we welcome our friends from the National

will perform at The Regent Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts for one show only. Presented by Regent Theatre, Arlington at Regent Theatre. The dinner & show packages are available by calling the box office at 781-646-4849. Includes 3-course dinner at Flora Restaurant and ticket to the show for just $50! Tickets start at $18. regenttheatre.com.

Dinner and a Movie for Families. Our World Global Discovery Museum, 100 Sohier St., Cohasset.

Celebrate Havdalah (service marking the end of Shabbat) and enjoy a family movie night on Saturday, February 9 at 5pm. Eat Kosher-style pizza and participate in a kid-friendly service led by

Pony Rides

ONGOING HONK! Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre at Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, 527 Tremont St., Boston. BCT is thrilled to produce the Olivier Award winning HONK! Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling, HONK! tells the story of tolerance and love in a way that has enthralled audiences throughout the United States and across the pond in Britain. One of our most

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Chorus Line.â&#x20AC;? Symphony Hall, 34 Court St., Springfield. In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the one opportunity to do what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. This is A Chorus Line, the musical for everyone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever

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Your year-round farm family vacation resort.

Less than 2 hours from Boston!

32 FEBRUARY2013

those tracks? Who is traveling on the trails or through your yard? Come find out how to solve these mysteries! Pre-registration required. Online registration available. A$11m/$13nm, C$6m/$8nm. massaudubon.org.

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Activities

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Irish-American or Irish at heart, join us for a weekend of good food and good times with good friends!

Farm Animals

The Temptations and The Four Tops. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.

Motown icons Four Tops and The Temptations are uniting for a new tour, and Worcester is one of their international stops! As two of Motownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recognizable male groups, they produced countless hits between them. Full price tickets are $47, $57 and $67 depending on seating location. 10% discount available for members, groups of 10 or more, corporate partners, kids, students and WOO Card holders. thehanovertheatre.org.

FREE Family Wellness Expo. Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. A family wellness expo with interactive exhibits and demonstrations for children and adults will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. The expo will include healthy food cooking demonstrations, MYCHIP child identification kits and healthy snacks. Olympic gold medalist Lenny Krayzelburg will sign autographs and speak about the benefits of learning to swim at a young age. The Red Soxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wally the Green Monster will be in attendance, posing for photos and signing autographs. For more information, call 617-558-6459.

Gliding on Ice is an exhibition at The Worcester Historical Museum focusing on the wave of enthusiasm for group sports in the late 1850s. It is free with museum admission through Feb. 9

Winter Family Farm Vacations Winter Step Back in Time, February 1-3 Winter Fest Weekend, February 8-10 February Vacation, February 15-24 East Hill Farm goes Irish! March 8-10

Indoor Pool

Be Mine: Chocolate & Valentines. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge.

See chocolate processed by hand in the manner of the ancient Mexicans and learn how it was enjoyed in the 19th century - as a beverage! Get the surprising 1824 recipe for â&#x20AC;&#x153;chocolate cakes.â&#x20AC;? See a display of antique valentines and learn about the local connection to the iconic cards. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. osv.org.

Lunar New Year WEEKEND FESTIVAL. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., East India Square, Salem.

Join in for a celebration of the Year of The Snake, the most cunning and sly of all Chinese Zodiac creatures.

There is a Drop-in Gallery Exploration on the second floor near the Japanese Art Gallery. Drop by the exhibition Fish, Silk, Tea, Bamboo: Cultivating an Image of China where a museum educator will explore hidden symbols in an incredible silk robe. 10 to 11 a.m. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. pem.org.

9SATURDAY

From the Top Live with Host Christopher Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Riley. NECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston. Presented by From the Top at NECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jordan Hall. From the Top â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NPRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showcase for young musicians, hosted by pianist Christopher Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Riley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tapes a live recording in its hometown concert hall.

Now celebrating its thirteenth year on the air, From the Topâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mix of serious music, light-hearted skits, and informal interviews spotlights the talent and passion of extraordinary young musicians ages 8-18.

Tickets are $25-$35. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. fromthetop.org.

requested musicals, HONK! features a large cast, a tremendous musical score, and fanciful costumes and sets. Tickets start at $20. Ongoing through Feb. 24. bostonchildrenstheatre.org.

Hiking

Arts-n-Crafts

Boating

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had a dream and put it all on the line. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $27. citystage.symphonyhall. com/pages/A_Chorus_Line.html.

LETSROLL St. (Route 16), Natick. Join in for a prowl under the moon and stars as we walk through fields and forests listening for our resident screech and great horned owls. Pre-registration required. Online registration available. A$12m/$15nm. massaudubon.org.

11MONDAY ONGOING Play with Me. Watertown Children’s Theatre at The Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Explore the world of music and movement through dramatic play! Develop spatial awareness and cultivate motor skills while strengthening the bond between caregiver and child. Tuition is $150. Ongoing through March 9. watertownchildrenstheatre.org.

Animal Tracking at Broadmoor. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Route 16), Natick. Winter is a great time to look for signs of animals as they forage for food and shelter during the cold winter months. Learn to identify the tracks, chews, scat, burrows and other clues left by many creatures including deer, fisher and coyote. Preregistration required. Online registration available.

A$12m/$15nm. 10 to 11:30 a.m. massaudubon.org. photo courtesy of old sturbridge village

12TUESDAY Puppetry and Plays. Watertown Children’s Theatre at The Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Imagine creating a character of your own design, then bringing that character to life! From designing to building to creating characters, students will learn all about the art of puppetry in Puppetry and Plays! At the end of the session, students will perform for an audience of family and friends. Tuition is $135. watertownchildrenstheatre.org.

ONGOING. Mom and Tot Skate Lessons.

Worcester Common, behind City Hall, 455 Main St., Worcester. This mom and tot morning class is geared toward ages 3 to 6 year olds. It is a 10-week program. Caregivers who skate are welcome to join the class during the second half of the class. Tots and young children learn to skate using a variety of games and toys such as bubbles, beanie babies and more! Instruction taught by the professionals from Colonial Figure Skating Club. Skate rentals are available for $3 if needed. Helmets are required. worcestercommonoval.com.

13WEDNESDAY ONGOING Welding Class. Stonybrook Fine Arts, 24 Porter St., Jamaica Plain. Learn multiple forms of welding and explore cutting techniques to create unique works of art in steel. Learn multiple forms of welding including Oxy-Acetylene, Stick, MIG, and TIG, and explore cutting techniques such as flame, plasma, and others to create unique works of art in steel. Cost is $640. Ongoing through March 11. stonybrookfinearts.com.

Winter Wonder Days at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI. The Zoo is open year ‘round. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with last

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates the nostalgia, romance and grace of gliding over the snow in horse-drawn sleighs at its annual Antique Sleigh Rally set for Saturday, Feb. 2 admission at 3:30 p.m. You can have a wonderful time exploring our “wild” winter wonderland with half-priced admission throughout February. A winter visit to the Zoo is a unique way to beat cabin fever, with cold-hardy animals like snow leopards, Sichuan takin, bison and others more likely to be active, while indoor exhibits like Tropical America, Australasia, and the Textron Giraffe and Elephant Pavilion offer warm and exotic relief from the cold. rwpzoo.org.

14THURSDAY FREE & ONGOING Boston Common Frog Pond Skating. The Boston Common, Boston. The Skating Club of Boston is looking forward to another season of fun on the ice at The Frog Pond. Admission is A$5, kids are free. Bostonfrogpond.com. Ongoing through March 16.

Plymouth Winter-into-Spring Local Food & Gift Market. Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth. The Plymouth Farmers’ Market is held the second Thursday of the month from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Plantation through May.

Each market will feature special guests and activities and is free and open to the public. Today is “Hearty Indulgences,” with red wine, red meat & chocolate. plymouthfarmersmarket.org.

15FRIDAY ONGOING Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After. TD Garden, Causeway St., Boston. Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After! Featuring showstopping performances by Merida from Disney-Pixar’s Brave, Sebastian and Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel and Flynn from Tangled, and Beauty and the Beast. Ongoing through Feb. 24. Tickets start at $20. tdgarden.com.

16SATURDAY Owl Prowl Adventures under the Moon. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot

Summer 2013

Intermediate Photoshop Elements. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Route 16), Natick. After a quick review of the key basic methods of editing, we’ll cover how to use layers, gradient maps, layer blending modes and other effects used to improve colors, focus, sharpness and lighting in your images. A great way to improve your images. This class is designed for those who have had previous experience with PSE. They will have laptops with Photoshop Elements available for use. If you have your own laptop with Photoshop Elements, please feel free to bring it. Pre-registration required.

Online registration available. A$60m/$70nm. massaudubon.org.

FREE Family Science Days. Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston. Meet the Scientists at AAAS Family Science Days! Browse interactive tabletop exhibits, learn about cool science jobs, and have your questions answered by experts convened

by AAAS! This FREE event is open to all, but organized especially for students in grade levels 6 to 12. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. aaas.org/ meetings/2013/program/fsd/ February School Vacation Week. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge.

February School Vacation Week is filled with fun and engaging activities for kids -- and their parents.

Join us for Washington’s birthday celebrations.

Indoor activities include candle-making, making a Washington cake and a paper George Washington militia hat, marbling paper, and writing with a quill pen. Ongoing through Feb. 24. osv.org.

Nature Adventure Board Games. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., East India Square, Salem. Use one of their blank board game templates to create your own nature-inspired game. Drop-in art activity. Art materials and creative experiences: games. 1 to 3 p.m. pem.org.

REGISTER y NOW FALL 2013

Dream • Believe • Achieve

Gymnastics Learning Center

“Building• theBelieve Pride Inside Since Dream • 1983” Achieve

Help Your Child be Healthy and Fit!

Gymnastics Learning Center

• American Red Cross Swim lessons in our heated pools • “Gym & Swim” Half and Full day camps • "Funtastic" Themed Camp weeks • Girls and Boys Gymnastics Lessons “Walkers and Up!” EARLY BIRD SPECIAL waive registration fee (one per family) and receive a free gymanastics learning center gym bag (limit one bag per child) Offer ends soon

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

The Only Nationally Accredited Preschool in Shrewsbury!

Now Taking Summer Registrations

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

• EEC Licensed Teachers • Music Program • Weekly Gymnastics Lesson

508-792-3535

574 Lake Street, Shrewsbury • www.gymnasticslearningcenter.com BAYSTATEPARENT 33

LETSROLL

17SUNDAY Kids Advanced Woodworking. Eliot School of Fine and Applied Arts, 24 Eliot St., Boston. For students who have taken at least three woodworking classes and have developed a serious love for it. Bring to the first class one or two examples of your best work plus four brief sketches (ten to fifteen minutes each) of objects you would like to make. Ongoing through March 19. Tuition is $180. eliotschool.org.

Winter Vacation Kid’s Week. Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court St., Plymouth. Get out of the house and come to Pilgrim Hall Museum to enjoy fun craft activities for kids, some dating back to the days of the Pilgrims! Practice penmanship with quill pens, create a bead necklace, make a dream catcher, tint a postcard, and make a boat. Craft activities are available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Treasure Hunts are available all day. This week, all children under 18 are admitted free to the museum, but must be accompanied by an adult. Plymouth

residents visit for free year round. Feb. 18 to Feb. 22. pilgrimhallmuseum.org.

Family Fun Week. Battleship Cove, 5 Water St., Fall River. During February vacation, families can spend a day aboard Battleship Cove’s historic vessels.

Learn how to tie knots, fold the American flag and more! 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. battleshipcove.org.

February Vacation Week. Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., Easton. February Vacation Week Solve Case of the Pilfered Pantry at

18MONDAY School of Rock February Break Camp 2012.

School of Rock Boston at Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge Street Cambridge. Ultimate Rock & Roll Performance Boot Camp. A great introduction to our year- round program. This is a way for new and current students to make huge strides in the performance abilities.

Students receive intensive individual and group lessons on the instrument of their choice. The program culminates in a live show. This is an ideal program for advanced beginners. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. boston. schoolofrock.com.

Oliver! is playing at the Wheelock Family Theatre on Tuesday, Feb. 5. the Children’s Museum in Easton during February Vacation Week, Feb. 16 to 24, to explore our new exhibits KidsKitchen and KidsGarden. The Kitchen has received a makeover, but there are a few things missing! Investigate the missing items, search for clues, analyze the evidence, and narrow the list of suspects to help solve the mystery. The Children’s Museum in Easton is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. childrensmuseumineaston.org.

February School Vacation Week GAME TIME! Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., East India Square, Salem. Join in for a weeklong celebration of the many ways that people play around the world.

Drop-in art and activities: giant games. Atrium and East India Marine Hall. Stack a Jenga tower as tall as you are, dance on giant piano keys and create some big words on our oversized Scrabble board. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Included with museum admission. pem.org.

19TUESDAY Teen Jewelry Making Workshop. Stonybrook Fine Arts, 24 Porter St., Jamaica Plain. Explore the MFA’s various jewelry colections and create ideas. Students will then utilize copper, silver, and brass to create unique works of art. $200. stonybrookfinearts.com.

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater. The Colonial Theatre, 111 South St., Pittsfield. The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Moscow Circus member, Gregory Popovich, and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. Rescued from shelters all over the country, Popovich’s Pets, which 34 FEBRUARY2013

20WEDNESDAY ONGOING Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross. Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge. Alex Ross, a true master of American comics, has revitalized the classic superhero by creating powerful, empathetic portrayals of favorite characters. The exhibit features works from Marvels and Kingdom Come from the artist’s early career, and paintings and drawings from recent projects like Justice, Flash Gordon, and Green Hornet demonstrate his extraordinary skill.

Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Andrew Loomis are among the artist’s most significant inspirations.

Ongoing through Feb. 24. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. nrm.org.

21THURSDAY photo courtesy of cg baldwin

icamp™ Children’s Technology Workshop February School Vacation Program. LeventhalSidman JCC, 333 Nahanton St., Newton Centre.

Computer game design, robotics, engineering, programming, digital music creation, movie production, news casting, and animation are some of the exciting possibilities at icamp located at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC (333 Nahanton Street) in Newton from all week from Feb. 18 to Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Costs range from $650-$675 for full day program and $370-415 for half-day program. lsjcc.org.

include cats, dogs, geese, doves and parrots, are now Las Vegas stars. Audiences will be delighted to see this extravaganza of European-style clowning, amazing juggling and balancing acts, and of course, extraordinarily talented performing pets! 2 p.m.

Admission is $15. berkshiretheatregroup.org.

ONGOING EXHIBIT: A Child’s World. Old Sturbridge Village Rd., 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. In the early 19th century, there was an increasing awareness of “childhood” as separate from infancy, yet distinctly different from young adulthood and maturity. This exhibit will explore the changing world of childhood during the first half of the 19th century through their toys, their clothes, and their work. Like modern children, those of the 19th century played with dolls and animals, were expected to help with household work, went to school and looked forward to the time when they would be considered “grown up.” Through period diaries, letters and reminiscences, the sometimes humorous and sometimes poignant, voices of early 19th-century children and their parents will put the material culture of their world into context. Ongoing through May 31. osv.org.

22FRIDAY Winter Farmers’ Market at Cordage Park.

Cordage Park, 10 Cordage Park Circle (rear lower mills), North Plymouth. Visit this new winter farmers’ market held Fridays through April. Sponsored by Explore Historic Plymouth Inc., “Plymouth Winter Farmers’ Market” is the only non-profit market in town that provides the community with direct access to fresh, wholesome, locally grown foods. The opening market will host a ribbon cutting ceremony with local officials and community leaders, and features over twenty vendors selling produce, baked goods, herbal products, olive oil, cheese, meats, gluten free products and more.

They are partnering with local food pantries and will host a canned food drive through April. Weekly events, activities for children and community tables lend to the ambiance of the markets and highlight this beautiful and Historic Cordage Park venue.

Explore Historic Plymouth and the Plymouth Winter Farmers’ Market thank the Cordage Commerce Center and the Town of Plymouth for all of the support and helpfulness provided to make this non-profit market a reality for the community. plymouthwinterfarmersmarket.org.

23SATURDAY Full Moon Owl Prowl for All Ages. Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Route 16) Natick. Ever wondered if an owl

really is as smart as they say? Why don’t we hear them when they fly? Just how far can an owl see?

Come with the whole family under the moon to learn about owl calls, behavior and habitat and search for our frequent evening owl visitors, the screech owl and great horned owl. Pre-registration required. Online registration available. A$11m/$13nm, C$6m/$8nm. massaudubon.org.

WinterFest Weekends. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. Bring your sleds, snowshoes & x-country skis to Fruitlands hills and trails on Saturdays and Sundays. From the OMG hill to gentle slopes there is fun for every age. The Harvard Lion’s Club will be grilling and the fire pit will be blazing. The Art Gallery & Museum Store are open, too. Noon to 5 p.m. fruitlands.org/winterfestweekends.

DinoTracks. The Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. The hunt for dinosaurs begins here! Walk over prehistoric footprints, hear and feel dinosaur footsteps, and finally come face-to-face with some of the dinosaurs that made them. Engage your inner paleontologist and uncover clues about dinosaur behavior -- and the dinosaurs themselves -- from the fossil footprints they left behind right here in New England. ecotarium.org.

24SUNDAY PJ Library Purim Palooza with Jenny the Juggler. Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton St., Newton Centre. Don’t worry, be happy about the deliverance of the Jews from evil. Spend this year’s happiest of holidays with Jenny the Juggler on Sunday, February 24 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Celebrate with juggling, magic tricks, face painting and more.

Costumes encouraged. Experience the Purim tradition of giving by decorating and filling mishloach manot (holiday baskets). Admission is $15/family, walk-ins additional $5. bostonjcc.org.

25MONDAY FREE The PJ Library® Bagels and Books Drop-in Group, Hingham. Congregation Sha’aray Shalom, 1112 Main St., Hingham. Treat yourself and your child to a fun weekly activity in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Grab a bagel, hear a story and meet other parents while your children socialize and have fun.

Ongoing on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month from 9:30-10:30am through April 2013, except for school vacation weeks. Ongoing through April 19. lsjcc.org.

26TUESDAY Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center. George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, State St.,

Springfield. The Art Discovery Center is painted in bold colors and intricate designs inspired by the Asian collections of the museum. Visitors are invited to trace their own Chinese horoscope, try on costumes and armor, play gallery games and more. Stop in and see what creative ideas are unfolding! Supported by Hasbro Games. Enhance your visit to the Springfield Museums at the Art Discovery Center. Groups by appointment only. $1 per person materials fee. Noon to 3:45 p.m.

Free with museum admission. springfieldmuseums.org/ the_museums/gwv_smith_art.

27WEDNESDAY Yoga at the zoo. Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford. Stretch, Learn, Breathe, Play at the Buttonwood Park Zoo!Join certified children’s yoga instructor Lynda Jacobvitz to explore creative movement through games, songs and simple yoga with your child in a fun and nurturing environment. They will move like frogs, roar like lions and wag their downward dog tails using a variety of multi-sensory experiences. Class is offered to children with a parent, grandparent or caregiver. Participants must pre-register and pre-pay for Mommy & Me Yoga by calling (508) 991-4556 x 10. 1 p.m. Zoo Members: $24 per session; Non-Members: $36 per session plus zoo admission. bpzoo.org.

28THURSDAY

e L th l o e e v F is February e

WWW.COCOKEYFITCHBURG.COM

!

th

Love thy Neighbor Fridays in February $12 tickets 4pm-9pm Valid for all those living near and far!

Travel & Taste: The Epic Journeys of Shore Birds. Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Route 16), Natick. Each year millions of shorebirds make an amazing round-trip journey between the Northern and Southern hemisphere.

Join us as we follow this incredible journey and the challenges faced during these monumental annual treks. To complete their long final flight to the Arctic, red knots depend on horseshoe crab eggs in Delaware Bay, NJ. Meanwhile in Massachusetts, the cute and perky piping plover faces many challenges from beach traffic to predators as they breed on beaches in coastal communities. Finally, witness the semi-palmated sandpipers that gather in massive and dramatic numbers in New Brunswick Canada’s Bay of Fundy before taking wing and flying 3000 thousand miles southward to South America. Join us as we follow the incredible journey of these shorebirds and the challenges they face during each of their monumental annual treks. Location-themed buffet dinner and lecture or lecture only. Dinner at 6:30 p.m., Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration required for dinner. massaudubon.org.

Overnight Packages – The perfect Cabin Fever Reliever!

Submit an Event Fill out our form at baystateparent.com

By Feb. 5.

Extended Hours During February Vacation Week!

Includes overnight lodging at the Holiday Inn-Fitchburg attached to the CoCo Key Water Resort and four day passes valid for the day of check-in and day of check-out.

We have Wachusett Mountain Ski Packages!

Overnight accommodations at the Holiday Inn- Fitchburg and any day lift tickets

Sunday Funday Buy one get one • 3-7pm

$

OFF

10

A full day pass coupon

(Must purchase online with promo code: BYSP113)

Winter Hours for the Holidays Monday-Thursday – Closed • Friday 4pm-9pm • Saturday 10am-9pm • Sunday 10am-7pm February 17th-23rd • 10am-9pm Sunday, February 24th • 10am-7pm Full Day Passes $30 per person Twilight Passes (4-9pm) $20 per person (Ages 23 months and younger are free with a ticketed adult)

150 Royal Plaza Drive, Fitchburg, MA 01420

888-976-9254 Like us on Facebook!

BAYSTATEPARENT 35

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY Our Mega Camp Issue Coming in March 5(*,67(5,1* 12: )25 6800(5

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SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP

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

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

â&#x20AC;˘ A unique opportunity to learn about the natural world. â&#x20AC;˘ Meet new friends and have lots of fun! â&#x20AC;˘ Specialty sessions such as digital photography, teen adventure trip and woodworking. â&#x20AC;˘ Experienced staďŹ&#x20AC; who provide a safe, educational, and noncompetitive camp environment. â&#x20AC;˘ Small group nature study. â&#x20AC;˘ An experience that will last a lifetime!

Mass Audubon 36 FEBRUARY2013

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

www.massaudubon.org/camps

-XQH $XJXVW &R HG IRU DJHV Traditional Camp activities include archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, kayaking, nature study, music, drama, sports, high and low ropes course, outdoor skills, and swim lessons.

Specialty Camps include Flight, TV Production, Practical Physics, Farm Camp, Drama, Gymnastics, Fort Building, Robotics, Hip Hop, Horseback Riding and a new Arts and Crafts camp. Teen Leadership and Trip and Travel Programs.

Busing, AM/PM extended day programs and ďŹ nancial assistance are available.

Registered Nurse on site at all times.

First Aid, CPR and EPI-pen trained staff.

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Back for our 9th year!

July 22-26, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Make sports anchor tapes from a TV studio â&#x20AC;˘ Make play-by-play tapes of the Super Bowl & NBA Finals â&#x20AC;˘ Tour Fenway Park and make reporting tapes insideâ&#x20AC;Ś and much more!

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

For more information call 800-319-0884 or visit www.playbyplaycamps.com facebook.com/sportsbroadcastingcamps youtube.com/sportsbroadcastcamp 7KLV FDPS PXVW FRPSO\ ZLWK UHJXODWLRQV RI WKH 0DVVDFKXVHWWV 'HSDUWPHQW RI 3XEOLF +HDOWK DQG EH OLFHQVHG E\ WKH ORFDO ERDUG RI KHDOWK

JCC Summer Camps Preschool through 10th Grade

Announcing deCordovaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Summer Program!

SUMMER DAY CAMPS: Sabra Summer Program Ages 2-5 yrs.

Camp Habonim Gr. 1-10 Camp Keshet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Specialty Camp Gr.3-6 Camp a-la- cart Gr. 1-6 June 10 -21 and Aug 19-Aug 23 Teen Travel Camp Gr.7-10 Sports Specialty Camps Gr.1-10 Camp brochure and registration forms available at worcesterjcc.org

Details in our camp brochure available at worcesterjcc.org

Inspiring creativity, curiosity, and collaboration for ages 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;14

ARTIST-THEMED WEEKS: JULY 8â&#x20AC;&#x201D;AUGUST 2 Info/registration: www.decordova.org/summer

Worcester JCC 633 Salisbury Street â&#x20AC;˘ Worcester, MA 01609

For more information and free brochure call 508 756-7109 â&#x20AC;˘ worcesterjcc.org

Lincoln, MA

The JCC is open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or economic condition. The Center is handicapped accessible. Scholarships available.

New England Aquarium

Harbor Discoveries Camps Registration opens February 4

THE YOUNG DANCERS SUMMER DAY CAMP !UGUST n s -ONDAYn&RIDAY TO AGES 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12 s TO s #LASSICAL "ALLET 0RE 0OINTE

-ODERN *AZZ 3TAGE -AKE UP $ANCE #OMPOSITION 6ARIATIONS

3TRETCH #ONDITIONING AGES 5-6 s TO s 0RE "ALLET #REATIVE -OVEMENT

"ALLET 3TORIES "ALLET $ANCES )NTRO TO *AZZ )NTRO TO -ODERN AND #OSTUME MAKING 3UPERVISED SNACK AND BREAK TIMES PROVIDED

BY OUR NURTURING STAFF IN A SAFE FUN ENVIRONMENT $ANCE CLASSES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

OPEN CLASSICAL BALLET CLASSES SESSION I s JUNE 4-28, 2013 Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 7:00-8:30 pm SESSION II s JULY 9-AUGUST 15, 2013 Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00-8:30 pm Ages 12 through adult

Harbor Discoveries Visit www.neaq.org/camps or call 617-973-5206.

Summer Dance Jennifer Agbay, Director â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 508.791.3233 BALLETARTSWORCESTER.COM REGISTRATION REQUIRED

This camp complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the Board of Health.

BAYSTATEPARENT 37

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38 FEBRUARY2013

Jailbirds Raise Money for Summer Camp

BY

jennifer lucarelli

Janet Larson of Southborough is very familiar with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Not only has she lived with muscular dystrophy, but so did her mother and her children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When my kids were younger, they went to the MDA camp and the camp is phenomenal,â&#x20AC;? says Larson, who was helping with a fundraiser to raise money for the local MDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp program this summer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No matter if you are in a wheelchair or have a feeding tube, the kids can go to camp and they get to ride a horse or go for a ride on a motorcycle.â&#x20AC;?

But the camp means so much more for the kids, Larson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The kids get to be around other kids like themselves and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about camaraderie,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a great opportunity for parents to get a break from the 24/7 care because the camp is staffed with counselors and nurses.â&#x20AC;?

Her children, now 31 and 28, have some wonderful memories from the week-long MDA camp. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are balloon fights, water fights and the fun is non-stop,â&#x20AC;?

Larson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about the kids and having fun.â&#x20AC;?

Larson says the camps even invite interesting people to visit the camp. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little miracles happen every day at camp,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A local fireman visited the camp last summer and a camper who was in a wheel chair was able to squirt a fire hose,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After that the boy said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I want to be a fireman.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

The MDA camp is open to children from Central and Eastern Massachusetts as well as kids from New Hampshire the week of July 7. During the one-week program at Camp Allen in Bedford, NH, the children enjoy a rustic camp environment in the woods. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no brick anywhere,â&#x20AC;? says Dave Spellman, executive director of the MDA

in Westborough. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are cabins and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the woods. The kids have so much fun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swimming, boating, arts and crafts and fields to play in.â&#x20AC;?

It is a sleep-away camp that would cost $800 per camper nationally, but thanks to the donations throughout the year, the camp is free to families. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hold fundraisers throughout the year, one being the lock-up program,â&#x20AC;?

Spellman says. In September Larson was part of the Worcester Lock-Up fundraising event where people were brought to the 111 Chop House where they were â&#x20AC;&#x153;locked upâ&#x20AC;? while they tried to raise money for the camp program. As jailbirds, they took photos behind bars and reached out to friends and family for bail money to be donated to the MDA. Larson served as the judge for the fundraiser. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a friend with muscular dystrophy,â&#x20AC;? says Shrewsbury Fire Chief James Vuona who was one of the jailbirds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a great cause and I wanted to be able to raise money for the camp.â&#x20AC;?

Vuona was among the jailbirds at the Chop House. His wife and parents came out to support him and get him out of jail.

Andrew Laplume, of Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TV and Satellite of Worcester, was another jailbird.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been talking to people and raising money â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been really great,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Donna Novelli of the WRTA brought some donations to the event in Worcester. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great cause and the MDA does good things for individuals.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to the MDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lock-Ups, they hold other fundraising events throughout the year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a walk-a-thon in February at the Natick Mall, and we expect about 500 people and it will hopefully raise $50,000 to $75,000 for the MDA,â&#x20AC;? Spellman says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The firefighters also do a boot drive where they raise money for the MDA. They are heroes by day and then they do this and become heroes when they are off the clock.â&#x20AC;?

The MDA also funds local hospital clinics including one at UMass Medical Center in Worcester as well as six others across the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We fund scientific research in Worcester as well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; over $300,000 this year alone at UMass and millions more across Massachusetts each year,â&#x20AC;? Spellman says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We fund local support groups and assist with the repairs of medical equipment and have a loan closet of equipment as well.â&#x20AC;?

Other fundraising events include dinner

auctions, golf tournaments, hop-a-thons at schools and softball tournaments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The MDA cannot express enough appreciation to all who support us throughout the year,â&#x20AC;? Spellman says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our services would not be possible without the support of the local communities.â&#x20AC;?

Upcoming events to support the MDA and their summer camp program include: â&#x20AC;˘ MDA Muscle Walk â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday, February 10 at the Natick Mall. Contact MDA at 508-898-3375 to get involved. â&#x20AC;˘ Firefighter boot drives that are held in hundreds of communities across Massachusetts. â&#x20AC;˘ MDA ALS Evening of Hope dinner auction to be held at UMass Medical School in Worcester on May 9. All proceeds will benefit MDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ALS division, specifically ALS research and clinical care. â&#x20AC;˘ Green and Gold shamrocks are sold from February 15 through March 17 at many local retailers including Price Chopper Supermarkets, Lowes, Honey Farms, Jiffy Lube, Walgreens and Aubuchon Hardware to name a few.

For more information about the summer camp program visit mda.org/locate/state/ ma. For more information about Camp Allen, visit campallennh.org.

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Advertise to parents of children that attend either day or overnight camps?

Sending your child or children to day or overnight camps this summer?

E-mail us at camps@baystateparent.com for a media kit and special offer.

Then look for our March issue-replete with camps within 200 miles of Worcester County.

EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CAMPS WITHIN 200 MILES

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40 FEBRUARY2013

TAKEGOODCARE

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Puppy Love L ove?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; BY

As adults, most of us have experienced being in a romantic relationship; perhaps some of us earlier than others.

In the United States most people start experiencing a romantic relationship in their mid to late teens. Although there are many resources and studies discussing the adult romantic relationship, there is relatively little information about the nature of adolescent love.

Love is a complicated emotion. Humans are, of course, capable of loving another person from childhood. A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love is initially based on his or her basic primitive need of attachment and comfort. When a child in elementary school â&#x20AC;&#x153;falls in loveâ&#x20AC;? it is largely egocentric and superficial. A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain at that time of development still functions quite concretely and is just starting to grasp more abstract concepts.

An elementary school-aged child may be drawn to another person just based on appearance, i.e., being pretty or handsome, and/or receiving special attention from that person, and conclude they are â&#x20AC;&#x153;in loveâ&#x20AC;? as it stirs up raw emotions that they are not yet able to abstract.

As a child starts entering adolescence, the brain is able to think more abstractly, allowing a teen to be intimate with another person at different levels of involvement.

This means that a teen is able to share feelings, including love, thoughts, dreams and aspirations with another individual and form strong bonds with peers, with whom they can confide. Furthermore, the natural hormonal changes that occur

negar beheshti, md

during puberty make teens capable of experiencing erotic arousal, which, combined with their ability to be intimate, may result in a romantic relationship with another peer.

Interestingly, it is also during the teen years that a person starts grappling with his or her identity and role in the world. In a society that at times seems to exaggerate love and sex, teens may regard falling in love and being in a romantic

During this time parents can help guide their teens as they are going through self-discovery and identity, learning how to express love and the place love holds in their lives. relationship as the way to adulthood and securing a role (i.e., boyfriend /girlfriend) and identity in the world. This may also result in premature sexual intimacy with a partner to affirm the relationship.

During this time parents can help guide their teens as they are going through self-discovery and identity, learning how to express love and the place love holds in their lives. Teenagers who are highly

encouraged to pursue their educational aspirations and are involved in various school and extracurricular activities tend to get a sense of identity and purpose through those means rather than solely relying on what they may gain when in a relationship. In fact, teens who are college-bound are often less frequently in love and going â&#x20AC;&#x153;steadyâ&#x20AC;? in high school than non-college bound teens, notes Evelyn Duvall in an article from the Journal of Marriage and the Family, titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adolescent Love as a Reflection of TeenAgerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Search for Identity.â&#x20AC;?

If a teenager is in a romantic relationship, their parents can be a useful tool to them while they are trying to sort out the intricacies of love. A theorist by the name of Robert Sternberg proposed that there are three components of love: passion, intimacy and commitment. Adolescence is the time that a person starts learning for themselves the importance of each of these components and how to most appropriately express them. By keeping an open and supportive channel of dialogue with their teens, rather than one of opposition, parents can help guide their teens in the ups and downs of their young relationship. Parents can teach their teens that â&#x20AC;&#x153;by trying to honor the love they feel through treating each other sensitively and well, they can learn loving skills for later relationships,â&#x20AC;? states Dr. Carl Pickhardt, Ph.D., in an article written in Psychology Today, titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Surviving (Your Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) Adolescence.â&#x20AC;?

It can be safe to say that most high school

romances are short lived. It is equally important for parents to take notice of their teensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; break-ups and continue to keep an open and supportive channel of dialogue. Because of their limited experience, teens often do not have the awareness and confidences that time can heal emotional wounds. Since teens have not yet acquired the coping skills of how to identify and deal with these new raw feelings of emotional hurt, they may fear that their hurt will never go away; that at the risk of being emotionally hurt, they will never be able to love again; or that no one will ever love them again and they will be alone forever.

During this time it is important for parents to encourage teenagers to talk about their painful experience. This way parents can find ways to help their teen cope through their loss in a healing way that is not self-destructive.

Romantic relationships are an inevitable and natural development milestone for teens. It is important that parents keep an open mind and align with their teens as they are learning about being in love.

Negar Beheshti, MD, is an assistant professor, psychiatry and pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) and UMass Memorial Health Care, assistant director of the Department of Psychiatryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Division of Child Psychiatry, director of the Child Psychiatry Consultation/Liaison Service, and director of Child Emergency Mental Health Service.

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Located at Natick 508-651-9306 Northbridge 508-234-8009 Worcester 508-459-5114

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

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

Go to baystateparent. com/ newslettersignup and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come right to your inbox.

BAYSTATEPARENT 43

he tPARTYPLANNER

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Spa Party Going to a spa can be pricey for a large group, so bring the spa to the party. Find a bucket or basket at a local craft store and ďŹ ll it with nail polish, hair ties and face mask cream. Set up a â&#x20AC;&#x153;spaâ&#x20AC;? at home and have the kids do each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nails, hair and do mud masks for the kids. Have the guests bring their favorite perfume to share and their favorite beauty tip. Check for allergies before the party and the kids will have a ball.

Does your child love fashion or design?

Have a sewing or fashion show birthday party!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;All Liveâ&#x20AC;? Insects, Small Reptiles & Animals Parties can be hosted in our studio or set up in your home. www.seamz2b.com 508-615-3648 Text: Seamz2b To: 72727 or scan our QR code to download our app.

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Super Why Party

Super Why on PBS is committed to teaching kids to read. Make it a party by hiding â&#x20AC;&#x153;super lettersâ&#x20AC;? around the house and have the kids do a scavenger hunt to ďŹ nd the letters. Have the kids bring back the letters to a central location (like the dining room) and have them work together to make the words. You can make them spell out, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy Birthdayâ&#x20AC;? and your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name. You can also make simple Super Why capes out of felt for favors and the kids will have something to play with for ages.

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

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Get You Through the Day! Find baystateparent on Facebook and Twitter.

BAYSTATEPARENT 45

bellinipics.com

INDEX

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Open House Saturday, March 2nd 1-3 pm.

Attorney James Connors ...................................19 Ballet Arts Worcester ........................................37 Baystate Skating School ...................................13 Becker College ................................................11 Behavioral Concepts, Inc ...................................19 Boroughs JCC ..................................................16 Boston Ballett .................................................38 Boston JCC .....................................................29 Camp Birch Hill................................................39 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dentistry of Northborough...................21 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden/VNA.......................................7 Clay Time .......................................................27 CoCo Key Water Resort.....................................35 Concord Academy ............................................16 Cornerstone Academy .........................................3 Criterion Child Enrichment .................................29 Cutie Patuties ...................................................2 Decordova ......................................................37 Ecotarium .......................................................34 Fay School .....................................................16 Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Children Preschool/ Gymnastics Learning Center ...33 Guild of St. Agnes..............................................9 Hanover Theatre ..............................................48 In Between Trips ..............................................27 Inn at East Hill ................................................32 iParty .............................................................42 Massachusetts Audubon ....................................36

Metrowest YMCA .............................................36 New England Aqaurium ....................................37 New School of Music........................................44 Next Generation Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center ......................10 Oreste Law .......................................................7 Pakachoag Music School...................................28 Parenting Solutions ..........................................15 Riverbend School ...............................................4 Roaming Railroad ............................................44 Roche Bros. ....................................................42 Salmon Centers for Early Education ....................41 Semi-New Computers .......................................19 Shrewsbury Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center ..............................9 Shrewsbury Montessori.......................................9 Simon Malls/Diaper Derby..................................5 Skribbles ........................................................13 Sports Broadcasting Camp ................................36 Summer Fenn .................................................35 The Brighton School .........................................46 TLC Christian Preschool .....................................18 Watertown Chidlrens Theatre .............................39 Wheelock Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre..............................16 Wicked Local...................................................22 Women Earning Six Figures...............................46 Worcester Academy of Music .............................32 Worcester JCC .................................................37 YMCA Central Mass..........................................38

OPEN HOUSE LISTINGS NEXT GENERATION CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CENTER Information Day Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 1:00 Preschool 1:30 Pre-Kindergarten 2:00 Kindergarten Reserve our space today (866)7116422 ngccenters.com/bsp

RIVERBEND SCHOOL Admissions Open House Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 10:00 AM Grades K-8 6 Auburn Street, South Natick info@theriverbendschool.org 508-655-7333

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CLASSIFIEDS

Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Six The Brighton School is a non-proďŹ t, private, independent elementary school dedicated to providing a quality education that addresses the individual needs of students. â&#x20AC;˘ Accelerated Program â&#x20AC;˘ Individualized Curriculum â&#x20AC;˘ Small Class Sizes â&#x20AC;˘ Nurturing Environment â&#x20AC;˘ Specialized Instruction in: Music, Art, Science, Computer, French, Physical Education and Yoga

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topped over 3,000 entries in the 2012 “New England Better Newspaper Competition” to sweep and win 14 awards. That’s why we’re...

Stephanie Mallard Graphic Designer

Emily Lavoie Account Executive

jumping And you’ll jump for joy when you see all the changes that are coming to baystateparent later this Spring. As a matter of fact, we are so confident that you’ll be ecstatic that we want to invite you, your kids, your grandkids, your grandparnts, and/ or your friends (and/or their friends) to jump for joy in front of our photographers for a chance to be on our May cover!

We’ll provide the details in next month’s issue. If you just can’t wait that long, simply e-mail us at jumpforjoy@baystateparent.com. In the subject line, just write, You make me jump

Carrie Wattu Editor (2012)

for joy! for joy! As a result, you’ll be in the know before we hit the newsstand next month. We’lll give you advance notice of what you’ll have to do, and when and where to do it. (Of course, these logos will tell you where you’ll be jumping for joy.)

Until then, thanks for being a loyal reader and fan of baystateparent. We write for you. And we are growing because of you!

This competition was sponsored by the New England Newspaper and Press Association. baystateparent won for: General News Story, General News Story, Local Ad (Black & White), Local Ad (Black & White), Local Ad (Black & White), Local Ad (Color), Local Ad (Color), Most Creative Use of Small Print Space in Advertising, Most Creative Use of Small Print Space in Advertising, Most Creative Use of Small Print Space in Advertising, Feature Photo, Feature Photo, Personality Photo, and Personality Photo

BAYSTATEPARENT 47

48 FEBRUARY2013