0415bspeast

baystateparent baystate FREE

APRIL 2015

6 EASY WAYS TO TAKE BETTER PICS

Is It Time To Get Rid Of February Vacation?

SIMPLE DIY TEACHER GIFTS THEY’LL LOVE

adventure

AWAITS TIPS & TRICKS FOR TRIPS TO: ✲ Disney ✲ North Conway ✲ Faneuil Hall ✲ LEGOLAND Boston Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

SM

3 GREAT FARM PARKS FIVE STAR ★★★★★ FAMILY FUN!

SM

Davis Farmland

®

OPEN APRIL SCHOOL VACATION! Got Kids?SM Interact with North America’s largest sanctuary of endangered farm animals! Experience the magic of hands-on animal encounters, award winning discovery play & water spray grounds!

NEW! Opening 2015 Kids Village and Play Place

Davis Outdoor Laser Tag®*

Davis Mega Maze® It’s Colossal Family Fun!SM

NEW! Watch Your Back!

Voted “Worlds Best” by CNN & “The Grand-daddy of all mazes” by Games Magazine. Opens in August Helicopter Rides, Flashlight mazing, Halloween Fright Nights, and more!

NEW MAZE EACH YEAR!

Experience Southern New England’s 1st OUTDOOR, DAYLIGHT LASER TAG! This epic adventure is great for family, friends or any group. This is as real as it gets!

RESERVE Your Next Group, Birthday, Sleepover, Team Building Event or Company Outing TODAY! *Age restrictions apply.

Check website for events, dates, rates and times. © 2015 Davis Farm Family Adventures

FREE 3! $

U-Pick Apples: In September - It’s Bussel’s of FUN – featuring the biggest, tastiest, McIntoch apples you’ve ever tasted!

Souvenir cup of Animal Feed. One per Family. Expires 4/30/15.

Not valid with other discounts or packages or special events. BSP4

978-422-MOOO (6666) • DavisFarmland.com • Sterling, MA

2 APRIL2015 3

DFL DMM BSP4 AD 9X10.75 2-23-15.indd 1

2/24/15 9:34 PM

Cornerstone Academy Educating all learners in grades K-6

An elementary preparatory school that celebrates the individual.

Tour on Tuesdays, April 7th and 28th at 9 a.m. Please sign up on our website.

Cornerstone students love to dig into their learning, which is why we are a certified Schoolyard Site! At Cornerstone we educate the whole child!

• Offering Transitional Kindergarten and full day Kindergarten through Grade 6 curriculum.

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

• Small classes, individual attention.

• Intellectually enriching environment.

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

• State of the art technology utilized in all classrooms.

5 Oak Avenue • Northboro, MA 01532 • 508-351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org BAYSTATEPARENT 2 3

4 APRIL2015 5

You’re invited to

BUBBLE MANIA

Next Generation Children’s Centers Saturday, May 2nd 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

NGCCenters.com n 866-711-NGCC All Locations Join our Bubble Show at 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.

Learn how we integrate STEM into our day.

Hands on activities.

Bring a friend and learn about our Points for Parents Referral Program.

Ask about our OPEN HOUSE Registration Special for new families.

BAYSTATEPARENT 4 5

NGCC_Ad_MarchOpenHouse_BSP_4C_10x12125.indd 1

2/12/15 7:17 PM

Child Development Network is Proud to Announce the

“CDN CARES PROGRAM”

Directed by Dr. Renee Folsom of Johns Hopkins-Kennedy Krieger Institute CDN Center for Autism Research Education Services is offering: EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS GROUPS • The groups will run for 8 weeks • 1st Round – May 4th to June 26th • 2nd Round – July 6th to August 26th • There are two types of groups – one that meets once a week and another that meets twice a week • For children ages 8- to 11-years old who have problems with flexibility and organization • Intervention includes 45-minute child sessions and regular check-in with parents • Topics will include: Flexibility, Coping Strategies, and Organization/Planning • Based on the “Unstuck & On Target” Curriculum

CDN CARES Commitment • Uses state-of-the-art knowledge • Offers evidence-based programs • Provides relevant, targeted recommendations

CDN is proud to welcome Renee Folsom, PhD, who brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise working with children, adolescents, and adults at Johns Hopkins-Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism and Related Disorders and UCLA’s The Help Group. Dr. Folsom joins a team of dedicated, compassionate professionals at CDN who will ensure that your child achieves his or her personal best.

Child Development Network, Inc. Lexington, MA • 781-861-6655 www.CDNKids.com

6 APRIL2015 7

1 2

table of contents APRIL 2015

VOLUME 19

3 1.

2.

NUMBER 12

things we learned

while making the april issue

Faneuil Hall was originally waterfront property. The bay, originally used as a dumping ground for trash, was filled in with gravel — a 50-year process — to combat the public health risk. Head to page 48 to learn more fascinating facts about Boston’s No. 1 tourist destination.

A 2012 Sony survey of non-professional photographers found that roughly twothirds of DSLR users never or rarely take their camera out of full-auto mode. Want to take better pictures with your pricey camera?

Pros share 6 key tips on page 56.

features

19 21

RIPE: No-Till Gardening: Less Time + Less Money = Better Results DISHIN’ WITH THE DIETITIAN: Going Green: It’s All About the Label

8 8 9 10 12 12 14 24 64 68 77 78

The 12-square-foot recreation of Fenway Park at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston is comprised of 28,000 LEGO bricks and took 6 months to build. Meet Boston’s top LEGO authority, Master Model Builder Ian Coffey, on page 28.

3.

in every issue

82

WELCOME: A Letter from Our Editor MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST: Cover Model Ella MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS bsp ONLINE FINALLY FOREVER: Inside the Largest Adoptive Family Gathering in Massachusetts APRIL’S CHILD: Meet Faith CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: Area Adoption Events VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE: Non-profit Bike Camp Ensures Every Child Learns To Ride COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER CAMP: Family Bonding In The Wild OUT & ABOUT: April Calendar of Family Events REEL LIFE WITH JANE: Family Movies Coming to Theatres, DVD in April OUR APRIL FAVORITES: Facts, Finds and Freebies TAKE 8: Old Sturbridge Village Historical Interpreter Derek Heidemann

adventure awaits 38 42

Shake Off Winter Blues With A Mix Of Fashion And Family Fun

So, You Think You Know Everything About Faneuil Hall?

Slam-Dunk Disney: How To Make the Most of the Magic…And Your Money

16 23

DIY Fast, Fun & Functional Teacher Gifts

28 34

Meet Massachusetts’ Master LEGO Model Builder

48 51 54

Is It Time To Eliminate February Vacation?

56

6 Tips To Get the Most Out Of Your DSLR

58

Expat Parents: Raising a Family In a Foreign Culture

New Study: Coming Out In School Contributes to Well Being of LGBT Youth

North Conway Named a Top U.S. Destination for 2015 Secret Savings: How to Get the Most Out of Your Museum Membership

BAYSTATEPARENT 6 7

3 Thing

meet team

baystateparent

welcome to

baystateparent

publisher KIRK DAVIS

creative editor in chief MELISSA SHAW 508-865-7070 ext. 201 editor@baystateparent.com

This month’s issue was so much fun to plan and produce because, let’s face it, travel is a family adventure that makes more memories per dollar, per minute, than any other activity. Think back to your own childhood: No doubt you’ve got a favorite trip or memory.

And while we warmly remember the adventures of our youth, as a parent creating such memories for our children is even more exciting. We enjoy the trip (at least most of the time) and then get a secondary thrill watching our kids make their own memories and experiences. Surely you remember the first time you walked down Main Street in Disney World, Cinderella’s Castle beckoning in the distance, right there. But how much more memorable and emotional was it watching your child take that same walk years later?

This issue was such a blast because we got to write about some

of the most popular travel hot spots for Massachusetts families (not to mention our own faves).

When I became editor-in-chief of baystateparent, one of the very first stories I envisioned was Slam Dunk Disney, which has finally come to fruition on page 42. An incredible amount of planning, anticipation and money goes into a Disney trip, so why not consults the experts — parents who love Disney — for their very best tips on how to make the most of your time (and your money)?

Closer to home, North Conway is a major destination for local families.

In fact, the three times my family has headed to North Conway, we’ve run into friends from home at Storyland and Santa’s Village each time, and many others have reported the same phenomenon!

This is a big year for North Conway, which was named one of the Top 15 places to visit in the U.S. in 2015

by Lonely Planet. The town is also celebrating its 250th birthday. As always, there’s a lot going in Mount

Washington Valley, and we’ve got the details for you on page 51.

There’s a ton of travel news and know-how in this month’s issue, from how to take better pictures with your camera to the secret savings in a museum membership, and much, much more.

Outside of our pages, March was a big month for us here at baystateparent Magazine as we won 29 national and regional awards from the Parenting Media Association and the New England Newspaper & Press Association.

Our colleagues were honored in the categories of writing, design, photography, and advertising.

While we’re always proud of the work we do, it’s a thrill to be recognized by our peers.

M e li ss a

Melissa Shaw, Editor

What did you enjoy the most about the experience? I loved putting on makeup and trying on outfits.

Do you have any hobbies? I enjoy

advertising director of sales REGINA STILLINGS 508-865-7070 ext. 210 regina@baystateparent.com account executive MARIE COREY 508-735-0503 marie@baystateparent.com

photographers AMANDA GOODALE STEVEN KING ADAM PERI SHAWNA SHENETTE

What is your favorite subject in school? Art!

copy editor BRYAN ETHIER

What is your favorite book? My favorite books are Judy Moody and Dork Diaries.

baystateparent cover photo

BY

Shawna Shenette

PHOTOGRAPHY

Clothing provided by Little V Designs, Westborough ~ littlevdesigns.com 8 APRIL2015 9

graphic designer KIM MILLER

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

doing arts and crafts. I take dance class and am in chorus at my school.

What is your dream travel destination? Disney World or Paris.

multi-media editor HEATHER KEMPSKIE heather@baystateparent.com

account executive KATHY PUFFER 508-865-7070 ext. 211 kathy@baystateparent.com

Ella

What was the photo shoot like?

Had you ever modeled before? It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it. This was my very first time.

senior graphic designer STEPHANIE MALLARD 508-865-7070 design@baystateparent.com

account executive DEBORAH MEUNIER 508-450-9718 deb@baystateparent.com

meet our special guest

Nine-year-old Ella of Leominster is this month’s cover model and took some time to share fun facts with us!

creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-865-7070 ext. 221 pethier@holdenlandmark.com

is published monthly with a main office at 22 West Street, Millbury, MA 01527

www.baystateparent.com It is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts.

t

April East Contributors baystateparent Creative Director Paula Monette Ethier has been with us since day one and is responsible for our award-winning design and gorgeous covers. On page 16, Paula shares three quick, easy, and inexpensive gifts you and your child can make for next month’s Teacher Appreciation Week.

Wendy Bulawa Agudelo takes a look at a nationwide nonprofit that is coming to Massachusetts several times this year to teach individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional two-wheel bike.

Read her story on page 24.

Jane Boursaw is the film critic and editorin-chief of Reel Life With Jane, whose reviews and work have been published in Family Circle, Parade, New York Times, Variety, People Magazine and more. On page 77 she gets you up to date on what’s coming to theatres and DVD this month.

It’s billed as the Happiest Place on Earth and it’s certainly one of the major travel destinations for most families. On page 42, travel experts and moms tell writer Sara Pokorny how families can make the most of the Disney magic — and their money.

On page 51, Sara looks at another popular travel hotspot much closer to home, North Conway, and the major recognition it received this year.

Yes, you have a nifty Nikon or Canon, but do you know how to really harness the power of your DSLR? Writer and Shrewsbury mother of two Joan Goodchild talks to the pros who share 6 tips for getting the most out of your camera, on page 56. Did you ever think about what it would be like to move to another country and raise your children in another culture? On page 58, Joan talks to Massachusetts parents who grew up outside the U.S. but are now living here doing just that.

Writer Christina Cooper lives with her husband and 7-year-old twins in East Longmeadow.

Recently the whole family attended an outdoor adventure camp, an experience she chronicles on page 64.

Given our state’s propensity for storms and snow days, why do the majority of school districts still have two vacations — February and April? Is it time to do away with February break as a way to start summer vacation earlier? Medfield writer and father of two Doug Page examines this timely issue on page 34.

Michele Bennett Decoteau is a writer and mother of two in Millbury, who this month looks at the easiest way to start that garden you’ve always wanted. Read her story on no-till gardening on page 19. On page 54, Michele shares how a membership to one Massachusetts museum or attraction could open up a whole slate of adventures and savings here and nationwide for your family.

On page 48, Rutland-based writer and mother of three Kathy Sloan heads east to Boston’s #1 can’tmiss travel destination: Faneuil Hall. Sure, you’ve been there countless times, but do you know everything there is to know about the venerable marketplace and the surrounding area? Read her story and learn some fun history and to-dos sure to impress next time you play tour guide or visit.

On page 23, Berkshire County resident and writer Alexandra Townsend reports on a new study that details how coming out while school-aged can contribute to the well-being of LGBT youth.

JOIN US ONLINE! Facebook.com/baystateparent twitter @baystateparent

m EcoBSP2015SummerCampAd.pro.pdf

1

2/12/15

10:57 AM

Looking forward to Spring?

DON’T WAIT! Start planning now... ...with MCU’s Home Equity Line of Credit!

Get a jump on Spring plans.

MCU’s Home Equity Line of Credit can help make your dreams come true. Great for pools, additions, remodeling, vacations, etc.

% 1.99 Initial Rate

APR

Millbury • Worcester • Auburn • South Grafton The initial rate is 1.99% APR for the first 6 months; thereafter the APR will be equal to the prime rate adjusted monthly with a floor rate of 3.25%. Maximum APR will not exceed 18%.

Interest may be tax deductible, please consult your tax advisor.

508-865-7600

MCU has great rates and terms on fixed rate home equity loans too!

BAYSTATEPARENT 8 9

bsp ONLINE Where In The World?

I’d love a story on ‘how to handle your child’s needs when a friend moves away.’

I’d love to hear how other moms balance life with their children in sports.

Flat Stanley busted onto the scene when we offered up some free tix to the show at Boston Children’s Theatre. One lucky family – The Hutchings of Pembroke – won for sending in this awesome pic. We’re happy to report Stanley and his friend are feeling better! Thanks for the submissions!

Readers Rock, For Real!

I love knowing what is going on over the weekends. Gives me more ideas of what to do with the family!

I think it’s a perfect mix of everything I need!

that land on our desk. Be on the lookout as we review some super cool travel must-haves this month.

We asked for feedback and you provided: Responses to our reader survey flew in via baystateparent. com and snail mail. We loved your honesty and your ideas — more free stuff to do, special needs features and tackling teen issues!

Three lucky participants got to pick tickets to see either Disney on Ice: Passports to Adventure, The Harlem Globetrotters or the Basketball Hall of Fame. Congrats to Janis of Uxbridge, Jessica of W. Boylston and Deb of Springfield.

We hope you enjoy the shows!

Like you, we’re hoping for nothing but sunshine and happy times for April vacation (April 18-April 26). With no shortage of fun family events, we’ve put together the online-only Ultimate April Vacation Guide, jam-packed with adventures, explorations and entertainment at baystateparent. com/UltimateAprilVaca.

Videos & Missing Faces

Melissa (our fearless Editorin-Chief) and I are having fun experimenting with the art of videography. We’re fully aware that some of our clips do not include our chins or our eyes but most importantly, they do include quick demos of some the best products

The survey is still online (keyword: Reader Survey) and we love to hear your thoughts, so send us feedback anytime!

Spring Fashion Shoot

Within 24 hours of posting a casting call on Facebook, we received hundreds of entries. It wasn’t easy but our team picked nine kids ages 2 through 10 to participate in our spring fashion shoot on page 38. Our office was buzzing with ultimate cuteness and sassiness as these little ones dressed in colorful assembles and wore their best smiles. Two of them landed on our covers! For some behind-the-scenes fun, head to baystateparent.com, keyword: Spring Fashion.

— Heather Kempskie Multi-Media Editor heather@baystateparent.com

BuonAppetito AppetitoMiei MieiAmici Amici Buon

TT

desire please people with food is an authentic Italian he he desire to to please people with food is an authentic Italian tradition.

The team at Rovezzi's has been fulfilling that traditradition. The team at Rovezzi's has been fulfilling that tradiwith a comfortable setting, accommodating service tiontion with a comfortable setting, accommodating service andand lusty, satisfying food steeped a history respect ingredients lusty, satisfying food steeped in in a history of of respect forfor ingredients passionate attention presentation flavor.

Whether andand passionate attention to to presentation andand flavor.

Whether youyou are looking for a nice romantic dinner or hosting a special gathering, are looking for a nice romantic dinner or hosting a special gathering, Rovezzi's right room you.

Rovezzi's hashas thethe right room forfor you.

“Other restaurants customers, friends” “Other restaurants havehave customers, we we havehave friends” Chef Owner Chris Rovezzi, Chef andand Owner Chris Rovezzi, 2012 Worcester’s Best Chef “Overall Champion” 2012 Worcester’s Best Chef “Overall Champion”

Dinner Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday — Thursday 5:00pm – 9:00pm Dinner Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday — Thursday 5:00pm – 9:00pm Friday & Saturday 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Sunday 4:00pm – 8:00pm Friday & Saturday 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Sunday 4:00pm – 8:00pm

2 School Street, Fiskdale, MA (On corner 148) 508-347-0100 2 School Street, Fiskdale, MA (On thethe corner of of Rt.Rt. 2020 && Rt.Rt. 148) 508-347-0100 10 APRIL2015 11

.

ng

s ul

es

grades 8-12 - including recent high school graduates.

This camp will take your teen to a higher level in theatre!

They will produce and act in THEIR OWN show - separate from the younger campers! Join in this exciting adventure!

grades 2-7 Learn the importance of teamwork, make friends for life, experience being part of a show from start to finish!

ie or m

July 6th - July 24th

Mon.-Fri. • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Camp show performances on July 25th & 26th

Your child will enjoy a summer of music, art, drama and dance at our 3 week, state certified theatre camp held in Worcester. Campers will also produce a full show for family and friends at the conclusion of camp. Students will learn all the aspects of producing a show from acting, singing & dancing to set building, costumes and more!

For all information, call 978-602-6288 or register online at

wachusetttheatre.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 10 11

Photo by Patnaa Basha Photo by Teresa Coates

FINALLY FOREVER

For one day, in one place, they are in the majority.

“They” are adopted children and the place is next month’s Jordan’s Furniture Walk/Run for Adoption, which organizers say is the largest annual gathering of adoptive families in Massachusetts.

The event originally began decades ago as a “Wednesday’s Child” walk, spearheaded by longtime WBZTV news anchor and adoption advocate Jack Williams. Eventually discontinued, the walk was revived in 12 APRIL2015 13

Inside the Largest Adoptive Family Gathering in Massachusetts Families Flock to Jordan’s Furniture Walk/Run For Adoption to celebrate

BY MELISSA SHAW

2010 by the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), the 57-year-old private nonprofit that serves as the central link between families interested in adoption, the state Department of Children and Families, and its contracted adoption agencies.

The possibility of reviving the walk was broached during a meeting of the Jordan’s Initiative, a formal partnership between the furniture company, MARE and DCF in which each pledges time, energy and resources toward spreading awareness of fostering and adoption.

MARE officials wanted a walk location that was immune to bad weather, which led Eliot Tatelman, Jordan’s president and CEO, to offer up his company’s East Taunton warehouse.

“That warehouse is so huge you can do the entire event inside the warehouse if necessary,” notes Janice Halpern, MARE Director of Development. “The warehouse is the

size of 15 regulation football fields!

It’s a mile around the building. Three laps — ta da — we’ve got a 5K.” “It’s the largest gathering in Massachusetts, that we know of, of adoptive families and adoptees,” she continues. “You see hundreds of kids of all ages, and they’re in the majority. The majority of the kids at the walk have one thing in common and that is they are all adopted.

That doesn’t happen in school. It’s such a rare treat. You see the kids walking and talking; you see adoptive families, walking, talking, sharing their stories, it’s impressive.”

Over the past six years, the event has grown steadily. “The first year we were hoping to have 200 participants and we had nearly 400. Now we’re around 600,” Halpern notes. After the Walk/Run, the gathering turns into a party, with entertainment, food, and much more.

“It’s not just a walk, but a Jordan’s experience,” Halpern says.

While the day hosts many families

who have adopted through foster care, all adoptive families are welcome, regardless of how they built their family — domestic, international, or private adoption, Halpern says.

“Some families have said it’s such a gift for their kids to look out on this crowd of people in matching T-shirts and know that they all have this thing in common, that they’re all part of a family built through adoption,” she says.

Anna Edwards of Winchester says the Walk/Run is an annual event her family will not miss. She and husband Eric adopted son Michael, 10, four years ago.

“It’s something we look forward to every year,” she says. “I really want Michael to know how committed we are to him and to how he came to our family and, of course, to raise awareness for adoption. It does make him incredibly proud; he can’t wait for that walk every year.

He loves it. It’s a great event, just

a

ts

art

e

FINALLY FOREVER seeing the diversity and all kinds of different families. It’s a celebration of what America looks like, love, and positivity.”

Kris Lyons Contois of Seekonk adopted her three daughters, 10, 12 and 23, through MARE. “It’s an agency near and dear to our heart,” she says, noting they haven’t missed a walk since it began. “We’re grateful for the children we’ve

adopted and we know there are many more kids out there that need to be adopted. Anything we can do to help with that is good.”

In addition to being a day of fun, family and activity, the event is also a fundraiser for MARE, a nonprofit. Participants fundraise and all proceeds go to MARE’s general fund, which are used to match foster children with waiting families.

From 2010 to 2013, the event was held as a walk only, but participant demand got organizers to add a timed run option last year, which Halpern says opens the day up to new people and possibilities. “[Runners] may not be thinking about expanding their families right now, but as they get into family building mode we hope they’ll remember the kids they met at the

Jordan’s Walk/Run for Adoption and realize that this may be a way for them to build their families, too.”

This year’s Jordan’s Furniture Walk/Run for Adoption will be held on Sunday, May 17. Visit jordanswalkforadoption.org.

Photo by Patnaa Basha

April’s Child: Faith Eleven-year-old Faith would love to work with animals one day as well as try horseback riding. Faith is a friendly, talkative, Caucasian child who would like to find a forever family. She enjoys being around others and engaging in activities, whether it is a board game, arts and crafts, or playing with her American Girl doll.

But Faith likes being active, too, and enjoys swimming.

In school, Faith is a strong student with the potential to go on to college one day. She has some really positive peer relationships, but at times struggles with conflict. Faith likes to be helpful and loves one-on-one attention.

Legally free for adoption, Faith would do well in a

home with a mother and a father, two moms or a single mom. There should not be any other children in the home close in age to her. Faith also needs a family that will help maintain her connection with her younger biological brother and sister. There is an annual visit with her birth mother and grandmother.

For more information about Faith, please contact Department of Children and Families Adoption Supervisor Karen Greaney at (508) 929-1000. To learn more about the adoption process in general, please contact The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at (617) 54-ADOPT.

Infants • Toddlers Preschool Full Time and Part Time Kindercam in every classroom!

We have cameras in every classroom that parents can log onto throughout the day and watch their children at the center!

• Structured curriculum beginning at 15 months • All staff members are infant/child CPR and first aid certified • Weekly visits from The Story Teller, Music Man, My First Yoga, The Tumble Bus, Happy Feet and Hoop It (Kids Basketball)

Owned and operated since 1994 (20 years!)

New Location Coming in February 23 Warren Ave. Woburn MA (617) 838-6878

Very competitive rates

www.TheLearningZoneOnline Framingham (508) 872-3600 63 Fountain St.

Belmont (617) 489-1161 279 Belmont St.

Waltham (781) 891-3600 295 Weston St.

Weston (781) 642-6787 101 River Road BAYSTATEPARENT 12 13

FINALLY FOREVER

VACATION FUN FOR EVERYONE April 15 - April 19

Spring Carnival

Mon, April 20 · 11:30 - 1:00pm

Mr. DJ’s Dance Party

Wed, April 22 11:00am - 12:00pm

Animal Adventures

Fri. April 24 · 11:00am - 4:00pm Bay State Parent Cover Model Photo Shoot Visit baystateparent.com for more details

For more info please visit us at themallatwhitneyfield.com

KID’S CLUB

Join the club & join in the fun.

Free kids’ events every month, free membership, birthday surprises, special offers, your very own membership card and really cool prizes.

Sign Up at Customer Service

Burlington, JC Penney, Macy’s, Sears, Toys R Us & more than 60 specialty stores 100 Commercial Rd. Leominster, MA At the junction of Route 2 & I -190 978.537.7500 www.themallatwhitneyfield.com

Circle of Friends

Wednesday, April 8 — Northern Region Adoption Info Meetings, Jordan’s Furniture, Reading IMAX Conference Room- 50 Walker’s Brook Dr., Reading. 6 p.m. RSVP: 978-557-2734.

Thursday, April 9 — Family Support Group, Jordan’s Furniture, 50 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. This waiting family support group is open to families from all regions who are waiting, matched, or placed with a child. This is a safe space for families to share their thoughts on the adoption process and receive guidance and support from other families. There are also guest speakers who attend occasionally. Call 978-337-6500 to RSVP. Thursday, April 9 — Caring For Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Workshop for Resource Parents. Hyde Park DCF office, 1530 River St., Hyde Park. 5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Also held April 30. To RSVP, call 617.983.5800.

Monday, April 13 — Positive Parenting, a Kid’s Net seminar. DCF Office, 33 East Merrimack St., Springfield.

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 617.983.5850.

Wednesday, April 15 — Boston Region Adoption Info Meeting, DCF Boston, 451 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

617-989-9209.

Wednesday, April 15 — Attachment Issues, a Kid’s Net seminar. St. John’s Church, 9 Glen St., Wellesley. 617.983.5850.

Thursday, April 16 — Southern Region Adoption Info Meetings, Morton Hospital, 88 Washington Street, Taunton, Margaret Stone Conference Room, first floor.

6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. RSVP: 508-894-3830.

Monday, April 20 — Southern Region Adoption Info Meetings, Mass. Department of Children and Families, Canton Police Station, 1492 Washington Street, Canton.

6 p.m.-8 p.m. RSVP to 508-894-3830.

Ongoing — Group for Adoptive Parents.

Adoption Associates, 34 Lincoln Street, Newton. For parents of children in elementary or middle school, this monthly group focuses on understanding the impact of loss and trauma; learning to manage difficult and challenging behaviors; strengthening the family bond while preserving identity; and more. For more information, contact 617-965-9369 or info@adoptionassociates.org.

Ongoing — Group for Adopted Teens.

Adoption Associates, 34 Lincoln Street, Newton. For adopted children ages 14-19, this group focuses on identity development, self-esteem improvement, confidence building and communication skills. Participants will use conversation to reflect upon the experience of adoption and belonging. For more information, contact 617-965-9369 or info@adoptionassociates.org.

Ongoing — Group for Adoptive Parents of Teens. Adoption Associates, 34 Lincoln Street, Newton. For adopted children ages 14-19, This monthly group focuses on understanding the impact of loss and trauma; learning to manage difficult and challenging behaviors; strengthening the family bond while preserving identity; and more. For more information, contact 617-965-9369 or info@adoptionassociates.org.

Ongoing — The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children offers an after-hours telephone hotline that provides emergency assistance to foster kinship and pre-adoptive families when the DCF offices are closed. The helpline is available 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and holidays. The number is (800) 486-3730.

If your group or organization is holding an adoption information or support group and would like to have information posted for readers of baystateparent, please email editor@baystateparent.com.

A Parent’s Guide to Exploring & Explaining Nature Have you ever struggled to find an answer when your child asks why something happens the way it does?

This book will provide you with those answers. Each chapter contains examples of “everyday knowledge” to show the relevance of the scientific concepts to everyday life, as well as “everyday experiments” to help you show your kids examples of these principles in action.

A Great Mother’s Day Gift! - Available on Amazon.com

14 APRIL2015 15

29

and Feelin' Fine

baystateparent Magazine won a total of 29 national and regional awards this spring from the Parenting Media Association and the New England Newspaper & Press Association in the categories of writing, design, photography, advertising, and more!

Reach Massachusetts parents and get your message out with baystateparent's winning team.

To advertise, contact Sales Director Regina Stillings at 508-865-7070 x210 or regina@baystateparent.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 14 15

DIY

Fast, Fun & Functional Teacher Gifts Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8 baystateparent Creative Director Paula Monette Ethier shares three inexpensive, easy projects you and your child can make together.

Teachers will love and, more importantly, use these goodies.

Grab 'N Go Note Pad Directions

• Scrapbook paper • 1 5x7 acrylic frame • Glue gun • X-Acto knife • Ribbon and embellishments • 1 package of Post-it Notes

1. Cut paper and slip in frame 2. Decorate with ribbon and embellishments of your choice, using glue gun to secure.

3. Glue Post-it notes to frame.

'

Supplies

Cost: Less than $5 for those who have scrapbook paper, a glue gun, knife and embellishments on hand.

ABC Coasters Supplies • 1 sheet of cork • Scrabble pieces (25 per coaster) • Mod Podge • Disposable paintbrush • Glue gun • X-Acto knife • Ribbon Directions 1. Glue Scrabble pieces to cork sheet, 5 across and 5 down (25 pieces) 2. Once secure, with paintbrush coat tiles with Mod Podge. Let dry and repeat two more times.

3. Cut cork flush with Scrabble pieces, into coaster shape 4. Wrap with ribbon Cost: Scrabble tiles are sold in bulk and can be found online for around $8 per pack of 100. Cork can be purchased in 12 x12 square sheets for around $6. One 12x12 sheet will yield 9 coasters.

No. 2 Vase Supplies • Pencils (we used approximately three dozen to fit our vase) • Glass vase • Ribbon • Glue gun • Flowers 16 APRIL2015 17

Directions 1. Glue pencils on vase one at a time.

2. Wrap ribbon around pencils, add flowers and water Cost: Visit a dollar store to purchase the vase and pencils ($4 total). Use ribbon you have on hand and your only additional cost is the flowers of your choice.

nly

We want YOUR CHILD on our cover The 2015 baystateparent Cover Model Search is coming!

baystateparent 100 WAYS TO AVOID DOING YOUR HOMEWORK

VOTED BEST KID OF THE YEAR

Register now to schedule your shot at becoming a bsp cover model. Meet us at 1 of these 3 locations.

Fri., April 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Mall at Whitney Field, Leominster Photography by Shawna Shenette

Sat., May 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Solomon Pond Mall, Marlboro Photography by Karen Moriarty

STUDY SAYS KIDS SHOULD PLAY WITH THEIR FOOD

Sun., May 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Burlington Mall, Burlington Photography

by Steven King

SLEEP IS OVERRATED WHY KIDS SHOULD SET THEIR OWN BEDTIME

Entry form Every child who enters our Cover Model Search will get their picture on a mock cover!

Entry fee: $25 Pre-registration by mail $30 Day of contest Their photo is their entry for the Cover Model Search.

One Grand Prize winner will appear on a future baystateparent Magazine cover! Search is open to Massachusetts children ages 6 months to 16 years as of Dec. 31, 2014. Two finalists will be selected in each of the following categories: 6 months to 23 months; 24 months to 47 months; age 4-7; age 8-10; age 11-13; age 14-16. The Grand Prize winner will be selected from the 12 finalists and appear on a future baystateparent Magazine cover!

Birth Date

Child’s Name Address City

Zip

Phone (cell preferred)

E-mail Parent’s name Parent’s signature Please select a location, day and time slot preference.

The Magazine cannot be held responsible for entrants who miss their assigned time slot.

Please circle Mall, Time and Age Category Whitney Field 11-2 • 2- 4 Solomon Pond Mall 11-2 • 2-4 Burlington Mall 11-2 • 2-4 6 months to 23 months • 24 months to 47 months • age 4-7 • age 8-10 • age 11-13 • age 14-16.

Entry fee: $25 per child. Cost includes a color 8x11 mock baystateparent cover. One entry form per child. Go to baystateparent.com for additional entry forms. Day-of registration at Mall at Whitney Field, Solomon Pond Mall and Burlington Mall is $30.

• Registration is $25 per child. (Entrants may register at Mall at Whitney Field, Solomon Pond Mall or Burlington Mall if space is available.)

• Entry fees are non-refundable.

• This Cover Model Search is open only to Massachusetts resident children ages 6 months to 16 years as of Dec. 31, 2014.

• By participating in this Cover Model Search, entrants and their parents/legal guardians agree to be bound by these Official Rules.

• Lost, stolen, illegible, misdirected, postage due, damaged or late entries shall not be eligible. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 17.

• The magazine cannot be held responsible for entrants who miss their assigned time slot.

• Employees (and their immediate families) of baystateparent and The Holden Landmark Corporation are not eligible to enter.

• Judges for the Cover Model Search will be chosen by baystateparent Magazine. The Cover Model Search will be based solely on photos taken at the photos shoots hosted by baystateparent Magazine. baystateparent Magazine shall retain all rights, title and interest, and copyright to all such photographs.

• All photos taken in the Cover Model Search become the property of baystateparent Magazine and may be used, along with the child’s first name, age, hometown and other entry information, in marketing, promotion and advertising for baystateparent Magazine, its Website, baystateparent.com, its social media accounts, and any other publicity and promotional manner, in any media, without compensation, statewide in perpetuity, to the extent permitted by law.

• For more information and full list of official rules go to baystateparent.com/modelsearchrules.

Checks (made out to baystateparent Magazine) or credit cards accepted Credit card # Credit card (MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover accepted)

Expiration Date

CVVCheck #

Authorization signature

Entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 17 Send to:

baystateparent Magazine Cover Model Search • 22 West St. • Millbury MA 01527 To register multiple children, please go online to baystateparent.com/modelsearchrules NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE BAYSTATEPARENT 16 17

Fiesta, Food,

Family Fun!!!

• Kids Menu • 15 Specialty Margaritas • Over 100 Authentic Mexican Meals Sunday-Thursday 11:00 am-10:00pm 1 (508) 366-2153 45 Belmont Rd Northborough, MA

Friday-Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm (401)-333-6900 2022 Mendon Road Cumberland, RI

www.casavallarta1.com

18 APRIL2015 19

L

S ar a pi an m at w w so de B ga A

Photo by Liz Joseph

No-Till Gardening: Less Time + Less Money = Better Results

BY MICHELE BENNETT DECOTEAU

Spring is in the air and many of us are starting to think about planting a garden. We have big plans and picture beautiful rows of lush plants and bright flowers. But in a few months, usually we are looking at a gorgeous crop of weeds! The weeding, tilling, hauling, digging and work are a challenge to juggle with soccer, dance, school, and the other demands on our time.

But can we have those lovely gardens without the weeding?

Absolutely! No-till gardening is all

about creating good soil through layers and layers of material and then leaving it alone.

“Using a no-till gardening system is hard for most people,” says Liz Joseph, Garden & Education Coordinator at Heifer International, based in Rutland. “The first step is a mental shift. You have to let go of the image of all that freshly tilled soil in the spring. Using notill gardening takes less time and less money. I can’t believe how much better the gardens are now

at Heifer International. There are fewer pests and less weed pressure, and the vegetables taste better and each plant has much better yields.

We can actually have fewer plants because each one is producing so much more.”

“You can have an instant garden in about two hours,” says Rick Baruc, from Seeds of Solidarity Farm in Orange. “This is really the fastest method going.”

Want to start a no-till garden?

Here’s how: “Take a look at your yard and figure out where the sun is coming in,” Joseph says. “You can start with part of your lawn or use some established garden space.”

“Start with a 15 x 15 foot section of yard,” Baruc adds. “Then gather cardboard to cover it. Every 2 or 3 feet, cut a 1-foot-square hole.

Remove the sod and soil. Replace them with compost and then transplant a tomato or squash plant from your local farmer’s market.”

BAYSTATEPARENT 18 19

Photos by Liz Joseph

“The cardboard is going to kill the sod and weeds. It will also be your walking space,” Joseph says. “Make sure the cardboard doesn’t have wax on it; try to get out the staples and remove tape if there is any. Then get the cardboard wet to begin the composting. This will also attract worms.”

Look for corrugated cardboard at local stores and businesses. Many will be happy to pass it on and the pieces are usually fairly large.

Worms are a key component of a no-till garden. They not only aerate the soil by leaving small holes for air circulation but they also eat all sorts of organic material, and their waste, or castings, provide nutrients to the soil.

“The next step after the cardboard is to make sure you control the weeds. Mulch with whatever you have like mulching hay, grass clippings, or straw. And you have to reapply this often over the season.

The mulch will break down and that can happen fast,” Joseph says.

“Put the mulch right on top of the cardboard,” Baruc adds. “The sod won’t be getting any light and that will kill it the first year. There is no need to remove it, since as it breaks down it will provide the soil nutrients and will attract worms.”

One commonly used mulch,

easily available to most of us, is newspaper. If you use newspaper, only use the white parts, or newsprint, not the glossy ad inserts or fliers. Glossy ads can have additives that you may not want in your soil, especially if you are growing vegetables for your family.

As you mulch between rows, no matter what you use, make sure that the mulch layer is at least 2 inches thick. Sunlight can travel down through most mulch, and weeds will germinate if the mulch is too thin.

It is difficult to err on the too-thick side.

“If you aren’t going to use the garden for a bit, plant cover crops.

These act like green mulch. Oats and field peas are excellent choices,”

Joseph says. “The final step comes back to the worms. You need to keep the soil aerated. Worms do a great job but you have to add humus, or compost, too. Just add that layer over the mulch.”

Many people also add layers of manure. Gardeners have strong opinions about what sort of manure is best: cow, horse, pig, chicken, or bat. For this type of garden, any will help to enrich the soil. Finding a local source is an excellent option for many gardeners who are interested in supporting the local economy.

You can start a no-till garden in the spring, summer, or fall. Once the garden layers are set up, make sure they are wet enough for the

composting process to begin. The warmer it is, the faster the process will happen, but at the beginning these layers can stack up to be 2 feet tall. The garden area will compost down to only about 6 or 7 inches high.

Crops that grow over-winter or grow over many years succeed well in this type of garden. For example, asparagus, herbs, and garlic all grow magnificently in a no-till garden.

Asparagus grows over many years, and once established will produce edible spears for years to come.

Many herbs will grow nicely over more than one year, and garlic grows best if planted in the fall for harvest the following summer.

“Before we started using no-till gardening at Heifer International, we had three rows of tomato plants that were about 2 feet apart; it was about 140 feet. The yields were OK. Now we only plant about 90 feet of tomatoes and the plants are 3 feet apart. The yields are way better with fewer plants. The plants are so much stronger because they aren’t getting attacked by as many pests and diseases. The best part, aside from less work,” says Joseph happily, “ is the tomatoes taste better.”

For more information check out SeedsofSolidarity.org (Growing Food tab) MotherEarthNews.com.

Participate in the Family Mealtime Study!

Are You...

• A parent of a 4-yr-old? • English-speaking?

If so, help us understand why family mealtimes are beneficial for your child’s development!

Study Involves:

Feel the FREEdom.

• 2 visits to Harvard campus (free parking, or short walk from T stop!)

• Audio-recording 5 meals in your home at your convenience

Gateway FREEdom CheckingSM frees you from minimum balance requirements, monthly fees, and other big bank catches. And, you’ll get great personal service no one else can match!

Kids get books and games for participating!

Enjoy these extras: l l l

H A R VA R D

G R A D U AT E S C H O O L O F E D U C AT I O N

l l

Interested?

Contact us at (617) 495-1791 or rowelab@gse.harvard.edu!

Free Cash & Check Debit Card Free Online Banking Free Mobile Banking Surcharge-free SUM SM ATMs Discounted rates on select consumer loans*

We’re looking out for you.

Millbury 508.865.5811 Worcester 508.757.0057 MillburySavings.com

*With automatic payment from this account.

Each depositor is insured by the FDIC to at least $250,000. All deposits above the FDIC insurance amount are insured by the Depositors Insurance Fund.

Member FDIC

20 APRIL2015 21

4.375" x 5.23"

Dishin’ with the Dietitian

Celebrating Earth Day on April 22 and wondering what those labels mean on your foods? Check out the guide below.

Natural: Probably the hardest label to explain (and understand!), the definition of “natural” depends on the type of food you are consuming.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees labeling for meat, poultry and egg production, and defines natural as minimally processed without containing artificial ingredients.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees labeling for all other foods but has yet to define the term “natural.” That said, the FDA does not object to the use of a natural label “if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.”

Note: Although packaging and labels for meat, poultry and egg products require a review by the USDA before use, this is not true for products overseen by the FDA. USDA Organic (usda.gov): Used on farmed crops, livestock and wild crops, the USDA Organic label assures that products were farmed with an emphasis on renewable resources and conservation of soil and water without most conventional pesticides, fertilizers with synthetic ingredients, bioengineering or cold pasteurization. The Organic label means 95% or more of the food and its ingredients are organic.1 Note: Labels like “all natural” may be listed on a product without it meeting USDA Organic standards.

Therefore, not all “natural” products are organic, but all organic products are considered natural.

1 United States Department of Agriculture.

National Organic Program. http://www.ams. usda.gov/AMSv1.0/NOPOrganicLabeling.

Accessed Jan. 28, 2015.

2 Certified Naturally Grown. Frequently Asked Questions.

Going Green: It’s All About the Label

BY CARRIE TAYLOR, RDN, LDN

100% Organic: Unlike the USDA Organic label, which allows for 5% of the product to be non-organic, 100% Organic products have to show an ingredient label in which every component of the product has been certified as organic. The agency providing certification must be listed as well.

Made with Organic: These products must be made from at least 70% certified organic ingredients.

The remaining ingredients (up to 30%) must be produced following the same methods required by certified organic ingredients and/ or present on the USDA’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (a.k.a. the National List).

For example, genetically engineered ingredients would not be allowed.

The agency providing certification must also be listed.

Grass-Fed, Free-Range and CageFree (usda.gov): Labels like these refer to how an animal was fed or housed. These labels may accompany the USDA Organic label on a product. However, not all grassfed, free-range or cage-free animal products are considered organic.

Certified Naturally Grown (naturallygrown.org): Not a USDAmonitored label, this indicates that a farm follows the same organic standards as a USDA certified organic farm. Verification for the program comes from inspection by other farmers in the community. 2 Certified Naturally Grown is often used by small farms, so you may see the logo on local produce, honey or animal products.

Non-GMO Project Verified (nongmoproject.org): Rather than verifying a product is free of GMOs

http://www.naturallygrown.org/about-cng/ frequently-asked-questions. Accessed Jan. 28, 2015.

3 The Non-GMO Project. The Non-GMO Project Verified Seal: Helping You Make Informed Shopping Decisions. http://www.nongmoproject.

(genetically modified organisms or genetically engineered ingredients), this label is used by manufacturers to tell shoppers they have taken the steps to avoid the presence of genetically engineered ingredients in their product. To receive the seal, each product is verified to have followed steps to avoid genetically engineered ingredients by the nonprofit, third-party organization NonGMO Project. 3 Note: Currently, the only crops allowed to undergo genetic engineering in the United States are alfalfa, rapeseed (utilized for canola oil), corn, cotton, papaya, soy, sugar beets, zucchini and yellow summer squash.

Fair Trade Certified (fairtradeusa. org): This label is commonly seen on coffee, chocolate, fruits and vegetables in the United States, but may be found on imported products from apparel to beauty and personal products. It indicates that products come from a developing country where producers are compensated at a fair price and products are grown and harvested under humane standards. 4 rBGH/rBST Free (cancer.org): Often seen on milk products as “From cows not treated with rBGH/ rBST” or “From cows not treated with artificial growth hormones.”

Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also known as recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), is a synthetic hormone given to cows to increase milk production.

Although there is controversy surrounding its use and effect on humans, whether milk from cows given rBGH or rBST affects humans any differently than that of milk from cows not treated with the hormone

org/learn-more/understanding-our-seal.

Accessed Jan. 28, 2015.

4 Fair Trade USA. Frequently Asked Questions. http://fairtradeusa.org/what-is-fair-trade/faq.

Accessed Jan. 28, 2015.

remains to be seen. 5 Local: There is no regulated definition for the label “local.”

Rather, its meaning depends on a company’s understanding of the term and its use. For example, one supermarket may highlight a product as “local” if the company is regionally-based, such as SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington.

Another retailer may define “local” as products grown regionally, such as butternut squash from Plainville Farm in Hadley.

As you can see, there is a lot of information to be found on the packaging of natural and organic products. To learn more about organic foods, be sure to check out the USDA’s handout on “Labeling Organic Products” found at ams. usda.gov. And, of course, if you ever have a question about a label you see while shopping, contact our dietitian team at livingwell@bigy. com. Now, you’re in the know. Get set, ready, go green!

Carrie Taylor is the lead registered dietitian nutritionist for the Living Well Eating Smart program at Big Y Foods. Have a nutrition question?

E-mail livingwell@bigy.com or write Living Well at 2145 Roosevelt Ave., P.O. Box 7840, Springfield 01102.

Would you like to be featured in a future issue of baystateparent?

Send your question to editor@baystateparent.com and you might soon be Dishin’ with the Dietitian!

5 American Cancer Society. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone. http://www.cancer.org/ cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/athome/ recombinant-bovine-growth-hormone. Accessed Jan. 28, 2015.

BAYSTATEPARENT 20 21

We offer walk-in care and scheduled care for the entire family.

Learn more at reliantmedicalgroup.org/newpatients or by calling 844-699-0266.

“Sometimes it’s one of us. Sometimes it’s all of us.

Every time, it’s our Reliant healthcare team to the rescue.”

Bringing healthcare to life.

2215-157 23 APRIL2015 BayState parent brand ad 2015.indd

1

3/2/2015 3:43:18 PM

Coming Out In School

LGBT youth feeling safer/better about coming out to peers, according to new study

BY ALEXANDRA TOWNSEND

Conventional wisdom has always said that widespread social change takes a long time to take root. That’s why anyone would be surprised at the amazing rate of progress that’s been made in America in the past few decades towards LGBT rights.

In 2003 same-sex marriage was not legal anywhere in America. Now it is federally recognized and legal to perform in 37 states, Washington D.C., and within 22 Native American tribes. This change isn’t just the result of new laws; it’s the result of new attitudes. All over America, more and more people are learning about and becoming supportive of other sexual orientations and gender identities.

This shift in cultural perceptions can be seen all around. While a few decades ago one might, in the right setting, have barely noticed that LGBT people exist, today that is an impossibility. In 2015, celebrity same-sex marriages are front-page news, professional athletes come out, and pop stars sing about homosexuality. There are even occasional LGBT characters in children’s media, such as the film ParaNorman or the cartoon Avatar: The Legend of Korra.

So it is perhaps fitting in the midst of this increasing acceptance that life seems to be getting better for LGBT youth, as well. Recently the Family Acceptance Project, a San Francisco-based group dedicated to LGBT social acceptance, released an unprecedented study suggesting that it may now be better and safer for the well-being of LGBT children and teens to come out to their peers in school.

Historically LGBT people have generally chosen to come out of the closet during adulthood, if at

all. Today, teenagers and even very young children often come out as gay, bi, or transgender, sometimes before they formally know what those words mean. Because of the harassment that LGBT people can face, parents tend to caution their LGBT children against coming out to the wider world until after high school. The theory being that it will be safer for them and they won’t be bullied as much later in life.

In the Family Acceptance Project’s study, researchers Caitlin Ryan and Stephen T. Russell found data that contradicted that theory.

They surveyed an ethnically and

“People are more aware now [of LGBT issues],” she explained. “A lot of times they assume someone is LGBT. And even if that person isn’t, they get bullied anyway.” As a result, it can be healthier for a child to acknowledge their LGBT identity and no longer feel that it is a source of shame.

“Children today come out as young as age 7 to 13,” Ryan said.

“There’s just much more information available now. In the past, LGBT people just didn’t have the resources to know what they were.”

These very resources are another reason why openly LGBT youth may

“Children today come out as young as [age] 7 to 13. There’s just much more information available now. In the past, LGBT people just didn’t have the resources to know what they were.”

— Cailtyn Ryan, Family Acceptance Project Researcher

religiously diverse group of LGBT people, aged 21 to 25, about their experiences in school as teenagers and younger. What they found was that individuals who came out at a young age showed much higher levels of self-esteem and happiness later in life. They were also less likely to be struggling with issues like depression.

A graduate of Smith, Ryan has been fighting for LGBT rights for the past 40 years. She said that one potential reason why it is important for LGBT children to come out younger than they used to is actually because of the issue of bullying.

have better self-esteem. According to Ryan, when someone comes out they are more likely to seek out resources about their identity, both for information and support.

Children who have more knowledge about their identities are more likely to understand things like sexual orientation and gender identity as normal aspects of life, rather than traits to feel ashamed of.

Although the results of this study are very promising, Ryan did caution against pushing all LGBT children to come out: “Of course it’s different for every child and their particular situation.”

She emphasized that there are many factors that go into a person determining if it is safe for them to be open about their identity. It can depend on the child’s personality, how supportive the school environment is, and how accepting of LGBT people the child’s family is. However, it’s worth noting that those surveyed consistently showed lives that were improved by coming out young, regardless of economic status, race, gender, cultural background, or the identity they were coming out as. And while this data was based in the San Francisco area, Ryan didn’t feel that it would be significantly different elsewhere in the country.

Ultimately, she emphasized what good parents already know: It is important to listen to, communicate with, and support children, whether they are ready to come out or not.

Families continue to be the most important foundation for building a happy, stable life. It can be very difficult to grow up with an identity that is often misunderstood, feared, or even hated. A supportive family can be the most important factor in making any child proud to be exactly who they are.

Going forward, Ryan said she is cautiously optimistic about the future of LGBT rights and equality.

There are still many struggles to face, like casual discrimination, high rates of homelessness, and the significant statistics of depression and suicide among the LGBT population. But everyday there are also new reasons to feel hopeful.

Everyday there are more people who see the changes in society and come to feel not only safe, but also proud to be transgender, bisexual, or gay.

BAYSTATEPARENT 22 23

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

Photo courtesy of iCan Shine

Nonprofit Bike Camp Ensures Every Child Learns To Ride Photo courtesy of iCan Bikde Arlington

BY WENDY BULAWA AGUDELO

Learning to ride a bicycle is one of the simplest, most innocent joys children experience.

It’s a first brush with freedom — the wind in our hair, the sun on our face, and of course, an element of speed!

Each of us, at one time, was challenged by three- and four-wheel options, ultimately reaching a twowheel destination. Yet the road, literally and figuratively, traveled by each child isn’t always the same. For some, riding a bike is significantly more challenging, and in some cases, a seeming impossibility.

But the impossible is now probable courtesy of a program called iCan Shine, a national non-profit organization based in Pennsylvania that teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle through its iCan Bike program. Now children and young adults with disabilities can learn to ride through iCan Shine events held across Massachusetts during both April vacation (Arlington and Groton) and the summer months (Upton and Scituate).

As host of the Groton event,

Emerson Hospital has teamed with Lawrence Academy, RJ Bradley Bike and Ski, and Jamis Bikes to deliver 75 minutes of daily instruction over five consecutive days during April vacation. Using adapted bicycle equipment, trained professionals — including pediatric physical therapists from Emerson — will work with each camper to help them meet the goal of biking independently.

“Riding a bike is one of the most exciting developmental milestones — it gives people a wonderful outlet for exercise and freedom and is an activity that families can enjoy together,” says Mary Evans, PT, Pediatric and Neurologic Specialist at Emerson Hospital. “We are very excited to give people individualized instruction and the skills necessary to ride a bike on their own and can’t wait to see the tremendous progress campers will make by the end of

camp.”

According to iCan Shine, more than 80% of campers will learn to ride independently, while nearly all will make great progress towards biking on their own. By breaking skills into small, achievable goals and celebrating each accomplishment, the organization believes the iCan Bike program builds the self-esteem and confidence necessary to continue the challenge of learning. iCan Shine was born from a vision and mission to expand programs offered to individuals with disabilities. What would later become the model for the iCan Bike program was created by Richard E. Klein, a professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois. Lisa Ruby, iCan Shine founder and executive director, met Klein when she hosted an event in Virginia.

“Dr. Klein’s son and an adapted

A Commitment That Lasts a Lifetime The Special Needs Practice Group at Fletcher Tilton PC offers years of experience providing comprehensive legal services in a caring and concerned environment. We help individuals and families with: • Special Needs Planning • Guardianship & Alternatives • Transition Planning & Adult Services • Advocacy For more information call our Special Needs Practice Group leader, Frederick m. misilo, Jr., at 508.459.8059 or email him at fmisilo@fletchertilton.com. We’re here to help!

Worcester | Framingham | ca p e co d | www.fletchertilton.com 24BayStateParent.indd 25 APRIL2015

1

3/9/2015 2:17:47 PM

n

g

m

e

t

Photo courtesy of iCan Shine

physical education professional brought the equipment to support the camp and it was like nothing I had seen,” Ruby said. “Eighty percent of the participants were independently riding a two-wheeler in less than 6.5 hours total. Magical!”

Ruby, who founded an ongoing adapted gymnastics program that she still operates today, became laser focused on building an infrastructure to support the iCan Bike program to reach as many children, youth and young adults with disabilities as possible.

The iCan Shine philosophy centers on the belief that choices in recreation should be available for everyone and that fitness is easier to achieve when it is fun. All that is needed is the right environment and proper parameters to meet each individual’s needs. “It is truly iCan Shine’s great blessing and privilege to work with the wonderful, amazing people we serve, as well as their families,” Ruby said. “We would not be able to reach such a large audience without the partnership of our fabulous hosts across North America, as the work they do to prepare their community for our programs is no small task.”

Those who have taken on the challenge, however, have also enjoyed the wonderfully emotional fruits of their intense labor. As a mother and riding enthusiast herself, Arlington resident Nina Fischer spent three years seeking a bike camp for her daughter.

Independently riding a two-wheel bicycle takes an amazing amount of balance and coordination, and finding a camp able to support every child’s pace of learning proved to be a challenge. Eventually, Fischer, a former early childhood educator, learned about iCan Shine (previously Lose Your Training Wheels) from a friend and contacted the organization. iCan Shine cofounder Jeff Sullivan answered Fischer’s call and asked her to consider starting a camp on her own — which she did. Fischer was put in touch with Jane Kleinman, another iCan Bike host who runs a camp in Lindencross, N.J. “Jane was so instrumental and supportive in the creation of the Arlington camp,” Fischer said. “She was my inspiration.”

Armed with personal motivation, solid direction and inspiration, Fischer opened the doors to the first iCan Bike camp in Arlington on Monday, April 15, 2013, which also happened to be the day of the Boston Marathon bombings.

“Arlington was a bubble of love on that first day,” Fischer recalled. “Our campers were unaware of the tragic events as people kept the news out of the camp and away from the children. We continued on business as usual and persevered.”

As the week progressed and multiple cities and towns were briefly shut down during the search for the bombing suspects, communities came together on Boston’s suburban periphery. “Since some of our scheduled volunteers and riders could not make it to camp, I put the call out and other volunteers willingly came to help complete our commitment to the families,” she said. “It was a wonderful way to get through an emotionally difficult week. It was all about good people, good feelings, avoiding the negative, and believing in miracles. There’s so much love at camp…it’s palpable. One minute, our campers are too afraid to even try, and the next, they are literally riding off into the sunset.”

Hosts for iCan Bike programs include nonprofit organizations, local governments, advocacy groups, bicycle shops, and proactive parents who step up to organize a local iCan Bike program. iCan Shine has developed a turn-key system for any individual or organization to establish, fund and execute an iCan Bike program in their town (icanshine.org/program-hosts/).

Fischer said that many local businesses have been essential to the success of the Arlington-based camp, including Boston-based injury law firm Breakstone, White & Gluck, which not only provides a short seminar on bike safety at camp, but also gifts each camper their very own bike helmet. Belmont Wheelworks collaborates with each family to ensure proper bike fittings, and this year, Arlington Recreation applied for and received a grant that was approved by the town to financially support the iCan Bike Arlington camp.

Not exclusive to Massachusetts, iCan Shine bicycle camps are held across the country and throughout the year. Furthering the reach and progression of iCan Shine, Ruby and co-founder Jeff Sullivan have dedicated significant efforts since 2012 to expand iCan Shine recreational programming to include swimming, dancing and gymnastics. The iCan Dance program, in fact, was pilot-tested in Virginia late last year with great success, resulting in two additional schools signing on to host events this spring.

“My passion has always been recreational activities and programs to get people moving, have fun and improve physical fitness,” co-founder Ruby said.

“Part of that is having a choice in recreation since not every person with a disability is a candidate for biking. We know that recreational activities can be adapted to deliver something for everyone. What could be better?”

Registration for iCan Bike

camps often fill quickly, yet the organization maintains a wait list in the hopes of hosting additional programs throughout the year at various locations. To participate, campers must be at least 8 years old, have a diagnosed disability, and be able to walk without an assistive device. Trained counselors and spotters work individually with campers to teach them how to ride a conventional bike. All campers must be able to attend the same 75-minute daily session during each of the five days of camp. Parents and/or caregivers are required to remain on site during their camper’s 75-minute session and can observe from the sidelines.

The week-long operation of such an intensive camp also requires many volunteers. While each hosted event is overseen by two experienced iCan Shine professionals (a floor supervisor with special background in therapeutic recreation and a skilled bicycle mechanic), volunteers who can walk briskly and in some cases, run alongside riders are needed.

Fischer said that volunteers, all of which must be 14 years of age and older, include high school students, cyclists, retired professionals, young professionals an overall eclectic and solid mix of community

members. Each must participate in a two-hour orientation prior to camp.

As a three-year veteran of the Arlington iCan Bike camp, Fischer summed it up best: “Bike camp makes a difference in so many people’s lives — the riders, the volunteers and the families as a whole. It’s really just kind of…. amazing.”

Currently scheduled iCan Bike camps across Massachusetts: Arlington, April 20-24 Contact: Nina Fischer arlingtonbikecamp@gmail.com Groton, April 20-24 Contact: Mary Evans icanshinebike_ rehab@emersonhosp.org 978.589.6774 Upton: July 13-17 Contact: Theresa Ehrlich Friends of Hopedale SEPAC uptonbikecamp@comcast.net 508.473.0320 Scituate, August 10–14 Contact: Peter Gates scituatebikecamp2015@gmail.com 617.308.5941

Beacon Assessment Center DIAGNOSTIC AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

Satellite offices located across

-0587

the Commonwealth (508) 478

Specializing In: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Disabilities and Learning Style Challenges.

The Beacon Assessment Center specializes in assessing children with developmental, learning, and behavior challenges.

Our team of licensed psychologists provides clinical services to children in satellite offices across Massachusetts.

Appoint

ments Schedule d in 30 day s!

AVAILABLE SERVICES: Early Intervention Diagnostic Evaluations Developmental Assessments Neuropsychological Evaluations Educational Assessment & Clinical Consultation Massachusetts Locations: North Dartmouth, Milford, North Andover, West Springfield, Leominster, Sunderland, and Rockland Referral Line 508-478-0587 beaconassessmentcenter.com Most major health-insurance plans accepted.

BAYSTATEPARENT 24 25

Because it takes expert care to deliver a miracle

Bringing miracles to life is our passion at the LaChance Maternity Center at Heywood Hospital. Our expert team of physicians, nurses and doulas, provide personalized attention in a state-of-the-art environment that promotes a tranquil and natural birthing experience, resulting in the lowest caesarean birth rate in the state. And our specialty services – from our post-birth celebration dinner to our rejuvenating spa treatments including relaxing whirlpool hydrotherapy, post-partum massage therapy, music therapy and aromatherapy – will leave you feeling just heavenly.

To find out more about the services offered at the LaChance Maternity Center visit www.heywood.org.

To register for a Childbirth Class or schedule a tour of the LaChance Maternity Center call (978) 630-6216.

242 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 | (978) 632-3420 | heywood.org

26 APRIL2015 27

HWD021_MatAd_BayParJunior.indd 1

7/11/14 10:09 PM

F3 IS A NEW

FAMILY ACTIVITY CENTER

IN WESTBOROUGH

Spring Session begins on April 6th!

Reserve your space in the class of your choice today by visiting www.f3ma.com/classes.

Featuring: OPEN PLAY on our 2-story, indoor playscape and infant and toddler area, as well our soft green gym.

CLASSES FOR BABIES, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

From A (Art) to Z (Zumba®), you’ll find a super fun class for your little one to try out at F3, whether in a parent/child class, or a drop-off kids class.

CLASSES FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN, tweens and teenagers. Our after school programming is geared toward creativity and fitness. Children 5-12 can enjoy art, yoga and Zumba programs, while kids 12 and up can experience dedicated teen barre fitness, teen yoga, and teen Zumba.

CLASSES FOR ADULTS. F3 offers fabulous fitness classes for adults, complete with Child Watch on weekday mornings. Try out our daytime and evening offerings, including barre fitness, yoga, pilates, POUND, Zumba, and more.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES. Look to F3 to provide a unique, ultra-fun and totally memorable birthday party for your child. Our optional party add-ons include music, yoga, and Zumba classes, which truly set our parties apart.

SPECIAL EVENTS. School vacations and special days during the year bring awesome events to F3. From Kids Night Out to Princesses & Pirates to Animal Adventures, you’ll have a blast at our special events.

Bring this ad into F3 and receive one FREE day of Open Play! Expires 5.22.2015 Don’t see the kind of classes you want? Drop us a line at info@f3ma.com.

We’re always working with the community to strengthen our programming.

PLAYGROUPS. Host your playgroup at F3 and receive an hour of exclusive use of our soft gymnasium area and unlimited, non-exclusive use of our jungle gym and infant/ toddler areas. Contact us for information on availability and pricing.

FIRST RESPONDER & MILITARY DISCOUNTS. Active military members, first responders, and their immediate families showing proper identification are eligible for a 10% discount on Open Play and classes.

227 Turnpike Road | Suite C | Westborough, MA 01581

508.898.3362 | www.f3ma.com | info@f3ma.com BAYSTATEPARENT 26 27

Meet Boston’s Master Model Builder aka, The Guy Your Son or Daughter Wants to Be When They Grow Up

BY MELISSA SHAW, PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM PERI

Ian Coffey easily has the coolest office in Massachusetts.

Tucked away in an almost blinkand-you’ll-miss-it spot at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston, Coffey’s corner sports two large windows that allow anyone to gaze in and drool at the room, jammed floor to almost ceiling with LEGO bricks.

His L-shaped desk sports, among other goodies, a Ferris wheel, a broken pirate ship, a castle, the Flash, a small jet, a large four-leaf clover, Thor’s hammer and various creations in a variety of states.

The walls are neatly lined with drawer upon drawer of color-coded bricks of all shapes and sizes — that alone a siren song to any LEGO lover of any age. On the floor and atop the bins rest completed works of LEGO art from which Coffey can’t bear to disassemble: a Boston Strong sign, the Golden Idol from Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Citgo sign, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’s head, and 28 APRIL2015 29

a large Uncle Sam poster. Resting against the wall are 3D hearts left over from Valentine’s Day, sitting right next to a large, note-perfect reproduction of the iconic blackand-white photo of Martin Luther King Jr. in thought. “Once you build something, in my eye, it’s art,” Coffey says. “I built MLK, I can’t take this apart.”

The office may be small, but the clear windows and ensuing riot of color and chaos means very few visitors blink and even fewer miss it. Watch the path by his office, tucked right after the jaw-dropping 1.5 million LEGO brick recreation of Boston, and every minute or so an adult is peeking in or hoisting a child up to look. Coffey, accustomed to the fish-bowl atmosphere, is unbothered, most likely working with a colleague or consulting a design and building a new project brick by brick.

Meet Ian Coffey, the No. 1 LEGO builder in Massachusetts. His full-

time salaried job? To play, create and build with LEGO. (Yes, it’s OK to be jealous.)

Technically 27-year-old Coffey’s title is Master Model Builder for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston, a job he won last January in a twoday, live competition called Brick Factor. Held at the Boston Public Library, nearly 100 LEGO enthusiasts gathered to compete for the Master Model Builder job. All LEGOLAND Discovery Centers have one Master Model Builder and each is chosen through a Brick Factor competition.

Coffey, a Slingerlands, NY native, was living in upstate New York and working as Senate Desk Clerk in the New York State Senate when in December 2013 he got a clipping in the mail from a friend of his father’s who saw the Brick Factor ad and thought of him.

“I messaged one of my good friends who knew how big of a LEGO fan I was and she said, ‘You’re gonna go

and you’re gonna win,’” he says.

Coffey’s friend was so sure of his chances she actually signed him up for the competition, which had only one requirement for entrants: Everyone had to be at least 18.

In late January 2014, he found himself sporting an entrant bib (#68) alongside the other contestants, free-building ideas for the judges’ challenges round after round in the weekend event. The tables were cordoned off, but LEGO fans of all ages crept closer and closer, sometimes 10-deep, to check out what the contestants were building.

And that, it turned out, was an important part of the judging.

“We wanted to make sure the person who got the job really was engaging with the children and got down to their level,” notes Kelly Smith, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston marketing manager and a Brick Factor judge. “Great builder, we want that, too. But we want to make

su as to co th A na sp Af Co m 9m la “ it go ri Se th ev vo th N ca an

Despite a full-time, all-LEGO job, Coffey still loves to build in his free time: “It’s my hobby. If your hobby is working on cars and you become a mechanic, you’re still gonna work on your dream car.”

sure that when the kids come and ask questions, they can really relate to people. All of the judges were constantly circulating, seeing how they were working with the kids.”

After the first day, the hopefuls were narrowed down to 10 finalists, who spent Sunday in the final build-off.

After the last challenges and judging, Coffey was named the winner, which meant goodbye to the suit-and-tie, 9-to-5 world of state politics, not to mention his upcoming enrollment in law school.

“I got into law school and I turned it down to get here,” he smiles. “I got a history degree in college, went right into politics. I worked for the Secretary of the Senate; I worked on the floor of the chamber. Suit and tie every day, talking to senators, taking votes. It was a very, very different job than this.”

Now his uniform is decidedly more casual, a red LEGO pullover jacket and jeans, but Coffey keeps an 8x10

of his former suit-and-tie self on his brick-filled desk.

“You always want to know where you came from,” he notes, pointing toward the picture frame. “I was really trying to go anywhere. But LEGO? Of course.”

Coffey says he was about 3 when he started playing with LEGOs, the age “when you stop eating them and actually want to build them,” he jokes. “My older brother was a LEGO fan. I was on his coattails growing up and I got all his hand-me-down LEGO sets. Pieces in random boxes, half a pirate ship. I imagined whatever I needed to and built my own flying things, did my own things that way. I have that 3D mind, the kind of mind people have that can do Rubik’s Cubes or see things like an architect or engineer, where you can figure out a puzzle three dimensionally.”

“I love everything City-related,” he notes, citing LEGO’s longstanding, popular sets of vehicles and buildings

you’d find in, yup, a city. “That’s why I build modular buildings; I have a 5-foot skyscraper at home.” He turns and pulls out the only other picture on his primary-colored, plastic workspace, a photo of he and his brother grinning, holding up a LEGO fire department building. He guesses he was 5 at the time of the picture and eyes the fire department affectionately. “Old school,” he smiles.

Wait, you have a what at home? “I have a 5-foot skyscraper, elevator shaft down the middle. It’s in my bedroom so I have to duck under the door to get it out,” he grins. The structure is a free-build — his own design, no directions. He’s even found inspiration on his way to work, noting he’s taken features of local buildings and added them to his own personal masterpiece: “I can see something and I can build it.”

The set that got away? “Late ’80s, early ’90s monorail. I was too

young for it. But I wanted the space monorail,” he says. “I never got it.”

Despite a full-time, all-LEGO job, Coffey still loves to build in his free time: “It’s my hobby. If your hobby is working on cars and you become a mechanic, you’re still gonna work on your dream car.”

While many creations from his youth have been dismantled, Coffey has kept all the instructions of his old sets and is trying to put some back together, ordering pieces online if he doesn’t have them in his personal stash.

“I’ll buy LEGO on eBay and when I get them I always wash them,” he says. “I put them in a pillowcase in the washer and dryer. You hope to God it never opens.” (You can also throw LEGO bricks in a delicates bag in the dishwasher.) LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston has a special Brick Wash Room for the hundreds of thousands of loose bricks visitors play with in the BAYSTATEPARENT 28 29

Don’t Miss

The Hidden Gems in Miniland Boston Also: Ninjago, LEGO Movie Attractions Coming in 2015

building areas: “We wash them regularly here,” Smith notes.)

And although Coffey is a LEGO professional, he still succumbs to an occupational hazard amateurs face at home: stepping on stray bricks in bare feet. “I still do,” he says. “I’m constantly pulling bricks out of my pocket. Why do I have this 2 x4 brick?

Because you’re picking up bricks off the ground, you put it in your pocket and forget about until you get home.”

While Coffey can answer most questions about LEGO, one stumper is describing a typical day in the life of a Master Model Builder because, he says, there really isn’t one. One day he may be at a career day for schoolchildren, another he may be doing press or teaching workshops at the Master Builder Academy.

If the attraction is jammed with visitors, he’ll head downstairs to

talk to those waiting to get in or hang out in the main areas and just build with kids. All this in addition to the regular tasks of building new features, exhibitions or models at the Discovery Center, such as LEGO facades for the cash registers at the main entrance or 3D shamrocks for last month’s St. Patrick’s Day. “There is no rhyme or reason, I enjoy all of it,” he says. “There’s a lot more to it than just building.”

Physically, Coffey’s biggest job may be the maintenance and upkeep of Miniland, the stunning 3,000 squarefoot, 1.5 million-brick recreation of Boston and its famous landmarks.

In addition to adding new seasonal features, like a frozen Frog Pond on the Common (the LEGO Swan Boats were removed for the “winter”) or the Patriots Duck Boat Parade through the streets of downtown, there’s the less-glamorous job of

vacuuming the entire thing. He nods at an industrial-grade hand vac at his feet: “That’s the vacuum we use to clean Miniland. It gets dusty. I clean it about once a month, full clean.”

And he’s quite happy to do so. After graduating Southern New Hampshire University, Coffey applied for a job in LEGO corporate in Denmark and got nowhere. He uses the example today as an important message when meeting young LEGO fans: “Even if you want to do something, whatever it is, you don’t get it, people say no, keep trying. I kept building with LEGO and now here I am.”

Head to baystateparent.com (Keyword: LEGO) to see videos of Coffey’s win at the Brick Factor competition, the time lapse creation of Fenway Park, and much more.

Summer 2015 “Building the Pride Inside Since 1983”

Help Your Child Be Healthy and Fit! • American Red Cross Swim lessons in our heated pools • “Gym & Swim” Half and Full day camps • “Funtastic” Themed Camp weeks • Girls and Boys Gymnastics Lessons “Walkers and Up!”

508-792-1551 FREE

Trial Class

New Students Only

30 APRIL2015 31

Dream Believe Achieve

The largest and most eye-catching attraction in LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston is easily the 3,000 square-foot room housing the 1.5-million brick recreation of the city and its famous landmarks.

It took three teams of LEGO builders (200 people total) in three locations (California, Malaysia and the U.K.) 10 months to construct the buildings, attractions and landscape, which were then shipped — very carefully, thank you — to Massachusetts. Once arriving in the U.S., the Mini City of Boston was promptly…stuck in customs.

“Not too long,” adds Kelly Smith, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston Marketing Manager. She can laugh about it now, but at the time it was a little hairy, given they had an opening day to make and builders who designed the models on the way to Boston to put the sections together atop the display podiums and, armed with bags and bags of bricks, repair any damage that may have occurred during shipping.

“If they open the shipping container and something’s broken, they know how to fix it,” notes Master Model Builder Ian Coffey.

While LEGO pros are excellent at “free builds” — making an object with no directions — for major projects, builders use special software that details, layer by layer, how to build a model, such as any of those found in Miniland. However, sometimes builders go old school. Look on Coffey’s desk and you’ll find a

Now Accepting Registration For Fall 2015 “Building a Foundation of Knowledge Within” • Full & Half Day Preschool Programs • Full-Day Year Round Care Available • Kindergarten Program (half and full day) • Experienced & Nurturing Teachers • Music Program • Weekly Gymnastics Lesson

Now Taking Summer Reservations Online

Proud to be a Nationally Accredited Preschool since 2005 508-792-3535

574 Lake Street, Shrewsbury • www.gymnasticslearningcenter.com

C

O

B P

w

$

s

s n

ty

rs

0

, ce

n

a ng

ed

d

er

protractor and LEGO-square-size grid paper, which he uses to determine how to build a sphere out of the right-angled bricks: “The test of a master builder,” he notes.

The long center display podium that spans nearly the length of the room is the biggest draw in Miniland, unsurprising as it houses the majority of the large models: The Prudential Center, Hancock Building, State House, TD Garden and much more than most people may ever notice on quick inspection.

“I think a lot of people see Miniland, they take it in, but they don’t really look at the little corners, the little ins and outs of it,” Coffey says. “There’s a lot going on in Minland. For the first four months of that room being here, I still found things I didn’t know existed. People miss a lot of what’s in Miniland.”

Therefore, he advises, take your time, walk around and really peer into the buildings and onto the streets. Coffey adds tweaks here and there, and the exhibit is definitely not static, updated throughout the year with different themes and subtle jokes. You may see a shark lunging out of a toilet in the Prudential Center. There’s Spiderman villan Venom hanging in a tree on Boston Common. Over the winter, the Frog Pond on the Common was “frozen,” the signature Swan Boats removed for the season. Similarly, the rowing

shells were removed from the Charles River. Last Halloween, skeletons invaded Miniland, week by week creeping across the city, starting by scaling the Zakim Bridge, onto Fenway and beyond.

As for the most popular single model in Miniland, just look for the biggest crowd, which is most likely around Fenway Park. “It is so unique, so incredible you can design Fenway Park out of LEGO,” Coffey says.

“That’s my favorite model, as well.”

Fenway, which took 6 months to build, is also one of 12 interactive models in Miniland; it also functions as a pinball game. You can also play electronic football on the model

of Gillette Stadium at the far wall, race boats along the Charles, and don’t miss Norm and the gang in the basement of Cheers.

And that’s just Miniland. There is, no doubt, a lot to do at the local LEGO Mecca, which celebrates its first anniversary next month, and more is on the way. Last month, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston opened Ninjago Training Camp, an interactive attraction based on LEGO’s popular Ninjago TV series and building sets.

Ninjago Training Camp will reside at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston through the end of this year, featuring a new laser maze and a chance for the brave “to test and

som

improve their Ninja skills in the quest to join Sensei Wu’s elite team.”

Coming later this year will be a new film for the attraction’s 4D cinema based on The LEGO Movie, as well as an updated version of the 360-degree LEGO Factory Tour, the worldwide, one-of-a-kind, interactive experience that welcomes visitors and explains how bricks are made.

Head to baystateparent.com (keyword: LEGO) to read Master Model Builder Ian Coffey’s take on whether parents should push their kids to preserve­— and not break down — their sets.

DIS

eth

ing

CO for VE e R ver yon e

!

NO W !

OPEN

...

APRIL 18 • 2 PM Tickets start at $29

th

Creative play & learning center featuring LEGO® bricks and more fun building toys!

Announcing our 2015-16 Broadway Season Guarantee the Best Seats to an Award-Winning Series

Lego® engineering classes/camps Open Play

Early Subscriber Bonus

NEW LOWER PRICE FOR STUDENT SUBSCRIPTIONS!

Seven Shows + Seven Restaurants = $25 Gift Card for You! Renew or subscribe to all seven smash Broadway hits and also receive a $25 gift card from one of seven different restaurant partners with each subscription.

Camps

This offer is good while supplies last.

Birthday Parties

For full show listings visit our website

Classes

1141 Stafford St, Leicester, MA 508-892-5047 www.buildmeup-playcenter.com

1 OFF

$

TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW (7469) 2 Southbridge Street • Worcester, MA 01608 Present your WOO Card for discounts, points and prizes!

ANY OPEN PLAY ADMISSION

Worcester Center for Performing Arts, a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

EXP. 5/31/15 BSP_April 2015 full page ad.indd 1

3/23/2015 2:46:04 PM

BAYSTATEPARENT 30 31

BSPEarthWeek2015Ad.pro.pdf

32 APRIL2015 33

1

3/16/15

11:31 AM

ON VIEW April 18 through September 6

DAY

Discover a whole new look at the samurai!

Dress as your favorite Star Wars character and join Jedi Knights and Imperial Stormtroopers at WAM for a day of "Force-full" fun!

Sunday, May 17 11am - 5pm

Free with Museum admission

Funding for Samurai has been provided in part by a generous grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation and with sponsorship support from United Bank Foundation Massachusetts.

Star Wars Day sponsor: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care; Media sponsor: baystateparent.

Usagi Yojimbo: Senso #4, cover art, 2014, Drawing Recto Usagi Yojimbo ™ and Š 2015 Stan Sakai

W O R C E S T E R A RT M U S E U M BAYSTATEPARENT 32 33

TOO

Many Storms Many Snow Days

Much Vacation?

Is it time for Massachusetts schools to eliminate February vacation?

BY DOUG PAGE

A

December are likely to be stormier pril’s singing birds, and colder than last year and the colorful flowers and cold may not let up until halfway warmer days might through winter,” said AccuWeather allow parents to forget meteorologist Paul Pastelok, a longthis past winter’s 100+ range forecasting specialist, regarding inches of snow and its resulting weather conditions Massachusetts burdens — closed schools, leaky might encounter later this year. roofs and a troubled public Even if Pacific Ocean temperatures transportation system — but one aren’t warm enough to bring about weather forecaster warns that for El Niño conditions, he says, higher the Bay State, the past might be temperatures in the Pacific could prologue. produce a lot of snow during the Worse, it could start earlier.

2015-2016 winter.

2126NC15_BayStateParent_Apr.qxp_Layout “If El Niño comes, November and 1upcoming 3/17/15 10:14 AM Page 1

This is the time to get your degree Receive a quality business education at an exceptional value.

Nichols College makes it easy for you to complete your degree.

Our evening programs are flexible to fit your busy lifestyle.

With HyFlex courses, you choose week to week what works best for you – in the classroom or online. Get started today!

Summer Session begins May 4th.

Register today at info.nichols.edu/summer15-bp Take classes on campus or online in real time.

GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

800-243-3844 34 APRIL2015 35

BSBA: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration MBA: Master of Business Administration New! MSA: Master of Science in Accounting MSOL: Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

In other words, seven months from now, parents, teachers, principals and superintendents may face the same conundrum they did two months ago — figuring out how to make up lost days to fulfill the 180-school-day requirement while, at the same time, ensuring their academic year is completed

by June 30.

While no one is talking about eliminating the April break, February vacation is being scrutinized. At least two Central Massachusetts towns,

Auburn and Sutton, have eliminated it and one city says it’s up for consideration.

Some education officials, however, are suggesting other adjustments, including a pre-Labor Day start so, if necessary, districts can make up lost days long before June 30.

The June 30 deadline is contractual between the union representing Bay State teachers — the Massachusetts Teachers Association — and the Commonwealth’s school districts, and mandates that the school year

be completed by that date, said Tom Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents.

“School districts that started ahead of Labor Day will not be in any imminent danger of running up against the deadline,” Scott said. He suggests all school districts adopt a pre-Labor Day first day of school.

Having closed schools for eight days thus far in 2015 due to storms and problems with the MBTA, Boston Public Schools faced the possibility of extending its school year past June 30.

As a result, Mayor Marty Walsh eliminated two longstanding holidays for Boston’s public schools, Evacuation Day (March 17) and Bunker Hill Day (June 17), said BPS spokesperson Denise Snyder. As of press time, the academic year for Boston Public Schools will end June 29 barring, of course, any more storms that would force schools to close.

Snyder noted that BPS received more than 4,000 responses from parents, teachers and students to an online poll they conducted regarding eliminating February vacation, as well as other holidays, and starting the school year before Labor Day. “We’re tabulating results and they’ll inform any negotiations or discussions we have with the Boston Teachers Union about possible

changes to the school year,” she said.

Snyder noted that the poll was prompted by the recent snowstorms at the behest of Mayor Walsh, as well as former BPS Superintendent John McDonough, who was recently replaced by Dr. Tommy Chang.

State education Commissioner Mitchell Chester backs a pre-Labor Day start for districts and suggests an even bolder move: eliminating February and April vacations and replacing them with a week off in

the 2013-2014 school year because the local teachers union refused to start the school year before Labor Day. At the time the union was approached about an earlier start, winter storms had extended Taunton’s school year until late June.

“As the year is approaching July, it’s not quality instruction time,” Hackett noted, especially since many school buildings lack air conditioning.

Parents, she said, liked eliminating February vacation and student

What do you think?

Go to baystateparent.com (keyword snow days) & take our online poll.

March, a calendar used by many states outside of New England.

“It’s ironic the State would suggest a March vacation given the standardized testing schedule,” noted Julie Hackett, superintendent of Taunton Public Schools. “The State would have to change the [MCAS or PARCC] testing schedule for that to happen.”

Andover Public Schools abandoned the possibility of March vacation for those reasons, its superintendent’s office said.

The Taunton School Committee eliminated February vacation during

attendance levels were very high, over 90%. The lack of a February break also allowed teachers to prepare students for a number of standardized tests in March.

After the February vacation was eliminated, however, the local teachers union became amenable to starting before Labor Day, Hackett said. As a result, Taunton reinstated February break this year because the district started the school year during the last week of August.

“An earlier start to the school year is a good compromise,” she added.

When asked why his district

will eliminate February vacation starting next year, Sutton School Superintendent Theodore Friend noted: “We were looking for a smoother schedule and less disruption after the New Year.”

While he received some pushback from staff members and parents, overall, he said, most people supported the change. As a compromise, Sutton will extend its December vacation to two weeks.

“It’s far more refreshing for teachers and students,” Friend said.

The town of Auburn eliminated February break this year and next because it’s building a new middle school, which is scheduled to open for the upcoming 2015-2016 academic year. Officials wanted to provide a long summer break to ensure that construction is complete by the time the new academic year starts in September.

Still, Auburn Superintendent Maryellen Brunelle noted that attendance rates during what would have been the February break were very high, at least 95%. As to whether the lack of a February break is a foregone conclusion for the future, well, it’s hard to say.

“That’s not the plan right now, but it’s certainly worth looking into,” Brunelle said, noting the School Committee makes decisions about the calendar.

BAYSTATEPARENT 34 35

Temporal Artery

Thermometer Accurate Temperature with a Gentle Forehead Scan.

A key way to identify the flu from a common cold is the sudden onset of a high fever. The right diagnosis can make the difference in treatment and give faster relief.

k

Preferred by Nurses Preferred by Pediatricians Best Selling Thermometer Accuracy Supported by more than 50 Clinical Studies

Your heating system worked hard for you this season!

• Recommended for the entire family • Fast, non-invasive - ideal for busy moms on-the-go • Use on sleeping child even with an ear infection For more on taking an easy, accurate temperature this flu season, visit: www.exergen.com/pma.

* $7.00 Manufacturer’s Rebate

Treat it to a tuneup!

www.exergen.com/pma

Our family has been in the heating business for over 60 years. Let us keep your family warm this winter.

Name: Address:

Please send this form along with the City: proof of purchase and original barcode from the back of the State: Zip: ComfortSCANNER ™/TemporalScanner ™ package to: Date of Purchase:

Exergen Corporation Rebate Offer 400 Pleasant Street Watertown, MA 02472

36 APRIL2015 37

We Offer: • 24/7 Emergency Service • Automatic Delivery • Competitive Prices • Senior Discounts

Serving the Greater Worcester Area

Where Purchased: *Rebate expires 12/31/16

PMA

752 Main Street, Holden 508-829-0044 • www.harringtonoilinc.com

Adventure Awaits Shake off those winter blues with a mix of fashion and family fun this spring.

Eamonn, 7, Worcester

Keegan, 2, Bondsville

Are we there yet?

I’m hungry.

Charlotte, 5, Littleton

He’s kicking me!

Kylee, 4, Belchertown

Isabel, 9, Norwood

My iPad’s out of battery.

Hudson, 5, Sutton

Camilo, 5, Worcester

Solimar, 9, Worcester

Photography by Shawna Shenette • Clothing Provided by Little V Designs Hair and Makeup by Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy

BAYSTATEPARENT 36 37

Make Waves Ella, Camilo and Kylee know it’s true: Kids can be safe from the sun and have fun with these all-American red, white and light blue swimsuits and colorful cover-ups at any water hot spot.

Left: Snapper Rock Cover-Up (sizes 2-14); Snapper Rock 3-piece Swim Suit (Rash Guard and 2-piece Suit, sizes 4-12).

Middle: Snapper Rock Rash Guard and Swim Short (sizes 2- 8).

Right: Snapper Rock 3-piece Swim Suit (Rash Guard and 2-piece Suit, sizes 2-6).

38 APRIL2015 39

Fairway Fine Isabel and Eamonn look cool and collected in a mix of navy, light blue and khaki that easily combines casual and class in many a spring setting. Left: Jonny O Polo Dress (sizes 4-10).

Right: Jonny O Shirt and Shorts (sizes 4-8).

BAYSTATEPARENT 38 39

Monkeying Around The snow is almost gone, which means it’s time to break out of the winter-long white palette and inject some bright colors into your wardrobe.

Solimar, Hudson, Keegan, and Charlotte are proof you can hit all the family hot spots while being fashionable in a mix of orange, yellow, and playful blue-and-white stripes. Left: Sweater and Beach Pant by Persnickety (sizes 4-10); YOLO Tee 40 APRIL2015 41

by Creamie (sizes 6-14). Middle left: One-Piece Romper by Deux par Deux (sizes 4-6). Middle right: Graphic Tee by Mulberry Bush (sizes 2T-4T); GNU Brand Shorts (sizes 2-5). Right: Kitty Dress and Cropped Leggings by Deux par Deux (sizes 12m to 4T).

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Year-round Learning and Fun Summer at Applewild June 22-July 31 www.applewild.org/summer 120 Prospect Street Fitchburg 978-342-6053

Now enrolling PreK-Gr.8 for Fall 2015

SPRING OPEN HOUSE Sunday, April 12 1:00 pm www.applewild.org/ preregister

You can change the future

for a child in foster care

Like us!

MARE Follow us! @Mass_Adopt #iwalk4adoption Follow us!

Mass_Adopt

Sunday, May 17, 10am - 1pm. Jordan’s Furniture in Taunton, MA Celebrate Adoption with a competitive 5K RUN or family-friendly WALK and PARTY

www.JordansWalkForAdoption.org benefiting finding adoptive families for children in foster care since 1957 www.MAREinc.org • 617 - 54 - ADOPT (542 - 3678)

hint water GIFT Family Services Baystate Parent baystateparent BAYSTATEPARENT 40 41

Slam-Dunk Disney ADVENTURE AWAITS

How to Make the Most of the Magic…And Your Money

BY SARA POKORNY 42 APRIL2015 43

Do

you find that as you’re planning a getaway to Walt Disney World thoughts of soaring high in Peter Pan’s Flight or singing along to the infamous little ditty while floating through It’s a Small World are shattered by other non-magical notions, such as where to eat, what park to go to first, what hotel to stay in, or Oh my gosh, why is there so much to think about?

First, comfort yourself in the fact that you are not alone. Sue Pisaturo, who operates Internet-based, Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency Small World Vacations, knows the importance of such a milestone and even likens it to another big life event.

“It’s almost — maybe not equal to, but on the same importance level for some people in their lives — like a wedding,” she says. “It’s such an emotional vacation. People have very high expectations for how this is going to create magical moments for their families. It’s about creating once-in-a-lifetime memories.”

Yet, is the stress necessary? Those we deemed Disney experts and interviewed said no; you just need to have a plan of attack.

A good starting point is choosing dates, a task made easier by checking Touring Plans (touringplans.com, $12.95 for a one-year subscription), a Website that features a very accurate Crowd Calculator.

The data-driven tool predicts how busy each park will be every day of the year on a 1-to-10 scale, 1 being the least crowded and 10 representing the most packed. It also lists park hours, Extra Magic Hours, and any special events that may affect your visit on any given day.

Holiday weeks are obviously busy, as is the week between Christmas and New Years and spring break time from mid-March until April. As for good times to visit, Touring Plans’s Brian McNichols points to the second week of September, around the time when school starts, as it tends to be one of the least busy weeks of the year.

Once a time frame is figured out, move on to budgeting main trip components. Though it may be

tempting to bundle things, Sarah Stone, who runs the popular newsletter and Disney resource MouseSavers.com, said that might not be the cheapest way to go.

“The main components of a Disney World vacation are accommodations, theme park tickets, meals, souvenirs and transportation,” she says.

“Probably the easiest way to save money is to purchase these items separately. Disney vacation packages are convenient, but they don’t always save you money. If you are willing to do some work on your own, you can

40 square miles, or the size of San Francisco. Figuring out when to go where doesn’t have to be a pain.

Whether you’re a down-to-the-minute planner or someone who likes schedules a little loose, there’s a method to the madness.

Small World Vacations’s Pisaturo highly recommends the purchase of Magic Bands, colorful wrist bands that sync with decisions made via My Disney Experience that help parcel out meal times, Fast Pass+ ride selections and entertainment times.

This still leaves how to schedule each

find ways to save money on all of the primary expenses of your trip.”

Trip costs will vary depending on several factors, but Stone sets the baseline for a weeklong trip for a family of four at $3,000, plus travel expenses.

Seeking out authorized brokers (a list of which can be found at MouseSavers) may help save money on park tickets. Many brokers buy blocks of tickets directly from Disney and sell them at a discount.

“Depending on the ticket, you may be able to save as much as $28 per person,” Stone said.

Some travel agencies offer coupons for on-property Disney rooms for as much as 15% off the regular rate, and they can stack on top of any discounts Disney may be offering at the time.

Park logistics are always daunting; after all, the entire WDW resort is

day, and for that Touring Plans can help. The site provides step-by-step itineraries that list what rides to go on and when.

“You can move rides around, add attractions, put in meal times or a break outside the park if you want to do that,” McNichols said.

Touring Plans’s mobile app Lines also helps keep things moving in real-time at the park. Lines is another data-driven feature, calculating how long wait time actually is for every ride. Guests can check the app for updates and plan which ride they will hit next, and then once at the ride update the app with the actual wait time to help other visitors.

“There are wait times posted in the park, but they aren’t always completely accurate, as Disney errs on the side of caution,” McNichols noted. “Not only is it kind of fun to see how long you waited, it also helps

Modified Mouse: Recent Changes At The Parks

Need to know what rides will be shut down and when? Which are gone for good, and which are new? Stay up-todate by visiting allears.net/tp/rehabs. htm, or take a glance at our list.

several new attractions: family coaster The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a new place to encounter characters in The Enchanted Forest, and Dumbothemed Storybook Circus.

• As of Feb. 25, the Sorcerer’s Hat in Disney Hollywood Studios was completely removed.

• Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom has

• Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom has a new interactive element while waiting in line.

• Among attractions permanently shut down are the American Idol

us out a lot. Our models are updated instantly if your wait was drastically different than what we predicted, which thankfully doesn't happen too often.”

Also be aware that Disney is more than happy to help you plan your trip long before you arrive.

“Guests are able to schedule advance dining reservations 180 days in advance and FastPass+ reservations 60 days in advance [if staying on a Disney property] or 30 days in advance [if staying off-property],” says Jodi Grundig of Natick, a member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel, an online forum in which readers can submit questions to an array of panelists, who run the gamut from moms to grandparents.

“You do need to book in advance for the most popular restaurants and attractions [especially during the busy season]. Make planning these things a family affair — that way the kids will feel like they are part of the process.”

That said, it’s also understood that not everything is set in stone.

“How are you supposed to know exactly where you’ll want to eat and on what day six months in advance?

You most likely don’t, but make the reservations anyway,” Touring Plans’s McNichols advises. “You can always cancel them.”

Taking a day outside of Disney — without sacrificing the magic — is also cost efficient, and something Carol Geary of Shrewsbury recommends.

“Plan a day outside the parks, but on Disney property, so you get the Disney feel,” says the mother of four, whose family has visited Disney 12 times in the past 15 years. “For example, we would rent family bicycles that fit four and ride around the Board Walk resort area to the Beach Club resort and have ice cream at Beaches and Cream.

We’d plan a character dinner at the Contemporary Resort and ride the monorails and visit the great arcade there.”

Overall, and in times of great planning distress, Small World Vacations’s Pisaturo pointed out that you need to remember one thing: “It’s Disney. No matter what you do, it’s going to be great.”

Experience and Backlot Tour in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

• Some attractions will be temporarily shut down this year: Voyage of the Little Mermaid in Disney’s Hollywood Studios from July 7- 10; Liberty Square Riverboat in Magic Kingdom from Aug. 4- 10; Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom from April 13- May 5; and Pirates of the Caribbean from May 11- Sept. 25.

BAYSTATEPARENT 42 43

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Massachusetts Moms Share Their Best Disney Advice snack while waiting in line, so we'd open the packs and grab a snack. It was perfect. I do not go to Disney without using this service now. Our last trip we even had a few adult beverages delivered. After all, we're on an adventure, too!

“Pack your patience! You will be hot and tired and dealing with huge crowds. Take deep breaths and remember to enjoy. When it isn't fun anymore, take a break and go swimming.”

— Michelle Larose, North Grafton

I call Disney about once a month to see if my paid-for package qualifies for any additional discounts. The second time we went to Disney they announced free dining for our dates, so I called and saved about $1,000!

“Share meals and eat at places that made that easy, like the Electric Umbrella in Epcot at the Land Pavillon. There are so many choices from sandwiches to hot and cold entrees and we would share our meals.”

— Carol Geary, Shrewsbury “Take a colorful scarf with you and tie it on your stroller.

This saved me so much time searching for my rented stroller in the sea of other rented strollers! I would just quickly look for that bright blue scarf once we exited a ride/ show and quickly was able to find it so we could jump back into the fun!

— Courtney Brillant, Natick “Sometimes characters will come out and watch the fireworks down in the Pete's Silly Sideshow area [in Magic Kingdom]. We took a chance on our last trip and went down to this area to check it out and, sure enough, they were out and we were there with maybe two other families. We basically had the characters all to ourselves.”

— Amy Randell, North Grafton “If you're staying on a Disney property, chances are the hotel's gift shop will feature Duffy, Mickey's Teddy Bear, and the chance to dress him for the day. My daughter dove into his chest of clothes, dressed him up and had a certificate featuring her efforts for everyone to see!”

— Kellie Carrara, Franklin

I find out about discounts, etc. at a few sites — disboards.com and wdwinfo.com are two of my favorites. There are also hundreds of Disney groups on Faceboook where you can ask questions and get immediate answers from other travelers.

“The best time to go is in May, low crowds and pricing is moderate.”

— Alicia Gemme, Sutton “Consider buying the photo plan [Disney PhotoPass]. It was so nice not to carry my big camera around. Plus, most of the character photo packages were included! We would just scan our PhotoPass card and then a few weeks after the trip I ordered the CD of all the pictures.”

— Jessica Aucoin, Millbury “A Disney vacation is not a relaxing vacation, it's an adventure. As soon as you have that mind set, you will have an amazing time.

Get groceries delivered! When I first heard this I thought it was crazy. Then I tried it. A case of water, some packages of crackers, chips, pretzels, etc. Every day we'd throw some in the backpacks and by the end of the day they'd be gone. There is no way to buy a water or a

Please Join Us RC Auction - May 3rd Doors Open at 8am Auction Starts at 11am To be held at

Vivian’s Cafe

184 West Boylston St. West Boylston

Save money by booking the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That seems to be the cheapest time to go and the least busy with some great weather. Plus you get to watch the World transform from fall to Christmas and even get some great Christmas photos!”

— Diana Antul, Templeton “Bring water bottles and hand-held misting fans, all counter service restaurants give free ice water.

Buy ponchos at home to bring. It will rain in summer and won’t cost as much as buying in parks.”

— Ellen Pecia, Holyoke

“Some people take plastic baggies with them in a waist bag or backpack. Wallets and cell phones can go in the baggie before getting on a water ride to keep everything dry. Works wonderfully.

Let us take the stress out of planning your

magical Disney Vacation!

Planning is free when you book a vacation with us. If there is a better promotion announced during your dates of travel, we will get you the savings if your trip is booked with us!

Free Admission with this Ad

(in Plaza with Salter College/Planet Fitness)

244 West Boylston St. (Rt. 12) West Boylston | 774-261-8191 www.turn4hobbies.com | turn4rc@hotmail.com 44 APRIL2015 45

*If there is a promotion announced during the dates of a client’s travel, Richele will get them the savings-as long as they have not traveled yet*

du su yo

(d th ru ca pi th ‘g ou be fo

T us th pa be at pe al do sh ki w ke

pr or St

o

y s,

h

You have up to 2 hours (depending on the season) after the park closes to leave. The buses run that long for guests, plus you can take your time for some great pictures without a lot of people in them. Cast members will sort of ‘guide’ you as to which way to go out of the park, but you can stay behind the crowds and waiting time for the crowded bus stops.

Take a small fleece blanket to use as a cushion when sitting on the curbs when waiting for the parades to begin, or on the metal benches when watching the shows at Disney. It will keep the cold from penetrating your bottom. It will also be useful when the sun goes down and the wind picks up, as a shawl to keep your shoulders or kids warm. We saw some people with them covering their heads to keep warm.

If you have forgotten a prescription or personal health or beauty item, call Turner Drug Store, who will deliver your items

Some recommend buying your souvenirs very early in the day and putting them in a locker. After the fireworks, you can get them out of your locker and avoid the busy shops. Plus, without all the other people in the store, you can get a better view of what is being sold and you don't have to worry so much about losing your kids.

Your belongings will be searched (purses, diaper bags, backpacks) when you enter any park. Be prepared for this.

— Diane Kieras-Ciolkos, Hadley

Head to baystateparent.com (keyword: Disney) for more mom tips.

n

A day camp for boys and girls ages 5 – 15

NI

ER F E

Y

If you don’t have free space in your luggage for all the stuff you buy during the visit, go to the Mailboxes Etc. (just ahead of Crossroads shopping mall next to Sheraton Hotel on 535) and buy a box, pack it and mail it at the post office on the other side of the strip mall.

SU

for a $5 extra charge on the whole order (407-828-8125).

MM

NN

e

Bring an empty suitcase or duffle bag that you can fold into a suitcase to use for souvenirs that you might buy.

AN

r

ADVENTURE AWAITS

VERSAR

WE ARE CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF THE SUMMER FENN EXPERIENCE! • Swimming, Arts, Sports, Adventure, Nature & More • Drama & Musical, Soccer, Day Tripper, Robotics, Video, Golf, Woodworking, Photography, Ceramics & More • Exceptional Dedicated & Creative Staff • Hot lunches and Transportation • Located on the beautiful Fenn School campus in Concord, MA

UPCOMING • Open House, April 11th 2-4pm EVENTS • Spring Fling, May 17th

Join us and see how you can give them the best summer ever!

Don't get caught in the rain!

on

s,

ke

n es

.

*

“Bringing Boutique Back”

Little V Designs a children’s boutique

5 Milk Street, Westborough, MA 508-836-5458 • www.littlevdesigns.com

Visit us online at www.summerfenn.org or call 978-318-3614 BAYSTATEPARENT 44 45

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Special Offer!!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select

Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights 6/16/15 to 8/27/15.

Contact me today to help plan your next Disney vacation!

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner 100% Free Services Include: ª Custom Itineraries ª FastPass+ Selections ª Advanced Dining Reservations ª Magical Express Transportation ª Discount Monitoring ª Theme Park Tickets

Laura Bourget MickeyTravels, LLC

508-868-6718 lbourget@mickeytravels.com • www.mickeytravels.com

A custom, personalized experience is all part of our free service!

46 APRIL2015 47

KARATE • JUJITSU • AEROBIC KICKBOXING AUTISM MARTIAL ARTS

THE SHREWSBURY CHILDREN’S CENTER Celebratingover over 30 30 years Celebrating yearsofofcare care

$99

Now Enrolling Infant, Preschool

Now&Enrolling Infant, Preschool Pre-kindergarten Programs! & Pre-kindergarten Programs!

2 Mon/2thPsrice

Uniform 1 ts Only en New Stud uJitsu J & Karate

Now Enrolling Full Day Kindergarten Fall 2015

Now Enrolling Full Fall 2015!

Call Day to setKindergarten up a visit. setup a visit.

InfantCall (from to 12 wks) • Toddler • Preschool Pre-Kindergarten • Full Day Kindergarten

Celebrating over 30 years of (from care 12 wks) • Toddler • Preschool Infant Conveniently located in Shrewsbury

Pre-Kindergarten • FullAve. Day •Kindergarten 138 North Quinsigamond 508-755-3922 Now Enrolling Infant, Preschool & Pre-kindergarten Programs!

VisitConveniently us at www.shrewsburychildren.com located in Shrewsbury

Now Enrolling Full Day Kindergarten Fall 2015!

138a North Call to setup visit. Quinsigamond Ave.

AUTISM PROGRAM

• 508-755-3922

Visit us• at www.shrewsburychildren.com Infant (from 12 wks) • Toddler Preschool Now Accepting Pre-Kindergarten • Full Day Kindergarten New Students!

Celebrating over 30 years of care Conveniently located in Shrewsbury

www.HorizonKarate.com 138 North Quinsigamond Ave. • 508-755-3922 Now Enrolling Infant, Preschool 508-852-3333 360 West Boylston St., West BoylstonPrograms!

MA 01583 & Pre-kindergarten Visit us at www.shrewsburychildren.com

Now Enrolling Full Day Kindergarten Fall 2015!

Call to setup a visit.

Academic Excellence, Community & Diversity Infant (from 12 wks) • Toddler • Preschool Pre-Kindergarten • Full Day Kindergarten

Conveniently located in Shrewsbury 138 North Quinsigamond Ave. • 508-755-3922

Visit us at www.shrewsburychildren.com

AVALANCHE PLAY SET Regular Price $3,010 25% OFF

Sale Price

$2,250

$199

Installation Sale ends 4/30/15

The Chestnut Hill School Thursday,November April 16 from to 10:30pm am OPEN HOUSE Sunday, 2, 8:30 1:00-3:00

Beginners (Age 3) to Grade 6 Co-Educational Financial Aid Program Exceptional Secondary School Placement Afterschool Extended Day 428 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-1229 617-566-4394  fax: 617-738-6602 WWW.TCHS.ORG

Northboro 6 Belmont St. (Rt 9)

508-769-9874 508-754-9399

Next to Lexus of Northborough

www.BAMASS.com BAYSTATEPARENT 46 47

ADVENTURE AWAITS

New Horizon Karate & More

ADVENTURE AWAITS

So, You Think You Know Everything About Faneuil Hall?

BY KATHY SLOAN

If you stand on the cobblestone streets in and around Faneuil Hall Marketplace and close your eyes you can almost hear the clip-clop of horses and merchants selling their wares, and feel the energy of our forefathers as they protested the Sugar Act of 1764 and established the “No taxation without representation” doctrine. Located along the Freedom Trail and rich in its own history, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the go-to destination in Boston not only for tourists, but for locals too.

“The area is loved by Bostonians. They take great pride in Faneuil Hall. It has a lot of meaning for so many,” says Carol Troxell, President of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace Merchant’s Association. Do you call it Faneuil Hall or Quincy Market? Either way, you’re correct. Today, the area known as Faneuil Hall Marketplace is actually made up of four places: Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market.

Faneuil Hall: Waterfront Property?

Faneuil Hall, once situated on the waterfront where boats could easily dock to drop off goods, was a gift from Peter Faneuil, a wealthy merchant who donated the money for the construction of the marketplace in the mid-1700s. For years, the stalls inside the hall bustled with activity as farmers sold crops and livestock and was a hub of activity.

Most people may be surprised to learn that Faneuil Hall was originally waterfront property before the bay was filled in with gravel. The bay had been used as a dumping ground for trash and posed a threat to public health. It took 50 years and nine train cars per day to dump gravel into the ocean and create the landscape we’re all familiar with today.

In 1826, after the bay was filled in, the area expanded to include Quincy Market, named after Boston Mayor Josiah Quincy. The market was a popular place for merchants until the mid-1900s, but by the 1970s the 48 APRIL2015 49

buildings were so dilapidated that they had become slated for demolition. In 1976, Mayor Kevin White enlisted developer Jim Rouse and architect Benjamin Thompson to reimagine the market, and the face of Boston was changed forever.

Historic Block The area around Faneuil Hall, known as Blackstone Block, is one of Boston’s original settlements with its streets and boundaries still intact. The block was established around Faneuil Hall and housed butchers, leather traders, a carpentry shop, and restaurants.

Today, the Union Oyster House, the oldest restaurant in Boston, not to mention the U.S., opened in 1826 and remains a popular place for Bostonians.

Also in the neighborhood is the Ebenezer Hancock House (10 Marshall Street) built in 1767, the site of important military rendezvous during the revolution. Once hidden in the house was $2 million dollars in French Crowns. “The money was a gift from the French to help finance the Revolutionary War,” explains Sam Jones, Creative Director of the Freedom Trail Foundation.

The house is the last remaining in Boston associated with John Hancock, who owned it. However, its resident was Hancock’s younger brother, Ebenezer, who was Deputy Paymaster General of the Continental Army. According to The Bostonian Society, the house “is one of the few downtown residences surviving from the late 18th century. From 1798 to 1963 the country’s oldest continuously run shoe store occupied the building’s first floor.”

Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends The next time you take your family to the Marketplace, impress them by pointing out the Golden Grasshopper weathervane that sits perched on top of Faneuil Hall’s cupola.

It’s the only remaining artifact from the

or co Dr gr m Ex gr ca w 17 I or of gr pa be Co an ou co w A M Ho m on co m He 16 m of pr tr ab ar Ci ar ot op bu no (6

A si ha ho th su fis lit fo aTr be ge of fo Co fo P of

Food and Shopping After you’ve done some sightseeing, stop in at the great food hall inside Faneuil Hall Marketplace, home to international food vendors that serve everything from chowder, sushi, cupcakes, smoothies, fresh fish, organic salads, and more. Quite literally, you can find something for everyone. “It’s truly a one-ofa-kind, world-famous, food hall,” Troxell says. Some merchants have been doing business there for three generations, since the revitalization of the area, she notes, and many food chains such as Au Bon Pain and Colombo Yogurt got their start in the food hall.

Pizzeria Regina, now a chain, is one of the remaining original vendors

and is still one of the most popular.

This location was the chain’s second shop — the original is over in the nearby North End. Kilvert & Forbes Bakeshop, also an original vendor, was co-founded in 1976 by former U.S. Massachusetts Senator and current Secretary of State John Kerry. The shop, named after the mothers of Kerry and his business partner, sells giant cookies, whoopie pies, brownie and more. Kerry sold the shop in the 1980s, but he is apt to stop in if he’s in town.

In addition to the food hall, there are many sit down restaurants including Cheers, Dick’s Last Resort, Ned Devine’s, and the oldest restaurant in Quincy Market, Durgin Park, which opened in the 1800s.

Quincy’s Place, located under the rotunda, is kid friendly, offering burgers, hot dogs, and more.

The North and South marketplaces offer a variety of stores with more than 100 merchants providing everything from apparel to housewares. One of the original merchants, located in the North Market, is the ever-popular Geoclassics, selling jewelry, meteorites, fossils, and other unique items. Also located in the North Market is one of the newest shops, Make Way for Ducklings, featuring books, toys, and gifts. Kids also love to browse the more than 50 pushcart vendors located in and around the marketplace.

is the BEST Place for April Vacation Fun!

ADVENTURE AWAITS

original 1742 structure. Peter Faneuil commissioned coppersmith Shem Drowne to create that copper gilded grasshopper; the weathervane was made to match that at the Royal Exchange in London. Inside the grasshopper’s stomach is a time capsule put there by the blacksmith who refurbished it after the fire of 1763.

In Faneuil Hall Plaza search for the original Boston Harbor Shoreline of 1630. There is a marker on the ground, engraved in granite, just past the Samuel Adams statue behind Faneuil Hall towards Congress Street. Notes Jones: “Keep an eye out for squiggly lines and outlines of fish skeletons on the cobblestones, as those represent where the water was.”

A real hidden gem at the Marketplace is The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company museum and library located on Faneuil Hall’s 4th Floor. The company is the oldest chartered military organization in the Western Hemisphere. Its charter, granted in 1638, had the purpose of preparing members to serve as military officers. Today it serves to help preserve historic and patriotic traditions. “Not many people know about the museum, but it’s full of artifacts from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars,” Jones says. On display are firearms, swords, artifacts, and other memorabilia. The museum is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday but is known to close without notice, so call before heading over (617.227.1638).

4/20 Mad Science 1:00 & 2:00 PM Witness mesmerizing science experiments exploring gravity and motion in a mind-bending interactive show.

4/21 Rigamajig 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Tinker, build and invent creative contraptions with planks, wheels, pulleys, rope, and nuts and bolts.

4/22 Happy Earth Day! 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM See an interactive family comedy about trash and recycling and try activities exploring conservation.

4/23 Animal Experiences 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Have close encounters with furry friends, slithering snakes and other incredible creatures.

4/24 Farm Friends 1:00 - 3:00 PM Join RI farmers to meet goats, sheep, rabbits and other farm animals.

All programs are free with $9.00 Museum admission; always free for Museum members.

Visit www.ChildrenMuseum.org for a full calendar of events.

100 South Street • Providence, RI 02903 • (401) 273-KIDS (5437) • www.ChildrenMuseum.org

Upcoming Events Kids of all ages enjoy the free street performances. Musicians, magicians, jugglers, and acrobats entertain visitors from spring until fall. “Our outdoor space comes alive in May with our world-renowned street performer program. Each year we bring on new talent to keep it fresh,” Troxell says.

Have a talent? Consider trying out to be a street performer at the marketplace. In May, the organization will hold its annual auditions. Similar to TV competition shows, the auditions are open to the public. Check faneuilhallmarketplace.com for details. “There is a panel of judges, and the crowd reactions help determine which performers we bring on for the season,” Troxell explains.

877-571-7469

BAYSTATEPARENT 48 49 Untitled-2 1

3/12/2015 1:22:47 PM

RE U T N E ADV AITS AW

Celebrate 250 Years

of Family Fun in North Conway!

ConwayScenic.com • (800) 232-5251

Experience old-fashioned train rides • All departing from our 1874 station in North Conway Village, NH • Children under 4 ride FREE in coach!

• Well-behaved dogs always welcome • Excursions from 1 to 5 hours

n north conway!

1 mile from downtow • NEW THIS SEASON: A KIDS COURSE! • Mountain coaster • Aerial Adventure Park with two 400-ft. zip lines • Summer Tubing Cranmore Mountain the White Mountains favorite summer attraction - is located only 1 Mile from downtown North Conway, making us a great choice for full days of summer fun for everyone in your family.

Join us for:

• Giant Swing • Spider Mountain • Soaring Eagle Zipline • Bungy Trampoline • Summit Chairlift Rides & hiking trails • lunch at the meister hut • climbing wall • open mid-may to columbus day

Plan your visit at

cranmore.com or call 1-800-SUN-N-SKI

Drive, Tour & Explore the Legendary Mt. Washington Auto Road

Enjoy North Conway at Family Friendly • 5000 Sq. Ft. Indoor Water Park • 15min to Storyland Theme Park • Walk to Shops and Restaurants

• Children’s Activites • WiFi • Hot Breakfast

FREE

Hampton Inn and Suites North Conway 1788 White Mountain Highway North Conway, NH northconwaysuites.hamptoninn.com

603.356.7736 50 APRIL2015 51

1 Mount Washington Auto Rd Route 16, Gorham, NH (603) 466-3988 MtWashingtonAutoRoad.com

North Conway Named a Top U.S. Destination for 2015

BY SARA POKORNY

T

hough there are 27 towns and villages that make up Mount Washington Valley, one has grabbed travel experts’ attention time and time again, resulting in yet another recent accolade: a Top U.S. Destination for 2015 by Lonely Planet, the largest travel guide book publisher in the world. North Conway, N.H., has also been named one of the 15 prettiest winter towns

by Yankee Magazine, among the top 25 ski towns worldwide by National Geographic, and the top affordable ski destination by Trip Advisor. Its formula for success is simple: Have something for everyone, and have it all the time.

Lonely Planet taps its writers to determine what destinations make the list. Writers, who are constantly on the road throughout the nation researching, nominate cities and towns, and an editorial team narrows the list to 10.

“North Conway was chosen as it's in the heart of the White Mountains and, although a small town, is a dynamic hub for yearround adventure,” said Rana Freedman, Director of Marketing, U.S. at Lonely Planet. “Whether it is skiing, hiking, lazy canoe rides or leaf peeping, there is something for everyone in this quintessential New England village, especially those with children. A few standout features are that it's the starting point for scenic rail service through the Whites, and it's also home to the world-renowned International Mountain Climbing School, which has climbing activities for novices and experts alike.”

“The great thing about North Conway is that it's an ideal destination year-round,” added Regis St. Louis, Lonely Planet’s New England writer, who also contributed to the Best in the U.S. campaign. “In winter, there's great fun to be had on the ski slopes,

while in summertime there's strawberry picking, leisurely canoe rides down the Saco River and old-fashioned fun at places like Storyland amusement park.

And autumn is simply spectacular, with its crisp blue skies and the fiery blaze of colors as the forests transform during the fall foliage season.”

“You have this collection of fabulous recreational opportunities year-round; man-made attractions, natural beauty, a variety of options for staying, dining, entertainment — and it all comes together in one place that’s really very accessible to all of New England,” said Marti Mayne, Public Relations Manager for the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.

North Conway is nestled into an area where anyone from beginning skiers and advanced snowboarders to savvy shoppers and parents looking to educate their children can find something to do. With a

Photos by Dan Houde/Wiseguy Creative Photography

ADVENTURE AWAITS

backdrop of more than 700,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest and Mount Washington — the tallest peak in the Northeast clocking in at 6,288 feet — the view isn’t too shabby either, making North Conway a classic New England spot.

The town boasts a train station, a skating rink in winter, two shopping districts with about 200 stores (all of which are tax-free), and approximately 150 lodging properties and 75 restaurants — to start.

“I love the limitless possibilities for outdoor adventures,” St. Louis said. “You can plan an easy-going day by taking a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains, then spend the next day hiking 4,000-foot peaks in the Presidential Range or going zip lining at Attitash. Nature is all around you at North Conway, and there are so many great ways to experience it.”

BAYSTATEPARENT 50 51

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Those with cabin fever in the midst of cold and snow will find relief in the mountains. There’s skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snow shoeing at places like Cranmore and Attitash. If hitting the slopes isn’t ideal, ride horses or take a sleigh ride at Farm by the River, a bed and breakfast with stables. Always present, too, are Settlers' Green Outlet Village and White Mountain Outlet Stores.

Take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad, which runs between North Conway and Bartlett.

In summer, destinations like Cranmore and Monkey Trunks High Rope and Zipline Adventure Park offer canopy tours, zip lining, mountain coasters and more.

Attitash has the longest single-span zip line in North America. Paddle your way down the Saco River or 52 APRIL2015 53

immerse yourself in nature with a hike at your own pace in places like Diana’s Baths Waterfalls and Echo Lake State Park.

Take advantage of the Northeast’s highest peak, no matter the season.

Mount Washington is known for wild weather, and a summit observatory sits atop it. Travel to the Weather Discovery Center to talk with on-site scientists and partake in hands-on exhibits and lessons for all ages. The best part?

It’s free. All the fun can be had with little ones in mind.

“It’s very much a family destination,” Mayne said. “There’s everything from museums to all sorts of educational fun, Storyland, and train rides.”

Ah, Storyland. Since 1954, the amusement park has welcomed families every summer to visit

Mother Goose and her friends, check out live shows, enjoy classic rides like the Antique Cars, Dutch Shoes and Swan Boats, and thrill rides like the Roar-O-Saurus and Polar Coaster. Now having entertained generations, Storyland hosts so many Massachusetts families each summer, it’s not uncommon to run into your friends from home while at the park.

Forty-five minutes, appropriately to the north, you’ll find Santa’s Village in Jefferson, where it’s Christmas every day. Families regularly return to meet Santa, play the famous Elfabet Game, enjoy nearly 20 rides, check out live reindeer, and more. In 2011, Santa added the Ho Ho H20 Water Park to the property, providing a welcomed respite from hot summer days and an easy way for kids of all ages to

cool off and relax.

If ever there were a time to partake in the beauty of North Conway, this year would be it. The town, chartered by Colonial Gov. Benning Wentworth and home to famed names like Julia Ruth Stevens (daughter of Babe Ruth) and poet E. E. Cummings (who owned a summer home), celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. Several tours of the area are planned throughout the months, with larger celebrations like the Arts Jubilee Annual Pops Concert at the base of Cranmore Mountain and a huge Independence Day party on the schedule as well.

Head to baystateparent.com, Keyword: North Conway, for links to locations, activities, and 250th events.

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Conway 250th Anniversary Events:

May 9: Guided Kearsarge/Intervale Tour at the Scenic Vista.

July 4: Celebrating the Nation's Birthday. Parade at 12:30 p.m., entertainment in Schouler Park from 3 to 9:30 p.m., Chili Dog Eating Contest at 5 p.m., inaugural showing of the Conway Happy Video presented by Settlers’ Green at 9 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

May 16: Guided Center Conway Tour.

July 18: Firemen's Muster at Schouler Park.

May 16: Guided Tour of South Conway.

May 30: Guided Redstone Tour.

July 30: Arts Jubilee Annual Pops Concert at the Base of Cranmore Mountain featuring guest vocalist CJ Poole and the Capital Jazz Orchestra Music Director, and Clayton "Skip" Poole in an homage to Frank Sinatra.

June 6: Guided Conway Village Tour.

Oct. 1: Commemorative Ceremony at the corner of Merry Meeting Hill Road and Rt. 302.

May 1, 3: Mount Washington Valley Choral Society concert, featuring songs from 250 years ago.

May 9: Guided East Conway Tour.

May 30: Guided North Conway Village Tour.

Visit mtwashingtonvalley.org/events/ conwaycelebration.cfm for times, locations and updates.

It’s always 82º in here!

Hotel and Water Park Packages

1800-RJACKET redjacketresorts.com north conway, nh

BAYSTATEPARENT 52 53

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Secret Savings:

New England Whaling Museum

How to Get the Most Out of Your Museum or Zoo Membership

No

matter what the economy, we all want to get the most for our money.

Purchasing a museum or zoo membership for a family is a big investment, and one of the best ways to get the most from that is to take advantage of the reciprocity that is part of that membership. Reciprocity means that once you belong to one museum or zoo, the entrance fee is waived when you visit another participating museum.

“My sister lives in Pennsylvania near Zoo America and we have a membership to the Roger Williams Zoo,” says Eric Trotta of Milford.

“When we visit her we can go to the zoo there, and we’ve traveled all over going to different zoos without having to pay the entrance fee. We went to the Philadelphia Zoo, the Bronx Zoo and even the Granby Zoo in Quebec. We love to go to the zoo in the winter. As long as there isn’t too much snow on the ground, it is usually very empty and still lots of fun.”

Many zoos, like Zoo New England near Boston and the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, belong to the 54 APRIL2015 55

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a national organization that ensures that zoos are caring for their animals properly, coordinates conservation efforts, and provides professional development training for zookeepers. In addition, AZA zoos and aquariums provide free and reduced entrance fees to each other’s members. Other AZA-member zoos in Massachusetts include Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro and Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

“We buy a museum membership every year,” says Katherine Lee of Acton. “We just got a museum membership to the Science Museum [Museum of Science in Boston] and used it a few times there, but then used it again while out on the West Coast at a family wedding. We went to the Pacific Science Center, Portland Zoo, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the Evergreen Aviation Museum. This paid for our membership.”

“Reciprocal memberships give museums broader outreach to expand your learning. It helps get people to visit your museum from other parts of the state and the whole country,” notes Leslie Galluzzo,

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum

Zoo New England

Scott Erb Photography

BY MICHELE BENNETT DECOTEAU

Development and Membership Associate at the Springfield Museums & Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. “Reciprocal membership is a huge money saver.

You get access to so much more education and learning, but with any great museum visit, you walk away with a great experience. This benefit gives you even more experiences.”

Because the Springfield Museums have both a science museum and art museums, they are members of more than one reciprocal membership organization. “We are part of ASTC [Association of Science Technology Centers] and this is available to all our paying membership levels.

It covers science and children’s museums within a 90-mile radius,” Galluzzo says. Other local ASTC museums include the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole and the EcoTarium in Worcester.

Typical of many museums, more expensive membership levels have greater benefits.

“NARM [North American Reciprocal Museum Association] is available for our Patron and above levels,” she notes. “It covers art museums

“Reciprocal membership is a huge money saver. You get access to so much more education and learning, but with any great museum visit, you walk away with a great experience."

— Leslie Galluzzo, Springfield Museums

h

."

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum

New England Whaling Museum

nationwide regardless of residence.

Each membership that pays for this level gets a gold North American Reciprocal sticker on their membership card allowing them access.” NARM card holders receive free admission to many of the botanical gardens, historical centers, and museums of all kinds in Massachusetts.

“It is important to read the fine print,” Trotta notes. “Always call before using your membership at another museum. Sometimes they exclude other museums close to you.” Many times other museums may limit the number of people who receive free entrance. Even if your card admits two adults and four children, the reciprocal museum benefit may only cover two children.

“When you are looking to buy a museum membership, look at the reciprocal list and see if they have anything in an area you have family or if you are going on vacation somewhere,” Lee adds. “You need to make sure you are actually going to use it.”

There are other ways to help your dollar stretch further while sampling the many cultural institutions. Many local museums offer free entrance to specific groups or during specific times. These times and dates are very limited and it is always best to

check to see if this is still correct.

The Worcester Art Museum is one; on the first Saturday of the month, the entrance fee is waived from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Discovery Museum in Acton offers free admission 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. the first Friday of every month.

The Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton offers Free Second Fridays 4 p.m.-8 p.m., encouraging families to attend and get creative.

Nearby Amherst College’s Beneski Museum of Natural History is always free for all ages.

Customers of Bank of America also enjoy free museum entrance at a handful of museums in Massachusetts, including the MIT Museum and the Worcester Art Museum. In addition, a limited number of museums in Central Massachusetts are offering a $2 admission price to EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card holders.

Head to baystateparent.com (keyword reciprocal) for a full list of Massachusetts museums and attractions that offer reciprocal benefits.

ADVENTURE AWAITS

ADVENTURE AWAITS

It all starts here for Boston... but when it comes to the right shoe it all starts at PR Running in Westborough!

Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or entering your first 5K we’re here for you.

18 Lyman Street • Westborough, MA • 508-366-8101

www.myprrun.com

College Costs Are Coming...Are You Ready?

Simply Well Inside Simply Well, our new blog: Take Our Postpartum Depression Risk Assessment

When Thursday April 23, 2015 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM Where Marchand Financial 122 Green Street Worcester, MA 10601

The college funding process is filled with financial pitfalls and potential missteps. College Costs have risen over 1000%.

Most families cannot afford to make mistakes when it comes to paying for college.

COLLEGES ARE A BUSINESS and (wealthy), uneducated consumer is their best customer!

Come to this educational workshop and learn SPECIFIC stops that you can take to LOWER your cost of college...especially if you don’t qualify for financial aid.

WORKSHOP IS FREE, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. What People Are Saying Very Informative! Glad I came!

Excellent mix of information and entertaining stories Michele is very knowledgeable and really knows her stuff.

To RSVP michele@cfaus.com collegefundingarchitects.com Office: 904-625-0299 Cell: 904-465-4627

Just because your child leaves the nest, doesn’t mean that they should take your nest egg with them!

Follow today: www.umassmemorial.org/simplywell Conversations to Keep You Healthy and Well BAYSTATEPARENT 54 55

ADVENTURE AWAITS

on of ho su is sh su lig

6 Tips To Get the Most

Out Of Your DSLR

4

You got that fancy camera to do more than just point and shoot: Here’s how to take photos like the pros

“ im le so en im le “Y a st sp IS tr ev tr tr ca ca th at

BY JOAN GOODCHILD

5 It’s not uncommon to see people toting around expensive photography equipment at everyday events. Many, from soccer moms to classroom parents, are using cameras in the $1,000+ price range to snap a few shots of the kids on the field or indulge in a little amateur photography at home.

That pricey piece of equipment is known as a digital single-lens reflex camera, or DSLR. In the past decade, it has seen double-digit market growth and was the most common type of interchangeable lens camera in use in 2014.

But despite the DSLR’s popularity, many people don’t know what they are doing with their expensive piece of photo equipment. A survey of non-professional photographers conducted by Sony in 2012 found that roughly two-thirds of DSLR users never or rarely take their

Spe cia

l

al! e D

nline O e v Reser Lowest for te!

Ra

56 APRIL2015 57

camera out of full-auto mode.

Another third admitted not knowing how to use their DSLR, and threequarters thought they needed formal education to get beyond using the camera in Automatic mode.

Don’t have time for a class to learn how to harness the true power of your DSLR? No problem! We asked three photography and DSLR experts for their tips on getting the most out of your fancy camera.

1. Go Beyond Automatic “If you are truly a newbie, the basic Automatic mode will take care of you, but the camera will control everything,” said Lynne Damianos, a photography instructor and owner of Damianos Photography in Framingham. “Switch to Program mode to maintain most automatic

features, but to have more control and more menus to choose from.”

“Learn in Manual mode,” advised Louise Michaud, a professional photographer based in Salem, who also teaches photography. “The fantastic thing about digital is you have meta data. You can look on your computer and see exactly how you took a picture, then recreate it if you like the outcome. You can also look instantly at the back of your camera and view how it just came out.”

with the camera, but a full manual is usually provided either on a CD or is made available via download from the camera manufacturer’s Website. Pretty much everything you’ll ever need to know about the camera will be in the manual, but at first read it will seem full of confusing information. However, after you use the camera for a while, and make a few mistakes, it will become clearer. “

2. Read the Instructions

“It’s all about the light!” Michaud said. “Most often newbies focus on the subject and forget the background. Look at your background, compose and take the photo.”

“Portraits are typically pleasing with soft light,” Damianos noted.

“Photograph without flash outside

“Read the manual. Then read it again — and again,” said Bob Atkins, the technical editor at Photo.net, who also publishes his own photography Website at bobatkins.com. “These days only a brief starter manual is included

3. Let There Be Light!

FAMILY VACATION

Includes: • 2 nights for a family of 4 • Up to $40 toward meals • Unlimited admission to exciting Theme Pools see websites for full details & special kids’ vacation activities

HYANNIS • (844) 374-2034 www.CapeCodderResort.com

PLYMOUTH • (844) 374-2061 www.JohnCarverInn.com

Fu Who n for th le Fa e mily !

“ th yo Da

4. Use a Tripod “While many lenses now have image stabilization built in and so lessen the need for a tripod, under some circumstances a tripod will enable you to get the very best images from whatever camera and lens you have,” Atkins explained.

“You can take more time framing a shot. Since the camera is very stable, you can use longer shutter speeds or lower, higher quality ISO settings. You can get a decent tripod for under $100, probably even under $50. While big, heavy tripods are more stable, small light tripods are less trouble to carry and can still be very useful. A tripod you carry with you and use is better than a big, heavy tripod you leave at home!”

5. Consider Composition “Pre-focus on your subject and then shift your camera angle so your subject is not centered,” Damianos advises. “This is usually a

more interesting composition than centering your subject.”

6. Practice, Practice, Practice “Each of us is drawn to different subjects. Take time to practice photographing what matters to you at non-critical times where you are not rushed,” she added.

“Perhaps set up a situation similar to what you want to photograph later. For example, if you will have a birthday party for your son in your dining room, experiment creating photographs at the same time of day that the event will be held, perhaps with family members sitting at the table. Experiment with the room lights turned off and on, using flash or using natural light.

Determine what looks best to you, and use the same combination of room lighting and camera settings as in your practice during the birthday party.”

“Take your camera with you whenever you can and take pictures,” Atkins said. “The more you shoot, the better you’ll learn how to use the camera. You’ll make mistakes, some of your shots will be terrible, but some you’ll like. Try to analyze what it is about the good ones that you like and use that in shooting your next images.”

Traveling Puppet Shows for ages 2-7!

Perfect for: • Birthday Parties • Library or Child Care Programs • Moms Clubs • Special Events (fundraisers, fairs and festivals)

Mention

and rec

ADVENTURE AWAITS

on an overcast day, in the shadow of a house, or during the ‘golden hour’ just before sunset when the sun dips below the horizon. The sky is still bright and there are no harsh shadows. Inside? Try bringing your subject close to natural window light.”

SU P PORTED BY

school vacation

Puppet Festival April 20-24, 10 am-5 pm

Live Performances • Everybody Loves Pirates by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers • Raccoon Tales by Puppet Showplace Theatre Artist-in-Residence Brad Shur • African Adventure Tales by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre • Lollipops for Breakfast by Bonnie Duncan • Peter and the Wolf by National Marionette Theatre Plus live animal demonstrations

by Dave’s Soda and Pet City, art activities, science experiments and more.

FULL SCHEDULE AT SPRINGFIELDMUSEUMS.ORG.

21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103 • 413.263.6800 •

The Children’s Workshop Quality Care & Education for 25 Years

Is it summer yet? this ad

eive $1

your ev 0 off ent!

Let us present one of our already prepared shows, or work with you to create a custom show!

Dawn Sedlier Director, Puppeteer

Puppet Playhouse Theatre

(508) 243-2409 ThePuppetPlayhouseTheatre.com Visit our Facebook Page at: Facebook.com/PuppetPlayhouseTheatre

Summer will be here before you know it!

We have fun summer learning programs for children of all ages.

Westborough, MA (508) 366-2148 North Attleboro, MA (508) 643-3458 Seekonk, MA (508) 336-2677 Waltham, MA (781) 466-8640 Norwood, MA (781) 769-2363

Bring in this coupon for FREE Registration! $75 value when you enroll.

www.ChildrensWorkshop.com BAYSTATEPARENT 56 57

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Expat Parents: Raising a Family In a Foreign Culture

Photography by Adam Peri

Those who choose to relocate to Massachusetts for its diverse population, strong education system and high-tech job opportunities often face cultural and family challenges while adjusting to the New England way of life.

Photography by Amanda Luisa Goodale

BY JOAN GOODCHILD

W

hile so many of us will stay in the country where we were born for school, work and to raise a family, for millions of people worldwide, moving to experience life in another country holds appeal. Every year, families pull up roots from their native land and decide to give life a go in a country with a completely

58 APRIL2015 59

different lifestyle and culture than the one in which they were raised.

According to statistics from the United Nations, there were 232 million people, or 3.2% of the world's population, living abroad in 2013 — and the United States is the most popular destination for those choosing life in another country. But deciding to live, work or raise children here can often come with some adjustments and culture shock for the families

seeking a change.

Known as expatriates, or expats, these international immigrants include Roser Rovira (pictured above), a 43-year-old mother of two boys, ages 6 and 7, who currently lives in Newton. Rovira and her family relocated to the U.S. last year due to her husband’s work. Originally from Spain, the family first moved to Poland for work opportunities when the boys were 3 and 4 years old, and they found many like-minded expats living abroad in Poland, too.

“In Poland, all of the families we met were expat and were in the same situation. We made really good friends,” she said.

But unlike Poland, here in the U.S. she and her family are finding it more difficult to adjust. It can be challenging to make friends quickly with New Englanders who are often reserved at first meeting,

Rovira said.

“Here in Newton there are many families who have been living in Newton all of their lives,” she noted. “It is difficult to get to know them.”

Rovira, who is chronicling her U.S. adventures in a blog at baystateparent.com, said another challenge is curtailing her boisterous and expressive European nature, which is not as well-received in the States.

“We are like teddy bears,” she explained. “We like to hug and kiss when we see each other. No one here does that. I was used to giving someone two kisses, one to each cheek, as a greeting. But here no one does any of this.”

Rebecca Bell (pictured with her family above left), a mother of two living in Berlin, has been in the U.S. for almost 15 years.

Rebecca and her husband are

Photography by Adam Peri

ADVENTURE AWAITS

both from Britain and came to New England on vacation in 1998.

They promptly fell in love with the area and decided to return for a longer stay. After securing an H1B Visa, a specialty visa created by the U.S. government to allow companies to employ foreign workers in specific occupations, Bell’s husband quickly found work in Massachusetts. They soon decided this was the place they wanted to call home.

“We rented out our house in London and figured we’d try it out for six months. Fifteen years later, here we are!” she said.

Bell’s children, now 10 and 7, were born here and are thoroughly American, according to Bell.

“We became citizens in 2010 and made it official. Our kids were born here and are very much Americans.

They don’t identify as British and they don’t belong anywhere but here,” she said, chuckling.

Bell said as a veteran expat, some of her biggest culture shocks now come when she returns to her native land for a visit.

“When I go back to Britain, people now tell me I am very loud. I’ve become more American and more assertive in conversations,” she noted.

From a parenting perspective, Bell said eating is a lot more casual in the U.S., which sometimes leads to uncomfortable expectations when visiting relatives in the UK. “My family is fully expecting my children to sit at the table and eat everything that is served to the adults and to engage in proper conversation,” she explained. “And this can last an hour to an hour and a half. My children are not used to this from living here. They are used to more casual dining time and often eating on the go.”

While Bell feels fully at home in New England, she does say there are some things she misses about the UK, including what she says is a much lower emphasis on children’s sports and activities.

“Frankly, I find the obsession with kids’ sports here a bit baffling,” she said.

Kathy Burmeister, a mother of three in Northborough, has also come to feel at home here in New England. Burmeister is from South Africa and her husband is from Zimbabwe. They moved to the United States in 1998 and like Bell’s family, were also drawn here due to high-tech work opportunities. But there are notable differences from their home countries that they have had to adjust to over time,

Burmeister said.

“It’s different here in that there is more of a consumer mentality," she said. “And there is poverty, but you don’t see it as much. It’s not in your face everyday the way it is in Africa.”

Burmeister’s biggest adjustment was to the climate, which was much milder in her native South Africa.

“When I was in first grade, I

remember we got an inch of snow — and that was really unusual,” she laughed. “Now this winter we are dealing with ice dams.”

Bell agrees. While she usually enjoys the New England winters, this year, she misses the fog and rain of London: “After the winter we’ve had, the mild rains in London actually sound quite nice!"

"Our kids were born here and are very much Americans. They don’t identify as British and they don’t belong anywhere but here.”

— Rebecca Bell

Who KneW

history

Could Be so

AWesoMe!

old sturBridge VillAge sturbridge, massachusetts

Family Farm Fest | april 18 - 26 Wool Days | may 23 - 25 pounD oF Cure | may 30 - 31 FreeDom Week | June 15 - 21 inDepenDenCe: July 4th | July 3 - 5 MAKE HISTORY! www.OSv.ORg BAYSTATEPARENT 58 59

Support and Strategies for Parents of Infants Through Teens

Parenting Solutions • Discipline strategies that work • Sleep and bedtime problems • Changing disrespectful behavior • Helping children with behavior problems in preschool settings

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Tips For New Arrivals Moving to a completely new country with a different culture holds challenges for even the most well-traveled families. Here are some tips for easing culture shock and getting to know people quicker from veteran expat Rebecca Bell: 1) Get out of your house. “You won’t meet anyone new hiding at home! I made it a goal to leave my

house and talk to someone every day, even if it was just the clerk at the grocery store. I read the local paper, joined a church, looked for events on the library bulletin board, and attended evening classes to get connected in my new community.”

2) Look for online support.

“Join your town’s Facebook page and any expat groups for your country of origin. Our Metrowest Brits group has frequent coffee mornings and other gettogethers.”

3) Find a friend to “translate” for you. “I have a good friend who will help me figure out American customs, traditions or phrases that I find confusing. No question is too stupid for her.”

4) Get a secured credit card.

“When you move from abroad, you can’t bring your credit history with you, so getting a loan or mortgage can be tough. Get a secured credit card through a credit union to help build your credit score quickly.

DCU (Digital Federal Credit Union) has been great with us.”

• Keeping your teen out of trouble • Dealing with parenting differences • Solving stepfamily problems • Making divorce work for children Visit our website for more information www.parentingsolutionsprograms.com

PARENTING SOLUTIONS

6 Colonial Drive Suite 2, Westboro, MA 508-366-7557

Sylvia Sirignano, Ph.D. Developmental Psychologist, Director Individual Parent Consultations Marital Mediation • Divorce Mediation Post-divorce Mediation and Consultation

Stay in the know!

Keep on top of the • latest news, • giveaways, • family events • and fun with our weekly e-newsletter.

Head to baystateparent.com to sign up.

60 APRIL2015 61

l i r Ap o r ks w t r A

s p o h

l e v a

r T

APRIL 21-24

2015

Ages 3-17

Take a creative journey this April!

From clay masks and woodblock prints to worldly headdresses and manga, there’s something for every young and budding artist.

Morning and afternoon workshops. Supervised lunch and extended day options available.

Call 508.793.4333 or visit worcesterart.org/vacation-week

WORCESTER ART MUSEUM / worcesterart.org f l n

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER CAMP

Summer Dance THREE SUMMER PROGRAM OPTIONS

OPEN CLASSICAL BALLET CLASS Ages 12 through adult • 7:00-8:30 pm JUNE 9-25—Tues, Wed & Thurs JULY 7-AUGUST 27—Tues & Thurs Ages 9 to 11 • 5:15-6:45 pm JULY 7-30—Tues & Thurs

SUMMER POINTE CLASS pre-pointe warm up, barre and center practice concentration Monday 5:00-7:00 pm throughout the summer. Beginner (at least one year) to advanced dancers.

THE YOUNG DANCERS’ SUMMER DAY CAMP August 3–7 • Mon–Fri, 9:00 to 12:30 AGES 7–12 • 9:00 to 12:30 AGES 5-6 • 9:00 to 12:00

BAW

inc

BALLET ARTS WORCESTER

Jennifer Agbay, Director 508.791.3233 BALLETARTSWORCESTER.COM

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ADVERTISE YOUR SUMMER CAMP Contact Regina 508-865-7070 ext 210 regina@baystateparent.com

REGISTRATION REQUIRED Dance classes subject to change without notice.

BLACKSTONE VALLEY

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB “The Positive Place for Kids”

SUMMER PROGRAM 2015

CAMP YWCA SUMMER

Early Bird Registration!

Save $15.00 per week*

Program Runs From June 22 -August 28 , 2015 nd

• Arts & Crafts • Dance • Fishing • Ages 6 - 1/2 to 13 years • Basic Program: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm $500 (10-week program) • Extended Program: Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm $750 (10-week program)

Credit Cards Accepted

• Olympic In-Ground Pool • Swim Program

th

• Sports Complex • Skate Park

LIMITED ENROLLMENT

CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bvbgc.com 508-883-6363 115 Canal Street • P.O. Box 283 Blackstone, MA 01504

Give your child a summer of fun with exciting day camp activities and themed sessions packed with memories and experiences to last a lifetime!

• Full day from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Transportation from Worcester & Westboro • Beach-front location with swimming & boating • Outdoor adventure & nature trails • Daily swim lessons • Scholarships available & vouchers accepted * fees must be paid in full to receive discount. expires 5/3/15. other restrictions apply.

Camp Wind-in-the-Pines OPEN HOUSE May 3 from 1-4 p.m. www.ywcacentralmass.org

For More Information Contact: Camp Director 508-791-3181, ext. 3019 SchoolAge@ywcacentralmass.org

Central Massachusetts

BAYSTATEPARENT 60 61

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER CAMP

Strong Emphasis on Socialization & Fun!

FREE

Camp Registration ( 15 value) $

& Camp T-Shirt

With this this coupon.

8/21/15.

With coupon.Expires Expires 8/7/13.

NgG h OpEeNnIin 7t OP N 1 E 15th JJU UNE

SUMMER SPORTS & GYMNASTICS CAMPS ~ We Offer All On Premise ~

Boys & Girls Ages 5–12 Extended Daycare Available: 7 am–9 am, 4 pm–6 pm

• Instructional & Recreational Swimming • Outdoor Pool • Foam Pit Fun • Parachute Play • Gymnastics Instruction • Basketball • Softball • Soccer • Arts & Crafts • Group Games • Fitness Fun • Zumba Family & Multiple Full Week Discounts Partial Week Options Gym–Swim Mini Camp Programs for 3–5 Years

Private & Small Group Swimming Lessons

406 VFW Drive, Rockland, MA • 781-878-9155 www.kathycorrigans.com

In th eN EW art c Hopkinton Center for the Arts enter !

Summer Arts Program

Art Dance Film Theater Music

ages 3 - adult

NEW! Performing Arts Academy NEW! Fine Arts Academy NEW! Apple Country Music Together NEW! Band Kamp (Kamp Jamz) NEW! Pre-Ballet camp and lots more!

98 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton, MA 508.435.9222 www.HopArtsCenter.org 62 APRIL2015 63

KA

Starting the week of July 6th through the week of August 17th A.M. Camps: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

P.M. Camps: 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Option for FULL day camp; Choose 1-day or the WHOLE week

Dance camps: 3-day Tumbling (5 years and up) Twinkle Star Dance Camps Frozen Camp (3-6 years) 2 weeks of DISNEY Princess Camp (3-6 years) *NEW* Harry Potter Dance Camp (7-12 years) Also offering NON-dance camps: Lego (5-12 years) Arts and Crafts (4-6 years and 7-12 years) Scrapbooking (6-14 years) American Girl Doll (5-10 years) Cooking (5-12 years) Pirate (4-9 years)

BEST

SUMMER EVER!

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER CAMP

Summer Camps

YMCA OF GREATER BOSTON

As LOW as

$99 a week !

Call NOW to register for the camp of your choice

Central Mass Dance Academy 65 Water St., - REAR, Worcester MA 01604 508-754-2700• cmdanceacademy.com

REGISTER TODAY!

YMCA DAY AND OVERNIGHT CAMPS

ymcaboston.org/camps

EXPERIENCE MARINE SCIENCE

The

WHALE CAMP

at the

Fundy Marine Science Institute Face-to-face with whales, porpoises, puffins and lots of marine life

$40,000 College Scholarships Awarded HANDS-ON MARINE SCIENCE, OCEANOGRAPHY & WHALE RESEARCH ON GRAND MANAN ISLAND BETWEEN MAINE AND NOVA SCOTIA

Free Brochure & Info:

www.whalecamp.com Ask About: STEM Projects • College Accredited Courses • Family Programs BAYSTATEPARENT 62 63

Photos Provided By Earthwork Programs

a

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER CAMP

Family Bonding In The Wild:

Inside Earthwork Wilderness Survival Training School

BY CHRISTINA COOPER

Pretending to have hypothermia is more fun than it sounds.

During a recent workshop led by Earthwork Wilderness Survival Training School, I volunteered to act as if I’d fallen in the lake so I could be “rescued” and wrapped up in layers of blankets and tarps like a fat snow-dusted burrito. Frank

64 APRIL2015 65

Grindrod, Earthwork’s founder, was showing a mother and her 17-yearold son how to tie rope around my body so I could theoretically be dragged up the hill to safety. At the same time, my 8-year-old twins ran back and forth between nearby eastern hemlocks and birch trees, gathering strips of bark and tiny twigs to be used to start a fire. My husband stood on the profoundly frozen lake with two other families, busily chiseling through the ice to determine its thickness.

Snowflakes melted on my cheeks. I was the snuggliest burrito in town.

My son Jack flopped down next to my face to check in. “You OK there, Mom? I’m good at finding twigs that snap. We’ll have enough for your

fire soon.” He ran away up the hill as the leaders complimented his energetic hunting and gathering. I broke character as a disoriented victim of the cold to laugh when Jack suggested the next stage after frost nip and frost bite should be called “frost chomp.” We were so glad for a chance to enjoy ourselves outside as a family after this long, chomping winter.

Earthwork’s Wilderness Survival Training School in Conway offers participants so much more than lessons in survival. Founded by Grindrod in 1999, Earthwork was inspired by the birth of his daughter.

He wanted to make sure she had a community surrounding her that valued a close relationship with

nature. His lifelong interest in the outdoors was bolstered by traveling and studying with native peoples, like the Lakota and Haida, and other community elders around the world.

He crafted the Earthwork curriculum to combine training in traditional survival skills with philosophies of nature and community-building, plus “relentlessly positive” education techniques. The school’s programs include week-long camps, special seasonal workshops, after-school courses and a weekly homeschool class. Workshops are usually held in the Hilltowns and Pioneer Valley.

Earthwork’s leaders don’t just want to teach you and your family how to survive in the wilderness. They want

yo w na “ co ex lik pl ya H ge bu Gr pe th ho w tim “ w af is st na ha Ki ar C of ge a ha of bu Th st di th on hi m co A Ea go at fiv Ro ha

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER CAMP Some of the skills one can learn include: fire making, natural cordage, animal tracking, wilderness living skills, wildcrafting, and identifying local wild edibles and medicinal plants. Programs vary depending upon season, age and interest. you to know you can thrive best when you are in community with the natural world.

“Humans used to be so deeply connected to nature,” Grindrod explains. “Now our kids are more likely to identify a brand logo than a plant that grows right in their front yard.”

He knows many parents who try to get their children outside regularly but are sorely pressed for time.

Grindrod’s diverse courses allow people different pathways to expand their appreciation of nature, and he hopes that attending even one class will inspire a child to crave daily time in nature.

“Building a sense of community with nature is in our DNA,” he affirms. “The aim of our programs is to have everybody pause, find stillness, and allow people to be. In nature, there is no judgment. No one has to be better or more popular.

Kids get to show up as who they are.”

Children as young as 5 can be part of a summer camp. Teenagers can get mentored as Leaders-In-Training, a process during which Grindrod has seen teens “build a strong sense of self-reliance and self-worth by building connections to nature.

The kids learn conservation and stewardship through their own direct experience.” At the same time they are learning traditional handson skills, “Kids feel they are tied to history, to one another, and that makes them feel more supported, confident and connected,” he says.

According to participants, Earthwork delivers on these worthy goals. Selah Axelrad, now 11, first attended a program on fireflies five years ago. Her mother, Kristin Rotas, says, “Friends of ours have had great experiences with Frank

attending his summer camps, so we knew we could not go wrong.

Selah could think of nothing better then spending the entire day in the woods.”

Selah has been attending the weekly Heron Homeschool Wilderness Survival Program class with Grindrod since 2014.

Rotas couldn’t be happier with the experience.

“Selah has grown tremendously while working with Frank,” she says. “She has gained so much confidence. As a cautious child, she has learned to take more risks and believe in herself more fully.

She feels that she has gained the strength and insights needed to take risks while also keeping herself safe. I can’t thank Frank enough for guiding Selah out of her comfort zone and giving her the freedom to find her true voice.”

Families will go to great lengths to participate in the workshops: the mother and son team who helped wrap me up in my pretendhypothermic state drove more than two hours from Vermont to soak up the land-as-community vibe.

Earthwork offers half-day, weekend, and multi-day family and adult programs including Wilderness Education, Emergency Survival, Self Sufficiency, Nature Connection, and more. Grindrod uses an interdisciplinary method of exploring the natural world that includes literature, writing, mapping, storytelling, music, movement, and singing. Some of the skills one can learn include: fire making, natural cordage, animal tracking, wilderness living skills, wildcrafting, and identifying local wild edibles and medicinal plants. Programs vary depending upon season, age and interest.

103 Things To Do Over April Vacation (and the list is growing!)

Head to baystateparent.com for our up-to-the-minute, onlineonly Ultimate April Vacation Guide for a list of fun events, activities and entertainment for the whole family!

baystateparent.com/UltimateAprilVaca

Register for hands-on, outdoor summer adventure at

massaudubon.org/2015camp BAYSTATEPARENT 64 65

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER CAMP

SU

Ju

ne

MM

29

“)ZIV]FSH] MW E KIRMYW

ER

-Ju

ly

SE

31,

SS

20

ION

15

&YX MJ ]SY NYHKI E JMWL F]

Summer Arts Creativity Grows Here June 22—August 21, 2015

MXW EFMPMX] XS GPMQF E XVII

Explore Nature as Art in Week-long Classes for Grades 1–8 Drawing, Painting, Sculpture & More!

MX [MPP PMZI MXW [LSPI PMJI FIPMIZMRK XLEX MX MW RSX WQEVX ”

Special Portfolio Classes for Grades 9–12

Spring Art Classes for Children & Teens

-unknown

Spring Session: April 6-June 8, 2015 After-school or Saturday classes available

April School Vacation Workshops Two-day art-making workshops for Grades K–8 One-day workshops for Grades 9–12 Ask about Homeschool Workshops, Birthday parties & more.

Learning differently demands teaching differently.

danforthart.org

Eagle Hill School

www.ehs1.org

413-477-6000

Come spend time with your kids in our exciting family classes— a rich musical environment that encourages your child to explore the joy of music.

Find out what beautiful music you and your family can make together.

MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TOGETHER. (800) 728-2692

•

MUSICTOGETHER.COM

FOR CLASSES IN EASTERN/CENTRAL MA: WWW.MUSICTOGETHER.COM/BSP 66 APRIL2015 67

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Academic

Programs

3D Design & Printing July 27-31 Multimedia Camp June 29-July 10

Athletic

Robotics Camp July 20-31 Science Camp June 29-July 10 Video Game Design July 20-24

Arts / Theater Visual Arts Camp Session 1: July 13-17 Session 2: July 20-24

Worcester Academy offers a wide range of summer activities which satisfy many interests. Our programs reflect the school’s comprehensive and challenging approach to academics, athletics, and the arts.

Soccer Camp Session 1: July 13-17 Session 2: July 27-31 Sports Camp Session 1: June 29-2 Session 2: July 6-17 Session 3: July 20-31 Programs

Basketball Camp August 3-7 Football Camp July 6-9 Volleyball Camp August 10-14

Evening Basketball Clinic June 15-18

Performing Arts (WASA) Camp Session 1: July 6-17 Session 2: July 20-31 Clay Arts Camp June 29-July 10

Programs

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER CAMP

WORCESTER ACADEMY

Register Today!

WorcesterAcademy.org/Summer or call 508-754-5302 x111

Celebrating 93 Amazing Summers in the Berkshires!

Heated Pool • Sailing • Skate Park • Zip Line • Zumba • Team Sports Gymnastics • Crafts • Pottery • Waterskiing Archery • Judo • Rocketry Golf • Yoga • Guitar • Cheerleading & much, much more!

Enroll Today For Summer 2015

Sleepover Camp Ages 6-17 • Day Camp Ages 3-16 • Flexible Sessions Beautiful Lake Buel Campus Only 5 mi. from Gt. Barrington, MA Follow Us On Facebook

888-528-0940

www.camphalfmoon.com ~ info@camphalfmoon.com BAYSTATEPARENT 66 67

Photo by Lauren Termini Photography

OUT& ABOUT

Bunny Bonanzoo. Stone Zoo, Stoneham.

April 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

68 APRIL2015 69

Photo by Bruce S. Allen

Photo by TMP Images

Photo courtesy Zoo New England

Art for April Vacation. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln. April 22, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

NanoDay. Museum of Science, Boston.

April 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sheepshearing Festival. Gore Place, Waltham. April 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

1 Wednesday

about a magician attempting to regain his stolen dukedom. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Creative Poetry Circle. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

3:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Come share your own poetry or read aloud from one of your favorite poets.

For ages 9 to 12. Free. worcpublib.org.

Full Moon Walk. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Join us for a night hike in the early spring air that will be a perfect backdrop as we visit the pond, make our way through wooded trails, and spend time looking up at the sky. Register ahead. Members $8, nonmembers $10. massaudubon.org.

2 Thursday Supernova Forensics. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Explore the current study of supernovae, the explosive deaths of stars, guided by the Harvard Supernova Forensics team. Recommended for ages 11 and up. $15. mos.org.

3 Friday Astronomy After Hours. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 8:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

Come visit the Gilliland Observatory where on clear nights we will view stars, planets, and other astronomical phenomena, and on cloudy nights, have fun in and tour the Observatory.

Recommended for ages 3 and up. Weekly on Friday. Free. mos.org.

The Great Banana Hunt. The World’s Only Curious George Store, 1 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge. 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Join us as we read an Easter story and then search the store for Easter Bananas during this annual character-filled favorite at the store.

Recommended for ages 2 to 6. Preregister children. Free. thecuriousgeorgestore.com.

Photo courtesy The Discover Museums

Public Open Night. Coit Observatory at Boston University, 725 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Have a chance to observe the hidden objects of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars, weather permitting. Weekly on Wednesdays. Free. bu.edu.

Photo courtesy MIT Museum

Photo by Lauren Termini Photography

Photo by Bruce S. Allen

OUT&ABOUT

Deaf or Hard of Hearing Friendly Evening. The Discovery Museums, Acton. April 11, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

4p.m.-6 p.m. Bring the entire family as you choose from a selection of board games, play against other families, and meet new friends.

Free. worcpublib.org.

Egg-citement. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

10 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Come celebrate the arrival of spring with an Egg Fest where you can meet, greet and take care of chickens, dye your own eggs, and create bird nest helpers. For ages 2 and up. Register ahead. Members $12, nonmembers $15. massaudubon.org.

4 Saturday

Curious Cubs. Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston. 10:15 a.m.-11 a.m.

Conduct early explorations into the animal kingdom as we learn early science concepts and discover the wonders of the natural world.

Register ahead. Members $8, nonmembers $10. zoonewengland.org.

Bunny Bonanzoo. Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hop on down the bunny trail where the Easter Bunny cannot wait for this celebration including holiday games, music, and other fun surprises. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14.95, children 2 to 12 $10.95, children under 2 free. zoonewengland.org.

The Zoo Show. Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library, 40 Schofield Ave., Dudley. Meet some of Dudley’s cutest (or not!) residents. Find out what makes, or doesn’t make, a great pet. A wonderful family event for all ages. An adult must accompany children. No registration required. 508-949-8021.

Eggs-cellent Easter Adventure. Appleton Farms, 219 Country Rd., Ipswich. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Bring your basket and go on the “Egg-cellent” Quest around the farm and learn about the journey from egg to chicken, collecting Easter eggs at each station. Register ahead. Member family $15, nonmember family $25. thetrustess.org.

Game On. Worcester Public Library: Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester.

Beyond the Spectrum. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Explore how the ideas of style change across time and geography in this program particularly designed for children on the Autism Spectrum. For ages 8 to 12. Register ahead. $9. mfa.org.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Nothing beats the sweetly strange original adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl book starring Gene Wilder.

Adults $8, children $6. coolidge.org.

NanoDay. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Take part in this nationwide celebration of nanoscale science, as we enjoy nano-related activities throughout the Exhibit Halls. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $23, children 3 to 11 $20, children 2 and under free. mos.org.

Families @ WAM: Make Art. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Get inspired by our art and try making something uniquely yours during this fun intergenerational time during which materials will be provided. Free with admission.

Adults $14, youth under 18 $6, children 3 and under free. worcesterart.org.

The Tempest. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

The Boston Theater Company’s Teen Touring Troupe brings to life this Shakespearean tale

5 Sunday Idea Hub: Hands-On Engineering. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Explore topics in design and engineering with artistic circuits, 3D programs, and a variety of other hands-on making topics.

Recommended for ages 12 and up. Weekly on Sundays Free with admission. Adults $10, youth 5-17 $5, children under 5 free. mit.edu/museum.

6 Monday MFA Playdate. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15 a.m.-11 a.m.

Bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the gallery as we explore the theme of “Fruits and Vegetables” at the museum. For ages 4 and under. Free with admission. Adults $25, youths 7 to 17 $10, children 6 and under free. mfa.org.

Teen Crafts. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Just drop-in during this informal session designed for teens to relax while crafting. Free. worcpublib.org.

Silver Apple Bedtime Story. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick.

6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m. Bring your child for this program of stories, songs, and a simple craft or activity during this Bunny Bonanza. For ages 3 to 9. morseinstitute.org.

Poetry Fest. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Celebrate the publication of the 2015 Poetry Palooza Anthology and hear student contributors read their poems.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

7 Tuesday ASD Friendly Afternoon. The Discovery Museums, 117 Main St., Acton.

1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Families with children on the Autism Spectrum are welcome to enjoy this specially designed day, with a dedicated BAYSTATEPARENT 68 69

OUT&ABOUT

9 Thursday

photo by George Imirzian

Baa-Baa Baby. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Ewe can help Drumlin Farm during lambing time by helping the farmer take care of the sheep and get a chance to visit with the newest Baa-Baa Babies. Register ahead. Members $12, nonmembers $15. massaudubon.org.

Science Carnival & Robot Zoo. Cambridge Public Library. April 18, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

room available for families to navigate the campus, and provide a quiet space for children needing a break. Preregistration required. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

Light Printing. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Use the sun to print fantastic patterns onto a pencil case. For ages 13 and up. Free. worcpublib.org.

Into the Woods. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Join us and hike the boundaries of the Habitat as we explore the newly defrosted landscape and the revitalized animal scene. Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Register ahead. Members $15, nonmembers $18. massaudubon.org.

8 Wednesday Icky Sticky. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Enjoy this specially designed sensory exploration for toddlers and caregivers. For ages 3 and under. Free. worcpublib.org.

Artfull Play. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln.

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Fill your morning with art and play as you engage with art, materials, the environment, and new friends as we celebrate Walden and Henry David Thoreau. For ages 2 to 5. Free with admission. Adults $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org.

Nature Adventure. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Join us for a handson nature program exploring nature topics through investigations, crafts, and activities.

For ages 5 to 7. Register ahead. Members $8, nonmembers $12. massaudubon.org.

Zumba. Worcester Public Library: Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester.

4 p.m.-5 p.m. Get your exercise in the best way, by dancing to a family-friendly Zumba workout on the big screen. For ages 8 and up. Free. worcpublib.org.

10 Friday Frog Prince. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.

Join us as we re-tell this tale and search the ponds and pools for amphibian royalty while singing the songs of the court searching for His Royal Hopness. Register ahead. Members $15, nonmembers $12. massaudubon.org.

Happy Birthday Goddard. Worcester Public Library: Goddard Branch, 14 Richards St., Worcester. 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Help us celebrate Goddard’s one-year anniversary with a mix of games, refreshments, and plenty of books. Free. worcpublib.org.

Second Friday. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Jump-start your weekend

and unwind enjoying performances, demonstrations, and short talks. Free with admission. Adults $10, youth 5-17 $5, children under 5 free. mit.edu/museum.

11 Saturday Alex the Jester. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Enter the world of the Wise Fool, and take an inspiring journey to medieval times at this Coolidge-favorite performance. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Adults $12, children $9. coolidge.org.

Ellis Paul. TCAN Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. Join this critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and poet as he performs salutes to American heroes in this familyfriendly concert. Adults $10, children $8. natickarts.org.

Build a Bee Hotel. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Attract peaceful and solitary native mason and leafcutter bees to your yard with an attractive and simple-to-make bee hotel. For ages 5 and up. Register ahead.

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

Afternoon Chores and More. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Help us feed chickens and collect eggs, bring hay to the sheep, goats, and cow, and then treat ourselves to a fresh farm snack. For children ages 4 to 12.

Register ahead. Members $12, nonmembers $15. massaudubon.org.

Capturing Prehistoric Animals. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Participants will explore prehistoric worlds as they closely observe and sketch fossil bones of dinosaurs, ice age mammals, and other specimens. For

For more events, visit baystateparent.com

FREE! 3 $ $

Souvenir Cup of Animal Feed.

Expires 4/30/15.

Not Valid with offer Discounts or Packages. BSP4

Looking for parenting support?

UMass Memorial Medical Center and New England Prenatal and Family Education offer classes for expecting women, new moms, their families and support persons.

Call 1-855-366-5221 or visit umassmemorial.org/healthymoms UMassMemorial Medical Center

Š2015 Davis Farmland

70 APRIL2015 71

OUT&ABOUT ages 9 to 13. Register ahead. Members $25, nonmembers $30. hmnh.harvard.edu.

Deaf or Hard of Hearing Friendly Evening.

The Discovery Museums, 117 Main St., Acton.

5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing are invited to this specially designated evening, closed to the public, designed with their children in mind. Preregistration required. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

12 Sunday Animal Craze Mitzvah. Wards Berry Farm, 614 South Main St., Sharon. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Treat your family to a fun day on the farm featuring the Animal Craze petting zoo and do a mitzvah by making pet toys to deliver a local animal shelter. Registered families $10, walk-in families $15. bostonjcc.org.

PJ Pioneers Outdoor Adventures. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

After a long winter, rejoice and hike the gentle trails that wind through evergreen forests, followed by a snack. Register ahead. Members free; nonmember adults $4, children ages 2 to 12 $3, children under 2 free. bostonjcc.org.

Wild About Reptiles. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., Natick. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Come meet some of the species of reptiles found around Broadmoor, including baby turtles and snakes up close, as you learn about our wonderful scaly friends. For ages 4 to 16.

Register ahead. Member adults $12, children $7; nonmember adults $14, children $9. massaudubon.org.

explore the farm from many unique angles.

Members $35, nonmembers $50. thetrustees.org.

Artfull Explorations. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Fill your weekend with art and family through group explorations and engagement with materials inspired by the artists of the day. Recommended for ages 2 to 12. Free with admission. Adults $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org.

14 Tuesday

Chickadee Birders. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Come learn who makes those “tweety” sounds as we focus on spring birds by learning bird songs, field marks, breeding behavior, and migration patterns. For ages 7 to 11. Register ahead. Members $11, nonmembers $13. massaudubon.org.

InstaFarm Photo Fun. Powisset Farm, 37 Powisset St., Dover. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Bring your own camera and join Powisset Cooks and

Just Kidding. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Visit the farmyard to find out how many kids are in the barn this spring and help proud father Bart with some goat chores. For ages 3 to 7. Register ahead. Members $12, nonmembers $15. massaudubon.org.

13 Monday Crafternoon. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Drop-in and create a craft designed just for kids.

For ages 12 and under. Free. worcpublib.org.

15 Wednesday Opening Day. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 10 a.m. Join us for our 101st season with new exhibits, programs, and events, as well as old favorites.

Members free, nonmembers $5, children under 5 free. fruitlands.org.

Little Naturalists: Ducks. North River Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main St., Marshfield.

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Through nature walks, stories, songs, and crafts, we will explore the nature in our backyard and learn about one of its most ubiquitous residents: the duck. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead. Members $5, nonmembers $7. massaudubon.org.

16 Thursday Teen Lit Day. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Join us and celebrate Teen Lit Day at the library.

For ages 13 and up. Free. worcpublib.org.

Can You See Me? Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Spend the morning with us playing hiding and disguising games, watch a puppet show, do a craft, and meet an animal visitor. For ages 3 to 5.

Register ahead. Members $6, nonmembers $8. massaudubon.org.

TAKE

Pointillism Painting. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Learn about Seurat and the pointillism movement, and create your own pointillism painting. For ages 7 to 10. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

ICE

TO THE MULTIPLE LOCATIONS ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS



Learn skating basic skills



I n t ro d u c t o r y h o c ke y s c h o o l *



Ages 3 and up



Ages 4 - 15



8 week sessions



E x c l u s i v e B r u i n s p a r t n e rs h i p



F u n & s a f e a t m o s p h e re



Drills & game simulation

1•888•74•SKATE  WWW.FMCICESPORTS.COM BAYSTATEPARENT 70 71

OUT&ABOUT

SIXTH ANNUAL

Froggy Night Walk. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Let’s practice our different frog calls as the frogs come out to form a ribbitting chorus this Spring evening. For ages 5 to 12. Register ahead. Members $12, nonmembers $15. massaudubon.org.

PRESENTED BY

SPONSORED BY

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

DCU Center Worcester, MA

8:30 am – 4:15 pm

FEATURING

Lisa Ling

Award-winning journalist, author, and host of CNN’s ‘This is Life’

GET INSPIRED and motivated by leader! Share this conference with women in your network by inviting them to join you.

A mix of empowering speakers, workshops, and networking provides PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT and nurtures LEADERSHIP potential.

Laurie Forster

Storyteller, comedian, author

The Standup Sommelier™

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

• BOOK SIGNINGS • NETWORKING

#WWLC2015

COST: $150 per person | Register Online

www.WorcesterWomenLeadership.com 72 APRIL2015 73

Head to baystateparent.com/ UltimateAprilVaca for up-to-the-minute, expanded April Vacation event listings

Ethan Rossiter & the Jamberries. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline.

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Join this Parents’ Choice Award winning band as they perform a collection of original and traditional toe-tapping tunes for the entire family. Recommended for ages 2 and up. Adults $12, children $9. coolidge.org.

Marvelous Molecules at Play. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Experience a selection of live chemical reactions that are sure to knock your socks off in this audience participatory presentation. Free with admission. Adults $10, youth 5-17 $8, children under 5 free. mit.edu/museum.

Pop-Up Maker Space. Boston Public Library: Central Branch, 700 Boylston St., Boston.

12 p.m.-2 p.m. With activities and demonstrations ranging from circuit wizardry to silk screening, this showcase is used to inspire and enthrall your child. Free. cambridgesciencefestival.org.

The Princess and the Peas. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. We will learn of the peas’s plentiful powers while acting out this classic story, before planting our own personal pot of peas to take home. For ages 2 to 9.

Register ahead. Members $12, nonmembers $15. massaudubon.org.

The Amazing Nano Brothers Juggling Show. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. Join brothers Dan and Joel as they juggle everything from potted plants to tennis rackets in this family-fun comedy show about the mysteries of matter.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $23, children 3 to 11 $20, children under 3 free. mos.org.

Playspace Pajama Party. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 7:30 p.m.

Toddlers, wear your pajamas and join us for games, songs, and picture-stories with older siblings invited. Recommended for ages 3 and under. Members free, general $14, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Science Carnival & Robot Zoo. Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge.

12 p.m.-4 p.m. See, touch, smell, hear, and taste science in new and exciting ways as we explore topics as diverse as Earth and Space, microbiology, and programming. Free. cambridgesciencefestival.org.

18 Saturday

FEATURES • COMIC RELIEF • MARKETPLACE

Soundscience Fun. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Join us in this interactive sing-along and move-along performance designed to explore the science of sound through the magic of music. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $23, children 3 to 11 $20, children under 3 free. mos.org.

Kids Introduction to Bonsai. Tower Hills Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Come learn about bonsai history and care. Students will be making their own beginner tropical trees to take home.

Reserve ahead. Members $50, nonmembers $60. towerhillbg.org.

MENTORING a promising

• KEYNOTE SPEAKERS • BREAKOUT SESSIONS

17 Friday

Bingo. Worcester Public Library: Tatnuck Branch, 1083 Pleasant St., Worcester.

4 p.m.-5 p.m. The entire family is invited to enjoy snacks while trying their luck for prizes with this classic game. Free. worcpublib.org.

SPONSORED BY

Kelly Swanson

Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me. Citi Performing Arts Center: Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston. 7:30 p.m. Be a part of this Peabody Award-winning, NPR weekly favorite news quiz live, as Peter Sagal brings his show back to Boston. $39-$129. citicenter.org.

at work in nature while exploring all things Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $8, children 2 to 12 $6, children under 2 free. massaudubon.org.

The Science of Nature. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate the science

Chuggington Live. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 2 p.m. Based on the popular children’s program, this live performance will give young fans and their parents the

For more events, visit baystateparent.com

OUT&ABOUT opportunity to experience first-hand the traintastic adventures of Chuggington trainees. $29-$39. thehanovertheatre.org.

Toad Trek. Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich. 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Join us in the early evening darkness as we quietly make our way through the dunes to the bogs and puddles hoping to catch a glimpse of the American Toad. Register ahead. Member adults $10, children $5; nonmember adults $15, children $10. thetrustees.org.

19 Sunday Boston Marathon Fun. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn about what it takes to train for a long-distance race, as we celebrate the body on the eve of the annual race. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $23, children 3 to 11 $20, children under 3 free. mos.org.

Animation Immersion. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Take part in an innovative hand-drawn and computer animation workshop, exploring hand-drawn animation tools and digital techniques. For ages 11 to 16. Register ahead. $15. mit.edu/museum.

Head to baystateparent.com/ UltimateAprilVaca for up-to-the-minute, expanded April Vacation event listings

A Little Light Music. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Listen to songs about light and electromagnetic spectrum from a multigenerational chorus, accompanied by a slideshow of imaginative children’s artwork and lyrics. Free. mos.org.

20 Monday Patriots Day Open House. Old Manse, 269 Monument St., Concord. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Overlooking the Old North Bridge, the Manse is the best place to view all of the Patriots Day festivities. Stay to hear stories about what residents were doing the day the war began.

Free. thetrustees.org.

Paper Skyscrapers. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Use paper cups, newspapers, and other materials to build towers in the museum during this fun hands-on activity.

Free with admission. Adults $10, youth 5-17 $8, children under 5 free. cambridgesciencefestival.org.

Attention Crafters!

Creative Circuitry. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Explore the intersection between arts and electronics as participants explore basic circuits, engineering design and programming with opportunities to design and take home their very own electronic craft creation. For ages 12 and up. Register ahead. $5. mit.edu/ museum.

14th Annual

Meet the Scientists. The Discovery Museums, 117 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Find out what it is like to be a scientist with this special program as you talk to real scientists and have fun with hands-on activities they have developed. Free with admission. $11.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Mathternoon. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Try your hand and mind at a The variety of analytical explorations, including origami, slide rules, and collaborate puzzles during this fun afternoon. Free with admission.

Adults $10, youth 5-17 $8, children under 5 free. cambridgesciencefestival.org.

Apple Blossom Festival Attention Crafters!!!!

Craft Fair

Friends of Sholan Farms will be hosting a craft show at the 14th May 16,Blossom 2015 Festival Annual Apple Saturday 10 Mayam-4 16, 2015 pm 10:00-4:00 (Rain Date May 17, 2015)

Rain date May 17 at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant Street, Leominster MA

Drop-In Family Day. The Umbrella Community Arts Center, 40 Stow St., Concord.

2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Drop into our Interested fun afternoon workshops offering families creative and artistic exploration designed and taught by The Umbrella’s talented instructors. Free. theumbrellaarts.org.

crafters must complete the application below and submit to

“Friends of Sholan Farms” Apple Blossom Festival – Craft Show For more Staycation. Ravenswood Park, 481 Western Ave., P.O. Box 632 information, please call Gloucester. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jump into seasonal 978-840-327601453 or Email outdoor adventures for hands-on activities, our Leominster, Massachusetts Discovery Desk, and an Investigation Station info@sholanfarms.com. with a Discovery pack. Free. thetrustees.org.

Interested crafters can 1. Crafters will be asked to make a $40.00 reservation fee non-member, $25.00 21 Tuesday fee for members. Fee must accompany application orthe yourform application is not apply using complete. Refunds are only given to Crafters able to below, orwho on are the not website - set-up on the Morningstar Access. Boston Children’s Museum, beTherequested by Crafter.

308 Congress St., Boston.must 8 a.m.-10 a.m. www.sholanfarms.com Morningstar Access2.Program offers children Your parking space will be given to you that morning. with special needs the opportunity to visit the 3. Please check-in with attendant in the handicapped parking lot.

Museum when there are few crowds. Members Spaces are filled Name___________________________________________ according to arrival time. free, nonmembers 4. $7. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

5. Spaces cannot be assigned in advance.

Address_________________________________________

The Dragon King. JFK Presidential Library 6. Spaces 12#___________________Email____________________ ‘. Your exhibit must be fully within your own and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston.are 12 ‘xTel 10:30 a.m.-11:307. a.m. Journey the sea Youbeneath must supply your own table, chair and tent. of Craft________________________________ in this story of fantasy, courage, and wonder 8. One vehicle mayDescription stay at the booth space. from Chinese folklore from the masters at ________________________________________________ 9. Set-up Tanglewood Marionettes.

Register ahead.time Free. – 7:30AM – 9:30AM. jfklibrary.org. 10. The festival is held outdoors.

space.

this form to: 11. Weather – be prepared forReturn the possibility of windy conditions.

Matt Heaton Family Sing-Along. Newton Free Library, 33012.

HomerCrafters St., Newton. Confirmation notices will be sent when the reservation has been accep 10:30 a.m.-11:1513. a.m. Join the “Toddlerbilly Food vendors/crafters provide ServSafe insurance certificates. Food Applemust Blossom Festival - Craftand Show Troubadour” during this infectious and

Friends of Sholan Farms

prepared at the festival unless you have P.O. Box 632 a permit through the City of Leominste Leominster, MA 01453 For more events, visit baystateparent.com

If you have any questions, please call Joanne DiNardo at 978-870-5555.

BAYSTATEPARENT 72 73

OUT&ABOUT energetic sing-along for parents and kids. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Old Manse Kids Crafts. Old Manse, 269 Monument St., Concord. 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Visit the Old Manse to enjoy an educational look at history through a scavenger hunt and interactive crafts. Through Friday. Members free, nonmembers $5, children 12 and under free. thetrustees.org.

101 Dalmatians. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.-5:20 p.m.

Relax and watch this 1961 Disney Classic with new and old friends. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

MegaSlam 2015. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Each of Worcester’s myriad poetry organizations have been invited to send one participant in a battle royale slam where rules may be arbitrary and anything can happen. Free. worcpublib.org.

Spontaneous Fantasia. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 6:30 p.m. Take a journey through the fantastic worlds of interactive art and performance as you sample a virtual reality where 3-D dancing figures and landscapes are designed in real time from scratch. For ages 12 and up. $15. mos.org.

Teen Crafternoon. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Make crafts and eat snacks with your friends in this relaxed environment. For ages 12 and up.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

22 Wednesday Earth Day Cleanup at The Pearle. Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library, 40 Schofield Ave., Dudley. 10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Grab your rakes, gloves and join us in cleaning up the Library grounds. All ages are welcome to join in . The Friends of the Library will be providing lunch for those who participate. Please register in the Children’s Room. 508-949-8021.

Head to baystateparent.com/ UltimateAprilVaca for up-to-the-minute, expanded April Vacation event listings

Art for April Vacation. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Join us for our Thoreau-inspired programs as we explore the Sculpture park looking for signs of spring and learn about creating from and about nature. Runs through Friday. Adults $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org.

We are not just a sign company . . .

Teen Cupcake War. More Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Compete against your friends in four cupcake categories, where we are providing the cupcakes and all the toppings. For ages 11 to 18. Register ahead. Free. morseinstitute.org.

Earth Day Crafting. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Have fun and make your own creation with provided recycled items. Free. worcpublib.org.

23 Thursday Introduction to Robotics. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. & 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Explore what makes a robot tick in this introduction to programming robots in this hands-on workshop.

For ages 12 and up. Register ahead. $10. mit.edu/museum.

Pinocchio. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-3 p.m. The Hampstead Stage Company presents this live adaptation of the classic Carlo Collodi work. Recommended for ages 5 to 13. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

24 Friday Tie Dye Day. Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library, 40 Schofield Ave., Dudley.

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Registration in the Children’s Room is required for this event. All ages are welcome. Each person may bring up to two items to tie dye. 508-949-8021.

Liftoff. Museum of Science, 1 Park St., Boston. 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Engineer a rocket to take a model rover to the Moon, Mars, Titan, or Pluto by using your creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Free. mos.org.

Science Magic. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

This Museum of Science program investigates the science behind the “magic” of several classic magic tricks, including lying down on a bed of nails. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

25 Saturday

Call for more information about how we can help your business.

545 SW Cutoff • Worcester MA 508-459-9731 • SignaramaWorcester.com 74 APRIL2015 75

Trail Clean-Up Day. South Shore Natural Science Center, 48 Jacobs Ln., Norwell.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Help us spruce up our trails and grounds after this long winter, and engage with your fellow naturalists over refreshments. Free. southshorenaturalsciencecenter.org.

Science Fest for Young Ones. Museum of Science, 1 Park St., Boston. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join us for a day of hands-on science fun including live animal visits and lab activities.

Recommended for ages 3 to 8. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $23, children 3 to 11 $20, children under 3 free. mos.org.

Fantasy FashionTech Workshop. NuVu Studio, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Using 3D fabrication tools, such as laser-cutter and 3D printers, explore new techniques and concepts for wearable technologies and interactive fashion.

For girls 13-18. Register ahead. Free. cambridgesciencefestival.org.

Rocket Day. Danehy Park, 99 Sherman St., Cambridge. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring your own 1or 2-litre soda bottle and tennis ball, and build rockets and parachutes before launching them into the air. Free. cambridgesciencefestival.org.

Sheepshearing Festival. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Join us for a fun-filled day of activities including sheepshearing and herding demonstrations, along with live music, historic re-enactors, and more.

Free. goreplace.org.

Drop-In Craft Time. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Come craft with recyclables as we explore the art of poetry with our hands. For ages 3 to 10.

Free. morseinstitute.org.

Celebrate DNA Day. The Science Discovery Museum, 117 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Celebrate National DNA Day by commemorating the discovery of the double helix and make your very own strawberry DNA Necklace. Free with admission. $11.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Art Lessons. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn to create art straw architecture in this fun environment. For ages 7 to 12. Registration required. Free. worcpublib.org.

Spring Garden Art. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Use recycled materials and lots of colored paper to make flowers, trees, and a decorated flowerpot to celebrate Spring. For ages 6 to 10. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Intro to Web Development for Women.

Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Come to this handson workshop with the Women’s Coding Collective and learn about the building blocks of every site on the Internet, from blogs to Amazon. Open to women ages 10 and up. Register ahead. Free. cambridgesciencefestival.org.

Dolphin Tale 2. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

OUT&ABOUT 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Drop in and enjoy some popcorn as we watch this family-favorite based on a true story. For families with children ages 12 and under. Free. worcpublib.org.

Home Tweet Home. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Be a birdwatcher and discover what’s happening up in the trees, as we examine nests, listen to songs, and meet some feathered friends. For ages 8 and under.

Register ahead. Members $12, nonmembers $15. massaudubon.org.

ASD Friendly Family Evening. The Discovery Museums, 117 Main St., Acton.

5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Families with children on the Autism Spectrum are invited to participate in this specially designated evening closed to the public. Preregistration required. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

26 Sunday Art in Bloom. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate Art in Bloom during this specially designed day filled with family-friendly programming and entertainment. Free with admission. Adults $25, youths 17 and under free. mfa.org.

Bug-Maker Day. South Shore Natural Science Center, 48 Jacobs Ln., Norwell. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn about insects and their many adaptations and then make your own bugs using recycled materials. Free with admission. Adult $7, children 2 to 15 $3, children under 2 free. southshorenaturalsciencecenter.org.

Frogs, Pollywogs, & Fairies. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., Natick.

1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Discover some of the fantastic creatures that inhabit Broadmoor’s vernal pools, from frogs and tadpoles to fairy shrimp. For children 5 to 16. Register ahead. Member adults $11, children $6; nonmember adults $13, children $8. massaudubon.org.

The Diary of Anne Frank. The Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont St., Boston. 2 p.m.

Watch as one of the most poignant plays of our generation is performed live, telling the true story of a young Jewish girl in Amsterdam hiding from the Nazis during World War II. $27-$35. bostonchildrenstheatre.org.

27 Monday Lego Club. Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St., Waltham. 3:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Come build creative Lego sculptures to be put on display in the Children’s Room until the next meeting.

Recommended for ages 7 to 11. Free. waltham.lib.ma.us.

28 Tuesday Signs of Spring. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. We’ll start with a story before heading out to see the colorful sights, new sounds, and soft smells that Spring has brought us. For children ages 1 to 5. Register ahead.

Members $5, nonmembers $6. massaudubon.org.

29 Wednesday Gravity with Cosmo Zooms. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Come to this special story time, where we’ll read Cosmo Zooms and then do activities and an art project demonstrating gravity in action. For ages 3 to 5.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Artfull Play. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln.

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Fill your morning with art and play as you engage with art, materials, the environment, and new friends as we celebrate Walden and Henry David Thoreau. For ages 2 to 5. Free with admission. Adults $14, Children 12 and under free. decordova.org.

Pigs and Potatoes. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Join us for some digging, planting, and pigging out, as we plant potatoes and give the pigs a garden treat. For ages 8 and under. Register ahead. Members $12, nonmembers $15. massaudubon.org.

Dance of the Woodcock. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Visit the breeding grounds at the sanctuary to view the aerial mating performance of the American woodcock. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Register ahead. Member adults $5, children $3; nonmember adults $7, children $5. massaudubon.org.

Shrek the Musical!

April 17th thru May 24th School Vacation Week!

April 21-24 1pm

Pajama Party Fridays !

$15

30 Thursday Poetry Slam. TCAN Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 7 p.m. Join us for Poetry Slam 2015, a competitive event in which local poets perform their own work and are judged by the audience. Free. morseinstitute.org.

For more family fun head to baystateparent.com

Come join the fun with this heart warming story!

Children of all ages will enjoy!

Friday nights at 7:30! Saturday & Sunday Matinees at 3:00!

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway neighborhood.

200 The Riverway, Boston Box Office: 617-879-2300 tickets@wheelock.edu

BAYSTATEPARENT 74 75

Protecting and preserving natural resources is a part of our legacy

Broadlawn Farm, Adams, MA

T W

N O O Re

Learn why preserving the environment is vital to dairy farming.

MustBeTheMilk.com/sustainable on behalf of Massachusetts dairy farmers

76 APRIL2015 77

Yo lo th re m

Furio

PG-13 f suggest In Thea OK for Reel Pr

They're in the "F returnin anyone brother

Monk

Rated G In Thea OK for Reel Pr

This ye a spotli compet who live of fores

Coming to theatres and DVD this month

Paul

By Jane Louise Boursaw

Monkey Kingdom Rated G In theaters April 17 OK for kids 5+ Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels

This year’s “Earth Day” movie from Disneynature is “Monkey Kingdom,” throwing a spotlight on a newborn monkey and its mother.

Struggling to survive within the competitive social hierarchy of the Temple Troop, a dynamic group of monkeys who live in ancient ruins in the jungles of South Asia, they’re joined by a rich cast of forest characters.

Furious 7 PG-13 for prolonged frenetic sequences of violence, action and mayhem, suggestive content and brief strong language In theaters April 3 OK for kids 14+ Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels They’re back! Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the next chapter in the “Fast & Furious” franchise built on speed. James Wan directs, with new and returning favorites Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, and Kurt Russell.

The plot really isn’t important, is it? But for anyone keeping track, the story follows Deckard Shaw (Statham) as he seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto (Diesel) and his family for the death of his brother.

The Jungle Book: Waterfall Rescue Not Rated On DVD April 7 OK for kids 3+ Reel Review: 3 of 5 Reels Your favorite Jungle Book characters — Mowgli, Baloo and Lali — embark on a brave mission to rescue their animal friends and save their jungle home. Get ready for more than 60 action-packed minutes of the most exciting jungle adventure yet.

PG for some violence In Theaters April 17 OK for kids 7+ Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels

Not Rat On DVD OK for Reel Re

The J Maya (“Austin and Ally”’s Raini Rodriguez) before she heads off to college. But safety never takes a holiday and when duty calls, Blart answers. Neal McDonough, D.B. Woodside and Nicholas Turturro also star.

New on DVD: My Little Pony Tales: The Complete Series Not Rated On DVD April 28 OK for kids 3+ Reel Review: 4 of 5 Reels Ponyland is full of excitement, if you know where to find it, and now all your favorite “My Little Pony Tales” are collected in one amazing set! Join the seven Pony Friends — Starlight, Sweetheart, Melody, Bright Eyes, Patch, Clover and BonBon — for 13 fun-filled episodes (26 adventures total).

Games, picnics, ice cream shops, roller derbies and even UFOs ... nothing is offlimits when it comes to grand Pony adventures. Bonus features include sing-alongs.

New My L

Ponylan favorite Pony Fr Bon — f shops, r grand P

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

The first “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” movie was super fun and silly, and this sequel is more of the same. After six years of keeping our malls safe, Paul Blart has earned a well-deserved vacation.

So he heads to Vegas with his teenage daughter

PG for s In Thea OK for Reel Pr The firs earned lege. Bu

Jane’s Reel Rating System • One Reel – Even The Force can’t save it.

• Two Reels – Coulda been a contender.

• Three Reels – Something to talk about.

• Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!

• Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

For more family movie previews and trailers head to baystateparent.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 76 77

Not Rat On DVD OK for Reel Re

Your fav Get read

Jane’s One Ree Two Ree

our april favorites fa monday

sunday

tuesday

wednesday

2

2

On the go, but need to carry essentials? Try the streamlined, silicone Wojo Wallet, which can hold a license, cards, cash and even a key. Waterresistant, it even floats! Enter to win one today at baystateparent.com.

5

9

10

12{Fact}

13

17 {WIN} 14

Time to get out those gardening gloves! The first White House garden was planted in 1800 by John and Abigail Adams, who grew their own fruits and vegetables rather than buying produce at the local market.

26 78 APRIL2015 79

6 {WIN}

7 {WIN}

27 {WIN}

31

11

Traveling on water and concerned about motion sickness? Check out Psi Bands, waterproof, drug-free, anti-nausea wristbands that don’t cause dry mouth or drowsiness. Get your chance to bring home a pair by visiting baystateparent.com today.

Spring has sprung, so get outside and play a round of Rollors, a portable new lawn game that combines the skill of horseshoes with the rolling concept of bocce and bowling.

Visit baystateparent.com today for your chance to win this fun, creative game!

30

t

Your child may be too old for a car seat, but they may still fall asleep in the car. Make the ride comfortable with the Cardiff Travel Headrest, which prevents awkward sleeping positions and neck strain for children and adults. For your chance to bring home a set of headrests, valued at $49.99, visit baystateparent.com today.

Easi child with can from to b toda on h ente colo ID b

15{Fact}

Happy International Juggling Day. The Guinness World Record for most chainsaw juggling catches is 94, achieved by Ian Stewart of Canada.

2 {W

30

ay

d t

et by y.

facts, finds and freebies thursday

2

{WIN}

Easily highlight your child’s peanut allergy with this fun, colorful, can’t-miss-it accessory from Hope Paige. Head to baystateparent.com today for details on how to enter to win this colorful medical ID bracelet.

friday

3 {Fact}

Opening Day was not kind to Boston Braves fans in 1946, when the recently repainted outfield stands had not dried due to damp weather. Braves’ offices were soon stormed by angry, red-bottomed fans.

l

{WIN}

ord

94, ewart

23 {WIN} 30

4

11 {Fact} It’s National Library Week.

The world´s largest fine for an overdue library book is $345.14, paid by an Illinois woman who found the 47-year-overdue poetry book Days and Deeds in her mother’s house.

20 17

ct}

saturday

No more competing noise from tablets or iPods in the backseat! Keep everyone happy on road trips with Kidz Gear Deluxe Stereo Headphones.

The headphones feature KidzControl Volume Limit Technology to ensure child-safe listening and work with any audio device that supports microphones. Get your chance to bring home a pair (blue or pink) by visiting baystateparent.com today!

Percy Penguin wants to take a trip with you! Today’s lucky winner will receive this adorable 17” hardshell Travel Buddies luggage from TrendyKid, which will make your child the envy of anyone in the airport or hotel. Learn how you can win this wheelie case, valued at $64.99, at baystateparent.com today.

Starting on the date the prize appears, log on to

baystateparent.com

to enter for your chance to win.

BAYSTATEPARENT 78 79

Dance, Gym & Enrichment

Party - Kids

Big Joe

the Storyteller

Also offering Kids’ Nite Out

Stardust Gym offers a variety of children’s activities including: Gymnastics, Toddler Classes and Open Gyms (up to age 12)

Visit us online for more information.

612 Plymouth St., Rte. 106 ★ East Bridgewater 508-378-2223 ★ www.STARDUSTGYM.com

Also offering Kids’ Nite Out

Stardust Gym offers a variety of children’s activities including: Gymnastics, Toddler Classes and Open Gyms (up to age 12) and The Best Parties Around

Visit us online for more information.

612 Plymouth St., Rte. 106 ★ East Bridgewater 508-378-2223 ★ www.STARDUSTGYM.com

Service Directory

Storytelling fun for Birthday Parties, Schools, Daycare Centers, Library Programs, Special Events and TV Featuring: • Original & Classic Stories • Puppets, Props and Surprises

For Bookings and Info Call: 617-713-4349 E-mail: BigJoe@BigJoe.com Visit me on the web at: www.BigJoe.com

All Ages.

Birthday Parties, Schools, Fairs, Day Care Centers, Etc.

Mindset Learning Group 289 Elm Street, Marlboro, MA 01752 www.mindsetlearninggroup.com

Summer Enrichment Groups Enrolling Now! Summer Offerings Include: Lego Engineering, Littlebits, Math, Literacy , and more!

Check out our website for a complete list!

Mindset Learning Group provides enrichment services in the areas of math, science, and literacy.

MLG also supports children in the areas of speech-language, literacy, and communication.

See our website for a complete listing of services and schedule of classes: www.mindsetlearninggroup.com

Children’s Foreign language Programs Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, and more • • • • •

Mom/Dad & Me School Age Home School Adoptive Families Tutoring for School Subjects also Available: Science, Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and more

$20 OFF

Visit our website for more info

www.GlobalConnectForum.com

www.rosalitaspuppets.com 617-633-2832

508-466-8274 276 West Main Street, 11B, Northborough, MA 01532

Party - Kids To advertise contact

Regina Stillings at 508-865-7070 ext. 210 or New Flavors Daily • Fresh Fruit Made from Scratch Parties • Weddings • Showers 80 APRIL2015 81

238 Millbury Ave., Millbury, MA

508-459-9600 TheQueensCups.com

regina@baystateparent.com

ADVERTISER INDEX Applewild School......................................................41 As You Wish Vacations..............................................44 B.A.W. Inc...............................................................61 Backyard Adventures...............................................47 Bancroft School.......................................................83 Battleship Cove........................................................46 Beacon ABA Services................................................25 Big Y Foods, Inc.........................................................4 Blackstone Valley Boys & Girls Club..........................61 F3...........................................................................27 Boston Children’s Theatre.........................................41 Build Me Up Play Center..........................................31 Camp Half Moon.....................................................67 Casa Vallarta...........................................................18 Cape Codder Resort/John Carver Inn.......................56 Central MA Dance Academy.....................................63 Chess Camp.............................................................64 Children’s Development Network, Inc.........................6 Conway Scenic Railroad...........................................50 Cornerstone Academy..............................................3 Cranmore Mountain Resort......................................50 Danforth Museum of Art..........................................66 Davis Farmland...................................................2, 70 Eagle Hill School......................................................66 Ecotarium...........................................................9, 32 Exergen..................................................................36 Fay School........................................................36 ,62 Fletcher Tilton PC.....................................................24 FMC Ice Sports.........................................................71 Gymnastics Learning Center.....................................30 Hampton Inn North Conway.....................................50 The Hanover Theatre...............................................31 Harrington Oil.........................................................36 Harvard Grad School of Education............................20 Heywood Hospital....................................................26 Hopkinton Center for the Arts..................................62 Incrediflix...............................................................63 Karla M Talanian.....................................................14 Kathy Corrigan’s Full Day Care Center......................62 Legoland Discovery Center Boston............................79 Little V Designs........................................................45 Mall At Whitney Field...............................................14 Marchand Financial, LLC..........................................55 Mass Adoption Resource Exchange...........................41

Mass Audubon Society.............................................65 Mickey Travels, LLC..................................................46 Millbury Federal Credit Union....................................9 Millbury Savings Bank.............................................20 Mt. Washington Auto Road......................................50 Music Together Corporation......................................66 Music Worcester .....................................................49 New England Dairy..................................................76 New Horizon Karate & More....................................47 Next Generation Children’s Ctr...................................5 Nichols College........................................................34 Old Sturbridge Village..............................................59 Pakachoag Community Music...................................62 Parenting Solutions..................................................60 PR Running.............................................................55 Providence Children’s Museum.................................49 Puppet Playhouse Theatre (The)...............................57 Red Jacket Resorts..................................................53 Reliant Medical Group.............................................22 Rovezzi’s Ristorante.................................................10 Santa’s Village.........................................................53 Sharks Minor Holdings, LLC......................................35 Shawna Shenette Photography.................................34 Sholan Farms..........................................................73 Shrewsbury Children’s Center...................................47 Signarama Worcester...............................................74 Springfield Museums Corp........................................57 Summer Fenn/The Fenn School................................45 The Chestnut Hill School...........................................47 The Children’s Workshop..........................................57 The Learning Zone...................................................13 The Whale Camp.....................................................63 Turn 4 Hobbies........................................................44 UMass Memorial Medical Center..................55, 70, 84 Wachusett Theatre Company....................................11 Wheelock College Theatre........................................75 Worcester Academy.................................................67 Worcester Art Museum......................................33, 60 Worcester Women’ s Conference...............................72 YMCA Central Branch...............................................67 YMCA Greater Boston..............................................63 YWCA of Central Massachusetts................................61 Zoink’s Fun Factory.................................................75

Ready to Return to the Work Force?

Great. Because we’re ready to expand.

E-mail Regina Stillings for more information about full and part-time sales careers with the award-winning baystateparent magazine. sales@baystateparent.com BAYSTATEPARENT 80 81

take eight

with Derek Heidemann

What started as a trip to summer camp at age 12 turned into a career for Derek Heidemann. At 14, he began apprenticing with master blacksmiths at Old Sturbridge Village, practicing traditional ironwork just as blacksmiths did 200 years ago. Heidemann became a journeyman blacksmith at 21 and is now a full-time employee, costumed historical interpreter, and Coordinator of Men’s Crafts at the organization. We coaxed him out of the blacksmith shop to answer some questions about life at the Village.

1

5

How did 19th century ironwork turn the head of a 21st century teenager?

Working at the museum as a junior intern, there were quite a few options for exhibits the boys could work in. I worked on the farm, the pottery shop and tin shop, but blacksmithing was something that was typically reserved for the older boys. When I became old enough to start working in the blacksmith shop I found it unique because I learned that, with practice, blacksmiths could make virtually all the tools needed to do their own work, and many of those used in other trades as well. That selfsufficiency was something that resonated with me.

What’s the No. 1 question you get from visitors? And what’s the answer?

I think the #1 thing that visitors (especially kids) are curious about is why the smith needs to heat the metal to make things out of it. The answer is the heat from the fire makes the metal softer, so that it can easily be shaped or even welded together with the proper heat. We often let kids or other visitors try to bend a piece of cold metal to see how hard it is and then select a visitor to bend it while it’s hot (under careful supervision, of course!) and people are usually amazed at the difference.

3

What is the one piece of knowledge or awareness you would like visitors to leave with?

I don’t know that there is one thing that is more important than another.

I just generally hope that by coming to our museum and visiting with our staff, visitors learn something meaningful that they can take back to their 21st century lives.

7

What is one aspect of 21st century life that is easy to leave behind when you’re at OSV? The nice thing about the way that our museum is set up is that it is a closed campus that’s almost entirely surrounded by wooded areas. This cuts down on the outside noise of the 21st century world and really makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

If you were living in the 19th century today, what would be the best feature and what would be the most difficult?

If I were living in the 19th century today, there’s no doubt in my mind that the best part would be the food. The staff is constantly preparing meals based on those that are documented to our period, and they’re delicious and often so different from what we commonly eat today. We actually offer a couple of different programs where the public can not only eat this kind of food, but also help prepare it, too.

82 APRIL2015 83

2

What would surprise visitors about being a historical interpreter?

The 19th century clothes are much more comfortable than people typically assume. A lot of visitors feel that we must be unbearably hot in the summer and cold in the winter, but the fact is the clothing is honestly very utilitarian and well suited for the work we do. Even the shoes made in our shoe shop are incredibly comfortable.

4

If you could swap blacksmithing for a day for another job at the Village, what would that job be?

That’s a tough question, but I think I would have to say that I’d want to spend more time in our collection of thousands of artifacts. There is so much to be learned from studying the material culture of the past, and being able to work with those items everyday would be amazing.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?

As you can probably guess, I’m a huge history buff. I enjoy studying military history especially and going to reenactments of various time periods in American history, but the early 19th century is by far my favorite period.

Stephen King Photography

6

8

6

BAYSTATEPARENT 82 83

I want choice I want convenience I want compassion I want the best technology I want world-class care

I WANT IT ALL At UMass Memorial Health Care, you’ll find hundreds of caring, compassionate and skilled adult and pediatric primary care physicians across Central Massachusetts.

And because our doctors are part of the region’s premier health care system, access to a wide range of specialty care and our nationally recognized academic medical center is only a referral away.

To find a UMass Memorial primary care physician near you, call 855-UMASS-MD (855-862-7763).

Clinton Hospital | HealthAlliance Hospital | Marlborough Hospital | UMass Memorial Medical Center

84 APRIL2015