April 2011 baystateparent Magazine

APRIL 2011

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Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

AUTISM SUPPORT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS

YAHOO FOR CAMP! EXPLORE OVER 75 CAMPS INSIDE CAMP BFFs BOYS GONE WILD Off The Grid in VT FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON Would You?

Prom

WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN FASHION & FLOWERS ENTER TO WIN A CINDERELLA GOWN PLUS BE THE FIRST TO SCREEN DISNEY’S PROM PARENTS AS SOCIAL HOSTS: Why It Doesn’t Work

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

2 APRIL2011

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Montessori education at its best.

www.TheRiverbendSchool.org 15 months – age 6 49 Eliot Street, S. Natick, MA 01760 508.647.0888

K – 8th grade 6 Auburn Street, S. Natick, MA 01760 508.655.7333

It looks like Matthew, one of more than 12,000 school-aged children in Massachusetts with autism. Early intervention and effective treatment can make a dramatic difference in the life of a child.

Exceptional schools and services for individuals with autism and other special needs.

Know the facts. Learn more. www.mayinstitute.org

4 APRIL2011

BAYSTATEPARENT 5

Who says cleaning house isn’t FUN?

baystateparent

baystateparent winner of 30 awards in 2010 INCLUDING BEST PARENTING PUBLICATION IN NORTH AMERICA

“baystateparent covers all the bases for parents in Massachusetts.

Eye-catching covers... a great reference with a full calendar.

Excellent ad layout and design.

Great use of 4-color in ads and content.

Appears to be a strong revenue producer.”

- New England Newspaper & Press Association

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, CONTACT 508-865-7070 • WWW.BAYSTATEPARENT.COM 6 APRIL2011

our special guest Chiara Blissett age 6, of Brookline captured by Stephanie Piscitelli Bellini Portraits, Boston, Cape Cod and Beyond www.bellinipics.com

table

11

PROM: SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE

8

WELCOME

9

GUESTBOOK

10

JUNKDRAWERS

20

FINALLY FOREVER: FROM HAITI TO HOME: PART 3

21

CHILD OF THE MONTH

21

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

22

LET’S ROLL: Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary, Norton

26

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

41

DIRTY LAUNDRY WITH CHRISTINE HURLEY

46

TAKE GOOD CARE: How to Create a Healthy Easter Basket

47

ON MY PLATE: The Problem was Food

MOMS ROCK and CAPTURED are in our Summer Camp Countdown section this month.

summer camp countdown 57 60 64 66 70

72

BOYS GONE WILD

Boys gone wild. Sound like a nightmare? Not if they’re attending a unique primitive all-boys nature camp. Read all about it as well as consider over 70 camps your child could attend this summer!

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

APRIL 2011 • VOLUME 15 • NUMBER 12

in every issue

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

Dig into our April calendar for great family ideas for spring, Patriots’ Day, Easter, school vacation and more.

Also, did you know the bsp Facebook page and baystateparent.com announce many more events every day? Jump Online!

Prom is the highlight of the year for many teens. Find out what’s hip and happening with gowns and flowers, and enter to win a gown valued at over $400. Also make safety part of prom prep and read one family’s personal experience with a parent-supervised teen drinking party.

the of the home

26

advertising directories 44 49 54 56 86

THERE’S EVEN A CAMP FOR HANDWRITING WOULD YOU PLUNGE FOR CAMP? MOMS ROCK: LISA CARLIN, SUMMER CAMP DIRECTOR UNPLUGGED CAMPERS

SHOW & TELL BULLETIN BOARD PARTY PLANNER SUMMER CAMP COUNTDOWN ADVERTISING INDEX

sneak peek

CAPTURED: HAPPY CAMPERS

72 BOYS GONE WILD

MAY

78 BEST FRIENDS START AT CAMP

JUNE

THE HOME SUMMER GUIDE

something special 11 TEENS TODAY: Prom Fashions 18 19

36

STUFF FOR FREE IS FUN

TEENS TODAY: The Night I asked Matt Riley to the Prom

36

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH A GREENER MAILBOX

TEENS TODAY: Underage Drinking -Under Whose Watch?

38

AUTISM SUPPORT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS

52

POPS!

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Orthodontics

Bruce Stuart Fieldman, D.M.D., P.C. and Associates

Reema Dhingra, D.M.D.

& Drilless Dentistry

& Orthodontics for children and adults

for the fearful & special needs child

(Moms and $ADS WEAR BRACES TOO

& We also provide Hospital Dentistry

$RURY 3QUARE -EDICAL #ENTER s !UBURN 3T s !UBURN s BAYSTATEPARENT 7

e m o c l We I worked at a summer camp once, a nature camp in Central Massachusetts. I spent the summer making clay cities on the bank of a frog-filled pond and slathering sunscreen and bug repellent on kids. I dreaded the after-lunch pleas to play Capture the Flag, preferring to linger by the campfire avoiding firey torches of white sugar the kids wielded as they toasted their dessert.

That summer I unknowingly led my campers into danger over underground wasp nests and through mosquito habitats and poison-ivy strewn trails. Everyone lived and had stings and bites and rashes to prove it.

We picked blueberries, walked across log bridges, hunted for salamanders, built forts and played Camouflage and Kick the Can. Still, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough

“important” things with the campers.

Since this was a few years before the Web (surreal), I didn’t have easy access to the kind of instructional materials I thought I needed.

Fifteen years and a family later, I realize that I had everything. The kids were outdoors all day, in all kinds of weather, meeting new people, exploring. It wasn’t anything fancy. Just some woods, a campfire, a giant shelter made by the campers themselves and downtime to play, investigate and just be unscheduled and free.

That’s why I love this month’s feature story on Night Eagle, a primitive overnight camp for boys age 10 to 14 in Vermont’s national forest (page 72). Boys sleep on the ground, crawl through deserted beaver lodges, make fire from flint and steel and cook their own food over the open flame.

Director Bruce Moreton has a special way of reaching his campers through the simplicity of nature. Every morning a group of 40 boys sit in silence for 20 minutes. “Imagine all these kids who are ‘ADHD’ or ‘ADD’ and they sit there and think,” says Bruce. Through the two-week session, campers learn all about adventure, independence and themselves. “And that they don’t need the kinds of things they think they need,” adds Bruce.

Summer camp in the outdoors may not be for everyone, so that’s why this month’s camp issue is like the anticipated toy catalog of yesteryear.

Remember circling your top picks?

Dreaming and saving and making lists? Here you can circle what looks interesting on the camp scene (have your kids do it too) and follow up on the Web. Inside, we share a summer of possibilities with over 70 camps for lovers of skateboards, theatre, computers, sports, horses, dance and so much more. Did you know there is even a summer camp for handwriting?

Read about this too on page 57. baystateparent also jumps from

summer camp to prom this month.

Check out some staff prom photos in our fashion pages starting on page 11. I am the one doing no justice to the 80s in a long conservative dress, the one who tried for hours to get big bangs with a cloud of Stiff Stuff and a pick. I did fit in, however, with a bad, “furry” perm and a tanning-bed glow.

I was also a bad date. I said yes to my friend, John, who sat in front of me in Spanish only to renege the invitation several weeks later to go with the eccentric boy I thought would be a better candidate for a good-night kiss.

Hopefully your girls will have better manners (and fashion sense!).

While taking in what’s new in prom fashion and flowers, you absolutely must read Jim Keogh’s story about asking Matt Rielly to the prom for his daughter, Kelsey. Jim, it’s a testament to your relationship with your daughter that she would let you do this! And please do not miss Bonnie Toomey’s chilling account of what happened when her son attended a party hosted “responsibly” by parents. It’s perhaps one of the most important stories in the entire issue and something to hold onto during prom and party season.

Carrie Wattu, editor

The Big 30! baystateparent won 30 awards in 2010 including Best Parenting Publication in North America, General Excellence in Advertising and Best Overall Writing (Suburban Newspapers of America, New England Newspaper and Press Association and Parenting Publications of America).

Special thanks to the bsp staff, our contributing writers and photographers, our advertisers and to all of you!

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

baystateparent publisher GARETH CHARTER 508-749-3166 x153 gcharter@holdenlandmark.com editor CARRIE WATTU 413-265-1202 editor@baystateparent.com

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

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

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

sales & business development manager STEPHANIE PEARL 774-364-0296 stephaniep@baystateparent.com account executive STACI LaTURNO 774-364-5073 stacil@baystateparent.com account executive EMILY RETTIG 774-364-4178 emilyr@baystateparent.com account executive DAWN HINES 413-626-2789 dawn@baystateparent.com contributing writers CANDY COHN LAURIE COSTIGAN DONNA MORIN MILLER JANE HERSHEY

CHRISTINE HURLEY JIM KEOGH SUE LOVEJOY BOONEY TOOMEY

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

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Hom ide • The mer Gu llness m • Su lth & We 0 a .707 s • He e .865 08 Rat Call 5 vertising d A r Fo

photographers STEVEN KING MICHELLE PISCITELLI LISA AUBE Illustrator BOK PARK

baystatestateparent 117 Elm St., Millbury, MA 01527

508-865-7070

www.baystateparent.com campguide.baystateparent.com www.massfieldtrips.com baystateparent Inc. is published monthly with a main office at 117 Elm Street, Millbury, 01527 508-865-7070 Fax 508-865-7979 It is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts. www.baystateparent.com • info@baystateparent.com

Meet Our Cover Model

Chiara Blissett

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

age 6, of Brookline 1. Do you plan on doing any April Fool’s Day jokes on anyone? No! Massachusetts' premier magazine for families has earned more than 130 national and regional awards since 2004, including 30 in 2010:

2. What are your favorite things about spring? I love the flowers and the sunshine.

3. What’s the best thing about Easter?

That Jesus died on the cross for us.

4. What was your photo shoot like with Stephanie Piscitelli of Bellini Portraits?

She was fun. She let me jump on her bed and play with fake birds.

8 APRIL2011

stephanie piscitelli

5. Who is the first person you will show the baystateparent cover to? Jake, my friend from school, and then all of my family.

17 Parenting Publications of America Awards 8 New England Newspaper Press Association Awards 5 Suburban Newspapers of America Awards Including Best Parenting Publication in North America 2010

GUESTBOOK afflictions, SMA is the closest to getting a treatment or a cure, but research is hindered by the lack of financial support, because the disease is not “popular,” like Leukemia or cancers.

Coby was so loved by his parents, Lori and Dave. They knew what they were facing and did it with grace and dignity.

SMA needs the same notoriety as other dreadful diseases. Please visit fsma.org or view a video of Coby’s life at youtube. com/watchv=ACSnnuzhGw. Rest in peace sweet Superman.

Krista Lewis, Oxford

You know you’re a baystateparent when...

Super Stylists: Special thanks to the stylists at TONI&GUY® Hairdressing Academy, Worcester, for the gorgeous hair and makeup this month (prom fashions/page 11): Brenda Martinez, Amanda Watson, Esme de Mello, Katie Pietrzak, Graziella Lembo, Peter Perez, Aurea Salas In front: Dana Bray, Director; Rahsaan Gomes, Director of Education

T

heartbeat.

It has been hard, and I thank you for publishing this story and for all the wonderful information in your magazine.

Jen Nielsen, Millbury

Thank you for publishing the story “Miscarriage-Still Hiding in the Shadows” (Laura Richards/February, 2011).

I am a woman who suffered through a miscarriage in 1998 and was told all the things these other women were told like “it’s nature’s way of taking care of things” and “it wasn’t meant to be.” We then had our beautiful son, Zach, in 2002 without any complications. We got pregnant in January of 2007 and found in a 12-week ultrasound that we were having a girl.

Three days before her due date, we were shocked to find out that she didn’t have a

I am writing in honor of a friend’s son.

She will bury him tomorrow at only 5 months old.

Lori Kulis of Metheun became a mother for the first time in September of 2010 to a beautiful baby boy, Coby Quinn Kulis.

Shortly after his birth, Coby was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

As a mother of three young children and a nursing student, I consider myself to be a fairly knowledgeable person regarding disease and illness, but I had never heard of SMA, which is the number one genetically-linked killer of children under the age of 2. There are four types, and both parents must be carriers for their children to be stricken.

Currently there is no prenatal screening for this disease. Of all neuromuscular

hank you baystateparent for the passes to the Providence Children’s Museum that I won last summer. I just took my girls a month ago, and we had the best day! It was so wonderful. We love the museum.

I also love your presence on Facebook; the contests and the questions are always so interesting!

Lisa Powers, Shrewsbury

CHILDREN’S DENTISTS of Worcester

WINNERS baystateparent giveaways are announced at baystateparent under “Giveaways” as well as on our Facebook page (Join our page today by searching “baystateparent Magazine.” We’re a friendly and resourceful group of 1,710 parents and growing strong). Some of our recent prizes and winners include: Comfy Shampoo Lounger Erica Goroshko, Medford Thomas the Train Live! Tickets Ten families won tickets including the O’Donoghues, Wheelers, Perets, Palumbos and more!

Family Four-Pack Co Co Key, Fitchburg Julie Siciliano, Lunenburg

“You tell the kids to get a drink from the ‘bubbla.’”

Brenda Hale-Lawrence, Worcester To send an idea for “You know you’re a baystateparent when...” email editor@baystateparent.com.

Winners will be sent a prize.

Brenda and her family won passes to Roger Williams Zoo.

The Secret Garden Tickets Wheelock Family Theater Karen Berman, Winchendon Send letters to editor@baystateparent.com and will be edited for clarity and length.

Please include your full name and town for publication.

D a n ce P rism — affordable magic for families!

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A Neverland Reception follows performances!

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JUNK D R AW E R S

A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT

teen can take the Sprout Prom Profile Quiz to find out if she is The Diva, The Gypsy, The Romantic or The Rebel. Visit sprout-flowers.com for details.

Did you know that disposable diapers are the third largest single consumer item in landfills and take approximately 250-500 years to decompose? Plus, they cost an average family anywhere from $1,800 to $2,500 from birth to potty.

Time for a change? Today’s reusable diapers are really cute and easy! They come in lots of colors with features like Velcro, snaps and micro fiber.

Find out more at a free cloth diaper workshop at Mothers & Company in

courtesy moco

CHANGE THOSE DIAPERS! IT’S EARTH DAY.

West Boylston. They say, “It will rock your world!”

For more information, visit mothersandcompany.com. (Also inquire about their event, the Great Cloth Diaper Change, for the Guinness World Records on April 23rd).

Q&A

Sprout Worcester invites all prom-goers to their floral shop on 118 A June Street, Worcester, Saturday, May 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. See the latest in prom flower fashions, nail color trends, accessories and more at their funky little shop. Your

courtesy of sprout

PROM POP-UP SHOP!

What do I do when a child wants to read books only on one topic, such as dinosaurs?

Don’t discourage a child’s interest in a topic that you know is a good one. For many little ones, dinosaurs are fun, scary, interesting and spark imaginations. Go to your local library to find more dinosaur books but also find a book or two on related topics, such as rainforest animals or farm animals.

- Susan Marx and Barbara Kasok, Massachusetts authors of Help Me Get Ready to Read (Marx and Kasok/2010)

Check out a new novel from Bedford mom of three and amateur historian, Lea Ann Knight. Lea lives in the oldest house in her town, the 300-year-old Fitch Tavern.

Her home, a central meeting place for local militia men during the Revolutionary War, inspired her to write a book for children, Fitch Tavern Tales, about 10-year-old Skip who finds a painting in an attic and travels back to Revolutionary War days.

Lea provides a lesson in history about the Battle of Lexington and Concord as well as some life lessons too! (Stonecroft Press $9.99) fitchtaverntales.com.

10 APRIL2011

courtesy project bread

PATRIOTS’ DAY READ

EAT. FILM. SCREEN! Massachusetts teens, persuade other students to give up doughnuts and java for breakfast by submitting a 30-second video promoting your school’s healthy breakfast program. For specific contest guidelines and prizes, visit meals4kids.org and click on “What’s New.”

Junkdrawers strives to highlight the products, people and places of Massachusetts.

Have an idea? E-mail editor@baystateparent.com.

Prom TEENSTODAY

Some Things Never Change...

Paula Monette Ethier, Creative Director Carrie Wattu, Editor Steven King, Photographer Stephanie Renaud, Creative Assistant Dresses provided by Special Event Bridal Shop, Marlborough and Elegance by Carbonneau, Worcester Tuxedos by Bonardi’s Formalwear, Worcester plus 4 locations in Central MA Models by La Femmina Modeling, Worcester Hair and Makeup by TONI&GUY® Hairdressing Academy, Worcester Flowers by Sprout, Worcester

W

ell, that’s not exactly true as things have changed a little since we moms and dads went to the prom even in the way this milestone event is now referred: It’s simply called “prom.” Of course, there have been updates in hair, makeup and attire since we were kids as well as what goes on after prom as many schools offer all-night lock-in parties to keep kids entertained and safe. Even good ‘ole-fashioned flowers have changed. Girls now wear them in their hair, on their skin and in their jewelry, and boys’ boutonieres are magnetic. Most importantly, safety goes well beyond a trashed car staged on the school front lawn. According to The Boston Globe (October 2010), schools such as Milford High and Whitman-Hanson High are now taking extra safety measures which include using breathalyzers at proms and other special school events.

What hasn’t changed is perhaps the difference between the guys and girls when it comes to prom prep as well as the excitement and anxiety everyone feels during this rite of passage.

To kick off prom season, baystateparent invites local teens to show off current prom fashions and trends. Please share it with your favorite teen.

BAYSTATEPARENT 11

TEENSTODAY

“I don’t think many things will disappoint me about prom, but I think the biggest let down would be not finding the perfect dress, because as every girl knows, you can’t go to prom without the absolute perfect dress!”

Karlii Digrazia,15, Groton

1970s Paula, creative director

“I am most surprised at how well everyone clean ups at prom.”

John Zompetti, 16, Marlborough

“I feel like Cinderella,” says Hayley Gleason, 17, of Paxton while modeling a Mori Lee dress from Worcester’s Elegance by Carbonneau.

She is also wearing a peel-and-stick flower tattoo from Sprout Worcester (yes, that’s a wearable flower on her shoulder!). Like what you see? baystateparent is giving away this size 6 dress to one lucky teen. See details on page 17.

John Zompetti, 16, of Marlborough sports a stunning peacock-feather boutonniere on his sharp-looking pin-striped tux from Bonardi’s.

Jordyn Murphy, 15, of Northbridge wears a beautiful multi-color print chiffon gown with wide beading on her waist by La Femme (available at Elegance by Carbonneau, Worcester). Jordyn’s wrist corsage is made of green orchids and peacock feathers.

12 APRIL2011

1980s Carrie, editor

“Prom is a main part of the high school experience and everyone should make those short four years count.”

TEENSTODAY

Hayley Gleason, 17, Paxton

Karlii Digrazia, 15, of Groton models a floor-length Night Moves strapless coral ball gown from Special Event Bridal, Marlborough. She is wearing a big open rose with blush feathers and satin ribbon attached to a vintage-style crystal bracelet.

Very girly.

Tim Hopewell, 17, of Melrose is looking spiffy in his Bonardi’s wear.

Sixteen-year-old Bridget Friend of Rochdale graces this strapless red and gold Mary’s Bridal ball gown.

Bridget is also wearing her flowers on a crystal headband with feathers and rhinestones designed by Sprout, Worcester. Her gown is available at Special Event Bridal, Marlborough.

James Mullane, 23, of Hudson gives prom a whirl in a monochromatic look by Bonardi’s. Sprout set his boutonniere in a modern nest of baby’s breath with a silver wire cage.

“The most surprising thing about a school prom is seeing some of your teachers dance. It’s funny and embarrassing at the same time.”

James Mullane, 23, Hudson

1980s Dawn, account executive

1990s Jennifer, promotions BAYSTATEPARENT 13

2000s

Stephanie, graphic designer

Staci, account executive

TEENSTODAY

1990s

On Trend 70s: platform shoes, long hair and polyester (guys and girls). Also ruffled shirts, pastel tuxedos and wide lapels for the guys

90s: acrylic nails, glitter, Clinique Happy and Tommy cologne, tanning beds, stretch Hummer limos, frosted hair, satin and pastels

80s: dyed shoes, blue eyeliner, big hair, perms, tanning beds, baby’s breath, nylons, big sleeves

2000s: corset backs, cut-outs, embellished shoes, hair straighteners, chunky statement jewelry, bright popping colors and prints, one-shoulder dresses, spray tans, bare legs

They grow up so fast . . .

Start Early for that Perfect Prom Smile.

WeeCareAtDrMels.com

MELVIN A. EHRLICH, D.D.S., P.C. Individualized Preventive Dental and Orthodontic Care for Toddlers, Children through Adolescence, and those with Special Needs Melvin A. “Dr. Mel” Ehrlich, Pediatric Dentist Diana Pardo, Orthodontist for Children and Adults

Call for details about our FREE WeeCare Infant Oral Health Program 223 Walnut Street, Framingham, MA 01702

(508) 875-KIDS (5437)

DrMelChildrensDentist.com 14 APRIL2011

Awesome Blossoms!

TEENSTODAY

text and photos by Cathy Walsh, award-winning floral designer of Sprout Worcester

Sprout’s Dos and Dont’s DO order your prom flowers with your date. Not only will your flowers coordinate better, but you’ll get some input into what they’ll look like.

DON’T wait until the last minute to order your prom flowers. Prom flowers are custom made and should be ordered a week or more in advance or you may not be able to get what you had your heart set on.

DO keep your flowers simple if your dress is busy.

One color in a bold flower sets off a graphic print better than a whole rainbow of flowers.

DO have fun with your flowers! Ribbon, wire, jewels and jewelry are all being utilized today.

Bouquets: These can be accented with rhinestones, wire and other creative items that reflect your personality.

DON’T assume that you will be carrying your flowers around. Today’s flowers can be worn on your hair, on your bracelet and even on your skin!

Body Flowers: Yes, you can choose a peel and stick flower tattoo to complement your dress. Wear it on your shoulder, back or anywhere you would like to shine.

7 Sprout Surprises

Upper Arm Band: A hands-free way to wear your flowers !

DON’T get a wrist corsage just because everyone else is. Some looks are better complemented with flowers in the hair or at the waist.

Wristers: Did you know that flowers are now incorporated into bracelets that can be worn long after the prom is over? Choose from basic beaded bracelets to trendier bangles with bling.

DO customize your prom flowers! Does your gown have crystals? Then add some bling! Animal print shoes? Then cheetah ribbon might be right for you.

Hair Pieces: Whether you choose a clip, a comb or a headband, flowers can be incorporated into your hairstyle.

Tinted Peacock Feathers: These can be added to any wrist corsage, boutonniere, hairpiece. Very cool!

Magnetic Boutonniers: While today’s stick pins coordinate with flowers and are actually quite cool, magnetic fasteners on boutonniers make the job of “pinning the flower on the prom date” much easier.

BAYSTATEPARENT 15

TEENSTODAY

R E T N E TO . . .

N I W

a pair of passes for you and a guest to a special advance screening of

being held the week of April 25*.

To enter, log on to baystateparent.com and click on giveaways All entries must be received by April 15, 2011.

Must be 13 years of age or older to enter.

Limit one (admit-two) pass per person

Disney.com/PROM

PROM hits theatres on April 29, 2011.

Who are you going with?

Opens Nat ionwide A pril 29th

baystateparent is proud to be the exclusive parenting publication sponsor of the Boston advance screening of Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PROM

*Screening date, time and theatre to be confirmed. Screening date subject to change. No purchase necessary.

Seating at the screening will be on a first come, first served basis. We reserve the right to oďŹ&#x20AC;er a substitute prize of equal or greater value. This film is rated PG.

16 APRIL2011

-- Hayley Gleason

AND NOW YOUR DAUGHTER CAN TOO! Enter to Win this Prom Dress: baystateparent is giving away the size 6 Mori Lee royal blue gown pictured here.

It features a sweetheart strapless neckline, a fitted embellished bodice, a lace-up back and full skirt.

A Cinderella combo of princess and sparkle, this gown retails at $432.

Deadline to enter: Friday, April 16, 6 p.m. Enter at baystateparent.com. Click "Giveaways."

Hayley Gleason, age 17, of Paxton photographed by Steven King.

Questions? Call 508-865-7070 or email editor@baystateparent.com. Giveaway Rules: Winners must be able to pick up the dress in baystateparentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Millbury office. Dress comes as is, in Size 6/Royal Blue only.

Alterations are not included. Winner will be picked at random after April 16th. Winner may be asked to be photographed for a future baystateparent promotion.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 17

TEENSTODAY

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like Cinderella!â&#x20AC;?

TEENSTODAY

The Night I asked Matt Riley to the Prom

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve

long believed that high school proms should be limited to seniors. If a prom is designed to be a one-of-a-kind event, a rite of passage, a signature memory, then doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attending two of them within a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time detract from the specialness?

Why do you need a tune-up?

Of course, the junior prom, while nonsensical to me, made perfect sense to my daughter in the spring of her junior year.

Kelsey had her dress purchased and her table and travel arrangements made; all her friends had circled the date on their calendars. Then, at the last minute, her dateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother declared that her son would not be making the trip from Lynn to Worcester for the big dance (long story), and just like that it was over. Since scrounging up a replacement date this late in the game was virtually impossible, Kelsey resigned herself to the fact that the following yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior prom would be her first prom.

My kid does not wear her heart on her sleeve. If somethingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bothering her she puts on the poker face and goes about her business. But she was clearly disappointed, and so were her parents (my wife and I live by the popular dictum that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only as happy as your unhappiest child, which means parents like us are never truly happy).

And then one day at work, a name popped into my head: Matt Riley.

Hmm, Matt. Why hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t I thought of him sooner? I wondered if he had any plans the night of my daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s junior prom.

Before I go any further with this story, a word about Matt Riley.

jim keogh

I met Matt when he was a senior at Wachusett Regional High School in Holden.

I wrote a newspaper story about him and his friend Anthony Oberg, two young men who knew what it was like to be different among 2,000 students swirling in a sea of sameness. Anthony has cerebral palsy and forced to negotiate the vast Wachusett corridors in a wheelchair. Between classes when those corridors were transformed into a churning human torrent, Anthony sometimes had difficulty making his way from one side of the hall to the other to reach a classroom. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when Matt would step into the middle of the hallway, hold up his hands, and boom out a request for everyone to stop and allow his friend passage.

Matt Riley is 7 feet tall and weighs 360 pounds. People stopped.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been big. Anthony recalled that when Matt, already five feet tall, walked into their first-grade class he mistook him for a teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aide. Once, Matt and some friends earned a prime parking spot at an auto-racing event because the parking attendant was convinced Matt was Patriots defensive tackle Matt Light (if the guy really knew his football he would have realized that Matt Riley is much larger).

He and his friends once tried a little social experiment at the mall, counting how many times people did a double take when Matt passed by. They stopped at a hundred â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it was getting boring.

Growing up, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d heard the taunts from those who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to make of him â&#x20AC;&#x201D; oaf, ogre, dunce. There are plenty of people from Matt Rileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past still walking this earth in one piece because he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose his temper.

Matt played football and was a champion shot-putter â&#x20AC;&#x201D; he had muscle atop of muscle to go with his fiery red curls. He was also articulate and funny, kind and respectful, and a gentleman. He hoped for a career in radio and executed deadon impressions of characters from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family Guyâ&#x20AC;? and the Disney animated films.

In all my years as a journalist he was one of the most impressive teenagers Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d ever met, in every sense of the word.

In addition to all that good stuff, Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s height compared favorably to Kelseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6-1, a few inches taller in heels. The prospect of towering over her date had been a concern, but next to Matt, she was Tinkerbell.

I called Kelsey, told her about Matt, and got her blessing to give him a call.

As I sat in my office, my finger poised over the buttons that would dial up Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cell phone, I noticed my heart pounding in my chest, my neck getting clammy.

This whole idea suddenly seemed exceedingly strange to me. Was I overstepping my bounds? What if he said no? Worse, what if he felt obligated to say yes?

I tapped out the numbers and Matt picked up. We engaged in some small talk, then I cut to the chase. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Matt, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to ask you this, but ...â&#x20AC;? and I launched into a long-winded account of Kelseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travails and my proposal for the role he could play in the solution. I believe I even offered to pay for his tux.

If this felt weird to me, it must have been an out-of-body experience for Matt. As I babbled into his ear I could picture him thinking, â&#x20AC;&#x153;WHAT is happening to me?â&#x20AC;?

When I finished my spiel, Matt scarcely hesitated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sure,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll

cassonfoster.com, auburn

BY

Kelsey Keogh and Matt Riley

go.â&#x20AC;? With those words, he swept me off my feet.

Matt and Kelsey attended her junior prom together and had a great time. Understandably, he was a hit (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody loves Mattâ&#x20AC;? Kelsey texted mom from the dance, complete with photos of kids having their photos taken with him). A few weeks later, she was Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s date to his senior prom. The two have been friends ever since.

I still donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel any differently about junior proms, but I am privileged to remember at least one that came together in a sort of wondrous way. And I can say with reasonable certainty that it will be the last time I ask anyone to a high school dance.

Jim Keogh is an award-winning editor.

He lives in Worcester with his family.

18 APRIL2011

TEENSTODAY

Underage Drinking: Under Whose Watch?

a personal story, lifesaving tips BY

T

bonnie j. toomey

he tickets have been paid for; your teen is dressed to the nines. The boutonnières and corsages have been pinned and positioned just right, and you’ve just finished taking a million pictures to remember the special moment.

Chances are your teen is going to head to a party after the prom. But do you and your teenager have a responsible plan for later?

Never assume that your good kid is immune to the pitfalls of peer pressure. Every child wants to fit in; it’s natural, so it’s important for parents to help teens to be responsible by teaching them that commu-

nication and honesty are lifesaving links.

Taking a ”no info - no go” policy as parents is one way to form a plan for teens who are beginning to earn new freedoms.

It’s also helpful to cross check the information your teen gives you with other parents and keep kids accountable for the information they give you.

“Where are you going, and with whom; for what and why; how will you get there, and when will you be coming home?”

Make these questions part of what is expected whenever your teenager wants to venture out on his or her own. You’ll be glad you did.

but I couldn’t wait to get into bed so I didn’t make our usual goodnight phone call. You can’t substitute complacency for communication. That was mistake number two.

The host parents thought they were playing it safe by taking everyone’s keys, including my son’s. Not only that, he was at a party where the parents were hosting underage drinking. Before he knew it, he had become dangerously intoxicated.

Can you say risky business?

We raised four teens and we’d say, “need the info,” with a smile and a pen in hand.

Almost 40 percent of underage drinkers report that an adult helped them to get their alcohol for them. The cost of underage drinking in Massachusetts in 2007, according to The Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center,

We had a “no info- no go” parent policy.

We’d write down the information, and if that trust was breeched there were consequences to be paid, immediately. Our teenagers grew to learn that we were fair but we meant business, because we knew their lives depended on it.

But the night we let our policy slide was the night we all learned some hard lessons. Our son was going out to a party across town with his friends. He told us the parents were going to be home and we accepted that as okay. We let him go without calling the parents whom we had never met. That was mistake number one.

Our son borrowed his older brother’s car, had stolen a fifth of vodka and stuffed a $20 dollar bill into his jeans’ pocket to give to someone legally old enough to buy more alcohol for him.

The same night we were visiting my sister’s, and during the 45-minute drive home, I nodded off while my husband drove. I thought about calling our son,

was $1.5 billion.

The following statistics from National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association show that each year, almost 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of drinking; including 1,900 deaths from car crashes, 1,600 from homicides, 300 from suicide, and hundreds from injuries such as falls, burns, drowning and hypothermia.

When a teen becomes impaired from drinking alcohol she puts herself at risk of sexual abuse, accidents of all kinds, youth violence, drug use, and crime and property damage.

While I slept soundly, my pen was buried in a junk drawer somewhere. I wanted to think my son was safe, because that would have been a lot easier, but I would have had a hunch that things weren’t alright if I had stopped in the beginning to do my job as a parent, get all the information from my son, probed and made some calls, and then followed up with appropriate action.

Our Story

Meanwhile, the parent hosts in charge decided they didn’t want to “deal with” our son in their home who was barely aware of what was going on. They instructed my son’s peers to take him outside. He ended up in a snow bank on their property where his friends tried to get him sober by putting snow down his back to try to “wake him up.” Thank goodness, my son was able to eke out the words “91-1” in desperation to a friend who would finally do the right thing, which may have saved my son’s life.

For the record, social host liability goes like this; you can be held financially responsible if your child or guest who is drinking causes injury or kills another person after you permit your child or guest to drink alcohol in your home or on your property. And you are negligent if you allow impaired and/or underage guests to drink alcohol at your home. Civil law holds a host liable because the chances of someone getting hurt are so great.

While my son was being rushed by advanced life support to the nearest hospital, a phone call from the police woke us out of bed and into a real life nightmare.

My husband and I drove in shock and fear not knowing what we’d find at the hospital. It wasn’t until we saw our son in an emergency room bed hooked up to beeping monitors, an IV and a catheter, that we took our first real breath. His blood alcohol level was high, but it was the frozen white wash remedy used to snap him out of his stupor that had potentially been deadly.

That was the night my grays grew faster than I could pray, “Please, God let him be alright, so I can punish him myself!”

By the time my son arrived at the emergency room, his core temperature had dropped below 86 degrees. A freezing bath in a snow bank on a January night was one of the many poor decisions compounded by condoning underage drinking. The right thing would have been for the hosts to call us or to get help. But a child can’t rely on others to always make the right decisions when drinking is involved.

To be fair, I hadn’t called and neither had our son. The combination of a major breakdown of communication and fear had caused a lot of people to do a lot of stupid things. And when we were asked by the police if we’d press charges, we simply couldn’t because the moral responsibility lay on all three parties: the parents, the teenager and the hosts. My son was alive and was going to recover, and we wouldn’t make the mistake of being uninformed again if we could help it.

Prom is an exciting time for parents and teenagers. Keep the lines of communication wide open with a responsible plan and a phone call. Information is knowledge which helps to keep our teens safe so we can continue to take all those special pictures for a long time to come.

Freelance writer Bonnie J. Toomey is the mom of four children and grandmother to two more.

She lives with her child-groom of 30 years, and their dog, Molly, in North Central Massachusetts.

For more information, visit Bonnie’s blog at parentforward.blogspot.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 19

FINALLYFOREVER

Haiti to Home: Roselande’s Dream Part 3 BY

Roselande reacts to the letter she receives from her sponsor family, The Budds from Acton, asking her to begin the adoption process with them and join their family in the United States.

bonnie j. toomey

The Budd family of Acton has been on a 15-month journey to adopt an 11-year-old Haitian girl named Roselande. Their story is part of a baystateparent series, which started in February 2011, to welcome Roselande home.

Sue Budd woke up wondering how she and her husband, Fred, would find the extra money, roughly $10,000, to adopt her family’s Haitian sponsor child, 11-year-old Roselande. Roselande had suffered abandonment and now the devastation of an earthquake. Still, the girl in the photos the Budds so deeply treasured always seemed to be smiling.

On a February morning 2010, Sue got a call from her sister Nancy. It was as if God had answered her prayers. Relieved, she broke down and cried in joyful thanks for the miraculous news. Then she called her husband Fred at work.

“Guess what?!” Sue shouted over the phone. She could hardly believe what had happened. “Nancy wants to give us $4,000 dollars!” This was the amount needed to fund the initial cost of adopting Roselande.

“There’s the 2 x 4!” said Fred, thinking this was the sign he was looking for from God, a sign that he should welcome another child into his life. Fred had been struggling with feelings that he describes as selfish about the possibility of adopting another child (however, most of us would agree that there is nothing selfish about raising three teens and becoming a father

to a fourth). Fred, who was adopted by an aunt and uncle at age 14, would now get the chance to give back.

Griffin Budd, who had been watching TV in the family’s Acton home, remembers his sister, Clarissa, as she shared the exciting news.

“She said we might be adopting someone,” the 12-year-old recalls, “and then I did a double take!”

Griffin was psyched that he would finally get to be a big brother and not the youngest in the family any longer.

On February 23, 2010, the Budds sat down and wrote a letter.

Dear Roselande, Even though not all of us have met you, we love you so much!

Our entire family is excited to have you come be a part of our lives! We want you to join our family, but it’s your decision.

Please know that we pray every day for you and that we believe God has a plan for your future.

With Love, Fred and Sue, Richard, Clarissa and Griffin Budd

The following months involved a rigorous home study, psychological evaluations, a petition for pre-approval from the government, more interviews, CORI screenings and proof of official documents like their marriage license and birth certificates.

“I felt like the dossier [set of required adoption papers] was taking over my life!” says Sue. Each document was notarized and had to be hand delivered to The Secretary of State’s office in Boston for an official stamp of approval. Then it was on to the Haitian Consulate in Boston for another stamp of approval. When she was done, it was November 2010, nine months after the Budds had started the official adoption process. Sue had five copies of each document, all double sided, in five separate binders, everything translated.

Luckily, Sue finished days before she and her daughter, Clarissa, left for a trip to Haiti to visit Roselande. She would be able to carry the documents to Pastor Rigaud, the Director of Kingdom of Kids Orphanage, personally.

Poppi, Crazy for Helping Children Pastor Rigaud, known as “Poppi” to the 81 children in the orphanage, knew the pain of growing up poor and living on the streets of Haiti. One of seven children, he

went to work for a tailor at the age of ten to help his mother feed his family.

On his recent visit to the states (February 2011), he spoke of compassion, a virtue he so embodies, as he works tirelessly to provide shelter, food, a proper education and the love of Christianity to every child at Kingdom of Kids Orphanage.

Many families, including a teary Sue Budd and her family, drove hours to hear Pastor Rigaud speak to a congregation at Windham Baptist Church in Windham, Maine about their concerns and to thank him for all he was doing to help. Waiting is not easy and adoption of a Haitian child can take up to two years from the time a dossier is submitted to lawyers.

“Be patient,” Pastor Rigaud said. He and his wife are also waiting to adopt a child whom they found lying amongst trash and debris in the streets of La Saline, the poorest neighborhood in Haiti. The little boy was starving and barely alive when they brought him to the hospital.

“We took him to the hospital. In two weeks he moved, in four weeks his eyes opened, and in six weeks he hugged me,” says Pastor Rigaud. “I love him, and he loves me.

“Those children are so precious to me – after the earthquake, the kids lost their fathers and mothers, and I could not say no. God put compassion in my heart.

“In French we say, the Good Samaritan.

Sometimes we need to stop on the highway and help; we cannot always drive

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by. We don’t need to ask who a person is; all we need to do is help.”

A hush fell over the congregation, and Sue wiped a tear as Pastor Rigaud told of how he had overcome adversity in his life, summing it up with: “Helping children is my passion – my craziness!”

The Budd family waits alongside Pastor Rigaud and many other families in New England and beyond for their adoptions to go through.

For now, Roselande says her prayers every

night and sleeps with a picture of her future big brother, 18-year-old Richard Budd, under her pillow, dreaming about the day when she comes home to her new family in Acton, Massachusetts.

Columnist and freelance writer, Bonnie J. Toomey is mom to four interesting children and grandmother to two more. She lives with her child-groom of 30 years, and their dog, Molly, in North Central Massachusetts.

For more information, visit Bonnie’s blog at parentforward.blogspot.com

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CIRCLEOFFRIENDS Highlights of April’s Adoption-Related Events

38th Annual New England Adoption Conference. Tales of the Journey: Past, Present & Future. Sat., April 2: Bellingham High School, Bellingham. 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. More than 85 workshops! Adoptioncommunityofne.org.

FREE Spring Adoption Party: Pre-Party Info Meeting. The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange. Wed., April 13, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, Holyoke.

6 – 7:30 p.m. 617-54-ADOPT, mareinc.org.

FREE Foster Care Information Session.

Wed., April 13 or Wed., April 27, 6 – 8 p.m. Also Sat. April 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Home for Little Wanderers, Roslindale. For those considering becoming a foster parent.

617-264-5323,thehome.org/fostercare.

Javone Javone is a sweet, sensitive African American young man who cares about other people. A typical 15 year old, Javone enjoys hanging out with friends and playing video games. Quiet by nature,

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– 1 p.m. For those interested in adopting a child or teen from foster care. Meet waiting children and their social workers, and join in games. Lunch served. 617-54-ADOPT, mareinc.org.

Please submit May’s adoption-related events by Tuesday, April 5th at baystateparent.com, Calendar/Submit an Event.

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Javone will slowly open up to others once he feels comfortable. He enjoys reading and drawing.

He currently attends a specialized school program where he receives supports from his Individualized Education Program.

He recently organized a talent show at his school and performed in it as well.

He likes to sing and perform in front of others. He has an interest in computers and would like to pursue that interest. He also is a huge Pokemon fan.

His worker hopes to find a family with a healthy lifestyle who can get Javone involved in activities. Javone would love a mom and a dad, but a single parent with a good support system would also be considered. Legally free for adoption, Javone wants a family that would always be there for him.

If you are interested in learning more about Javone or the adoption process in general, please call Deirdre Madden at the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at (617) 54-ADOPT.

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LET’SROLL

The Fairy-Tale Lure of the Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary BY

It

probably won’t be the medieval-looking entrance to the Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary that intrigues you the most, though the large wooden gate you enter first is impressive. The eerie music blaring from the speakers around Halloween adds to the feeling that you’ve entered a portal into another dimension. If it’s Christmas, and you look past the lit torches to see Father Christmas walking in the distance, you might believe you’ve entered into a Dickens classic.

What should catch your eye almost immediately, however, are the animals. You’ve probably seen mallard ducks, patchwork and striped cats, wooly sheep, long-neck geese and pot-bellied pigs. But have you ever seen them living together? Have you seen cats strutting past birds without even a second glance? A goose waiting its turn while a goat gorges himself at the feeding trough?

These kinds of behaviors do not seem to faze Debra White any longer. President and resident of the sanctuary, White owns the acreage that has now become home to over 220 animals which also include horses, goats, llamas and a number of domestic and exotic birds.

Raised in a log cabin on the property, White always felt a deep connection to nature, and to the animals that were a part of it. She dreamed of creating a safe haven for those who’d been neglected and abused, and worked three jobs to eventually make it a reality. The magic she has created is infectious, too. Just ask any one of the 43 volunteers, more than half of whom are children.

Charlotte is 14. She’d been visiting the sanctuary with her family for years and finally convinced her parents to let her work with the animals. With a desire to be a biologist in animal sciences, Charlotte feeds, grooms and cleans up after the animals, as well as leads tours around the property.

Katelyn is 12 and has been volunteering at the sanctuary since she was 10. Dan is also 12. Both work at 22 APRIL2011

donna morin miller photos by winslow farm

the sanctuary five days a week, often coming before and after school. They are happy to lead my family into the restricted barn area to meet two of the sanctuary’s special residents. It’s restricted because Opie also lives in the penned area, and Opie is one very large temperamental pig, so we are careful to tread quietly past his snoozing mass.

We’d come to learn more about Moonie, the aging blind horse who, in his day, was the pride of the show, but when White found him had been relegated to the back of the stables, forgotten and neglected. Moonie had developed pneumonia, and White covered the cost of the seven weeks he needed to recover at Tufts Veterinary Hospital.

Moonie has a special friend- another horse named Luna.

Although Luna seemed more interested in her snack the day we were there, word is she’s the protector of Moonie and often leads him around the penned area, as a companion guide dog might do for its blind human.

It doesn’t seem like a stretch to assume the animals get along so well because they feel a connection. After all, aren’t animals known for their “sixth sense”? Perhaps they recognize themselves in each other, sense how each is tied to the same history and revel in the joy that is now their home. White says she’s never had an animal attack another animal. Although there are a few restricted areas, it’s generally to keep the public safe from animals with attitude or playful weapons in the shape of horns- as is the case with some of the goats. “They are treated as individuals,” says White, “and we meet their needs for space.”

It costs Debra about $200,000 a year to keep this “for life” sanctuary running. She welcomes grants and taxdeductible donations, but the majority of the funding comes from the visitors who enter the gates. Admission price for adults is $7, for children $5, and tikes under two get in free.

As a family, we’ve come to the farm for every holiday but Thanksgiving, when White often hosts a large, vegetarian feast. Volunteers help to run all the events. At Halloween, the trails are decked out with spookily-clad mannequins, skulls and witches. There’s even a nighttime stroll for the older kids. A Yuletide Festival is held around Christmas. Our family enjoyed the night tour White gives during the event, but my son was even more excited about the hot chocolate around the bonfire.

Spring brings warmer temperatures and a non-competitive Easter egg hunt (every April weekend through the 23rd). Each child bring his own basket and is allowed to wander through the trails, picking up seven egg treats before returning to devour the sugary treasures.

One of the newest non-animal additions to the grounds is a formidable wooden jungle gym. One the day we were

there, it was busy with little tikes finishing up a birthday party, another feature of the sanctuary. Adorned with miniature lights, an arched bridge, and a lookout tower, the play structure fits right in with the fairytale lure of the place.

Whether you come alone to meditate as you walk the serene trails of the sanctuary or bring your children to romp with the animals who seem just as happy to see you as you are them, you can’t help but leave feeling contentas if you just took part in something other-wordly. That maybe it’s the animals who have the right idea about how to live, and that it’s up to us humans to learn from them.

Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary 37 Eddy Street Norton, MA 02766 508-285-6451 winslowfarm.com Donna Morin Miller is a Wrentham-based freelance writer who enjoys any time she can spend with her son and in nature.

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This innovative education option brings learning to life for students, and gives you a choice in how your children are educated—from a school where your child struggles to fit in, to a school that fits your child.

ENROLLMENTS FOR THE FALL ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW. K12 is America’s leader in delivering high quality, tuition-free, public online schooling for grades K–12. K12 programs are available for Massachusetts students statewide through Massachusetts Virtual Academy at Greenfield.

Massachusetts Virtual Academy at Greenfield is a program of Greenfield School District.

Get full enrollment details and a list of upcoming events at K12.com/MA

K12.com/MA 866.467.0846 BAYSTATEPARENT 25

OH, THE GO

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off andaway!

- dr. seuss

sarah musumeci/mott

PLACES YOU’LL

GO EGG HUNTING: In search of egg hunts?

A great place to start is winslowfarm.com and kindergroup.com/egghunt/html.

26 APRIL2011

GO BAAA! On Sat., April 30th, the Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place in Waltham, is the place to be. goreplace.org

david niddrie

courtesy of gore place.

courtesy of the fay family/west boylston

GO PATRIOTS: Celebrate Patriots’ Day, the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War, in historic Lexington and Concord this year.battleroad.org.

GO RUMBA: Enter May with a rumba! Grammy-nominated, Muñequitos de Matanzas, brings its electric Cuban Rumba to the Berkshires, April 30 & May 1. massmoca.org.

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination. Although we’ve done our best to assure accuracy at press time, things can and do change…

A Adult C Child Y Youth M Member NM Non-Member PP Per Person

1FRIDAY

Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating Workshop.

Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton.

8:30 a.m. – noon. Pysanky are Ukrainian Easter Eggs, decorated using beeswax and dyes that are applied in layers. No experience is necessary; all materials provided.$30pp NM. 978-598-5000 x17, museumofrussianicons.org.

to explore the beautiful nature trail to find colorful, treat-filled eggs. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny. Plus, tour the entire sanctuary, play on the playground, and of course interact with over 200 animals. *Event is outdoors so weather is permitting.

A$7, Sr.$7, C$7. 508-285-6451, winslowfarm.com.

Also April 3, 9,10,16,17, 23.

Teddy Bear Tea. Chandlers Restaurant at the Yankee Candle Flagship Store, 25 Greenfield Rd., South Deerfield. 11 a.m. Bring your favorite Teddy Bear for tea and lunch. Hear the book, The Brown Paper Teddy Bear. A$10, C$8. 413-665-1277, chandlers.yankeecandle.com. Also April 16 & 30.

Worm World. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 11 a.m.- 2 p .m. Kids observe how worms wiggle, meet giant night crawlers, wear worm suits and squirm through a maze, and get their hands dirty digging through a wormy habitat. Ages 3 – 11. Program free with $8.50 admission; under 12 months free. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org.

Also April 3.

Berenstain Bears Visit, Children’s Museum of NH, 6 Washington St., Dover NH. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Berenstain Bears stories, creative activities plus visits with Brother and Sister Bear. A$8, Sr.$7, C$8. childrens-museum.org.

interactive, educational hip-hop show. Recommended for ages 3+. A$9.75, C $7.75. coolidge.org.

Bioluminescent Animals: Flashlight Fish, Fireflies, and the World of Light-Emitting Organisms. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. 2 p.m.

You have probably seen the marvelous flashing of fireflies at dusk in summer, but less well-known are the many different types of luminous organisms in the oceans, and some others on land. Explore how and why creatures do this, show live specimens from his collection of glowing dinoflagellates (a type of plankton), and discuss how scientists are discovering new benefits of bioluminescence for medical research.

A$9, Sr.$7 and C$6. 617-495-3045, hmnh.harvard. edu/family_programs/index.php.

Weekend Festival: Sensational India. Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square 161 Essex St., Salem. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Depending on the

FREE Thoreau Club’s 60th Birthday Bash. The Thoreau Club, 275 Forest Ridge Rd., Concord. 1 – 3 p.m. Animal fun with Creature Teachers, Magic with R & R Productions, crafting with Dabblers Hobbies + Café, animal story time with Barefoot Books, Kid’s Tennis and music gun with Camp Thoreau, cupcake decorating and more fun treats. Complimentary for the whole family! 978-831-1349, thoreau.com/ birthdaybash.

Hair Rock Musical. The Colonial Theatre, Boston. Ends April 10. Tickets start at $48. broadwayacrossamerica.com/boston.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, Norton. See April 2 for details. Also April 9,10,16,17, 23.

FREE Tot Shabbat Service. Young Families Group of Beth Sholom Synagogue, 50 Pamela Rd., Framingham. 6:30 p.m. This special program will feature song, prayer, stories and a special Kiddush, all geared for preschool-aged children and their families.

Siblings welcome. 508-877-2540, beth-sholom.org.

Weekend Festival: Sensational India. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. See April 2 listing for details.

Singin’ in the Rain. Watertown Children’s Theatre. See April 1 listing for details.

April Fool’s Discount Day. The Discovery Stop, 44 Nashua Rd., Unit 20, Londonderry, NH. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Child Admission discounted to $6/child all day today! A$1. 603-421-2790,thediscoverystop.com.

4MONDAY

2SATURDAY NanoScience with Brandeis University. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Drop-in from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum.

Meet members of the Brandeis University’s Materials Research Science and Engineering Center and learn about their exciting interdisciplinary research that explores the interface of biology and nanoscale materials science. Try hands-on activities to discover how materials have unexpected properties at the nanoscale. $10.50 -$9.50. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

Dayglow. Mullins Center, Amherst. 8 p.m. The World’s Largest Paint Party is a theatrical show at the Mullins Center fusing high-energy music, art, dance and neon paint. $33. 413-545-3001, mullinscenter.com.

FREE Families Connect Workshop. Boston Center for the Arts. Mills Gallery, 551 Tremont St., Boston.

1 – 2:30 p.m., repeats at 3 – 4:30 p.m. Explore the exhibit “Contained” with fun, interactive workshops.

Workshops are free though space is limited. Register: cwoo@bcaonline.org or 617-426-1119. bcaonline.org Big Apple Circus Dance On! City Hall Plaza, Government Center, Boston. Opens April 2 and runs for 67 performances through Sun., May 15. $15pp.

888-541-3750, 800-922-3772, bigapplecircus.org.

lakeshore learning stores

Singin’ in the Rain. Watertown Children’s Theatre.

Charles Mosesian Theater, Arsenal Center for the Arts,Watertown. 7 p.m. Actors in grades 4-8 bring this silver screen classic to life on stage. $12pp. 800838-3006, watertownchildrenstheatre.org. Also April 2, 2 & 7 p.m. & April 3, 2 p.m.

Make FREE super-cute crafts every Saturday at Lakeshore Learning in Newton and Saugus plus celebrate Earth Day with lots of free crafty fun on Saturday, April 16. lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE No Nap Happy Hour. Flywheel Community Arts, Route 141, Easthampton. 12 p.m. Arrive early and learn a song to perform with The Expandable Brass Band, a Western Massachusetts street band spreading the joy of playing in the street both for the fun of it and in support of others working on important social issues, especially in their community.

The band features a playful and lively mix of brass and percussion instruments. flywheelarts.org.

FREE Open Studios. Western Avenue Studios, Lowell.

12 – 5 p.m. On the first Saturday of every month. Over 200 artists such as painters, photographers, sculptors, glass artists, jewelers, mixed media artists, potters and more. See where they work, discuss art and pick up a little something to take home with you. A great place to visit. westernavenuestudios.com.

FREE Adventures around the World. Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ages 3+. Explore cultures around the globe and create cool crafts and play fun-fillled games. lakeshorelearning.com.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, 37 Eddy St., Norton. 12 to 3 p.m. Offers a relaxed, non-competitive hunt, that allows children

activity). Visual art, dance and music with ngoing art activities, gallery tours, storytelling and more. A$15, Sr. $13, St.$11, C (16 and under) free. 978-7459500, 866-745-1876 and pem.org Singin’ in the Rain. Watertown Children’s Theatre. See April 1 listing for details.

FREE WARL Kitten Shower. Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL), 139 Holden St., Worcester.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Just like a baby shower, there may not be any kittens present on this day, but WARL needs supplies to prepare for their arrival! Supplies needed: Kitten Milk Replacement (KMR) Formula, feeding bottles, canned and dry kitten food, blankets, toys and cleaning supplies. Please note: kitty litter is not needed. Learn about our foster parent program and meet the shelter staff. Enjoy refreshments while browsing the bake sale and plant sale. worcester-arl. org, 508-853-0030.

3SUNDAY The Alphabet Rockers. Coolidge Corner Theater, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. A dancing, singing,

FOR PARENTS Adventure Boot Camp. 15 Bellingham Rd., Worcester. 5:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

This four-week outdoor fitness program offers fitness instruction, nutritional counseling and motivational training. Call for program fees. 508-579-6064, AdventureBootCampLLC.com.

FREE Breastfeeding Support Group. Mothers and Company, West Boylston. Mondays, 1 p.m. (except holidays) and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. For all moms, those breastfeeding a freshly-born baby, those having challenges, those interested in learning more about using a breastpump and those interested in figuring out how to breastfeed in public. RSVPS appreciated but not required: mothersandcompany.com.

5TUESDAY Sea Squirts: Programs for Toddlers and Preschoolers. New England Aquarium Central Wharf, Boston. 9:30 & 11 a.m. Held on Tuesdays and Fridays. April theme: Rainbow Ocean. Adults are included in the cost of each child. Call for fees: 617973-5206, neaq.org.

Piggin’ Out. Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln. 3:30 – 5 p.m. Uncover the many interesting facts about pigs. Dig in the garden dirt, help the farmer with chores, share pig stories, paint like “Pigasso,” and try to eat like a pig. $12NM. Preregister: 781-259-2206, massaudubon.org/drumlin.

FREE Messy Fingers Preschool Science Program. Millbury Public Library, 128 Elm St., Millbury. 10:30 a.m. A hands-on, minds-on science program for preschoolers and their parents. Learn BAYSTATEPARENT 27

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO about frogs and metamorphosis. Free, but you must preregister. 508-865-1181, millburylibrary.org.

FREE Youth Group. HOPE of YouthMOVE Massachusetts. Parent/Professional Advocacy League, 51 Union St., Suite 312 Worcester. 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Non-therapeutic support group for youth ages 14-19 living with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs. Dinner is free. 508-767-9725, ppal.net.

programs begin the week of April 25. Prices vary.

978-639-3257, Inclusive.Sudbury.ma.us.

7THURSDAY FREE Take a Look Morning. Applewild School, 120 Prospect St., Fitchburg. 9 – 11 a.m. This independent school for grades K through 8 hosts an open house on the first Thursday of each month. No RSVP necessary.

978-342-6053, x110, applewild.org.

6WEDNESDAY

Science for Ages 4 – 6. EcoTarium, Worcester.

First Thursday of every month. Session one: 10:1510:45 a.m. Session two: 11-11:30 a.m. Explore the world of color and create secret messages. There are two identical sessions and attendance is on a firstcome, first-served basis. A$12, C (2- 18) $8, Under 2 FREE. ecotarium.org.

features a dance party with great music and delicious food and drinks. There’s also the signature “Celebrity Reader” raffle, which allows guests to win one-of-akind experiences with local celebrities, including David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox. The fifth annual “nongala” gala benefits Reach Out and Read, the nonprofit literacy organization that prepares America’s youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. Tickets: readrompandrock.org.

Imagination Movers- In a Big Warehouse Tour. The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. 4 & 7 p.m.

Disney’s Emmy award-winning Imagination Movers brings their magic to life. Tickets: $15 - $35. 877571-7469, thehanovertheatre.org.

FREE Second Fridays. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 5 – 8 p.m. Mingle with friends in the Museum’s unique galleries with displays of holograms, kinetic sculptures, historic robots and some of the latest research coming out of MIT during this monthly free evening. web.mit.edu/ museum/

FREE Moody Blues: Parenting to your Child’s Temperament. Room to Grow, 142 Berkeley St., Boston. 6 – 7 p.m. Dr. Maureen O’Brien of Destination Parenting will help parents learn to identify and appreciate their child’s unique temperament. Open to all parents of all-age children. Also learn about Room to Grow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of babies born into poverty. RSVP to elizabeth@roomtogrow. org or call 617-859-4545.

Have Ewe Any Wool? Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln. 3:30 – 5 p.m. Age 3+. Check out the ewes’ new hairdos! Do chores, and make a special project by carding some wool. $12NM. Preregistration required: 781-259-2206, massaudubon.org/drumlin.

FREE Parent Support Group. Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL). Community Healthlink (CHL), 100 Erdman Way, Leominster. 5 - 6:30 p.m.

This is a free and confidential group to meet other parents and caregivers that understand the struggles and victories of raising challenging kids who may have emotional, behavioral or mental health needs.

This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. 508-767-9725, ppal.net.

FREE Children’s Storytime for Ages 1 ½ to 2 ½ Year Olds. Cary Memorial Library, Lexington.

10:30 -11 a.m. Stories, rhymes and songs. No registration necessary. carylibrary.org.

Adaptive Sports & Recreation: Spring Registration. Sudbury Park & Recreation Department: Adaptive Sports and Recreation Programs. Fairbank Community Center 40 Fairbank Rd., Sudbury. Registration opens at 9 a.m.

Provides year-round, affordable, community- based programming for individuals with disabilities. Spring

photo by trish wesley umbrell

FREE Wee Care Infant Oral Health Program.

Melvin “Dr.Mel” Ehrlich, D.D.S., 223 Walnut St. Ste 22, Framingham. 10 a.m. Children under 3 are invited to register for this free seminar with examination designed to help parents assure a cavity-free child. The informal format assures that all parents’ questions will be answered by this pediatric dental specialist. Space is limited. Call Dr. Mel at 508-875-KIDS to register. WeeCareAtDrMels.com

This month, you can be just like a real farmer during special hours at the Natick Community Organic Farm. natickfarm.org.

FREE Your Child’s Education: Evaluations, Assessments & Rights. Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL). Millbury Public Library, 128 Elm St., Millbury. 10:30 a.m. - 12. The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is the Massachusetts Family Voice for Children’s Mental Health of Central Massachusetts. This workshop addresses parents’ concerns about their child’s educational and/or social emotional progress in school. 508-767-9725, ppal.net.

Storytime Ages 2 – 6. Goodnow Library, Sudbury. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Just drop in every Thursday, year-round. library.sudbury.ma.us.

Disney On Ice presents Princess Wishes. DCU Center, Worcester. April 7 – 10, various times. ticketmaster.com, dcucenter.com.

FREE Young Adults Group. Y.A.Y.A of YouthMOVE Massachusetts. Parent/Professional Advocacy League, 51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Free non-therapeutic support group for young adults ages 17-25 living with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs. Dinner free. 508-767-9725, ppal.net.

8FRIDAY For Parents Read Romp + Rock. WGBH Studios, Brighton. 6:30 p.m. This fun, hip social evening

FREE Children’s Consignment Sale. Déjà vu Couture at the American Legion Hall, 198 Church Ave., Northbridge. April 8 – 10: Fri. 12 to 9 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 50% off sale! Sale items include: kids’ clothing items (newborn through teen), toys, games, books, furniture, shoes, baby equipment, sports equipment and maternity clothing. Déjà vu Couture consignors set their own prices and are paid 60-75% of the selling price.

Consignors, volunteers and new moms are invited to get a sneak peak of the merchandise at the private preview sale on Fri., April 8. dejavucouturesales.com.

Art Explorations. The Children’s Museum in Easton, Old Fire Station at 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton.

Drop in every Friday from 10 - 10:45 a.m. for fun with paint, glitter and play dough. $6pp. 508-2303789, childrensmuseumineaston.org.

Y Teen Night. Burbank YMCA, 36 Arthur B. Lord Dr. Reading. 7 – 10 p.m. Activities will include gym tournaments, music, game room activities and Wii tournaments.$7NM.781-944-9622, ymcaboston.org/ burbank.

FREE Nursing Beyond the First Year. Mothers and Company, West Boylston. 1 – 2 :30 p.m.

Meets the second Friday of each month. A monthly discussion group/playgroup for those who are continuing to breastfeed children over one year old or those who are considering it and curious to meet moms who are still enjoying their nursing relationship. RSVPs welcome. Drop-ins welcome too. mothersandcompany.com.

Knox Trail Council Cub Scout Camps DAY - FAMILY - RESIDENT for boys in grades 1-5 at Camp Resolute in Bolton

Program activities include: swimming, boating, fishing, crafts, nature, sports, archery & more.

No Scouting experience necessary!

Call for more info: 508-872-6551 Visit us at: www.cubscoutcamps.org 28 APRIL2011

OH,THEPLACESYOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LLGO Disney On Ice presents Princess Wishes. DCU Center, Worcester. April 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10, various times. ticketmaster. com, dcucenter.com.

9SATURDAY Music and Movement with Miss Carolyn.

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

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discovery Museum. Move, make music, listen, learn and get a multi-sensory workout! $10.50pp. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

Also April 15.

April 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10. See April 8 listing for details. dejavucouturesales.com.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, Norton. See April 2 for details. Also April 10,16,17, 23.

Pragmatic Language and Social Group. Barrett Family Wellness Center, 107 Otis St.,Northborough.

12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Ages 5-6. This multi-sensory skillbuilding group will help younger children develop age-appropriate social, play and language skills through structured movement, art, drama and music.

Registration is required. $40/session. 508-898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com

on site from Dragonflies Boutique. A$23, C$18.

Information and registration: wayland.ma.us/pages/ waylandMA_recreation/index or 508-358-3660 Voices from the Mountain. Arsenal Center for the Arts, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown. 7:30 p.m.

Revels Repertory Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acclaimed 40-member touring ensemble of adults and children presents an original musical theater production about real-life Massachusetts born songcatcher, Olive Dame Campbell and her encounters as she collected songs, dances and stories from Southern Appalachia in the early 1900s.

A$20, C (11 and under) $12. 617-972-8300 x 31, revels.org.

13SUNDAY

Meet Ruff Ruffman and the FETCH!â&#x201E;˘ Cast!

The Discovery Museums, Acton. Drop-in between 1 and 4 p.m. for a meet and greet with Ruff Ruffman, canine host of the popular PBS Kids Go! series â&#x20AC;&#x153;FETCH! with Ruff Ruffmanâ&#x201E;˘â&#x20AC;? as well as several of the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kid cast members. Fun activities all day! $10.50pp. discoverymuseums.org.

Ugly Duckling Performance. The Regent Theatre, Arlington. 10:30 a.m.

A$10, C$8. regenttheatre.com. Also April 10.

Ugly Duckling Performance. The Regent Theatre, Arlington. 10:30 a.m. A$10, C$8. regenttheatre. com. Also April 10.

FREE Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Book Fair. Trinity Church in the City of Boston, 206 Clarendon St., Boston. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Easter-themed craft projects and storytime. Parents, find goodies for your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easter basket while browsing a wide array of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s titles. 617-5360944 x 243, trinitychurchboston.org.

FREE Kids Tag Sale. Chelmsford Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club at the McCarthy Middle School, 250 North Rd., Chelmsford. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thousands of gentlyused childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s items. Admission is $1 or one nonperishable food item per adult. Only umbrella strollers will be allowed on the sale floor. 978-4961775, chelmsfordmothersclub.org.

Learn about the Arab world through music, song and dance at the JFK Library, Mon., April 18. jfklibrary.org. jfk library

FREE Help Me Get Ready To Read Workshop.

Center for Parents and Teachers, 120 Merriam St., Concord. 10 a.m. - noon. This interactive workshop is geared for all caring adults who read aloud to young children. Learn strategies on how to read successfully! 978-202-1145,readaloudguide.com.

FREE Meriamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner Exercise. One of the oldest houses in Concord. 1 p.m. Enjoy area minute companies and fife. concordma.gov.

Stars, Moons and the Rings of Saturn. Mass Audubonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30 p.m. View Saturnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rings through a telescope as it makes its closest pass to Earth during the year. Why does Saturn have rings?

Learn about Saturnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moon Titan and our winter constellations. Come join for stars, Saturn, snacks and drinks. Pre-registration highly recommended.

A$15, C$8 NM. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org/ broadmoor.

FREE Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Consignment Sale. DĂŠjĂ vu Couture at the American Legion Hall, Northbridge.

New Lambs for School Vacation. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. April 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 24. 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Crafts and outdoor activities for kids of all ages.

Meet the baby animals (especially the lambs!), watch musket demonstrations and make a craft. A$20, C (3-17) $7, Under 3 free. Admission includes a free second daytime visit within 10 days with receipt validation. 800-SEE-1830, osv.org.

Fashion Show and Tea for Girls and their Dolls. Wayland Recreation Department, 40 Fairbank Rd., Sudbury. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2:30 p.m. Ages 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9. Sweets, tea, lemonade, fashion show, goodie bags, photos, raffle, history of tea. Doll clothes available for sale

Toe Jam Puppet Band presents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Green Show.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Coolidge Corner Theater, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Tom & Vinnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-energy nonsense helps remind us what a great place this is to live and why we should take care of our planet. With songs like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do the Can Can,â&#x20AC;? children will learn about the importance of recycling and how everyone can help keep the Earth clean. Recommended for ages 3+. A$9.75, C$7.75. coolidge.org.

FREE Spring Fever Shoppinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fling. The Bayside Expo Center, 180 Mount Vernon St., Dorchester.

Noon to 5 p.m. Family event featuring more than 40 vendors selling everything from art, beauty aids, candles, clothes, crafts, handbags, homemade soap, jewelry, and more. 617-899-2429, art4funventures.com.

Easter Kids Party. The Discovery Stop, 44 Nashua Rd., Unit 20 Londonderry, NH. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Decorate a tasty cookie and making a Spring craft.

A$1, C$7.99. 603-421-2790, thediscoverystop.com.

Wild about Reptiles. Mass Audubonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., (Rt.16), Natick.

1-2:30 p.m. Learn about our wonderful scaly friends and take a short walk to see more reptiles in the wild. Pre-registration highly recommended. Member rates available. A$15, C$8 NM. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org/broadmoor.

FREE Spring Chick Craft. Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ages 3+. Make a spring chick using feathers, wiggly eyes, dot painters and more. lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Consignment Sale. DĂŠjĂ vu Couture at the American Legion Hall, Northbridge.

April 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10. See April 8 listing for details. dejavucouturesales.com.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, Norton. See April 2 for details. Also April 16,17, 23.

Story Trails: Artful Gardens. Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex St., Salem.

2 - 3 p.m. Discover two paths to creating lush gardens at this garden storytime and sculpt an ivy topiary to take home. A$15, Sr. $13, St. $11, C (16 and under) free. 978-745-9500, 866-745-1876, pem.org.

FREE Heated Yoga. Central Mass Yoga And Welleness, INC. 45 Sterling St., #28 West Boylston.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. A HEATED vinyasa style practice.

Not recommended for people with a heart condition, frequent dizziness, and expectant mothers. The room is heated between 90 and 95 degrees. 508-8351176, centralmassyoga.com.

FREE Beth Tikvah Tots. 45 Oak St.,Westborough.

This Jewish program for infants, toddlers and their caregivers is held one Sunday morning per month from 10:30 to 12 a.m. Socialize, converse and play with other Jewish families in a comfortable and unstructured setting. Non-member families are welcome to register.

RSVP: 508-616-9037 or email cavergon@aol.com. bethtikvahsynagogue.org. Also May 15.

Disney On Ice presents Princess Wishes. DCU Center, Worcester. April 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10, various times. ticketmaster.com, dcucenter.com.

11MONDAY You Are Here! Art Exhibit. Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum, Boston. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DIVORCE MEDIATION If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t save your marriage, you can save your divorce.

Divorce can be expensive â&#x20AC;Ś Mediation allows you to save, time and emotional energy. Protect your rights while preserving your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources. /THER !VAILABLE 3ERVICES s &LAT &EES s %XPEDITED WEEKEND NIGHT APPOINTMENTS s ,IMITED )SSUES -EDIATION Since 1975 James F. Connors SUPER LAWYER

#ERTIlED BY !!-, SINCE .ORFZEIGER )NSTITUTE SINCE s %DUCATION 3T "ERNARD (IGH 3CHOOL !SSUMPTION #OLLEGE 5NIVERSITY OF 0ARIS 3ORBONNE 3UFFOLK 5NIVERSITY ,AW 3CHOOL ,ANGUAGES %NGLISH &RENCH 3PANISH s !RTICLES $IVORCE AND 4HE 7HEEL OF THE !DDICTION, $EMYSTIFYING $IVORCE )NSTRUCTOR !"! FAMILY LAW SECTION -"! FAMILY LAW SECTION 7"! FAMILY LAW SECTION -ASSACHUSETTS 3UPREME #OURT STUDY ON !DDICTION AND THE #OURT

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%LM 3TREET 7ORCESTER s 508-792-3006

WWW ATTYJFCONNORS COM s CONNORSESQUIRE

GMAIL COM /LIVER 3TREET &ITCHBURG s BAYSTATEPARENT 29

OH,THEPLACESYOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LLGO and Fridays until 9 p.m. Ends May 1st. Art by Fort Point Channel artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; depicting the Fort Point Channel neighborhood. The show enlightens visitors both local and passing-through about Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest artist community.

A$12, C (1- 15) $12, C under 12 free. On Friday nights all visitors $1. BostonChildrensMuseum.org.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Madeline at the White House.â&#x20AC;? Marciano carries on the legacy begun by his grandfather, Ludwig Bemelmans, author and illustrator of the Madeline books. concordbookshop.com.

51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. 5 -6:30 p.m.

Free non-therapeutic support group for youth ages 1419 living with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs. Dinner is free. 508-767-9725, ppal.net.

FREE Working Moms Group. Mothers and Company, Route 140, West Boylston. Meets the second Wednesday of every month, 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 p.m.

Whether you work full-time or part-time, you are welcome to come. Come on time or come when you can. Bring your baby with you, or not. Babies from newborn to crawling welcome. This is a drop-in group but RSVPS appreciated: mothersandcompany.com.

Story and Healthy Snack Time. Whole Foods Market , 575 Worcester Rd., Framingham. Every Monday at 10:30 a.m., For children ages 2-6. 508628-9525.

12TUESDAY FREE PJ Storytime. Acton Memorial Library, Acton. 7 p.m. Children ages 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 can drop in for songs and fingerplays with a simple crafts. actonmemoriallibrary.org.

FREE Madeline at the White House. The Concord Bookshop, 65 Main St., Concord. 2:30 p.m. Meet John Bemelmans Marcikano at this special childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event as he talks about his latest illustrated book,

fuller craft museum

What Every Mother Should Know About Family Finances. MetroWest Boston Mothers & More. Whitney Place, 3 Vision Dr., Natick. 7:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 p.m. A financial expert will discuss family financial planning and management. Non-mobile infants welcome. metrowestmothersandmore.org.

FREE Youth Group. The Y.O.U group of YouthMOVE Massachusetts. Parent/Professional Advocacy League, 51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:30 p.m.

Non-therapeutic support group for youth ages 14-19 living with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs. Free dinner. 508-767-9725, ppal.net.

Love Art? Spend school vacation in the studio at the Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton. fullercraft.org.

Bring Your Baby to the Danforth Museum of Art. 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 10 a.m.

An exclusive tour for parents with babies 0-12 months. Light refreshments. Registration encouraged.

Drop-ins welcome!$12per family. 508-620-0050 x 23, danforthmuseum.org. Also May 19.

FREE Youth Group - HOPE of YouthMOVE Massachusetts. Parent/Professional Advocacy League.

Exciting Job Opportunity with Home Staff Home Staff is looking for Home Health Aides in their Needham/Boston/Route 128/Route 495 Service Area Job description: Enables patients to stay in their homes by monitoring and recording patient condition; providing support and personal services; teaching families.

Duties: s -ONITORS PATIENT CONDITION BY OBSERVING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITION INTAKE AND OUTPUT AND EXERCISE s -AY FUNCTION IN HOMEMAKER CAPACITY TO SUPPORT PATIENTS BY PROVIDING HOUSEKEEPING AND LAUNDRY services; shopping for food and other household requirements; preparing and serving meals and snacks; running errands. s !SSISTS PATIENTS BY PROVIDING PERSONAL SERVICES SUCH AS BATHING DRESSING AND GROOMING s (ELPS PATIENTS CARE FOR THEMSELVES BY TEACHING USE OF CANE OR WALKER SPECIAL UTENSILS TO EAT SPECIAL techniques and equipment for personal hygiene. s (ELPS FAMILY MEMBERS CARE FOR THE PATIENT BY TEACHING APPROPRIATE WAYS TO LIFT TURN AND RE POSITION THE PATIENT ADVISING ON NUTRITION CLEANLINESS AND HOUSEKEEPING s 2ECORDS PATIENT INFORMATION BY MAKING ENTRIES IN THE PATIENT JOURNAL NOTIFYING NURSING SUPERVISOR OF changing or unusual conditions. s -AINTAINS A SAFE SECURE AND HEALTHY PATIENT ENVIRONMENT BY FOLLOWING ASEPSES STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES MAINTAINING SECURITY PRECAUTIONS FOLLOWING PRESCRIBED DIETARY REQUIREMENTS AND NUTRITION standards. s 5PDATES JOB KNOWLEDGE BY PARTICIPATING IN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES s 0ROTECTS THE HOME CARE AGENCY BY ADHERING TO PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS HOME CARE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FEDERAL STATE AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS s %NHANCES SERVICE REPUTATION BY ACCEPTING OWNERSHIP FOR ACCOMPLISHING NEW AND DIFFERENT REQUESTS EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES TO ADD VALUE TO JOB ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Skills/QualiďŹ cations: #REATING A 3AFE %FFECTIVE %NVIRONMENT (EALTH 0ROMOTION AND -AINTENANCE 0ATIENT 3ERVICES 6ERBAL #OMMUNICATION ,ISTENING 4RAINING $EPENDABILITY %MOTIONAL #ONTROL -EDICAL 4EAMWORK

13WEDNESDAY A Peek in a Pond. Mass Audubonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2:30 p.m. All ages.

See who is stirring in the pond and meet resident pond animals up close. $12NM. Preregister: 781-2592206, massaudubon.org/drumlin.

The summer enrichment program is available for children between the ages of 8 and 14. The program is designed to benefit children, youths and teenagers of all abilities.

(OME 3TAFF ,,# 6HUYLQJ &HQWUDO :HVWHUQ DQG &DSH &RG 0DVV 5HJLRQV resumes@homestaffma.com or via fax at 508.459.7885 1-508-755-4600 t 1-800-779-3312 t www.HomeStaff.com www.HomeStaff.com Torch Award Winner 7UXVW Â&#x2021; 3HUIRUPDQFH Â&#x2021; ,QWHJULW\ 0DUNHWSODFH (WKLFV %%% RI &HQWUDO 1HZ (QJODQG

14THURSDAY Drop In Storytime. Acton Memorial Library, Acton.

10 a.m. Children ages 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 can drop in for songs and fingerplays with simple crafts. actonmemoriallibrary.org.

FREE Multiple Joys and Challenges. Mothers and Company, Route 140, West Boylston. Meets on the the second Thursday of each month, 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy a warm drink and a monthly chat about your joys and challenges with parents who understand (dads welcome, too!). Babies and toddlers from birth to walking welcome. Free but online RSVPs are greatly appreciated: mothersandcompany.com.

ANTICIPATED TODDLER PROGRAM OPENING SEPT 2011

NOW ENROLLING Ages 15mos-6yrs

Join the Fun! Outdoor games, arts, cooking, nature programs, horseback riding and more!

Weekly Themes: Survivor Week, Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got Talent, Around the World in a Week, Time Travellers, Olympics AM / PM extended day available

Elm Hill Center 26 East Main Street, Brookfield, MA

Entry Level Position 1 to 2 Years Experience Full Time

Preschool and Toddler Wednesdsays.

EcoTarium, Worcester. 10:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 a.m. Enjoy storytime, craft activities, live animals and more-all developed especially for little ones ages 3 and under. New themes every week! (Please note that this program is not held during the EcoTariumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school vacation activity weeks.) Admission fees apply. ecotarium.org.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM at ELM HILL CENTER

-UST HAVE CERTIlCATION IN ((! AND OR #.!

30 APRIL2011

FREE New Momma Again Playgroup. Mothers and Company, Route 140, West Boylston. Meets the second Wednesday of the month, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

This is a free group for moms who have an infant and an older child (or more). Bring them both! Online RSVPs greatly appreciated: mothersandcompany.com.

Tel: 508-347-8181 x137 elapointe@rehabresourcesinc.org Elm Hill Center is a program of Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. www.rehabresourcesinc.org

NAEYC Accredited & AMS AfďŹ liated 163 Turnpike St. (Rte. 138) Canton, MA 02021 781-828-5230 Visit out website at bluehillmontessori.org

OH,THEPLACESYOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LLGO FREE Parent Support Group in Worcester.

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL), 51 Union St., 3rd Floor/Suite 308, Worcester. 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30 p.m. Meet other parents and caregivers that understand the struggles and victories of raising challenging kids who may have emotional, behavioral or mental health needs. This group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. 508-767-9725, ppal.net

cast. Sundays post show, get actors autographs on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Red Carpet.â&#x20AC;? A $30 - $20, C $15. 617-879-2300, WheelockFamilyTheatre.org.

When Duty Whispers: Concord and the Civil War. The Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. Open through Sept. 18, Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m.

Opening Day Garden in the Woods.

Framingham. newfs.org.

mother. mothersandcompany.com. Also May 18 and June 13 at 7 p.m.

FREE MOMS Club of Hubbardston Area. The Monthly Membership Circle/Open Playgroup with Guest Speaker: Susan Tordella. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on the third Friday of the month. Serves Barre, Hubbardston, Princeton and Templeton.

508-667-8102, momsofhubb. freehostia.com.

Children of Eden Musical. Assumption College Theatre presents the musical at The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. April 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. A joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith freely based on the story of Genesis. A perfect family show. $20pp, $8 discount for kids under 12. 877-571-7469, thehanovertheatre.org.

15FRIDAY Plant a tree.

Hug a tree!

Shauna, age 3 of Gardner, celebrates Earth Day.

Music and Movement with Miss Carolyn.

Discovery Museums, Acton. 1 p.m. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discovery Museum. Move, make music, listen, learn and get a multi-sensory workout. $10.50pp. 978264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway, Boston. Held on the campus of Wheelock College in Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic Fenway district. April 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 15. Friday nights at 7:30; Sat. & Sun. matinees at 3; school vacation week matinees at 1 (Tues. 4/19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fri. 4/22 - no evening performance on Fri., 4/22). Free extra activities at each show! Friday Night Pajama Parties: discounted ticket ($15) and a pre-show activity workshop. Saturdays post show meet the

FREE Evaluations, Assessments & Rights Workshops. Parent/ Professional Advocacy League (PPAL).

Milford Public Library, 80 Spruce St., Milford. 10:30 a.m. - Noon.

The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is the Massachusetts Family Voice for Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mental Health of Central Massachusetts. This workshop addresses parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerns about their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational and/or social emotional progress in school. 508-767-9725, ppal.net. krista lajoie

Shark and Ray Touch Tank Opens. New England Aquarium Central Wharf, Boston. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank will feature sharks and rays in a 25,000-gallon tank surrounded by shallow edges and viewing windows, allowing visitors to experience a close encounter with these animals. Included with admission. 617-9735200, neaq.org

- 5 p.m.; Sun., Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. Features objects from the Concord Museum collection, including portraits, uniforms, firearms, swords, flags, broadsides, engravings, correspondence and newspapers. Also in the exhibit are Gettysburg relics, a charcoal study for the painting â&#x20AC;&#x153;Memories of Antietam,â&#x20AC;? and examples of Springfield arms. A$10, Sr./St. $8; C (6-17), $5.

978-369-9763, concordmuseum.org.

FREE Pregnancy Chat. Mothers and Company, Route 140, West Boylston. 7 p.m. Join other moms-tobe (birth partners are also welcome) to chat about everything pregnancy-related, from silly to serious, nothing is off-limits to discuss. $10 per expectant

16SATURDAY 12th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup.

At sites along the Charles River and its tributaries. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. crwa.org.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. See April 15 listing for details.

FREE Earth Day: Party for the Planet. The Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn about the incredible animals that call the Zoo home as well as the ways everyone can contribute to create a healthier planet. 617-989-2000, franklinparkzoo.org.

Tanglewood Marionettes present The Fairy Circus. Coolidge Corner Theater, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Over 20 beautifully hand-crafted marionettes will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform, and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the best-loved music of favorite composers. Recommended for ages 3+. A$9.75, C $7.75. coolidge.org.

FREE Patriotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day at Minute Man NHP .

Commemoration of the North Bridge Fight, Concord,

<]e 3\`]ZZW\U SHREWSBURY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Excellence in Montessori Education for Children age 2.9 through grade 6 Pre-primary age 2.9 - 3 years Half Day and Full Day Programs for Preschool & Kindergarten Elementary Program for Grades One through Six

Independence â&#x20AC;˘ Creativity â&#x20AC;˘ Self-Discipline â&#x20AC;˘ Confidence â&#x20AC;˘ Academic Excellence

Call for a Parent Tour Today!

(508) 842-2116 www.shrewsburymontessori.org

Campuses in Shrewsbury and Auburn BAYSTATEPARENT 31

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO 8:30 a.m.; Bloody Angle Battle Demonstration, Hartwell Tavern and Captain William Smith House, Lincoln, 11 a.m. and Tower Park Battle Demonstration, Lexington, 4 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Activities will include musket and cannon firing, battle demonstrations, family activities and more.

978-318-7825.

Patriots’ Day Revolutionary Muster and Parade. Main St., Deerfield. Bring the family to Historic Deerfield for programs, a parade and a muster featuring reenactors from Nathan Hale Ancient Fife and Drums. 413-775-7214, historic-deerfield.org.

Drop in anytime during the day to look at a few great pieces of art for 10 minutes or more; then meet others in the Atrium Café at 12:30 p.m. and talk about the experience. A$15, Sr $13, St $11, C (16 and under) free.978-745-9500, 866-745-1876, pem.org.

FREE Egg Hunt Fun Day and Food Drive.

Chapel of the Cross, 160 Flanders Rd, Westborough.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rain or shine. Thousands of eggs, free hot dogs and snacks, moonwalk, games, crafts & more. Everyone is welcome. Please bring canned goods to benefit local food banks. 508-870-0001 x 102, chapelofthecross.com.

17SUNDAY FETCH! Thrill Ride. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St. Acton. Drop-in 1 to 4 p.m. Science Discovery Museum. Create tracks with tubes, cardboard and wooden pieces to add to a community marble run inspired by Ruff Ruffman. $10.50pp.

978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

FREE Arabiqa Performance. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Ages 5+. What do a doumbek, a tableh and a duff have in common?

They’re all instruments! Learn about the Arab world through music, song and dance in this special presentation of Middle Eastern traditions by Karim Nagi.

Reservations needed: 617-514-1644,jfklibrary.org.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre,Boston. See April 15 listing for details.

Teddy Bear Tea. Chandlers Restaurant at the Yankee Candle Flagship Store, 25 Greenfield Rd., South Deerfield. 11 a.m. Bring your favorite Teddy Bear for tea and lunch. Hear the book, The Brown Paper Teddy Bear. A$10, C$8. 413-665-1277, chandlers.yankeecandle.com. Also April 30.

FREE [SENSE]ation Day. Fuller Craft Museum, 455 Oak St., Brockton. 12 – 4 p.m. Interactive, hands-on community event. Try carding, spinning and weaving.

508-588-6000, fullercraft.org.

Princess Etiquette Tea with Cinderella. Miss Emma’s Tea, SpringHill Suites Marriott, 31 Andrews Pkwy, Devens Common Center, Devens. 1 – 3 p.m.

Girls will sip tea, enjoy tea sandwiches, fruit and cookies with a special guest, Cinderella. She will teach the girls table manners, tell stories and sing. Plus, play musical games,learn a special twirl dance and how to curtsey like a real princess! Favors for each guest. $38 per child.978-537-6945, 978 479-5272, or MissEmmasTea.com.

FREE Patriots’ Day at Minute Man NHP. British Mourn Arms Ceremony and Concord Parade, North Bridge, Concord. 8:30 a.m. Join park staff and volunteers for a morning of commemorations and celebrations marking the 236th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War. Nps.gov/ mima/patriots-day.htm.

FREE Evaluations, Assessments & Rights.

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) Youth and Family Center North, 356B Broad St., Fitchburg. 10 – 11:30 a.m. The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is the Massachusetts Family Voice for Children’s Mental Health of Central Massachusetts. This workshop addresses parents’ concerns about their child’s educational and/or social emotional progress in school. 508-767-9725 ppal.net.

Nature Art Festival. Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Participatory nature art and artists, solar sculpture garden, exhibit gallery. Rain date: April 17. Activities free with farm admission. 781-259-2218, massaudubon.org/drumlin.

Nature Tales Puppet Show. Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln. 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. Age 3+. Puppeteer Ann Davidson of Blue Moon Puppets is bringing her friend Lucy along with some rollicking good nature tales. Join in the fun of this puppet show full of nature fun!$10ppNM. 781-259-2206, massaudubon.org/drumlin.

Story and Healthy Snack Time. Whole Foods Market , 575 Worcester Rd., Framingham. Every Monday at 10:30 a.m., For children ages 2-6. 508628-9525.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, Norton. See April 2 for details. Also April 17, 23.

FREE Barrett Family Wellness Center Open House, 107 Otis St., Northborough. 10 a.m. Noon. Children welcome to take a tour and play with all the suspension equipment in the new sensory gym. No registration required. 508-898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com.

Baby Animals at Hancock Shaker Village.

Route 20, Pittsfield. Ends May 8. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Self-guided visits to explore the buildings and grounds, speak with interpreters about Shaker life, visit the cafe and Village Store and stroll the blossoming Shaker gardens. A $15, C (13 – 17) $7.50, C (under 12) free. 413-443-0188, hancockshakervillage.org.

Slow Art Day. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Slow Art Day is a global grassroots arts celebration designed to inspire new ways of seeing art.

32 APRIL2011

big apple circus

Barney Live in Concert – Birthday Bash. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, Lowell. 2 & 5:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 and $20. 978-934-5738, tsongascenter.com or barneylivetour.com.

FREE Celebrate Earth Day! Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ages 3+. Make an earth-friendly tote to use again and again and discover more fun-filled ways to explore and protect planet Earth. lakeshorelearning. com.

Brundibár Classes for Public School Students.

Boston Lyric Opera and Wheelock Family Theatre at the Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway, Boston. April 18 – April 22. 9 am - 3:30 p.m. This intensive week of classes uses Brundibár, an opera for children created in a WWII concentration camp, to introduce students to fundamental concepts and skills of opera and dramatic performance. 617-879-2252, blo.org/vwi.html.

Travel “around the world” with the Big Apple Circus whose circus artists come from America, Bulgaria, China, Ethiopia,Kenya, Mongolia and Russia. April 2 - May 15, Boston. bigapplecircus.org.

FREE Solo Moms Teatime. Mothers and Company, Route 140, West Boylston. Meets the third Saturday of each month at 3 p.m. For single moms, moms who are parenting entirely or mostly on their own for one reason or another, moms whose partners are living far away (i.e. military service), moms whose children do not know their fathers and moms who chose to have a baby without a partner. mothersandcompany.com.

FREE 18th Annual Teddy Bear Clinic. Greendale Mall, Worcester. Presented by the UMASS Memorial Children’s Medical Center. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Through fun and interactive displays, children learn about many medical experiences that they may encounter in a hospital. Experienced professionals will be at each display and are available to talk with children and their families to answer any questions. 508-856-9401.

Children of Eden Musical. Assumption College Theatre presents the musical at The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. See April 15 listing for details.

FREE Earth Day Festival. Lowell National Park Maintenance Site, 220 Aiken St., Lowell. 12 – 4 p.m.

Hands on fun, music, food, raffles and fun for the whole family! Rain or shine. communitygardensgreenhouse.org.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, Norton. See April 2 for details. Also April 23.

Children of Eden Musical. Assumption College Theatre presents the musical at The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. See April 15 listing for details.

Patriots’ Day. Old Sturbridge Village. Celebrate the role New England patriots played in the nation’s birth with musket demonstrations, marching and drilling with the Militia at one of the largest living history museums. A$20, Sr. $18, C (3-17) $7, C under 3 free.

Admission includes a free second daytime visit within 10 days with receipt validation. 800-SEE-1830, osv.org.

Fleecy Friends. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Kids meet llamas, alpacas, rabbits, lambs and goats and try spinning their cozy fleece into yarn. Ages 3 – 11. Program free with $8.50 admission; under 12 months free. childrenmuseum.org.

19TUESDAY

Cheer on the Runners! The Boston Marathon, Hopkinton to Boston. For spectator tips and more information, visit baa.org.

FREE The Dragon King Puppet Show. Auburn Recreation and Culture, Pakachoag Church, 203 Pakachoag St., Auburn. 11 a.m. For pre-K to grade 3 but all ages will enjoy. An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, Tanglewood Marionettes’ award-winning production tells the tale of an intrepid grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea to seek the Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. Preregister: 508-832-7736, auburnguide.com.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. See April 15 listing for details.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. See April 15 listing for details.

18MONDAY

Art Vacation Workshops. Fuller Craft Museum, 455 Oak St., Brockton. April 19 – 22, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Four days of studio workshops. Designed for students who love art, this is a highly individualized program. Taught by a professional artist, the day-long classes are specifically designed for 2 – 9 grade.

Tuition applies. 508-588-6000 x124, fullercraft.org.

Kids Cooking Classes. Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. 3 - 4:30 p.m. for grades 4 -6 and 5 6:30 p.m. for grades 7 & 8. Chef Kevin Carey classes include demonstrations & hands on cooking so kids leave with skills to use at home. In this class, kids will make a family meal from start to finish including meat, a vegetable & dessert. $25. 978-369-4494, verrillfarm.com. Also on Thursday, April 21, 3 - 4:30 p.m. for Grades 1 -3.

that understand the struggles and victories of raising challenging kids who may have emotional, behavioral or mental health needs. This group meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. 508-767-9725, ppal.net.

Froggy Night Walk. Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

7 – 8:30 p.m. Ages 5+. Listen and look for these nighttime singers. $12ppNM. Preregistration required: 781-259-2206, massaudubon.org/drumlin.

Pumpernickel Puppets. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 1 and 2 p.m. Enjoy a cast of colorful characters and audience participation in this fun-filled performance of “Peter Rabbit.” Ages 3 – 11. Program free with $8.50 admission; under 12 months free. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org.

FREE Young Adults Group - Y.A.Y.A of YouthMOVE Massachusetts. Parent/Professional Advocacy League, 51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. 5 – 6:30 p.m.

For young adults ages 17-25 living with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs. Free dinner.

508-767-9725,ppal.net.

23SUNDAY Weird Things Happen Everywhere. The Regent Theatre, Arlington. 10:30 a.m. With live dancers, costumed characters and tons of interaction, it’s the family experience that combines high quality, award-winning music and entertainment with a valid educational experience that will enhance children’s learning of US Geography, history and social studies.A$10, C$8. regenttheatre.com.

K-5 Vacation Week Programs. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. April 19 – 22. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Preregistration required. Rates for single day or Tues.

- Fri. available. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org/ broadmoor.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. See April 15 listing for details.

Greater Worcester Mothers of Twins Meeting.

Location TBD. Meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. First meeting and expectant mothers free. 508-347-5606 or worcester-motc.com.

Film: The NeverEnding Story. Coolidge Corner Theater, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Recommended for ages 6+. A$9.75, C $7.75. coolidge.org.

30WEDNESDAY

Fairy House Fun. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 11 – 12:30 p.m. Come hear the story of a girl who built a fairy house in the woods and discovered that more than fairies came to visit. Then build your own fairy house and garden in a basket to bring home to your backyard or other special place. Baskets and natural “construction” materials will be supplied. $10NM. towerhillbg.org.

School Vacation Baking Class. Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. 3 - 4:30 p.m., Grades 3 – 5.

Kids will make 3 kinds of Whoopie Pies - the classic chocolate & vanilla plus two more varieties. C$25.

978-369-4494, verrillfarm.com.

FREE Leominster Parent Support Group. Parent/ Professional Advocacy League (PPAL). Community Healthlink (CHL), 100 Erdman Way, Leominster.

5 – 6:30 p.m. Meet other parents and caregivers

Easter Egg Hunt. Burbank YMCA, 36 Arthur B. Lord Dr., Reading. 10 a.m. - Noon.

Hunt for eggs and have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Sign up: 781-944-9622. $10 per family NM. 781-944-9622, ymcaboston.org/burbank.

Earth Day Festival. EcoTarium, Worcester. 10 a.m. - 4 p .m. Explore wild weather, dance, play, fun food and many indoor and outdoor activities. Half-price admission! ecotarium.org.

Children’s Teddy Bear Tea. Friends of the Asa Waters Mansion, 123 Elm St., Millbury. 1 p.m. A Teddy Bear Tea in a grand Mansion, with a reading “A Visitor for Bear” by a guest reader with refreshments and decorations relating to the theme.

A$15, C$12. Reservations: 508-865-0855, or email watersmansion@aol.com. asawaters.org.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. See April 15 listing for details.

No Time to Waste. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence, RI. 10:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. In celebration of Earth Day, see a hilarious interactive family comedy about recycling. Four 20-minute shows. Ages 5 - 11. Program free with $8.50 admission; under 12 months free. 401-2735437, childrenmuseum.org.

FREE Clark University Concert Choir. Atwood Hall, Worcester. 7:30 – 9 p.m. 508-793-7356, clark.edu/departments/clarkarts.

Dawn Salute and North Bridge Remembrance Ceremony. North Bridge, Concord. 5:45 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. The Concord Minute Men and the Concord Independent Battery observe the anniversary of the April 19th battle with a 21 gun salute, followed by commemorative speeches. 978-318 -7825.

SMART Gals: Learning about Louise Nevelson.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Drop-in 12 to 2:30 p.m. Science Discovery Museum. Learn about Louise Nevelson, an American artist who created sculptures out of everyday materials that she found.

Using her work as an inspiration, collect your own “found objects,” to create a sculpture to take home. $10.50pp. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

aged 9-14. Younger children may attend with an adult companion. $8ppNM. 508-869-6111 x124, towerhillbg.org.

Earth Day Celebration. Garden in the Woods, Framingham. For details, visit newenglandwild. org.

Thank you Easter Bunny! Ella, Lily, Alana and Maya Fay of Central Mass celebrate a sunshiny Easter morning.

21THURSDAY Mud Pie Diner. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St.,Acton. Drop-in 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Children’s Discovery Museum. With the help of dirt, rocks, pinecones, branches, and other natural materials, the Mud Pie Kitchen is open and ready for customers.

Explore and experiment with natural materials while dishing up some delicious-looking dishes. $10.50pp 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

Earth Day Crafts. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Make a fun craft out of re-usable and natural materials. Included with admission. 508-869-6111 x124, towerhillbg.org.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. See April 15 listing for details.

Family Crafts. Cary Memorial Library, Lexington.

2:30 – 4 p.m. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration necessary. carylibrary.org.

22FRIDAY

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. See April 15 listing for details.

Blue Discoveries Family Day: Earth Day Celebration. New England Aquarium, Boston.

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn more about the blue planet through art, science and storytelling. Programs highlight Aquarium favorites as well as oftenoverlooked inhabitants. neaq.org.

African Violets for Young Growers. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 1 – 2:30 p.m. Learn to grow and love American’s favorite house plant, the African Violet. Pot up a young plant to take home and learn to “put down” a leaf to propagate new plants. Designed for young growers,

Battle Road Heroes. Hartwell Tavern, Route 2A, Lincoln. 7 – 8:30 p.m. Travel back in time for a special candle-lit evening of theater and history.

Walk down a pathway to the past. Listen to the personal stories of residents who lived along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775. Join Captain William Smith, the Hartwells, the Lincoln Minute Men, drovers, musicians, and His Majesty`s soldiers for this special evening of theater and history. Starting at 7 p.m., tours leave approximately every 15 minutes and last about one hour, walking. Ages 8+. . $10 per family. friendsofminuteman.org.

Storyhour. Decordova Museum, Lincoln. 10:30 a.m. Join story teller Sally Kindleberger as she tells tales in the Dr. Kenneth Germeshausen Art ExperienCenter. Stories are followed by snacks and an art activity. This program is perfect for families.

A public sculpture park tour will be held at 1 p.m. decordova.org.

FREE Bunny Basket Craft. Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ages 3+. Create a big-eared bunny basket. lakeshorelearning.com.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, Norton. See April 2 for details.

BAYSTATEPARENT 33

Ages 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 Pragmatic Language and Social Group. Barrett Family Wellness Center, 107 Otis St., Northborough. 12:15-1:15 p.m. This multi-sensory skill building group will help younger children develop age-appropriate social, play and language skills through structured movement, art, drama and music.

Registration is required. $40/session. 508-898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com.

Non-therapeutic support group for youth ages 14-19 living with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs. Dinner is free. 508-767-9725, ppal.net.

Bunny Bonanzoo. Stone Zoo, Stoneham. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Hop down the Bunny Trail for scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and pictures with the Easter Bunny! Free with price of Zoo admission. 617-9892000, stonezoo.org.

Turtle Travels. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Exhibit ends June 6. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Walk onto a life-sized board game, play interactive games, answer questions, see artifacts and watch video to discover what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like to be a turtle traveling through local habitats. The lively setting will have you advancing from one station to the next as you crawl on a turtle bridge, try on a turtle shell, help turtles to safety and follow a sea turtle as it swims. Museum admission applies. 508-929-2700, ecotarium.org.

24SUNDAY

26TUESDAY

A Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Morning. Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St., Natick. 9 - 10:30 a.m. Do it the farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way! Take care of the animals, feed and water them. Thehn collect fresh eggs for breakfast, and head inside for a hearty farm breakfast. A$16, first child $12, subsequent children $6, under 3 free 508-655-2204, natickfarm.org.

25MONDAY FREE Youth Group - the Y.O.U group of YouthMOVE Massachusetts. Parent/Professional Advocacy League.

51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:30 p.m.

Homemakers, Working Men and Women,

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How the Combination of Professionals Can Unlock a Greater Successful Result. Barrett Family Wellness Center, 107 Otis St., Northborough.

6:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:30 p.m. Many people receive treatment for either occupational OR speech therapy. See examples of how addressing both therapies simultaneously could be more beneficial to treating the overall wellness of the client. Registration required. $25. 508-898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com.

FREE Youth Group - HOPE of YouthMOVE Massachusetts. Parent/Professional Advocacy League, 51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:30 p.m.

Non-therapeutic support group for youth ages 14-19 living with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs. Dinner is free. 508-767-9725, ppal.net.

FREE Music Class. The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Academy, Worcester Studio. 4 p.m. You and your 4 to 8 year old child are invited to a free informational class.

Space is limited, RSVP required. 508-898-3888, childrensmusicacademy.org

27WEDNESDAY FREE Hidden History at The Wayside. The Wayside: Home of Authors, Concord. 7 p.m. Consider how The Wayside was home to slave owners and later harbored a fugitive slave. Study letters and diaries of residents and decide for yourself who was an abolitionist and who was not. 978-318-7825.

FREE New Moms Groups. Mothers and Company, West Boylston. Meets on Tuesdays, 12:15 - 1:45 p.m., Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Fridays, 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:30 p.m.All moms and babies welcome. $5pp NM. Online RSVPs appreciated. mothersandcompany.com.

28THURSDAY Well-Bear Clinic. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discovery Museum. Calling all teddy bears! Do you have any boo-boos that need attention? All stuffed friends are invited for a check-up with our bear â&#x20AC;&#x153;specialistsâ&#x20AC;? who will generously dispense large amounts of TLC. $10.50pp. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

FREE Music Class. The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Academy, Westborough Studio. 5 p.m. You and your 4 to 8 year old child are invited to a free informational class at the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Academy. Space is limited, RSVP required. 508-898-3888, childrensmusicacademy.org.

FREE Parent Support Group. Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) PPAL Office: 51 Union St., 3rd Floor/Suite 308, Worcester. 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30 p.m.

Meet other parents and caregivers that understand

the struggles and victories of raising challenging kids who may have emotional, behavioral or mental health needs. This group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday each month. 508-767-9725 ppal.net

29FRIDAY FREE KidsBuild! present ICA-city! (I SEE a City).

KidsBuild! and ICA Playdates, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. 2 - 6 p.m. and Sat., April 30, 10 am. - 4 p .m. The event consists of a large-scale model of a fictional city grid on which children choose a site and build a structure within zoning limitations spelled out by their building permit. After a review of their building they are issued a certificate of occupancy by a building inspector. Recommended for children (6-7+). Preregister: icaboston.org and committees. architects.org/kidsbuild/. Also April 30.

Beauty and The Beast Jr. The Ahern Middle School, 111 Mechanic Street, Foxboro. Fri., April 29, 7 p.m.; Sat., April 30, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., May 1, 2 p.m.

Presented by the students of the Ahern Middle School. $7pp. Tickets: 508-543-3780 or 508-698-2776.

Bringing Up Baby. Mass Audubonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln. 3:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. All ages.

Come celebrate spring with the new farm babies.

Make a colorful May basket, visit our spring lambs, check out he fluffy chicks, plant your own baby seed to take home. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll even enjoy a â&#x20AC;&#x153;babyâ&#x20AC;? snack. $14NM. Preregister: 781-259-2206, massaudubon. org/drumlin.

30SATURDAY Yo Yo People. The Regent Theatre, Arlington.

10:30 a.m. This husband and wife duo bring back that nostalgic toy, reminding you of old favorite tricks such as Walk the Dog and Rock the Baby, then amazing you with new and bizarre tricks, such as Boingy-Boingy and Iron Whip. A$10, C$8. regenttheatre.com.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. See April 15 listing for details.

Ben Rudnick & Friends Family Concert.

Coolidge Corner Theater, Brookline. 10:30 a.m.

Recommended for ages 3+. A$9.75, C $7.75. coolidge.org.

Beauty and The Beast Jr. The Ahern Middle School, 111 Mechanic Street, Foxboro.

2 & 7:30 p.m. Also on Sun., May 1, 2 p.m. Presented by the students of the Ahern Middle School. $7pp.

508-543-3780, 508-698-2776.

FREE Introduction to Home Education.

Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington St., Framingham. 1:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m. Come with all of your questions and hear about why people home educate, the many ways to do it, the freedom and exploration thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just waiting for your children and family to enjoy, and how to get started. Includes a panel of veteran home educators as well as written information and resources. Questions and information contact Cynthia Turner at chturner5@yahoo.com or 774-2490806, framinghamlibrary.org.

FREE Hopkinton Green Expo & HopSwap.

Hopkinton Town Common (Corner of Rt. 135 and Ash Street), Hopkinton. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Rain Location: Hopkinton High School Gym, 90 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton. Area museums, conservationists, school and scout groups, artists, speakers and green vendors will present earth-friendly exhibits, demos and activities. Music, arts & crafts, food and entertainment

for all ages. Bottle & can recycling and HopSwap from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Center School next to Town Common. A Hop Swap is an event to swap childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing, maternity clothing, toys and much more. Fill a bag for $10. Bring your own bags. Lots of name brands. 508-625-1028, hptaonline.com/green.html.

FREE Buzzing Bee Craft. Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ages 3+. Build a bumblebee-complete with wings that really flap. lakeshorelearning.com.

Ages 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 Pragmatic Language and Social Group. Barrett Family Wellness Center, 107 Otis St.,Northborough, 12:15-1:15 p.m. This multisensory skill building group will help younger children develop age-appropriate social, play and language skills through structured movement, art, drama and music. Registration is required. Please call 508898-2688. Cost is $40/session. 508-898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com Los MuĂąequitos de Matanzas. Jacobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pillow Dance at MASS MoCA, North Adams. 8 p.m. Also May 1, 2 p.m. This stellar group of performers brings the high spirits and contagious rhythms of the authentic Cuban Rumba to the Berkshires, blending African roots with Latin American influences. A $25-29, C$10 (students & kids).413-662-2111, massmoca.org. Also May 1.

Teddy Bear Tea. Chandlers Restaurant at the Yankee Candle Flagship Store, 25 Greenfield Rd., South Deerfield. 11 a.m. Bring your favorite Teddy Bear for tea and lunch. Hear the book, The Brown Paper Teddy Bear. A$10, C$8. 413-665-1277, chandlers.yankeecandle.com.

Earth Day on the Common. Townsend. 10 a.m.

- 3 p.m. Rain Date: May 1, 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go Organic!â&#x20AC;? Organic includes; cleaning supplies, vegetables/foods, fertilizers and make up.

Questions? Email clem6six@verizon.net Sheepshearing Festival. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. This outdoor farm festival draws thousands every year. Activities include sheepshearing demonstrations, herding dogs, live music, historic crafters, a large crafts fair, wagon rides, entertainments, farm animals and more.

Rain or shine. Free parking. $15 adults and teens.

C under 12 free. 781-894-2798, goreplace.org/ sheepshearing.htm.

FREE Music Class. The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Academy.

10 a.m. at the Worcester Studio, 4 p.m. at the Westborough Studio. For you and your 4 to 8 year old. RSVP required. 508-898-3888, childrensmusicacademy.org.

FREE First Annual Clark University Jazz Festival. The Green, Clark University Main Campus, Worcester. 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 p.m. Local high school and college Jazz Ensembles will perform in a daylong outside festival open to all. The day will include music clinics for area musicians, and will showcase the young Jazz scene in the Worcester Area. Rain location, Atwood Hall. 508-793-7356, clarku.edu/.

Submit an Event For best results, fill out our form at

baystateparent .com Our deadline for May is

Thursday, April 5.

BAYSTATEPARENT 35

Giving and Getting Stuff for

FREE is FUN BY

susan hunt stevens

Susan Hunt Stevens

Have you heard of Freecycle? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a site organized by town that lets you post things you are willing to part with at no cost. Or you can post for things you need, but canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to pay for.

At first I was a little skeptical, but I needed a whiteboard for our office so decided to try. I posted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wanted: Office Whiteboard.â&#x20AC;? Within 30 minutes, I had three offers. The next week, I decided I

needed to find a home for baby supplies we no longer needed so I posted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Offer: Bag of Baby Dishes, Utensils and Bibs.â&#x20AC;?

I got two emails and the next week they were gone.

Using Freecycle, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve cleaned out my basement and furnished our offices, all at no charge and with the real sense that someone is benefiting by either getting rid of things they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need or getting things they do. Most of the people are incredibly nice and responsive. A few never pick up items and you move on to the next person on the list. Sometimes the person giving or receiving turns out to be a friend or neighbor, which always give you both a good laugh.

In chatting to people about Freecycle, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also discovered other fun exchange resources online, including a kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clothing swap site, thredUP, as well as swap.com and Swapaholics.com.

Sure, I love the environmental benefits of not buying new stuff. Less packaging, less shipping, and fewer natural resources consumed is great for everyone and everything. But I also just LOVE saving the money and getting perfectly good stuff (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a frugalista at heart). And honestly, is there anything more zen-like than a clean and decluttered basement?

Susan Hunt Stevens is a Newton mom of two and author of a green mom blog, blog.practicallygreen. com. Her Web site, practicallygreen.com, provides information and tools to make the process of going green easier and more fun for others.

Reduce, Reuse, Re-Cutie Bring us your outgrown items to consign and have another family reuse them and recycle the Cutie way.

Celebrate Earth Day with a

GREENER MAILBOX BY

malia jacobson

This month, commemorate Earth Day and Arbor Day by saying no to junk mail. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, marketers produce more than 4 million tons of junk mail annuallyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;using 100 million treesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and nearly half of it is discarded without being opened.

That means that each day, Americans receive an average of six pieces of junk mail, along with the unwelcome chore of sorting it, shredding it and disposing of it. Opting out of unwanted mail is a simple step to a greener household that benefits the planet, frees up your time, eliminates clutter in your entryway and protects your personal information.

A greener, cleaner, safer home sounds pretty good, right?

Unfortunately, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no one-stop shop for removing your name from all mailing

lists. But a quick trip around the Web can dramatically reduce the amount of junk mail you receive in a matter of minutes. Fill out and submit a few simple forms found at the sites below, and you should see junk mail begin to disappear in as little as a month.

In the meantime, make the best of the extra paper arriving in your mailbox by repurposing catalogs and junk mail into colorful art. Direct mail response cards (the stiff cards often found in magazines) can be fashioned into a paper-doll wardrobe; catalogs can be cut up and made into a springtime collage; and plain junk mail envelopes

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can serve as scratch paper for everything from doodles to grocery lists.

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â&#x20AC;˘ Add your name and address to the free Do Not Mail registry at www.directmail.com. â&#x20AC;˘ Learn about the junk mail industry and how to keep unwanted mail out of your mailbox at www.donotmail.org. â&#x20AC;˘ Opt out of preapproved credit offers at www.optoutprescreen.com. â&#x20AC;˘ Learn about your direct mail options and keeping your name off mailing lists at www.dmachoice.org. â&#x20AC;˘ Finally at www.catalogchoice.org, you can choose to keep receiving catalogs you enjoy while opting out of others.

Malia Jacobson is a freelance writer and mom of two.

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e h t n i t r o

position while rocking for hours became Michael’s norm. Unable to enjoy favorite foods or a full night sleep, he also lost interest in socializing with family members.

“I watched my son helplessly…slip into his own world,” his mother says. The Duggans found themselves drafted into the world of autism.

At the time, Michael’s doctor was not hopeful. Duggan recounts hearing statements that included: • Your son will never learn.

• He will never be potty trained.

• He will never speak.

You can take him home and love him until you can no longer manage him and then you can institutionalize him.

But those closest to her knew she would not accept this fate for her son.

“It certainly wasn’t easy on the other kids or on our marriage, but…we were going to do whatever it took to help him,” Duggan says.

She experimented with numerous modes of communication over the years to engage Michael in conversation and learning. Various visual aids, communication books and hand-held augmentative devices helped make their home a visually rich environment. As technology progressed, Duggan continually kept up with advancements, which included personal computers, tablet computers, iOS devices and additional assistive technology devices.

Through much family determination, Michael, who is now 20-yearsold, lives with his family and attends the West Roxbury Educational Complex in the Model Autism Program. He has part-time jobs at the West Roxbury Community Center and Work, Inc. in Dorchester. s n dugga e th f Michael’s current school program, o urtesy hoto co p / developed specifically for adolescents on n a g l dug michae the autism spectrum, is a direct result of his mother’s resolve.

p p u S m s i t u A

m l a P r u o of y s d n a H BY

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hael c i M 0 16, 199 y a M ggan u D “On d r Howa y n o h s his t y a An s ” , world s i h t d e ggan u D e enter i r , Ma mother dale. n i l s o R of

“A

beautiful, magnificent, brown-eyed, brownhaired infant with an angelic face. He was perfect in every way.

Everything I could have hoped for and so much more. I felt like the luckiest mother on earth to be given a third miracle. As I lay there holding him in my arms, my

heart swelled with emotions from relief, happiness, and love.”

Duggan, New England Director for the U.S. Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Users and founder of the nonprofit organization Technology for Autism Now (TAN), Inc., was blessed with a growing family of healthy children. Then, while pregnant with her

fourth child, Duggan began to notice significant changes in her toddler Michael.

“At first it was subtle; eye contact started to diminish, toys seemed to be of no interest anymore. It appeared to us he was losing his hearing,” Duggan says. Within a short time, Michael lost the few words he had begun using. Frequent tantrums, constant spinning and curling into a fetal

Autism Research Study

But this day

was different.

A pivotal encounter occurred in the Duggans’ lives six years ago while attending a baseball banquet for children with special needs. Michael was having a difficult day, experiencing what his mother described

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What we do: We collect behavioral and genetic information

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

Contact our research team: 866-982-5826 (toll free) ASDresearch@childrens.harvard.edu 38 APRIL2011

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as a major aggressive outburst. As she attempted to calm her son, assistance came in the form of a familiar face. “What can I do and how can I help?” asked Mayor Tom Menino, whom she knew casually from attending public events such as this one.

In that moment, Duggan had a sympathetic audience with power. “Those two simple questions led the path to major changes in the City of Boston and Boston Public School services for our...children (with autism),” she says. Seizing the opportunity, she told him about homeschooling Michael due to the lack of an appropriate public school program.

Mayor Menino directed Duggan to his Chief of Staff Michael Kineavy, who then invited her to a meeting in the Mayor’s office.

“I had a plan and they listened,” Duggan says. “He (Menino) genuinely cared and so does his incredible staff. Michael Kineavy worked tirelessly with the Mayor, myself, Children’s Hospital Autism Language Program and the administrators of Boston Public Schools to change the current state of how we educate children with autism. After almost a year of planning, came the creation of the very first highly innovative technological program for adolescents with autism in the city located at West Roxbury Education Complex.”

The pendulum

is swinging...

Those initial meetings led to the Mayor’s Autism Summit and then to the formation of the Mayor’s Autism Task Force Committee, which meets monthly. This task force, of which Duggan is a member, has begun developing and implementing much-needed inclusionary after-school programs.

Duggan is compelled to make the path easier for other families through her nonprofit organization, established in 2009. “Technology For Autism Now, Inc. (TAN) came about as a direct result of all of the work and advocating I have done over the past almost two decades for children with autism including my own son,” she says. The scope of TAN’s plans will provide parents with a plethora of supports, literally in the palm of their hands.

Sue Loring, Director of the Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts in West Boylston and herself the mother of an adult son on the autism spectrum, sees the potential newer technologies have for changing lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The resource center has purchased an iPad on which Loring loads applications so that parents can have hands-on access to programs. Though there may be software complexities for individuals to work through, “I think that the iPad and iPod Touch make augmentative communication affordable (and) portable…” with a level of acceptance or “coolness” that older devices lacked, she says.

Loring noted multiple features applicable to many children on the spectrum including music, movies and games to as-

sist during wait-times, timers to help with staying on task and calendars to support the need for consistent schedules.

We believe TAN will become a

major venue...

In addition to working with (and for) parents, professionals and individuals with special needs as a growing resource for up-to-date technological information and solutions, TAN is collaborating with FableVision, Inc., a Boston-based educational media development company, to create much-needed mobile technologies.

According to Duggan, innovations such as visual aids for verbal communication, structure and education are in development. The first product prototype will be tested in Boston Public Schools later this year.

With Duggan’s experience and prototypes and FableVision’s expertise and technology, TAN will create “best-in-class tools that make daily life more bearable and... enjoyable for families and schools,” says FableVision CEO Paul Reynolds.

Immediate solutions are needed. “There is a lot of focus on finding the cure (for autism), and while TAN is praying for that day, there is a parent right now who is in tears (fearing) that they will never be able to communicate with their child.

There is a passionate teacher right now who is ready to give up because they can’t seem to reach the student they love,” Reynolds says.

TAN plans to be an accessible, all-encompassing resource for families. “...Beyond just tools, the thing that will make TAN a stand-out in the autism support community is its commitment to the education, training and emotional support for people desperate for help,” he says. “With its plans for a robust, subscription-based virtual Community of Practice, TAN is ready to give not only the hardware and software support, but the emotional support as well.”

Reynolds expects this nonprofit, over the next five years, to increase its research, product development and technical support, “We want Boston to be the home of the next revolution in ASD support.”

I wanted to make a difference.

Plaques and certificates decorate Duggan’s home, commemorating her many awards for endless work for children and families. With boundless energy and tenacity, she continues to make a difference each day, living by her own motto, “Never ever ever give up!”

For more information about TAN including how to be instrumental in driving TAN’s goals, visit tech4autismnow.org or email info@tech4autismnow.org.

Technology For Autism Now, Inc 60 Bradfield Avenue Boston, MA 02131-1934 617-435-2307 Sue Lovejoy is a Holden-based writer whose family was also drafted into the world of autism, through which she has met the most amazing parents and children.

ADVICE for Parents of Children With Autism

By Marie Duggan, founder of Technology for Autism Now, Inc. • Never ever ever give up!

• HOPE. • Go with your gut.

• Find a local support network.

• Join your local Parent Advisory Council (PAC).

• Communicate between home and school.

• Attend conferences.

• Take advantage of Online webinars.

• Start working with your child immediately after diagnosis.

• Engage your child in playgroups with typical peers very early on.

• Use a multi-modal approach when communicating with your child. These may include body language, non-verbal prompts, PECS, symbols, text, drawings, digital images, ASL, technology with voice output, static visual supports, smart phones, tablet computers...

• Create a visually rich environment for your child (communication needs to be in place across all environments).

• Love your child and cherish his/her unique qualities and abilities.

• Take time for yourself.

• Laugh when you want to cry.

(Know) it’s all going

to be okay.

e W ed ers in ne nte ate es! u icip udi l vo art st h p to earc s re

Please help us find better treatments for

Depending on the study, participants must be:

children and adolescents who may have experienced mood swings or are diagnosed with or suspected to have

• 6-17 years old • physically healthy • have an IQ of 70 or above • be willing to have a brain scan and for some Interested to learn more? studies, provide blood samples Call CANDI Research Line • be typically developing 508.856.5896 or OR exhibit mood swings ChildResearch@umassmed.edu or bipolar symptoms

Bipolar Disorder

CANDI, the Child & Adolescent NeuroDevelopment IniƟaƟve, research program is at the University of MassachuseƩs Medical School.

UMMS IRB Docket #13692; #13715; #13821; #13058 BAYSTATEPARENT 39

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40 APRIL2011

michelle carr

my own thoughts on Facebook, things like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our 19-year-old daughter got her monthly friend today. Whew! Dodged another bullet!â&#x20AC;?, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey, anyone out there know what happens on Social Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; initial visit to your house?â&#x20AC;?, and, always a classic, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Someone took batteries out of Mommyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret drawer to use in their XBOX controllers. Dislike.â&#x20AC;?

So in closing, dear readers, I apologize for my nasty little edge. Just one of those days.

I am cleaning up after a fantastic dinner of Hot Pockets and canned corn. (Jimmy Hurley had a few unexpected overtime shifts this month, so we splurged and got the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pocketsâ&#x20AC;? with meat in them.)

Night falls. Chardonnay, check. Pamprin, check. Black-out eye mask, check.

Off to couch I go. Goodnight friends, and please, think before you Facebook.

Comedian Christine Hurley is a Plymouth mom of five who was First Runner Up in the nationally televised â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nick at Niteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? search for Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funniest Mom contest. She is selling out shows and comedy clubs in many venues across the country.

For more information, visit lorettalarocheproductions.com.

For booking Christine Hurley, call Dawn Christensen at 508-746-3998, ext. 15.

Dirty Laundry is a humor column about a momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day-to-day life raising kids. Basically sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not afraid to air out the Dirty Laundry and say it like it is, making the rest of us not feel so alone.

DIRTYLAUNDRY

with Christine Hurley â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh God, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do this today.â&#x20AC;? Why arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we able to call in sick?

Today I am enjoying Day Two of an extra nasty case of PMS. Combine that with this lovely weather we continue to suffer through, and look out everybody (especially the poor things that actually live here with me).

The morning rush is about to begin here, so I roll my increasingly uncooperative pre-arthritic body out of â&#x20AC;&#x153;couchâ&#x20AC;? (Jimmy Hurley is an epic snorer people. I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been in the big bed in about four years).

I showered yesterday so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m good for at least two more days (thank you â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eveâ&#x20AC;?). I get dressed, or something like that, as I am extra puffy today. Thank God leggings are back.

And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offâ&#x20AC;Ś..carpools, bus stops, pick-ups, drop-offs. Four of the Hurleys are off to school, but my 12-year-old daughter, Ryan, is sick today. She will be home with me. Goody!

I do the responsible-parent-thing and leave a message on the school nurseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice mail to report Ryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absence. Ten minutes later, my phone rings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mrs. Hurley?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is Nurse Kane from West Elementary School.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, good morning Nurse Kane. Did you get my message??â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, yes I did, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sorry Ryan isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feeling well, but she hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been here for almost two years. Try the nurse at the middle school.â&#x20AC;?

Very nice.

What do you think the West Elementary teachers will talk about at lunch todayâ&#x20AC;Ś On a rainy day last week, I drove my girls to the bus stop in my bathrobe, not uncommon practice. There are a few more of us in my neighborhood that do the same, and then, of course, we have our Type A â&#x20AC;&#x153;ubermoms.â&#x20AC;? They are, on a PMS-infused

morning, the bane of my existence.

Hair done, make-up on, Bluetooth, yoga pants, flat stomachs, perky breasts and bubbly banter about how incredible they feel after their 5:30 spin class (thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5:30 a.m. folks). They then compare notes, almost contest-like, to see who can jam more busy crap into one day. One of them was off to Whole Foods ( a minimum 40-minute drive because they only eat organic. Yayyy.), then, to the fabric store (they all sew their own curtains. I personally have become very attached to the Spongebob Squarepants bedsheet that is being utilized as the curtain in my upstairs bathroom). Later, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take a late afternoon 5-mile walk with her two perfectly-groomed chocolate labs, doggie-doo baggies in tow (although do her perfect doggies really â&#x20AC;&#x153;dooâ&#x20AC;??), and then, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure she will cook nothing less than a five-star dinner. Homework will already be done as soon as the children get off the bus (please), and remember, no TV. Finally, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s off to bed (her husband does not snore, so of course sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still in the bed).

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost hypnotizing. Do I hate them because I am annoyed? Or envious?

Hmm...

Wait a minute. One of the others has put her soy latte down and is waving her arms at me, pointing to my car. Seems the belt of my leopard print bathrobe is hanging out of my car door. Yup, really hate them now.

And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just at the bus stop. In their â&#x20AC;&#x153;downtime,â&#x20AC;? they torture me with idiotic Facebook postings. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be honest here; as mothers, do we really care about anyone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kids but our own? Things like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tommy got a home run today! So proud!â&#x20AC;?, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shannon got accepted to all 12 colleges she applied to! Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t she wonderful! So proud!â&#x20AC;? Or the always irritating â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love my kids!â&#x20AC;? Blah, blah, blahâ&#x20AC;Ś I have decided to start posting a few of

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TAKEGOODCARE

How to Create

A Healthy Easter Basket What Every Parent Should Know BY

jane hershey

Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Blue #2, Isoamyl Acetate, Yellow #6, Tertiary Butylhydroquinone, Dimethyl Sulphide, Red #40.

Would you feed your children candy containing chemicals like these? That may be exactly what you are doing if you give them a typical Easter basket!

“Many parents do not realize that the pretty candies in their children’s Easter baskets are often loaded with artificial additives like synthetic dyes, which can actually harm your children,” says

Jane Hersey, National Director of the nonprofit Feingold Association (feingold. org), which helps special needs children.

These dyes have been linked with many health problems in children, including hyperactivity and inattention.

“If you notice that your children act up after eating brightly colored candies, synthetic dyes are the most likely culprit,” says Hersey, whose own daughter was affected by these additives. “If the Easter Bunny ate these candies, he would probably be bouncing off the walls!”

Concerns over the adverse effects of synthetic food dyes on children’s behavior and attention has led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to schedule a public hearing about this topic this spring.

Hersey hopes that this meeting, which will include presentations by several prominent scientists, will be the first step in the eventual banning of these additives from the American food supply.

“The FDA should prohibit these dyes and require warning labels in the meantime,” she says.

The European Union already requires labels on most foods containing synthetic food dyes to warn that these additives “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” Britain’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also called on manufacturers to voluntarily remove the dyes and has advised parents to limit their children’s consumption of dyed foods if they show signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics has acknowledged in its journal that “a trial of a preservativefree, food coloring-free diet is a reasonable intervention” for hyperactive children.

The American Academy of Family Physicians has also added this statement to its web site: “ Studies have shown that certain food colorings and preservatives may cause or worsen hyperactive behavior in some children.”

These actions were prompted by a highly acclaimed 2007 Lancet study led

by Dr. Jim Stevenson, which found that synthetic food dyes trigger hyperactive

behavior in all children, not just those diagnosed with ADHD. This study cited the work of Dr. Ben Feingold, the pediatrician/allergist who developed the low-additive Feingold Diet for children with learning and behavior problems.

Dr. Stevenson and his team later reported to the FSA that the harm done by artificial food dyes to children’s IQ is similar to the impact of lead on their developing brains and that, if their assumptions are correct, banning these additives “would result in a 30 percent reduction in the prevalence of ADHD in children.”

Preparing a Healthy Easter Basket You might think that avoiding the many synthetic dyes, preservatives and other additives found in typical Easter candies is a daunting challenge.

“Actually, parents have a wide range of Easter treats they can use to prepare an Easter basket that most kids would love,” says Hersey. Many of these natural candies are listed in The Feingold Association’s Foodlist & Shopping Guide and Mail Order Guide.

“The Feingold Association also shows parents how to find low-additive versions of Easter candies, such as chocolate mint patties, peanut butter kisses, jelly beans and chocolate bunnies at health food stores, healthy markets, specialty stores and even supermarkets,” she says.

She recommends the following tips: • Avoid buying Easter candies containing synthetic food dyes (such as Red 40, Yellow

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5, and Blue 1), artificial flavorings or the preservatives BHA, BHT and TBHQ. • Replace some candy with dried pineapples, figs, raisins or dates, which are naturally sweet and much more nourishing.

• Add 100% fruit roll-ups or homemade trail mix.

• Put a stuffed animal, such as a bunny or chick, in the basket to help take the emphasis off sweets.

• Include educational toys, books or disposable cameras in the basket.

• Tuck a coupon from the Easter Bunny, good for an outing at a theatre or amusement park in among the cellophane

grass.

• Consider using brightly colored plastic Easter eggs or coloring your boiled eggs with either natural dyes or plastic sleeves that are slipped over the eggs and dipped in hot water.

• Feed your children breakfast before letting them indulge in Easter sweets, in order to reduce the amount of candy they eat.

• Plan an Easter egg hunt to help children work off excess energy and get some exercise.

“Following these simple steps can help your family enjoy a happy and healthy Easter,” says Hersey.

Jane Hersey is National Director of the nonprofit Feingold Association and author of Why Can’t My Child Behave? A former teacher and Head Start consultant, Hersey has testified before the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Congress about ADHD and diet.

She frequently lectures at educational associations, hospitals, medical groups, universities, and schools across the country, and she spearheaded one of the first low-additive school food programs in the nation during the 1980s.

The Feingold Association is a nonprofit (feingold.org / 800-321-3287) helping parents of special needs children use the Feingold Diet, which eliminates synthetic

food dyes, artificial flavorings and certain preservatives. Please note: Individual dietary needs vary and no one diet will meet everyone’s daily requirements.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and its author is not engaged in providing medical or psychological services or advice to individuals. This information should not be used to replace competent in-person medical, health or psychological consultation, examination, diagnosis, or treatment and no person should delay in seeking medical, health or psychological treatment in reliance on it.

ONMYPLATE

The Problem was

Food!

“If someone had told me that my child’s physical and behavorial symptoms could be changed by changing his diet, I don’t think I would have believed them.”

BY

laurie costigan Patrick Costigan

H

ave you ever had a gut feeling that something was wrong with your child, but you didn’t know exactly what it was? In our family, the clues were all there from very early on, only we didn’t know we should have been looking for them.

Spitting, Stomaches Aches and Struggles From the time my son Patrick was an infant, he was a spitter. While he ate like a champion, he tossed it back out just as well. He would also have long crying jags during which he would pull his feet up to his chest. I just knew he was in pain, so we brought him to a very kind pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Dahod, who diagnosed him with gastroesophogeal reflux (GERD). He was placed on medicine which helped somewhat for a period of time.

As Patrick grew, he continued to be a “spitter.” He also didn’t have a solid bowel movement until sometime around age 2.5 to 3. We were told this was “toddler diarrhea” and was not a concern. At age 2, Patrick had the first of three endoscopies to see if there was damage in his esophagus.

This test showed erosion beginning, so he

was started on medications to help it heal.

We went through numerous medications, which were all difficult to get a small child to take. Thus, we resorted to sprinkling the contents into applesauce, pudding or whatever we could get him to eat. Without fail though, every meal was followed by the statement, “Mommy, my stomach hurts.” There was never a drama or request to stay home…just the same statement all the time. We followed a strict GERD diet from infancy so he never drank much juice, never had soda, or acidic foods for fear that these would aggravate his symptoms. Like any mother, I plodded along, vowing to provide him with healthy snacks like grapes, apples, apple sauce, etc.

The Ups and Downs Patrick was a bright, creative, imaginative and fun child, who could light up a room with his big blue eyes and infectious laugh. He could also shock a waiting room of strangers with his verbal skills at age 2.

The only problem was I couldn’t figure him out, as he was often like Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde. Sometimes he was the perfect compliant child who would say, “Sure mommy” to every request. Other times, he was intensely stubborn and

irritable. Oftentimes his behaviors didn’t seem connected to anything in particular and came out of the blue.

As Patrick grew older, he continued to take medications and continued to complain of stomach aches. I began to grow worried about the long term use of medications that were not studied in children. It also appeared they weren’t completely solving the problem. Over the years, his medications increased and more tests were done including PH probes and endoscopies. For a while, I resigned myself to the fact that this is the way it would be.

In the first grade, Patrick needed to have his tonsils out. The one thing we noticed was that when fasting for the surgery, he was completely calm and happy. Following the surgery he was given a popsicle, which he promptly threw up inside my brand new car.

Throughout first grade Patrick thrived intellectually, but struggled behaviorally.

He was often impulsive, irritable and yes…stubborn. Both myself and my husband are clinical psychologists, and Patrick appeared to be the one person who could throw both of us for a loop. No matter what we tried, nothing worked for very long. Patrick continued to struggle on a regular basis. I felt completely helpless as I watched his little self esteem wax and wane. “I try mommy, but I don’t know why I can’t do what I’m supposed to do.” No matter how much we talked and practiced skills, he was up and down. I started to consider that although it didn’t really fit the profile, maybe his behaviors were actually ADHD. Deep down I knew this wasn’t it though.

The summer after first grade, I decided to take him off his medications to see what would happen, after reading that a potential side effect was irritability. He was no different. Thus, I decided to take a more natural route and took him to an acupuncturist who asked me the question that would change the course of my thinking. He said, “What do you think is going on? What does your gut tell you?” I heard myself say, “I think it’s food because he’s fine if he isn’t eating.” Throughout the course of his evaluation and treatment, the acupuncturist agreed that it was “gut” related. He suggested I try taking Patrick off wheat and then off sugar. Poor Patrick spent the summer being a guinea pig to all

sorts of food changes. Taking away wheat didn’t seem to do much. I then tried to limit sugar and bought only sugar free snacks with sugar alcohols in them. He appeared worse during this time period. I began to watch for reactions to foods, but didn’t really know what I was watching for. I noticed that his ears would turn bright red at times and he often had very dark circles under his eyes. At times his breath had an odd odor and he appeared very gassy after eating most of the time.

He began complaining of joint pains and on numerous occasions would state that it felt like someone was shooting him in the back.

The Jelly Donut Incident Patrick started second grade and continued to struggle, particularly after lunch time.

There were consistent trips to the nurse for stomach aches and I asked his teacher to keep an eye on him after lunch, as I thought maybe something food related was impacting him. She noted that soon after lunch, he appeared intensely groggy and irritable and began arguing with other kids. Around October of that year, we went to church one Sunday. After mass we ventured downstairs to have a donut, a rare treat. Patrick had a jelly donut and based on the events that followed, we have forever referred to that day as “The Jelly Donut Incident.” Within 20-30 minutes, my 7-year-old child turned into the Incredible Hulk. He was intensely angry, tearful and emotionally a complete wreck. I asked him, ”What in the world happened that all of a sudden you are acting this way?” He stood in the kitchen, crying and clenching his fists and yelled, “I can’t stop acting like this and I don’t know why.” I began to consider all the things that might have been in the donut, but didn’t know quite what I was looking for. It was then that we went back to his gastroenterologist, who said, “I think you could be on to something.”

He proceeded to schedule a lineup of tests for food allergies and intolerances.

While he was noted to have low level allergies to four different foods, this was not a major concern. As each test he had came back negative, I began to feel like I was crazy and perhaps just looking for excuses. Something told me I wasn’t BAYSTATEPARENT 47

and to keep looking. The last test he had in January of 2010 was for Dietary Fructose Intolerance, now called Fructose Malabsorption. This test was positive and finally, we had our answer.

While it was good to have an answer, I was not prepared for the confusing and frustrating journey we were about to embark on. I quickly found out that few people know much about this disorder. I spent hours researching Online and while much of the information was conflicting and confusing, for the first time I could connect Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symptoms to his behaviors. Yes, it finally occurred to me that all the healthy foods I was giving for breakfast and sending in for lunch were wreaking havoc inside poor Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little body. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greatâ&#x20AC;? I thought, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve practically been poisoning him.â&#x20AC;?

Fructose Malabsorption People with fructose malabsorption lack an enzyme to digest it. Because it canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be digested, it gets dumped into

the large intestine. It taxes the liver and can deplete minerals in the body, as well as numerous other effects. In fact, the symptoms are very similar to irritable bowel syndrome. Also, different people with this disorder can have varying tolerance levels for different foods.

Fructose comes in many forms, so staying away from it is not a simple task. This meant Patrick had to stay away from natural fructose, meaning most natural fruits and honey, as well as sugar substitutes, such as sorbitol, which cause the same reaction. We also cut out anything with high fructose corn syrup in it. We had to limit wheat, as it is a fructan and breaks down into fructose.

While it was hard at first, we followed a very low fructose diet. Within two weeks I had my child back, as well as a sense of peace in our home that had not been there for a long while. While Patrick was still Patrick, he no longer complained of stomach aches and his mood grew steadily more positive. He settled considerably and was not nearly as impulsive or reactive as he had been.

He had no more reflux episodes and while he missed many of the old foods he used to enjoy, he could clearly connect the difference in how he felt to the foods he ate.

One year later, we continue to learn which foods work and those that cause reactions. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also learned the hard way that some foods we thought were safe are not. While Patrick has been remarkably compliant with his diet, holidays and special events have been hard for him, like when he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat

birthday cake at friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; parties or canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the donuts and juice boxes at the basketball team party. This year he was allowed to exchange his Halloween candy for money, which he was happy about. We now travel to restaurants with our own rolls and ketchup that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have high fructose corn syrup in them and pack his lunch for school every day. Trips to friends houses can be a challenge at times, but parents have been amazingly helpful and understanding. At times he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish I were like other kids and could eat whatever I want.â&#x20AC;? We try to focus on the fact that he will be healthy and strong and is taking care of his body.

I have become an avid label reader and have learned a great deal about additives, preservatives and high fructose corn syrup. I have learned how fructose and other sugars are metabolized and the impact they have on our bodies. If someone had told me at the beginning of all this that my childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical and behavioral symptoms could be changed by changing his diet, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I would have believed them. At some point my instincts kicked in and this became within the realm of possibilities.

If I had not seen the change in him with my own eyes, I might not have believed it myself.

So that Patrick would not be alone in his new challenge, I decided to follow his diet with him. What I found was that many long term unexplained symptoms I was having disappeared once I eliminated fructose from my diet, leading me to get tested. The results indicated that I have

the same intolerance. Additionally, I have lost 22 pounds without trying and feel amazing.

I am grateful for the knowledge I continue to gain regarding this very confusing issue. One day I questioned, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wonder how many other kids there are out there who have this and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know it?â&#x20AC;? Patrick responded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mom, we should tell everyone!â&#x20AC;? Our hope is that by sharing our story, other parents who may see their child in these words will have a path to explore and may be able to avoid other more intrusive tests and unnecessary medications. The test for fructose malabsorption is a non-intrusive breath test. To my knowledge, Dr. Idris Dahod is the only gastroenterologist in the area who provides this testing. Please pass this information on to anyone you know whose child often says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mommy, my stomach hurts.â&#x20AC;?

Laurie Costigan is a Shrewsbury mom and clinical psychologist.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on your plate, Moms and Dads?

If you have a story, viewpoint or experience that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to share with other parents, here is your chance. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a published writer for your essay to be featured in an upcoming â&#x20AC;&#x153;On My Plate.â&#x20AC;?

Please send your inspiring, funny or thought-provoking submissions to editor@baystateparent.com.

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Tri-Dipping Create a rainbow effect with 3 layers of color! Works with any trio of Candy Melt colors, or try light, medium and dark shades of the same color. Lighten Candy Melt colors by adding melted White Candy Melts.

Triple Dippers

POPS! Sweets on a stick are the perfect treat. There’s a pop for all seasons, all reasons. They can be as simple as classic cake ball pops — crumbled cake mixed with icing, then shaped into balls and dipped into melted candy. Or, create hundreds of other pop shapes and flavors from cake, brownies, cookies and crispy cereal treats.

These recipes are only the beginning. “Pops! Sweets on a StickTM,” a new book from Wilton, features 112 pages packed with pops. Visit www.wilton.com to order the book, pops supplies, find recipes and much more. Pop to it!

Basic Cake Ball Pops • 1 box (about 18 ounces) cake mix • 1 box (about 3.4 ounces) instant pudding mix • 4 eggs • 1 cup water • 1/3 cup vegetable oil • 1/2 cup Creamy White Decorator Icing • 1 bag (14 ounces) Candy Melts • Lollipop Sticks

Dip cake ball pops completely in melted cocoa or white candy; place in Decorating Stand and chill until firm. Create 2 shades of each candy color by adding more or less White Candy Melts, or using Candy Colors.

Dip pops in lightest candy shade, covering bottom 2/3; chill until firm. Dip pops in darkest candy shade, covering bottom 1/3; chill until firm.

1. Start with a pop that has already been completely candy dipped and chilled as your base color. Dip pop 2/3 deep in second color of melted Candy Melts. Tap and chill until set.

2. Dip pop 1/3 deep in third Candy Melt color. Tap to remove excess.

3. Place pop on parchment-covered cake board and chill until firm.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans or one 13 x 9 x 2-inch sheet pan with vegetable pan spray.

mix with fingers until well combined. Form mixture into balls. Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours.

In large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water and oil; beat at medium speed with electric mixer 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pans.

Melt Candy Melts according to package directions. Dip sticks into melted Candy Melts and insert into cake balls; let set. Wait until candy is completely firm before dipping the pops completely in melted Candy Melts.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes for round pans; 35 to 40 minutes for sheet pan, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling grid and cool completely. Divide cake in half; freeze one half for future use.

In large bowl, use hands to crumble cake until no large chunks remain. Add icing;

Yields 48 tablespoons Makes 48 — 1-tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1 1/4-inch diameter) Makes 24 — 2-tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1 1/2-inch diameter) Makes 16 — 3-tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1 3/4-inch diameter)

Try Trifocals!

Cocoa Kabobs

Each serves 1 • Medium Cake Ball Pops • White, Red, Orange and • Green Candy Melts, melted • Garden Candy Color Set (black used) • Candy Eyeballs, spice drops, banana-shaped hard candies

Each serves 1 • Small and Medium Cake Balls,* not on sticks • Light Cocoa and White Candy Melts, melted • Turtle Crunch, Cookies ’N Cream Crunch, toasted coconut, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips • 11 3/4-inch Lollipop Sticks

Dip cake balls in melted candy.

Dip cake ball pops in melted candy. Roll in various toppings. Let set on parchment-covered cake board.

Place in Decorating Stand; chill until firm. With pointy knife, cut small holes in sides of cake balls for ears. Insert banana candy, securing with melted candy.

Use melted candy in disposable decorating bag to pipe a ring of candy about 4 inches from end of stick; chill until firm, then overpipe. Place sticks on parchmentcovered cake board until firm. Slide four cake balls onto prepared sticks, alternating sizes.

Cut small piece of spice drop and shape for nose. Attach nose and eyes with melted candy. Pipe black tinted candy mouth, let set. Pipe white candy dot teeth.

52 APRIL2011

Each serves 1 Medium Cake Ball Pops • Dark Cocoa, White and any favorite color • Candy Melts, melted • Candy Color Set (optional)

*2 cake balls each size per kabob.

All materials courtesy of: Wilton Enterprises.

Recipes and photos are courtesy of Family Features.

Now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year.

Great Escape Playcafe

h7HERE BRIGHT MINDS COME together!â&#x20AC;?

Indoor Playground & Gourmet Coffee House

Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Six The Brighton School is a non-proďŹ t, private, independent elementary school dedicated to providing a quality education that addresses the individual needs of students.

#OME SEE WHAT "RIGHTON 3CHOOL STUDENTS CAN DO 3CIENCE &AIR AND !RT 3HOW 4HURSDAY -AY TH s PM 0RIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE that evening.

s !CCELERATED 0ROGRAM s )NDIVIDUALIZED #URRICULUM s 3MALL #LASS 3IZES s .URTURING %NVIRONMENT s 3PECIALIZED )NSTRUCTION IN 3PANISH -USIC !RT 3CIENCE

#OMPUTER 0HYSICAL %DUCATION AND 9OGA

360 Water Street, P.O. Box 3204, Framingham, MA 01705 s WWW BRIGHTONSCHOOLOFMA ORG

A place for the whole family

Providing families of Central Mass with a safe, easy and fun getaway 7 days a week. Playgroups, Momsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Clubs and Day Care centers are welcome.

Reserve your spot in one of our exciting classes and summer day camps. Registration opens April 1st. i Open Playtime

i Enrichment Classes

i Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Night Out

i Summer Day Camps

i Arts & Crafts

i Workshops for Parents

i Gourmet Drinks & Organic Snacks

i Private Birthday Parties

Find us on Facebook for latest news, coupons and updates!

w w w. T G E P l a y c a f e . c o m 978-227-5886 21 Sack Blvd., Leominster, MA

Let your

creativity

%/220 at CLAYTIME Visit claytimestudio.com and check out our summer programs: Week-long themed sessions for ages 8 yrs & up Day sessions for 4-7 yrs and 8 & up

b u y o n lin e a t

BigA ppleCircus.or g

PREMIUM SEATING AVAILABLE For groups of 15 or more, customer service and please call 800-922-3772.

Children under 3 FREE on the lap of a paid adult.

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

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

BAYSTATEPARENT 53

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1"3&/5 4 $)0*$& "8"3% 8*//&3 #JSUIEBZ 1BSUJFT t $PODFSUT Teacher-Parent Workshops

508-358-1614

www.franfriedman.com

Punch up your party.

Combine 3 cans of frozen lemonade (prepared with water), 1 package thawed frozen strawberries, 1 quart chilled ginger ale and ice.

Float a half gallon of sherbet on top and serve.

n Ed rie uca tional Expe

Great fun and learning for any dinosaur enthusiast! *This is a traveling only presentation

www.animaladventures.net 978-779-8988

Big Joe

the Storyteller

Spencer Marks Photography specializing in parties, portraits & sporting events

978.634.1135 smarksphotography.com sam@smarksphotography.com

$BUFSQJMMBS 3JEFT t )BZ 1ZSBNJE -JWF $IJMESFO T &OUFSUBJONFOU Private Party Room " Petting Zoo &WFSZ 8FFLFOE t #VSMBQ .B[F Train or Hay Ride " NEW Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s .PPO #PVODF t .VDI .PSF Play Area " Much, Much More!

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Storytelling fun for Birthday Parties, Schools, Daycare Centers, Library Programs, Special Events and TV Featuring: â&#x20AC;˘ Original & Classic Stories â&#x20AC;˘ Puppets, Props and Surprises For Bookings and Info Call: 617-713-4349 E-mail: BigJoe@BigJoe.com Visit me on the web at: www.BigJoe.com

Book your party now Call today or visit our website for more info: 781-352-2494 www.mini-athletes.com 290 Vanderbilt Ave. Norwood

New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Traveling Animal Show

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Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Play Area and

your private party room.

Have a Birthday Coming Up?

See Dinosaur skulls, T-Rex teeth and foot prints, along with todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living dinosaurs such as Crocodile, monitor lizard, turtle, bird and scorpion.

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â&#x20AC;˘ Largest variety of reptiles â&#x20AC;˘ Largest variety of mammals â&#x20AC;˘ Bugs and more â&#x20AC;˘ Birthday parties

â&#x20AC;˘ Schools â&#x20AC;˘ Camps â&#x20AC;˘ All occasions Fully Licensed & Insured Education Center Open Year Round!

www.animaladventures.net 978-779-8988

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In the Greater Boston Area, Contact Mark â&#x20AC;˘ 781-773-1304 In Western and Central MA and Connecticut, Contact Paul â&#x20AC;˘ 888-811-3270 Or visit www.Games2U.com for more information.

Theatre Programs, Classes and Workshops for Ages 4 to 18 Call us or visit the web for more info... info@bostonchildrenstheatre.org 617-424-6634 www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com 54 APRIL2011

Central Mass’s only dedicated Climbing Facility!

Sign up now for our Week Long Summer Camp Programs • 14,000 square feet of amazing climbing walls • 60 different top rope stations • Climbing walls from 15 - 40 feet high!

• Massive lead arch, and super long overhangs!

• Separate climbing wall just for kids and parents • Classes for beginners: lead and top rope belaying • Rentals and a retail shop for climbing gear • Lounge area, w/ free wifi • A large bouldering area, with top-outs

Come join the fun!

My silly sense of humor and rythmic style will soon have you and your kids giggling, wiggling, dancing, and singing with delight.

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

* Magic * Parties

978-779-6789 mikethemusicman.com

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(508) 943-4549

Animal Craze

centralrockgym.com

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

(Across the street from the Higgins Armory, near Sam’s Club, at the 190/290 interchange)

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Baby Animal Parties, Theme Parties, Living Nativities, Petting Zoos, Animals for Therapy & more!

508-852-ROCK • 299 Barber Ave. Worcester,

Kids all love the silliness of my interactive, high energy, and musical shows!

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Traveling Farm Animals for your Party or Event!

Year Round • Inside or Out Fun & Educational

H

Birthday/ Party Room

Email: Karaoke4kidz@Yahoo.com www.Karaoke4Kidz.com

4 simple and free party games: • Have each guest draw a birthday cake with his eyes closed. The birthday child picks her favorite!

• Go on an outdoor treasure hunt...at night with flashlights.

• Limbo! Get lower now.

• Make an outdoor obstacle course and time the kids as they go through it.

• Pass the "hot potato," a favorite for kids as young as 3.

ing Princ es s e s Singare our Specialty C Princess Singer (with Bachelor of Music)

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

Copacabana Entertainment 508.853.4257 www.copacabanaent.com

Beauty and the Feast Tons of Bricks Tons of Fun LEGO® Themed Birthday Parties for all ages. wwww.brickapalooza.com Check our website for current class offerings, summer camp offerings and drop-in play times.

164 Westford Rd. Tyngsboro MA 01879 978-649-2654

Professional Chefs Sean & Eliana McCabe bring you a cutting edge culinary experience.

Specialities include Sushi parties, instructonal lessons for kids & adults.

For More Information Call

508.329.1416 Westboro

"1$

3(5$

132 234#(.

Offering Beading, Mosaics, Stuff-Your-Own Animals, Paint Me Tees, Silver Clay and PaintYour-Own Pottery Parties Birthdays Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Weddings/Showers Graduations Proms Dances Fundraisers Holiday/Business

!$23 !(13'# 8 / "* &$2 1.4-# %1$$ &(%3 %.1 !(13'# 8 "'(+# >

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

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

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com BAYSTATEPARENT 55

he tPARTYPLANNER Did you know that you can turn your favorite photos into real postage stamps?

Visit usps.com to customize your stamps for your child’s birthday invitation or thank yous.

summer

camp countdown 57 THERE’S EVEN A CAMP FOR HANDWRITING

60 WOULD YOU PLUNGE FOR CAMP? 64 MOMS ROCK 66 UNPLUGGED CAMPERS 70 CAPTURED: Happy Campers 72 BOYS GONE WILD 78 BEST FRIENDS START AT CAMP “All Live” Insects, Small Reptiles & Animals

The Coolest Party EVER! There’s Nothing Else Like It. Fordshometown.com 1-800-649-9992

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@ baystateparent.com 56 APRIL2011

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

There’s Even a Camp for Handwriting

(and there’s more to it than you might think!)

BY

hat do crab walk races, balloon contests and crafts with dough have to do with handwriting?

More than you might think.

“There is a misconception that good penmanship is all about sitting at a desk practicing letters, “ says Wendy Schneider, an Occupational Therapy Practitioner and this year’s Summer Handwriting Camp Director for Barrett Family Wellness Center in Northborough. “It is actually more important that a child has developed gross and fine motor control, upper body strength and position in space awareness.

Developing these readiness skills are the building blocks to good handwriting.”

Using the multisensory Handwriting Without Tears program which encourages learning through having fun, Barrett Family Wellness Center uses different multisensory stations to teach handwriting.

This includes a new 1,000 square-foot open sensory gym for gross motor work on many choices of suspension equipment,

W

jennifer macneil photos by barrett family wellness

scooter boards and mats.

“The Happy Crayons group, for those children going into kindergarten, will focus on prewriting skills. Children learn by imitation and hands on multisensory play, so we incorporate that into our camps,” says Wendy.

A typical session for the Happy Crayons group will include songs, gross motor activities, arts and crafts for increasing fine motor control, pincer grasp, position in space awareness and fun and laughter.

“The Happy Pencils group is for children going into first or second grade. They will also have lots of fun motor work activities,” continues Wendy, “However, they will focus on pencil grasp, letter formation, spacing, sizing and remediation of errors.”

A typical session for Happy Pencils will engage in overall body warm-ups and coordination activities, fine motor skills within craft projects and multisensory writing practice skills. These activities help to avoid summertime regression.

Handwriting is an academic foundation tool.

When a child struggles with penmanship, the frustration is daily.

Studies have shown that handwriting is an important brain body connection and those students who do well with it do better in school, are more confident and are perceived as better educated.

School cutbacks and focus changes have shifted handwriting education from what was a subject of its own for two hours a day back in the 1950s to a skill which needs to

be mastered in roughly 15 minutes a day in order to excel in other academic topics.

Issues that develop for children that don’t quickly grasp proper penmanship range from general frustration of not being able to record thoughts clearly and quickly enough to math delays due to messy numbers being translated incorrectly.

While many people feel computers are making handwriting less important, there will always be applications and tests where it will be very important to know how to write.

In October of 2006, The Washington Post reported in “The Handwriting Is on the Wall” that when handwritten essays were introduced on the SAT exams for the class of 2006, just 15 percent of the almost 1.5 million students wrote their answers in cursive. The rest printed in block letters.

“Handwriting is the art and science of putting your ideas down on paper for others to read,” says Phyllis Barrett Samara, OTR/L, Barrett Family Wellness Center Founder and Certified SI Therapist.

“Formation is made in a specified way using one of the traditional methods of writing. Learning to produce letters requires skills in multiple areas. You need trunk stability to hold your body up, arm and hand strength, fine finger dexterity and spatial awareness. These skills can be nurtured in a warm and friendly environment.”

Is handwriting camp right for your child?

• Are your child’s letters unrecognizable or hard to read?

• Does your child avoid fine motor activities such as drawing or coloring?

• Do you have concerns that your child’s pencil grasp is making it difficult for him/ her to write?

• Does your child get tired easily when writing?

For more information, visit barrettfamilywellness.com.

120 Prospect Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 (978)342-6053 ext 110 www.applewild,org

Applewild invites you to join us!

TAKE A LOOK MORNINGS April 7 and May 5 The first Thursday of every month - 9am Take a tour and visit classes, no RSVP needed. Individual tours scheduled daily.

Early Education and Care Since 1913

www.guildofstagnes.org All of our centers are NAEYC accredited v Enrolling children from 4 weeks to 12 years v Center Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. v Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Provided

Summer Camp - register now!

For more information, go to www.applewild.org or call 978 342-6053 x110

Enroll now for Summer Camp 888.798.4567

Center Locations Include Granite St., and Grove St. in Worcester Charlton, Devens, Fitchburg and Gardner Family Care Offices In Devens, Leicester, Whitinsville and Worcester

BAYSTATEPARENT 57

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

2011 Summer Camps 4VNNFS 8PSDFTUFS %BZ $BNQT +$$ $BNQ +$$ 5IF 1MBDF UP #F 0QFO UP BMM Camp Sabra - Preschool ages 2-5 June 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 19 t XFFL TFTTJPOT

Camp Habonim - Grades 1-6 June 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 19 t XFFL TFTTJPOT Shaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ar -

Grades 7 & 8 August 19th t XFFL TFTTJPOT

NEW Teen Internship Teen TravelCamp

Galit (CIT Program) -

Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Out Final Fling

DBMM GPS EFUBJMT

Grades 9 & 10 June 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 19 t XFFL TFTTJPOT

Sports Specialty -

PreK - grades 1-12

June 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 19 t XFFL TFTTJPOT

Jewish Community Center

Boys Soccer Camp Dates: July 6-9 Ages: 8-19 Girls Soccer Camp Dates: July 10-13 Ages: 9-18 Field Hockey Camp Dates: July 17-20 Ages: 12 & Up Girls Lacrosse Camp Dates: July 20-23 Ages: 10 & Up Boys Lacrosse Camp Dates: July 24-27 Ages: 10-18

For more information Call 508-793-2571 or visit www.goholycross.com

Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x160;->Â?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;LĂ&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;iiĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;7Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;ViĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;]Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160;ä£Ă&#x2C6;äÂ&#x2122; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x201C;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;vĂ&#x20AC;iiĂ&#x160;LĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;VÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160; V>Â?Â? xänĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2021;xĂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;£äÂ&#x2122;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;°Ă&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;ViĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Â?VV°Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;} The JCC is open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or economic condition. The Center is handicapped accessible. Scholarships available.

Experience

Wonderful Funderful Summer Dance

Mass Audubon Nature Day Camps In Central MA 0`]OR ;SOR]e 0`]]Y EWZRZWTS AO\QbcO`g " " ;OaaOa]Wb @R E]`QSabS` ;/ $ " 1O[^ 2W`SQb]` # & %#! $ &% f !

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EOQVcaSbb ;SOR]e EWZRZWTS AO\QbcO`g ! 5]]R\]e @R >`W\QSb]\ ;/ #" 1O[^ 2W`SQb]` '%& "$" % f &% ! eOQVcaSbb.[OaaOcRcP]\ ]`U AS`dSa 1VWZR`S\ /USa ! # %

A unique opportunity to learn about the natural world.

Meet new friends and have lots of fun!

Specialty sessions such as digital photography, teen adventure trip and woodworking.

Experienced staff who provide a safe, educational, and noncompetitive camp environment.

Small group nature study.

An experience that will last a lifetime!

Mass Audubon 58 APRIL2011

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

www.massaudubon.org/camps

Dance â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;N Play

Summer Sizzle Dance

Uniquely magical movement program designed to promote preschool readiness. Geared to provide social interaction in a fun, creative and exciting atmosphere.

A ballet and tap class designed to develop coordination, rhythm, ďŹ&#x201A;exibility and a love for music and dance through imagination and self expression.

4 Week Mini Session Age: 2.5-4 years Dates: Wednesdays Jul. 6 - 27, 2011 Time: 9:15 - 10:45 am Cost: $100/session

4 Week Mini Session 4-5 years Wednesdays Jul. 6 - 27, 2011 9:15 - 10:45 am $100/session

Š

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

For A Day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Choose 1 or all 4 days: 2.5-4 years Tuesdays Aug. 2 - 23, 2011 9:15 - 10:45 am $25/day

508.839.1648 9 36 North Main Street

9

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

North Grafton, MA 01536

For A Day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Choose 1 or all 4 days: 4-5 years Tuesdays Aug. 2 - 23, 2011 9:15 - 10:45 am $25/day 9

www.danceitup.com

2011 SUMMER PROGRAMS Register Today!

Weekly Sessions June - August Many fun activities!

!

" # $ %

& # $

Camp Kinneywood Boys & Girls Grades 1-7 In Town Girls Grades K-8 (Coed weeks - June 22, June 27, and Aug. 22) Limited Financial Assistance Available Specialty Program: FREE! Smart Living is an intensive 6 week STEM program being offered to middle school girls. Space is limited!

125 Providence Street, Worcester 508.755.6455 www.girlsincworcester.org

Your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer begins

here.

!

" # $

!

" # $

COME TO HORSE CAMP! (OW IS #-3 DIFFERENT THAN OTHER SUMMER PROGRAMS 7E ARE !,, (/23%3 !,, $!9 Century Mill offers a hands-on, interactive approach to learning horsemanship that keeps kids and teens active and engaged.

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming to the barn for the very ďŹ rst time, or have been riding for years, there is a CMS Summer Camp Program just for you.

Summer Program 2011 June 27th-September 1st â&#x20AC;˘ 4 themed two week sessions â&#x20AC;˘ Full or part time schedules â&#x20AC;˘ Special visitors each session â&#x20AC;˘ Educational activities to challenge and entertain your child â&#x20AC;˘ Breakfast, lunch and snacks provided daily

Next Generation Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centers

Call us at 866-711-6422 or visit NGCCenters.com

Specialty Weeks! s *UMPING s (ORSE 3HOW s 6AULTING s 0RESCHOOL 0ONY #AMP s 7ESTERN 4RAIL s 'YMKHANA s (ORSE "OWL s "OYS 7EEK s #)4 PROGRAM FOR EXPERIENCED TEENS

0ACKAGE $EALS AND %ARLY "IRD 3PECIALS 3EE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND TO SIGN UP WWW CENTURYMILLSTABLES COM s 105 CMR 430.190: This camp has complied with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the local board of health.

BAYSTATEPARENT 59

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Girls Incorporated of Worcester

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Would you PLUNGE for Camp?

AN EXTREME CHALLENGE HELPS ILL CHILDREN ATTEND CAMP. carrie wattu lisa aube photography

courtesy of julie grady

BY

Ten-year-old Matthew Pulnik of Clinton raised over $1,500 for Camp Sunshine.

$200...$500...Ten-year-old Matthew Pulnik would not stop.

This past winter Matthew was intent on exceeding a $100 goal to provide children suffering from life-threatening illnesses such as Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA)with a summer camp experience.

Since he was 4 years old, Matthew has been raising money for the rare blood disorder, DBA, by selling lemonade.

While Matthew does not have DBA, he has adopted the cause in honor of his grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; friends, whose two grandchildren have the disease. Raising money to provide a summer camp experience for children in need appealed to the Clinton fourth grader as he and his younger brother, Nathaniel, love

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you have on the inside that really counts!

Modeling & Image Summer Workshop Â&#x201C;>}iĂ&#x160;EĂ&#x160;-iÂ?vĂ&#x160; Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;iiÂ&#x201C;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;,Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x153;>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;-Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;V>Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x2030; >Â&#x17D;iÂ&#x2021;1ÂŤĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; "Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; >Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x20AC;>Ă&#x160; Ă&#x2022;`Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;*Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;viĂ&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;>Â?Ă&#x160;*Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;*Â&#x153;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;ÂľĂ&#x2022;iĂ&#x152;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;-Â&#x153;VÂ&#x2C6;>Â?Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;>ViĂ&#x192; Ages 12-16, Monday-Friday 10-3, Bag lunch.

Â&#x153;`iÂ?Ă&#x160;EĂ&#x160;/>Â?iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x17D;nÂŁĂ&#x160; >Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;iiĂ&#x152;]Ă&#x160;7Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;ViĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;]Ă&#x160; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;°LiÂ?Â&#x2C6;iĂ&#x203A;iÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;°LÂ&#x2C6;âĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;xänÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;ÂŁÂ&#x2021;{Â&#x2122;ää Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;°v>ViLÂ&#x153;Â&#x153;Â&#x17D;°VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C;Ă&#x2030; iÂ?Â&#x2C6;iĂ&#x203A;iÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;9"1 Â&#x153;`iÂ?Ă&#x192; 60 APRIL2011

attending Camp Woodhaven in West Boylston every summer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want kids with DBA to have fun too,â&#x20AC;? says Matthew.

As Matthew reached the $1,000 mark, he began to roll up his sleeves and get serious, closing in on a total of $1,525.

The money was for Camp Sunshine, a year-round one-of-a-kind retreat for ill children and their families on the shores of picturesque Lake Sebago, Maine.

Campers attend free of charge thanks to the efforts of people like Matthew.

But there was more rolling of sleeves (and pant legs) to come as Matthew was not selling his signature lemonade to raise money this time. Matthew had to make good on his fundraising promise: to take a Polar Dip in a freezing pool of water at

Mt. Wachusett in Princeton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well I thought I could only go in to my knees, so I rolled my pants up,â&#x20AC;? Matthew says. He later found out he could have jumped in, taking the full plunge, which he plans to do next year.

Cheered on by his parents, grandparents, friends and passing skiers, Matthew felt cold but proud to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;freezinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a reason.â&#x20AC;? His mother, Julie Grady, says it was an emotional experience when Matthew was recognized as one of the top fundraisers of the $25,000 raised on that day, January 22, 2011, and for being one of the youngest â&#x20AC;&#x153;plungers.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I teared up,â&#x20AC;? she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowing the money helps families that have sick children really makes you cherish having

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SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN good health.â&#x20AC;?

The Polar Dip tradition started five years ago when Camp Sunshine supporter, 11-year-old Joey Cerato joined the L Street Brownies for their annual New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Plunge in Boston Harbor. Joey collected pledges from family and friends, and before he knew it, had raised enough money for not only one family, but three to attend Camp Sunshine! A month and a half later, Camp Sunshine launched their own event in Worcester and raised over $30,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since its humble beginning, Polar Dips for Camp Sunshine has reached the $1 million dollar mark,â&#x20AC;? says Michael Smith, Camp Sunshineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Special Events. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year alone polar dips raised in excess of $325,000. Over 160 ill children and their families will be able to attend a session at Camp Sunshine as a result of these events.â&#x20AC;?

Why Help a Camp in Maine?

Since the start of Camp Sunshine in 1984, they have provided a retreat for more than 32,000 family members from 48 states and 22 countries.

Approximately 25% of these families come from Massachusetts. In fact, in 2009 alone, 164 Massachusetts families attended Camp Sunshine. Sadly, even with multiple sessions added annually at Camp Sunshine, there are still many more children from Massachusetts being newly diagnosed each year.

Moreover, the Camp Sunshine program is recommended by the following Massachusetts treatment centers: Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Boston, Boston University Medical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Floating Hospital for Children at New England Medical Center, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Baystate Medical Center Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital, and UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Children as young as 5 years old are welcome to participate in this unique fundraiser. Sign-ups begin in the early fall, on the heels of your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own summer camp experience. In addition to plunging, Camp Sunshine lists a variety of other ways you can help to sponsor a

camper at freezinforareason.com.

As for Matthew, he is expanding into the recruiting business as he would like to see his friends join him on a Polar Dip team to raise even more money next winter. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also going to take advantage of his very interested 8-year-old brother, Nathaniel, who got splashed from the sidelines watching the Polar Dip. Already wet, he figures he might as well join them next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to help kids,â&#x20AC;? says Matthew who says he plans to volunteer at Camp Sunshine when he gets older.

Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent.

Nestled alongside the shores of beautiful Sebago Lake, Camp Sunshine provides respite, support, joy and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families through various stages of a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illness. The year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement groups are also offered for families who have lost a child to an illness. For more information, visit campsunshine.org.

N Helping students do school.

Strengthening skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, handwriting, critical thinking, memory, study skills, and learning.

N Helping students navigate their lives.

Developing strategies for social interaction, problem solving, executive functioning, organization, and emotional regulation.

N Helping families and teachers maximize success.

Supporting parents, teachers, and schools through professional consultation and comprehensive speech-language, reading, written expression, and psychotherapy evaluations.

Want to try it?

Visit freezinforareaason.com.

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In our theme-based academic clubs and classes, students may explore the world as ďŹ lm critics, detectives, wizards, zoologists, or even Knights of the Round Table.

Individual and small group intervention as well as multi-sensory, theme-based classes for K-12 students.

Speech-language therapy, Occupational therapy, Psychotherapy, Tutoring, and Academic enrichment.

Our vision is that all individuals see themselves as whole and capable.

Architects For Learning 160 Gould Street, Needham Heights, MA 02494 781-235-8412 www.architectsforlearning.com BAYSTATEPARENT 61

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

DanceThis Summer with the professionals who stage the NUTCRACKER AT THE

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B allet arts

worcester

Jennifer Agbay, Artistic Director 508.791.3233 www.balletartsworcester.com Photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by Emily Glick

Day Camp at Overlook Farm sign them up for a week that could change the world Day Camp at Overlook Farm is not your regular camp. In five days, your camper will get to experience Heifer Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work of ending hunger and poverty around the world. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn all about different cultures while helping out around our farm. In addition to helping milk livestock and harvest vegetables, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get to play games and make arts and crafts.

Five-day sessions for children in grades 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 begin July 11 and run through August 15. For more information, or to download an application, call (508) 886-2221, visit www.heifer.org/baystate or e-mail overlook.farm@heifer.org.

EXTENDED CARE OPTIONS AVAILABLE 62 APRIL2011

BAYSTATEPARENT 63

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MOMS ROCK!

Lisa Carlin OF WEST BOYLSTON Age: 37 Occupation: Education Coordinator and Day Camp Director for Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester Married to: Steve Carlin Mom of: Daniel, age 2 1/2 BY

L

carrie wattu, steven king photography

isa Carlin’s 2-1/2-year-old son, Daniel, is full of energy, operating on just two speeds, on and off. Lisa says, “As a working mom, you come home and want to relax but he wants to go!”

However, “relax” sounds a bit strange coming from a woman whose idea of fun has always been to own a day camp.

Five and a half years ago, when Lisa was working as a park ranger in Boston, the Mass Audubon called to her. Today Lisa runs educational programs and a day camp for an average of 266 kids, ages 4 ½ to 16, in Worcester.

What’s the best part of working with kids all day? “I love when the kids come back from hiking and want to share things. There’s so much energy!” she says as well as nature sightings that include salamanders, deer and beaver.

Lisa, who studied environmental science in college, also gets a kick out of the campers who get so into nature that they enjoy proving her wrong. “One time the kids picked up scat on a trail. I thought it was from a coyote, but using a book and picking through it (under supervision), the kids identified it a red tail hawk’s.”

Her own son likes to “get her” as well.

While looking at a drawing of an animal’s shadow on a box of Pull-Ups, Lisa pointed out, “Look alligator!” Her son replied, “caiman.” And he was right!

This is just the kind of nature smarts Lisa likes to see in the children she teaches.

Lisa, who grew up in western New York in a somewhat rural area filled with farms, spent a lot of time outside playing.

“I had a tree at the bottom of our yard and it was our tree fort. I used to gather corn from the nearby field that didn’t get collected, and I would pull off the kernels 64 APRIL2011

of corn and then try to grind up the corn with rocks. I used to climb trees and just explore all day.”

Lisa’s current home in a suburb adjacent to Worcester does not offer the same experience of “getting lost in the woods,” but Lisa is up for the challenge of trying to recreate this in her backyard.

In fact, this challenge is part of Lisa’s mission for all families. Along with Broad Meadow Brook staff, Lisa is creating The Mass Audubon Nature Play Trail, a place where parents feel comfortable letting kids go freely in nature. “There’s a nice fence that defines the area, and kids are free to explore,” says Lisa. Everything in the area will be hands-on including a place to build gnome homes and structures with the many bricks unearthed when clearing the trail. “Our Discovery Nature Preschool kids always have to play with the bricks,” says Lisa.

This spring Lisa encourages families to look around their surroundings and see what’s out there. “It’s a great time to look at small things,” she says, recommending throwing a Frisbee or a paper plate out, and exploring every spot around the area where it falls.

“When I was a child, we would spend hours observing ants and drawing with ice on the driveway,” she says.

While Lisa is committed to getting outdoors in all seasons with her son, she does admit, “My son likes Nick Jr. just as much as the other kids.”

But especially in April, it’s a great time to step away from the TV and honor Earth Day. Lisa recommends taking extra care of a tree in your yard or even planting a tree. “Trees are very special.

They are my favorite thing to watch,” she says. She also suggests participating in a

Mass Audubon clean up, which are held state-wide and can be found by visiting massaudubon.org.

Next month Lisa, Daniel and her husband, Steve, will work in their garden planting vegetable plants. If you’ve always wanted to plant a garden with your children, but were intimidated about starting one, Lisa says most families have success planting pumpkins and watermelon. You can also start a small garden in pots right on your deck or in your yard. “You can grow beets in a pot or even carrots,” she says. All you need are some vegetable plants to begin!

In addition to spring adventures and gardening, Lisa is gearing up for a busy camp season where being a camp director has been great training for motherhood.

She brings camp home, things such as positive discipline and tricks to transition.

She also says, “ I have been practicing the art of seeing ‘behind me’ for years!

It drives my campers nuts as I can catch them doing things when I am not looking and just as they start to think of it.”

Heads up Daniel: Your Mommy sees you!

For information on Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester, visit massaudubon.org and search “Broad Broad Meadow Brook.”

Take 10 with Lisa I am the queen of: organizing! I organize the family budget, outings, vacations etc.

I love the details.

Best part of my day: the bedtime routine.

We play ‘chase me’ throughout the house as a family. Daniel is always laughing and egging us on. Then we finish with reading stories.

We love going to: Davis Farmland in Sterling.

Our family takes care of the environment by: recycling as much as we can. We compost, use a rain barrel to collect water that we use in our garden and tread lightly when we are out exploring. We are teaching Daniel to be gentle when he explores bushes, trees and flowers and especially with any animals that we find.

Current family obsessions: blocks, trains and dinosaurs.

Best things about West Boylston: We love the library. They have a great room for toddlers to play and read books. Daniel

is hooked on Brown Bear right now! We also love the playground at the Major Edwards Elementary School. They have wonderful equipment in good shape.

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Favorite family foods: Vegetables – yes even Daniel – especially when they come straight from our garden: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, beets and broccoli.

Favorite things about spring: birds chirping, being able to go outside without getting all bundled up!

My experience with summer camp: When I went to camp, I learned how to make a campfire and be responsible for fire. I really liked that, and I practiced it often since we did a lot of camping as a family growing up. Now, protecting nature and educating people is my work.

The role of nature in our family: I make sure that we spend as much time outside as we can. We walk around our neighborhood and point out different birds that we see in the trees. We look at the trees and observe how they change. We also like to check out other hiking areas – such as the Wachusett Rail Trail, Trustees of Reservation Properties and Mass Audubon sanctuaries across the state. We play in nature, and I don’t worry about getting dirty!

Moms Rock is an award-winning monthly feature that celebrates the good that moms do.

Do you know a mom who just rocks? Email editor@baystateparent.com.

“We are teaching Daniel to be gentle when he explores bushes, trees and flowers and especially with any animals that we find.”

BAYSTATEPARENT 65

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UNPLUGGED CAMPERS WHY OVERNIGHT CAMPS SAY NO TO PARENT-CHILD COMMUNICATION BY

candy cohn bok park illustrator

ave you ever gone anywhere without your cell phone? It can be a very freeing experience. The trouble is that we have come to depend on our phones as lifelines. If you’re an adult, you can probably remember what it was like before cell phones populated the world. If you’re a child, chances are you can’t even imagine this.

Before cell phones, most of us didn’t talk to our parents on the phone that much.

We spent the day at school, maybe followed by an after school job, and then we all caught up when we met at home for dinner. If we were out somewhere like the mall and had to call home, we searched for a dime or a quarter so we could call from a pay phone.

I don’t actually have too many memories of phone conversations with my parents from my childhood. However, there is one phone call I remember vividly. It was when I went to a one-week overnight

H

66 APRIL2011

camp at age 13, and I got to call home.

I was having a terrific time, but as soon as I heard my mother’s voice, I had to choke back the tears. My description of all the fun at camp clearly didn’t match the emotional tone of my voice.

Now that I am the assistant director of an overnight camp, that memory resonates with me every time I try to reassure parents about our phone call policy. We don’t allow cell phones, we don’t allow campers to call home, and we don’t let them have computer access. I explain to parents that both they and their child will benefit from letting go for a bit. Sometimes this is received well, other times with apprehension.

We used to allow campers to call home halfway through each of our two-week sessions. If a child was already homesick, they usually got upset as expected. The surprising thing was that many campers who were doing fine before the phone call, were teary eyed by the time they

hung up. Our counselors begged us to put an end to the phone calls, and we finally obliged.

We fully respect parents’ concerns. They can call our camp and talk to us to find out how their child is doing. We’ll even have a counselor call back with more details if needed. Yet within this controlled environment, the parent and child get to taste independence and even savor it for a short while.

Do you know what happens when kids don’t have cell phones, can’t use a computer, and can’t tune out the world with headphones? They make friends! They learn to look one another in the eye and talk and laugh and cry together. They learn how to read social cues, a challenge for many kids today. They manage to solve their own problems, sometimes with the guidance of a camp counselor or friend. And at the end of the day, they sit around a blazing campfire singing corny songs that will remind them of their camp

friends forever.

When parents come to pick their children up from camp, we’re very proud to put on a final showcase displaying all the skills the kids learned in the activities. However, we tell parents this is just scratching the surface. The hidden treasures of camp will reveal themselves at home as their child continues to blossom and grow socially.

Camp has always been about friendships and independence, but in this day and age where technology is king and meaningful socialization sometimes takes a back seat, camp is more critical than ever. Camp offers a unique opportunity for children and teens to not only have some old-fashioned fun, but to boost their self confidence by honing their real time social skills. Truly an experience not to be missed!

Candy Cohn is Assistant Director of Maine Arts Camp (maineartscamp.com), a non-competitive overnight camp for 8-15 year olds.

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

West Meadow Woods Day Camp

PARENTS UNPLUG PARENTS DISCUSS SUMMER CAMP POLICIES REGARDING PARENT-CHILD COMMUNICATION. As a teacher, I do see that some parents and children seem too dependent on email, Facebook and cell phones to keep constantly connected. That being said, I admit that my 11-year-old has not been away from her parents for more than one overnight at a time. I look forward to her chance to try it, and I hope that by now I have taught her enough assertiveness to stay out of danger, but there are risks to most opportunities to grow. I want to strike a balance of gradual and increasing independence.

Judy Doherty, West Boylston I think the worst part of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instant/ constant contact between kids and parents produces more fear than not. It implies that the kids are at-risk and cannot be safe without mom and dad. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the reason that adulthood comes much later today than years ago. The world is scary, but so was the end of WWII, the Cold War with bomb shelters and mushroom clouds on TV, Korea, the draft, riots everywhere, etc. Adults just told us not to worry - and they were right. Today the parents seem to be projecting their own fears. As a nation, I think we are suffering from PTSD, especially after 9/11. If a child is too afraid to be without a phone, delay camp until thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so frightening. The contact is great in an emergency but teaching a child to trust his ability to navigate in the world is essential, and doing it in small chunks is the best way.

Mary Greendale, Holliston I vote for no cell phones being carried around by kids or those watching them, but do feel that a first-time camper should have the option of calling home once during his/her first week away at camp.

Every child is different, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m for the option to at least be there.

My oldest, Caroline, went to Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Classroom last fall with her seventh grade class from Florence Sawyer School. She had never been that far away from home overnight and had never been to any kind of overnight camp. If I am going to be honest, I was irritated with the no contact policy. But I did understand it. How could they keep a steady flow to the program when 100 kids need to call home? I just wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happy with not talking to her for such a long time. It was a huge leap of faith for me and my husband to send her off to be under the care of teachers we barely knew and counselors we never even met. But we gave her the talk about not going anywhere alone and about personal safety. I was reassured that she knew the kids who were going to be there - I knew they would look out for each other - and the teachers have done the program for years. They would not miss a beat. In the end, the confidence boost it gave her to be away from the comforts of home and family, the familiar routine, and to grow and stretch in her own way, on her own terms, was incredible. Caroline loved every minute of her stay. She took something from the experience that we have no part of and I feel that was a first huge step toward really growing up and growing away in a safe, secure way.

Maybe it was good all around that she could not call us, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll tell you, I was so thrilled to see her when she came home!

at Devereux

A Rewarding, Therapeutic Camp for Youth with Aspergerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders

West Meadow Woods is a fun ďŹ lled summer day camp program for boys and girls ages 6 to 17 diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who would beneďŹ t from social skills training, small groups (4 campers for every counselor), structure, and building friendships with a group of peers.

Campers can participate in any of three sessions (as many as you choose)

or individual weeks within those sessions: Session I: June 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 15 Session II: July 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aug 5 Session III: Aug 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aug 26* *(third session is dependent on number of enrollments)

All sessions run Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

This camp is compliant with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and licensed by the Rutland Board of Health

For more information please contact the Devereux Admissions Department at 508-886-4746, x.322 or email ma_admissions@devereux.org 60 Miles Road, Rutland, MA 01543

Julia Szcesuil, Bolton We never had calls or access when we went to camp. Writing letters and receiving letters was exciting and helps foster penmanship. I say keep the camp experience within the camp, not in a line to use a phone or cell phone. What would be next? Laptops allowed? Texting? Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that the point?

Jennifer Russell, Worcester

Karen Quattrochi, Marlborough

Franklin Pierce University Summer Baseball Camps 7iiÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x160;ÂŁĂ&#x160;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;ÂŁÂŁÂ&#x2021;ÂŁxĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;7iiÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;xÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x201C;Â&#x2122; Ages 7-17

Photo Credit: Richard Orr Sports

For a brochure please visit athletics.franklinpierce.edu and ďŹ nd â&#x20AC;&#x153;camps and clinicsâ&#x20AC;? under the baseball page Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;V>Â?Â?Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2C6;äĂ&#x17D;Â&#x2021;nÂ&#x2122;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;{än{

BAYSTATEPARENT 67

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

MetroWest YMCA Day Camp Camp Tour May 7, 2011 10:00am-2:00pm Come join us on May 7th for a tour of camp and meet some of the staff of the summer of 2011!

A limited number of spaces are still available for summer camp.

Please give us a call or check the website for more information.

Come Dance With Us This Summer!

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE ADHD OR BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS? Award-winning Summer Treatment Program at Judge Baker Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center!

Kids learn self-control & social skills through praise and reward systems!

6-week program for kids 6-12 years old! Space is limited, so apply early!

METROWEST YMCA HOPKINTON

45 East Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 (508) 435-9345 www.metrowestymca.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.jbcc.harvard.edu/STP stp@jbcc.harvard.edu 617-278-4286

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s 0RINCESS #AMP s 2OCKETTE #AMP s "ROADWAY #AMP s "OYS /NLY #AMP s 7EEKLY )NTENSIVES s !UG 7ORKSHOP 7EEKEND s )NTRO #LASSES TO TRY OUT NEW STYLES FOR THE lRST TIME

#ALL 4/$!9 TO REGISTER BEFORE CLASSES ARE FULL

64 Auburn St, Auburn, MA 508.832.0045 E: faucherdance@yahoo.com www.faucherdance.com facebook.com/faucherdance

ELECTIVE ACTIVITY CHOICES: Campers At Birch Hill Choose From Over 50 Activities To Build Their Own

Personalized Schedule! >Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;-ÂŤÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;7>Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;-ÂŤÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; `Ă&#x203A;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;iL>VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x160;,Â&#x2C6;`Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;/iÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;Â&#x153;iÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201C;LÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;*>Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;L>Â?Â?Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192; Â&#x153;Â?vĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;7>Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;ViĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;<Â&#x2C6;ÂŤĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x160; Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;it

Full List Of Activities & Photos On Our Website:

WWW.CAMPBIRCHHILL.COM

CAMP BIRCH HILL 42!$)4)/.!, s /6%2.)'(4 35--%2 #!-0 Located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire "OYS AND 'IRLS !GES Two, Four and Six Week Sessions 68 APRIL2011

/Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; i>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160; LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;"Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x203A;iÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;*Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;}Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x201C;Ă&#x192;]Ă&#x160; i>Â?Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x153;`Ă&#x160;"ÂŤĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;iÂ&#x2DC;`Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;>vvĂ&#x160; To Schedule A Camp Tour Or Slide Show Contact Us: E-Mail Birch Hill: Summer@Campbirchhill.com Call Our OfďŹ ce: (603) 859-4525 Ă&#x192;Â&#x17D;Ă&#x160; LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;"Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;/Ă&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;7iiÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x160;/iiÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; `Ă&#x203A;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;*Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;}Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x201C; 7Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160;7>Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;,>vĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x160; iĂ&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;}Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;,Â&#x153;ÂŤiĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;i

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DAY & RESIDENT CAMPS for KIDS, TEENS, FAMILIES,

SINGLE PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS CAMPS: Chef, Horseback, Family, Grandparent, Leadership, Quest, Art, Family Vacation Camps, Jr High, Adults w/ Special Needs

2 CAMP LOCATIONS 2 OPEN HOUSES

GROTONWOOD OCEANWOOD

us sports and Camps offer vario , Our Recreation dgeball, kickball do , na are w glo ch as: g, baseball, bin daily activities su clim ll wa k roc ll, tag, d water soccer, ďŹ&#x201A;ag footba games, crafts an ure hunts, board des 2 thru 8. gra to basketball, treas en Op ! name a few park too. Just to d sports camps ividual, specialize We also offer ind level of playing! xt ne the to ild to get your ch thehab.com ormation. www. ite for speciďŹ c inf Check our webs

SUNDAY MAY 15 1:30 - 4:30

167 Prescott St

SUNDAY MAY 29 NOON - 3:00 17 Royal St

GROTON, MA

OCEAN PARK, ME

978.448.5763

207.934.9655

WWW.GROTONWOOD.ORG WWW.OCEANWOOD.ORG

Outdoor Adventure, Friendship & Opportunities for boys since 1932.

Nestled around the pristine waters of a private lake in the Mt Washington Valley of NH. 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7 week sessions.

Summer Dance Camp July 11th - 15th, 2011 August 8th - 12th, 2011 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Program will include all forms of dance including hip hop, creative movement, improvisation, acrobatics, arts and crafts and lots of fun.

All ages welcome.

Call for more information

508-792-0959

Chickeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance World

Worcester Business Center (the former Thom McCan building) 67 Millbrook St., Worcester, MA (south entrance) s CDW DANCE@verizon.net WWW CHICKEESDANCEWORLD COM

Providing children with memorable summer camp experiences for over 88 years.

Half Moon campers will develop conďŹ dence, build relationships and learn new skills in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Mass.

Campers will enjoy: s !RT #RAFTS s !THLETICS s 4HEATER s 7ATERFRONT !DVENTURE 7ILDERNESS ACTIVITIES s .EW FRIENDS AND ADVENTURES ARE WAITING FOR YOU AT (ALF -OON THIS SUMMER

Camp Tohkomeupog 1251 Eaton Rd, Madison, NH 03849 603.367.8362 800.414.2267 www.tohko.com tohko@tohko.com

Enroll today!

413-528-0940 www.camphalfmoon.com BAYSTATEPARENT 69

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Never too Hot to Dance!

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

CAPTURED “happy campers” Camper in Training: Jameson McLinden of Fitchburg at his first camp-out at Pine Acres Campground, Oakham

Nature Camp: Carter Dummett, age 10, from Marlborough gets a good catch last summer.

Sail Camp: Owen McCarthy, age 7, learns to paddle board at summer camp in Scituate.

Ballet Camp: Nneka Okolo, age 8, of West Boylston studies ballet year-round, performing in the Nutcracker and attending Ballet Art Worcester’s summer camp.

Fun at Camp: Seven-year-old Nicole Sarmiento loves summer camp at the Worcester JCC. 70 APRIL2011

Preschool Camp: Cameron spends summer days at Belmont’s Kendall Preschool Camp.

baystateparent is looking for photos of THE HOME for May. Please send photos of a special room or part of your home, and we may feature it in our May issue.

Email editor@baystateparent.com by April 15th.

June 27-August 19

For boys & girls entering grades 1-12. Choose 1 or 2 week sessions!

Choose from: CAMP ROCK * CHARLOTTE’S WEB * 13 * AIDA ANIMALS ON BROADWAY * PIRATES & PRINCESSES MUSICAL THEATER INTENSIVE * POCAHONTAS & MORE!

Training *Master classes in dance, auditioning, voice, monologues, scene work & more! *Sharpen performance skills! *Individual coaching in rehearsals & classes! *Study with a variety of instructors to broaden your range as a performer!

Performance *Everyone receives a speaking, singing, and dancing role! *Prepare for an end-of-session showcase! *Perform for family & friends! AIDA & 13 perform for the public!

Fun! *Improv games keep everyone laughing! Dance games keep you on your feet! *Teamwork emphasized in all areas of the program! *Make new friends with shared interests! *Happy and energetic instructors and counselors make our program a total blast! *Pizza lunch on the first day of the session! Free Summer 2011 T-Shirt! *Themed “Spirit” Days!

31 Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA 01776 978-443-2400 www.performingartsconnection.com Register online at www.acteva.com/go/samm BAYSTATEPARENT 71

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The Performing Arts Connection Summer Theater Workshops!

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

BOYS GO

wi

B

oys gone wild.

Sound like a nightmare?

Not if they’re attending Night Eagle Summer Camp, a primitive all-boys nature camp, set on 140 acres a mile into Vermont’s national forest.

It’s nothing fancy. Visitors park at a dead end in front of a gate and walk a half-mile in, past two lakes. A threeacre clearing opens with 10 to 12 tipis set up. This is camp.

There is no electricity, just solar power; the boys cook their own food over an open fire. And they sleep on the ground.

But as long-time camper and counselor, 17-year-old Cameron Shorb of Lincoln, will tell you, it is a very special community, “a community that includes the wilderness around us: the firs that we run through, the lakes that capture the sky, the moose that leave tracks on our trails and in our dreams.”

The camp, which was built from scratch 12 years ago 72 APRIL2011

by educators Bruce and Kelly Moreton, is based on simplicity and getting kids back to nature. “We talk about Native Indians and other earth-based cultures,” says Bruce, “and that people don’t need the kinds of things they think they need.

“It’s a romantic idea, and the kids aren’t sure they can do it. But once they do it, they see it’s not so big of a deal,” says Bruce.

Bruce and Kelly use the environment for the activities.

“We use activities in the woods to calm people down and get to know each other and be respectful of each other.

There are trails throughout, old logging roads for day hikes. We have a marsh for swamp romps.”

A typical day at Night Eagle begins with a wake-up call, staff blowing into a conch or beating a drum. Everyone staggers out of his tipi to circle up to say good morning before breaking for 30 minutes of chores. Then there’s breakfast, teeth brushing and cleaning up before Bruce leads morning reflection.

Bruce, a high school English and history teacher of 30 years, typically tells a story of an American Indian or historian. After, campers are quiet, all 40 of them, sitting in reflection for 15 or 20 minutes. “Imagine all these kids who are ‘ADHD’ or ‘ADD’ and they sit there and think,”

says Bruce, “Everyone gives a hug and then we announce the morning activity.”

Campers decide in the morning and in the afternoon what they want to do, choosing from a list of activities as the program is very much decentralized to allow for camper input. “Maybe a trip is going out to look at the beaver lodge and they get hung up picking wild edibles and start to make tea. One camper might say, ‘Where’s that trail go?’ and we’ll say, ‘let’s go see.’ Campers are part of the democratic process,” says Bruce.

Days and evenings are filled with quiet crafts, active games, meaningful discussions, homemade music, storytelling, and a hundred other activities including carving bows and arrows, paddling canoes, creating birch bark baskets, throwing darts with an atlatl, making moccasins and rattles, mastering the art of tracking and camouflage, identifying wild edibles and learning to build fires with flint and steel and bow drills.

“I kept coming back for the skills, the actual activities taught at Night Eagle,” says Cameron who has attended camp for seven years, since he was 10 years old. “I had always loved nature, always wanted to learn how to survive in it and live in harmony in it.”

GONE

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carrie wattu photos courtesy of night eagle

Bruce will never forget Cameron’s first visit with his mother when he was 9 years old. “He had a smile on his face the whole time.” His mother told Bruce that Cameron’s passion for nature was so encompassing that her son would get excited just walking on a gravel road.

Kelly says, “Cam is interesting because this was very much his thing and not his family’s. He knew he belonged from moment one. Fortunately he has a family that supports his individuality.”

Yet Cameron stresses that you don’t have to be a “nature kid” to attend Night Eagle. “You don’t have to know a thing about the outdoors or American Indians,” says Cameron.

“Whatever boxes you fit into at school—computer geek, jock, whatever—simply don’t apply. If you think you want to go to Night Eagle, then that’s enough. It’s a different kind of place, to be sure. It takes a lot of adjusting, sometimes even dealing with discomfort or fear. But the result is certainly worth it.”

Bruce says “A lot of them who come to us don’t have a lot of self-esteem or aren’t great in sports, and it seems that that’s how kids are measured in our society.” Night Eagle builds self-confidence and empowers young boys.

However the camp is a magnet for all types. Campers

include two Swiss hockey players who prefer to travel from Switzerland for their Night Eagle experience than attend their typical hockey program.

Participating in the Naming Ceremony and watching other first-time campers receive their names continues to be the highlight of Cameron’s summer each year.

Highlight for First-Time Campers

Camp Beginnings

Perhaps one of the most significant and moving traditions for a first-time Night Eagle camper is the Naming Ceremony where staff gives campers a Native American name which reflects who they are as a unique individual. From this point on, campers are referred to only by their Native American name at camp.

Ryan Baxter-King, age 17 of Lexington, remembers being called to sit on a rock, “Grandfather Rock,” where a counselor addressed the camp for a short time (“It felt like forever,” says Ryan). The anticipation for the then 10-year-old mounted as Ryan was about to participate in a camp ritual based on building self-confidence and fostering a better understanding of native peoples and their relationship with the earth.

“I remember feeling excited; receiving your name is one of the most important events, if not the premier event, of the first year at Night Eagle,” says Ryan, whose description of the Naming Ceremony sounds a bit like a Harry Potter Sorting Ceremony (but more magical!).

Sometimes it takes days for the staff’s “naming council” to come up with the camper’s name.

Ryan was dubbed “Share the Stars” as a tribute to his generosity. His two brothers, also Night Eagle campers, were named Hawk Spirit and Rainbow Spirit.

Bruce, who is known to his campers as “Arctic Arrow” explains,“We sit around the campfire at night, and everyone starts talking about the camper who is going to be named, saying something positive about him. The counselor who is doing this will explain the name, and then he’ll announce it.”

Cameron, who was named Sun Spirit, says he had just finished the morning routine and about to start a normal day at Night Eagle when four drumbeats shook his ribs. “A pause. Then the drumming continued; this time, fast and even.” He describes the sound as the most mystical, primitive thing he has ever heard.

“Everyone sat down where they were, and, transfixed, I did the same. Then two people came running out from the woods, so covered in paint that I didn’t recognize them at first... Suddenly they stopped, gave a bead to a camper and led him away. They did this again and again, until finally their eyes were staring straight into mine and a bead was put in my hands.”

What Cameron describes is a Naming Quest, a reflective journey into the woods with camp leaders, which precedes the evening’s Naming Ceremony. Once all of the “Questers” are selected, campers retrieve blankets and are led deep into the woods. They are then asked to find a place that calls to them. “Mine was a tiny spit of land sticking out into a pond, upon which an even tinier tree grew, starting to make its place in the world, just like me,” says Cameron.

Cameron remembers, “Sitting there, we were all equals: men and boys just became shifting shapes of orange glow and black shadow. One by one, the Questers were lead up to Tunkashila¸ Grandfather Rock. For each one, a counselor would stand by him and call out ‘Who speaks for So-and-So?’ Then the hands would go up and the words would come out. That was the first time I got to see the true magic of Night Eagle. Everyone had the warmest things to say; they truly bared their hearts to show their love for their brothers. After each speech, the community affirmed it with a resounding ‘Washte!’ (‘It is good!’).”

Cameron was so moved by speaking for others that he almost forgot that he was going to be named himself.

“My heart was pounding as I walked up to Tunkashila, my eyes down because the honor was too much. The next few minutes were a blur, with clarity returning only once I heard my name for the first time. I was surprised and honored and overjoyed and so many other things at once.”

This character-building camp is credited to its director, Bruce Moreton, the man campers describe as a natural leader, smart, funny, inspiring, infectious.

“Bruce provided a role model for me, what I thought of as the perfect combination of maturity, an easy-going nature and work ethic,” says Ryan. “Aside from running a camp where I could mature as a person, he also gave me someone to look up to.”

Mississippi-raised, Bruce spent his boyhood living outdoors in the bayou and the creekbeds. He also was a Boy Scout. He started working in camps in 1977 and even started his own travel camp which he ran for 8 to 10 years before he married his wife, Kelly. His work eventually brought him to Nantucket, Maine and Vermont. It was in Vermont that he saw an ad for the 160-acre property he and his wife fell in love with and own today.

Bruce and Kelly had two young boys at the time, Wyatt, 5, and Tripp, 2, but as a family, they created the whole camp: cleared the land, worked with the state to get the necessary permits, built everything by hand, identified funding, laid out all the advertising, recruited staff and campers, etc.

“In Vermont, this was the first time in over three decades that someone had laid out a residential camp from scratch,” says Kelly. Through the Moretons’ hard work, Night Eagle earned its accreditation from the American Camp Association in its first season, a big achievement for any camp but especially for two working parents.

The couple decided on a single-sex camp. Bruce says, “It wouldn’t be helpful to have the girls there because boys act differently around girls. We are trying to nurture boys and teach them how to be respectful to one another. Once you put girls into the equation, they start to one up each other.”

Today, their boys, age 14 and 17, are homeschooled by Kelly and involved in camp.

“We pride ourselves in being a family-owned, familyoperated and family-friendly business,” says Kelly who emphasizes their commitment to keep Night Eagle affordable for the average family.

Changed Lives “I would have given anything to go to a camp like this,” says Bruce, who is proud of what they provide: the level of instruction, the “soft teaching” by excellent counselors and the experience of living in the woods.

Campers communicate with their families during their two-week stay (campers can stay for up to six weeks if they wish), the old-fashioned way. “Parents come up when they drop their son off and come back in two weeks when their son is leaving,” says Bruce who adds that if they want to communicate, they can mail a letter.

“They come back at the end of the program and see a different kid,” he says. “I had a parent come up to me one time because we had 15 boys doing bead work and the parent couldn’t believe it. It was like stepping into Never Never Land back in history to see all these boys sitting stringing their beads.”

Cameron, who says he tries to avoid cliches and superlatives when describing Night Eagle, cannot resist saying that Night Eagle is the best thing that has ever happened to him. “It took my dreams of native-inspired living in the wilderness and made them into a reality.

The legacy of the American Indian and the power of the wilderness will never leave me.

“Most importantly, Night Eagle gave me hope for the world. The strength of the community there amazed me, and continues to amaze me.” Because of his experience, Cameron is deferring his college acceptance for one year to continue learning at a wilderness living school for adults.

BAYSTATEPARENT 73

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Ryan, who is in his junior year of high school, will continue as a Night Eagle assistant counselor because â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to let it go, and I want to give back in some way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Night Eagle is a special place. No one judges anyone else and by the end of the summer everyone knows everyone as if they are family. That dynamic can be incredibly difficult to find, and once one finds that it is hard to let it go.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It must be magic,â&#x20AC;? says Cameron, â&#x20AC;&#x153;because the math doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t add up: friends made in a few weeks at Night Eagle will feel closer than friends youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had for years in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the real world.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And this connection, this togetherness, is something we are very conscious of at Night Eagle. For one reason or another, society sets up a lot of barriers around boys: there are these ideas

ALL-STAR COACHING STAFF

Bring a lacrosse stick and a sleeping bag, and take part in a one-week experience that will shape the rest of your life!

X10 Mountain Lacrosse Academy at The Berkshire Sports Academy in Otis, Massachusetts

â&#x20AC;ş Mike Bocklet/Cortland Assistant Coach â&#x20AC;ş Matt Bocklet/MLL Outlaws â&#x20AC;ş Chris Bocklet/Virginia University â&#x20AC;ş Kyle Hartzell/MLL Blackhawks â&#x20AC;ş Jo Jo Marasco/Syracuse-guest coach â&#x20AC;ş Drew Adams/MLL Lizards-guest coach â&#x20AC;ş Paul Carcaterra/ESPN analyst-guest coach

Also...Traditional camp activities like lake swims, kayaking, hiking, campfires & more!

Sunday, July 31-Saturday, August 6, 2011

about manliness, there are stigmas around showing emotion, there is the pressure to perform and impress. We talk about these barriers and actively try to break them down, and the result is incredible, something Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen anywhere else. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Night Eagle gives boys the freedom to find out who they really are. Sometimes theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re surprised with what they find, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never disappointed.â&#x20AC;?

Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent.

Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures A unique primitive camp for boys, ages 10-14 P.O. Box 374 Cuttingsville, VT 05738 802-773-7866 nighteaglewilderness.com

See you on our side of the mountain!

Tuition Only $995

Enroll online at www.X10MountainLacrosseAcademy.com or contact us at X10Lacrosse@gmail.com

BRIGHT MINDS EXPLORING TOGETHER YMCA of Central Massachusetts Summer Camp BOROUGHS FAMILY BRANCH YMCA 4 VALENTE DRIVE WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581 508-870-1320 CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH YMCA 766 MAIN STREET WORCESTER, MA. 01610 508-755-6101

WWW.YMCAOFCM.ORG FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE 74 APRIL2011

GREENDALE FAMILY BRANCH YMCA 75 SHORE DRIVE WORCESTER, MA 01605 508-852-6694

Eyes Wide Touchstone Community Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 Summer Enrichment Program

engaging | inspiring | empowering

June 27, 2011 - July 29, 2011 Available as weekly or 3-day programs Boys and Girls, Ages 5 - 14 Extended Day Care Experienced Staff Field Trips and Beach Days

Eagle Hill School HARDWICK MASSACHUSETTS

For more information and registration: www.touchstoneschool.com summerprogram@touchstoneschool.com (508) 839 - 0038

Enrichment Programs

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Integrated Science Sign Language Earth Awareness Physical Fitness Theater Games Building Music Cooking Fine Art Sewing Crafts Relationship Building Dance Conflict Resolution Yoga

Touchstone C O M M UN I T Y S C H O O L

54 leland street | grafton, ma 01519

www.touchstoneschool.com

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children ages 5-10 Camp will run from 7:30am-5:30pm June 28-Aug 27 Choose your week(s) We also offer camp during school vacation week April 19-22 from 7:30-5:30

Experienced, energetic and qualified teachers.

Children will enjoy field trips twice a week â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anywhere from Boston to right here in Worcester!

Arts & Crafts â&#x20AC;˘ Sports Activities â&#x20AC;˘ Outdoor Games

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111 Park Ave., Worcester, Ma. 01609 508-791-4884 BAYSTATEPARENT 75

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Sign up today for deCordovaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth and teen summer classes and programs!

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Contact the School at 781.259.0505 for more information.

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Summer YOUTH Intensive at The Charlestown Working Theater A 3-week dynamic youth intensive that culminates in a 75-minute production of Othello directed by Jason Bowen. With a focus on language, movement, and voice, ASP company members will work with youth to explore and express the powerful, rich language and heartbreaking story of Othello. There will also be specialty workshops in stage combat.

This intensive is suited to all all teens, regardless of experience of with Shakespeare.

Suited for ages 14-17.

Begins Tuesday, July 5th at 9:00AM Runs Mondays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday, 9:00AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:00PM Culminates in a performance of Othello on Monday, July 25th Cost: $1200. (some scholarships available) Please complete application from our website by April 4, 2011 and send to programs@actorsshakespeareproject.org If you have any questions please contact Lori at 617-776-2200 x224

www.actorsshakespeareproject.org 76 APRIL2011

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Wayside Youth Programs Summer 2011

We offer 10 one week sessions of all our popular programs â&#x20AC;˘ Swim Lessons â&#x20AC;˘ Tennis Lessons â&#x20AC;˘ Stepping Stones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Full day â&#x20AC;˘ Tennis and Swim Combo â&#x20AC;˘ P.A.L. - Play And Learn afternoons

We also offer â&#x20AC;˘ Diving lessons â&#x20AC;˘ Racquetball â&#x20AC;˘ Swim Team â&#x20AC;˘ Lifeguard Training â&#x20AC;˘ GuardStart â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jr Lifeguarding

Registration for all our summer programs starts April 12th Most programs start the week of June 20th.

Our summer programs end August 26th.

For more information contact Wayside at (508) 481-1797 or go to our youth program web site at www.waysideinfo.com.

SUMMER CAMPS

Wayside is located at 80 Broadmeadow Street in Marlborough

Our Most Popular Camps Summer Spotlight Theatre 2011 Sibling Discounts! Call for details.

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Theatre Camp A July 11th - July 22nd Theatre Camp B August 8th - August 19th An exciting program for children interested in all aspects of performing.

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Camp I July 11th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15th Camp II August 8th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12th A fun filled camp where dancers try all kinds of dance, even Hip Hop! The mornings include crafts, dance games and improvisation and every Friday is "Bring a Buddy Day!"

SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE FOR THE SERIOUS DANCER. July 25th - August 5th

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“Camp friendships are forever and they’re true friendships because you’re together 24/7!”

SUMMER CAMP COUNTDOWN

BEST FRIENDS start at camp!

BY

bonnie j. toomey lisa aube photography

Summer camp is the place where true blue friends are made forever.

Camp Wak-Lo for Girls, nestled in Jaffrey, NH, is pitched as “a beautiful place where girls can be girls.” If you ask 25-year-old Tammy Fortune who lives in Maynard, Massachusetts, she will tell you that she was grateful for this home away from home where she could always be herself. “I didn’t have to worry about dressing up or doing my hair, just being with friends was what was important.”

Her husband, Dennis Fortune, age 26, agrees, “Everybody’s thrown into the mix.

It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what your parents did, who your brothers and sisters are; it’s just you getting to build friendships based on who you truly are.”

“We’ll probably send our kids to the same camps we went to,” says Dennis, who became friends with Tammy, when he was 16 and she, 15. He was working as a lifeguard at the Boy Scouts Camp, Wanocksett, in Dublin, NH, just a stone’s throw away from Camp Wa-Klo. The couple now spends their summertime at Camp Wa-Klo where Tammy returns 78 APRIL2011

Summer Camp is Forever: Dennis and Tammy Fortune, Maynard

to teach and carry on many camp traditions.

“The first time I ever saw him was at a dance. He was cute, but I had a boyfriend,” explains Tammy, her brown hair loosely tied back off her pretty face.

Dennis nods and chuckles. “It was hard when we got older because I could only visit the girls’ camp during organized functions, so we met out at the gate,” a neutral ground where almost a decade later, in the middle of a snowy winter, Dennis proposed on one knee to his best friend, Tammy.

Dennis, who grew up in Lunenburg, Massachusetts reflects, “camp was where I built my confidence.”

“I was able to reinvent myself to the person I wanted, verses being pigeonholed into a click,” says Tammy who grew up in Cold Spring Harbor, near Long Island, NY. “Camp was the place I could get away from technology and be outdoors and relax,” says Dennis, sitting back in a pair of blue jeans and a navy blue wind breaker.

Tammy attended Camp Wa-Klo since she was 9. “I kept trying to see if there was anything else worth doing, but there wasn’t. I’d rather be there,” she says, wearing jeans and a warm smile.

The Torch Is Passed But to make their story possible you would have to sail back to 1965 when Tammy’s mother, Virginia Maurer, M.D., attended Camp Wa-Klo on a music scholarship. Her job was to signal traditional morning reveille and evening taps on her bugle. Virginia had a counselor named Marie Jensen, who sixteen years ago, walked into Dr. Maurer’s Long Island office with a dear friend who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Marie was delighted to find out that her friend’s new breast cancer surgeon was actually an old friend of hers. The good doctor was the same young “spirited, red-head bugler” she had fondly remembered from her early camp counselor days. The camp torch had been passed to Miss Jensen who

had gone from physical education teacher and counselor to camp director and owner when the camp was left to her in 1995.

“You’ve got to be kidding!” said Dr. Maurer as they looked at each other in a surprise reunion.

“How come you haven’t sent your daughters to camp?” Marie asked.

From that moment, a special friendship rekindled between Dr. Maurer’s family and Marie and continued for almost 14 years. Sadly, Miss Jensen, their cherished friend, passed away, but she left the camp to Virginia’s daughters, Kim and Tammy. A joyous, connective thread of friendship had woven its way deeper into their hearts as the Maurer daughters keep the traditions of the small camp going strong.

Tammy, a graduate of The University of Colorado and post graduate of Boston College, is an eighth grade math teacher in Norwood, Massachusetts. She spent her high school years at boarding school where she graduated from Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts.

“Going to summer camp prepared me for college. When it came time to go, obviously we had tears, but they were milestone tears, not homesickness ones,” explains Tammy.

Dennis graduated from Fitchburg State University with a degree in business and is a manager at Padula Bros., Inc. He admits he was a little homesick when he first went off to camp.

When asked if they were best friends, they answered exuberantly, “absolutely!”

When Dr. Maurer was asked why summer camp was so special, she echoed the words of another camper, “Where else can you go and have sleepovers every night?

“Camp friendships are forever and they’re true friendships because you’re together 24/7!”

Bonnie J. Toomey launched Parent Forward in 2010 and writes about family in today’s world.

She lives with her husband of 30 years in New England with their dog, Molly. You can visit her at parentforward.blogspot.com.

Campfire Reflections Tammy’s advice to kids: Keep an open mind. Think a little about yourself and what is right for you. Sometimes that’s hard when there is drama going on back home, but camp is a place to get away from all of that.

Tammy’s advice to parents: Let go!

Tammy and Dennis’s best moment at camp: the day they got married there In a perfect camp world: Dennis and Tammy would be at camp all year.

Dennis explains camp in three words: “place for relaxation” Tammy’s love”

words for camp: “lifelong

Their worst moment at camp: not being able to see each other when they wanted to

country. Ten years ago, our daughters went to Burklyn Ballet Theatre for a summer program held at both Johnson College in Vermont and Queen Margaret’s College in Scotland. Our families made many wonderful memories traveling the Green Mountains, enjoying meals together on weekends and volunteering backstage at the Edinburough Festival Fringe where our daughters performed together. The bond began with lots of laughs, some haggis tasting and adventurous castle touring and still continues to this day.

- Bonnie Toomey

Dr. Maurer’s favorite camp memory: sitting around the campfire on Saturday nights

summer day camp for kids ages 5–12 Innovative Recreational Programming, including Ropes Course and Climbing Tower

9 – 1 week long sessions beginning Monday, June 27th and ending on Friday, August 26th.

Tammy’s favorite time at camp: campfire celebrations on Saturday nights

Camp Friendships: For Parents Too! Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps

Sometimes a long-lasting friendship can even be formed between the parents of summer campers. This was how my family from Lunenburg, Massachusetts and the Ochi Family from Seattle, Washington built a friendship which bridged across the

220 Old Common Rd., Lancaster, MA 978.365.2803 • 978.365.1960 (fax)

www.rfkchildren.org

We’ve !

Moved Occupational and Speech Therapy

Our Programs Include:

• Individual Occupational and Speech Therapy • Pragmatic Language and Social Groups • Parent and Educator Workshops

Summer Handwriting Camps Modeled after the multisensory Handwriting Without Tears program, we will develop gross and fine motor control, upper body strength, and position awareness through imitation and play. We are offering two age groups:

Coed Day Camp for Ages 5-14 Aspen Adventure Program for ages 10-18

Happy Crayons

Happy Pencils

(Kindergarten Ready)

(1st and 2nd Grade)

Tues. and Thurs., 9-10:30 AM

Tues., Wed., Thurs., 11-12:30 PM

Session 1: July 19-28, 2011 • Session 2: August 2-11, 2011

http://summer.chch.org 781-314-0994 Located at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School in Waltham, MA

107 Otis Street, Northboro MA xän n n ÓÈnnÊ­«®ÊUÊ v JL>ÀÀiÌÌv> ÞÜi iÃðV Ê ÜÜÜ°L>ÀÀiÌÌv> ÞÜi iÃðV BAYSTATEPARENT 79

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

create. art.

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

CHARLES RIVER

Creative Arts Program

Summer sessions run June 27 through August 20

Spaces sĆ&#x;ll available in both sessions!

A summer program for ages 6-15 and a naĆ&#x;onal leader in the summer mulĆ&#x;-arts experience since 1970

www.crcap.org 6 Old Meadow Rd, Dover, MA 02030 508-785-8250 | info@crcap.org

create. inspiraĆ&#x;on.

THE WORLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S #1 TECH CAMP

iD Tech Camps Game Design 3D Modeling

Weeklong Programming Photography

iD Teen Academies

2-Weeks

Ages 7-17 Web Design Filmmaking

App Development Robotics & more!

internalDrive.com 1-888-709-TECH (8324) SAVE with CODE MA27

Ages 13-18

Special Teen Programs in Gaming, Programming & Visual Arts HELD AT 60 PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITIES NATIONWIDE:

Merrimack Harvard MIT Bentley Brown Stanford NYU & more!

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www.whalecamp.com

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only one

WHALE CAMP

The Camp of Ocean Life

Discover your connection to the Ocean Explore the systems of life in the sea HANDS-ON MARINE SCIENCE, OCEANOGRAPHY & WHALE RESEARCH

Free Brochure & Info: 8)"-& t XXX XIBMFDBNQ DPN On beautiful Grand Manan Island off the coast of Maine

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

Sign up for SUMMER STUDIOS Whether your child is a beginner looking for a gentle introduction, or an experienced performer, BCT offers something for all ages and levels in the Summer Studios 2011!

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Summer Programs!!!

STUDIO DISCOVER

Ages 4 to 6

3 Summer Sessions

STUDIO ONE

Ages 7 to 9

3 Summer Sessions BCT’s Studio Discovery and Studio One programs are designed to introduce young children to the basics of theater through creative drama, music and crafts.

STUDIO TWO

Ages 8 to 12

2 Summer Sessions *Day Camps *Lessons and Classes *All Ages and Abilities *All Instruments and Voice 11 Irving Street, Worcester 508-635-6900 worcesteracademyofmusic.com *Not affiliated with Worcester Academy

Studio Two gives our young students a chance to improve their knowledge of theatre while putting together a workshop production of a 30-minute musical. The final day of the program will feature a performance for friends and family.

BostonChildrensTheatre.org + 617-424-6634 BAYSTATEPARENT 81

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

BOSTON’S THEATER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Friendship, laughter and confidence abound when we play together!

At Gymboree Play & Learn classes, songs, stories and play become the basis for a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Playtime creates meaningful memories for you and your child.

Invent Now proudly presents the wonder and excitement of the Club Invention program.

Led by local educators, this engaging program immerses children in grades one through six in hands-on, inquiry based activities disguised as fun! Discounts are available — register today!

Taking interest in playtime lets your child know how special he or sshe is and builds confidence!

Hosted at local schools throughout the Greater Boston area.

Call for details!

Play helps your child develop a strong body and happy mind.

www.clubinventionNE.org 800.968.4332

www.gymboreeclasses.com

In partnership with: United States Patent and Trademark Office

Visit our UPDATED Westboro location 76 Otis Street (Rt 9 Eastbound), Westboro 508-366-1495

© 2011 Invent Now, Inc. All rights reserved.

Photography: © Ableimages/Getty Images

APRIL VACATION

✶✶✶ OPEN GYM ✶✶✶

Learn Le L ear ea arn a rn nt to o

at at D R A O B E T A K S

Tues.APRIL 19th & Thurs.April 21st 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $12 members / $17 non-members SUMMER GYMNASTIC CLASSES July 11th to August 19th

“Come Join The Fun!” Summer Fun Days Monday & Friday Classes: Tues & Thurs 9, 10, 11am Tues, Weds & Thurs 3:45, 4:45, 5:45pm All Ages Welcome

237 River Rd. ★ Rt. 146A ★ Uxbridge, MA

®

SUMMER 2011 6 weeks of Full summer of 5 Day

OVERNIGHT

5 nights, 6 days, tons of FUN! Instruction, 1 on 1, games, FUN! 6pm Sun - 3pm Fri

Three 6 - 10 year old only weeks!

9am - 3pm, Mon - Fri

All camps are for Skateboarding and BMX unless otherwise noted

$20 FAMILY DEAL

Looking for something to do with the family on Saturday morning? Well at Rye Airfield the whole family can ride the first session on Saturday for just $20.

508-278-3220 The Gymnastics Place where learning is fun!

82 APRIL2011

Rt. 1, Rye, NH (50 min. from Boston ~ 50 min. from Manchester)

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

Have a SEW Cool Summer!

Pre-Register at our Open House Sunday May 1st â&#x20AC;˘ 10am-4pm

Weekly Themed Sewing Programs Full Day ages 10+ â&#x20AC;˘ Half Day ages 8+ Visit www.readysetsew.org for more info!

Register now for April Vacation week classes!

10% Discount off

One Summer Sewing Session

Expires May 31st

Learn to Sew Studio

440 North Main St St./Rte. /Rte 140 North Grafton, MA 01536 PH: 508-839-7800 M-F 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm M

Bostonbadminton.com 4-5 DAY BADMINTON CAMPS APR 18-21; JUN 21-JUL 29

166 Main Street Concord, MA 01742 978.402.2284 concordacademysummercamp.org

+ Home-style Meals & Family Lodging + Canoeing, Kayaking & Sailing + Four Sandy Beaches on Purity Lake Jacobs Family reunion. n. 2004

Lakeside fun. 2010

+ Guided Hikes & Kayak Tours + Waterskiing & Wakeboarding + Indoor Pool & Fitness Center

Purity Spring Farms. 1911

Bathing beach near Inn. 1958 58

+ Adjacent NH Audubon Sanctuary Perennial gardens near Inn. 2001

Summer guests on the lake. 1923

+ Groups, Weddings & Reunions

Weekly lobster bake. 1986

Ideally located between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains of New Hampshire and a short drive to North Conway

PuritySpring.com/baystate â&#x20AC;˘ Route 153 â&#x20AC;˘ East Madison, NH â&#x20AC;˘ (603) 367-8896 â&#x20AC;˘ (800) 373-3754 BAYSTATEPARENT 83

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN

GIVE THEM THE BEST SUMMER EVER! A day camp experience thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out of this world!

For girls and boys ages 5 to 15

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Summer Fenn Day Camp AT 4HE &ENN 3CHOOL IN #ONCORD -ONUMENT 3TREET s OR WWW SUMMERFENN ORG

EMAIL SUMMERCAMP FENN ORG s 4O SCHEDULE A PRIVATE CAMPUS TOUR PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL US

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Summer 2011

Gymnastics Learning Center

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building the Pride Inside Since 1983â&#x20AC;?

Help Your Child Learning be Healthy Center and Fit! Gymnastics s !MERICAN 2ED #ROSS 3WIM LESSONS IN OUR HEATED POOLS s h'YM 3WIMv (ALF AND FULL DAY CAMPS s &UNTASTIC 4HEMED #AMP WEEKS s 'IRLS AND "OYS 'YMNASTIC ,ESSONS h7ALKERS AND 5P v

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

Building a Foundation of Knowledge Within

REGISTER TODAY

s 0RESCHOOL #LASSES s &ULL $AY 9EAR 2OUND #ARE s +INDERGARTEN (ALF AND &ULL $AY 0ROGRAMS

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574 Lake Street, SÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x153;Ă&#x192;LĂ&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;U www.gymnasticslearningcenter.com

REGISTER BY APRIL 1 AND SAVE $10

Ages 6-17

Visit

www.osv.org/camps

Old Sturbridge Village Sturbridge, MA 508-347-0285 84 APRIL2011

A History Lesson Your Kids Will Never Forget Day Camps at Old Sturbridge Village, June 27-August 19, 2011

SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN . Kids Club activities before, during, and after dinner allow parents to enjoy dinner at their own pace . Outdoor â&#x20AC;&#x153;big mountainâ&#x20AC;? natural playscape for energetic young explorers . Daily programs include scavenger hunts, crafts, geocaching, more

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Family Adventure Camp

. Enjoy the outdoors with your kids during daily guided outdoor programs . Hiking, paddling, fly fishing, nature walks . July and August sessions in New Hampshire and Maine

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BAYSTATEPARENT 85

CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;DIRECTORY A Place to Grow............................................................................ 48 Actors Shakespeare Project............................................................. 76 Adventure Boot Camp LLC .............................................................. 86 Animal Shelter Inc., Whisker Walk .................................................. 51 Appalachian Mountain Club ............................................................ 85 Applewild School .......................................................................... 57 Architects for Learning ................................................................... 61 Attorney James Connors ................................................................ 29 Backyard Adventures ..................................................................... 41 Ballet Arts Worcester ..................................................................... 62 Barrett Family Wellness ................................................................. 79 Believe in You Model & Talent........................................................ 60 Big Apple Circus............................................................................ 53 Blossom Station ........................................................................... 24 Blue Hill Montessori ...................................................................... 30 Boston Badminton ........................................................................ 83 Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre............................................................... 81 Brimmer & May School ................................................................. 74 Camp Birch Hill............................................................................. 68 Camp Half Moon .......................................................................... 69 Camp Invention ............................................................................ 82 Camp Quinebarge ......................................................................... 81 Camp Winnekeag ......................................................................... 81 Celebrity Series of Boston .............................................................. 37 Center for Family Connections ........................................................ 41 Century Mill Stables ...................................................................... 59 Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School .................................................... 79 Charles River Creative Arts Program ................................................. 80 Charter ........................................................................................ 88 Chess Camp ................................................................................. 59 Chickeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance World .................................................................. 69 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dentists of Worcester, LLC ................................................ 9 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Academy .............................................................. 21 Childrens Hospital/ASD Research .................................................... 38 Claytime...................................................................................... 53 Coco Key Water Resort .................................................................. 23 Concord Academy ......................................................................... 83 Concord Museum .......................................................................... 46 Cornerstone Academy .................................................................... 3,76 Curious Creatures .......................................................................... 37 Cutie Patutieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s .............................................................................. 36 Dance IT UP ................................................................................. 58,65 Dance Prism................................................................................. 9

Budgets, Taxes and Bills, Oh My! Get your finances in shape!

Meet with the Coach now to build your playbook for a successful financial future.

New tax clients $20 savings Now! 508-792-9087 thebudgetcoach@aol.com

Surrogate Mothers Needed Established Surrogacy Program seeks loving women ages 21-43, to carry couplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; biological babies.

You must be a non-smoker, and prior birth experience is required. Be a part of a miracle.

The rewards are more than financial.

For more information, please call 888-363-9457 or visit our website: www.reproductivepossibilities.com

LOOK WHATS S COMING DOWN THE PIKE IN BSP May - The Home June - Summer Guide July - Family Health

Danforth Museum of Art ................................................................ 81 Davis Farmland ............................................................................ 23 Decordova Museum ...................................................................... 76 Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care.................................................... 38,67 Disney......................................................................................... 16 Dr. Bruce Fieldman ....................................................................... 7 Dr. Mel-Pediatric Dentistry .............................................................. 14 Eagle Hill School........................................................................... 75 Ecotarium .................................................................................... 35,62 Fallon Ready Med......................................................................... 24 Fallon Clinci ................................................................................. 40 Faucher Dance School ................................................................... 68 Favreau Forestry........................................................................... 21 First Friends Daycare Inc ................................................................ 75 Franklin Pierce University Baseball Camp.......................................... 67 Garden In the Woods .................................................................... 84 Girls Inc ....................................................................................... 59 Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Children Preschool ........................................................ 84 Great Escape, LLC ......................................................................... 53 Grotonwood/Oceanwood............................................................... 69 Guild Of St. Agnes Daycare ............................................................ 57 Gymboree.................................................................................... 82 Gymnastics Place .......................................................................... 82 Hair Cuttery ................................................................................. 17 Holy Cross Summer Camp.............................................................. 58 H&H Dance ................................................................................. 61 Heifer International Project ............................................................. 62 Home Staff .................................................................................. 30 Inn at East Hill Farm ..................................................................... 28 Internal Drive Tech Camps .............................................................. 80 Iparty Retail Stores Corp. ............................................................... 43 JCC of Greater Boston ................................................................... 80 Judge Baker Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center ........................................................ 68 K12 ............................................................................................ 25 Kimball Union Academy ................................................................. 87 Knox Trail Council.......................................................................... 28 Lakeshore Learning Materials ......................................................... 5 Long Live Your Face ...................................................................... 86 Mass Audubon Society................................................................... 58 May Institute ............................................................................... 4 McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s .................................................................................. 42 Melanoma Foundation of New England............................................ 18 Mothers and Company .................................................................. 43

New England Aquarium ................................................................. 31 New England Film Academy ........................................................... 68 Next Generation Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center ................................................... 59 Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures .................................................. 60 North Central Charter School .......................................................... 42 Old Sturbridge Village.................................................................... 84 Panera Bread ............................................................................... 51 Pathways Academy ....................................................................... 40 Paula Meola Dance ....................................................................... 77 Perkins School.............................................................................. 20 Portrait Simple ............................................................................. 2 Ready Set Sew ............................................................................ 83 RFK Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Action Corps/Camp Sunshine..................................... 79 Riverbend Montessori .................................................................... 4 Rye Airfield .................................................................................. 82 Seeking Sitters ............................................................................. 15 Sensory Learning Center ................................................................ 38 Scribble It .................................................................................... 82 Shrewsbury Literacy Center ............................................................ 36 Shrewsbury Montessori School ....................................................... 31 Skribbles Learning Center............................................................... 42 South Shore YMCA ....................................................................... 82 Sterling Academy of Gymnastics ..................................................... 67 Summer Fenn/The Fenn School ..................................................... 84 The Brighton School ...................................................................... 53 The Canine Fence Co..................................................................... 37 The Hab ...................................................................................... 69 The Whale Camp .......................................................................... 80 Touchstone Community School........................................................ 75 UMass Child & Adolescent Psychiatry .............................................. 39 Wachusett Theatre Company .......................................................... 63 Wayside Racquet & Swim Club....................................................... 77 Wheelock College Theatre .............................................................. 77 Wifesavers ................................................................................... 34 Womens Health of Central Mass ..................................................... 36 Worcester Academy of Music .......................................................... 81 Worcester JCC Toddler Program ....................................................... 43 Worcester JCC Camp ..................................................................... 58 X10 Lacrosse ............................................................................... 74 YMCA OF Central Massachusetts ..................................................... 74 YMCA-Metrowest .......................................................................... 68

MOMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OASIS Long Live Your Face

GET UP, GET OUT, GET FIT!

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Long Live Your Faceâ&#x201E;˘ facial cleanser was developed for an â&#x20AC;&#x153;active momâ&#x20AC;? - my wife!

She was in need of a product that effectively cleaned her skin without any of the fruity or floral bells & whistles.

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Next Boot Camps April 4th May 9th Outside Classes/Evening Classes Available

Your Life!

Life! Your Your Body!

Body!

Your Your Adventure!

Adventure!

Your For More Information:

86 APRIL2011

www.AdventureBootCampLLC.com 508.579.6064 coachalexis@charter.net

Apply online now at www.kua.org/summer Email us at summer@kua.org or Call: 603-469-2071

BAYSTATEPARENT 87

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