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baystateparent JUNE 2016

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Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

75 FUN WAYS TO FIGHT SUMMER BRAIN DRAIN KIDS & BIKES: 3 CRITICAL MISTAKES TO AVOID JAM-PACKED JUNE: 140 FAMILY EVENTS INSIDE

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BAYSTATEPARENT 5

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table of contents JUNE 2016 VOLUME 21

School may be out for the next two months, but that doesn’t mean your children have to stop learning. Granted, times tables and state capitals may get fuzzy until the fall, but summer is a fantastic time to help your child improve in subjects with which they struggle

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1.

3.

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in inventive, fun new ways. Starting on page 26, writer Kristin Guay offers enough seriously cool ideas to last you the entire summer — and next summer, as well.

This is also prime bike riding time, so writer Greg Sukiennik talked to experts about three common — yet critical — mistakes parents make when it comes

to their children and two wheels. Give it a read and ensure your children are as safe as possible while riding.

Enjoy the season and stay safe.

— Melissa Shaw, editor in chief

93 Days of Summer

things we learned

while making the june issue

If you can palm the bike helmet on your child’s head and move it around, the chinstrap is not snug enough. And if that helmet isn’t secure, trauma experts say it’s like not wearing one at all. Turn to page 22 and check out critical safety tips on how to properly wear a helmet, size a bike, and more.

2.

Melissa

Research shows that most kids lose about a month’s worth of school-earned knowledge over the summer. And while summer’s a time for fun, it can also be a time to learn in a whole new, nontraditional way. Starting on page 26, discover more than 75 ways you and your kids can stem brain drain and have a ton of fun at the same time.

20

Stowe, Vermont: Not Just a Winter Destination

22

Kids and Bikes: 3 Critical Mistakes To Avoid

26

Simple Ways to Avoid the Summer Slide

28

Fight Brain Drain: 75 Fun New Ways to Learn

32

You’ve Got a Vacation in Pennsylvania

34

Summer Gift Guide: Cool Gear for Your Busy Season

39

Mass State Parks Offer Sleuthing, Fun, and Fresh Air via Park Passport Program

Massachusetts State Parks are hiding a fun secret, one just waiting to be discovered by families. On page 39, learn about the state’s Park Passport Program, which offers sleuthing, fun, fresh air, and prizes all across the Commonwealth.

owner and publisher KIRK DAVIS associate publisher KATHY REAL kreal@baystateparent.com

multimedia editor MONICA HAMILTON monica@baystateparent.com ADVERTISING

director of sales REGINA STILLINGS 508-865-7070 ext. 210 editor in chief regina@baystateparent.com MELISSA SHAW editor@baystateparent.com account executives creative director KATHY PUFFER PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-865-7070 ext. 211 pethier@holdenlandmark.com kathy@baystateparent.com senior graphic designer SHAUNA WHARTON STEPHANIE MALLARD 508-963-7154 design@baystateparent.com shauna@baystateparent.com CREATIVE

22 West Street, Millbury, MA 01527 • 508-865-7070

BAYSTATEPARENT 7

in every issue 9 10 12 40 50 53 53

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

58

COUNTDOWN TO CAMP: How Camps Welcome Transgender Youth

60

DIVORCE AND SINGLE PARENTING: Traveling With Children: Co-Parenting During the Summer Months

61

ASK THE EXPERT: How To Tell The Difference Between Allergies and a Cold

BSP ONLINE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE: The ABLE Account: Information Parents Need to Know OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO: June Calendar Of Family Events FINALLY FOREVER: CASA Boston Volunteers Help to Fill the Gaps for Foster Kids CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: June area adoption events

62 66

OUR JUNE FAVORITES: FACTS, FINDS & FREEBIES TAKE 8: Author Jeff Kinney

JUNE’S CHILD: Meet Talia

Ripe

Features

14

54

Bites: The coolest water bottle you’ve ever seen; study shows U.S. babies as young as 9 months are eating poor diets; a new take on a summer classic; how to mop without a bucket; and more.

56

8 Keys to a Healthy Teen Romance The Downside of Overspending on Your Kids

This month’s cover model Abby, age 8.

Lynn Quinlivan Photography

SORE THROATS,

SNIFFLES...

AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

reliantmedicalgroup.org 508 - 425 - 5857 16-066 BayState Parent half page.indd 1

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JUNE CONTRIBUTORS Michele Bennett Decoteau is a writer and mom to a tween and a teen in central New England. In addition to writing on science, nature, and parenting topics, she is a hiker and beekeeper. You can find her at MicheleDecoteau.com or @MBDecoteau.

Jennifer Sheehy Everett is a writer, PR consultant, and mother to a busy toddler who’s pretty certain he runs the show at her and husband John’s home in Melrose. She enjoys music and performing, dance, golf, travel, the pursuit of tasty food and wine, and time with cherished family and good friends.

Kristin Guay lives in Cape Cod with her husband, two daughters, and beloved black lab. A former middle school language arts teacher, she enjoys projects that foster a love of reading and writing in young children and teens. She is currently expanding her horizons with writing projects and voracious reading, and can be reached at kristinannguay@aol.com.

Marshal D. Haneisen is a freelance journalist, writer, and creative writing instructor. She lives in Fitchburg with her husband, son, and a variety of pets. Her son has a dual-diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, and her experience as a parent of a child with special needs inspires some of her writing for various publications, as well as for her blog, thespecialneedsfiles.com. Information about Marshal’s writing and workshops can be found marshaldhaneisen.com.

Attorney Irwin M. Pollack is founder and lead attorney of Pollack Law Group, P.C. (PollackLawGroup.com) and a divorced father himself. He shares insights and information about co-parenting on his weekly radio talk show, Talking About Divorce, which can be heard weekends on WRKO in Boston (AM 680), WTAG in Worcester (AM 580/94.9 FM), WXTK on the Cape (95.1 FM), and WHYN in Springfield (AM 560).

Heather Kempskie is a freelance writer and mother of two from Bellingham.

Juanita Allen Kingsley, Wilderness EMT, is director of business development for Century Health Systems. Juanita has successfully created and facilitated various programs aimed at providing individuals of varying ages and backgrounds the necessary education and tools to foster effective and positive social development, including Home Alone Safety, Bullyproofing, Babysitting Lessons, Family Life and Sexual Health, and Girls’ Empowerment. She is also a certified socialsklz:-) instructor.

Massachusetts mom Leslie Reichert is known as the Green Cleaning Coach and is aiming to change the world — “one spray bottle at a time.” A national lecturer and author of The Joy Of Green Cleaning, you can find her at greencleaningcoach. com, on Facebook (GreenCleaningCoach), Twitter (@GreenCleanCoach), and Pinterest (cleaningcoach).

Greg Sukiennik is a freelance writer based in Connecticut. He previously worked for ESPN.com, The Associated Press in Boston, and The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield.

John L. Ohman, Jr., MD, is Chief of the Division of Allergy at Tufts Medical Center, and a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine.

Sara Pokorny is a freelance writer from Amherst and puppy mom to Link and Piper. She loves eating and running (and really can’t do one without the other!). She will tackle any writing topic, but especially loves exploring things that are new to her. You can find her at vomitshermindd.wordpress.com or twitter.com/sara_pkrny.

Got a story idea?

Interested in contributing to baystateparent?

Contact editor@baystateparent.com.

r r y e F b e w stival a r t S Saturday, June 18th Rain Date June 19th • Farm Animals • Bounce Houses • Pony Rides • Hayrides • 60 ft Tube Slide • Corn Silo • Private Ship • Duck Races • Hay Rides • Pedal Cars • Strawberry Shortcake • Antique Tractors • Plenty of Strawberry Picking

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he warm weather is finally here, and we’ve got everything you need for your 93 days of summer, from where to find the best roller coasters, to family-friendly destinations in Vermont and Pennsylvania, to how to prevent your kids from forgetting what they learned in school. And you can always find the latest parenting news, contests, and giveaways — and me — at baystateparent.com, Facebook (baystateparent), Twitter (@baystateparent), and Instagram (baystateparent).

Shop over 60 specialty and department stores, plus select dining options and more at The Mall at Whitney Field.

Burlington • JC Penney Macy’s • Sears Toys ‘R’ Us • Old Navy Victoria’s Secret American Eagle Outfitters rue21 • The Children’s Place Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts Aeropostale • maurices Yankee Candle • Panera Bread Bath & Body Works Sephora Inside JC Penney

They Got It! Doreen and her family enjoyed a recent trip to the DCU Center in Worcester for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, while Erin and her family are having fun making a home for fairies after winning a kit from The Irish Fairy Door Company. This month, there are loads more prizes on tap, so make sure you visit baystateparent.com frequently and Like us on Facebook to stay on top of the latest giveaways and contests.

Congrats to our winners!

Congratulations to Virginia of Holden, Rachael of Webster, and Denise of Arlington, winners of last month’s newsletter-subscriber-only giveaways! We are adding more contests and giveaways just for our Facebook and newsletter followers, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter at baystateparent. com/newsletter/ and Like us on Facebook (facebook.com/baystateparent) to stay on top of the latest chances to win.

Win a Discovery Museum family four pack!

Visit The Discovery Museum and be one of the first to explore its new Discovery Woods, opening this summer! We have family four packs to give away to the Discovery Museum in Acton, which is revamping its campus to create a nature path with outdoor exhibits and a fully accessible treehouse.

Email win@baystateparent.com with the subject line Discovery Museum for your chance to win!

-- Monica Hamilton, Multimedia Editor 10 JUNE2016

BAYSTATEPARENT 11

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

The ABLE

Account: Information Parents Need to Know

BY MARSHAL D. HANEISEN

AS

state legislators iron out the details on how The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act will work in Massachusetts, now is the time for families with disabled children to think about planning for the future.

In 2014, Congress passed The ABLE Act, amending Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Under this federal law, anyone can place up to $14,000 post-tax annually into an ABLE Account for the benefit of a disabled adult — without jeopardizing the individual’s eligibility for public benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid insurance.

The National Down Syndrome Society advocates for a variety of legislative actions to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, including The ABLE Act. The organization’s website provides a high-level overview of the federal ABLE Act provisions. It notes that

to be eligible for an ABLE account, the individual with disabilities must meet certain criteria. First, the symptoms of the disability must have occurred before the individual reached the age of 26. Second, the individual must have “marked and severe functional limitations” as a direct result of the disability.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a “person with disabilities” includes anyone who has been, presently is, or is perceived to have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” However, for Social Security benefit purposes, a “disabled person” is an individual determined by the Social Security Administration to be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity, which is the ability to make a set amount of money, just over $1,100 per month, said Attorney Meredith H. Greene of Fletcher Tilton, PC, a multi-practice Massachusetts law firm. Greene is an associate in the Trust & Estates, Special Needs, and

Elder Law division of the firm.

The ABLE Act provides a savings ability previously unavailable to a disabled person. The growth is taxfree, and some recent changes in the regulation indicate that distributions for food and shelter will not be counted as income, and thereby will not reduce a monthly SSI benefit, Greene said.

There are some drawbacks, she noted. For example, there is a strict limit on the $14,000 that can be saved each year, therefore it is not a realistic tool via which to receive inheritance or life insurance benefits. Furthermore, if the total ABLE account balance exceeds $100,000, any overage will be counted as part of the $2,000 asset limit for Social Security benefits. Any month an individual exceeds the $2,000 limit, that person is not eligible for and will not receive any SSI benefits until assets are back under $2,000. MassHealth (Medicaid) sets a cap of $350,000 on the ABLE Account before the asset is counted and any overage might jeop-

ardize health care coverage.

“All of us in the disability world had really high hopes for the ABLE Act, but the results are watered down. Though it is still a good tool,” Greene said.

Reading the above figures, one might think it is unreasonable for a person with assets to receive any public benefits. However, any investment broker discussing retirement planning will offer charts and grids with estimates on how much a person should have invested by retirement age and how much to save each month to reach that goal.

These estimates and savings goals are based on retiring at 55, 65, or older. But an individual with disabilities will likely need supplemental funds perhaps starting as young as 18 years old.

The monthly SSI benefit and Massachusetts contribution are presently about $874, Greene noted.

Few people could live on $874 per month. An individual with disabilities might not be capable of working

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 & Considering 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 12BayStateParent-new JUNE2016 size.indd

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enough hours or at a high enough rate of pay to earn what is needed to cover even the most basic expenses.

Furthermore, many employers require a person to work full-time to be eligible for health insurance coverage. Such rules make Medicaid health care coverage a necessity for most individuals with disabilities.

In the article, “Practical Perspectives on the ABLE Act,” Leo Sarkissian, executive director of The Arc of Massachusetts, provides a transcript of an interview with John Nadworny, a member of the Governor’s Commission on Developmental Disabilities in Massachusetts. The Commission proposed an initial plan in 2003 that, over the following 11 years, led to the creation, and ultimately Congress’ passing of, The ABLE Act in 2014. When Sarkissian asked Nadworny to explain “the most important aspect of the ABLE Act,” Nadworny responded, “I feel the biggest impact of the ABLE Act will be to raise awareness to families that they have to save and plan for their child with a disability.”

Planning for the future

Setting a goal for how much your child will need in the future can be

quite complicated to predict.

“When people ask for ballpark goals, I usually tell them to go to a financial planner who has a solid understanding of these rules,” Greene said.

Parents of children with special needs are likely to be saving for their own retirement and the future care and needs of their disabled child. But with ABLE, SSI, SSDI, SNT and more, the acronyms alone can be intimidating.

“I know it’s overwhelming,” Greene explained. “We need to break it down step-by-step.”

Greene gives presentations at Special Education Parent Advisory Council meetings and other groups and agencies on the subject. She is hopeful that by school age, many parents have an understanding of their child’s diagnosis, have established plans for meeting the child’s medical needs, and are hopefully not overwhelmed with Individual Education Plan meetings.

In her presentations, she lists all the benefits a child will be eligible for if parents take the necessary steps to plan for the future. With careful planning, children can have funds set aside to provide a meaningful quality of life while retaining eligibility to precious benefits. She then points out that without planning, all of those benefits go away and any money saved will have to be

exhausted providing for all care and services. Only when the disabled adult has less than $2,000 in assets will he be eligible for assistance. At this point, there is no money set aside for any supplemental needs, entertainment, hobbies, or general quality of life items.

“You need to think of what decisions you will need to make should something happen to you in the next three to five years. Who would be guardian? Who would be trustee?”

Greene said.

It’s more than money

These decisions are not simply about money. Parents must also consider who will make the best decisions for the child’s home, education, and medical care. Who will make sure she gets to continue her hobbies and maintain precious friendships? Who will remind the child every day how much his mom or dad loved him?

According to Greene, many families are moving toward a co-trustee planning model when establishing a special needs trust. In this situation, a professional co-trustee is paired with a family co-trustee. The professional co-trustee understands the important laws, spending limitations, and accountability require-

ments, while the family co-trustee “governs from the heart.” Regardless of the financial management planning parents establish, it is important to have someone in your adult child’s life monitoring health, safety, and happiness.

How the savings are held varies based on many factors, including how the savings will be funded and if the child is likely to work as an adult. There are a variety of tools for funding future needs, including ABLE accounts and setting up Special Needs Trusts to serve as beneficiaries for life insurance and retirement accounts.

According to Greene, the ABLE account might prove to be great tool for that individual who has the capacity to work part time. If the person is earning $1,000 and is not a spender, he might easily exceed the $2,000 asset limit. Instead of spending simply to spend down assets, he could put the earnings into the ABLE account. Though the details of the rules are still being worked out by the legislature, presumably, if the child has capacity, he or she can have access to the account, but if not, the parent can control the funds.

“We want to see how this shakes out,” said Greene, who is hoping to see final implementation of the ABLE Act in Massachusetts by 2017.

A F E S T I VA L O F S C I E N C E , T E C H N O L O G Y, A N D R O B O T S AT W P I June 11, 2016 | 10AM – 4PM Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Be part of it.

Discover the undiscovered as we celebrate five years of TouchTomorrow, a hands-on, family-friendly festival, featuring interactive and out-of-this-world exhibits for all ages by WPI, NASA, WGBH, and friends.

Admission is free and open to the public. Rain or shine.

touchtomorrow.wpi.edu Find us in the app store!

CHALLENGE PRIZE MONEY PROVIDED BY

BAYSTATEPARENT 13

Keep Messes to a Minimum The Great Plate is a great space-saver, serving as an all-in-one plate /cup holder combo. BPA-free, dishwasher/microwave safe, reusable, and recyclable, they come in a variety of colors and are handy anywhere from snacking on the couch or a sleepover party to a cookout or entertaining by the pool.

A set of four costs $15 and can be found at greatplate.net.

Bites A Space-Saving Lunchbox

School’s almost out, but if your child is going to summer camp, your lunch-making duties continue. Space is at a premium in any day camp backpack, which makes the D’Eco Collapsible Lunchbox a great pick. The stylish silicone container collapses to one-third its original size and even comes equipped with a snap-on fork and spoon. decohousewares.com, $14.99

How to Mop Without a Bucket

BY LESLIE REICHERT

I’m always trying to find ways to make cleaning faster and more economical. Time is money in the cleaning industry, so if there’s a faster way to do something, it’s worth its weight in dollars.

I always insisted on washing floors on my hands and knees; I really thought the only way to get a floor clean was to get down and scrub it. But after years of cleaning floors like this, my knees started to rebel (ceramic tile floors are very hard on knees). I had to find a better way to clean the floors and still have them look like I had been down there scrubbing them the “old fashioned” way.

After a lot of thought and a few failed attempts, I discovered a system that works perfectly for cleaning all types of hard floors. I call it bucket-less mopping. With this system, you don’t use a bucket to wash the floor. Instead, you mix up your cleaner in a spray bottle and the bottle becomes your bucket. You use less water and just a fraction of the cleaner you would normally use in a bucket, and it makes cleaning your kitchen floor a snap.

Here’s how it works: • Use a 16-ounce spray bottle.

• Put a few drops of your favorite

14 JUNE2016

Study: US Babies Developing Poor Diets Early A startling new study shows that infants are developing unbalanced eating patterns as early as 9 months of age, and by 12 months they are consuming adult levels of sodium and added sugars.

The study, commissioned by baby food manufacturer Beech-Nut, analyzed 10 years of food and beverage consumption data among U.S. babies from birth to age 2. It also found that as infants are moving from baby food to whole food, they are eating more French fries, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sweets than they are vegetables and whole grains.

floor cleaner in the bottom of the bottle.

• Add enough water to fill it to the top.

• Insert your spray nozzle into the mixture and shake.

This spray bottle is now your bucket. You have mixed your cleaner to the same water:cleaner ratio as if you were using a 2 gallon bucket. It’s amazing how much water and cleaner you are saving.

And here’s the bigger secret: Purchase a microfiber mop with removable/washable mop heads.

These mop heads will clean the floor without spreading dirt. You will need two to three removable mop covers to clean your kitchen floor, depending on the size of your floor. I have an average-size kitchen and I use three covers. I could get away with two, but I like to make sure that the floor is getting really clean, so I change them often while I’m washing it.

Place all the mop head covers in the sink and cover them with plain hot water. Take the first cover and squeeze out all the excess water.

You want the mop head to be damp, not wet. Put the damp cover on the end of the mop and start at the farthest corner of the kitchen.

Spritz your cleaning mixture onto a small area and then wipe it with

the mop. Continue to mop the floor until you feel like the mop head is getting dirty. Remove it from the end of the mop and put it directly into the washing machine.

Grab another clean, damp mop head and place it on the end of the mop. By doing this you are preventing cross contamination.

When you rinse your sponge mop in a bucket of dirty water, you are spreading the dirt and germs back onto the floor. Bucket-less mopping prevents cross contamination.

Continue washing the floor in small segments, changing the mop cover whenever you feel it’s necessary. The other great thing about this system is that the floor will dry very quickly, so you will be able to walk on it right away. This system is also great for hard wood floors since you are only using a damp cover. It’s perfect because you are only using a little bit of water, which won’t damage the wood floor.

Give my bucket-less mopping system a try. You will be amazed at how easy it is to wash your floors. It may be so easy that you’ll try doing it more often! You can see a video of how to do this, as well as get more information about mops and covers, at greencleaningcoach.com.

The Coolest Water Bottle You’ve Ever Seen Do you need another water bottle?

No. Do you need the Aquabot so you can spray your unsuspecting kids?

Yes! Lunatec Gear’s Aquabot water bottle top turns an ordinary water bottle into a mister or, better yet, a water gun that can spray a stream of water up to 25 feet. You can buy the top and a bottle, or just the top,

which fits Nalgene and Camelbak wide-mouth bottles.

Parents (and kids) can also drink from the bottle, or with a simple nozzle adjustment, cool themselves off with a fine mist. And in addition to its water-gun abilities, the stream function offers enough pressure to clean off dishes or gear if you’re camping or at the beach. lunatecgear.com, $26.50

A New Take on Coleslaw

Culinary educators Paulding & Company (pauldingandco.com) share this new way to craft a beloved summer staple.

Coleslaw Yield: about 3 cups, for 6 servings.

Ingredients • 2 Tbs. cider vinegar • 1 Tbs. sugar or to taste • 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 4 cups shredded green cabbage, about ½ of a large cabbage • 1 carrot, peeled and grated on the large holes of a cheese grater Directions Combine vinegar, sugar, Dijon, salt & pepper. Stir in mayonnaise. Add cabbage and carrots, allow to mari-

nate together 1 hour or longer in the refrigerator. May be kept for a week without loss of quality.

Bites BAYSTATEPARENT 15

umpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty’s enrolling next fall.

Kids grow up fast. Help your college savings keep up.

With tuition rates continuing to rise, it’s never too early to start saving for college. When you open a MEFA U.Fund College Investing Plan account, you can take advantage of benefits like these: ®

®

• It’s

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• It’s flexible. Use your savings at accredited schools

nationwide — not just in Massachusetts.

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easy to give. Friends and family can contribute to your account online with our new College Gifting service.

Managed by:

To learn more, or to open an account, visit Fidelity.com/ufund or call 800.544.2776.

Please carefully consider the Plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information on any 529 college savings plan managed by Fidelity, contact Fidelity for a free Fact Kit, or view one online. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

MEFA is a not-for-profit self-financing state authority that works to make higher education more accessible and affordable for students and families in Massachusetts through community education programs, college savings plans, and low-cost financing options.

The U.Fund® College Investing Plan is offered by MEFA and managed by Fidelity Investments. If you or the designated beneficiary is not a Massachusetts resident, you may want to consider, before investing, whether your state or the beneficiary’s home state offers its residents a plan with alternate state tax advantages or other benefits.

Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and may be subject to market volatility and fluctuation.

MEFA, MEFA UFund Massachusetts 529 Plan, and U.Fund are registered service marks of the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority.

The Fidelity Investments and pyramid design logo and the navigational line and directional design are service marks of FMR LLC. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917 © 2015 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

16 JUNE2016

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: ROSE´ SPONSORED CONTENT

101

WINE

BY STEPHEN BEGLEY

R

osé, rosado, rosato, whether in France, the U.S., Portugal, Spain, Italy, or virtually anywhere in the world where wine is made, you can find

Rosé.

Rosé has labored for some time to escape the shadow of White Zinfandel, which many people associate with being an overly sweet, beginner’s wine. Yet, as many have discovered, rosé can be dry or even bone dry, as well as a great value when compared to some higher priced red wines.

Rosés can be made using different methods and different grape varietals. Depending on the method and the grapes used, you will find a range of colors, from salmon to hot pink, and sweetness levels, from sweet to bone dry. And don’t forget to try a sparkling rosé for that special occasion or just for fun!

The most common method of making a rosé wine is through skin contact. Dark-skinned grapes are crushed, and the grape juice is allowed to stay in contact with the skins (maceration) for a short period of time. This can range from several hours to several days. The longer the contact, the darker the color of the wine.

Many rosés are made by blending multiple grape varietals, some of the most common being, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, grenache, pinot noir, and mourvedre.

Depending on the method and the grapes used, you will find a range of colors, from salmon to hot pink, and sweetness levels, from sweet to bone dry.

Rosés are meant to be drunk young, in other words within two to three years of the vintage date on the label. They’re not made to put away until your toddler graduates from college.

Old World Rosé vs New World Rosé Generally speaking, Old World Rosés, (think Europe), tend to be dryer in style than New World Rosé, (California, South America, Australia). But, like just about everything else, there are exceptions. At least this will give you a sense of direction if you’re just starting to explore rosé wines.

When is the best time of year to drink rosé? Traditionally, spring, summer, and Thanksgiving (no wine pairs better with the variety of flavors on the Thanksgiving table) were the most popular times of year for people to drink rosé. Today, people are discovering that rosé is good anytime.

Rosé is a versatile wine when it comes to pairing with food: from appetizers to roasted fish, pasta with red sauce, soft cheeses, chicken, pork, and summer salads. And you can always sip a glass or two of nicely chilled rosé by itself! Yes, don’t forget to serve it chilled.

We have a variety of rose’ wines from France, Italy, Spain, and California at prices to fit your budget.

Our knowledgeable staff are happy to assist you!

• Fleur de Mer $16.19 • Domaine de Chateaumar $12.29 • Hog Wash $13.89 • Le Charmel $9.89 • Blackbird Vineyards $24.19 • White Girl $11.99

• Villa Gemma $12.99 • Dark Horse $9.29 • Victor Hugo Le Mis $10.39 • Honoro Vera $9.59 • Beaurenard $10.29 • Terre Promise $16.69

• Prieure Tavel $13.69 • Albrecht Sparkling $11.69 • Gruet Blanc de Noir $12.79 • Willm Rose of Pinot Noir $15.19 • Charles Duret Brut Rose $17.99 • Ferrari Sparkling Rose $26.89

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BAYSTATEPARENT 17

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.

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

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18 JUNE2016

HWD021_MatAd_BayParJunior.indd 1

7/11/14 10:09 PM

OF 93 Summer!

DAYS

20 22 26 28 32 34 39

LYNN QUINLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Stowe, Vermont: Not Just a Winter Destination Kids and Bikes: 3 Critical Mistakes To Avoid Simple Ways to Avoid the Summer Slide Fight Brain Drain: 75 Fun New Ways to Learn You've Got a Vacation in Pennsylvania Summer Gift Guide: Cool Gear for Your Busy Season Mass State Parks Offer Sleuthing, Fun, and Fresh Air via Park Passport Program BAYSTATEPARENT 19

PHOTOS COURTESY STOWE AREA ASSOCIATION

93 DAYS OF SUMMER

Stowe, Vermont: Not Just a Winter Destination

BY HEATHER KEMPSKIE Nestled at the base of the highest peak in Vermont, the village of Stowe has been consistently ranked one of the most popular destinations by travelers worldwide.

National Geographic says “Stowe is the prototypical Vermont resort town...” and Family Circle listed it as one of the Top 5 Ski Destinations in the country. But families would be remiss to dismiss this village 200 miles from Boston as only a destina-

tion fit for winter.

From hiking or biking on the 5-mile Stowe Recreation Path (stowrec.org) in the fall, skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort (stowe.com) in the winter, taking a hot air balloon (stoweflake.com) in the summer, and zip-lining in the spring, locals promise year-round family fun.

“Stowe is an ideal vacation destination for families who want to spend quality time together,” says

Jasmine Bigelow, marketing director at Stowe Area Association. “Many of Stowe’s famed outdoor activities can be enjoyed by everyone in the family, no matter what age or ability level. There’s bowling, mini golf, Ben & Jerry’s, outdoor concerts, and local museums are kid- (and

teen-) friendly.”

Crave adventure? Try The Swimming Hole (theswimmingholestowe.com), which features a heated kids’ pool, the Fly Rod Shop (flyrodshop.com) offering half-day fishing trips just for families, and daily gondola rides to the top of

Summer 2016

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Mount Mansfield (stowe.com).

Hungry? Stowe and its nearby towns are proud makers of some of New England’s best known brands: Think Cabot Creamery (cabotcheese.coop), Lake Champlain Chocolates (lakechamplainchocolates.com), and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. All offer familyfriendly tours and conclude with a tasty treat.

“Stowe is one of those places you can come to with your family and spend a day, a week, or more and never run out of things to do,” says Scot Barow, sales manager at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, a 50-year-old, family-run, all-inclusive resort. “It’s truly one of those destination that has something for everyone.”

Want more? Here are some of our favorite must-sees:

The Making of Vermont Teddy Bears

6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne (less than an hour from Stowe) Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $4 adults (12 and under free) vermontteddybear.com Called the Best Bears in the Universe, more than 150,000 people opt to get a behind-the-scenes look at how these cuddly friends are born at the Vermont factory.

Each bear is lovingly made by Bear Ambassadors, who spend their days cutting, stitching, stuffing, and sewing. The company handcrafts more than 150,000 bears for its Bear-Gram gift delivery service and employs 162 year-round staff.

After the tour, visitors can make their own Friend for Life Teddy Bear.

Chill and Chow at Ben & Jerry’s Factory

1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: $4 adults (12 and under free) benjerry.com

Visit ikravefitness.com or email Leah at ikravefitness@gmail.com to sign up 22 West St, Millbury, MA 122 Turnpike Rd, Westboro, MA 508.410.5127

The 30-minute guided ice cream factory tour tells the tale of how two childhood friends turned a $5 correspondence course into a global ice cream phenomenon. Visitors will see how the euphoric ice cream is made, what drives the company’s environmental mission, and how flavors are created. Before leaving, satisfy any cravings with a sweet treat at the Scoop Shop, where guests can sample the flavor of the day and visit the Flavor Graveyard to pay respects to some dearly depinted, retired flavors.

Bite into the Famous Cider Donut

3600 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Center Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. coldhollow.com The iconic storefront is a gateway for the senses. Called one of the country’s four best donuts by Gourmet magazine, its legendary cider donuts are baked fresh all day long. Visitors can also check out how its cider is made via the rack and cloth method using a 1920 vintage press. Plenty of Vermont food specialties line the shelves — maple syrup jellies, cheddar cheese, and baked creations such as pumpkin rolls, apple turnovers, homemade fudge, and the great old standby, apple pie, are ready to take home. continued on page 25 BAYSTATEPARENT 21

93 DAYS OF SUMMER

Kids

& Bikes:

l a c i t i 3 Cr kes a t s i M void To A K

IENNI

G SUK

E

BY GR

With a bike comes freedom — and inescapable safety hazards. Let’s be honest: Like crossing the street, riding in a car, or buying sushi at a gas station, riding a bike comes with inherent risk. As long as there’s sand on the sides of roads, knees and elbows will be skinned.

But the good news is that the right equipment, the right safety apparel, and an understanding of the rules of the road — and why they matter for bicyclists, too — can minimize those risks and set the stage for years of enjoying life on two wheels.

There’s more good news: The state law requiring that children under the age of 16 wear a helmet has grown a generation of riders who recognize the importance of protecting one’s brain. Given the recent focus on the dangers of concussions, especially for developing brains, that’s an important step forward.

But a helmet can’t prevent all head injuries, and if you’re wearing a helmet incorrectly, it’s like you’re not wearing one at all.

Buying the bike For many families, a bike is a big investment. But all bikes are not created equal, says Mark Vautour, manager at Landry’s Bicycles on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston.

“A bike from any bike shop is 22 JUNE2016

going to be much higher quality and professionally assembled by a bicycle mechanic,” Vautour says.

And, there’s “a big difference from the quality of parts we see from the department store,” he adds. “And in terms of longevity, usually the spokes aren’t made out of stainless steel, which means the spokes rust.

So if you’re trying to get multiple children out of a bike, the quality of a purchase at a bike shop is just much better.”

Vautour acknowledges that as a bike shop manager, it sounds a bit self-serving that he recommends shopping and servicing at your local bike store rather than at a big box retailer. But mere common sense validates what he’s saying. The local bike shop staff knows bikes — that’s what they do.

Associates at the local megamart might know what they’re doing. But, then again, they might be better at auto supplies. Or pet food. Or shoes.

For that first bicycle, or for kids

on the cusp of a growth spurt, you might be tempted to buy a bike that’s a little big, thinking he or she will “grow into” it. But that’s a rookie mistake, and a potential safety hazard. Think about it: Would you attempt to drive a car if you couldn’t reach the pedals or the steering wheel?

And it’s not just reaching the pedals or getting your feet on the pavement without hurting yourself.

A bike that’s too big is also harder to steer — and for younger riders, that’s an important safety issue.

“Many parents understandably try to size a bike for growth,” Vautour says. “But if a bike is too big, the kid simply won’t have fun on it because they’re afraid to ride it.”

So what’s the right size?

There are charts that correlate your child’s height and age with a standard bike size. (Pro tip: kids’

bikes measure wheel size; adult bikes measure the height of the frame.) Those charts often use the child’s inseam as a guideline, since distance from the seat to the ground is important. But every child is different, and one size does not fit all. So it’s important to bring him or her with you to the shop and let them try it on for size.

(Make some other gift the birthday surprise.)

Conventional wisdom holds that children should be able to put the balls of their feet on the ground while seated, and be able to stand with one leg on the pedals and the other on the ground with no more than a slight lean to the bike. This is most important for first-time riders who need the confidence boost of being able to easily plant their feet on the ground; for older, more experienced riders, it’s not quite as critical.

Brakes are obviously important.

And this is one area in which

Heads up for safety

There’s one piece of equipment you should absolutely insist upon for your child’s bike-riding experience and yours, too — a helmet.

At the risk of sounding preachy, there’s really no choice here: Buy your child a helmet and insist it be worn properly. It’s the law in Massachusetts for every rider ages 16 and younger. You can even look it up: Chapter 85, section 11B. After all: You can’t buy your child a new brain, so this is not the time or place to think about saving money.

For proper fit, experts agree that the front brim of the helmet should sit level on the head, and the chinstrap should be snug.

“If you palm the top of the helmet and you can move it around, it’s not tight enough,” says Beth Wolfe, an injury prevention coordinator and research assistant in the division of trauma and acute care surgery at Tufts Medical Center.

As for leaving the chinstrap unbuckled? Don’t allow it.

“An unbuckled helmet is the same as not wearing a helmet at all,” she adds.

Second — and this is important — helmets are not just for kids. Your children take their behavior cues from you, the grown-up in charge.

Your consistent and proper use of a helmet while riding sets the example for safety and responsibility.

Now that we’ve got the bike and the helmet squared away, let’s take to the road. department store bikes can be less than desirable, Vautour says.

“Many times the quality is just not even close,” he notes. “The brakes are much harder to squeeze. And the rims are polished, so they make a lousy braking surface when the pads hit the rim. The combination of a plastic brake lever and a polished rim make the bike not nearly as safe.”

And when you realize that kids’ bikes are often heavier than their adult counterparts and apply Newton’s Second Law — force equals mass times acceleration — well, that’s cause for concern.

So what should brakes look like?

For younger riders, skip hand brakes and go with a model that has coaster brakes, because not every kid has the hand strength to stop — or the understanding of physics that sends the rider of a suddenly stopped bike hurtling over the handlebars. For hand brakes, the pads should be aligned properly with the wheel and the

fashion

❃

lever should feel tight enough that it can stop the bike and its rider at speed.

Learning to fly “It’s like getting back on a bicycle,” we say when we resume an activity we haven’t attempted in a while. But do you remember what it was like the first time you climbed aboard a bike? Maybe you were so thrilled that you forgot to be afraid of falling. Or perhaps you were so terrified that you didn’t realize that the grown-up in your life was no longer holding the seat as you pedaled away.

This is a good time to consider the basic premise of “Mindset”

by Stanford psychologist Carol S. Dweck. Learning to ride a bike is a growth experience, one that will require effort and persistence as your child learns to master the required motor skills and put them all together. It’s a learned skill that requires practice — and it’s not an up- or down- vote on whether you’re a world-class athlete or just worldclass clumsy.

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93 DAYS OF SUMMER You didn’t do it perfectly the first time, so don’t expect mastery of cycling overnight or criticize your child when that invariably doesn’t happen. It might take days or longer for your child to get past fears, learn to combine forward motion and balance, and figure out how to steer and stop. But it will happen.

And once you’re convinced that they can stop, start, steer, and follow the rules of the road, it’s time to hit the road. How do you do it safely?

Boston, with its wicked narrow streets, wicked heavy traffic, and wicked aggressive drivers, might seem like the last place to talk about bicycle safety. But not only does Wolfe study bike safety in the city, she’s also a dedicated rider who pedals around Boston. And she’s convinced that the benefits of life on two wheels far outweigh the risks — as long as you use some common sense and prevention.

“Biking is fantastic,” Wolfe says.

“It’s a great, cheap way to have family gatherings, and the benefits greatly outweigh the negative safety aspects.”

Think about it: When you’re on your bike, good things are happening for the body and the brain.

Major muscle groups are doing their thing as you pedal. They’re

working in concert with your heart and lungs, while your equilibrium keeps you upright as you move forward. Neurons are firing, blood is pumping, your senses are continually scanning your surroundings for what fighter pilots call “situational awareness.” And if you read our story on the BOKS Kids physical activity program in the April issue (baystateparent.com/ April-2016-1/The-Free-PhysicalActivity-Program/), you know that exercise such as bicycling is good for children’s brains as well as their overall health.

If there’s one thing Wolfe has learned about bike safety in Boston, it’s that you have to be seen to be safe. That means wearing a reflective vest and having lights and reflectors on your helmet and your bike, day and night, so drivers realize that you’re there and on a bike. They’re not expensive; Wolfe said she found a package on eBay that came with reflectors, lights, and a Velcro vest for $30.

And being seen doesn’t just mean being bright at night; it means creating enough reflection that the motorist can’t miss you and knows where you are. (For example, Wolfe says she has seen an increase in “doorings” in greater Boston — when a driver opens the door right

in front of the oncoming cyclist, who doesn’t have time to stop.)

But it also means operating your bike in ways that drivers and pedestrians expect — and that means following all of the rules of the road. Wolfe says some of the more serious injuries she has seen involve cyclists hitting pedestrians who weren’t expecting the cyclist to run a red light, or ride the wrong way down a one-way street.

“That can be very serious for the cyclist and the pedestrian both,” Wolfe said. “It’s not like a car where you have a big metal cage to protect you.”

The new danger: distracted riding There’s another dangerous trend Wolfe has been seeing among older kids and adults – an uptick in accidents involving “distracted riding.”

And we’re not just talking about wearing headphones while riding.

This refers to those trying to pilot a bike with one hand (or no hands) and focusing their attention on dialing a phone, checking email, or texting a friend.

And that’s not all.

“We saw people eating breakfast,

eating lunch, carrying coffee, carrying groceries,” she says. “We saw someone carrying a 6-foot-tall lamp — it looked like they were jousting.”

Texting while riding is obviously foolish and dangerous, but Wolfe is particularly concerned about riders wearing earbuds to listen to music or talk on the phone via Bluetooth, or wearing sound-canceling headphones that don’t allow external noise to get through.

“When you have auditory distraction like that, you can’t hear electric cars that are often quiet, especially most of the taxis around here,” she says. “So how can you protect yourself and other people?

Or someone’s trying to honk at you, or someone’s trying to pass you safely, but yet you can’t hear them? It’s a big safety problem.”

As is the case with wearing a helmet, Wolfe believes the best course of action for parents is to model safe behavior.

“I’m a huge proponent of leading by example,” she says. “If a parent is texting, talking, answering emails, or listening to music while they’re bike riding, their child is probably going to do the same. I think it goes back to accountability...leading by example is a huge thing.”

Save the Dates for Summer Time Fun in Leominster!

Summer Stroll June 18th • 1-5 pm Rain Date: June 25th

Ladies Night Out

Kids’ Day

August 18th • 5-9 pm

August 27th • 2-5 pm

For more information contact the Mayor’s Office at (978) 534-7500 City of Leominster 1.2H 0616.indd 24 398173 JUNE2016

1

5/16/16 1:34 PM

93 DAYS OF SUMMER continued from page 21 Hot Air Balloon Rides Set the GPS to Stowe for the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival (July 8-10), when more than 25 balloons will fill the sky. The 30th annual celebration features a children’s corner, live entertainment, delicious food, and a beer and wine garden. Hot-air balloon rides are priced at $275 per person, plus tax, and advanced reservations are recommended. Tethered rides on the hot-air balloons may be available for $10 per person. Reservations are not required.

Spa at Stoweflake Parents, if you can steal away for a few hours, make this spa your destination. And if you are guests at this resort, you can take advantage of their Kids Camp option to make it happen. A day at the spa includes access to a fully equipped Cybex fitness center, where those who want to work out can indulge in yoga, Pilates, or other heart-pounding classes.

After partaking in one of the 120 signature treatments — like the Vermont Maple Sugar Body Scrub — relax in the 12-foot-high massaging waterfall in the Aqua Solarium or take a stroll in the outdoor meditation garden.

TripAdvisor awarded Stoweflake a Certificate of Excellence in 2012, and it was voted among the “Top 100 U.S. Resort Spas” by Conde Naste Traveler readers.

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Soar through the forests and explore the wilds of the Green Mountains by riding up to 4,500 feet of zip lines, cross sky bridges, and rappel from trees. Or slide, balance, jump, climb, and zip through trees at the Treetop Obstacle Course. All this and more are offered for the truly adventurous.

“Stowe is one of those places you can come to with your family and spend a day, a week, or more and never run out of things to do.”

— Scot Barow, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa

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93 DAYS OF SUMMER

Simple Ways

‘Summer Slide’ to Avoid the

BY KRISTIN GUAY

A

ccording to the National Summer Learning Association (summerlearning.org), research shows that most students lose about a month’s worth of school-earned knowledge over the summer.

More specifically, a University of Missouri study shows that students lose about 2.6 months of grade-level equivalency in math, and low-income students have significantly more loss in math and reading. This is further supported by an NSLA study that surveyed 500 teachers and found that “66% of teachers have to spend three to four weeks re-teaching students course material at the beginning of the year, while 24% of teachers spend at least five to six weeks re-teaching material from the previous school year.”

Parents and children all need summer vacation to recharge from the busy school year schedule. Summer is also a time when families plan reunions or vacations, and children might be enrolled in camps. But 26 JUNE2016

just because children are taking a break from school doesn’t mean they should take a break from learning.

Summer is prime time for children to receive a different kind of education, exploring such topics as music, cooking, a new sport, crafts, construction, enrichment excursions, and theater.

How to start A good start to planning summer learning is to think about two things: What has your child struggled with during the school year and what interests would your child like to explore further? Maybe he could use help with organizational skills, following instructions, penmanship, multiplication tables, spelling, recording the scientific method in a lab experiment, or the early explorers of America. Whatever it may be, think of creative ways to support him in learning a challenging concept. Also, summer is a great time to further develop interests your child already has or explore a topic that is a new

interest. Sometimes this proves more difficult to do during the school months.

One of the best feelings a parent can have is to see their child excited to return to school in the fall, eager to learn. There is a greater chance of this happening if your child is not concerned about a particular area — something they struggled with the previous school year.

Loss of educational concepts during the summer months is not something to ignore, especially for struggling or at-risk students. A New York Times article by Jeff Smink reinforced the importance of continual learning for our youth: “This learning loss is cumulative, summer after summer.

It has a tremendous impact on students’ success, including high school completion, post-secondary education, and work force preparedness.”

If children had trouble with writing or with penmanship, encourage them to write letters to family members far away. They could also write the grocery list, the dinner

menu for the week, or keep a journal of special events over the summer.

Suggest they create a weekly family newspaper, complete with articles, comics, and pictures that outline the key events of that week. Roll it up and “deliver” to the doorstep of the family home.

If a child lost interest in the importance of history, get them involved in local and national events happening every day. This should be appropriately tailored to meet the age your child, but it is important they understand that our community and country are connected to other people and events around the world.

There are several children’s magazines that provide current events at appropriate age levels. Also, you can take advantage of the upcoming presidential elections to explore that process in our country.

If math was a challenge, create a simple allowance system (give them tasks to earn money) and use the saving and spending of money to work on math concepts. Explain how

a credit card works to demonstrate positive and negative integers. Get them involved in family outings and travel plans — determining tip amounts in restaurants, best deals on hotels and airfare, how many gallons of gas and the ensuing cost to reach a destination travelled by car, cooking measurements, and cost for a family outing to a movie, theme park, museum, or other interesting attraction.

If they struggled with science or accurately recording the scientific method, have them conduct some simple experiments at home using items commonly found in the kitchen (there are numerous resources on the Internet, libraries, and bookstores to help you get started with this, just search “kids science experiments”). They can become a nature explorer learning more about the stars, animals, plants, trees, and various outdoor items. Focus on having them keep detailed and accurate notes of what they observe.

The key is to get your child involved in everyday activities that utilize and reinforce the concepts they learned in school. A little work every day on a troubling area will help your child improve and feel more confident when they return to school in the fall.

Explore an interest Summer vacation is an ideal time for your child to explore a special interest. Maybe he is interested in learning an instrument, (guitar, violin, piano), a new sport (kayaking, bowling, fishing, strength training), or just further study on something that piqued his interest during the busy school year (how Oreo cookies are made, simple magic tricks, is there really a Lock Ness monster?).

There are numerous resources in local libraries and on the Internet (with parental guidance) that can support your child in learning about a topic. Take the time to ask your child what she would enjoy learning more about.

There might even be some local events that would be of interest to your child: “Spiders Alive” and “Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family” at the Museum of Science; navigating tree-to-tree adventure trails in the Berkshires’ Ramblewild; or summer cooking programs with Create-a-Cook in Newton. Check online and in local newspapers, (and baystateparent!) for recent additions and updates — there is something for everyone during the summer months.

Resources for projects and activities Bookstores and craft stores offer

kits, educational games, and practice books for a variety of interests. For older kids, you can find do-it-yourself kits for chemistry, solar cars, telescopes, models of the human body, FM radios, ant farms, growing crystals, models of the solar system, and volcanoes.

For younger kids, there are backyard explorer sets, perfumery kits, spa science, candy chemistry, and rocket kits.

You will also find educational games for kids and families to play together; various skill practice books on topics such as phonics, sight words, the alphabet, reading, writing, numbers, math sheets, spelling, and reading comprehension; flash cards on a variety of subjects; Brain Quest (great for car trips) with general information for ages 2-13 and also American history and U.S. presidents. Department stores (Walmart, K-Mart, Target, Dollar Store) also have educational workbooks along with craft supplies for hours of enriching activities.

When worksheets can help Just because it is summer vacation, don’t be afraid to give your child a worksheet to bolster a specific skill or concept. Sometimes a sheet outlining upper- and lowercase letters is needed to ensure your child is writing properly.

Multiplication drill sheets come in handy, especially when your child has been told he will have 1-minute drills waiting for him when the bell rings in the fall. The key is to not overdo this — kids do need a break from structured worksheets during their summer vacation.

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What?

Daily, 30-minute lessons, same time, same instructor for one week.

When?

All summer long!

Cost?

Price varies. Call the location nearest to you for details!

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FAMILY FUN FOR

EVERYONE!

Above all — read According to the article, “Stop Summer Academic Loss” published

by MetaMetrics, Inc. (gradelevelreading.net), research has shown that “Summer reading is the single summer activity that is most strongly and consistently related to summer learning. The best predictor of summer reading is whether books are in the home.”

This is probably the least expensive activity of all, thanks to local libraries. Parents can make a trip to the library and stock up on reading material, educational films, and even interesting music CDs. Remember, literacy skills are required in every academic area — from reading detailed instructions in a lab experiment, to understanding what is asked in a math word problem, to researching a topic for a civics lesson, to comprehending complex fiction and poetry. Reading over the summer months will hone these skills and prepare kids for the upcoming school year.

INTERACTIVE LEARNING LOUNGES,

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, TOURS, AND EXHIBITIONS FOR ALL AGES!

¡FAM ES PARA TODOS! currently on view: 185 Elm Street Fitchburg,MA 01420 978.345.4207 fitchburgartmuseum.org BAYSTATEPARENT 27

93 DAYS OF SUMMER

Fight Brain Drain

75 fun new ways to learn

BY KRISTIN GUAY

Need creative ideas to keep your children active, engaged, and learning throughout the summer months? Some of these involve a little planning and a few supplies, but they are all well worth the effort. You will be able to find more detailed information on some of these suggestions either online or via books at your local library or bookstore. These activities help reinforce key concepts learned in the classroom, such as following directions, researching a topic, measuring and calculating, cooperating, exploring interests, creative thinking, accepting diversity, taking responsibility, critical thinking, and understanding how concepts learned in the classroom are used in everyday life.

1. Learn a language — check out learnalanguage.com.

2. Make a mailbox for your room and for other family members; send letters to each other on a regular basis.

3 Listen to an audiobook – LibriVox recordings are available online (librivox.org); audio books are at most local libraries.

4. Learn a new sport.

5. Try making colonial crafts, such as a Pomander ball, cornhusk doll, Jacob’s Ladder, or whirligig (you can find step-by-step instructional videos online).

6. Explore your family tree — make a diagram on a large piece of paper and see how far back you can trace your family.

7. Have your child measure the different rooms in your house and rank from the smallest to the largest.

to videos from author and crafter Richela Fabian Morgan can be found at youtube.com/user/CraftyRichela.

8. Peruse topdocumentaryfilms.com to find interesting documentaries on everything from ice age hunters, origin of democracy, the Mayan civilization, lost temples of India, and the Roman Empire.

12. Check out elaborate coloring books found in most bookstores — cityscapes and famous artwork.

9. Learn card games that the entire family can play together.

10. Use story cubes to create and share interesting and entertaining stories. Newton-based Gamewright Games (gamewright.com) offers several cube sets ranging from mysteries and sports to fairy tales, Batman, and more in their Rory’s Story Cubes series.

11. Create Duct tape projects. How-

13. Visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst. Special events and summer exhibitions can be found at carlemuseum.org.

14. Have your child research the key issues of each presidential candidate.

15. Draw and color a mandala. Check out wikihow.com/Draw-a-Mandala.

16. Learn yoga. Game creators ThinkFun (thinkfun.com) offer three super yoga games aimed at ages 3 and up: Memory Yoga, Yoga Spinner, and Yoga Cards.

17. Use glow-in-the-dark plastic stars to create constellations in your bedroom.

18. Volunteer for a local agency or charity.

19. Conduct kitchen ingredient science experiments. Visit chemistry. about.com.

20. Take an online visit to the National Museum of American History (americanhistory.si.edu) to participate in some fun activities that bring history to life.

21. Create a Jackson Pollack painting — visit the Boston Museum of Fine Art (mfa.org ) for inspiration or head to kinderart.com/arthistory/pollock. shtml.

28 JUNE2016

22. Keep a baseball scorecard for a game, either on TV or at a local ballpark. Scorecards and detailed instructions can been found at baseballscorecard.com and other online sites.

23. Read in fun places — tent in the backyard, picnic in a park, or on a pile of cushions in the living room.

24. Have regular family game nights.

Some great games that sneak in education are Bananagrams, Apples to Apples, Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, Scrabble, Last Word, and Boggle. Personal tip — Bananagrams (bananagrams.com) was a lifesaver during our many restaurant stops on our family crosscountry trip!

25. Visit Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney’s bookstore in Plainville.

Check out its Website for events and book signings: anunlikelystory.com.

26. Visit local historic sites throughout Massachusetts. Have your child do some research prior to the trip.

27. Have your child calculate how much it would cost to do dinner and a movie for the entire family. Compare different movie times and restaurants to determine the best deal.

28. Plan, cook, and enjoy a meal from a different country.

29. Make birdseed “ornaments” to hang in your backyard (wikihow. com/Make-Bird-Seed-Ornaments).

These also make great gifts for the holidays.

30. Take your child to the grocery store and let them help you compare prices for items you get on a regular basis.

the necessary ingredients: two plastic baggies, ice, and a lot of shaking.

This is especially fun with loud and peppy music in the background.

31. Create, color, and display tessellation art: tessellations.org.

39. Walk in nature and make observations using all your senses.

32. Try decorating cookies, cupcakes, or cakes. Use a plastic bag as a piping bag and experiment with different techniques and designs.

40. Make some crafts using solar beads (the beads change color when exposed to sun).

33. Trace your shadow on the driveway/sidewalk at different times of the day — observe what happens.

41. Take pictures in your town of common shapes (triangle for a yield sign, rectangle for the top of a picnic table).

34. Make homemade stationary using stamp pads and card stock paper. Send notes to friends and family.

42. Look at constellations in the night sky. Read Greek and Roman mythology stories that relate to the constellations.

35. Do a puzzle. Select a challenging one that may take several days to complete.

43. Plant a garden, either in the ground or in pots.

36. Create some origami figures.

Search “origami for kids” on YouTube and enjoy many videos.

37. Involve your child in daily cooking. It helps reinforce following instructions and math concepts, plus it is a huge confidence booster to know they prepared a meal for the family.

38. Make homemade ice cream using

44. Start a summer scrapbook as a keepsake of special events. Journal the pages so you remember the details of each event.

45. Identify trees in your neighborhood; make note of the different bark and leaves.

46. Make solar paper artwork – gather flat items and use solar paper (purchase in craft stores) to create beautiful outlines of the objects.

47. Create a cartoon of something funny/interesting that happened over the summer.

48. As a family — read a book and then watch the movie version — have a family debate on which version is better. Check out ranker.com/list/ popular-children_sbooks-with-movie for a list of 300 children’s books and that become feature films.

49. Create a Fibonacci art project using different sizes and colors of cut out circles.

A step by step can be found at whatdowedoallday. com/2015/01/fibonacci-artproject.html 50. Make your own musical instruments — a homemade drum; shoe box guitar; shaker using two plastic bowls and some loose rice; bean shakers with dry beans and a empty plastic bottle; a kazoo with a paper towel tube and some wax paper.

51. Read something everyday — morning comics, a recipe in a cook

book, instructions for how to put something together.

52. Make a terrarium to keep in your bedroom. Here are instructions for three ways: wikihow.com/Make-aTerrarium

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53. Create a Zentangle art project: zentangle.com.

54. Participate in summer reading incentive programs through local libraries and bookstores.

55. Take pictures of your home, neighborhood, items in nature, etc., but do it a little differently. Take the pictures extremely up close, focusing on a small detail of the larger object. Have fun with this and see if others can guess the object by just looking at the small detail.

■

discoverymuseums.org

65. Use Magformers magnetic shapes (triangles, squares, diamonds) to create unlimited masterpieces (magformers.com).

66. Practice handwriting, cursive, or spelling with colored chalk on a driveway. With young children, use pudding on a cookie sheet (yummy!).

56. Find an interesting story to read aloud to your child; try to make it a dramatic reading.

67. Start a family/friend book club.

It’s a great way to share great books and keep up the reading.

57. Learn calligraphy. Use it to send elaborate notes to family and friends, maybe even an invitation to a special event over the summer months. A tutorial can be found at: youtube.com/ watch?v=sVVxFzHHn1Q

68. Have your kids create an obstacle course in the backyard that will use different kinds of skills (speed, strength, balance); make sure they create specific rules for each event.

58. Create a play to perform for the family, decorate paper masks, create a stage, and dazzle your family with an original production.

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64. Record fun summer activities by taking pictures. Use sturdy colorful twine and decorated clothespins to create a “clothes line” of pictures for your room.

59. Listen to free online concert streaming of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and Tanglewood programs through bso. org.

60. Plant a butterfly-attracting plant (daffodils, viburnum, wild violets, wild basil). Try to locate butterfly eggs and create a butterfly house where you can witness the transformation of an ova into a butterfly.

61. Find out what books are being released as movies over the summer, like Roald Dahl’s The BFG: movies.disney.com/the-bfg. Read the books before seeing the movie.

62. Put together a model car, plane, helicopter, etc.

63. Make homemade soap — give as gifts to friends and family. Check out a short tutorial at youtube.com/ watch?v=daPbmiQDmb4

69. Make homemade candles — use items found in nature such as stones, shells and sea glass to decorate the candles.

70. Make something to sell in the neighborhood (lemonade, baked goods, craft item).

71. Visit local enrichment resources on a regular basis — library, park, museum, historic landmark.

72. Make puppets using small paper bags. Create a puppet show. Make a puppet theater out of a large cardboard box and entertain your family.

73. Involve children in travel plans.

Discuss the method of transportation, where you should stay, where you will eat, what you should pack, and what activities to do once you get to your destination.

74. Use Nanoblocks (nanoblockuk. com) to create replicas of famous structures around the world (White House, Louvre, Sydney Opera House, Big Ben, Neuschwanstein Castle).

75. Try to duplicate a painting or drawing of a famous artist.

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93 DAYS OF SUMMER BAYSTATEPARENT 31

93 DAYS OF SUMMER

You’ve Got

a Vacation in

Pennsylvania

BY SARA POKORNY

T

hrough the eyes of nonnatives, Pennsylvania is known for a variety of attractions. There’s the chocolaty goodness of Hershey; the historic gold mines that lay within Philadelphia and Gettysburg; rowdy sports teams and fans; traces of the hard work of an original colony left via mines and factories — the list goes on and on.

Though The Keystone State has quite a bit of well-known facets, there are also many hidden gems, and within a drivable distance from New England, they offer a full slate of family fun.

slides that drop the rider from one level to the next (Vortex); a wave pool (Kahuna Lagoon); racing water slides (Checkered Flag Challenge); and a non-water ride in the form of a chilled-out trip over the terrain (Sullivan Sky Ride).

The 170,000-square-foot Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark offers an

en/Langhorne): Kids and adults alike will be delighted to immerse themselves in the world of a street inhabited by a big yellow bird and a trash-dwelling grump. Sesame Place has kids’ rides like the Flying Fish, Elmo’s Cloud Chaser, and Flying Cookie Jars. There are also water rides, like Bert and Ernie’s Slip n

32 JUNE2016

Travel back in time

Philadelphia and Gettysburg are the first stops that come to mind when thinking of history in Pennsylvania, leaving Lancaster oft overlooked. It’s one of the oldest inland towns in the U.S., and traces of that are still evident. There are still many people who live by way of the farm there, but there are also modernized elements and tourist attractions. Bonus? Hersheypark isn’t far off.

Fun, no matter the season

Camelback Mountain Resort (309 Resort Drive, Tannersville; camelbackresort.com): This sprawling play area caters to winter and summer junkies. While the mountains are ripe for snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding during the cold months, there’s just as much action (if not more) in the summer.

Camelback Mountain Adventures provides a 4,000-foot-long Zip Flyer that whizzes over the mountains; the state’s only mountain coaster; a climbing wall; Euro bungees made just for kids; and treetop courses that lead all ages through the forest via ropes, bridges, and other contraptions (all while safely harnessed, of course).

Camelbeach is built for water lovers, a park that boasts a pair of bowl

all ages can enjoy 26 attractions that allow them to explore art and technology, express their creativity, and experience color in a whole new way. The attraction was completely re-imagined in 2013, so if you’re a previous visitor, you’re in for a whole new experience.

84-degree climate all year round and a host of adventure; it was voted the #1 indoor waterpark in the U.S. in a USA Today poll.

For the wee ones…. and nostalgia Sesame Place (100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne; sesameplace.com/

Slide and Big Bird’s Rambling River.

There are amusement park-style games, activity areas, and shows such as Elmo the Musical, as well as the Neighborhood Street Party parade, which happens during the day and at night.

Crayola Experience (30 Centre Square, Easton, crayolaexperience. com): Visit the birthplace of the venerable Crayola crayon. Kids of

Dutch Wonderland (2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster; dutchwonderland.com): This park skews towards smaller children. The family-friendly rides include Choo Choo Charlie, Duke’s Dozers, and the Dino Dig, as well as water rides like Pipeline Plunge, and shows such as Bubba Bear & the Badland Band.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery (219 East Main Street, Lititz; juliussturgis. com): Who knew snacking could be so fun? The first commercial pretzel bakery in America was founded in 1861 and now offers tours of the bakery as well as hands-on pretzel twisting.

Photos courtesy Dutch Wonderland, Mack Truck Museum, Comelback Mountain Resort

The Amish Farm and House (2395 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster;

amishfarmandhouse.com): The premier Amish attraction in the area,

this property dates back to the days of William Penn and gives visitors an inside look at the Amish community of Lancaster, set in a home in which an Amish family resided. The 45-minute tour also includes activities like a scooter run, farm animal feeding, and a one-room schoolhouse visit.

Much more. An extensive list of Lancaster-area family adventure and fun, from sports and science to tours and treats, can be found at discoverlancaster.com/activities/kid-friendlythings-to-do.asp

Dig deep

Crystal Caves (963 Crystal Cave Rd, Kutztown; crystalcavepa.com): A natural attraction, Crystal Caves takes visitors on an underground tour of caves that have a plethora of unique formations adorning the cave walls. In the summer months, the Ice Cream Parlor and Crystal Caves café are open, and visitors have a chance to not only shop the rock and mineral shop, but also mine for gems of their own in an outside prospector’s “creek.”

There are also plenty of unique stops in between bigger attractions, many of which would be a shame to overlook.

Make these a part of your road trip: The Harry Houdini Museum (1433 N. Main Ave., Scranton; houdini.org): The only museum in the world dedicated

to the famed magician, it’s a small operation that tells big tales of a man who has escaped out of water tanks, straight jackets, and an oversized milk can.

Nay Aug Gorge Tree House (Nay Aug Park, Nay Aug Road, Scranton): This wooden treehouse rises 150 feet above the gorge, offering beautiful sites, as well as close proximity to kidfriendly rides, walking trails, picnic areas, a waterslide complex, and the Everhart Museum.

Penny Rock (Salt Spring Road, Montrose): A rock riddled with bronze coins, this is a point of good luck for visitors who pound a penny into the surface — and bad luck for those who decide to remove one.

Mack Truck Historical Museum (2402 Lehigh Pkwy S., Allentown; macktruckshistoricalmuseum.org): Take a tour through the world of these vehicular behemoths and see how assembly is done.

Model Train Display (Merchants Mall, 1901 S. 12th St., Allentown): This large indoor display showcases many facets of a tiny world, including a teeny drive-in with a working screen and a thunderstorm that strikes every half hour. Within the mall is also a comic book store, wrestling store, and plenty of vendors peddling antique wares.

f o c i g a m e h t r Discove -on s d n a h 6 2 h t i color w attractions!

ction! ttra 16 A w 20 Ne mer m Su

Turn your coloring page into a real-life 4-D adventure!

4

Go to: Tickets.CrayolaExperience.com & Enter Store Name: bay

Expires: 7/25/16

BAYSTATEPARENT 33

Summer GIFT GUIDE

Beach 10.

8.

9.

11.

14.

12.

13.

8. AquaVault FlexSafe, theaquavault.com, $39.95. SharkTank veteran AquaVault is back this year with FlexSafe, a soft-sided portable outdoor vault, which can be anchored to a beach chair, umbrella, table, or more. Secured with a three-digit programmable lock, FlexSafe is a smart, safe place to keep your phone, money, keys, sunglasses, and more. 9. Waterproof Phone Case, theaquavault.com, $17.95. Smartphones and beaches are not friends. Enter the AquaVault’s Waterproof Phone Case, which lets you enjoy the full functionality of your phone — even picture-taking — while keeping it safe and dry. The case floats, is waterproof up to 15 feet, and fits phones up to 5.7”. 10. Bokos, bokosusa.com, $18. Bokos are a great choice for your feet, especially in the summer. They’re inexpensive, yet very sturdy, durable, and really comfortable. One-piece construction eliminates the common problem of busted sandal straps. They’re built out of a non-porous rubber material, which blocks dirt, keeps them clean, and also kills any odor. 11. Sand Gone, sandgone.com, $16.95. We love the beach, but not the part that comes home with us. Sand Gone is a dry powder that when applied to sandy parts of your body removes it, leaving your skin soft and smooth. 12. Noblo, thenoblo.com, $17.95. We can always pick out the mom-invented products because they just make so much sense. The Noblo Umbrella Buddy is a mom-invented product that anchors umbrellas for safety. Fill it with sand and Velcro it to your umbrella, and you’re guarded against sprinting after it later and/or accidentally harming someone. 13. Swimlids, swimlids.com, starting at $12.95. These UPF 50+ sun-protection hats will actually stay on your head while you enjoy the water.

Available in sizes and styles for kids to adults. 14. CoolBag, coolbag.com, $123. CoolBag is a combination large tote, cooler, and safe, the perfect accessory for any public place where you’re carrying a lot of valuables and can’t keep an eye on them at all times. One of the handles is reinforced with a steel cable. Detach the handle, loop it through something sturdy, like a chair, table, or fencing, and reattach it to the inside of the bag, anchoring it in place. The bag itself can be locked with a combination zipper, and the bottom sports an ice pack and serves as a cooler.

34 JUNE2016

Summer GIFT GUIDE

Pool 17.

16.

15.

18.

19.

20.

21.

15. Derby Duck, derbyduckfun.com, $39.99. This 72-inch-long inflatable duck is made with durable, heavy-duty vinyl and has a recessed seating area that’s comfortable for lounging. It also sports two built-in handles and a cup holder. 16. Thirst Mate, drinkertoys.com, $9.99. Reuse those empty plastic bottles in a whole new way. Attach them to the Thirst Mate and make your beverage — even wine bottles — cannonball-proof and accessible while you enjoy the water. 17. Stinger Mosquito Kill System, stingerproducts.com, $79.99. Nothing kills outdoor fun faster than a buggy night. So why not kill the bugs instead? The Stinger Mosquito Kill System combines five powerful mosquito elimination technologies and a clog-free kill grid to cover an area up to 1 acre. It also features a sundown sensor (turns on at dusk, off at dawn) and a mosquito mode for energy-efficient operation. 18. Aquatune 5712, shopyatra.com, $39.99. Keep the music flowing without water worries with this ruggedized, waterproof, shockproof speaker. It provides 10 hours of playback, and if it accidentally falls in the pool, no problem. It floats and is waterproof up to 3 feet. And, most importantly, it sounds great. 19. Margaritaville Collection, yankeecandle.com, $2.99 and up. The candle powerhouse is releasing a collection inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s lyrics and the Margaritaville island state of mind. New fragrances include Jamaican Vacation, Lime & Sea Salt, Pineapple Breeze, and Mother Ocean, and come in a variety of sizes. 20. Hydro Lacrosse, swimways.com, $9.99. Soft, waterproof fabric handles make it easy to bring a lacrosse game into the pool. Each set comes with two lacrosse sticks and one ball. 21. Blow Up Billiards, swimways.com, $16.99. Put yourself in the game with this set of 10 inflatable 8-inch billiard balls. Cannonball into the pool to “break” and use pool noodles as cue sticks.

BAYSTATEPARENT 35

Summer GIFT GUIDE

Road 3.

2.

1.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1. Znzi Travel Pillow, znzitravelstuff.com, $38.99. A worthy addition to any car because thanks to its six magnets and two suction cups, it can be manipulated into a series of shapes to keep any sleeping kid (or adult, if you can steal it away) comfortable. 2. Bug Bandit, fairytaleshaircare.com, $13.95 (8oz). Comprised of a series of natural oils, Bug Bandit will repel fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies.

3. MacGill First Aid Kit, macgillfirstaidkit.com, $70. Jay Smith, dad and head of a medical supply company, created a first aid kit with medical-grade equipment and supplies like those found in a school nurse’s office. The four-section, color-coded kit features everything from burn dressing and bandages to a thermometer and a sickness bag. The inside cover even features instructions on how to handle basic firstaid emergencies. 4. All Terrain Portable Charger, mycharge.com, $39.99. All Terrain is a military-grade, ruggedized battery charger that can quickly power up your mobile devices, smartphones, or any other electronics that need a boost. Drop-, dust-, water-, shock-, and temperature-proof, it’s perfect for a family vacation in which you will encounter nearly all of those hazards. 5. Swicharoos, swicharoos. com, starting at $19.99. Girl-invented, these high-quality sandals sport uppers that can be easily swapped out for a new look. The starter set features a pair of sturdy soles and two sets of uppers. Available in toddler to teenage size 5-6. 6. Avengers throw, thenorthwest.com, $24.95. This 46x60 machine-washable Micro Raschel throw is plush, warm, colorful, and cool enough for even the biggest kids to fight any summer chill. 7. Matador Pocket Blanket, matadorup.com, $29.99. Whether it’s a changing station, impromptu picnic, or a place to chill during soccer practice, the insanely compact Matador deserves a place in your purse, glove compartment, or pocket. Waterproof and puncture-resistant, it unfolds into a 63” X 44” blanket.

And packing instructions tell you how to easily fold it back into that storage pouch (even we could do it).

36 JUNE2016

Summer GIFT GUIDE

Move

22.

25.

24.

27.

23.

26.

28.

29.

22. Neon Street Rollers, neonstreetrollers.com, $29.99. Kids ages 6+ can instantly transform their favorite pair of shoes into a slick ride. Step in, easily adjust to a custom fit, strap in, and go. Neon Street Rollers also feature bright, light-up LED wheels. 23. Explore Bug Catcher Kit, masonjars.com, $14.95. The reCAP Explore Bug Catcher Kit includes a glow-in-the-dark, magnifying cap with breathe holes, a 32-oz. plastic Mason jar, and a convenient carrying handle. 24. Space Scooter, spacescooter-usa.com, $149.95. This European-originated scooter can be ridden one of two ways: like a traditional kick-scooter or propelled forward by an up and down teeter-totter motion. It easily folds for convenience and comes equipped with a hand break and air suspension. 25. RampShot, rampshot.com, $59.99. This four-person game is the only backyard or beach sport that allows players to score points by tossing and catching. Portable and easy to learn, it’s a great choice for players of all ages and skill levels. 26. Washer Toss, viva-sol.com, $79.99. Washer Toss features super-quick set up and take down via its built-in, all-wood carrying case (which also sports a bottle opener).

27. Deluxe Bungee Boing, geospaceplay.com, $21.99. This foam bouncing toy is a perfect starter pogo stick for kids ages 3 and up. Made out of soft, sturdy foam with a bungee cord in place of a fixed stick, it can be used indoors and outdoors, and supports up to 160 lbs, giving kids and adults a way to stay active and improve their endurance, coordination, strength, and balance.

28. Pickleball, zume-games.com, $69.99. A convenient, portable version of the fast-growing paddle sport that combines tennis, racquetball, and table tennis. 29. Dude Perfect PERFECTSHOT HOOPS Set and PERFECTSMASH Football, hasbrotoyshop.com, both $19.99. Thanks to the flexible hanger, Nerf’s Dude Perfect PERFECTSHOT HOOPS Set can be set up nearly anywhere indoors or out for maximum game opportunities. PERFECTSMASH Football comes with a knock-out target, letting future Tom Bradys enhance their accuracy anywhere they like (but we’re thinking outdoor is best).

BAYSTATEPARENT 37

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93 DAYS OF SUMMER

F

amilies looking for a new way to have fun in the outdoors can turn to Massachusetts state parks for some fresh air and old-fashioned sleuthing.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) year-round Park Passport Program encourages families to visit as many participating state parks as possible — 76 in all — and obtain a stamp from each in a special passport that can be downloaded free at mass.gov/dcr/ passport.

The parks are separated into five regions (Boston, Northeast, Southeast, Central, and West). Each park houses a locked Passport stamp box, which officials hint is housed in an “obvious” place. Once families locate the box, they can unlock it via combinations found in the downloaded passport.

Inside each box is a stamp, which features an original piece of artwork designed to represent the park. Kids can stamp their passport, enjoy the park, and make plans for visiting the next one — and getting that next stamp. Anyone who visits all

The Science of What Animals Leave Behind

Photo courtesy Mass DCR

Mass State Parks Offer Sleuthing, Fun, and Fresh Air via Park Passport Program

Passport parks in a region earns a T-shirt; kids can aim to earn a T-shirt from every region.

While the Passport program is free, parks charge for parking, anywhere from $2 and up (check your local library, it may offer a Park pass it lends to patrons).

Department officials say the program launched in 2008, after a Chicopee teacher approached a DCR park ranger and asked if the department had a program similar to the National Park Service Passport Program. The Ranger brought the idea to the Mass Parks staff, which began implementing the DCR version, with a specific focus on youth participation.

The DCR commissioned Western Massachusetts children’s illustrator Micha Archer to develop custom stamps for each park. In the past eight years, 50,000 passport books have been distributed.

Families ready to start their Passport adventure can take their first step at: mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/park-passport/ getting-started.html. Other state park programs and events can be found at mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/ massparks/programs-and-events/.

The #1 Exhibit About #2 May 28–September 4 A tactful blend of fascinating science and good clean fun based on the award-winning book by Dr. Wayne Lynch.

Media Sponsors

SummerSpectacular

Family Series • July 5–August 12 Weekdays packed with great entertainment, fun art and science activities, plus live animal programs and more!

Sponsored by Horace Moses Charitable Trust, Bank of America, Trustee.

Season Supporter

800.625.7738 • springfieldmuseums.org

BAYSTATEPARENT 39

Photo courtesy Blue Man Group

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

Photo courtesy Fruitland Museums

Photo courtesy MassWildlife

GO WILD MassWildlife 150th Anniversary Open House, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, Westborough. June 4.

40 JUNE2016

© The President of Fellows of Harvard College

GO BLUE Blue Man Group Autism-Friendly Performance, in support of Autism Speaks, Charles Playhouse, Boston.

June 26.

GO PARTY Celebration Saturday, Fruitlands Museum, Harvard.

June 18.

GO CELEBRATE Summer Solstice Celebration 2016, Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, Cambridge. June 20.

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

1 Wednesday

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.

Queen Bee. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.

Buzz on in and learn about the queen bee and her court before we enjoy a honey-flavored snack, courtesy of the queen. For families with children up to age 9. Members $12, nonmembers $15. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Toddler Time. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 9 a.m.-9:30 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Listen to stories, sing songs, enjoy movement activities, and recite rhymes and finger plays together. For walkers up to age 3. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Friday Night Video Games. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6 p.m.9 p.m. All teen gamers are invited to hang out at the library and have fun with Smash Brothers Brawl on the WiiU, Playstation 3, and X-Box 360, with prizes and snacks. For grades 7 to 12.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Free First Wednesday. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Point Rd., Lincoln.

10 a.m. Explore the grounds, trails, sculptures, and museum on your own or through one of our tours on this day of embracing nature and art.

Free. decordova.org.

Creative Connections: Broadway Cavalcade. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Relax into summer with sparkling soprano Ruth Harcovitz, as she brings us the history of Broadway in song.

Free. morseinstitute.org.

Rabbit’s Silly Salad. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Meet our own resident rabbit and find out what she likes to eat, then plant your own mini-salad garden to bring home. For families with children up to age 7. Members $12, nonmembers $15. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Card Battle Royale. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Fans of Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and other card games are invited to join other gamers for an evening of open play and tournaments, with prizes and snacks. For ages 12 and up. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

2 Thursday Going to the Flower Garden. Habitat Education and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. See how many different colors we can find as we walk to Habitat’s special flower gardens and do a few fun flower activities. For families with children up to age 5. Members $5, nonmembers $6.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Animal Olympics. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon.

10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Compare your athletic skills to those of our animal friends

Photo by Alissa Daniels

Hummingbirds. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon. 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Welcome the hummingbirds back after their long journey from their winter habitat. Search our gardens for a glimpse of this garden jewel. For ages 4-6.

Members $9, nonmembers $12. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

GO DOG GO Critter Day: Dog BONES, Boston Children’s Museum.

June 18.

and search for animal athletes while having fun.

For ages 4-6. Members $9, nonmembers $12.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Nature Adventures Lunch Bunch Spring 2016. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. A supervised lunch program.

For families with children ages 3.5-6. Adults Free; Children: Members $7, nonmembers $7.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

STEAM Ahead. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy this story-time in which we explore math, science, and the arts through children’s books and related activities. For ages 3 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Teen Screening. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 6:30 p.m.-8:45 p.m. Enjoy popcorn and snacks as we watch the latest entry in the ongoing Star Wars saga. For grades 6 to 12. Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Get Hooked: Crochet & Knitting Club.

Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join us as we bring crochet hooks, knitting needles, yarn, the know-how, and refreshments during this relaxed evening activity. For ages 10 and up. Register ahead. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Beyond the Telescope: Surprises in the Outer Solar System. Museum of Science,

1 Science Park, Boston. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Join Matthew Holman, PhD, as he explores how far out outer solar system objects are found, flies along with the New Horizons mission, and discusses the future of solar system surveys.

Register ahead. Recommended for grades 5 and up. Free. mos.org.

Just Peace Players. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. The Just Peace Players present short vignettes of stories they collected from women who lived through WWII. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

3 Friday Shabbat in the Sun. Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton.

9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Enjoy interactive games, challah, Shabbat singing, and an energizing morning as we enjoy the June weather. For ages up to 5.

Register ahead. bostonjcc.org.

Sing Me a Song with Fran Friedman. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick.

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Enjoy a morning of musical fun, as Fran Friedman presents a series of uplifting, fun-filled songs. For ages 2 and 3.

Register ahead. Free. morseinstitute.org.

Action Art. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Come experience art in motion, as you paint a song, tap out a beat for a comic, and use science to make your art even better. For ages 10 to 17.

Free. mywpl.org.

Astronomy After Hours. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 8:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

Visit the Gilliland Observatory on the roof of the Museum’s parking garage as we view stars, planets, the Moon, and other astronomical phenomena. If cloudy, participate in astronomyrelated activities in our Observatory. Fridays.

Free. mos.org.

4 Saturday Birding at Fruitlands. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m.

Join us on the Fruitlands landscape as we look for a variety of birds, including Indigo Buntings, Veerys, Scarlet Tanagers, and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers on a guided walk. Free. fruitlands.org.

Spring Planting Day. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Help get our plants in the ground as we embrace the warm Spring air. Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

MassWildlife 150th Anniversary Open House. MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd., Westborough. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, with live animals, animal-themed crafts, archery, guided walks, displays, cake, ice cream, and more. Free. mass.gov/masswildlife150.

Family Fun Day. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join us for live animal demonstrations, music, talks, guided walks, hands-on craft activities, displays, food, and more— all with a nature theme. Free. massaudubon.org.

Children’s Book Festival: Games Galore.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join us for a day celebrating games, from scavenger hunts and board games to art projects and outdoor fun, all inspired by the museum’s exhibition The Art of Eric Carle: Hide and Seek. Free with admission.

Adults $9, children $6. carlemuseum.org.

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Tiny Trekkers. Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North Street, Norfolk. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Start your morning off right with a fun and knowledgeable Stony Brook teacher on the trails learning about nature. For families with children 2.9-6. Members $5, nonmembers $6.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Families @ WAM Tour. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Explore the Worcester Art Museum galleries with your family on a docent-guided discovery tour, as you hear fun facts, stories, and enjoy sharing observations and time together.

Free. worcesterart.org.

MIL Stitchers. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join us at our monthly meetings and help us cast off for our community, as we provide patterns and some yarn, during this morning meeting neighbors and friends. Free. morseinstitute.org.

Families @ WAM Make Art. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 11 a.m.11:30 a.m. Drop in for fun, intergenerational time in the Worcester Art Museum galleries, as you get inspired by our art and try making something uniquely yours. Free. worcesterart.org.

Kids Rock Music Concert. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 3 p.m.4 p.m. Families are invited to join us as Monument Square Community Music School presents a children’s concert, with an hour of original and popular songs for children. Recommended for ages 12 and under. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

5 Sunday Shavuot Garden Party. Temple Beth David, 1060 Randolph St., Canton. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Join other families for outdoor fun as we celebrate Shavuot, with ice cream sundaes, 49-square hopscotch, create flower crowns, and

play games in the garden. For families with children ages 2 and up. Register ahead. $15. bostonjcc.org.

books, proving that you are never too old for them. For grades 3 and up. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

A Festival of Lavender. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Part workshop, part celebration, this program will dive deep into the incredible nature of lavender covering medicinal, culinary, and other uses. Register ahead. Members $35, nonmembers $45. fruitlands.org.

7 Tuesday

Zip, Swing, and Climb. JCC Grossman Camp, Dover Rd., Westwood. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Meet new friends, and generate smiles and laughter during this active family afternoon on the ropes course at JCC Grossman Camp. For families with children ages 5 to 10. Register ahead. $15. bostonjcc.org.

Touch-A-Truck. JCC Early Learning Center at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom, 1112 Main St., Hingham. 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Get behind the wheel of a fire truck, explore the inside of a mobile command truck, sit in a police cruiser, have your face painted, enjoy snacks, and more. Individuals $5, families $20. bostonjcc.org.

6 Monday Family Fun Night Finale. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6 p.m.6:45 p.m. & 7 p.m.-7:45 p.m. Make lava lamps, create a fizzy and colorful volcano, and blow a bubble mountain with friends. For ages 3 to 7.

Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

The Finest Hours. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The incredible true story of a daring Coast Guard rescue operation off of Cape Cod during a ferocious storm in the winter of 1952. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Sophisticated Stories. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 7:30 p.m.-8:15 p.m.

Check out cool, strange, weird, and wacky picture

multi-sensory activities. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org.

Curious Explorers. Habitat Education and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Bring your little one out for a spring walk around the habitat and see the world through new eyes. For families with children 2-3. Members $5, nonmembers $6. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Bubbles and Bugs. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon.

10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Search the pine forest for an insect that makes its home out of bubbles, and then experiment with soap bubbles as we discover how bubbles are used in nature. For ages 4-6. Members $9, nonmembers $12. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Matt Heaton Family Singalong. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11 a.m.11:45 a.m. The Toddlerbilly Troubadour brings an infectious energy to his sing-a-longs, peppered with well-known classics and a few soon-to-be classics, performed with panache on guitar and banjo. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Frankenweenie. Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Join us as we watch this animated Tim Burton film depicting a young boy who raises his pet dog from the dead. For grades 5 to 12. Free. fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

Story Time at the Museum. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. Spark your child’s imagination at the Concord Museum, as you listen to stories about life on the farm and make a barnyard animal to take home. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $10, children 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org.

Baby Bugs. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Go on a bug hunt and search for caterpillars, grasshopper nymphs, dragonfly naiads, and other insect larvae. For families with children up to age 7. Members $12, nonmembers $15. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

8 Wednesday ARTfull Play. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 11 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Engage with art, stories, materials, nature, and new friends during unique

Zaira Meneses and Friends Concert. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 7:30 p.m. A concert of Latin Romantic and Classical music for solo guitar. Advance tickets: members $8, adult nonmembers $10, children $8; at-door tickets: members $12, adult nonmembers $12, children $12. goreplace.org.

Firefly Night. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon. 8:30 p.m.10 p.m. Discover how beetles grow and glow before heading outside to find the real thing, bring a jar and try to catch one, and make a glow-in-the-dark project to continue the fun all year long. For ages 4-13. Members $6, nonmembers $9. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

9 Thursday Home Tweet Home. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. Be a birdwatcher and discover what’s happening up in the trees, as migratory birds

For more events, visit baystateparent.com JOIN US FOR A DAY-LONG WOMEN’S HEALTH AND WELLNESS EVENT Saturday, June 18 • 8:30 am to 4 pm

UMass Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester Free Health Screenings, Parking, Shuttle and Childcare

To register, visit www.bit.ly/umassmwhs or call 508-856-4001.

42 JUNE2016

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! have returned and are settling in to raise their families. For families with children up to age 8.

Members $12, nonmembers $15. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Mockingjay Part 2 Teen Screening. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton.

6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy popcorn and snacks while watching Katniss Everdeen risk everything to liberate the citizens of Panem. For grades 6 to 12.

Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Minecraft for Kids. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Play Minecraft with your friends as we put forth a new challenge for you to tackle. For grades 3 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

10 Friday

es to live. For families with children up to age 7.

Members $12, nonmembers $15. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Community Shabbat Picnic and Family Drum Fun. Whittemore-Robins House Lawn, 700 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington. 5:30 p.m.7 p.m. Families are invited to weave through a garden of colorful drums and bells under the open sky, as we celebrate the end of the week with a community candle lighting and relaxing picnic. Register ahead. Free. bostonjcc.org.

Star Gazing Nights. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon.

9 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Join local astronomers for a look at the stars and other night objects through big telescopes. For ages 6 and up. Free. massaudubon.org.

11 Saturday

Hexbugs. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m & 4:15 p.m.-5 p.m. Join us to create ‘Habitats’ for your Hexbugs to do battle and race as we explore how these little robotic creatures react to their environment. For ages 5 and up. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Music Recital. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 9 a.m.2 p.m. Enjoy as guitar and string students from the Worcester Public Schools and the studio of Israel Saldana perform this morning recital.

Free. mywpl.org.

Splish Splash. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln.

3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Meet the web-footed quackers and discover why ponds are such wonderful plac-

Family Nature Hikes. Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, 1417 Park Street, Attleboro.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Our monthly hike of the sanctuary and learn about local flora and fauna.

For ages 3 and up. Members free, nonmembers $2. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Dairy Day. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Kick off National Dairy Month as we celebrate our favorite dairy animals and the tasty treats they help us produce by meeting goats, watching milking demonstrations, taking a hayride, and more. Members $8, nonmembers $10.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Open Season Scared Silly. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.3:25 p.m. A wacky animated movie following a bear and his companions as they are hilariously scared through the forest. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Saturday Afternoon Knitters. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 2 p.m.4 p.m. Irrespective of your experience level, come join us at the library for an afternoon of knitting and conversation. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Tea in the Carriage House. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate early summer at Gore Place, as we gussy up the mansion with floral arrangements and enjoy tea.

Register ahead. $35. goreplace.org.

Accessible Explorations: a Farm-Based Program for Children with Autism.

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great

Road, Lincoln. 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Discover life on a farm with hands-on chores and activities at a pace and structure adapted to the needs of the participants with ASD. For families with children 5-12. Members $15, nonmembers $19.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Tim Burton Night. Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. A night of movies, food, and games, all inspired by one of our favorite directors. For ages 13 and up.

Free. fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

12 Sunday Invasive Plant Walk. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln.

1 p.m. Enjoy a guided walk on the deCordova grounds as we explore the common misconceptions and long-term impacts of invasive control, as well as the aesthetic beauty invasive plants lend our landscape. Free with admission.

Members free, nonmembers $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org.

Hands-On History. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Take a spin at Colonial-era games inside and outside the museum, during this afternoon for kids and families to learn together through hands-on demonstrations. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $10, children 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org.

Here’s to packs great and small.

Whip down water slides, play our MagiQuest® adventure game, feel the joy at Scooops® Kid Spa, and open your imagination at Story Time before bed. All at America’s premier indoor water park resort. Come see how it’s perfect for everyone in your pack. greatwolf.com/newengland

BAYSTATEPARENT 43

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Friends of Broadway. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. A musical revue performed by girls who travel all over the country dancing and singing music from Broadway, movies, pop songs, oldies, holiday favorites, and much more. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

13 Monday

JUNE 11

Minecraft Monday. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4 p.m.5 p.m. An awesome afternoon playing Minecraft, as you share your best tricks, learn new ones, and make friends. For ages 13 to 17. Free. mywpl.org.

Lawrence of Arabia. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 7 p.m. The Oscar-winning epic telling the true story of T.E. Lawrence, a misfit British Army lieutenant, as he helps unite warring Arab tribes in World War I. Adults $12, children $10. coolidge.org.

14 Tuesday To Infinity and Beyond Story Time.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. An engaging and special story and space-ship building craft time with Buzz Lightyear. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Tots at 10. Shops at Linden Square, 181 Linden Sq., Wellesley. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Make a Father’s Day craft outside in the Courtyard and enjoy the beautiful weather. Recommended for ages 1.5 to 5. Register ahead. shoplindensquare.com.

JUNE 13 - 19

Nature Flags. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon. 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. In honor of Flag Day, design and craft your own nature flag and learn about different flags from around the world and what their symbols mean. For ages 4-6. Members $9, nonmembers $12.

Registration required. massaudubon.org. iStorytime. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Watch and listen to a story, sing a song, play an instrument.

For ages up to 4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

15 Wednesday Toddler Time on the Farm. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Experience outdoor fun and education as you help plant seeds, water raised beds, and pick

vegetables. Member children $5, nonmember children $10. goreplace.org.

Puppet Pageantry. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon.

10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Learn about the animals of Moose Hill and make a variety of puppets depicting one of Moose Hill’s residents, or design your own animal.

For ages 4-6. Members $9, nonmembers $12.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Hop, Slither, Slide. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln.

3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Come poke about in the ponds and peek under logs and rocks as we search for turtles and toads. For families with children up to age 9. Members $12, nonmembers $15.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Bilingual Story Time: Hebrew. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.4:30 p.m. A special bilingual story time filled with songs, stories, and movements in English and Hebrew. For ages 3 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Teen Tinkers Club. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Use littleBits and Hexbugs to invent new things. For grades 6 and up. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Juneteenth. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Celebrate creativity and community via the MFA’s participation in the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of American slavery. View works by local visual, fashion, and performance artists, catch a screening from this year’s Roxbury International Film Festival, and more. Free with admission. Free. mfa.org.

16 Thursday Garden on the Go. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Visit this traveling garden, discuss gardening, make fresh salsa, and take part in a planting activity to take home. For ages 5 to 12. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Pine Forest Exploration. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon.

10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Work together to create a mouse village, peek under logs for residents, play animal games while having fun in nature’s playground, and discover the forest. For ages 4-6. Members $9, nonmembers $12. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Bloomsday. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 10 a.m.-

For more events, visit baystateparent.com 44 JUNE2016

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! 11:45 a.m. Enjoy this annual ramble as participants read through various parts of James Joyce’s Ulysses, now in its 21st year in Worcester.

Free. mywpl.org.

The 5th Wave Teen Screening. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Follow as a young girl desperately tries to save her younger brother after a string of alien attacks have left most of Earth decimated. For grades 6 and up. Register ahead.

Free. graftonlibrary.org.

17 Friday Make It and Take It. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Drop-in and spend quality time with your children and other patrons, as you make a craft, read a book, and relax. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Friday Evening Hayride and Campfire.

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.8 p.m. Join us for a hayride as spring moves into summer, before stopping at our campfire for stories, s’mores, and a special night-time visitor.

For families with children up to age 14. Members $16, nonmembers $19. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Teen Dungeons and Dragons. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 5 p.m.9 p.m. Enjoy pizza and snacks as we play D&D. For grades 6 to 12. Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Pajama Party in PlaySpace. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston.

7:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Toddlers and the young at heart are invited to wear your pajamas for games, songs, and picture-stories. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $1, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Who’s Out There: Evening Wildlife Prowls. Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North Street, Norfolk. 7:45 p.m.-9:15 p.m.

We’ll be on the lookout for the many creatures that roam the wetlands, fields, and forest in the early evening including owls, beavers, frogs, otters, bats or other nocturnal animals.

For ages 6-16. Member adults $9, children $6; nonmember adults $11, children $7. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Movie in the Park: Jumanji. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 8:30 p.m. Pack a picnic dinner and your family for a spectacular Sculpture Park sunset and an outdoor screening of this family-friendly action adventure. Members free; nonmember adults $10, children $5. decordova.org.

18 Saturday Third Week Wonders: Blueberries for Sal. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester. 10 a.m.11 a.m. Bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity, and a naturalistled walk. For ages 3-5 with adult. Adults Free; Children: members $3, nonmembers $4.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Strawberry Day. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. 10 a.m.4 p.m. Dig in the dirt with our farm staff, meet some berry-loving animals, and pick your own strawberries to take home. Free. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

JULY 2 - 4

World Wide Knitters Day. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. Celebrate as knitters around the world sit down or stand up to enjoy their favorite craft involving two needles and some yarn. Free. morseinstitute.org.

Celebration Saturday. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 10 a.m-5 p.m.

Celebrate the Fruitlands’ birthday with a party, filled with guided walks, light snacks, lawn games, artwork for the family, and live music.

Free. fruitlands.org.

Family Yoga Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Chuck the to-do list and enjoy an hour of fun, learning, and connection with your loved ones through age-appropriate poses, cooperative games, partner poses, and simple mindfulness activities. For ages 3 to 12 with caregiver. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Critter Day: Dog BONES. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dogs can lower your blood pressure, calm anxiety, and even help you learn to read, so take a break with a furry friend at the Children’s Museum. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

JULY 4 - AUG 5

Dad and Me. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon. 11 a.m.3 p.m. Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a self-guided scavenger hunt. For families with children 3 and up. Members $6, nonmembers $9.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

EurekaFest 2016. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Join us for the 10th annual EurekaFest, our full-day engineering event, as high school students from around the country compete in randomly matched team competitions to design, build, and

For more events, visit baystateparent.com BAYSTATEPARENT 45

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! test a wind-powered device, culminating in a rubber duck themed finale. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $23, children ages 3 to 11 $21, children under 3 free. mos.org.

$18; nonmember adults $32, children $22.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Nerdfighers. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Play Super Smash Brothers on our WiiU or bring your favorite nerdy items to play. For grades 6 to 12.

Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Dad and Me. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon. 11 a.m.3 p.m. Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a self-guided scavenger hunt. For families with children 3 and up. Members $6, nonmembers $9.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Jerome Wheelock’s Birthday Party. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton.

2 p.m.-4 p.m. Join us for cake, bubbles, lawn games, badminton, an antiques fair, and more, as we celebrate this Central Massachusetts investor’s birthday. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Afternoon Chores and More. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln.

3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. We will feed chickens and collect eggs, then bring hay to the sheep, goats, and cows before treating ourselves to a farm-fresh snack. For families with children 4-12. Members $13, nonmembers $16. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Father’s Day Cruise. Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.

8:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Join us aboard the Yankee Clipper for an exciting exploration of the lower Merrimack River ecosystem. For families with children 4-12. Member adults $24, children

19 Sunday

Father’s Day Cookout. Whittier Farms, 90 Douglas Rd., Sutton. 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon on the farm as we celebrate dads with hot dogs, burgers, potato salad, homemade strawberry shortcake, ice cream, and more.

Register ahead. Adults $17,50, children 5 to 10 $10, children under 5 free. whittiers.com.

Father’s Day Walk. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Lexington. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Follow the footsteps of writers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau as we join a guided walk from Emerson’s house to Fairyland Pond in the Walden Woods. Register ahead.

Free. concordmuseum.org.

Father’s Day Hike. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Trek to the summit

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BBQFEST Beer Mile Race September 30

of Brown Hill! Each Dad will receive a laminated guide of his choice from Mass Audubon’s series.

Member adults $8, children $5; nonmember adults $10, children $6. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

20 Monday Summer Solstice Celebration 2016.

Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Enjoy a fun evening with circus performers, music, dance, food trucks, and hands-on activities, along with free admission to the Harvard Semitic Museum, Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and Harvard Museum of Natural History. Free. hmsc.harvard.edu.

Ready, Set, Blast Craft. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Come blast off to the moon as we read and listen to space-themed books, before making and decorating your own rocket ship. For ages 3 to 7.

Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

21 Tuesday Nature Ramblers — Wiggly Worms. Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, 1417 Park Street, Attleboro. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Encourage your child’s love for nature through interactive les-

sons, stories, crafts, nature walks, and animal encounters. For ages 3-5 with adult. Adults Free; Children: member $5, nonmembers $9.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Winnie the Pooh Picnic. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Bring your favorite stuffed animal and picnic lunch and join the children’s librarians for a fun sing-along with the Winnie the Pooh and friends statues. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Finding Nemo. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 6:30 p.m.8:15 p.m. A family screening of this Pixarfavorite following a clownfish as he ventures the seas to become reunited with his son. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Teen Crafterhours. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 7 pm.-8:30 p.m. An evening of making crafts, eating snacks, and relaxing, as we make origami paper cranes. For grades 6 and up. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

22 Wednesday Dance and Movement Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10 a.m.10:45 a.m. The Joanne Langione Dance Center presents a music and movement class for toddlers and preschoolers. For ages 2 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

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GO INVESTIGATE EurekaFest 2016, Museum of Science.

June 18.

Neighborhood Nature at Elm Park. Elm Park, Worcester. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Drop in anytime for activities, crafts, stories, and nature walks. Take a break from the playground to learn about the plants and animals that can be found in Worcester through hands-on projects and games. Free. massaudubon.org.

Ready, Set, Grow with Georgia O’Keefe.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Use oil pastels to make a step-by-step recreation of Georgia O’Keefe’s painting “Red Canna.” For ages 8 to 12. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Anime and Manga Society. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6:30 p.m.9 p.m. Enjoy this program for manga and anime fans through films, snacks, door prizes, other giveaways, and previews of new library materials.

For ages 13 and up. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

23 Thursday Summer Reading Magic Kick-Off. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Join magician and juggler Scott Jameson for an extraordinary and hilarious performance and we kick off our summer reading program. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Summer Kick-Off Party. Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. 4:30 p.m.6:30 p.m. Join us as we kick-off our summer reading program. Free. fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

Ant-Man Teen Screening. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton.

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Come enjoy this installation

into to the Marvel Universe, following a petty criminal who acquires a suit that allows him to shrink in size and increase strength. For grades 6 to 12. Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Jungle Jim’s Reading Olympics. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

7 p.m.-7:45 p.m. A combination of balloon magic, comedy, storytelling, archery, basketball, fencing, and more comes together to show the importance of reading and staying active. For ages 5 and up. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Rock Off Main Street. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

Local teen and young adult bands from around the region perform an eclectic mix of music from pop, emo, punk, ska, hardcore, and indie music onstage for all to enjoy. $8. natickarts.org.

The Secret Lives of Fireflies. Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Ave, Milton.

8 p.m.-10 p.m. Learn how you can participate in a scientific research effort to find out if these magical insects are disappearing from our landscape before taking a guided night-walk to observe the phenomena for themselves.

Members $6, nonmembers $8. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

24 Friday Neighborhood Nature at Elm Park. Elm Park, Worcester. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime for activities, crafts, stories, and nature walks. Take a break from the playground to learn about the plants and animals that can be found in Worcester through hands-on projects and games. Free. massaudubon.org.

Experience the magic of hands-on animal encounters, award-winning discovery play areas and so much more…It’s a full day of fun for families with younger ones!

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Anime Appetizers. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 3 p.m.5 p.m. Come to the Banx Room for a trivia contest with awesome prizes and a sampler platter of the best Japanese cartoons out there, during this evening session with snacks, prizes, and a place to kick back and chat. For ages 13 to 17.

Free. mywpl.org.

Ellis Paul brings his critically acclaimed family show incorporating well-known personages like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and more into his work.

Members $15, nonmembers $10.

Family Canoe on Wildlife Pond. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Join us for a guided paddle on our pond as wood ducks, bullfrogs, and kingfishers may keep us company, too. For families with children 5-18. Member adults $9, children $5; nonmember adults $14, children $7.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Magic: The Gathering. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Enjoy company and cards as we relax over this communally fun game. For grades 6 to 12. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

26 Sunday

Full Moon Tour. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 7:30 p.m. Join guides in period costumes as they relay stories of life on an early nineteenth-century country estate throughout our 1806 mansion. Members $10; nonmember adults $15, children 12 and under $10. goreplace.org.

Fairies and Fireflies. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. 8 p.m.9:30 p.m. Hear stories of fairy antics, make a special herbal charm for protection. Then explore the sanctuary for signs of fairies and fireflies dancing in the meadow grasses. For families with children 4-10. Members $12, nonmembers $15.

Registration required. massaudubon.org.

25 Saturday

Yoga in the Park: Kids. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln.

10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Get moving as a family, as teachers from Stil Studio lead kid-friendly yoga in the Sculpture Park. For ages 3 to 12 with a caregiver. Members free; nonmember adults $15, children $5.

GO LEARN Ellis Paul Family Concert: “The Hero In You”, Club Passim, Cambridge. June 25

Bird Families for Families. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick.

7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Learn about birds! Spring is a great time of year to watch for bird parents feeding babies. For families with children 9-16.

Member adults $11, children $6; nonmember adults $13, children $8. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Ellis Paul presents ‘The Hero in You’. Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Cambridge. 3 p.m.

Blue Man Group Autism-Friendly Performance. Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston. 11 a.m. A sensory-sensitive performance developed and designed to be enjoyable and fun for audience members on the autism spectrum, in support of Autism Speaks. $35-$60. charlesplayhouse.com.

Come Celebrate Spring!

Lanni Orchards Strawberry Festival June 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Be Well Series: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Event. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Join in special programming by and for people who are deaf and hard of hearing during this afternoon at the museum. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Building with Biology. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a day of activities and conversations about synthetic biology, an emerging science that builds on agricultural breeding and genetic engineering. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $23, children ages 3 to 11 $20, children under 3 free. mos.org.

29 Wednesday Neighborhood Nature at Elm Park. Elm Park, Worcester. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Drop in anytime for activities, crafts, stories, and nature walks. Take a break from the playground to learn about the plants and animals that can be found in Worcester through hands-on projects and games. Free. massaudubon.org.

Flutter By Butterfly. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Search for eggs, larvae, chrysalis, and cocoons and, of course, watch for all sorts of butterflies and moths as we explore the gardens,

fields and other places where flowers grow. For families with children up to age 7. Members $12, nonmembers $15. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

St., Leominster. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Learn to build a propeller airplane using hammers, nails, wood, and paint. For ages 4 to 12. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Fireflies are Fun. Habitat Education and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont.

8:15 p.m.-9:45 p.m. Fireflies are a natural joy of summer. Learn about them indoors then search for fireflies outside around the sanctuary.

For families with children 3-12. Members $6, nonmembers $8. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

Propeller Airplane Woodworking Workshop. Leominster Public Library, 30 West

30 Thursday Ender’s Game Teen Screening. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Sit back and enjoy this film adaptation of the well-loved book following a futuristic and gifted young boy. For grades 6 to 12. Register ahead. graftonlibrary.org.

Infants • Toddlers • Preschool Full Time Part Time

KIDZ BOP Kids: Life of the Party 2016 Tour. The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St., Boston.

1 p.m. The smash hit group brings their tour and music to Massachusetts. $27-$100. thewilbur.com.

Fun with Butterflies & Dragonflies.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. 1 p.m.-2:15 p.m. Discover the amazing number of dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies that make Broadmoor home, and learn all about these beautiful winged creatures! For families with children 5-16. Member adults $11, children $6; nonmembers adults $13, children $8. Registration required. massaudubon.org.

27 Monday Toddler and Me Yoga and Movement.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Fun-filled yoga play for active tots and their caregivers, via song, poses, and movement activities to promote physical exploration. For ages 1 to 3. Register ahead.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Summer Songfest with Jeannie Mack.

Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

4 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Celebrate summertime with singing, clapping, dancing, and more, as we celebrate sea creatures, waves, ice cream, bikes, and everything summertime. For ages 4 to 8. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

28 Tuesday Mixed Media Mash-Up. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. Paint a gumball machine using Dot Art paints, a sculpture using Shape-It Sand, and a pom-pom caterpillar.

For ages 3 to 7. Register ahead. leominsterlibrary.org.

Zootopia. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. A family screening of this animated movie following rabbit Officer Judy Hopps and a slick fox as they team up to solve a string of recently missing animals. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

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FINALLY FOREVER

CASA

Boston Volunteers Help Fill the Gaps

for Foster Kids

BY MARSHAL D. HANEISEN

As

the school year draws to a close, many children are anxiously awaiting the start of summer camp. Arts and crafts, music and dancing, sports and new friendships await at camp programs throughout the state. But for children in the foster care system, summer camp is often a luxury few experience.

About two years ago, when Karina Noyes accepted her first advocacy assignment as a Boston CASA volunteer, she met two young children who had been placed in a foster home just weeks before the camp season began. Parents typically need to register children for camp months in advance. But when Noyes learned there were no plans in place for enriching summer activities for these kids, she worked diligently with a Department of Children and Families caseworker and the foster mother to secure placements at a summer camp for both children. Noyes, like all Boston CASA volunteers, is committed to making sure the children in the foster care system have access to the same opportunities as other children.

What is Boston CASA? Boston CASA is one of nearly 1,000 Court Appointed Special Advocates offices in the United States. It is one of six such programs in Massachusetts. Each office is an independent, autonomous organization that organizes community volunteers to serve as the eyes and ears of the court in the lives of children in the foster care system. Boston CASA is a not-for-profit organization, and its volunteers work 50 JUNE2016

with the Suffolk County Juvenile Courts. A CASA volunteer is another support team member for a child in foster care, joining the foster parent, social worker, schools, therapists, biological parents, and others.

“The system does not replace families. Children are put in state custody. For a social worker that goes out for half an hour once a month, it is hard to have a finger on the pulse of how that child is doing,” said Boston CASA Executive Director Charles Lerner. He recognizes the system is always under-resourced, so Boston CASA volunteers look after the children to get them the various resources they need.

Training for volunteers According to Boston CASA Program Manager Lisa Casey, volunteers go through a comprehensive screening process, including an application with references, background checks, and an in-person interview.

Thereafter, volunteers attend more than 30 hours of training during which Boston CASA brings in a variety of experts to cover a range of topics the volunteer might encounter in the lives of these children.

Then there is another in-person interview before the volunteer is sworn in by the court judge and offered their first advocacy placement. Ongoing trainings, mentorship, and peer support provide further education on the range of issues and circumstances a volunteer might encounter in service.

Lerner is a therapist by trade and Casey has a wealth of experience in volunteer management. They understand the need to provide ongoing support to their volunteers who regularly witness people struggling with poverty and its related challenges. They teach their volunteers to celebrate the small victories.

Mandy Mulliez, who coordinates

the organization’s communications and public relations, served as a Boston CASA volunteer before accepting a staff position. She helps volunteers focus on the points of light in their work with weekly posts of “Small Successes” on the program’s Facebook page. In addition, Boston CASA assigns an individual supervisor to each advocate to provide emotional support and assistance. Secondary trauma can occur from prolonged exposure to stories of other people’s suffering or learning details of a particularly tragic event. The organization provides support groups to its volunteers to help reduce the emotional and psychological toll.

Compassion is a quality in volunteers that also helps them to cope with the emotional rigors of this work. Lerner seeks to recruit volunteers with an extraordinary ability to be empathetic.

Noyes reflects that empathy when asked why she does this volunteer work. Her voice cracks when she says, “I just read a quote today that said, ‘There is no such thing as other people’s children.’”

A voice for the children On her current case, Noyes is working with a family with several young children, all of whom have been removed from the home of their biological parents. When one of the little girls stated, “Nobody cares what I feel,” Noyes responded, “I am your voice. You tell me and I am your voice.” Now, on some level, this child understands that her needs and feelings are part of the courtroom conversation. Noyes recently visited the girl after she was moved to a new foster home in a different town.

“I walked in the door. She looked at me and she just beamed, as if to say, ‘I know you,’” Noyes said.

Some of these children might be on their third round of social workers.

They cycle through foster homes.

They change schools. Throughout it all and even when a case is closed, it is important to Boston CASA volunteers to keep a connection to the kids, to keep an eye on them, and know they are safe, Noyes said.

She has dealt with an array of amazing service providers, including DCF case workers, court judges, therapists from community service agencies, teachers, and afterschool programs.

Part of her role is to facilitate communication between all of them, she said. Recently, she worked with a teacher to arrange to have a child’s hefty homework folder sent directly to the afterschool program the student attended. This allowed him to access help and gave him time to work on assignments instead of waiting until he was home and too tired to get through the work. Simple steps make a big difference in the lives of these children. Lerner, a former foster youth himself, understands that every single day matters for these children.

“Every day is like a week, every week is like a month, every month is like a year for these kids,” Lerner noted, quoting a mentor from when he first began work with children in foster care. “Complacency is at the expense of these children.”

Help for the families According to Lerner, most of the Boston CASA cases involve children being taken from their families as a result of neglect. It is important to recognize the underlying societal issues that create an environment for neglect to occur, such as poverty, substance and alcohol abuse, and mental health.

“We are social advocates,” he said.

“We work to be sure the families are safe and the parents are empowered enough to make healthier choices.”

It is in the best interest of the child to support the biological family any way possible, Casey added. This might be as simple as helping translate so a parent can fill out a medical form for a child to see a doctor, or as complex as assisting in establishing an Individualized Education Plan with the school district for a child with special needs. When children are in foster homes, Boston CASA volunteers have a holistic involvement in all areas of the child’s life. When biological parents wish to take the necessary steps so the child can return home, Boston CASA volunteers might help them locate parenting classes.

When a child returns to biological parents, the Boston CASA volunteer stays connected, checking in to ensure the child’s needs are being met. Many of these families are living on the outskirts of the system,

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FINALLY FOREVER Noyes noted. They do not have access to even some of the most basic resources because of barriers in language, poverty, or even access to healthy food.

“We help them get in there and understand what their rights are,” she said.

Although Boston CASA has seen tremendous interest from people wanting to volunteer, Casey said the bigger challenge is to find particular types of volunteers to meet the need, such as men or volunteers who are bilingual. Boston CASA makes careful assessments when placing a volunteer in an advocate role, recognizing the skills and experience that advocate can contribute to a successful outcome. Each case is different, and assistance and support are tailored to meet the circumstances of that particular child and family.

“We talk to everybody to find out where the gaps are and we fill those gaps,” Noyes said.

To learn more about Boston CASA, make a donation, or inquire about how to become a volunteer, visit bostoncasa.org or call (617) 7804055. The National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association provides links to the other five Massachusetts-based CASA offices at casaforchildren.org.

June’s Circle of Friends Tuesday, June 7: Western Region Adoption Info Meetings — Department of Children and Families, 140 High St., 5th Floor, Springfield. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

(413) 452-3369.

Wednesday, June 8: Central Region Adoption Info Meetings — ADLU Worcester, 13 Sudbury St., Worcester. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. (508) 929-2413.

Wednesday, June 8: Northern Region Adoption Info Meetings — ADLU Lawrence, Jordan’s Furniture Reading: IMAX Conference Room - 50 Walker’s Brook Dr., Reading. 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Monday, June 13: Southern Region Adoption Info Meetings, Mass. Department of Children and Families, Police Station, 1492 Washington Street, Canton. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. RSVP to 508-894-3830.

Wednesday, June 15 — Post-Adoption Support Group. First Connections, 179 Great Road, Room 104A, Acton. This month’s topic: “Lying and Teaching the Truth — Teaching the Art of Repairing Relationships.” For parents of children birth through age 8. 978-429-8284, ext. 206.

Wednesday, June 15: Boston Region Adoption Info Meeting, DCF Boston, 451 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 617-989-9209.

Thursday, June 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.

June AFT meetings Adoptive Families Together (AFT) are parent-run, confidential groups for sharing personal concerns and needs around adoptive parenting. AFT provides education, advocacy, support, and more. They welcome adopted individuals, birth parents, foster parents, Kin parents, pre-adoptive parents, and all those with a connection to adoption. No registration required, drop-ins welcome. Visit mspcc.org/aft for more information.

Wednesday, June 1: Faith Evangelical Free Church, 54 Hosmer St., Acton. 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Wednesday, June 1: John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse, 5 Post Office Square, First floor library (use entrance facing Congress Street), Boston.

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 2: First Church, 40 Monument Ave., Swampscott. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Friday, June 3: Jamaica Plain MSPCC office, 3815 Washington St. Jamaica Plain. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Free childcare provided.

Monday, June 6: Old Colony YMCA Stoughton Branch, 445 Central St. Suite 300, Stoughton. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Free childcare provided.

Wednesday, June 15: Roslindale Congregational Church, 25 Cummins Hwy, Roslindale. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free childcare provided.

Thursday, June 16: Nu Café Conference Room, 335 Chandler St. (Same building as MSPCC), Worcester.

7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Monday, June 20: 180 Old Colony Ave., Quincy. 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday, June 26: First Congregational Church, 18 Andover Rd., Room 4 (use door in rear), Billerica.

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Free childcare provided.

Sunday, June 26: Online meeting. 9 p.m.-10 p.m.

Register at https://annettecreynolds.clickmeeting. com/aftonline/register or contact Lori Baeumler at lbaeumler@mspcc.org 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.

Art Classes & Workshops Summer Fun at WAM! July 11 – August 12

Choose from over 90 engaging, hands-on classes for children and teens 3 – 17 offered in one-week sessions. Inspired by the Museum’s galleries, children learn to express themselves through a variety of mixed media in an encouraging and supportive environment.

Lunch and extended day available.

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• Your ad appears in front of your target audience

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• Target by geography, demographics Talia currently lives in a resiand online behavior dential placement and attends

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Meet Talia With a kind heart and a positive sense of humor, 11-year-old Talia likes playing cards, doing puzzles, and writing. Of Caucasian and Hispanic descent, Talia can be playful and loves animals!

an alternative school where she has an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) in place for social and emotional supports. She does very well in school and likes attending.

She is working on positive peer interactions and utilizing coping skills as needed when she has low frustration tolerance.

Her social worker is open to any type of family where Talia can be the youngest or only child. Talia would like a family that will allow her to visit with her biological sister. Talia is legally free for adoption.

For more information about Talia, please contact Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adoption Supervisor Karen Greaney at (508)929-1000. The Worcester DCF Office hosts monthly informational meetings on the second Wednesday of each month for those wishing to learn more about the adoption process in general. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 8 from 6 – 7 p.m. The DCF Adoption Development & Licensing Unit’s Office is located at 13 Sudbury St. in Worcester. Please call (508) 9292143 to register and for specifics about parking.

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Encourage balance in your child’s life. A healthy relationship is a part of one’s life, but it doesn’t dominate. Encourage time with friends and continued interest in and dedication to school and extracurricular activities.

Keys to a

HEALTHY

Make sure you and your spouse have agreed-upon and clearly-set rules. There should be few, but nonnegotiable, limits:

TEEN

• No hanging out in the bedroom with the door closed.

Romance

• No access to phones or tablets after bedtime; there should be no all-night texting or Skyping their partner.

BY JUANITA ALLEN KINGSLEY

Teen romance has been around for centuries. Many of our grandparents were married young to a partner they fell in love with as teens.

However, when it is your child, it can take parents by surprise when sons or daughters have their first romantic relationship. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate this new stage of your child’s life.

First of all, relax. This is the first

54 JUNE2016

relationship your child is having and almost certainly not the last.

Relationships are normal, healthy, and an important part of your child’s development.

Allow for casual conversation about his/her friend. Ask her about him/her. What do you like about him? What does she like to do on the weekend? What do your child’s friends think of him? How does she talk about her parents? What are

• No sexting (sending of inappropriate photos or sexually explicit texts). some of his interests?

Try to provide opportunities for your child to entertain her friend at your home with the rest of your family around. Friday night pizza or joining the family for a movie night can allow you to observe the quality of your child’s relationship and gives your child a chance to see how her “crush” acts around adults and siblings in various situations.

• No expensive gifts for birthdays or holidays.

• Set a time at which you expect your child to be home on weeknights and weekends.

Don’t judge. Even if you don’t like the person your child is dating, be respectful. Unless there is something absolutely unacceptable about your child’s friend (i.e. age, substance abuse, not attending school), be supportive and remem-

ber that he may be attracted to someone different from whom you imagine. Actively discouraging the relationship will make many children even more intent on continuing it and will most certainly affect the openness of your conversations.

Model kindness with your own partner so your children see a positive example of what romantic relationships are like. If your child sees you as reliable and dependable, expressing thanks, and listening thoughtfully, she will more likely act this way and expect these traits in her partner.

Ensure that your child is able to be herself around and trusts her new love interest; that she doesn’t feel pressured to do something she’s not comfortable with; that she can talk to you about any concerns or ask you any questions about relationships; and that she remains true to herself over the course of the relationship.

However, we also need to recognize the signs that your child could be in an unhealthy relationship.

If you have concerns, share them with your child. Some common clues that a relationship is not healthy include:

having one’s phone with him/her all the time.

• Having to check in and say who they are with and what they are doing.

• Signs of physical abuse or depression.

• A change in academic performance and/or withdrawal from social and/or team activities.

Most likely, the relationship will end. It’s hard to see our children experience sadness. But learning how to manage loss; the knowledge that time makes things better; and the understanding that there is more than one person that you can be attracted to are key life lessons.

Juanita Allen Kingsley, Wilderness EMT, is director of business development for Century Health Systems.

Juanita has successfully created and facilitated various programs aimed at providing individuals of varying ages and backgrounds the necessary education and tools to foster effective and positive social development, including Home Alone Safety, Bullyproofing, Babysitting Lessons, Family Life and Sexual Health, and Girls’ Empowerment. She is also a certified socialsklz:-) instructor.

• Constant texts and a fear of not

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The Downside of

Overspending

on Your Kids

BY JENN SHEEHY EVERETT

For centuries, parents have wanted to do right by their children. But why does “doing right” so often equate to excessive overspending?

A report from the University of Pennsylvania claims that parents today are spending 100% more money on their children than they did in the 1970s. Many parents envision that children will fare best if secured in the priciest of car seats, tucked in at night in the fanciest of cribs, nourished by an all-organic diet from the time they begin eating solids, sculpted by the most sought-after baseball, tennis, or voice coaches, and enrolled at the most elite of universities. But does excessive overspending truly benefit children?

A new book, Not Buying It – Stop Overspending and Start Raising Happier, Healthier, More Successful Kids by Brett Graff, a former U.S. government economist, nationally syndicated columnist, and moth-

56 JUNE2016

er of two young girls, answers the question with a resounding: “No.” “The purpose of Not Buying It is to show parents that all of the crazy spending we do can actually have a downside,” Graff said. “Parents are a group of people who are inexperienced, emotional, terrified, and deeply committed to a particular cause, and that makes us the world’s most perfect consumers. My goal is to help parents say ‘No’ if they don’t feel like buying something. They will know that there are good reasons not to buy and that doing so can actually achieve a better result.”

Not Buying It spans topics relevant to all stages of a child’s growth into adulthood, from birth through college matriculation.

Chapter One — “Starting Out” — dives right in, urging new parents to reconsider purchasing that $900 crib (federal regulations ensure that the $200 version is just as safe) and instead invest the difference in a college savings plan for their bundle of joy.

Research from IBISWorld shows that U.S. consumers bought about $5.8 billion worth of baby stuff online in 2013 and about $11.9 billion in stores that same year. Meanwhile, Graff reminds readers that a college education is the only purchase that is proven to drastically improve a child’s life. People with college degrees have higher incomes and less joblessness (among other benefits), according to the College Board.

Other tips offered range from the everyday — why organic foods and natural medicines aren’t always worth the cost — to more substantial, longer-term decisions about education (is private school worth the tuition when public schools are beginning to outperform them?) and where to raise a family (should the McMansions that are overtaking the suburban landscape remain the prize when smaller homes are proven to encourage greater intimacy and connection within families?).

Each chapter shares “stuff you can skip” (and their associated dollar amounts), suggestions for raising children better for less, and what Graff terms “rock-solid money moves” — not to mention compelling supporting research she collected from myriad sources.

“People think the secrets to American happiness are sprawling kitchens, media rooms for kids, everyone with their own bedroom, marble fixtures, and 12-foot ceilings, and they just aren’t,” Graff notes.

“The unscripted moments around kitchen islands and in upstairs hallways are what help a family communicate and stay strong.”

Pediatrician Dr. Gwen Wurm echoes a similar sentiment in the book’s foreword when reminding that multiple studies show that it is not money that buys a child’s success, rather parents being parents.

So what are some simple steps parents can take to begin practicing what Not Buying It preaches?

• Embrace a simpler, more wholesome approach to parenting and reap its many psychological, educational, and physical benefits.

Prioritize talking to your kids and being present for them, whether at home or cheering from the stands of their game or in the audience of their school play. Commit to getting home at the end of the workday in time to enjoy the bonding that happens during family dinners.

• Build a strong financial house as a means of launching your kids into greatness. Not Buying It guides parents on how to begin saving up to $1 million by investing money that otherwise would have been spent on overpriced and unnecessary purchases. Graff lobbies passionately for emergency funds, wills, trusts, and insurance policies as critically important uses of family money.

• Rethink what rich looks like. The book makes it clear that collecting an enviable stash of material goods does not ensure personal happiness, greater self-esteem, or a higher status. Life experiences, for one, are what bring a person more satisfaction long after they occur, according to University of Colorado Boulder Professor Leaf Van Boven and his studies of postpsychological purchasing effects.

“Parenting has become a competitive sport, and I think people are ready to hear another side of the story,” Graff said.

“People need to be more educated and more knowledgeable about the downsides of excessive spending, and I believe that Not Buying It will help. When parents are done reading this book, they may still buy whatever it is that they want to buy, but they will buy it because they want to, not because they are afraid of not buying it. I personally see things more clearly now as a parent. I see people running around and making themselves crazy, and I no longer feel like I have to be a part of that.”

Graff’s hope is that other parents will make this leap as well.

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etting ready for summer camp is equally exciting and scary for most firsttime campers, but add in being a transgender kid and the prospect can be quite daunting. That’s why many camps today are focusing on educating their staffs and providing simple accommodations to make the traditional summer experience a great one for transgender youth.

At first, some parents may be uncomfortable with the idea of a transgendered camper sharing a camp, activities, or even a tent with their child, “but what is under someone else’s clothes is no one else’s business,” says Jeff Perrotti, who consults with camps and schools on sexual orientation, gender identity, and

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gender expression. He also teaches psychology at Harvard University and is director of the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. “With any social change or learning a new way of thinking, there is always a certain level of discomfort, but this is a necessary component of learning and growth.”

“If a transgender youth is out with their parents, we start with a frank discussion with them,” says Ryder Scott, statewide director of UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers, which offer transgender-specific programming and also welcome transgender campers in open enrollment. “How can we make them feel comfortable? Do they want to be in the boys tent or the girls tent? What reasonable accommodations can we make to reduce anxiety?”

“Private changing areas reduce anxiety,” Perrotti adds. “This improves the experience for all campers. Not only transgender campers, but all young people go through periods of time where they are not sure about their bodies. We want kids to have as anxiety-free an environment as possible, and having facilities they use in private does that.”

Summer camp anxiety for transgender youth can often center around traditional summer camp

activities, such as swimming and boating. “Many transgender kids don’t swim well,” Scott notes. “It is anxiety around the changing into suits, so they don’t learn.” Most camps talk to campers individually to find out what they need to feel comfortable and offer options such as private changing areas and leveled swim instruction.

Making reasonable accommodation is required of some camps affiliated with larger institutions, and there are easy things all camps can change to be welcoming to everyone, experts say.

“Some of the accommodations we’ve made were very simple, like gender-neutral bathrooms,” Scott says. “Going to the bathroom is a basic human need and we want campers to be comfortable, not to have anxiety over which bathroom to use.”

Whether a transgender youth is attending camp is private, and most camps will not disclose this information. How much or little is shared with other campers is left to the discretion of the camper, their parents, and the camp director.

Summer camps usually have policies and practices that provide a safe and supportive environment for gay, lesbian, or bisexual staff.

Now this environment is often being extended to transgender campers, too.

Educating Staff There are many ways sleep-away camps are welcoming transgender campers. “This can be a challenge when the camper went one year as John and the next as Julie,” Perrotti notes.

How staff and parents interact with a camper working to socially establish a new gender can be delicate. Parents, staff, and other campers want to be supportive and welcoming. Most camps start with training their staff to be supportive and then, within reason, making the camp flexible. This may mean offering a camper a private place to shower, their choice of camp tents, or even just a tour before camp begins.

“We start our training with staff learning about special accommodations to campers with food allergies and medical conditions,” Scott says.

“Some of my staff are still teenagers themselves, and this can be an eyeopening discussion. But we make it clear that gender expression and gender identity are not about sexual attraction. Sex and sexuality have no place at camp.”

For all youth, transgender or cisgender (the opposite of transgender), camp can be a place to try on roles that may differ from those they live at home. For example,

athletic kids can explore their artistic side, or introverts may want to work on being more outgoing.

“This is true of all kids, but especially transgender kids,” Perrotti says. “Camp is a place to explore who you are. Camp is a great place for all kids. It is a non-sexual environment in a sexualized world.”

“Sometimes, if a camper has not come out to their parents, they may try on that role at camp,” Scott adds.

“Most of the time when I train camp staff,” Perrotti says, “they say they found it easier to have a transgender camper than they thought.

The unknown can be overwhelming, and a little education goes a long way.”

“Camp is a place to explore who you are. Camp is a great place for all kids.

It is a non-sexual environment in a sexualized world.”

— Jeff Perrotti, director, Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students

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ASK THE EXPERT

How To Tell The Difference Between Allergies and a Cold

BY JOHN L. OHMAN, JR., MD,

I don’t think my child has seasonal allergies, but I wonder: How can I tell the differences between allergies and a cold?

H

ead colds and allergies often display similar symptoms, such as a stuffy nose and possibly runny eyes, sneezing, and headaches. Distinguishing between the two is important when it comes to ensuring your child is properly treated and, therefore, feeling his or her best.

Common distinguishers Whereas allergy symptoms sometimes last for weeks or even months, cold symptoms tend to get better gradually, usually in a

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

week to 10 days. Cold symptoms that appear unchanged after a number of weeks could be a sign of allergies. While paying attention to duration is important, there are some distinguishing symptoms: Colds are often associated with fever initially; allergies are often associated with itchiness in the eyes and nose. Colds are often contagious, so consider whether family members or your child’s friends or classmates have had similar symptoms.

Lasting symptoms could also be due to a bacterial or viral infection, such as a sinus infection that often comes with headaches and yellow drainage from the nose.

The diagnosis of a viral infection does not, however, exclude the possibility of allergies: Underlying allergies can aggravate symptoms of a viral infection and vice versa.

Pay attention to timing Identifying the time of year in which your child’s symptoms began can provide an important clue, as the start of symptoms during a season change could be a sign of allergies. Keep in mind that different types of pollens emerge at different stages throughout the spring (certain tree pollens emerge in early and mid-spring, with grass pollens often coming out in June). If similar symptoms recur in successive years, then allergies must be considered as the cause.

While timing can be a helpful indicator, it will not provide the full answer. For example, the onset of symptoms in the fall could be the sign of ragweed allergies, but these symptoms could also be from the common rhinovirus that often spreads through student bodies at the start of the school year.

Follow today: www.umassmemorial.org/simplywell

When to see an allergist

Conversations to Keep You Healthy and Well

While exceptions are possible,

60 JUNE2016

children often do not develop seasonal allergies until around age 5. If you suspect that your child has allergies, you should contact your pediatrician about the ongoing symptoms. Your pediatrician might recommend trying a nondrowsy, over-the-counter allergy medication. Note that if such a medication helps, it is still not conclusive that your child suffers from allergies — many allergy medications also mitigate cold symptoms by reducing nasal discharge.

If your child’s symptoms continue despite the use of an over-thecounter antihistamine, or if other signs point to allergies as the culprit, your pediatrician will likely refer you to an allergist. Seeing an allergist is especially important if your child’s quality of life is being affected by the symptoms, such as his or her ability to sleep, focus in school, and enjoy activities with friends and family. A visit to an allergist may also evaluate whether your child suffers from asthma, which is commonly associated with allergies.

In discussing medications with an allergist, you may also learn of ways in which you can make your home more allergy-safe if needed, especially because underlying indoor allergies can aggravate seasonal symptoms.

There are a number of effective allergy medications out there in addition to antihistamines, so getting the right diagnosis and finding the right medication for your child are important. Identifying the cause of allergy symptoms is a main objective of the allergist so that you can take the right steps to improve your child’s health — whether that means finding the best medication, altering your environment, or both.

John L. Ohman, Jr., MD, is Chief of the Division of Allergy at Tufts Medical Center, and a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine.

DIVORCE AND SINGLE PARENTING

Co-Parenting During the Summer Months

BY ATTY. IRWIN M. POLLACK

School may not end until mid to late June, but it’s best to start planning for summer as early as possible to avoid being shut out of opportunities or creating conflicts with your co-parent over vacation days or family get-togethers. The first thing you should focus on is agreeing on how you are going to divide the time spent with your children. Work out a parenting schedule that works well for you, your co-parent, and your children.

Focus on age appropriateness As you ponder summertime programs, you’ll find that your child’s age and maturity are key in the decision-making process. Some 8-year-olds are ready for summer camp instead of childcare, and some 12-year-olds (but not all) are ready for overnight camp. Some 15- and 16-year-olds may become camp counselors, while others are ready to take on their first jobs at local businesses. To help assess the best outcome, focus on your child’s background, maturity, and decisionmaking abilities.

Take advantage of community resources Even if both parents have to work most of the summer, this is a time for fun for your children.

You can find ways to keep them busy without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars in camp fees or other expensive undertakings.

Investigate different programs your city or town has to offer.

Also, find ways to share summer fun with your children by taking advantage of the extra hours of daylight for after-work fun. Consider picnics on the beach (remember, most beaches don’t charge for parking after 5 p.m.), an after-dinner swim in the local lake, free concerts and activities, etc.

Summer activities don’t have to be non-stop 24/7 You don’t have to fill every square on your calendar with amazing trips and activities this summer. Plan two or three things every week, focusing on the time you spend with your kids instead of what you’re buying or where you’re going. Involve children in the planning process; this, too, can be part of their learning experience. Make a master “bucket list” for the summer and don’t forget: • Visiting your favorite ice cream shop • Going to Boston for a ride on the Swan Boats ($2.75 for adults; $1.50 for kids) • Taking a hike. Blue Hills Observatory in Milton is a great hike for kids of all ages — it takes less than an hour to walk to the top of the hill, where you have amazing views of Boston and surrounding communities and can tour the oldest continually operating weather observatory in the U.S. Or you could hike to the highest peak in Massachusetts (3,500 feet) at Mount Greylock State Reservation in Lanesborough. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in a beautiful setting.

• Going to a Red Sox or PawSox baseball game

This is also a great time to try some traditional summer activities, even if they are new for your family. Dig some worms and go fishing; have a watermelon seed-spitting contest; play hopscotch and four-square; or have a water balloon fight.

The most important thing: Make it

a fun summer, and try to get your child’s other parent onboard, too.

There’s no need to compete; instead, complement each other’s summer activities so each of you gets to do the things you and your children enjoy.

Summer Dance THREE SUMMER PROGRAM OPTIONS

OPEN CLASSICAL BALLET CLASS Ages 14 to adult • 7:00-8:30 pm JUNE 7-30: Tues, Wed & Thurs JULY 5-AUGUST 25: Tues & Thurs Ages 11 to 13 • 5:15-6:45 pm JULY 7-30: Tues & Thurs Ages 8 to 10 • 4:00-5:15 pm JULY 7-30: Tues & Thurs

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Do new things this summer!

Summer is a great time to try something new. Plant a garden or grow some flowers or vegetables in pots if you don’t have a spot in your yard (or see if there’s a community garden in your city or town where you can farm your own piece of it); learn a new sport — whether Pickleball, Cornhole, or Frisbee golf (there are several Frisbee golf courses throughout the region).

REGISTRATION REQUIRED Dance classes subject to change without notice. www.balletartsworcester.com

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our june favorites sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

1 55 {Fact}

September contains twice as many days of summer as June.

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6 {WIN}

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14 {Fact} 15 14 15{WIN}

Light up the sky this summer with Jump Rocket LED Night Shotz from Geospace.

Launch the rocket with a simple foot stomp, and watch in awe as the rocket ascends up to 100 feet. Go to baystateparent.com today to enter to win this set featuring a launch pad and three LED rockets.

It’s World Juggling Day. The world record for most clubs juggled is 9 and was set in 2013.

19 20 {Fact} 19

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Hollywood’s first major summer blockbuster, Jaws, opened in theaters this month in 1975.

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Add some charm to your Fitbit or Apple Watch with iPops — fun, stylish charms that fit in the adjustment holes of your wearable tech. Visit baystateparent.com and enter today for your chance to win Love, Travel, Candy, or Nautical-themed sets.

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Earbuds can disappear quickly, unless you’re sporting them on your wrist! Wraps Wristband Headphones combine function with fashion.

When you’re not wearing them, wrap the anti-tangle headphones around your wrist to serve as a stylish bracelet. Visit baystateparent.com today and grab your chance to win this great accessory.

facts, finds and freebies thursday

2

friday

44 {Fact}

{WIN}

This isn’t Mom’s old pressure cooker. The T-fal Electric Pressure Cooker features 25 cooking programs and even sports a Baby Food function! The 5.3-quart appliance also offers 12 automatic functions, including rice, oatmeal, reheat, soup, baking, yogurt, steam, sauté, brown, and more. Enter to win this appliance, valued at $99, today at baystateparent.com.

While iced tea has existed in different versions since the 19th century, English merchant Richard Blechynden is widely credited for popularizing the drink. At the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, Blechynden was in charge of the tea pavilion and having a hard time moving the hot drink on a blistering summer day. He began adding ice to the drink, and a favorite was born.

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{WIN}

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saturday

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Forget boring old snorkel masks or goggles. Your princess can swim in style with this Disney Frozen Elsa Character Mask. Learn how you can win this cool pool-time accessory from SwimWays by visiting baystateparent.com today!

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Little ones can bring the outdoors indoors with the imaginative Forest Adventure playset from The Manhattan Toy Company. The set contains 8 wood play pieces, a felt pretend pond, and a soft storage case. Head to baystateparent.com today for details on how to enter to win this creative playset.

Starting on the date the prize appears, log on to baystateparent.com to enter for your chance to win.

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Style.

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Shop over 60 specialty and department stores, plus select With 3 Locations in Southborough, dining options and more at Marlborough, The Mall&atHopkington Whitney Field.

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The right jewelry and accessories can turn any outfit from drab to FAB!

Burlington • JC Penney Macy’s • Sears Toys ‘R’ Us • Old Navy Victoria’s Secret American Eagle Outfitters rue21 • The Children’s Place Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts Aeropostale • maurices Yankee Candle • Panera Bread Bath & Body Works Sephora

Regina Stillings has been in love with Silpada since she was first introduced to the line in 2004.

Twelve years later, she still loves wearing and sharing this handcrafted sterling silver and brass jewelry.

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Interested in the business opportunity? Silpada could be the perfect way to pay for your child's school, your mortgage, or just some new shoes now and then.

Contact Regina at regina.stillings@me.com or visit her website at www.mysilpada.com /regina.stillings

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Our Birthday Parties are so much fun for all!

For Bookings and Info Call: 617-713-4349 E-mail: BigJoe@BigJoe.com Visit me on the web at: www.BigJoe.com

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Call us for Birthdays, Special Events, Educational Presentations.

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ArtReach..............................................................23,64 B.A.W. Inc................................................................ 61 Becker College......................................................... 55 Benessere Skin Spa & Nail Care................................ 64 Big Y Foods, Inc........................................................ 11 Boroughs JCC........................................................... 55 Breezy Picnic Grounds.............................................. 48 Camp CRAFT Lancaster.............................................. 59 Charlotte Klein Dance Centers................................... 57 Child Works..............................................................51 Children’s Development Network, Inc..........................6 City of Leominster.................................................... 24 Cornerstone Academy............................................... 29 Crayola Experience................................................... 33 Cushing Academy..................................................... 58 Davis Farmland........................................................ 47 Discovery Museums.................................................. 30 Eagle Hill School....................................................... 57 Ecotarium............................................................30,51 Edaville USA............................................................. ..4 F3............................................................................ ..3 FaySummer.............................................................. 59 Fidelity..................................................................... 16 Fitchburg Art Museum............................................... 27 Fletcher Tilton PC...................................................... 12 FMC Ice Sports.......................................................... 38 Goldfish Swim School................................................ 27 Great Wolf New England........................................... 43 Gymnastics Learning Center...................................... 20 Heywood Hospital..................................................... 18 Johnny Appleseed Trail Association............................ 31 Kathy Corrigan’s Sports & Gymnastics....................... 58 Krave Fitness & Nutrition 21,64 Lanni Orchards......................................................... 48 Legoland Discovery Center Boston............................. 63 Lowell Summer Music............................................... 42 Mall At Whitney Field...........................................10,64 Marini Farm............................................................. ..9 McKinlay’s Liquors.................................................... 17 Millbury Federal Credit Union................................... 53 Old Sturbridge Village...........................................44,45 Pawtucket Red Sox................................................... 54 Reliant Medical Group.............................................. ..8 Rise and Shine Academy........................................... 30 Rob Roy Hair Salons................................................. 64 Shrewsbury Children’s Center.................................... 25 Silparda Designs....................................................... 64 Smuggler’s Notch Resort........................................... 15 Spa Tech................................................................... 64 Springfield Museums................................................ 39 Swings N Things....................................................... 25 The Children’s Workshop........................................... 21 The Learning Zone.................................................... 49 UMass Memorial Medical Center......................42,60,68 Vin Bin (The)............................................................ 64 Vol Boutique.............................................................64 Wachusett Mountain.............................................. ...46 Wachusett Theatre Company.................................. .....5 Worcester Art Museum........................................... 2,52 Worcester Kids’ Dentist............................................. 23 WPI.......................................................................... 13 YMCA Central Branch................................................ 67 BAYSTATEPARENT 65

TAKE EIGHT

with Jeff Kinney While Jeff Kinney is best known for his role as author of the multi-million-selling Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series, he’s also the creator of the website Poptropica. While the site has been entertaining and educating kids for nine years, it just branched out into a new direction: a graphic novel, Poptropica: Mystery of the Map, written by Jack Chabert and illustrated by Kory Merritt.

1

We’ve heard you refer to Poptropica as your “day job.” For parents who aren’t familiar with the site: What is it and what makes Poptropica different from other websites geared toward children? Poptropica (poptropica.com) is a virtual world for kids, consisting of 50+ islands where kids can go on epic interactive story-based quests. What makes Poptropica different from just about anything else is the sheer variety of experiences a kid can have.

On one island, they might learn all about Greek mythology and encounter Zeus on Mount Olympus, and on another, they might travel by train to the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 and settle a dispute between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison.

3 5

How did the idea to turn Poptropica into a graphic novel come to be? In Poptropica, you’re the hero, so the world revolves around you. But we thought it would be fun to create memorable characters and to explain the mythology behind Poptropica. Myself [and fellow Poptropica creators] Jess Brallier and Mitch Krpata created a really rich outline to tell the story of Poptropica a few years back, and we’re excited it’s finally out in the world.

4

Were you tempted to write the book yourself? The book is actually an adaptation of a screenplay I wrote for television, so it’s got my fingerprints all over it. Still, it needed a writer to get it into graphic novel shape and an illustrator to bring the world to life.

Poptropica turns 10 next year. What’s next for the site?

Well, we’re going where the kids are...to mobile. When we started off, there was almost no mobile gaming. Now it’s where kids spend the bulk of their digital time.

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2

How has Poptropica changed since it launched in 2007? What is your mission/endgame when designing the site, quests, and islands?

Poptropica’s mission has stayed the same, but we’ve added so much more content. A kid could play on our site for months without solving every quest. We feel like it’s a privilege to introduce kids to their world, and help them learn about architecture, art, history, and even worlds far from our own, in an entertaining way.

We’ve heard you say that you write while you walk outside. Do you have an idea of how many miles you rack up on an average “writing session?”

Sometimes I walk for three or four hours a day; I often get really lost. A few times my phone has died along the way. I don’t know how far I’ve walked so far. Maybe one day I’ll try to walk across America.

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What is your advice for kids who like to draw? My advice is to copy your favorite artist’s work. When you do that, you can understand how it’s put together, and then you have tools for your own toolkit.

Your bookstore, An Unlikely Story, just celebrated its first anniversary. What has the past year been like and what has surprised you most? The first year has been really amazing. We’ve exceeded our goals and expectations. We’ve been able to draw in internationally known authors to our little town of Plainville, Mass.

What’s surprised me is what an appetite there is for books. It makes me really happy to see a kid run down the sidewalk clutching a brand-new book!

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Oh, Baby – Do We Deliver!

Nine months is a long time to wait for your special delivery, so when the big day finally arrives, you want to be sure you and your baby have the very best care. Moms in Central Massachusetts trust UMass Memorial to deliver the greatest experience, from excellent preand post-natal care from our obstetricians and family medicine partners, to a wonderful birthing experience at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester or UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital in Leominster.

With nearly 5,000 babies born at our hospitals each year, our team most definitely delivers!

For added confidence, you have direct access to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Worcester.

Let UMass Memorial be your delivery destination. To learn more about your women’s health team and to make an appointment, call 855-UMASS-MD.

If you’re expecting, you’re in the right place.

68 JUNE2016