baystateparent magazine February 2019

baystateparent PRICELESS

Massachusetts’ Premier

FEBRUARY 2019

Magazine For Families Since 1996

OH, YUM! the FOOD issue

2 FEBRUARY2019

BAYSTATEPARENT 3

contents FEBRUARY 2019 VOLUME 23

NUMBER 10

OH, YUM! the FOOD issue

4 FEBRUARY2019

features 8

Heart Smarts: Love 101

32

Bay State Originals: A Sampling of Made in Mass. Foods

35

DIY: Make-at-Home Play Dough

38

Bringing Back the Family Dinner Tradition

40

Culinary Classes and Food-Themed Parties for Kids

42

Nutrition Label to (Finally) Reflect Contemporary Nutrition Science

in every issue 6

Momma to the Max & Meet the Cover Model

9 11

Herding Goofballs

24 27

#MomLife

29

Our Fave Four

36

Very Special People

44 46

Finally Forever

On the Agenda

Bites

Take Eight with Monica Poston

BAYSTATEPARENT 5

baystateparent president PAUL M. PROVOST associate publisher KATHY REAL BENOIT 508-767-9525 kbenoit@gatehousemedia.com

CREATIVE

momma to the

editor in chief Amanda Collins Bernier 508-767-9526 acollins@gatehousemedia.com

MAX

creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-767-9536 pethier@gatehousemedia.com

ADVERTISING sales manager JEREMY WARDELL 508-767-9574 jwardell@gatehousemedia.com account executive KATHY PUFFER 508-767-9544 kpuffer@gatehousemedia.com

Never Say Never 8

100 Front Street, 5th Floor Worcester, MA 01608 baystateparent is published monthly and is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts.

I recently read that there’s really only one thing you should not say as a parent. This dangerous sentence boils down to six little words: My kid would never do that.

Thinking your child is better behaved, more well-mannered, immune to temptations or a wiser decision maker than any other kid is just plain naive. But a year-and-a-half into motherhood, I’m learning that “never say never” applies not only to our children, but to parents, too. As a mom I find myself doing things I swore I never would, while at the same time abandoning a list of other things I was certain that I’d do.

For me, the unmaterialized “gonnas” started on day one. I had read all the books on childbirth and written out my birth plan. I was going all natural. I had mini massagers and lavender oil packed

in my hospital bag and a playlist ready on my iPod. Instead of drugs, I would combat pain with soft music and deep breathing.

And then seven hours into labor I got an epidural.

Next, I swore my son wouldn’t have a pacifier. It would cause nipple confusion, I worried. It could interfere with nursing.

And lo and behold Max left the hospital with a binky in his mouth (and 18 months later, has yet to give it up).

Still, I was certain about one thing. I was definitely going to breastfeed for at least a year, probably longer.

I made it seven months.

Then, when it came time for solids, I had a real plan. We were doing all homemade; nothing jarred or junky or overly processed. Fresh, organic, whole fruits and vegetables only.

Except, I later conceded, when we were out and about and I was in a pinch.

Despite failing to meet my own unattainable standards, I still felt pretty good on the feeding front. Max gobbled up his sugar-free first birthday cake, devoured any fruit or veggie put before him, and loved avocados so much we dressed him as one for Halloween. I was confident he would never be a picky eater because I’d introduced him to such a wide variety of foods as a baby, and he happily ate it all.

Enter toddlerhood. There are days I struggle to get him to eat anything at all, and I’m left eating my words.

I know I’m not alone. Most moms and dads have the best intentions when it comes to raising their kids, especially when it comes to feeding them. We all know that children need nutritious food to grow up healthy, and we want to give them what we think is the best -- whether that means making our own baby food, swearing off GMOs, or whatever else. In this Food Issue, we have some ideas, gadgets and recipes to help bring your best nutritional intentions to fruition. Still, despite all the research, worry and planning you put in, we know kids often make up their own minds about what they will and won’t eat.

The truth is, parenting is so much easier when you don’t have kids. Coming up with a checklist of well-meaning “gonnas” and a catalog of no-no’s is a cinch for any parent pre-child. But once you’re in charge of an actual living, breathing, tantrum throwing little one, some of those rules go out the window.

Max still loves his avocados and can polish off an entire pint of berries in one sitting, but he’s also obsessed with cheddar Cheetos and ice cream. While I’m still trying my best to teach him the value of healthy eating, he’s teaching me too. In parenthood -- heck, in life -- we have to shrug off all the “gonnas,” and we truly can never say never.

Amanda

meet our cover model KENNEDY It’s hard to judge what’s sweeter -- the decadent treats at The Queen’s Cups in Worcester where we shot this month’s cover, or our adorable model, Kennedy. The 5-year-old with bouncy blonde ringlets toted her stuffed pink “Slothie” around in between photos, and patiently waited until the end of the shoot to dig into her cupcake.

6 FEBRUARY2019

Age: 5 Hometown: Auburn Siblings: Camden, age 4 Favorite food: Donuts What’s the best thing about being a big sister? Cleaning up the house. (Side note: Mom confirmed that this is true! She said Kennedy is a great helper!)

What are your hobbies? Dance (ballet and tap), swimming and horseback riding.

What do you want to be when you grow up? An artist. I like to paint, draw, color. I like all of it.

COVER PHOTO BY Lynn Quinlivan PHOTOGRAPHY Clothing provided by Modernechild.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 7

Heart Smarts:

LOVE 101

BY SHANNON DEAN My 9-year-old son has always been partial to blonds. I suppose this should hurt my brunette feelings, but I’ve grown used to it. Since preschool, he’s been open about which girls he finds pretty and which he finds nice. The two never overlap. He seems to prefer the aloof, high-maintenance types who won’t wrinkle their clothes at recess. Those who will chase him with a lightsaber are apparently not challenging enough for anything more than camaraderie.

So it was hardly a surprise when my son’s current crush pushed him aside during a class photo and announced, “My mother says that I have a face made for the camera.”

Their teacher laughed, replying that daily primping must pay

off in terms of photography. It is true that the object of my son’s affection is blessed with a face that invites admiring stares. According to her, he’s not as lucky. Apparently, the negative attention only makes her more alluring.

Considerate behavior is not a requirement for admittance into my son’s heart. Blond hair and big blue eyes are the only costs of admission. Although he could seemingly care less about kindness, dependability, or empathy, I’ve decided not to lecture him in the hopes that his behavior is completely normal and age-appropriate.

We are late bloomers when it comes to affairs of the heart.

Even into my mid-twenties, I considered a swagger, a souped-up car, and a bad atti-

tude challenging and alluring.

In fact, when I met my husband, I almost passed because I thought that he was too nice.

Because he felt like an old friend, the relationship seemed too easy. I don’t know that I ever made a conscious decision to redefine my type. Over time, I just found that I preferred being treated with respect and that contentment is actually every bit as exciting as angst.

When I was chasing unattainable, irresponsible types, my grandmother used to click her tongue and scold, “Excitement and looks fade. True compatibility is forever. When you face life’s challenges, you’ll wish your partner was also your friend.” I used to roll my eyes and sigh, thinking that these old-fashioned rules did not apply to me. But now that I am both a wife and a mother, I know that my grandmother was absolutely right. I’ve learned there is nothing more appealing than a partner willing to change a diaper or cook a meal. Likewise, the sound of my husband singing over the baby monitor brings true happiness to my heart.

In light of these truths, I really want to tell my little Romeo that he shouldn’t turn a blind eye on

anyone with whom friendship is effortless. Any girl willing to stand by him and defend the galaxy is worth a second look. I want to tell him that he deserves a partner who appreciates his goofy sense of humor and values his generous heart.

I want him to realize that when the roof is leaking, when the kids are sick, and when the car won’t start, a partner chosen for physical attributes may not fare as well as someone who is patient, kind, and supportive. I hope that when it really counts, my son will choose well since he’s watched his parents support one another through good times and bad.

My husband is a handsome man, but if his looks changed tomorrow, I would still love him every bit as much because he is my closest friend and the only other person in the world who loves my children as I do. One day, I hope those same children realize that a person’s heart and kind spirit are just as important as the face and body that houses them and can be every bit as beautiful.

Author Shannon Dean is the mother of two sons and is the lucky wife of a kind, supportive husband who loves to cook.

6 great

reasons

to market your business with baystateparent and reach over 80,000 readers each month!

For more information contact sales@baystateparent.com 8 FEBRUARY2019

MARCH Summer Camp

APRIL Family Travel and Summer Camp Advertising Section

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AUGUST Back-to-School

repeat a few times so it simulates enough of a journey to the final “stadium.”

I will then light the official cauldron (thinking apple cinnamon Yankee candle) that shall safely be placed atop the dining room table for all to see.

Opening Ceremony

herding

goofballs

the great

INDOORS

BY JOSH FARNSWORTH ILLUSTRATION BY KIRA BEAUDOIN

“The world’s a track.

Never stop running.”

– Former U.S. President Daniel Hawthorne

OK, so this isn’t an actual quote.

Also, the attribution is to someone who was never an actual U.S. president.

Side note: Since February officially celebrates Presidents’ Day, make sure to brush up on those 45 dudes, so you’ll never be tricked like this again.

But the phrase might as well be the official motto for two energy-laced little boys who take up residence with me. Cooper, 5, and Milo, 2, are the epitome of “energy to burn,” turning the ground floor of my house oftentimes into a race that doesn’t ever seem to have a final lap.

If you stare at my floor long enough, you’ll swear you can see the wood worn just enough under their constant hustling— right next to the generous amounts of cereal that hit the floor that morning, matchbox cars that eluded the cleanup process and other surprise toys that are just waiting to stab my feet.

I love that my little dudes have so much energy in their collective tanks. The problem is now. Here. New England in winter is harsh for many reasons, but one of the least-celebrated complaints on its frigid resume is its ability to make small chil-

dren with infinite motors hard to entertain for large chunks of time.

Sending them outside in the snow works for a bit of time, but on those truly frozen days when the thermometer struggles to find zero degrees, time is limited. Sure, there are activities/indoor venues to drive to, but many of the affordable options are usually exhausted by mid-January.

My kids, at least, will be looking for something new to conquer. It feels like I have one option.

I declare the inaugural Farnsworth Indoor Olympic Games to commence for two weeks in mid-February.

While I negotiate the TV rights with NBC, here are my plans:

Torch Relay Since I’m a responsible parent, only a moderate amount of fire will be involved.

The kids will be given paper towel rolls and a cut out piece of paper that they can gleefully color and then glue onto the end of the roll as their own torch. They will then be able to run a few laps around the first floor, pass the torch on, and

The number of countries may be down from the typical Olympic festivities, so I will plan to make it as brief as their attention spans.

A piece of paper and crayons will be easy enough supply to allow them to draw their own “country’s” flag to march around later and place somewhere in the “Olympic village” (Read: Kitchen refrigerator).

Optional: For the Parade of Nations portion, let them dress themselves and walk around with their new flags.

The Games Once the pageantry is over and given each child passes his drug test (look, we want to be official, correct?), it’s on to the actual competition.

• 15-lap dash: Each competitor shall run 15 laps around the first floor. They will count to 15 while doing this, giving them extra bonus time removed from their final time.

• 10-lap dash: Think of this as the 100-meter sprint version of the first event.

• Basketball: When enough worn clothing has ended up on the floor, I will grab a hamper/ basket. Whoever scores the most points throwing these in the basket, wins. (Although, in the end, I win a clean living room).

• Rowing: The bathtub will be filled with a generous amount of water. Each athlete will choose a bath toy (we have toy boats here at casa de Farnsworth, because tub time is pretty swanky stuff). They will then take turns making waves with their hands to push the boat over the finish line.

of cars/trucks/motorcycles to drive the route.

Medals I have no doubt that a shiny medallion Cooper and Milo can wear as a necklace would make them happy. However, to incentivize competitiveness, I would replace the gold, silver and bronze medals with “levels of achievement.”

Here’s a rough draft: • Bronze medal: Control of the remote for an additional TV show, at the athlete’s request.

Note: It must be before bedtime.

The Games will be contested after the Super Bowl, so no worries there.

• Silver medal: An extra top shelf snack to eat during the day. We’re talking full-on pouch of gummies, ring pop or popsicle.

• Gold medal: An entire 30 minutes of play on a tablet or electronic device. These will be given out sparingly. Do not expect any help from the hometown judges on this every game.

Host your own If you have an energetic kid bouncing around the walls, I encourage you to give your own Olympiad a try. The experience of sprinting around should not have to be limited to warm temperatures.

I will be consulting on these games with the official Indoor Olympic Committee (that would be my wife and I) about any other details between now and then.

A dormant winter is a boring one. The Indoor Olympics is a chance to bond and get the kiddos to use their endless supply of energy. My hope is that it also teaches Cooper and Milo that life doesn’t have to stop, just because the temperature drops for a few months. Life keeps going. And for them, slowing down doesn’t seem like a viable option.

After all, as a famous person once said, life’s a track.

Never stop running.

• Gymnastics: I don’t really have a 1-to-1 correlation between this event, but my kids are crazy about dancing. The music will be synced up and they will dance for 10-15 minutes as one giant floor routine.

Josh Farnsworth is a husband, father of Cooper and Milo, goofball himself, and award-winning writer and columnist • Cycling: This will be just living in Worcester. He can be like the 15- and 10-lap dashes, reached for column ideas at except the competitors will have josh.farnsworth@yahoo.com. to use one of their hundreds BAYSTATEPARENT 9

10 FEBRUARY2019

on the

agenda • FEBRUARY’S ADVENTURES • THE LIST • FACTS & FREEBIES

BAYSTATEPARENT 11

on the

agenda

february

ADVENTURES OUR TOP

5 PICKS

OF THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY

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The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Friday, February 1, 8 p.m. Follow Percy Jackson as he discovers his father is the Greek God Poseidon and he sets out on a quest to find Zeus’s lightning bolt to prevent a war between the gods. Through Sunday, February 3. $34-59. thehanovertheatre.org.

Lunar New Year. Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston.

Saturday, February 2, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a performance by the Imperial Lion Dance Team and celebrate the year of the pig with Guinea hogs. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $16.95, youths 2 to 12 $11.95, ages under 2 free. zoonewengland.org.

Sculpture Park Snowshoe Tour. deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. Saturday, February 2, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Explore the Sculpture park through a fun, snowshoe guided tour. For ages 8 and up. Weather contingent. Member adults $15, youths 8 to 15 $12; nonmember adults $25, youths 8 to 15 $20. Equipment $12. deCordova.org.

Dress Your Stuffed Pet. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

Thursday, February 7, 10-11 a.m. Drop-in with your favorite stuffed animal, as you use your imagination and a variety of creative materials to design and construct a special costume for your furry friend. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Arms + Armor Demonstrations. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. Saturday, February 16, 11:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. A fun interactive program to learn all about different kinds of arms and armor used by Roman soldiers, Medieval knights, and more.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $16, youth 4 and up $6, under 3 free. worcesterart.org.

ADVENTURES 1 FRIDAY Friday Morning Birds. Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 7:30-9 a.m. Enjoy a guided walk, sharpen your birding skills, and help track migrating and resident birds. Register ahead. Members free; nonmembers $7. massaudubon.org.

Music and Movement with Miss Bernadette. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 9:30-10 a.m. Explore sound through singing and playing as you move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout. Free with admission.

Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Learning Spanish Circle Time. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

10-10:30 a.m. Learn new words, phrases, songs, and a story in Spanish. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity based on the weather and season. Explore the outdoors either in the Discovery Woods or adjacent conservation land. Designed for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Materials Play. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11-11:30 a.m. Experiment with materials selected especially for young explorers in the Art Studio. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $9, youths $6. carlemuseum.org.

Yarn Art Workshop: Woven Arts.

Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Join the art yarn projects. Look forward to Valentine’s Day and make special hearts. For ages 7 to 12. Free. mywpl.org.

planetarium show if overcast. $3. springfieldmuseums.org.

2 SATURDAY Digame Un Cuento: Spanish Storytime for Spanish Speakers. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy this special story time in Spanish for native Spanish speakers. For ages 3 to 5.

Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Valentine Card-Making Party. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10-11:30 a.m. Share friendship and love this Valentine’s Day by making unique valentines for your family, friends, or classmates in this hands-on workshop.

Registration recommended. Member children $10.20; nonmember children $12. carlemuseum.org.

Groundhog Day: Seeing Shadows.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Drop-in as and take inspiration from Punxsutawney Phil, exploring and discover all things about our shadow. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

42. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 11:30 a.m. Watch this telling of Jackie Robinson and the 1947 breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Free. mywpl.org.

Elements. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 8 p.m. Witness the ultimate Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute band as it recreates the sounds and sensations from the ‘70s and ‘80s super group. Members $25, public $28. natickarts.org.

3 SUNDAY Valentine Card-Making Party. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10-11:30 a.m. Share friendship and love this Valentine’s Day by making unique Valentines for your family, friends, or classmates in this hands-on workshop.

Registration recommended. Member children $10.20; nonmember children $12. carlemuseum.org.

Singin’ in the Rain. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Science on Screen Jr. presents this special showing of the classic song-and-dance movie musical with a discussion on the emergence of ‘talking pictures’. $6. coolidge.org.

First Sunday. Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy free admission all day as you explore the galleries and spaces. Free. museumofrussianicons.org.

for ages 4 and younger. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths 7 and up $10, ages under 7 free. mfa.org.

First Man. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 6:30 p.m. NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong rigorously trains to become the first man to walk on the moon, in this film starring Ryan Gosling. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

5 TUESDAY Joanne Langione Dance and Movement Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy this music and movement class for toddlers and preschoolers. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Take Aparts, Jr. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Grab some tools and discover resistors, capacitors, gears, and more as you uncover the inner workings of household gizmos. Free with admission.

Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Try It Out Tuesday. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2-4:30 p.m. Drop-in and share your ideas for programs at the museum, as you test different materials and methods. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

on the

agenda

february

Especially for Me: Sensory Friendly Afternoon. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Explore the Discovery Museum during a time of limited crowding and support access to exhibits.

Register ahead. Free. discoveryacton.org.

Lunar New Year. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3-4 p.m. Come celebrate the Year of the Pig by listening to stories and participating in a fun craft. For ages 3 to 8 with caregiver. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

6 WEDNESDAY Terrific Twos Storytime. Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster.

10-10:30 a.m. Join for stories, music, and fun. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

WAM Stroller Tours. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Explore the galleries with a docent before enjoying an age-appropriate story and refreshments. Recommended for ages up to 3, with siblings. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $16, youth 4 and up $6, under 3 free. worcesterart.org.

Venom. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m. Watch as a journalist becomes the host of an alien symbiote and acquires super-human abilities and a malevolent alter-ego. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Saturday Storytime. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 2-2:45 p.m.

Take a break from the outdoor winter fun and gather together indoors with seasonal stories of history and nature. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $5, ages under 5 free. fruitlands.org.

First Friday Nights Free. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30-8 p.m. A night of museum exploration. The Museum will accept non-perishable food donations for the Acton Food Pantry and Open Table of Concord and Maynard. Free. discoveryacton.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Awareness and Observation Games with PrimiTim. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2-4 p.m. Practice your awareness and observation skills with some fun interactive games inspired by woodland creatures in our everyday backyard. Register ahead. Free with admission.

Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Stars Over Springfield. Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield.

7:30-9:30 p.m. Join members of the Springfield Stars Club for skygazing in the Science Museum’s observatory, or a

The Great Baldini. Worcester Public Library: Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Join for an hour of stupendous magic with the Great Baldini.

Free. mywpl.org.

musiConnects.

Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 1 p.m. A concert with a string quartet from musiConnects. newtonfreelibrary.net.

4 MONDAY Kiddie Music Time. Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m.

Join the Monument Square Community Music School is this class introducing kids to classical and original music, song, percussion instruments, and dance. Recommended for ages 5 and under. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

MFA Playdates: Texture Time. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15-11 a.m. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by artmaking, and explore the textures that surround us. Recommended BAYSTATEPARENT 13

Family Tour. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. Saturday, February 2, 10:30 a.m. Explore the Museum galleries with your family on a docent-guided discovery tour, featuring facts, stories, and time together. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $16, youth 4 and up $6, under 3 free. worcesterart.org.

7 THURSDAY Bunny Storytime. Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. Meet Daisy the puppet, sing songs, listen to a story or two, and play a musical instrument with your baby. For ages 12 to 24 months. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Storytime Adventure: Friendship. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

4-4:30 p.m. Enjoy this special story adventure exploring the theme of friendship. For ages 3 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

No-Sew Snowflake Pillows. Worcester Public Library: Goddard Branch, 14 Richards St., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Join a special snowy ‘crafternoon’ making your own flannel pillows. For ages 6 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

International Guitar Night. TCAN Center for the Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 8 p.m.

The foremost acoustic guitarists perform their latest original compositions and exchange musical ideas in a concert setting. Members $30, public $35. natickarts.org.

8 FRIDAY Learning Spanish Circle Time. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

10-10:30 a.m. Learn new words, phrases, songs, and a story in Spanish. For ages 3 to 5.

Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity based on the weather and season. Explore the outdoors either in the Discovery Woods

or adjacent conservation land. Designed for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Preschool Story and Nature Hour: Volcanoes. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy an hour of naturethemed fun. Make a nature craft, read a story, and head out onto the trails. For ages 2.5 to 5.

Register ahead. Member children $3, nonmember children $4, adults free. massaudubon.org.

Materials Play. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst.

11-11:30 a.m. Experiment with materials selected especially for young explorers in the Art Studio. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $9, youths $6. carlemuseum.org.

Friday Fun & Games: Board Games.

Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Test your strategy playing a favorite game or try something new from our selection of board games available.

For ages 6 to 12. Free. mywpl.org.

9 SATURDAY Pop Up Play Day. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Use your creativity to build and rebuild using the big, blue blocks of Imagination Playground.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $13, youths 4 and up $6, ages under 4 free. berkshiremuseum.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave.,

Boston. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions including activities, demonstrations, and performances throughout the day. Free. mfa.org.

Wayne Potash. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Rev up your morning with this special interactive rock and roll show, featuring new songs about animals, princesses, and silly monsters for the whole family to enjoy. Recommended for ages 2 and up. Adults $13.50, children $10.50. coolidge.org.

The Dragon King. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, 1 Columbia Point, South Boston. 10:30 -11:30 a.m.

Journey below the sea in this story of fantasy, courage, and wonder from Chinese folklore brought by Tanglewood Marionettes.

Register ahead. Free. jfklibrary.org.

Sculpture Park Snowshoe Tour. deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Explore the Sculpture park through a fun, snowshoe

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guided tour. For ages 8 and up. Weather contingent. Member adults $15, youths 8 to 15 $12; nonmember adults $25, youths 8 to 15 $20. Equipment $12. deCordova.org.

Scribble Bots. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come create dynamic drawing using simple DIY robotic contraptions made of spinning and wiggling motors to make unexpected patterns. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Winter Tracking on the Trails. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard.

1-3 p.m. Join local naturalist Laurie Nehring on the trails of Fruitlands and become winter wildlife detectives. Register ahead. Members $9, nonmembers $15, children free. fruitlands.org.

The House with the Clocks in Its Walls. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m. Watch this live-action adaptation of the charming magical adventure.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Movie Matinee: Polly. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 2:30 p.m. A showing of ‘Polly’ chronicling the adventures of an orphan sent to Alabama to live with her aunt in a small, divided town. For families with children ages 12 and under. Free. mywpl.org.

Especially for Me: Autism Friendly Evening. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 5-8 p.m. Come join in all the fun and explore the Discovery Museum during this special event for families with members on the autism spectrum, featuring adaptive yoga from 5:30 til 7:00 p.m. Register ahead. Free. discoveryacton.org.

10 SUNDAY Exploring Culture Together: Olives.

Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge.

10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m. Discover the importance of olives in Ancient Israel through a hands-on experience featuring crafts, gallery games, and artifacts. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Register ahead. Members

$15, nonmembers $25. peabody.harvard.edu.

Family Snowshoe Hike. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 1-3 p.m. Explore the sanctuary with your family on snowshoes through a guided walk and hot chocolate to follow. Member adults $7, children $4; nonmember adults $9, children $5. massaudubon.org.

Look! It’s a Book. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst.

1-4 p.m. Enjoy this special Sunday in the Museum’s Art Studio. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $9, youths $6. carlemuseum.org.

Chinese Dulcimer Guzheng Youth Band.

Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

2-3 p.m. Celebrate the Year of the Pig at a concert honoring the Chinese New Year. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

11 MONDAY Ellen Stoll Walsh Celebration. Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster.

9:30-10:30 a.m. Celebrate the books of Ellen Stoll Walsh, enjoy stories, art, music, and movement inspired by Walsh’s books.

For ages 2 to 5. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Baby Bookworms. Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster. 11-11:30 a.m. Interact with your babes through a variety of nursery rhymes, action rhymes, songs, and stories. For ages up to 12 months. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Make and Take: Crazy Painting. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4 p.m. Drop by the Children’s Room and use anything except brushes to paint your own creation. For ages 6 to 12. Free. mywpl.org.

Valentine’s Day Celebration. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4-5 p.m. Join for a Valentine’s Celebration, featuring stories, songs, and cardmaking. For ages 3 to 8 with caregivers. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Inside Out. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 7 p.m. Science On Screen presents this Pixar film following the Emotions operating inside all of us, with a discussion on how the brain constructs emotions. $13.25. coolidge.org.

12 TUESDAY LittleBeats Dance. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m. Participate in music, dancing, and stories to stimulate our busy brains and bodies. For ages up to 4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Explore Static Electricity. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Spark your creativity by testing charges and shocking experiments. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Summit Great Hill.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 1 p.m.

Summit Great Hill on the adjacent conservation land, with a pause at the top for a snack or look

around. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

13 WEDNESDAY Preschool Story Hour: The Snow Show.

Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 10-11 a.m. Bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity, and a naturalist-led walk. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead. Member children $3, nonmember children $4. massaudubon.org.

ARTfull Play. deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10:3011:30 a.m. Engage with art, stories, and new friends during this multi-sensory activity.

Designed for ages 2 to 5. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 12 and under free. deCordova.org.

Full STEAM Ahead: Money Matters.

Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster. 6-7 p.m. Investigate money with your caregiver. Read stories, build a wooden bank to paint, sort coins, and play a heads and tails game. For ages 3 to 7. Register ahead.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

14 THURSDAY Make a Mess: Pain Plops. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m.

Create a unique Valentine’s Day artwork by plopping and pressing paint to make a one-ofa-king hear to keep or gift to someone special.

Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Preschool Story Hour: The Snow Show.

Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 10-11 a.m. Bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity, and a naturalist-led walk. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead. Member children $3, nonmember children $4. massaudubon.org.

Bunny Storytime. Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. Meet Daisy the puppet, sing songs, listen to a story or two, and play a musical instrument with your baby. For ages 12 to 24 months. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Healthy Family Storytime. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Celebrate stories and activities about keeping our hearts healthy and happy.

For ages 5 and under. Free. mywpl.org.

Nature Adventures for Children. Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1-3 p.m. A handson natural program exploring nature indoors with crafts, activities, and investigations, and outside across our sanctuary. For ages 5 to 7.

Register ahead. Members $10, nonmembers $14. massaudubon.org.

Game Day. Worcester Public Library: Great Brook Valley Branch, 89 Tacoma St., Worcester.

2-5 p.m. Come get unplugged and play some old-fashioned board games. Free. mywpl.org.

Bilingual Storytime: Chinese. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4-4:30 p.m.

Enjoy this special bilingual story-time featuring BAYSTATEPARENT 15

songs, stories, and movement in English and Chinese. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

15 FRIDAY Learning Spanish Circle Time.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-10:30 a.m. Learn new words, phrases, songs, and a story in Spanish. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity based on the weather and season. Explore the outdoors either in the Discovery Woods or adjacent conservation land. Designed for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Preschool Story and Nature Hour: Dinosaurs. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy an hour of naturethemed fun with a story, craft, and walk

throughout the sanctuary. For ages 2.5 to 5. Register ahead. Member children $3, nonmember children $4, adults free. massaudubon.org.

Materials Play. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11-11:30 a.m. Experiment with materials selected especially for young explorers in the Art Studio. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $9, youths $6. carlemuseum.org.

for native Spanish speakers. For ages 3 to 5.

Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Preschool Story Hour: The Snow Show. Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester.

10-11 a.m. Bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity, and a naturalist-led walk. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead. Member children $3, nonmember children $4. massaudubon.org.

16 SATURDAY

MFA Playdates: Texture Time. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15-11 a.m. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by artmaking, as we explore the textures that surround us.

Recommended for ages 4 and younger. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths 7 and up $10, ages under 7 free. mfa.org.

Digame Un Cuento: Spanish Storytime for Spanish Speakers. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy this special story time in Spanish

Sculpture Park Snowshoe Tour. deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Explore the Sculpture park through a fun,

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 7 p.m. Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Price varies. ticketmaster.com.

snowshoe guided tour. For ages 8 and up.

Weather contingent. Member adults $15, youths 8 to 15 $12; nonmember adults $25, youths 8 to 15 $20. Equipment $12. deCordova.org.

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 11 a.m.; 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Price varies. ticketmaster.com.

National Engineers Week: Bird Feeders.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Design your own bird feeder and hang it around the Discovery Woods or bring it home for the feathered friends in your backyard. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

The Nature of My Backyard. Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 p.m. Get introduced to some common animals we share

space with, featuring live animals and fascinating creatures. For ages 2.5 and older. Register ahead.

Member adults $6, children $4; nonmember adults $8, children $6. massaudubon.org.

Bob Marley Birthday Bash. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

1-5 p.m. Celebrate the life and music of Robert Nesta Marley with live music, Jamaican food, a documentary, and more. Free. mywpl.org.

Saturday Storytime. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 2-2:45 p.m. Take a break from the outdoor winter fun and gather together and relax indoors with seasonal stories of history and nature. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $5, ages under 5 free. fruitlands.org.

Happier Family Comedy Club. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 3 p.m. Let your creative flourishes loose during this family-oriented professional improv comedy performance. Recommended for ages 5 to 12. Member adults $9, youths $4.50; nonmember adults $10, youths $5. carlemuseum.org.

17 SUNDAY The Great Muppet Caper. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Investigative reporters Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo are out to crack the case in this songfilled, star-studded extravaganza directed by Jim Henson. Adults $9.50, children $7.50. coolidge.org.

National Engineers Week: Bird Feeders.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Design your own bird feeder and hang it around the Discovery Woods or bring it home for the feathered friends in your backyard.

Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Price varies. ticketmaster.com.

Lantern Festival Celebration. Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster. 2-4 p.m.

Create your own paper lantern to celebrate the Lunar Calendar, New Year’s Lantern Festival. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

18 MONDAY Washington Celebration. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge.

9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate our first national hero in style with songs, stories of myths and truths, and a toast to our first president and other early patriots. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $28, youths 4 and up $14, ages under 4 free. osv.org.

Happy Birthday Little Joe. Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston. 10:15 a.m. Celebrate the 26th birthday of Little Joe at the Zoo with a puppet show, giant birthday card, and possibly some birthday cake. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $16.95, youths 2 to 12 $11.95, ages under 2 free. zoonewengland.org.

16 FEBRUARY2019

February Vacation: Artful Animals.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Be inspired by the furry, fluffy, and feathered to create art.

Hunt for animals, listen to animal-themed stories, attend a performance, and a special performance at 2 p.m. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths free. mfa.org.

Magic at the Museums: Jungle Jim. Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stroll magic in the galleries, try your hand at a variety of magic tricks, pop in our wizard photo booth, make your own potion, and more. Free with admission. Adults $25, youths 3 and up $13, ages under 3 free. springfieldmuseums.org.

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party. TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Price varies. ticketmaster.com.

National Engineers Week: Balls and Ramps. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m-2 p.m. Design, build, and test out some simple tracks and mini-rollercoasters through loop-da-loops and hills of tubes and cardboard. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

A Visit with President Lincoln. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 1-2 p.m. Abraham Lincoln, as portrayed by Steve Wood, provides a first-person historical interpretation including stories of Lincoln’s early life, campaign debates, the Civil War, and a stirring

reading of the Gettysburg Address. Member adults $10, children $6; nonmember adults $16, children $8. concordmuseum.org.

Winter Fun Day. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 1-4 p.m. Kick off a fun stay-cation vacation week and enjoy hot cocoa, s’mores, an outdoor fire pit, sledding runs, snowshoe walks, and more outdoors. Members free, nonmembers $5. fruitlands.org.

19 TUESDAY Matt Heaton Family Singalong. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

10-10:45 a.m. Join the Toddlerbilly Troubadour as he brings an infectious energy to his strumming, singing, and family-friendly performance. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

February Vacation: Artful Animals.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Be inspired by the furry, fluffy, and feathered to create art.

Hunt for animals, listen to animal-themed stories, attend a performance, and more. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths free. mfa.org.

Magic at the Museums: Magician Matt Roberts. Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stroll magic in the galleries, try your hand at a variety of magic tricks, pop in the wizard photo booth, make your own potion, and a special performance at 2 p.m. Free with admission.

Adults $25, youths 3 and up $13, ages under 3 free. springfieldmuseums.org.

Special Storytime with Adam Gudeon.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125

West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a special story-time with author Adam Gudeon, with his book ‘Peeper and Zeep’ following two accidental friends using innovation on an adventure. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $9, youths $6. carlemuseum.org.

National Engineers Week: Balls and Ramps. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m-2 p.m. Design, build, and test out some simple tracks and mini-rollercoasters through loop-da-loops and hills of tubes and cardboard. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

February Vacation: Stories You Can See. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Look at and listen to works by contemporary artists, try gallery games, and develop characters and settings based on everyday life suing a variety of tools and materials. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $15, youths 17 and under free. icaboston.org.

snowman indoors. Design and build the tallest freestanding snowman possible. For ages 6 to 12. Free. mywpl.org.

Comedy Magic for Kids. Worcester Public Library: Tatnuck Branch, 89 Tacoma St., Worcester. 3-4 p.m. Steven and Pickle Donut the Bunny fill this hour with audience participation, comedy, magic, storytelling, and more. Free. mypl.org.

20 WEDNESDAY Dance Party. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m. Move and groove to the music during this all ages dance party. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Magic at the Museums: Clever Nonsense. Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Stroll magic in the galleries, try your hand at a variety of magic tricks, pop in our wizard photo booth, make your own potion, and a special performance at 2:00 p.m. Free with admission. Adults $25, youths 3 and up $13, ages under 3 free. springfieldmuseums.org.

February Vacation: Extended Hours.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Be inspired by the furry, fluffy, and feathered to create art.

Hunt for animals, listen to animal-themed stories, attend a performance, and more. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths free. mfa.org.

WAM Stroller Tours. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Explore the galleries with a docent before enjoying an age-appropriate story and refreshments. Recommended for ages up to 3, with siblings. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $16, youth 4 and up $6, under 3 free. worcesterart.org.

Flying Ship Productions: Rosa’s Ride.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, 1 Columbia Point, South Boston.

10:30-11:30 a.m. This moving production with original songs, inspiration scenes, and exciting dances traces how Rosa Parks handled experiences of discrimination through her life. Register ahead. Free. jfklibrary.org.

Wee Wear the Crowns: Celebrating Black Identity & Creativity. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 1-3 p.m. Join Boston-based social justice project, Wee the People, for a two-part workshop celebrating black identity, creativity, and culture expression. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $15, youths 17 and under free. icaboston.org.

STEM Challenge: Make the Tallest Snowman. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Stay warm this winter and make a

BAYSTATEPARENT 17

February Vacation: Tools, Totems, and Models. deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 1-3 p.m. Use unexpected materials to make your own tools for living, totems to important things in our lives, and human-sized sculptures.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 12 and under free. deCordova.org.new words, phrases, and songs

Berkshire Theatre Group presents Showtime with Shakespeare. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. The Berkshire Theatre Group brings to life Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Treehouse Adventure to life with this tale encountering the bard Shakespeare. Members $5.50, nonmembers $6.50. carlemuseum.org.

National Engineers Week: Indoor Forts. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Engage in some everyday engineering as you use clothespins, sheets, and cardboard boxes to help build and ever-changing, room-sized blanket fort. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

February Vacation: Stories You Can See. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Look at and listen to works by contemporary artists, try gallery games, and develop characters and settings based on everyday life suing a variety of tools and materials. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $15, youths 17 and under free. icaboston.org.

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 1 p.m. Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Price varies. ticketmaster.com.

The Yo-Yo Show. Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster. 3-4 p.m. Four-time Guinness World Record holders put on a wonderful display featuring the classic yo-yo, challenging your mind by what the simple toy can do. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Snowed-In Party. Worcester Public Library: Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat St., Worcester. 3-4 p.m. Beat vacation boredom by visiting our snow stations with no-snow pillows, a collaborative snowman mosaic, hot chocolate bar, and more fun. For ages 6 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

Family Fun. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3-5 p.m. Drop-in for family games, building materials, and other activities for all to enjoy. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Black Panther. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 7 p.m. A discussion on the importance of representation in media, and this screening of the smash hit Marvel film following T’Challa as he reclaims his place as King of Wakanda. Adults $13.25, 18 FEBRUARY2019

children $11.25. coolidge.org.

21 THURSDAY LEGO Club. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-11 a.m. Come for unstructured building time for all ages. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

February Vacation: Artful Animals.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Be inspired by the furry, fluffy, and feathered to create art.

Hunt for animals, listen to animal-themed stories, attend a performance, and more. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths free. mfa.org.

Magic at the Museums: Fran Flynn.

Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stroll magic in the galleries, try your hand at a variety of magic tricks, pop in the wizard photo booth, make your own potion, and a special performance at 2 p.m. Free with admission.

Adults $25, youths 3 and up $13, ages under 3 free. springfieldmuseums.org.

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.

Price varies. ticketmaster.com.

National Engineers Week: Indoor Forts. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Engage in some everyday engineering as you use clothespins, sheets, and cardboard boxes to help build and ever-changing, room-sized blanket fort. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

February Vacation: Stories You Can See. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Look at and listen to works by contemporary artists, try gallery games, and develop characters and settings based on everyday life suing a variety of tools and materials. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $15, youths 17 and under free. icaboston.org.

February Vacation: Accumulation. deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 1-3 p.m. Use yarn, rope, shoelaces, and more to make knotted, crocheted, knitted, and tangled pieces that we will connect together to make a ginormous community-crafted installation. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 12 and under

free. deCordova.org.

Puppet Making. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3-4 p.m. Create your own puppet whether it be an animal, a monster, or a character from your favorite book. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Wildlife Encounters. Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster. 3-4 p.m.

See what Wildlife Encounters of neighboring New Hampshire brings to see, and be surprised from a giant rabbit to a grey fox to a prickly porcupine. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Smallfoot. Worcester Public Library: Great Brook Valley Branch, 89 Tacoma St., Worcester. 3:15 p.m. Stop by to enjoy this charming animated tale following a friendly Yeti as he encounters the legendary human.

Free. mywpl.org.

Gaelic Storm. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 8 p.m. This Celtic, multi-national juggernaut brings with it storytelling, bluegrass instrumentals, and a devotion to craft to elicit the joys of all.

Members $40, public $45. natickarts.org.

22 FRIDAY February Vacation: Artful Animals.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Be inspired by the furry, fluffy, and feathered to create art. Hunt for animals, listen to animal-themed stories, attend a performance, and more. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths free. mfa.org.

Magic at the Museums: Malik the Magic Guy. Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Stroll magic in the galleries, try your hand at a variety of magic tricks, pop in the wizard photo booth, make your own potion, and a special performance at 2:00 p.m. Free with

admission. Adults $25, youths 3 and up $13, ages under 3 free. springfieldmuseums.org.

National Engineers Week: Straw Structures. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Explore and create shapes and structures with the help of just straws and pipe cleaners to test the possibilities of construction and creation with recycled materials. Free with admission.

Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Sew Fun: Family Sewing Workshop.

Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 1-2:30 p.m. Kids and adults play and learn together about hand sewing and take home your own handmade winter accessory. Register ahead. Member children $9, nonmember children $15, adults free. fruitlands.org.

February Vacation: Deconstruct & Reimagine. deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln.

1-3 p.m. Take pleasure in disassembling a ginormous fiber sculpture and transform each part to bring home as your own treasures. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 12 and under free. deCordova.org.

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston.

1 p.m. & 7 p.m. Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Price varies. ticketmaster.com.

The Lego Movie. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

2:30 p.m. Follow Emmet the construction worker Lego as he is thrown into a hilarious and unexpected Lego adventure. Free. mywpl.org.

The Bremen Town Musicians Puppet Show. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St.,

Newton. 3-4:30 p.m. CactusHead Puppets brings to life the hilarious tale of four farm animals who set out on the road to pursue their dreams of stardom. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick.

8 p.m. Spend the evening during this Grammy-award winning Zydeco band strumming the best Cajun music. Members $30, public $35. natickarts.org.

23 SATURDAY Family Film Festival. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Catch independent films from around the world, from live action to documentaries to animated works.

Recommended for ages 6 and up Free. icaboston.org.

Family Yoga Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10:30 a.m. Take part in this opportunity to learn partner poses, cooperative games, breathing exercises, and simple mindfulness activities.

Recommended for ages 3 to 12 with caregiver. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Sculpture Park Snowshoe Tour. deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Explore the Sculpture park through a fun, snowshoe guided tour. For ages 8 and up.

Weather contingent. Member adults $15, youths 8 to 15 $12; nonmember adults $25, youths 8 to 15 $20. Equipment $12. deCordova.org.

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 11 a.m.; 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Price varies. ticketmaster.com.

National Engineers Week: SailMobiles.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Drop-in and construct and create with repurposed and recycled materials that can float and skid down a dry surface. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

A fun-filled yoga play featuring poses, songs, and movement that encourages little ones to embrace their inner yogis. Recommended for ages 1 to 4 with caregiver. Register ahead. leominsterlibrary.org.

February Teddy Bear Tea. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 12-3:00 p.m.

Delight your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal as you enjoy tea, cocoa, and a simple craft.

Register ahead. Member adults $20, children $17; nonmember adults $25, children $22. concordmuseum.org.

Rockabye Beats. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:45 a.m. Come dance, sing, and get a little loco during this time of freestyle dance, instrument show-andtell, Spanish songs, and more. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Charlotte’s Web. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m. Watch this animated adaptation of the classic EB White book.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Kindness & Friendship Crafter Afternoon.

Leominster Public Library 30 West St., Leominster. 3-4 p.m. Read stories, make a craft, and fill out a friendship heart on the library kindness tree. For ages 3 to 7. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Family Owl Prowl. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 5-7 p.m. Learn all about owls in a hands-on indoor introduction followed by a short hike to listen for owls. For ages 5 and up with caregivers. Register ahead. Member adults $7, children $4; nonmember adults $9, children $6. massaudubon.org.

Mike Super. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 8 p.m. Be delighted throughout this evening of breathtaking magic, and tickling humor. Members $32, public $36. natickarts.org.

24 SUNDAY The Airborne Comedians. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy this high-energy, unorthodox comedy juggling show featuring baseball bats, birdbaths, electric guitars, and more flying through the air. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Adults $13.50, children $10.50. coolidge.org.

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.

Price varies. ticketmaster.com.

Paul Speidel Jazz and Blues. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Join Paul Speidel and his special guest for an afternoon of jazz and blues. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

25 MONDAY Little Yogis & Me Yoga and Movement.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-10:45 a.m. & 11-11:45 a.m.

26 TUESDAY

Asobouyo! Explore the Songs and Toys of Japan. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-10:45 a.m. & 2-2:45 p.m. Join visiting student teachers from Showa University in Tokyo to explore classic Japanese children’s songs, toys, and vocabulary. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

27 WEDNESDAY Alphabet Lapsit. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m. & 11-11:30 a.m. Enjoy songs, stories, and movement with your youngster. For ages 2 and under with caregiver. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

28 THURSDAY Wiggle Kids Inclusive Fitness and Movement. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-10:30 a.m. & 10:45-11:15 a.m. Grow physically, socially, and emotionally. Dance, sing, play drums, and more for kids of all abilities. For ages 2 to 4. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Doggy Days: Work Like a Dog. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m.

Visit Abby the Therapy Dog and read stories about jobs that dogs can have. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Nature Adventures for Children.

Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1-3 p.m. A hands-on natural program exploring nature topic indoors with crafts, activities, and investigations, and outside across the sanctuary. For ages 5 to 7. Register ahead. Members $10, nonmembers $14. massaudubon.org.

Make a Mess: Spin Art. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2-4:30 p.m. Drop-in to twist our tools, twirl our paper, and give our watercolors a whirl to create a uniquely spun piece of art. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Craft Day. Worcester Public Library: Great Brook Valley Branch, 89 Tacoma St., Worcester. 3:00 p.m. Come join your friends and make a fuzzy pillow to put on your bed.

Free. mywpl.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 19

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agenda

the list

5 Amazing

Chocolate Experiences in the Bay State

Skip the heart-shaped box this Valentine’s Day and instead take the family on an adventure. From exploring old fashioned chocolate-making techniques to an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet, here’s five fun, delicious ways to go cocoa-loco.

1. Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop

1.

Taste the sweeter side of the Revolution! The Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and one of the Freedom Trail’s most visited historical sites, known for “One if by land, and two if by sea,” and the midnight ride of Paul Revere. The celebrated site in Beantown’s North End is also home to the 1713 Clough House, one of Boston’s oldest surviving brick residences which houses Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop.

Captain Jackson’s opened in 2013 as a living history educational and retail space. Visitors can touch, taste, smell, and experience 18th-century chocolate as it was enjoyed by some of Boston’s most famous Revolutionary-era patriots. Captain Jackson’s explores the history of chocolate, including how it was produced and consumed during the American colonial period, and its connections to Boston and the Old North Church. Daily demonstrations illustrate how chocolate was made and enjoyed by colonial Bostonians. The space is named for Captain Newark Jackson, an Old North congregant who owned and operated a chocolate shop in the North End in the 1740s.

Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop is at the Old North Church & Historic Site, 193 Salem St., Boston. Daily hours are: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. February 16 thru March 31; and 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. April 1 thru December 31.

2. Taza Chocolate Factory Tours Taza Chocolate makes stone ground, minimally processed chocolates at their Somerville factory. Their process of grinding cacao beans with hand-carved granite millstones results in bold flavor and unique gritty texture.

Taza offers an “Intro to Stone Ground Chocolate,” a 45-minute talk and chocolate tasting tour at their factory seven days a week. Visitors learn about the growth and harvesting of cacao and can view Taza’s chocolate grinding and depositing rooms. Chocolate Guides are on hand to answer questions and sample lots of stone ground chocolate with guests. The cost is $8 per person and online reservations are required. Tours are recommended for ages 10+.

Families with children under 10 years old can visit for Taza Cacao Scout Bingo or Chocolate Story Time, offered most Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Young guests will play a special game of Bingo to learn about all the elements that help make chocolate, try some samples, and get a chocolate bar to take home. Cacao Scouts Bingo is $6 per person; story time is free. Space is limited so it’s recommended to reserve spots in advance. Check the website for specifics and times.

Taza Chocolate Factory is at 156 Windsor St., Somerville. Store hours are Monday thru Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Weekends 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Check the website (tazachocolate.com) for tour dates and times.

2.

3. Hebert Candy Mansion The Tudor Style mansion on Route 20 in Shrewsbury might look like a big, old house, but inside, it’s a chocolate-lover’s dream come true. Affectionately known as the Candy Mansion, it became the first roadside retail confectionary operation in the United States and is still home to all Hebert Candies operations today.

The mansion evokes a sense of nostalgia. Visitors sample chocolates, peruse treats, or take a peek through the window to the Geneva room, where fresh chocolates are made daily. The Candy Mansion is Hebert’s sole retail outlet, and also its production facility, where 50,000 bars are made per day.

One of the most popular attractions for little ones at the Candy Mansion is Hebert’s “Candy Camp” where children can create their own chocolate crafts. It ends with a trip though the famous Sundae Bar, where kids can top their choice of ice cream flavor with over 30 delicious toppings. Candy Camps last about an hour and are for ages 5+.

The Hebert Candy Mansion is at 547 Hartford Turnpike (Route 20), Shrewsbury. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., and Sunday 12- 5 p.m. For details on Candy Camps visit hebertcandies.com.

20 FEBRUARY2019

3.

4. Harvard Square Chocolate Tour Off The Beaten Path Food Tours, a Somerville company that offers several different foodie tours highlighting local hidden gems, has a 90-minute bean-to-bar chocolate adventure through Cambridge’s historic Harvard Square. Tour-goers hear interesting stories about the Square, learn fun facts about chocolate, and sample the best and most interesting chocolatey treats around.

Each tour includes 4-6 stops with plenty of treats. Guests learn how to taste chocolate, sample ice cream, chocolate tea, cacao juice and roasted cacao beans. With less than a mile walking, it’s definitely kid-friendly, particularly the 2 p.m. afternoon tour. Offered on Fridays and Saturdays, $35 per person.

The Chocolate Tour meets in Harvard Square, Cambridge. For details on dates and times and to book, visit offthebeatenpathfoodtours.com.

5. Saturday Chocolate Bar at The Langham Boston

4.

The iconic Saturday Chocolate Bar at The Langham, Boston is a Willy Wonka-esque experience of all things chocolate. This extravagant all-you-can-eat all-dessert brunch delights sweet lovers of all ages.

Since its conception in 1988, the Chocolate Bar has grown from a small dessert display to the more than 100 plus desserts that it offers today, including nostalgic treats and classic indulgences. Impressive chocolate sculptures, interactive culinary stations and a Donut Wall are all part of the buffet. There’s also an ice cream cold stone to create custom-mixed frozen treats, chocolate fountains with fresh fruit, pretzels, and marshmallows for dipping, a warm cookies and cold milk display, plus a Kids Station featuring simpler takes on baked goods such as cookies, brownies, blondies and Rice Krispies treats.

Classic cocktails and live music set the tone for a truly decadent experience.

The Saturday Chocolate Bar at The Langham, Boston, 250 Franklin St., Boston, is offered every Saturday until March 23 with four seatings each Saturday – 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Reservations are encouraged http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/boston/. Adults $45, kids 5-12 $35, and children under 5 free.

5.

BAYSTATEPARENT 21

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agenda

facts and freebies tuesday

monday

4

5

wednesday

6 {FREEBIE}

thurs

7

How sweet is this? Head over to our Facebook page for a chance to win two dozen personalized photo cookies from Wicked Good Cookies ($60+ value)! Yummy!

11{FACT} Encourage your little one to eat lunch with someone new today -it’s National Make a Friend Day!

18 25{FREEBIE}

Get cooking! Win a copy of The Easy Family Cookbook, packed with more than 100 easy-to-make family recipes, ideas for “table talk,” and a fold-out meal planner.

22 FEBRUARY2019

12{FREEBIE} What could be cuter than seeing your adorable kid off to school proudly toting a packed lunch in an (almost) as adorable cat-themed lunchbox.

Win this vacuuminsulated, leak-resistant Vaya lunch box that keeps food hot or cold, no need for refrigeration.

13 20 {FACT}

14 {FAC Nearly $1.8 billion is estimated to be spent on candy and chocolate for Valentine’s Day this year.

Holy cacao!

21

Give Rover an extra bone today for National Love Your Pet Day!

27

28 {FAC Blast from the past: Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” hit No. 1 on the charts on this day in 1998.

Starting on the date the prize appears, go to our page to enter for your chance to win.

sday

CT}

CT}

friday

1 {FACT}

Heart disease and stroke kill one in three women. These diseases are 80 percent preventable according to Go Red for Women. Wear RED today to raise awareness for women’s heart health.

8 15 22{FREEBIE} The heroic pups from PAW Patrol will bring PAW Patrol Live!

“Race to the Rescue” to the Boch Center Wang Theatre next month. Here’s your chance to win tickets to this music-filled production!

BAYSTATEPARENT 23

#m

mLife

News, Tips & Advice for Bay State Mamas

AAP: More Perinatal Depression Screening, Referrals Needed

M

aternal depression can affect a baby’s health before and after birth, and it is one of the most common – and costly – obstetric complications in the United States when left undiagnosed and untreated,

according to a report released by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In its updated policy statement, the AAP recently renewed its call for physicians to screen women for depression during and after pregnancy and details the health implications for children.

“When we are able to help a mother deal with her mental health, we are essentially reaching the whole family,” said Marian Earls, MD, FAAP, a lead author of the report. “We hope to create a protective buffer for the baby while strength-

ening family relationships and wellbeing.”

An estimated 50 percent of women who are depressed during and after pregnancy are undiagnosed and untreated, according to research cited in the report. When left untreated, perinatal depression can hinder bonding and healthy attachment, distort perception of the infant’s behavior and impair the mother’s attention to and judgment concerning safety.

Perinatal depression has typically referred to a period of time when symptoms appear

Whine Down: A Cheeky Children’s Book-Style Book for Moms A new book for moms hilariously captures the realities of motherhood, and why it’s okay to prioritize your “me time.” Written by a mom of three, Ashley P. Smith, “Whine Down” is a light-hearted children’s-style book for adults that shows the realities of mom life.

A former medical device sales representative, Smith has become a motivational speaker.

“Whine Down” is about more than a book: Smith wants to create a global movement.

“The basis for ‘Whine Down’ came from a 2 a.m. rant I typed on my phone while nursing my son,” Smith said. “I shared the rant with a few of my mom friends, and it really took off. I realized I wasn’t alone, and that other moms were having the same struggles.”

From that 2 a.m. rant came the beginnings of the “Whine Down” book. Smith is using the book as a platform to spread her message.

“I want to create a movement and awareness for mom self-care,” Smith said. “Motherhood can be so overwhelming. We’re hard-wired to be givers, doers, and nurturers. ‘Whine Down’ is helping women embrace the art of selfishness, and making more time for themselves.”

Smith’s goal is to help mothers across the world find 20 minutes a day for positivity, self-love, and kindness.

Whine Down is available at http://www.whinedowntime.com or Amazon.

24 FEBRUARY2019

anytime during pregnancy or within four weeks of delivery.

More recently, some professional organizations have expanded the time period to include the full 12 months following delivery. The report finds that an estimated 15 to 20 percent of new mothers are affected by perinatal depression, an umbrella term that includes forms of prenatal and postpartum depression.

Emerging research also has begun to examine the importance and influence of a father’s emotional state on a child’s early development and well-being. “Fathers also experience a high rate of postpartum depression and need to be supported, identified and referred for treatment,” said Michael Yogman, MD, FAAP, a coauthor.

AAP recommends that mothers are screened for depression once during pregnancy, and that pediatricians screen mothers during the infant’s well visits at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Pediatricians are also encouraged to work with prenatal health providers to identify systems of support for the patients and identify communi-

ty resources.

“We know that postpartum depression can be a form of toxic stress that can affect an infant’s brain development and cause problems with family relationships, breastfeeding and the child’s medical treatment,” said Jason Rafferty, MD, MPH, EdM, FAAP, a coauthor. “Pediatricians are in a unique position to help identify parents in need of extra support.”

Many factors play into risk of perinatal depression, including family and personal history, substance use, marital discord, family violence, isolation, poverty, difficult infant temperament, young maternal age and chronic illness. Risk is also higher for teen mothers, mothers with multiple births and preterm births, as well as those undergoing stressful transitions, such as returning to work.

“We have made strides in the past 10 years in education and screening parents for depression,” Dr. Earls said. “But more work needs to be done, in tackling the stigma associated with mental illness and steering families to the right support.”

talking

Back MASSACHUSETTS

Mass Among Best States to Raise a Family, Study Says Personal finance website WalletHub has placed Massachusetts at No. 2 in their recent rundown, “2019’s Best & Worst States to Raise a Family.”

The report compared the 50 states across 49 indicators of family-friendliness including quality of public schools, affordable housing, child care costs, crime and divorce rates to rank them in order from best to worst to raise a healthy, stable family.

Among the highlights for living in

Massachusetts include having the third lowest infant mortality rate and the 12th lowest percentage of families in poverty, according to the study.

However, the Bay State did reportedly have the fourth highest child care costs based on median family income.

Minnesota was the only state to best the Bay State, earning the top spot overall. The Land of 10,000 Lakes boasts the highest adjusted median family salary and the third lowest divorce rate.

What’s one thing about parenthood that nobody prepared you for?

The loss of freedom.

-Dawn F. Boys and bathrooms.

-Kim B. When they get their driver’s license.

-Amy M. The amount of times I would need to remind my teen son to wear deodorant!

-Lindsey P. How much snot can come out of one tiny little human.

-Elaine H.

That I would never be the same person I was before!

-Sarah E. That even as adults you still parent them.

-Christine G. How much junk they collect and won’t let you throw away! They are little hoarders!

-Deb M. Sibling bickering.

All the love and pains.

It’s unfathomable.

-Jess J. How tough it would be to co-parent.

-Colleen M. Everyone’s opinions on how we should raise our children.

-Anitra S. How quickly they grow up, but how the worrying never ends.

-Karen W.

-Debby F.

Join the conversation at Facebook.com/baystateparent.

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bites

GOOSE’S GOODIES • NUTRITION • FOOD FOR THOUGHT BAYSTATEPARENT 27

Bites

Food for

Thought Sugary Cereal Ads May Be

Upping Kids’ Health Risks A staggering $120 million is spent per year marketing high-sugar breakfast cereals to children on TV, and a new study says these ads are putting kids at risk for health problems. A poor diet, including too much sugar, can lead to obesity, a known risk factor for 13 cancers.

“One factor believed to contribute to children’s poor quality diets is the marketing of nutritionally-poor foods directly to children,” says Jennifer Emond, PhD, member of the Cancer Control research program at Dartmouth’s Norris Cotton Cancer Center and the lead author on the study by the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. “Brands specifically target children in their advertising knowing that children will ask their parents for those products.”

The research, which found that kids requested and then enjoyed the sugary brands they have seen recently promoted on their screen, proves that there is indeed a link between advertising and consumer’s choices -- even when it comes to kids.

The problem is, the brands most frequently marketed to children -- designed to attract their attention with animation, mascots, characters, and themes of fun -- far exceed recommended sugar limits. Children’s eating habits develop during the preschool years and children who are overweight by the age of five are likely to remain overweight into adolescence and adulthood.

“Child-targeted marketing of foods high in sugar makes it hard for parents to shape healthy eating habits in our kids. It’s hard to even notice sometimes,” says Edmond. “Efforts to promote and support quality diets at a young age are important to foster the lifestyle behaviors needed to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease including many cancers.”

Reducing the marketing of high-sugar foods to children may ultimately improve diet quality and reduce the risk of obesity and related chronic diseases among children at the population level, the study says.

Super Bowl Sunday: 2nd Biggest ‘Food Holiday’ of the Year The Mind-Boggling Amount of Food We Eat for the Big Game Don’t put those stretchy pants away just yet. Aside from Thanksgiving, Americans eat more on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year.

Here’s what, and how much, people will be eating when they sit down to watch the big game (or the commercials).

• Pizza: Americans will order 12.5 million pizzas on Super Bowl Sunday. The most popular topping is pepperoni, and peak ordering time is exactly one hour before kick-off.

• Chicken Wings: A lot of chicken wings.

We’re talking 1.3 billion (yes, with a b) will be eaten across the U.S. If you ate 2 wings per minute, it would take you 1,265 years, 80 days, 7 hours and 12 minutes to eat them all!

Sa ge Kiwi

Trending: FoodThemed Baby Names 28 FEBRUARY2019

BabyCenter recently released its ranking of popular baby names in 2018, with Sophia and Jackson topping the list. No surprise there - the names have reigned as favorites for the last six and nine years, respectively.

But there were some unexpected trends in 2018, like a surge in names inspired by food, or as BabyCenter labeled the upswing, “names you can taste.” For girls, the name Kale was

• Chips: According to Nielsen, Americans spend $277 million on potato chips and $225 million on tortilla chips in the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.

up 35 percent, Kiwi was up 40 percent, Maple was up 32 percent and Clementine was up 15 percent. Herbs and spices were also on the rise for both boys and girls. Saffron up 31 percent for girls, Rosemary up 20 percent for girls, and Sage up 15 percent for boys.

Though rising in popularity, none of the food-themed names broke the top 10, or even the top 100. Only two new

• Avocados: Gotta have something to dip all those chip in, right?

Americans will eat over 100 million pounds of them on game day -- holy guacamole!

• Burgers: The weekend of the Super Bowl is the second biggest grilling weekend of the year, after the 4th of July. Nearly 14 million burgers will be grilled up for the game.

• Cheese: Over $70 million will be spent on cheese for this one day.

• Popcorn: Americans will eat about 3.8 million pounds of popcorn while watching the big game.

• Drinks: It’s estimated that $1.2 billion is spent on beer, $594 million on wine, and $503 on liquor for the Super Bowl.

Sources: Nielsen, Forbes, Premio Foods

names broke into the top 10: Oliver and Layla pushed out Logan and Zoe. Other hot trends BabyCenter noted in 2018? Zen names like Peace, Harmony, Hope and Rainbow; Fornite-inspired names like Rogue and Rameriez; and Kardashian/Jenner-influenced names such as Saint and Reign.

4

OH, YUM!

our fave

Meal time can be a struggle with kids.

These four finds can make dinner a little easier… and a lot more fun.

1.

2.

4.

1. Taco Truck

3. Mr. Food Face

This cool little tray can hold anything from sandwiches to -- you guessed it -- tacos.

Kids will love “driving” it around and taking a pit stop for a bite! Available on Amazon. $19.50 for 2-pack.

Who says you shouldn’t play with your food? This fun plate encourages kids to get creative and playful.

Available on Amazon and at uncommongoods.com. $12.

2. Miniware

3.

This tableware line for ages 4 months+ is made from plant-based materials like bamboo fiber. Products have interchangeable parts for different ages and meals.

A detachable suction foot reduces spills but comes off easily when the child no longer needs it. Available at miniware.com. $12-$36.

4. Sporkman Half chopsticks, half spork.

Let little ones eat however they choose with this fun utensil, and just maybe, they’ll try something new.

Available on Amazon. $9.99 for 2-pack.

BAYSTATEPARENT 29

G

randma Goose, as she’s called by her grandchildren, shares her recipe for homemade pancakes with a hint a sweetness. This recipe is adapted from the Food Network.

Bites

goose’s

Whole Wheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce

goodies

Ingredients • 3/4 cup all purpose flour • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 large eggs • 1 cup buttermilk • 1/2 cup milk • 2 tablespoons honey • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • Confectioners sugar (optional, for topping) For Strawberry Sauce • 16 oz strawberries • 2 tablespoons maple syrup • 1 teaspoon lemon juice Directions • Preheat skillet or griddle.

• In medium mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.

In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, milk, honey and vanilla.

Stir wet ingredients into dry, mixing only enough to combine ingredients.

Batter will be slightly lumpy, let batter rest for 5 minutes.

• Ladle batter into griddle or skillet.

Flip when pancake bubbles on top and bottom is golden brown.

Drizzle strawberry sauce on plate, top with pancakes and confectioners sugar.

To Make Strawberry Sauce Purée strawberries; mix in lemon juice and syrup. Warm in small saucepan.

Goose’s Helpful Hints • Buttermilk might not be something you often have on hand. You can buy a dried form (sold in the baking aisle) that you just need to add water to, and make amount needed for a recipe. Container keeps in fridge. Or, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk; stir and let sit for 5 minutes.

• While making pancakes, keep an oven-proof plate in the oven on low.

As pancakes are finished, keep them warm until your entire batch is done.

Use a cookie cutter to cut the pancakes into heart shapes for extra cuteness.

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Laurie Silva Collins is a nurse, mother and grandmother who is happiest when she’s in the kitchen, cooking and baking for those she loves. She learned to cook from her parents, and has perfected her recipes over the years while raising three daughters… and spoiling seven grandchildren.

Bites

ask the nutritiontist

Want to Curb Your Family’s Sugar Intake?

Check These 5 Foods in Your Pantry

BY LAUREN SHARIFI, RD LDN

Q

I’m trying to cut my family’s sugar intake, but it seems to be everywhere. Any tips on easy ways to reduce how much sugar we’re eating?

A

Sugar is a type of simple carbohydrate that can be found naturally in foods like fruits, grains, dairy products and vegetables. It can also be added into foods for flavor and to improve food quality and texture. I often recommend taking a good look over all the foods you and your family are consuming with added sugars first to see if there is somewhere you and your family could make changes. Start first with foods that may have “sneaky” added sugars where there may be a product that has a lower amount of added sugar where taste is not as largely impacted.

Here are the top 5 “sneaky” foods to take a look at in your pantry and some lower added sugar food product suggestions.

5. Cereals • Steel Cut, Old Fashioned or Plain Instant Oatmeal • Puffins Cereal • Plain Cheerios • Honey Bunches of Oats

1. Peanut Butter • Natural Peanut Butter (e.g. Teddy’s)

Lauren Sharifi is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and food blogger at biteofhealthnutrition.com.

Lauren works in private practice in Brighton at ASF-Peak Health (asfpeakhealth. com) and is passionate about helping individuals and families become competent eaters that find joy out of eating. Have a question for Lauren? Email BSPeditor@gatehousemedia. com.

2. Yogurt • Higher fat yogurts • Greek or Icelandic Style Yogurt 3. Canned/Dried Fruit • No Sugar Added Applesauce • Canned Fruit packed in its own juice • Dried fruit without added sugar (i.e. raisins, apricots) 4. Granola Bars • Kind, Rx Bars

Other: foods labeled as “low fat” like salad dressings, baked goods, crackers and sauces.

Often the fat of these products is taken out and is replaced with sugar for flavor. My recommendation is to go for the regular higher fat option instead.

I do caution parents to avoid “restricting” foods that your child enjoys and instead make simple swaps over time.

Completely restricting/avoiding “fun” foods that contain sugar like candy, cookies and other treats that your child enjoys may cause them to feel like they need to overindulge when they are out of the house.

BAYSTATEPARENT 31

OH, YUM!

Bay State Originals:

A Sampling of Made in Mass. Foods

BY DARA T. ALLEN

M

assachusetts is a state teeming in treasures.

Whether you are seeking an adventure in nature, a peek into history, or top-notch sports, the Bay State delivers. Tourists and residents alike flock to the beautiful beaches of the Cape in the summer or leisurely take in the beauty of the Berkshires come the fall. The

Fluff Somerville Ask for a fluffernutter anywhere outside of the northeast, and you’ll be met with a look of bewilderment. Fluff is a New England thing, and its sticky, gooey roots are right here in Massachusetts.

According to Durkee-Mower’s history of the beloved marshmallow cream, fluff dates back over a century when a Somerville man, Archibald Query, made and sold the sweet treat door-to-door in 1917. Shortages in the WWI era forced him to shut down, and by the time the

32 FEBRUARY2019

war was over, Archibald was uninterested in restarting his business… but (lucky for us) he was willing to sell his recipe. H. Allen Durkee and Fred L. Mower, both graduates of Swampscott High and veterans of the United States Infantry in World War I, pooled their savings and bought it for $500.

An early receipt in the company’s scrapbook showed that those first batches of Fluff sold for $1 a gallon. The men sold their product door-to-door until it gained enough popularity among locals to be placed on grocery store shelves. By 1929, they moved to a factory in East Lynn triple the size of what they had, and grew to ten employees.

After surviving the WWII era by cutting back and rationing, the Fluff business was booming again by 1950 when Durkee-Mower opened a new factory that was one of the most modern food manufacturing plants in the nation. Since then, “none of Durkee-Mower’s innovations have been as extensive as building a new factory, but there have been many changes to

capital itself is home to historic Fenway Park and some of the finest universities and museums in the country.

The Bay State boasts some tasty treasures, too. You might be surprised at how many foods and beverages were invented right here in Massachusetts. Check out just some of our state’s culinary creations and breakthrough beverages.

improve the package, improve efficiency and reduce costs, all designed to make a good product better and less expensive,” according to the history. This includes everything from larger plastic jars to new recipes using Fluff like fudge and cheesecake.

Fluff is now enjoyed in Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Holland, Israel, south Africa, Belgium, and the UAE. However, there are still places in the U.S. where it’s not sold, but can be ordered online.

But no one appreciates Fluff like a Bay Stater. Did you know there’s an annual festival celebrating the invention of this sweet, sticky treat?

Each year, the “What The Fluff” festival is held in Somerville, featuring activities like fluff jousting with pool noodles, fluff hair-dos, a cooking competition and more. Nine months of preparation go into planning for the celebration that also includes a Shenanigans Stage hosted by Mike Katz, an Archibald Query impersonator, fancy costumes, fluff ice cream cones and other treats, and music by the Flufettes.

Are you a Fluff lover? Mark your calendar: this year’s What the Fluff Festival festival will be held September 21.

Cape Cod Potato Chips Hyannis Steve Bernard had no real knowledge of the food industry, but after his wife, Lynn, opened a natural foods store in 1970, he wanted to make a healthier alternative to the classic potato chip. With an industrial potato slicer and storefront in Hyannis, he started Cape Cod Potato Chips in 1980.

The kettle-cooked chips were crunchier in texture with clusters of flavor, and all natural: just potatoes, oil, and salt.

According to a 2009 article in the New York Times, “He knew nothing about making potato chips, and the company, which opened on July 4, 1980, was in dire straits the next winter when what seemed to be a disaster turned out to be its salvation. An out-ofcontrol car drove through

the front window, where his daughter, then 8, had been standing minutes before. Mr. Bernard was distraught, his daughter said, until an oblivious customer walked in through the wreckage and ordered a bag of chips. ‘And he thought, ‘Well, maybe there’s a way,’’ she said.”

Eventually sales picked up, Cape Cod chips made their way to grocery store shelves, and by 1986 the company was selling 80,000 bags a day.

The company was sold to AnheuserBusch in 1985. Bernard bought back the company ten years later, but later sold it again. Cape Cod chips has changed hands several times over the years -most recently purchased by Campbell Soup in 2017 -- but its roots remain local. Each bag is still decorated with the Nauset Light lighthouse, which is emblematic of Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory is located at 100 Breed’s Hill Rd. in Hyannis and is open weekdays for free, self-guided tours...and a complimentary bag bag of chips. More than 250,000 people visit each year to see how the crunchy chips are made.

Friendly’s Springfield What began as a neighborhood ice cream shop started by two young brothers during the worst economic time in U.S. history has since grown into a company of more than 500 restaurants that manufactures million of gallons of ice cream each year.

In 1935 18-year-old Curtis L. Blake and his 20-year-old brother Prestley “Pres” opened Friendly Ice Cream Shop in Springfield. They sold double-dipped cones for 5 cents.

“When the Blake brothers first opened the Friendly Ice Cream shop, the young entrepreneurs only sold ice cream,” said spokesperson Bill Chicarelli.

“However, given customer demand, they expanded the menu.”

When they opened a second location in West Springfield in 1940, the Blakes added burgers to their offerings.

Things took off from there.

In 1950 Friendly’s became the first restaurant in New England to introduce the “take home” half gallon of ice cream, and by 1951 there were 10 restaurants operating in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The growing company

moved to its current headquarters in Wilbraham in 1960, where an adjacent creamery makes the ice cream that still serves much of the Friendly system.

In 1941, the restaurant introduced one of its signature ice cream creations, the Banana Imperial, Friendly’s version of the banana split. In 1969, the dessert was given its iconic name, the Jim Dandy.

In 1965, Friendly’s introduced its super-thick milkshake. Following an employee contest to find a name for the shake, it was launched as the Fribble in 1977.

Since New England consumes more ice cream than any other region of the U.S., it was only natural that Friendly’s would expand into retail. In 1989, Friendly’s began selling its ice cream in grocery stores. Today, Friendly’s Ice Cream is sold in more than 4000 retail outlets.

Eighty-four years after those first cones were sold, there are now over 200 restaurants -- including 45 in Massachusetts -- with menu offerings that range from pancakes and omelettes to clam strips and salads.

The brand serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and now offers catering. The newest Friendly’s opened in November of 2017 in Marlborough, and even has a drive-thru.

ucts are kosher certified and offer gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free options. They also roast their own coffee and have full espresso bars as well as baked goods and carry a variety soft and hard frozen yogurt.

Harmony Springs Ludlow

J.P. Licks Jamaica Plain While in college in Pennsylvania, J.P Licks founder Vince Petryk worked in an ice cream shop and realized he liked the way that ice cream made people feel.

Armed with determination, grit and loyalty, Petryk set out to open his own ice cream shop in the Bay State in 1981.

Al Cripps, currently Head of IT/ Director of Coffee Roasting at J.P. Licks, helped Vince build the very first store in Jamaica Plain. “It had a pine floor that no matter how often we refinished it, always wore out and turned grey.

The back wall had exposed brick that Vince spent weeks wire brushing clean by hand. In the front window there was a huge, gas-fired carousel, homemade waffle cone maker along with counter seating. It was about half the size of our current Coolidge Corner store. The ice cream was made in the basement

by Don Hernstrom who is still here, helping to make our ice cream. Vince’s office was also in the basement. Instead of our chalkboards, the ice cream flavors and menus were written on paper plates hanging behind the counter.”

Today J.P. Licks has a total of 16 stores, seven within Boston and the rest in surrounding towns like Somerville, Cambridge, Newton, Dedham, and Lynnfield. Many J.P. Licks stores showcase the work of local artists as a way to help them get their work seen by and sold to the public.

All J.P Licks locations and prod-

after, the familiar ready-to-use teardrop shaped “morsels” were introduced.

Ruth’s original recipe is still featured on the Nestle website and remains the most visited recipe.

The Toll House Inn burned down in 1984, but the legacy of the chocolate chip cookie lives on in Whitman.

Toll House Cookies Whitman One of America’s favorite cookies turned out by accident. The story of chocolate chip cookies begins in 1936 with Ruth Wakefield, who ran the successful Toll House restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts.

“One day, while baking a batch of Butter Drop Dough cookies, a favorite recipe dating back to colonial times, Wakefield broke a bar of semi-sweet chocolate into tiny pieces and added them to the dough expecting to create a chocolate cookie. Instead, the semi-sweet bits held their shape and softened to a delicate creamy texture,” according to Nestle’s history.

Ruth’s “Toll House Crunch Cookie” recipe was published in a Boston newspaper and quickly became the trending cookie recipe everyone was baking.

Realizing a way to make the Wakefield’s Toll House cookie recipe easier for bakers, in 1939, Nestlé scored its semi-sweet chocolate bars into 160 right size pieces especially for Nestlé Toll House cookies. Shortly

Originally founded in 1908 in Northampton, Harmony Springs, Inc. is a small women-owned business that bottles and distributes gourmet soda.

The original owner moved the business to Ludlow in 1948 where he discovered an artesian well and was able to use the purest water for his soda.

Current owner Lisa Kloc, who purchased the beverage business with Janet Lajca, was drawn to the product.

“We both saw that it had a very unique, old fashion product that’s almost impossible to duplicate today, with great potential for expansion,” she said.

The two grew the business from delivery-only by visiting local stores and craft shows and handing out free samples. Today, their products include over 20 flavors and can be found in many fine dining institutions throughout New England and on the shelves at major chains such as Target and the Biy Y to name a few.

“Harmony Springs only uses the finest natural flavoring in our sodas and seltzers, blended with 100% pure cane sugar,” said Kloc. “This is further enhanced by adding our very own pure artesian well water in each bottle, which brings out the true, unbeatable taste of Harmony Spring soda and seltzer.”

Dunkin Donuts Quincy How many times have you been to Dunkins? Your Massachusetts city or town may even have more than one.

Today the bright pink and orange letters are immediately recognizable.

If “America runs on Dunkin’” then it started in Massachusetts first. If you have ever visited Quincy, you may just have visited the very first

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Dunkins.

The story of Dunkin’ Donuts began in 1948 with a donut and coffee restaurant in Quincy, called “Open Kettle,” where founder William Rosenberg served donuts for 5 cents and premium cups of coffee for 10 cents, according to their website. He renamed his restaurant “Dunkin’ Donuts” in 1950 with the goal to “make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well merchandised stores.”

In 1955, the first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise opened, and within ten years, there were over 100 shops. Today, the

brand has grown to more than 12,400 restaurants in 46 countries, and serves approximately 2 billion cups of hot and iced coffee every year!

Things have certainly evolved since that first donut shop opened in Quincy -- the iconic “Munchkin” donut holes were introduced in 1972, coffees and espresso drinks come in a host of flavors, and the menu includes a number of breakfast sandwiches and bakery products. But some things haven’t changed: Today, Dunkin’ Donuts still uses the original proprietary coffee blend recipe established by its founder.

Dara T. Allen lives with her family in a small town west of Boston. Among other things, she loves writing, a great story, a pelting rainstorm, and a Starbucks soy latte.

Other Made in Mass Foods & Drinks • Hood was founded in Charlestown in 1846.

• Worcester-based Polar Beverages was started in 1882.

• Garelick Farms was founded in 1931 in Franklin.

• Sam Adams is made by Boston Beer Company, found ed in 1984 in Boston.

• D’Angelo Sandwich Shops first opened in Dedham in 1967.

• Papa Gino’s started in East Boston in 1961.

• Fig Newtons, named for the town of Newton, were first mass produced in Cambridge.

• Worcester-based Table Talk Pies was founded in 1924.

• Ocean Spray was formed in 1930, in Hanson, Massachusetts, by three cran berry growers who wanted to expand their market for cranberries.

• Cains Mayonnaise has its roots in Boston. John Cain started his business as a cheese company in 1914 in Fanueil Hall Marketplace.

• New England Coffee was first introduced in Boston, and is now based in Malden.

• Boston Cream Pie was first served in 1856 at a hotel in Boston.

• Near East, the makers of boxed rice pilaf, started in 1962 in Worcester by a family who had immigrated from Armenia.

• Ken’s Salad Dressing takes it name from Ken’s Steak House, a Framingham restaurant founded in 1941. As the restaurant grew, locals began to request that they bottle their dressings for sale.

34 FEBRUARY2019

OH, YUM!

Play With Your Food!

Make-at-Home

Play Dough

S

culpting, squishing, rolling, kneading, molding.

There is so much you can do with Play-Doh. Almost everyone can remember that salty smell when peeling open a fresh batch, and the hours of fun in each little yellow can. The simple childhood staple remains as popular with little ones today as when it was first sold over 60 years ago, but Play-Doh wasn’t actually invented for play.

According to the Museum of Play, the soft, malleable dough made from salt, water and flour was actually in homes for 20 years before it was considered a “plaything.”

In the 1930s, the compound was first sold as wallpaper cleaner. In the ‘50s, its maker Joe McVicker, was convinced by his school teacher sister-in-law to rebrand the product as a handicraft play object. McVicker shipped some clay to her school, and after teachers and kids raved, he offered to supply the product to all Cincinnati schools. He later took the modeling clay to a national education convention where Macy’s and Marshall Field’s took note. By 1956, the wallpaper cleaner had become Play-Doh.

Play Dough

Turns out, the dough is pretty easy to make at home.

With just five ingredients, you can whip up a batch of the iconic squishy stuff. A little childhood nostalgia for you, and a lot of doughy fun for your kids.

• 2 cups flour • 3/4 cups salt • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar • 2 cups lukewarm water • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil • Food coloring (optional) • In a large pot, stir together the flour, salt and cream of tartar.

Next add the water and oil. If you’re only making one color, add in the the color now.

• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the dough thickens and begins to form into a ball. Remove from heat and place the dough inside a gallon sized bag or onto wax paper.

Allow to cool slightly, then knead it until smooth.

• To add colors, divide the dough into balls for how many colors you want, and put each ball into a quart sized bag. Add about 5 drops of food coloring and knead the dough while inside the bag.

If you want a brighter color, add more food coloring.

• Store the dough in airtight bags to keep it soft. Play Dough should keep for up to 3 months.

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VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

‘Your Special Chef’ Helps Makes Cooking Easier for All

Website Offers Visual Recipes and Adaptive Kitchen Techniques

BY JAMIE LOBER

Y

our Special Chef, a website created by then-high school senior Anna Moyer in 2010, started as a means to help those with special needs navigate the kitchen. Years later, it’s evolved into some-

36 FEBRUARY2019

thing much more.

Moyer, who is currently completing her PhD in human genetics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, worked with an occupational therapist and life skills teacher to create recipes and lesson plans for

individuals with disabilities, a population Moyer felt was underrepresented. “I was motivated to develop the website because at the time there were few free resources available to teach cooking skills to individuals with disabilities,” said

Moyer.

For Moyer, the mission was personal. Her brother, Sam, was born with Down syndrome when she was 3 years-old.

“Having a sibling with a disability was one of the most enriching and challenging

parts of my childhood,” said Moyer. While she does not have a formal background in special education or occupational therapy, she had many years working with her brother and understanding his learning style and what accommoda-

and the goal is to prepare meals without assistance. For some, mastering the art of cooking can lead to a better chance at employment in food industries or help to save money because of eating out less often.

“A lack of resources may still prevent some individuals from reaching their highest level of independence as adults so I hope that creating this website is one tiny step in the right direction,” said Moyer. “Cooking incorporates more traditional educational goals like improving reading or math skills and is also fun and an opportunity for social interaction,” said Moyer.

Safety is of utmost importance. “Individuals should be taught to wash their hands before and after touching food and should also learn how to identify hazards like heat and sharp blades,” said Moyer.

Some kids will need a helping hand whereas others you can step to the side and watch them at work.

“Teachers can incorporate functional and adaptive skills from their students’ IEP goals into cooking lessons,” said Moyer. Start easy and work your way up to harder recipes. “Be patient and expect to make a mess.”

There are adaptive tools out there to make cooking safer and easier. “A plastic lettuce knife can often be used in place of a chef’s knife to reduce the risk of accidental cuts and measuring spoons and cups can be color-codtions were most helpful to be the ed and matched with a colbest teacher. or-coded recipe,” said Moyer.

Moyer developed Your Special Adaptations of course depend Chef as a website with recipes to on the needs of the child. facilitate teaching basic cooking “I honestly believe that every skills. To modify recipe, Moyer uses a technique called “task anal- individual is equally gifted but ysis” that breaks down the cooking identifying those gifts may be more challenging in people process into a series of discrete with disabilities,” said Moyer. steps, each visualized with a picFor example Moyer commentture of the task and short verbal ed on her brother’s knack for description. being social, empathetic and There are a variety of recipes to choose from and all do not involve open. “I approach teaching him with the mindset that he a stove or knives. Some take senhas something to teach me sory differences or allergies into in return so when I show him account. Visitors can explore how to cook a sandwich perphoto recipes for drinks, snacks, haps he will teach me about sides, main dishes, and desserts. perseverance or problem solvThere is also a recipe creator, ing,” said Moyer. “People with where visitors to the site can credisabilities do have a distinct ate their own visual recipe guide set of needs but they are more by dragging and dropping in picalike than different and they, tures of ingredients and steps. like everyone else, need to be “Lately I have been taking treated with kindness, dignity requests for new recipes via the website survey and I also post new and respect.”

“We hope that understanding recipes that others develop using differences in brain developthe custom recipe creator,” said ment will one day lead to betMoyer. ter treatments for people with Cooking is about independence

intellectual disabilities,” said Moyer.

Visit the yourspecialchef.net and join the Your Special Chef email list to receive updates about new features. Any special requests or comments can be sent to Anna Moyer at anna.moyer@gmail.com.

Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (getpinkpower.com), writes on women’s and pediatric health topics. She can be reached at jamie@getpinkpower.com.

Adaptive Cooking Tools These are some ideas from Your Special Chef for adapting kitchen equipment to make cooking and safer and easier for people with disabilities.

Easier-to-Use Utensils Tongs: These can be operated with one hand and can help strengthen fine motor skills or help flip pancakes over a hot griddle.

Non-Skid: Many cooking supplies from mixing bowls to cutting baords are available with non-skid surfaces which prevent them from sliding around while you’re cooking.

Functional Tools: Tools that serve a specific purpose in the kitchen to make common tasks easier include jar openers, can drainers, a flexible scoops.

These specialized tools can be used hand-over-hand until the individual is comfortable with using the device independently.

Safer-to-Use Tools Cutting: Moyer says plastic lettuce knives work great for most recipes involving cutting.

They have no sharp blade, cut most fruits and veggies, and are available in many styles.

Opening: Opening packages and cans can tough. OXO makes a Smooth Edge Opener that leave cans without a sharp edge and Copco makes a bag opener that’s blade is only exposed when it is fully closed over a bag.

Easier-to-Understand Tools: Some aspects like measuring can be difficult. Look for measuring cups with big, easy-toread labels or even ones that are color-coded.

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‘The Family Dinner Project’ Offers Ways to Reunite Parents and Kids at the Table

BY JOAN GOODCHILD

OH, YUM!

Bringing Back the Family Dinner Tradition 38 FEBRUARY2019

The benefits of dining together regularly as a family are thoroughly backed by research.

Studies find that families who dine together save money. The shared experience also encourages kids make healthier food choices and stress levels are lower among all members of the families who eat as a unit.

Despite the evidence touting the many benefits of family dinners, making time to sit down together is not as common for families these days as it used to be. As a child myself, I recall a strict six o’clock sit down each evening with my own family to enjoy food and conversation.

A recent discussion about this with my former neighbor, Kathy Oliver, now a grandmother living in Goffstown, NH, brought up similar good memories.

“My husband and I both come from families in which dinner time was family time and a time to share with each other - and with whichever friends, neighbors or extended family were within distance of (Mom) yelling ‘Dinner’s ready!’” Oliver reminisced.

But the tradition of eating together is no longer as common as the days Oliver remembers. A survey from food manufacturing giant Conagra recently found that 40 percent of American families eat dinner together only three or fewer times a week, with 10 percent never eating dinner together at all.

Those who do manage to find an hour to carve out for dinner together agree it is precious time spent.

“Our family has dinner together at least four nights per week,” said Doris Buckley, a Plaistow, NH mom of three children. “This time is essential for our family to reconnect and share our lives together during the busy school and work week. This time helps

us communicate with one another and engage in meaningful conversation.”

The diminishing trend of families eating together is one The Family Dinner Project wants to change. A nonprofit organization currently operating from the offices of Project Zero at Harvard University, their mission is to give families the tools to make family dining happen more often.

“Through families, we understand what gets in the way of family dinners, and we offer programs and practical tips -- many from families themselves -- to help families get the dinners they want,” said Lynn Barendsen, Executive Director of The Family Dinner Project. “For us, the key is to forget about ‘perfect’ and focus on modest goals and small steps.”

The Family Dinner Project was initially created by Shelly London, a retired senior corporate executive who developed several social impact initiatives while serving as a fellow in Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative, a program for senior leaders who want to go from their primary career to a life of service. She brought together men and women from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds with a shared knowledge of the power of family dinners, said Barendsen.

“Research links regular family meals with the kinds of behaviors parents want for their children: healthier eating habits, of course, but also reduction of high-risk teenage behaviors such as drug use and teen pregnancy, lower rates of depression and anxiety, stronger resilience and self-esteem, and even high-

er grade-point averages,” she noted. “Talking with kids at dinner is even more effective at building vocabulary than reading aloud.”

The Family Dinner Project offers a website with many take-aways families can use to get started with more nights of eating together weekly. Tools include conversation starters to use with kids of all ages, games that can be played during the time together, expert advice on solving dinnertime challenges, ideas for fun with food prep, easy recipes ideas, and ways to use what you’ve got so that the age-old “there’s nothing to eat” complaint won’t get in the way of creating a meal for togetherness.

The website notes that while researchers find that families who eat dinner together five nights a week reap great benefits, but there is no magic number, nor is dinner inherently preferable to other meals. If your family finds breakfast or weekend lunches easier meals for a gathering, then these could also “count.” From nutrition to quality time together, it is a win for all involved, said Barendsen.

“Families tell us that they come to The Family Dinner Project for the food, but they stay for the conversation and fun -- the family bonding.”

You can find more tips and advice for building family dinner time into your life at www.thefamilydinnerproject.org.

Simply Well

CONVERSATIONS TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY AND WELL

Get recipes, parenting tips and more delivered right to your inbox.

Follow today: www.umassmemorial.org/simplywell Conversations to Keep You Healthy and Well

Joan Goodchild is a veteran writer and editor and mom of two living in Central Massachusetts.

Dinnertime Conversation Starters According to The Family Dinner Project, “a well-worded question is the quickest way to connect after a long day.” They offer a page of conversation starters with the hope the queries will “spark a deeper conversation about things that matter to you.” Here’s a peek at some of their “starters,” broken down by age.

Ages 2-7 • If you joined the circus, what would your circus act be?

• Name five people you love most in the world and why?

(Animals OK, too.)

• Tell me about two things you felt grateful for today.

Ages 8-13 • Make up three silly new traditions for our family. What would they be?

• What’s the best vacation you

ever had? Or the best you can imagine?

• If you were a teacher and could teach your students anything, what would you teach them?

Ages 14+ • What’s the best year of your life so far? Explain.

• How is this year at school different than last year?

• What political freedoms have you witnessed come to fruition in your lifetime?

BAYSTATEPARENT 39

OH, YUM!

GET COOKING

Culinary Classes and FoodThemed Parties for Kids

K

ids who have mastered just basic cooking skills in their youth are more likely to make healthier choices as adults, research says. In fact, results from a decade-long by the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health found that young people with at least “adequate” cooking skills were more likely to prepare to prepare meals with vegetables and less likely to eat fast food 10 years later. And those 40 FEBRUARY2019

who went on to have children were more likely to sit down with them to regular family meals—which previous studies have already linked to eating more vegetables and fewer processed foods. So it’s safe to say, kids in the kitchen is a good thing.

Cooking together at home is one way to introduce children to what goes into making a meal, but there are lots of culinary classes geared towards kids, too. A cooking class can make for a fun kitchen experience for kids, and inspire a

new interest in and appreciation for what they eat and how it’s made.

Here’s six local places for your little sous chef to gain some culinary chops, or party spots for where young foodies can celebrate their love of cooking.

Kids Cooking Green Lori Deliso and Liza Connolly met while volunteering at the Lexington Farmers’ Market,

and bonded over their shared passion for food. Years as professional chefs in restaurant kitchens, traveling, cooking and eating in Italy and, most importantly, cooking and eating with their own families led them to start a locally-inspired culinary program, Kids Cooking Green, 12 years ago.

Kids Cooking Green offers classes and activities introducing children to the importance of eating locally grown food.

Through hands-on cooking and lively classroom presentations, students learn about nutrition and the positive impact eating locally can have on the environment, and their bodies.

They teach in public schools and summer camps, and host classes and birthday parties at their teaching kitchen in Lexington. From a five-week dinner party class to a one day “Cupcake War,” they have offerings for children from preschool-age through high school. Some of the classes are free (registration is necessary and limited) and some are feebased.

Along with an array one-day class offerings, Kids Cooking Green will host 3-day February Vacation cooking camp children in grades 1-5 where kids can dig into a pizza making morning, breakfast for lunch and a pasta party, and two weeklong summer cooking workshops in Wilmington and Lexington.

Details on parties, classes and camps is at kidscookinggreen.com.

Cooking Up Culture Through the medium of cuisine, Cooking Up Culture teaches kids about a country’s geography, climate, culture and customs. This program, for kids and teens ages 8-18, takes place in the Culinary Arts Department at Boston University and is taught by a BU professor. These hands-on cooking programs introduce students to cuisines from around the world, providing a culinary trek across the globe cooking authentic recipes with local ingredients while learning basic techniques. Recent classes covered the countries of China and Kenya.

This spring they will offer a class on Drip Cakes. Students will learn how to fill and frost a layer cake and prepare decorations like colored meringues and multicolored chocolate bark. The cakes will then be finished with gorgeous drip

icing and topped with lots of candy, meringues and chocolate. Each child will even leave the class with his or her own cake. Cost is $70.

Class registration and more information about Cooking Up Culture is at bu.edu/foodandwine.

Community Harvest Project This non-profit farm in North Grafton grows fresh fruits and veggies for those experiencing hunger, and also hosts cooking classes for children ages 2-12.

As they say, “It’s not enough to know that fruits and vegetables are vital to healthy bodies -- you also have to eat them!”

Their classes teach children to cook with produce and encourage lifelong healthy eating.

Classes are broken into age groups: ages 9-12, ages 5-8, and ages 2-4. Monthly classes for older kids emphasize nutrition and follow more advanced recipes while younger children learn basics like measuring and tasting. All classes are vegetarian and follow a theme like soups, smoothies, whole grains, or pasta. Classes are $40 or $20, and registration is required.

Preschool-age classes include a hands-on volunteer farm activity, vegetable tasting, and another activity geared towards the season. Maybe you’ll plant something to take home, visit the tractors on the farm, or read a story.

Registration is not required for this program – just show up.

Cost is $10 per adult/child pair.

For more information, class dates, times and to sign up go to community-harvest.org/ education.

The Kitchen at The Boston Public Market Managed by The Trustees, The Kitchen is restoring the craft of seasonal cooking through hands-on classes and educational experiences that celebrate the farmers and artisans of this region. Partnered with the Boston Public Market, The Kitchen hosts events, classes, and workshops showcasing the bounty of New England farmers and artisans.

Offerings for children include the Kids in the Kitchen class for ages 6-12, held on various Saturday mornings through March 16. Children learn about food’s journey from the farm

Paradise Island Kids Paradise Island Kids specializes in various themed classes and parties in cooking, baking, slime, STEM, arts & crafts, and gym for kids ages 0-14. At the PIK facility in Westborough, there are three distinct spaces for kids to enjoy: a kitchen/creative space, a lego/imagination space, and a gym. PIK classes are also available at many local towns at schools, community centers & libraries as part of After School Programming.

Cook or Bake, Slime, & Gym is the most popular program,

to the table, exploring and tasting the seasonal bounty of the region through the local vendors of the Boston Public Market. Vendors, cooks or farmers tell first-hand stories about where the ingredients are sourced and how they are grown/made. Space is limited so pre-register online.

Classes for teens and tweens are offered on various Sunday mornings through the summer.

Highlighting ingredients from farmers and vendors of the market, each class features different cooking skills and two hands-on cooking experiences

where kids can attend a structured cooking or baking lesson, slime making lesson and play active games in the gym… all in one class. Cooking classes are tiered by age group to ensure kitchen safety and customize to technique and abilities.

PIK also offers parent and child classes, school vacation programs and private parties. More information is at paradiseislandkids.com.

Queen’s Cups Cupcake Parties Who doesn’t love cupcakes?

Kids can have their cake and decorate it too during private

parties at this decadent cup-cakery in Worcester’s Canal District.

Kids receive cupcakes, bags of frosting and an assortment of sprinkles. They will hole, fill and frost their treats just like cupcake royalty. You can choose from a laid back DIY party or a more instructive event with a Queen’s Cups baker on hand to coach the kids. BYOB (for the parents) and juice boxes (for the little ones).

From time to time, Queen’s Cups also offers cupcake decorating classes off-site, like a recent class held (for grown ups) at Greater Good Imperial Brew Co. More information at queenscups.com.

(two recipes). Attendees will be able to eat what they’ve made.

Over February vacation, there will be kids offerings every day of the week, including STEM cooking classes for ages 7-10 that introduce kids to basic cooking techniques while weaving in different lessons in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Spots are limited, book early.

For more on all the programs offered at The Kitchen, go to bostonpublicmarket.org/ kitchen.

BAYSTATEPARENT 41

OH, YUM!

Original Label

New Label

Nutrition Facts Label Updated to (Finally) Reflect Contemporary Nutrition Science

BY MADISON FRIEND

42 FEBRUARY2019

The “iconic” Nutrition Facts Label (NFL) is about to get its first update in over twenty years, thanks to new regulations from the FDA.

T

he redesign of the ubiquitous label means it will soon reflect the leaps and bounds made in health and nutrition science over the past decade. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has emphasized that this was one of the main goals of the update. “I’ve made nutrition one of my top priorities, and ensuring that consumers have accurate and science-based information concerning the link between diet and chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart disease is part of that commitment,” said Gottlieb.

The new label design reflects the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The FDA had another major goal with the update of the NFL - to make it easier to read, and thus easier for families to make informed decisions about the food they eat. The old label was cramped and cluttered, littered with too-general information that meant little to nothing to the average consumer. It required critical thinking and a good deal more math than most consumers are willing to do in the aisles of a crowded grocery store on a midweek night after a long day of work.

In the refreshed label, a footnote about the meaning of “Percent Daily Value” that consumed nearly 20 percent of the older version has been done away with to allow for the increased type size and bolding of the fields “Calories,” and “serving size.” The type size of “servings per container” has also been increased.

Finally, the new label requires manufacturers to update serving sizes of their products to reflect what people actually eat and drink, not what they should be eating. This includes whether a product is typically consumed in one or more than one sitting.

How much people eat and drink has changed since the previous serving size requirements were published in 1993. For example, the reference amount used to set a serving of ice cream was previously a half cup but is changing to two-thirds a cup.

The reference amount used to set a serving of soda is changing from 8 ounces to 12 ounces.

Dawn Lovejoy, a health educator, member of the Public Health Association and part of the education leadership team

for MA Farm to School, says this change is key, especially for children.

“A 20-ounce soda might have had two-and-a half-servings.

Now, as of the new rules, that’s going to be one serving, and that’s much more straightforward,” says Lovejoy. “I really like this label...While a lot of it seems kind of remedial, it makes it really easy to have a conversation with people about nutrition.”

Lovejoy travels to public schools in Central Massachusetts to teach kindergarten to high school age students about nutrition science and how to make healthy choices about the foods they eat. The NFL comes up frequently during her classes.

She thinks the most important and necessary element of the redesign is that the new label will reduce opportunities for companies to manipulate consumers by misrepresenting the nutrition content of their product on a cluttered, unclear, or outright confusing label.

“If I can, I try to illustrate how food is politicized, even though we think it’s just a breakfast cereal,” says Lovejoy. “This makes it easier not just for a second grader or a fourth grader, but their parents, and they’re the ones doing the purchasing.”

Other major changes to the label include modifying the list of required nutrients.

Unfortunately, we’re not rid of that pesky old label just yet.

Major food manufacturers were required to include the updated NFL on their products by Jan. 1, 2019, but smaller manufacturers have an extra year, until Jan. 1, 2020, to comply. That means it will be a full year before all of your family’s favorite foods feature the new label.

(Keep a sharp eye on ‘servings per container’ and ‘total sugars’ until then.)

Madison Friend has been living in Worcester her entire life and writing about it for the past 10 years.

When she’s not busy playing with her cat or hiking with her boyfriend, she’s available for questions and comments at mfriend@gatehousemedia.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 43

Giveaways Galore!

finally

forever

Here’s to the Middle

BY DEBORAH SWEET

Did you see this month’s Freebies?

We’ve got hundreds of dollars in giveaways on pages 22 and 23!

Like free stuff?

Check back each month to see what we’re giving away next, and follow baystateparent Magazine on Facebook for your chance to win.

I

walked back into the kitchen where he sat finishing his breakfast. The air was all of a sudden still and I noticed the heaviness of it immediately. As soon as my back was toward him, he exhaled and spoke.

“So, did he die?”

I didn’t need to ask who. I asked anyway.

“Who, baby?”

“Daddy. Did he die?”

He’s four. He is four. My god, he’s just four.

“No buddy, I don’t think he died.”

Then more silence. I never hear silence. It felt big and strange to sit in a room without his constant chatter, without the white noise of a little boy desperate not to disappear. He attempted to brighten a little. “I think he must be taking care of his mom then.” I wanted to contest that.

I wanted to say NO, just no.

Daddies can take care of their mothers without leaving their children behind. They can take care of both at the same time.

But those words got stuck in my throat where they belonged.

I smiled at him carefully and started to offer him something supportive, but he interrupted.

This month you could win: • Tickets to Paw Patrol Live • Vaya Lunch Box • The Easy Family Cook Book • 2-Dozen Personalized Photo Cookies from Wicked Good Cookies 44 FEBRUARY2019

February’s Child: Meet Gianna Hi, I’m Gianna and I’m up for adventures!

Gianna is an outgoing and friendly eleven-year old girl

“You won’t leave me without saying goodbye. You won’t drop me off at the hospital and leave me. You will let me come home again.”

And there it was. On a Wednesday morning, ten months into this tragedy, my foster son got brave enough to ask out loud about the origin of those cracks in his broken heart. When contact with a primary caregiver is severed, young children need to make sense of that loss. Accepting that a parent or caregiver has died, rather than moved on without them, is justifiably easier to rationalize.

When I was a little girl, I collected stickers and rocks and Cabbage Patch Kids. The children that come into my home collect trauma and loss and heartbreak and fear and grief.

Their childhoods have been interrupted, and in some cases completely rerouted, by the cyclone of brokenness around them. That level of brokenness does not leave a child at my

of African American/Caucasian descent. She is described as outgoing, friendly and funny with a great sense of humor.

Gianna is extremely active and loves gymnastics, yoga and cheerleading. Gianna’s social worker describes her as a resilient child who is very determined and kind-hearted.

She has attended summer camp multiple times and the past and has enjoyed this opportunity.

Gianna has been in the same school since Kindergarten and has built many positive relationships. She likes to build relationships with her teachers and other adults who work at the school.

Legally freed for adoption, Gianna would do best in a sin-

front door. It is often more invasive than one can imagine. A four-year-old sat at my kitchen table and asked me point blank if his father had died. For me, that question came out of the clear blue sky, but for him, it had likely been festering for the better part of ten months.

And then he asked me if I would stay.

So I told him again, in an attempt to cement a new script in his little head and to soothe his anxiety over being left without warning, “I am the mommy who says goodbye before I leave. I will always tell you before I go anywhere…to the grocery store, to get the mail, to use the bathroom, if I leave for a weekend, or if I leave for forever. I am the mommy who says goodbye.”

I will tell him this again and again until the day comes when we say our final goodbye in the hope that this next time, he doesn’t feel abandoned and left behind. But in the days in between now and then, I will

gle female parent or two female parent home where she is the youngest or only child. She will need continued contact with her younger sister who is placed separately. Gianna loves animals and learning about how to care for various animals and would love a family to have a pet. In a future home Gianna hopes to have her own room. Her social worker is open to exploring local families that could potentially start off as a visiting resource for her in order to build a relationship prior to placement.

Can you provide the guidance, love and stability that a child needs? If you’re at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income, and room in

also teach him how to collect his childhood. We will build castles out of blocks and line up action figures and splash in sprinklers on lazy summer days. I will teach him about rules and boundaries, sharing and accountability. None of this will be easy, but if we are lucky, some of it will be fun. We will take the good with the bad, but we will accept both. Above all, the things he collects here will never be stored on a dusty shelf or trapped behind a barricade of fear. He will gain new skills he can keep using, memories he can share, and a whole lot of the mess that the middle of this life is made of.

So, no baby, your daddy didn’t die. He left you. And it’s not okay. And I’m so very sorry that he broke your heart.

“Mommy Deb, can I have a hug?”

Right there, in the middle of our Wednesday morning, he opened his heart, and I let myself in.

Deborah Sweet is a biological, adoptive and foster mama who believes parenting is best played as a team sport. She works hard as a foster parent ambassador and harder at raising community awareness for kids who come from difficult places. Deborah is a teacher by trade but now spends her time advocating for school districts to become trauma sensitive and provide wrap-around services for children who are challenged by developmental trauma and attachment disorders.

She lives in the Boston area with her husband and six(ish) kids, plus a couple of amazing animals that add to the calm of the house, not the chaos. You can read more of Deborah’s writing on her blog, Because I Stay.

your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ singles and couples.

The process to adopt a child from foster care requires training, interviews, and home visits to determine if adoption is right for you, and if so, to help connect you with a child or sibling group that your family will be a good match for.

To learn more about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-6273 or visit www.mareinc.org.

A GOOD PARTY...

February

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take eight with Monica Poston

Monica Poston is living her dream. An actor and recent Music Theatre graduate from Elon University, she’s bringing the iconic American Girl doll Julie to life this year in the all-new musical American Girl Live. We caught up with Monica ahead of her Bay State tour stop at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre February 22-24.

1.

In American Girl Live, you play Julie Albright, a “groovy” American girl from the ‘70s. How do you relate to Julie? Is there another American Girl you relate to more?

Julie fights for everything she believes in, she’s a go-getter, and I really see a lot of her in myself. Also, I LOVE ‘70s clothing and disco music, so, yeah, there’s a lot of love right there. I can relate to every American Girl, but I get the most excited about Luciana because I have always been such a space nerd. My dad works for NASA, so I’m passionate about space and space exploration. When I found out about Luciana, I freaked out! I think it’s the coolest thing ever that there is an American Girl that dreams of being part of the team that goes to Mars.

2.

As a singer, dancer and actor, how do you continue to learn and develop your craft?

I truly believe that you can never stop learning and developing any skill. I went to college for singing, dancing, and acting, but I continue to grow every day from new classes, other people, and new experiences.

46 FEBRUARY2019

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Ever since I was in my first musical when I was in first grade, I knew that I wanted to be a musical theatre actress when I grew up! It’s such a privilege to get to live out my dream everyday with such an incredible and powerful show.

5.

Do you ever get stage fright?

If so, how do you cope with it?

Anyone who tells you there is a decent way to deal with nerves before a show is lying! Of course I get nervous before a show!

Most of my “stage fright” is dealt with by me just jumping around in circles to myself.

6.

Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

Before every show most of us dance around in our dressing rooms and sing along to some pump-up music. Usually it’s fierce women like Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, etc.

American Girl Live takes “girl power” to the extreme with its cast and team.

What’s it like to be part of something so female-driven?

I cannot put into words the gratefulness I feel for this female-driven team. To be a part of a production where the direction, choreography, lighting, set designing, sound engineering, props, stage managing, etc. has been female driven is truly special.

I hope that the message “girls can do anything” is crystal clear after anyone sees this show.

3.

4.

7.

What’s the craziest thing that ever happened during a live performance?

One of my favorite mishaps during a recent live performance was when I accidentally called the “Starry Night Camp Site” the “Beauty Night Camp Site.” For the rest of the evening a bunch of us talked about what kind of events would go down at the “Beauty Night Camp Site.”

8.

What’s the latest addition to your bucket list?

I have a million things on my bucket list. But, since being cast in this tour, my latest addition is attempting to go to every local coffee shop in every city we visit. In NYC, it is just too easy to get Starbucks.

While I have nothing against Starbucks (love me a good Peppermint Mocha), I feel like it is important to explore and support each local coffee place to get to know the city better and also to try new things!

BAYSTATEPARENT 47

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